EZBoards - Generate kneeboards (flights, comms, stpts, weather) from briefings
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This is very nice for a quick briefing for instance for training missions or simple TEs, where WDP is more for larger/complex missions. One thing I have always missed from the one-page briefing is some airfield information for main airfield and alternate, like TACAN and ILS frequency. Are those things easily accessible for you to add to the kneeboards ?
Hi jayb,
No, unfortunately not, they’re not contained in the briefings file that BMS generates and which is the input for EZBoards.
I could add it as static info, but then It’ll get dependent on theater.
That being said, the airport charts with the info you mention are available as kneeboards by default already, afaik. -
V3 released.
- Now includes a Min Fuel indication per steerpoint, similar to WDP. (See screenshots in top post)
It is just a rough estimate based on fuel calculation given in TO-BMS1F-16CM-1/1.7.9. that can be used to set Bingo/Joker fuel. - Now includes the timestamp of the briefing record, to avoid confusion whether the board shows the right briefing. (If that timestamp is off compared to your local time, you either forgot to “Print” the briefing or to run EZBoards and are seeing data from a previous mission)
- Now includes package number in title of package section.
- Some more colors and style.css configuration options.
- Better diagnostic output.
- Now includes a Min Fuel indication per steerpoint, similar to WDP. (See screenshots in top post)
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Thanks for the update. I’ve just run it on a TE, the Advanced Maverick one, got this:
EZBoards - Instant single-click briefing to kneeboards conversion for Falcon BMS.
Version 3.
By “Logic”, Jan 2021.
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BASEDIR=C:\Falcon BMS 4.35
PILOTBIN=566970657200000000000000
PILOTCALLSIGN=Viper
BRIEFINGTXT=“C:\Falcon BMS 4.35\User\Briefings\briefing.txt”
CALLSIGNINI=“C:\Falcon BMS 4.35\User\Config\Viper.ini”
TARGET=“C:\Falcon BMS 4.35\Data\TerrData\Objects\KoreaObj\7982.dds”
Generating HTML version of briefing data to briefing.html.
Unhandled exception. System.FormatException: Input string was not in a correct format.
at System.Number.ThrowOverflowOrFormatException(ParsingStatus status, TypeCode type)
at System.Double.Parse(String s, IFormatProvider provider)
at xbrief.Program.ParseAlt(String input)
at xbrief.Program.Main(String[] args)ERROR
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Thanks! Reproduced.
Found the error and fixed.
Will release update tomorrow. -
V4 released.
- Fixes a bug reported by rubbra where xbrief would crash when parsing altitudes in steerpoints tagged with “A” (AGL) instead of “M”.
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Su@Logic:
V4 released.
- Fixes a bug reported by rubbra where xbrief would crash when parsing altitudes in steerpoints tagged with “A” (AGL) instead of “M”.
Super quick work! Thanks!
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This is a great program.
In the interest in making it more convenient and automated would it be possible for EZB to run in the background and monitor the briefing.txt for changes? That way pressing PRINT would write to file and EZB would spring into action automatically, no alt-tab required.
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In the interest in making it more convenient and automated would it be possible for EZB to run in the background and monitor the briefing.txt for changes? That way pressing PRINT would write to file and EZB would spring into action automatically, no alt-tab required.
Good remark! Yes, i already thought about that.
This is probably as easy as running anyone of those:
https://www.raymond.cc/blog/3-portable-tools-monitor-files-folders-changes/
But for one, i don’t know these programs and which one to choose.
And second, I’m a bit reluctant to install such a program together with EZBoards as it will run permanently.
So I’ll leave it up to you guys to make some experiences with that first.The perfect solution would be if the Devs included the possibility (configurable) to run an external program when pressing Print.
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As you have .Net core as a requirement I assume you the application is based on .NET stack. Why installing another tool with it you could use your own FileSystemWatcher and have an eventlistern on the file changed event of the briefing file
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As you have .Net core as a requirement I assume you the application is based on .NET stack. Why installing another tool with it you could use your own FileSystemWatcher and have an eventlistern on the file changed event of the briefing file
Thanks. You’re right, it’s probably very easy to do. Will look into it, but don’t hold your breath.
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Still, batch commands can be very powerful, maybe it can otherwise check for new files in debrief folder?
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I’ll keep the BAT file in any case.
But we could have another process (exe) that monitors briefing.txt and runs the batch when modified.
Running the monitor would be optional, the batch could still be executed manually. -
V5 Released.
EZBoards now comes bundled with an application that watches the briefing file and automatically runs the kneeboards update whenever you press “Print”. Run EZWATCH.BAT. It’s self-explanatory.
There are no other functional differences, so users that don’t want to use this feature do not need to upgrade.
Enjoy! -
Wow, great little powerful tool, Logic. Congrats.
I going to give it a shot today…
-What came to my mind, … for loop when checking for new briefing file … you could contact this guy (well, if he’s like open source) : https://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/showthread.php?32245-Beta-ACMI-compiler
He already implemented kind of loop to check for new acmi file in directory , on the end of the mission, … could be useful, since , same “Logic” . hehe
Cheers and thanks for tool
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Wow, great little powerful tool, Logic. Congrats.
[…]Hey white_fang,
thanks
The loop thing how you call it is implemented as of V5 with the watcher application (EZWatch) as i stated in the post just above yours.
It is crude simple but does the job. So i consider this request closed, unless people come up with other particular demands.
Cya,
Logic -
No prob. - actually , yours does fine job…tested … altogether works well , and is very useful, since it really automates all these “tasks” - and really no more need to exit/minimize bms (and risk ctd) if fullscreen . - that is if you not quite preparing real air raid with WDP and what not.
Maybe in 30-40 weeks something like that will live in BMS code ()
Anyway, tally ho!! Good work.
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Yeah,i like this but no puter person
It does tell me i need runtime.
I go there and there’s about 10 different ones.
No clue which one, and my antivirus does not like it ha
Then it tells me its ok,sheesh.
Anyway,gave up for now.
Damn old age and getting dumber all the time. -
Well if we all managed to make it work… Seriously, what’s the hold up?
You need NET 3.1 or maybe 3.5 (anyway same thing) … now , all you need is to tell us what version of windows you have 64bit (x64) or 32bit (x86) , and we’ll give you the correct link…
Last thing. Need to tell me what theater you’re flying, Korea KTO, Balkans … etc. Need that because EZboard doesn’t do “autodetection” thingy for theaters , so by default it will OVERWRITE/DESTROY “7982.dds” but in maybe wrong theater.
eg… If You fly Balkans, it wont work without editing that “EZboard.bat” and setting it up for Balkans theater, as its “dds” files are in different path/directory.Easy peasy.
Cheers
–Logic… you could just add to the main page that tool will overwrite 7982.dds so they don’t surprise themselves when they figure out… or maybe make some “crude” backup “logic”:
copy original 7982.dds -> 7982.ez
if exists 7982.ez goto :backup_already_done
–now since that 7982 can be user changed variable “%s” … maybe take that that account – ok I’ll stop there :mrgreen:
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Hi Logic! Your app is very useful and easy to use, thank you!
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Sorry,i know its just me.
Anyhow,windows 10 x 64. Stock korea
I run full screen too if that matters.
But no biggy i guess ,with all the crash’s in the campaigns.