Module Utilities.Utils
Utilities - Derived utilities taken from the MIST framework, added helpers from the MOOSE community.
Authors:
- Grimes : Design & Programming of the MIST framework.
Contributions:
- FlightControl : Rework to OO framework.
- And many more
Global(s)
Global BIGSMOKEPRESET |
Global CALLSIGN |
Global DCSMAP |
Global FLARECOLOR |
Global SMOKECOLOR |
Global UTILS |
Global lookup_table |
Type(s)
Fields and Methods inherited from BIGSMOKEPRESET | Description |
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Fields and Methods inherited from CALLSIGN | Description |
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Fields and Methods inherited from DCSMAP | Description |
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Caucasus map. |
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South Atlantic map. |
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Kola map. |
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Mariana Islands map. |
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Nevada Test and Training Range map. |
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Normandy map. |
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Persian Gulf map. |
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Sinai map. |
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Syria map. |
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The Channel map. |
Fields and Methods inherited from FLARECOLOR | Description |
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Fields and Methods inherited from SMOKECOLOR | Description |
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Fields and Methods inherited from UTILS | Description |
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Checks if a given angle (heading) is between 2 other angles. |
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Basic serialize (porting in Slmod's "safestring" basic serialize). |
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Heading Degrees (0-360) to Cardinal |
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Beaufort scale: returns Beaufort number and wind description as a function of wind speed in m/s. |
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Convert temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit. |
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Function to check if a file exists. |
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Checks the current memory usage collectgarbage("count"). |
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Easy to read one liner to clamp a value |
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Clamp an angle so that it's always between 0 and 360 while still being correct |
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Get the clock position from a relative heading |
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Convert clock time from hours, minutes and seconds to seconds. |
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Combines two time strings to give you a new time. |
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Convert a decimal to octal |
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Deep copy a table. |
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Display clock and mission time on screen as a message to all. |
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Executes the given string. |
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Ensure the passed object is a table. |
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Checks if a file exists or not. |
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Get the time difference between GMT and local time. |
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Dumps the global table _G. |
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Function to generate valid FM frequencies in mHz for radio beacons (FM). |
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Function to generate valid laser codes for JTAC. |
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Function to generate valid UHF Frequencies in mHz (AM). |
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Function to generate valid VHF frequencies in kHz for radio beacons (FM). |
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Get the callsign name from its enumerator value |
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Get a table of all characters in a string. |
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Get the enemy coalition for a given coalition. |
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Get the coalition name from its numerical ID, e.g. |
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Function to obtain a table of typenames from the group given with the number of units of the same type in the group. |
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Returns the DCS map/theatre as optained by |
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Returns the mission date. |
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Get the day of the year. |
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Returns the magnetic declination of the map. |
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Returns the day of the mission. |
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Returns the current day of the year of the mission. |
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Get the modulation name from its numerical value. |
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Get OS time. |
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Get a random element of a table. |
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Get the NATO reporting name of a unit type name |
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UTILS.GetSunRiseAndSet(DayOfYear, Latitude, Longitude, Rising, Tlocal) |
Get sunrise or sun set of a specific day of the year at a specific location. |
UTILS.GetSunrise(Day, Month, Year, Latitude, Longitude, Rising, Tlocal) |
Get sun rise of a specific day of the year at a specific location. |
UTILS.GetSunset(Day, Month, Year, Latitude, Longitude, Rising, Tlocal) |
Get sun set of a specific day of the year at a specific location. |
Get the properties names and values of properties set up on a Zone in the Mission Editor. |
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Calculate the difference between two "heading", i.e. |
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Returns the heading from one vec3 to another vec3. |
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HexToRGBA |
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Convert indicated airspeed (IAS) to true airspeed (TAS) for a given altitude above main sea level. |
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Check if any object of multiple given objects is contained in a table. |
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Check if an object is contained in a table. |
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Function to infer instance of an object Examples:
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(Helicopter) Check if one loading door is open. |
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Convert knots to altitude corrected KIAS, e.g. |
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Convert knots to meters per second. |
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Return a pseudo-random number using the LCG algorithm. |
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Seed the LCG random number generator. |
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Function to load an object from a file. |
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UTILS.LoadSetOfGroups(Path, Filename, Spawn, Structured, Cinematic, Effect, Density) |
Load back a SET of groups from file. |
Load back a #OPSGROUP (ARMYGROUP) data from file for use with Ops.Brigade#BRIGADE.LoadBackAssetInPosition() |
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Load back a SET of statics from file. |
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UTILS.LoadStationaryListOfGroups(Path, Filename, Reduce, Structured, Cinematic, Effect, Density) |
Load back a stationary list of groups from file. |
UTILS.LoadStationaryListOfStatics(Path, Filename, Reduce, Dead, Cinematic, Effect, Density) |
Load back a stationary list of statics from file. |
Get a NATO abbreviated MGRS text for SRS use, optionally with prosody slow tag |
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Convert meters per second to knots. |
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Convert meters per second to miles per hour. |
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Convert an octal to decimal |
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Serialize a given table. |
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Easy to read one line to roll the dice on something. |
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Helper function to plot a racetrack on the F10 Map - curtesy of Buur. |
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Print a table to log in a nice format |
