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Member Services => Engineering => Resolved Support Requests => Topic started by: Veritas on July 13, 2013, 04:46:40 PM

Title: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on July 13, 2013, 04:46:40 PM
Hi all,

I'm posting this here and cross-posting it to UberGames (http://ubergames.org) and EscapedTurkey (http://escapedturkey.com) to get some input from the developers and other server runners.

As many of you know, we've recently had some pretty serious issues with certain maps on the RPGXEF server, particularly during SRPs (particularly particularly during Asteroid Field and on the vanderbilt_v3 map). The problems started some months ago, but seem now to have escalated (with the growing popularity of the SRP, in my opinion) to the point where we sometimes can't actually run AF as we had planned to. I'm posting this here in the hopes that others will let me know if they've experienced similar issues, and so that the developers and those with mapmaking knowledge can help us figure out where to go from here.

Essentially, the issue is thus: We run an RPGXEF server (version 8.4.4, though we could upgrade if it were stable/fixed the problems we have) on EscapedTurkey with 512 MB of RAM available. The server seems to work well on most maps (has anyone had issues with it?) and at any player number <=10 (<= 15 on some maps). However, under the right conditions - big maps like Iowa or Vanderbilt, and lots of players (10 or more usually), the following happens:

When the map is changed, some players get in and some don't. Who gets disconnected seems essentially random, and it's usually "a reliable command was cycled out," "singal loss" or some other silly error like that. Sometimes, everyone gets in, sometimes, nobody does.

Anyone who attempts to reconnect after this is stuck at "awaiting gamestate" perpetually and never actually manages to join the server - occasionally somebody gets through but again, it seems essentially random as to who.

The only remedy to this is to restart the server, load a reasonably non-taxing map (like Poseidon) and try again once everyone has reconnected - and sometimes even this doesn't work and the map is completely inaccessible.

What seems to be happening, as far as I can tell, is that rpgxEF is loading the map but then never actually triggering the players' clients to do the same. I'm not sure what's going on network-side or server-side to fix this, and the logs really aren't any help.

I figured I'd open it up to all of you, then: Have you had similar issues? Did anything work to fix it in your case?

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: John Adams on July 13, 2013, 05:19:19 PM
I have it a lot. At first I was wondering if it was because I had 6 GB of ram allocated to RPGXEF.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on July 13, 2013, 05:19:50 PM
Probably not, John. But you really don't need more than 1024MB allocated to RPGXEF at any given time; it's highly unlikely to use more than that.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: GSIO01 on July 13, 2013, 05:28:58 PM
Actually you can't allocate more then 1024mb to it as far as I remember, you can set the cvar to more but the game will always only allocate 1024mb as maximum.

As for the issues you describe I must take some time and think about it. I can't tell you if a newer rpgxEF version will solve this it would require testing.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Grizz on July 14, 2013, 03:33:44 AM
For the record, we got Vanderbilt V2 to work with 10 players. Reloaded the map. Reconnections. Button mashing, All good.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: GSIO01 on July 14, 2013, 04:47:42 AM
So it comes down to what is different between those versions of the map to narrow down the cause of the problems.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Martin Thompson on July 14, 2013, 05:22:10 AM
Probably has to do with the size of the map and the manner of building. The map is verry taxing on system and has no optimisations at al (like area portals etc.). Poseidon B however does have those optimisations and therefore runs like a baby (though Vanderbilt is also a bit bigger then Possy-B). The addition of the promende is probaby (like Grizz already speculated) the killer there. Large open area with no map optimisations at all. The AMD bug also pop up on vanderbilt for me no matter the fix, when looking at certain directions the promenade is drawn (you can see that with the r_showtris or r_drawtris command). Dauntless had the same problem there (the entire map almost always gets drawn) but again, it was a smaller map. This is however a client side issue, but a large map in combination with many players might just be too taxing for the engine in its current state.

Anyways, GSI, i dont know if its possible for you, but maybe you can trace down the bits in the code where the "A reliable command was cycled out" errors pop up and see where they are comming from (but you probably thought of that yourself already :P ).
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on July 14, 2013, 10:06:12 AM
I've reached out to TF, the map developer, but have not heard anything from him yet. Hopefully he can comment on this further.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Griffwald on July 14, 2013, 10:42:41 AM
I wonder if there's hope for v3 being edited and working somehow.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on July 14, 2013, 11:35:15 AM
That would be ideal; if ~TF~ isn't able to do it, we certainly have mappers who could look into it, if he's willing to let us.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Martin Thompson on July 14, 2013, 05:31:21 PM
Quote from: Veritas on July 14, 2013, 11:35:15 AM
That would be ideal; if ~TF~ isn't able to do it, we certainly have mappers who could look into it, if he's willing to let us.