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Generate a Gaussian pseudo-random number. |
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Given a triangle made out of 3 vector 2s, return a vec2 that is a random number in this triangle |
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Randomize a value by a certain amount. |
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Read csv file and convert it to a lua table. |
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Easy to read one liner to read a JSON file. |
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Remap an input to a new value in a given range. |
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Remove an object (marker, circle, arrow, text, quad, ...) on the F10 map. |
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Replace illegal characters [<>|/?*:\] in a string. |
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Rotate 3D vector in the 2D (x,z) plane. |
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Rotates a point around another point with a given angle. |
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From http://lua-users.org/wiki/SimpleRound use negative idp for rounding ahead of decimal place, positive for rounding after decimal place |
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Function to save the state of a set of Wrapper.Group#GROUP objects. |
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Function to save the position of a set of #OPSGROUP (ARMYGROUP) objects. |
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Function to save the state of a set of Wrapper.Static#STATIC objects. |
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UTILS.SaveStationaryListOfGroups(List, Path, Filename, Structured) |
Function to save the state of a list of groups found by name |
Function to save the state of a list of statics found by name |
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Function to save an object to a file |
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Seconds of today. |
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Convert time in seconds to hours, minutes and seconds. |
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Cound seconds until next midnight. |
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Shuffle a table accoring to Fisher Yeates algorithm |
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Spawns a new FARP of a defined type and coalition and functional statics (fuel depot, ammo storage, tent, windsock) around that FARP to make it operational. |
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Split string at separators. |
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Subtracts two time string to give you a new time. |
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Converts a TACAN Channel/Mode couple into a frequency in Hz. |
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Counts the number of elements in a table. |
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Returns table in a easy readable string representation. |
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Convert true airspeed (TAS) to indicated airspeed (IAS) for a given altitude above main sea level. |
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Check if the current time is before time_string. |
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UTILS.TimeBetween(time_string_01, time_string_02, start_time, end_time) |
Checks if the current time is in between start_time and end_time |
Given 2 "nice" time string, returns the difference between the two in seconds |
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Check if the current time is later than time_string. |
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Get the current time in a "nice" format like 21:01:15 |
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Create a BRAA NATO call string BRAA between two GROUP objects |
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Makes a string semi-unique by attaching a random number between 0 and 1 million to it |
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Calculate the total vector of two 2D vectors by adding the x,y components of each other. |
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Calculate the dot product of two 2D vectors. |
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Calculate "heading" of a 2D vector in the X-Y plane. |
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Calculate the euclidean norm (length) of a 2D vector. |
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Rotate 2D vector in the 2D (x,z) plane. |
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Calculate the difference between two 2D vectors by substracting the x,y components from each other. |
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Substract is not a word, don't want to rename the original function because it's been around since forever |
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Translate 2D vector in the 2D (x,z) plane. |
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Calculate the total vector of two 3D vectors by adding the x,y,z components of each other. |
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Calculate the angle between two 3D vectors. |
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Calculate the cross product of two 3D vectors. |
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Calculate the distance between two 2D vectors. |
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Calculate the distance between two 3D vectors. |
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Calculate the dot product of two vectors. |
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Calculate "heading" of a 3D vector in the X-Z plane. |
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Calculate the euclidean norm (length) of a 3D vector. |
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Calculate the difference between two 3D vectors by substracting the x,y,z components from each other. |
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Substract is not a word, don't want to rename the original function because it's been around since forever |
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Translate 3D vector in the 2D (x,z) plane. |
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Easy to read one liner to write a JSON file. |
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Marker index counter. Running number when marker is added. |
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Serialize a table to a single line string. |
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Convert pressure from hecto Pascal (hPa) to inches of mercury (inHg). |
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Convert pressure from hecto Pascal (hPa) to millimeters of mercury (mmHg). |
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Convert kilo gramms (kg) to pounds (lbs). |
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Here is a customized version of pairs, which I called kpairs because it iterates over the table in a sorted order, based on a function that will determine the keys as reference first. |
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Here is a customized version of pairs, which I called rpairs because it iterates over the table in a random order. |
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Here is a customized version of pairs, which I called spairs because it iterates over the table in a sorted order. |
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Big smoke preset enum.
Field(s)
Function(s)
Field(s)
AWACS
Aircraft
FARP
JTAC
Tanker
Function(s)
DCS map as returned by env.mission.theatre
.
Field(s)
Caucasus map.
South Atlantic map.
Kola map.
Mariana Islands map.
Nevada Test and Training Range map.
Normandy map.
Persian Gulf map.
Sinai map.
Syria map.
The Channel map.
Function(s)
Field(s)
Function(s)
Field(s)
Function(s)
Utilities static class.
Field(s)
Marker index counter. Running number when marker is added.
Function(s)
Checks if a given angle (heading) is between 2 other angles.
Min and max have to be given in clockwise order For example: - UTILS.AngleBetween(350, 270, 15) would return True - UTILS.AngleBetween(22, 95, 20) would return False
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number angle
Min value to remap from
#number min
Max value to remap from
#number max
Max value to remap from
Return value:
#boolean:
Basic serialize (porting in Slmod's "safestring" basic serialize).
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string s
Table to serialize.
Heading Degrees (0-360) to Cardinal
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Heading
The heading
Return value:
#string:
Cardinal, e.g. "NORTH"
Beaufort scale: returns Beaufort number and wind description as a function of wind speed in m/s.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number speed
Wind speed in m/s.
Return values:
#number:
Beaufort number.
#string:
Beauford wind description.
Convert temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Celcius
Temperature in degrees Celsius.
Return value:
#number:
Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
Function to check if a file exists.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
Return value:
#boolean:
outcome True if reading is possible, else false.
Checks the current memory usage collectgarbage("count").
Info is printed to the DCS log file. Time stamp is the current mission runtime.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#boolean output
If true, print to DCS log file.
Return value:
#number:
Memory usage in kByte.
Easy to read one liner to clamp a value
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number value
Input value
#number min
Minimal value that should be respected
#number max
Maximal value that should be respected
Return value:
#number:
Clamped value
Clamp an angle so that it's always between 0 and 360 while still being correct
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number value
Input value
Return value:
#number:
Clamped value
Get the clock position from a relative heading
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number refHdg
The heading of the reference object (such as a Wrapper.UNIT) in 0-360
#number tgtHdg
The absolute heading from the reference object to the target object/point in 0-360
Return value:
#string:
text Text in clock heading such as "4 O'CLOCK"
Usage:
Display the range and clock distance of a BTR in relation to REAPER 1-1's heading:
myUnit = UNIT:FindByName( "REAPER 1-1" )
myTarget = GROUP:FindByName( "BTR-1" )
coordUnit = myUnit:GetCoordinate()
coordTarget = myTarget:GetCoordinate()
hdgUnit = myUnit:GetHeading()
hdgTarget = coordUnit:HeadingTo( coordTarget )
distTarget = coordUnit:Get3DDistance( coordTarget )
clockString = UTILS.ClockHeadingString( hdgUnit, hdgTarget )
-- Will show this message to REAPER 1-1 in-game: Contact BTR at 3 o'clock for 1134m!
MESSAGE:New("Contact BTR at " .. clockString .. " for " .. distTarget .. "m!):ToUnit( myUnit )
Convert clock time from hours, minutes and seconds to seconds.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string clock
String of clock time. E.g., "06:12:35" or "5:1:30+1". Format is (H)H:(M)M:((S)S)(+D) H=Hours, M=Minutes, S=Seconds, D=Days.
Return value:
#number:
Seconds. Corresponds to what you cet from timer.getAbsTime() function.
Combines two time strings to give you a new time.
For example "15:16:32" and "02:06:24" would return "17:22:56"
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string time_string_01
Time string like "07:15:22"
#string time_string_02
Time string like "08:11:27"
Return value:
#string:
Result of the two time string combined
Convert a decimal to octal
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Number
the number to convert
Return value:
#number:
Octal
Deep copy a table.
See http://lua-users.org/wiki/CopyTable
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#table object
The input table.
Return value:
#table:
Copy of the input table.
Display clock and mission time on screen as a message to all.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number duration
Duration in seconds how long the time is displayed. Default is 5 seconds.
Executes the given string.
borrowed from Slmod
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string s
string containing LUA code.
Return value:
#boolean:
true
if successfully executed, false
otherwise.
Ensure the passed object is a table.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table Object
The object that should be a table.
#boolean ReturnNil
If true
, return #nil
if Object
is nil. Otherwise an empty table {}
is returned.
Return value:
#table:
The object that now certainly is a table.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
feet
Checks if a file exists or not.
This requires io to be desanitized.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string file
File that should be checked.
Return value:
#boolean:
True if the file exists, false if the file does not exist or nil if the io module is not available and the check could not be performed.
Get the time difference between GMT and local time.
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#number:
Local time difference in hours compared to GMT. E.g. Dubai is GMT+4 ==> +4 is returned.
Dumps the global table _G.
This dumps the global table G to a file in the DCS\Logs directory. This function requires you to disable script sanitization in $DCSROOT\Scripts\MissionScripting.lua to access lfs and io libraries.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string fname
File name.
Function to generate valid FM frequencies in mHz for radio beacons (FM).
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#table:
Table of frequencies.
Function to generate valid laser codes for JTAC.
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#table:
Laser Codes.
Function to generate valid UHF Frequencies in mHz (AM).
Can be between 220 and 399 mHz. 243 is auto-excluded.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
Start
(Optional) Avoid frequencies between Start and End in mHz, e.g. 244
End
(Optional) Avoid frequencies between Start and End in mHz, e.g. 320
Return value:
#table:
UHF Frequencies
Function to generate valid VHF frequencies in kHz for radio beacons (FM).
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#table:
VHFrequencies
Get the callsign name from its enumerator value
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Callsign
The enumerator callsign.
Return value:
#string:
The callsign name or "Ghostrider".
Get a table of all characters in a string.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string str
Sting.
Return value:
#table:
Individual characters.
Get the enemy coalition for a given coalition.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number Coalition
The coalition ID.
#boolean Neutral
Include neutral as enemy.
Return value:
#table:
Enemy coalition table.
Get the coalition name from its numerical ID, e.g.
coalition.side.RED.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Coalition
The coalition ID.
Return value:
#string:
The coalition name, i.e. "Neutral", "Red" or "Blue" (or "Unknown").
Function to obtain a table of typenames from the group given with the number of units of the same type in the group.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
Wrapper.Group#GROUP Group
The group to list
Return value:
#table:
Table of typnames and typename counts, e.g. {["KAMAZ Truck"]=3,["ATZ-5"]=1}
Returns the DCS map/theatre as optained by env.mission.theatre
.
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#string:
DCS map name.
Returns the mission date.