*cough*
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on July 17, 2013, 09:51:03 PM
I've heard from ~TF~... he confirmed my suspicions that it's a severe size issue. He is working on it but wasn't able to say if he'd be able to make enough improvements to counteract the map size.

I urged him strongly to sign up here and join the discussion, so I hope he does that. I also let him know that people have expressed interest in helping him work on the issues.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: SFC3 on July 17, 2013, 10:35:06 PM
If we can do a total collab we can all try to make the ultimate Vanderbilt "Pioneer Station" map.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on July 23, 2013, 10:15:36 PM
I've just heard again from ~TF~; he's working on the map and thinks that if we used RPG-X 2.3 and he redid the map to make better use of LUA scripting we might have much better results... this would require a server/RPGXCE update and I have no idea whether it would be stable. What do you guys think?
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: John Adams on July 24, 2013, 08:12:24 AM
Go ahead with it, I've been testing RPG-X 2.3 and it seems stable enough.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Telex Ferra on July 24, 2013, 08:33:25 AM
I would be against this until we had a patcher/installer since not having one was a major obstacle before.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on July 25, 2013, 03:06:34 PM
I think 2.3 is not stable enough, and ~TF~ agrees - but I have some good news. He told me today that he is actively working on and should shortly have available a smaller, generally more optimized version of v3 that he thinks will fix these issues. It will remove some stuff, hopefully nothing major (but he didn't specify), while still being better than v2.

If there are features you guys want absolutely to not lose, I will pass them on to him (I've exhorted him to post here himself, but he doesn't seem interested).
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Grizz on July 25, 2013, 03:34:34 PM
From my POV for Asteroid Field

- The Promenade was probably the main reason I chose Vanderbilt. However, given it's size - it's understandable if it has to go. Or perhaps cut down to the bar and the docking ports.
- The Science Lab in v3 is lovely (as opposed to the Modas-copy in v2). If that can remain, it would be great - as it's a big focal point.
- The Holodeck is a nice aesthetic, but can be dropped if necessary (especially since it has a 'program' built in).
- The two large crew quarters (not senior staff) with the big sliding doors are not used to my knowledge. We don't actually have crewmen.
- Alert 4(?) (abandon station) is a server killer. Even on v2.
- The forcefield outside Sickbay/Armoury seemingly cannot be removed if it appears. Can this be fixed/removed to prevent restarts?
- The flag officers deck (and the briefing room there) is actually very useful to have - and will be used again. But it's a whole deck which doesn't have weekly use. If necessary to trim, at least one FED office and the briefing room would be cool to save.

Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on July 25, 2013, 03:54:26 PM
I've sent those thoughts along to him.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Telex Ferra on July 25, 2013, 04:12:30 PM
It would make me very happy to see AF's problems with this map come to an end.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Griffwald on July 26, 2013, 06:31:43 PM
Might even be nice if he'd be willing to personalize the map aesthetically for us. I.e.. "XO Office: Mark Chaplain"
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Grizz on July 26, 2013, 06:35:13 PM
I'll settle for a working map for now  ;)
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: SFC3 on July 26, 2013, 09:06:57 PM
Quote from: Griffiths on July 26, 2013, 06:31:43 PM
Might even be nice if he'd be willing to personalize the map aesthetically for us. I.e.. "XO Office: Mark Chaplain"
We can do that easily with photoshop ourselves :P
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on July 29, 2013, 09:14:29 PM
From ~TF~:

QuoteI have done a few things.

Still has to do some tests, but I think I can have a version ready in the next week.
This will be a temporary Version (called v3.2.1t) where I have to cut out Deck 19 and a few "comfort things". But there will be nearly all functions as in v3.1.4.
After the release of a stable/good version of RPG-X 2.3 I will release a v3.2.2 with Lua script and Deck 19 and all things as in v3.1.4 that will be more stable and hopefully solve all the problems.

PS: I will register to your forums the next days, when I have a bit more time, because I also want to suggest a few things.

I'll keep you informed - or, hopefully, he'll do the informing himself soon :)
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on August 07, 2013, 04:33:11 PM
Hey guys,

A new version of Vanderbilt is now available for testing:

http://www.stphoenix.de/dldb/index.php?page=Entry&entryID=20

I'll get this onto the server as soon as possible. It would be great if AF would use it for their next episode.

Edit: This will be on the server within the next 15-20 minutes.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Veritas on August 12, 2013, 02:21:08 PM
~TF~'s on our forums now, so I'm gonna bump this. How did the test go? How have things been generally?
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Grizz on August 12, 2013, 03:49:09 PM
It has only been tested with 3 members, to my knowledge.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Martin Thompson on August 13, 2013, 01:53:40 PM
QuoteThe two large crew quarters (not senior staff) with the big sliding doors are not used to my knowledge. We don't actually have crewmen

Actually Jemma is using that one XD
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: ~TF~ on August 13, 2013, 04:00:14 PM
Hello,

finally I find the way to this forums.