This is the date the mission started.
Defined in:
UTILS
Return values:
#string:
Mission date in yyyy/mm/dd format.
#number:
The year anno domini.
#number:
The month.
#number:
The day.
Get the day of the year.
Counting starts on 1st of January.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number Year
The year.
#number Month
The month.
#number Day
The day.
Return value:
#number:
The day of the year.
Returns the magnetic declination of the map.
Returned values for the current maps are:
- Caucasus +6 (East), year ~ 2011
- NTTR +12 (East), year ~ 2011
- Normandy -10 (West), year ~ 1944
- Persian Gulf +2 (East), year ~ 2011
- The Cannel Map -10 (West)
- Syria +5 (East)
- Mariana Islands +2 (East)
- Falklands +12 (East) - note there's a LOT of deviation across the map, as we're closer to the South Pole
- Sinai +4.8 (East)
- Kola +15 (East) - note there is a lot of deviation across the map (-1° to +24°), as we are close to the North pole
- Afghanistan +3 (East) - actually +3.6 (NW) to +2.3 (SE)
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string map
(Optional) Map for which the declination is returned. Default is from env.mission.theatre
Return value:
#number:
Declination in degrees.
Returns the day of the mission.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Time
(Optional) Abs. time in seconds. Default now, i.e. the value return from timer.getAbsTime().
Return value:
#number:
Day of the mission. Mission starts on day 0.
Returns the current day of the year of the mission.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Time
(Optional) Abs. time in seconds. Default now, i.e. the value return from timer.getAbsTime().
Return value:
#number:
Current day of year of the mission. For example, January 1st returns 0, January 2nd returns 1 etc.
Get the modulation name from its numerical value.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Modulation
The modulation enumerator number. Can be either 0 or 1.
Return value:
#string:
The modulation name, i.e. "AM"=0 or "FM"=1. Anything else will return "Unknown".
Get OS time.
Needs os to be desanitized!
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#number:
Os time in seconds.
Get a random element of a table.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table t
Table.
#boolean replace
If true
, the drawn element is replaced, i.e. not deleted.
Return value:
#number:
Table element.
Get the NATO reporting name of a unit type name
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Typename
The type name.
Return value:
#string:
The Reporting name or "Bogey".
Get sunrise or sun set of a specific day of the year at a specific location.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number DayOfYear
The day of the year.
#number Latitude
Latitude.
#number Longitude
Longitude.
#boolean Rising
If true, calc sun rise, or sun set otherwise.
#number Tlocal
Local time offset in hours. E.g. +4 for a location which has GMT+4.
Return value:
#number:
Sun rise/set in seconds of the day.
Get sun rise of a specific day of the year at a specific location.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number Day
Day of the year.
#number Month
Month of the year.
#number Year
Year.
#number Latitude
Latitude.
#number Longitude
Longitude.
#boolean Rising
If true, calc sun rise, or sun set otherwise.
#number Tlocal
Local time offset in hours. E.g. +4 for a location which has GMT+4. Default 0.
Return value:
#number:
Sun rise in seconds of the day.
Get sun set of a specific day of the year at a specific location.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number Day
Day of the year.
#number Month
Month of the year.
#number Year
Year.
#number Latitude
Latitude.
#number Longitude
Longitude.
#boolean Rising
If true, calc sun rise, or sun set otherwise.
#number Tlocal
Local time offset in hours. E.g. +4 for a location which has GMT+4. Default 0.
Return value:
#number:
Sun rise in seconds of the day.
Get the properties names and values of properties set up on a Zone in the Mission Editor.
- This doesn't work for any zones created in MOOSE
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string zone_name
Name of the zone as set up in the Mission Editor
Return value:
#table:
with all the properties on a zone
Calculate the difference between two "heading", i.e.
angles in [0,360) deg.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number h1
Heading one.
#number h2
Heading two.
Return value:
#number:
Heading difference in degrees.
Returns the heading from one vec3 to another vec3.
HexToRGBA
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
hex_string
table
Return value:
#table:
R, G, B, A
Convert indicated airspeed (IAS) to true airspeed (TAS) for a given altitude above main sea level.
The conversion is based on the approximation that TAS is ~2% higher than IAS with every 1000 ft altitude above sea level.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number ias
Indicated air speed in any unit (m/s, km/h, knots, ...)
#number altitude
Altitude above main sea level in meters.
#number oatcorr
(Optional) Outside air temperature correction factor. Default 0.017.
Return value:
#number:
True airspeed in the same unit the IAS has been given.
Check if any object of multiple given objects is contained in a table.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table Table
The table.
#table Objects
The objects to check.
#string Key
(Optional) Key to check.
Return value:
#boolean:
Returns true
if object is in table.
Test if a Vec2 is in a radius of another Vec2
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
InVec2
Vec2
Radius
Test if a Vec3 is in the sphere of another Vec3
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
InVec3
Vec3
Radius
Check if an object is contained in a table.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table Table
The table.
#table Object
The object to check.
#string Key
(Optional) Key to check. By default, the object itself is checked.
Return value:
#boolean:
Returns true
if object is in table.