I wait for your feedback first, if my last "improvements" are enough to make the map playable again for you.

Also, i have decided to make a second version for TLO and/or a "normal" version of the station, when I can integrate Lua and release a real update after this temporary version. I wait until a more or less stable version of RPG-X 2.3 is designed.
The map was originally designed for Star Trek: Phoenix. And I constantly improved the map to fit only to the storyline in the past. But for you and the other "public" users of the map it was a bit confusing, I think. So i want to make another version, with another name, without the romulan installations and with the "normal" facilities and so on.
When I'm ready I will inform you and involve you in the development.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Martin Thompson on August 14, 2013, 10:43:18 AM
Hey there TF. It's nice to see another active RPG-X member from a different community. Keep up the good work with the map.

I think the Romulan installation is quite nice for the AF RolePlay, but we can always make a slightly retextured version ourselves if we want to if you are going to do a normal Federation version of the map.

I wish i could join you guys for an RP sometimes, but my German isn't that good :(. Perhaps we will see you and some other members of your group on our sever sometime.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: ~TF~ on August 28, 2013, 10:06:04 AM
Do you guys have tested the last version in the meantime?
I need some feedback.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Griffwald on August 28, 2013, 10:58:08 AM
We just ran an episode with 10 people last Saturday and had no issues that I can recall. It works quite well. :)
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Telex Ferra on August 29, 2013, 12:43:13 PM
 :D* :D* :D* :D*
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: ~TF~ on November 01, 2013, 09:37:11 AM
I released the new Version 3.3.1 of Station Vanderbilt today.
With the use of Lua I have fixed all bugs and problems, I think. I have done much testing with a lot of people.
It also brings back Deck 19 and the other things, that I had to delete in v3.2.1t.

This Version requires RPG-X 2.3 Beta 1 or Beta 2, because of the use of Lua. RPG-X 2.2 is no longer supported by the map.

Download at the Filebase of Star Trek: Phoenix (http://www.stphoenix.de/dldb/index.php?page=Entry&entryID=28).



In the next weeks I will work on the announced Federation-only version for you. I will inform you about the process and post information when the time has come.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Martin Thompson on November 01, 2013, 11:29:04 AM
QuoteThis Version requires RPG-X 2.3 Beta 1 or Beta 2, because of the use of Lua. RPG-X 2.2 is no longer supported by the map.

Thats too bad, we need to upgrade our server for that and 2.3 is still in testing stages for us. Dunno when we will get round to that * looks at Veritas *.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Serris on November 01, 2013, 02:12:23 PM
I can provide some clarification there, Martin. The only deal breaker for fully upgrading to 2.3 beta 2 was the random instability on Station Iowa. The rest of the testing went over fairly smoothly. From what I've gathered from the poll, the 2.2 beta 8.1 Paris server will be upgraded to 2.3 beta 2 once a new RPG-X Complete Edition client that supports 2.3 is released. The 2.2 beta 8.4.4 Helsinki X server will still be kept around for Genesis Station and guaranteed stability for other series.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: Martin Thompson on November 02, 2013, 06:03:00 AM
Quote from: ~TF~ on November 01, 2013, 09:37:11 AM
I released the new Version 3.3.1 of Station Vanderbilt today.
With the use of Lua I have fixed all bugs and problems, I think. I have done much testing with a lot of people.
It also brings back Deck 19 and the other things, that I had to delete in v3.2.1t.

This Version requires RPG-X 2.3 Beta 1 or Beta 2, because of the use of Lua. RPG-X 2.2 is no longer supported by the map.

Download at the Filebase of Star Trek: Phoenix (http://www.stphoenix.de/dldb/index.php?page=Entry&entryID=28).



In the next weeks I will work on the announced Federation-only version for you. I will inform you about the process and post information when the time has come.

I've noticed a few minor bugs in the map. In the science lab, the hologram doesn't appear. And on the crew quarter deck the CSO quarters location reads ASO, and the CMO quarters read CMS.
Title: Re: rpgxEF server difficulties - Asteroid Field/Vanderbilt [CLOSED]
Post by: ~TF~ on November 02, 2013, 06:23:16 AM
Quote from: Martin Thompson on November 02, 2013, 06:03:00 AM
I've noticed a few minor bugs in the map. In the science lab, the hologram doesn't appear. And on the crew quarter deck the CSO quarters location reads ASO, and the CMO quarters read CMS.

Thank you for your feedback. I will have a look at the hologramm.
The other things are not bugs, that are the positions at Star Trek Phoenix. (Applied Sciences Officer and Chief Medical Supervisor) In the federation only version I will also change all this things to the "standard Star Trek style".