Function to infer instance of an object
Examples:
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( 'some text', 'string' ) will return true
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( some_function, 'function' ) will return true
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( 10, 'number' ) will return true
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( false, 'boolean' ) will return true
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( nil, 'nil' ) will return true
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( ZONE:New( 'some zone', ZONE ) will return true
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( ZONE:New( 'some zone', 'ZONE' ) will return true
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( ZONE:New( 'some zone', 'zone' ) will return true
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( ZONE:New( 'some zone', 'BASE' ) will return true
UTILS.IsInstanceOf( ZONE:New( 'some zone', 'GROUP' ) will return false
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
object
is the object to be evaluated
className
is the name of the class to evaluate (can be either a string or a Moose class)
Return value:
#boolean:
(Helicopter) Check if one loading door is open.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string unit_name
Unit name to be checked
Return value:
#boolean:
Outcome - true if a (loading door) is open, false if not, nil if none exists.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
kilometers
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
kilometers
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
kilometers
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
knots
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
kmph
Convert knots to altitude corrected KIAS, e.g.
for tankers.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number knots
Speed in knots.
#number altitude
Altitude in feet
Return value:
#number:
Corrected KIAS
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
knots
Convert knots to meters per second.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number knots
Speed in knots.
Return value:
#number:
Speed in m/s.
Return a pseudo-random number using the LCG algorithm.
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#number:
Random number between 0 and 1.
Seed the LCG random number generator.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number seed
Seed value. Default is a random number using math.random()
Function to load an object from a file.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
Return values:
#boolean:
outcome True if reading is possible and successful, else false.
#table:
data The data read from the filesystem (table of lines of text). Each line is one single #string!
Load back a SET of groups from file.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
#boolean Spawn
If set to false, do not re-spawn the groups loaded in location and reduce to size.
#boolean Structured
(Optional, needs Spawn=true)If true, and the data has been saved as structure before, remove the correct unit types as per the saved list.
#boolean Cinematic
(Optional, needs Structured=true) If true, place a fire/smoke effect on the dead static position.
#number Effect
(Optional for Cinematic) What effect to use. Defaults to a random effect. Smoke presets are: 1=small smoke and fire, 2=medium smoke and fire, 3=large smoke and fire, 4=huge smoke and fire, 5=small smoke, 6=medium smoke, 7=large smoke, 8=huge smoke.
#number Density
(Optional for Cinematic) What smoke density to use, can be 0 to 1. Defaults to 0.5.
Return values:
Set of GROUP objects.
Returns nil when file cannot be read. Returns a table of data entries if Spawn is false: { groupname=groupname, size=size, coordinate=coordinate, template=template }
#table:
When using Cinematic: table of names of smoke and fire objects, so they can be extinguished with COORDINATE.StopBigSmokeAndFire( name )
Load back a #OPSGROUP (ARMYGROUP) data from file for use with Ops.Brigade#BRIGADE.LoadBackAssetInPosition()
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
Return value:
#table:
Returns a table of data entries: { groupname=groupname, size=size, coordinate=coordinate, template=template, structure=structure, legion=legion, alttemplate=alttemplate }
Returns nil when the file cannot be read.
Load back a SET of statics from file.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
Return value:
Set SET_STATIC containing the static objects.
Load back a stationary list of groups from file.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
#boolean Reduce
If false, existing loaded groups will not be reduced to fit the saved number.
#boolean Structured
(Optional, needs Reduce = true) If true, and the data has been saved as structure before, remove the correct unit types as per the saved list.
#boolean Cinematic
(Optional, needs Structured = true) If true, place a fire/smoke effect on the dead static position.
#number Effect
(Optional for Cinematic) What effect to use. Defaults to a random effect. Smoke presets are: 1=small smoke and fire, 2=medium smoke and fire, 3=large smoke and fire, 4=huge smoke and fire, 5=small smoke, 6=medium smoke, 7=large smoke, 8=huge smoke.
#number Density
(Optional for Cinematic) What smoke density to use, can be 0 to 1. Defaults to 0.5.
Return values:
#table:
Table of data objects (tables) containing groupname, coordinate and group object. Returns nil when file cannot be read.
#table:
When using Cinematic: table of names of smoke and fire objects, so they can be extinguished with COORDINATE.StopBigSmokeAndFire( name )
Load back a stationary list of statics from file.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
#boolean Reduce
If false, do not destroy the units with size=0.
#boolean Dead
(Optional, needs Reduce = true) If Dead is true, re-spawn the dead object as dead and do not just delete it.
#boolean Cinematic
(Optional, needs Dead = true) If true, place a fire/smoke effect on the dead static position.
#number Effect
(Optional for Cinematic) What effect to use. Defaults to a random effect. Smoke presets are: 1=small smoke and fire, 2=medium smoke and fire, 3=large smoke and fire, 4=huge smoke and fire, 5=small smoke, 6=medium smoke, 7=large smoke, 8=huge smoke.
#number Density
(Optional for Cinematic) What smoke density to use, can be 0 to 1. Defaults to 0.5.
Return values:
#table:
Table of data objects (tables) containing staticname, size (0=dead else 1), coordinate and the static object. Dead objects will have coordinate points {x=0,y=0,z=0}
#table:
When using Cinematic: table of names of smoke and fire objects, so they can be extinguished with COORDINATE.StopBigSmokeAndFire( name )
Returns nil when file cannot be read.
Get a NATO abbreviated MGRS text for SRS use, optionally with prosody slow tag
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Text
The input string, e.g. "MGRS 4Q FJ 12345 67890"
#boolean Slow
Optional - add slow tags
Return value:
#string:
Output for (Slow) spelling in SRS TTS e.g. "MGRS;
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
meters
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
meters
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
meters
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
miph
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
mps
Convert meters per second to knots.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number mps
Speed in m/s.
Return value:
#number:
Speed in knots.
Convert meters per second to miles per hour.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number mps
Speed in m/s.
Return value:
#number:
Speed in miles per hour.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
NM
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
NM
Convert an octal to decimal
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number Number
the number to convert
Return value:
#number:
Decimal
Serialize a given table.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#table tbl
Input table.
Return value:
#string:
Table as a string.
Easy to read one line to roll the dice on something.
1% is very unlikely to happen, 99% is very likely to happen
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number chance
(optional) Percentage chance you want something to happen. Defaults to a random number if not given
Return value:
#boolean:
True if the dice roll was within the given percentage chance of happening
Helper function to plot a racetrack on the F10 Map - curtesy of Buur.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
Core.Point#COORDINATE Coordinate
#number Altitude
Altitude in feet
#number Speed
Speed in knots
#number Heading
Heading in degrees
#number Leg
Leg in NM
#number Coalition
Coalition side, e.g. coaltion.side.RED or coaltion.side.BLUE
#table Color
Color of the line in RGB, e.g. {1,0,0} for red
#number Alpha
Transparency factor, between 0.1 and 1
#number LineType
Line type to be used, line type: 0=No line, 1=Solid, 2=Dashed, 3=Dotted, 4=Dot dash, 5=Long dash, 6=Two dash. Default 1=Solid.
#boolean ReadOnly
Print a table to log in a nice format
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table table
The table to print
#number indent
Number of indents
#boolean noprint
Don't log but return text
Return value:
#string:
text Text created on the fly of the log output
Generate a Gaussian pseudo-random number.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number x0
Expectation value of distribution.
#number sigma
(Optional) Standard deviation. Default 10.
#number xmin
(Optional) Lower cut-off value.
#number xmax
(Optional) Upper cut-off value.
#number imax
(Optional) Max number of tries to get a value between xmin and xmax (if specified). Default 100.
Return value:
#number:
Gaussian random number.
Given a triangle made out of 3 vector 2s, return a vec2 that is a random number in this triangle
Randomize a value by a certain amount.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number value
The value which should be randomized
#number fac
Randomization factor.
#number lower
(Optional) Lower limit of the returned value.
#number upper
(Optional) Upper limit of the returned value.
Return value:
#number:
Randomized value.
Usages:
UTILS.Randomize(100, 0.1) returns a value between 90 and 110, i.e. a plus/minus ten percent variation.
UTILS.Randomize(100, 0.5, nil, 120) returns a value between 50 and 120, i.e. a plus/minus fivty percent variation with upper bound 120.
Read csv file and convert it to a lua table.
The csv must have a header specifing the names of the columns. The column names are used as table keys.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string filename
File name including full path on local disk.
Return value:
#table:
The table filled with data from the csv file.
Easy to read one liner to read a JSON file.
- json.lua exists in the DCS install Scripts folder
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string file_path
File path
Return value:
#table:
Remap an input to a new value in a given range.
For example: - UTILS.RemapValue(20, 10, 30, 0, 200) would return 100 - 20 is 50% between 10 and 30 - 50% between 0 and 200 is 100
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number value
Input value
#number old_min
Min value to remap from
#number old_max
Max value to remap from
#number new_min
Min value to remap to
#number new_max
Max value to remap to
Return value:
#number:
Remapped value
Remove an object (marker, circle, arrow, text, quad, ...) on the F10 map.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number MarkID
Unique ID of the object.
#number Delay
(Optional) Delay in seconds before the mark is removed.
Replace illegal characters [<>|/?*:\] in a string.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Text
Input text.
#string ReplaceBy
Replace illegal characters by this character or string. Default underscore "_".
Return value:
#string:
The input text with illegal chars replaced.
Rotate 3D vector in the 2D (x,z) plane.
y-component (usually altitude) unchanged.
Rotates a point around another point with a given angle.
Useful if you're loading in groups or - statics but you want to rotate them all as a collection. You can get the center point of everything - and then rotate all the positions of every object around this center point.
From http://lua-users.org/wiki/SimpleRound use negative idp for rounding ahead of decimal place, positive for rounding after decimal place
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
num
idp
Function to save the state of a set of Wrapper.Group#GROUP objects.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
of objects to save
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
#boolean Structured
Append the data with a list of typenames in the group plus their count.
Return value:
#boolean:
outcome True if saving is successful, else false.
Usage:
We will go through the set and find the corresponding group and save the current group size and current position.
The idea is to respawn the groups **spawned during an earlier run of the mission** at the given location and reduce
the number of units in the group when reloading the data again to restart the saved mission. Note that *dead* groups
cannot be covered with this.
**Note** Do NOT use dashes or hashes in group template names (-,#)!
The data will be a simple comma separated list of groupname and size, with one header line.
The current task/waypoint/etc cannot be restored.
Function to save the position of a set of #OPSGROUP (ARMYGROUP) objects.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
of ops objects to save
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
#boolean Structured
Append the data with a list of typenames in the group plus their count.
Return value:
#boolean:
outcome True if saving is successful, else false.
Function to save the state of a set of Wrapper.Static#STATIC objects.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
of objects to save
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
Return value:
#boolean:
outcome True if saving is successful, else false.
Usage:
We will go through the set and find the corresponding static and save the current name and postion when alive.
The data will be a simple comma separated list of name and state etc, with one header line.
Function to save the state of a list of groups found by name
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table List
Table of strings with groupnames
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
#boolean Structured
Append the data with a list of typenames in the group plus their count.
Return value:
#boolean:
outcome True if saving is successful, else false.
Usage:
We will go through the list and find the corresponding group and save the current group size (0 when dead).
These groups are supposed to be put on the map in the ME and have *not* moved (e.g. stationary SAM sites).
Position is still saved for your usage.
The idea is to reduce the number of units when reloading the data again to restart the saved mission.
The data will be a simple comma separated list of groupname and size, with one header line.
Function to save the state of a list of statics found by name
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table List
Table of strings with statics names
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file.
Return value:
#boolean:
outcome True if saving is successful, else false.
Usage:
We will go through the list and find the corresponding static and save the current alive state as 1 (0 when dead).
Position is saved for your usage. **Note** this works on UNIT-name level.
The idea is to reduce the number of units when reloading the data again to restart the saved mission.
The data will be a simple comma separated list of name and state etc, with one header line.
Function to save an object to a file
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Path
The path to use. Use double backslashes \\ on Windows filesystems.
#string Filename
The name of the file. Existing file will be overwritten.
#table Data
The LUA data structure to save. This will be e.g. a table of text lines with an \n at the end of each line.
Return value:
#boolean:
outcome True if saving is possible, else false.
Seconds of today.
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#number:
Seconds passed since last midnight.
Convert time in seconds to hours, minutes and seconds.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number seconds
Time in seconds, e.g. from timer.getAbsTime() function.
#boolean short
(Optional) If true, use short output, i.e. (HH:)MM:SS without day.
Return value:
#string:
Time in format Hours:Minutes:Seconds+Days (HH:MM:SS+D).
Cound seconds until next midnight.
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#number:
Seconds to midnight.
Shuffle a table accoring to Fisher Yeates algorithm
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#table t
Table to be shuffled.
Return value:
#table:
Shuffled table.
Spawns a new FARP of a defined type and coalition and functional statics (fuel depot, ammo storage, tent, windsock) around that FARP to make it operational.
Adds vehicles from template if given. Fills the FARP warehouse with liquids and known materiels. References: DCS Forum Topic
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string Name
Name of this FARP installation. Must be unique.
Core.Point#COORDINATE Coordinate
Where to spawn the FARP.
#string FARPType
Type of FARP, can be one of the known types ENUMS.FARPType.FARP, ENUMS.FARPType.INVISIBLE, ENUMS.FARPType.HELIPADSINGLE, ENUMS.FARPType.PADSINGLE. Defaults to ENUMS.FARPType.FARP.
#number Coalition
Coalition of this FARP, i.e. coalition.side.BLUE or coalition.side.RED, defaults to coalition.side.BLUE.
#number Country
Country of this FARP, defaults to country.id.USA (blue) or country.id.RUSSIA (red).
#number CallSign
Callsign of the FARP ATC, defaults to CALLSIGN.FARP.Berlin.
#number Frequency
Frequency of the FARP ATC Radio, defaults to 127.5 (MHz).
#number Modulation
Modulation of the FARP ATC Radio, defaults to radio.modulation.AM.
#number ADF
ADF Beacon (FM) Frequency in KHz, e.g. 428. If not nil, creates an VHF/FM ADF Beacon for this FARP. Requires a sound called "beacon.ogg" to be in the mission (trigger "sound to" ...)
#number SpawnRadius
Radius of the FARP, i.e. where the FARP objects will be placed in meters, not more than 150m away. Defaults to 100.
#string VehicleTemplate
template name for additional vehicles. Can be nil for no additional vehicles.
#number Liquids
Tons of fuel to be added initially to the FARP. Defaults to 10 (tons). Set to 0 for no fill.
#number Equipment
Number of equipment items per known item to be added initially to the FARP. Defaults to 10 (items). Set to 0 for no fill.
Return values:
#list<Wrapper.Static#STATIC>:
Table of spawned objects and vehicle object (if given).
#string:
ADFBeaconName Name of the ADF beacon, to be able to remove/stop it later.
Split string at separators.
C.f. split-string-in-lua.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string str
Sting to split.
#string sep
Separator for split.
Return value:
#table:
Split text.
Subtracts two time string to give you a new time.
For example "15:16:32" and "02:06:24" would return "13:10:08"
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string time_string_01
Time string like "07:15:22"
#string time_string_02
Time string like "08:11:27"
Return value:
#string:
Result of the two time string subtracted
Converts a TACAN Channel/Mode couple into a frequency in Hz.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number TACANChannel
The TACAN channel, i.e. the 10 in "10X".
#string TACANMode
The TACAN mode, i.e. the "X" in "10X".
Return value:
#number:
Frequency in Hz or #nil if parameters are invalid.
Counts the number of elements in a table.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#table T
Table to count
Return value:
#int:
Number of elements in the table
Returns table in a easy readable string representation.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
tbl
table to show
loc
indent
tableshow_tbls
Return value:
Human readable string representation of given table.
Convert true airspeed (TAS) to indicated airspeed (IAS) for a given altitude above main sea level.
The conversion is based on the approximation that TAS is ~2% higher than IAS with every 1000 ft altitude above sea level.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#number tas
True air speed in any unit (m/s, km/h, knots, ...)
#number altitude
Altitude above main sea level in meters.
#number oatcorr
(Optional) Outside air temperature correction factor. Default 0.017.
Return value:
#number:
Indicated airspeed in the same unit the TAS has been given.
Check if the current time is before time_string.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string start_time
Time string like "07:15:22"
time_string
Return value:
#boolean:
False if later, True if before
Checks if the current time is in between start_time and end_time
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string time_string_01
Time string like "07:15:22"
#string time_string_02
Time string like "08:11:27"
start_time
end_time
Return value:
#boolean:
True if it is, False if it's not
Given 2 "nice" time string, returns the difference between the two in seconds
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string start_time
Time string like "07:15:22"
#string end_time
Time string like "08:11:27"
Return value:
#number:
Seconds between start_time and end_time
Check if the current time is later than time_string.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#string start_time
Time string like "07:15:22"
time_string
Return value:
#boolean:
True if later, False if before
Get the current time in a "nice" format like 21:01:15
Defined in:
UTILS
Return value:
#string:
Returns string with the current time
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
angle
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
angle
Create a BRAA NATO call string BRAA between two GROUP objects
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
Wrapper.Group#GROUP FromGrp
GROUP object
Wrapper.Group#GROUP ToGrp
GROUP object
Return value:
#string:
Formatted BRAA NATO call
Makes a string semi-unique by attaching a random number between 0 and 1 million to it
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#string base
String you want to unique-fy
Return value:
#string:
Unique string
Calculate the total vector of two 2D vectors by adding the x,y components of each other.
Calculate the dot product of two 2D vectors.
The result is a number.
Calculate "heading" of a 2D vector in the X-Y plane.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
DCS#Vec2 a
Vector in 2D with x, y components.
Return value:
#number:
Heading in degrees in [0,360).
Calculate the euclidean norm (length) of a 2D vector.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
DCS#Vec2 a
Vector in 2D with x, y components.
Return value:
#number:
Norm of the vector.
Rotate 2D vector in the 2D (x,z) plane.
Calculate the difference between two 2D vectors by substracting the x,y components from each other.
Substract is not a word, don't want to rename the original function because it's been around since forever
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
a
b
Translate 2D vector in the 2D (x,z) plane.
Calculate the total vector of two 3D vectors by adding the x,y,z components of each other.
Calculate the angle between two 3D vectors.
Calculate the cross product of two 3D vectors.
The result is a 3D vector.
Calculate the distance between two 2D vectors.
Calculate the distance between two 3D vectors.
Calculate the dot product of two vectors.
The result is a number.
Calculate "heading" of a 3D vector in the X-Z plane.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
DCS#Vec3 a
Vector in 3D with x, y, z components.
Return value:
#number:
Heading in degrees in [0,360).
Calculate the euclidean norm (length) of a 3D vector.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
DCS#Vec3 a
Vector in 3D with x, y, z components.
Return value:
#number:
Norm of the vector.
Calculate the difference between two 3D vectors by substracting the x,y,z components from each other.
Substract is not a word, don't want to rename the original function because it's been around since forever
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
a
b
Translate 3D vector in the 2D (x,z) plane.
y-component (usually altitude) unchanged.
Easy to read one liner to write a JSON file.
Everything in @data should be serializable - json.lua exists in the DCS install Scripts folder
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table data
table to write
#string file_path
File path
Serialize a table to a single line string.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#table tbl
table to serialize.
Return value:
#string:
string containing serialized table.
Convert pressure from hecto Pascal (hPa) to inches of mercury (inHg).
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number hPa
Pressure in hPa.
Return value:
#number:
Pressure in inHg.
Convert pressure from hecto Pascal (hPa) to millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number hPa
Pressure in hPa.
Return value:
#number:
Pressure in mmHg.
Convert kilo gramms (kg) to pounds (lbs).
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#number kg
Mass in kg.
Return value:
#number:
Mass in lbs.
Here is a customized version of pairs, which I called kpairs because it iterates over the table in a sorted order, based on a function that will determine the keys as reference first.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table t
The table
#string getkey
The function to determine the keys for sorting
#string order
(Optional) The sorting function itself
Return values:
#string:
key The index key
#string:
value The value at the indexed key
Usage:
for key,value in UTILS.kpairs(mytable, getkeyfunc) do
-- your code here
end
Here is a customized version of pairs, which I called rpairs because it iterates over the table in a random order.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameter:
#table t
The table
Return values:
#string:
key The index key
#string:
value The value at the indexed key
Usage:
for key,value in UTILS.rpairs(mytable) do
-- your code here
end
Here is a customized version of pairs, which I called spairs because it iterates over the table in a sorted order.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
#table t
The table
#string order
(Optional) The sorting function
Return values:
#string:
key The index key
#string:
value The value at the indexed key
Usage:
for key,value in UTILS.spairs(mytable) do
-- your code here
end
acc: in DM: decimal point of minutes. In DMS: decimal point of seconds. position after the decimal of the least significant digit: So: 42.32 - acc of 2.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
lat
lon
acc
DMS
acc: in DM: decimal point of minutes. In DMS: decimal point of seconds. position after the decimal of the least significant digit: So: 42.32 - acc of 2.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
lat
lon
acc
acc- the accuracy of each easting/northing. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
Defined in:
UTILS
Parameters:
MGRS
acc