Aurora 4x
C# Aurora => C# Utilities => Topic started by: prunkstation on January 10, 2021, 04:37:02 PM
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Aurora Electrons is a general purpose observation utility for Aurora 4x C#.
It reads the Aurora Database and shows information about a specific game:
- Production queue
- Warnings (inspired by AuroraMarvin)
- Mineral breakdown
- Habitability breakdown
- Empire wide aggregate information
- Tech tree explorer
- Map navigator (WIP)
You can download the executable for the current version here: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.10
All released versions are listed here, with rudimentary changelogs: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases
The installation is pretty straightforward. You have two options, either drop the exe file into the Aurora 4x directory and the program will read the database file, or make a new directory for the application and copy the database file (AuroraDB.db) into the same folder. The application automatically reloads the database on save or when you copy a new database over the old one.
If you would like to contribute ideas or participate in expanding the functionality the application has a github page here: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons
You could also compile the application yourself, should you wish to.
I will attach a couple of screenshots to give you an idea of what Aurora Electrons looks like.
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I'll fix the links that you've posted - anti-spam makes it impossible for people to post links for their first 10 posts.
You can download the executable for the current version here: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.5.3
If you would like to contribute ideas or participate in expanding the functionality the application has a github page here: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons
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In theory, one could add it to the Downloads section too, and not need to worry about munged up links.
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I pledge to figure out this mythical Downloads section!
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Version 0. 5. 3:
? Economy warnings (mining, for now)
? Splash screen on loading, startup can be slow on some systems
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So I just wanted to say that I just opened it up and I'm already loving it.
The warning tab is very useful and I've found some issues with my empire just by a glance through it, very intuitive and nicely categorized.
Also the transportation information is a nice tool I didn't know I want but it's great to get a feel for your logistic capabilities.
And I love the idea of the map. Do you think you'll add a search function to it? I know when I have to search for a system in Aurora 4x I sometimes spend a few minutes to find it, I usually take a look at its jump points to try to get to a familiar system and find my way from there, maybe I'm bad with names or maybe there's a search function that I don't know of, but if there isn't in-game IMO it would be great to have such a feature in this tool.
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My current idea is to add the ability to insert an origin and a destination and get a displayed route but that would have to rely on internal system distances as well which is going to take a bit. What I can do is add an highlight selector that would make the desired system visible. I'll see if I can cobble some ideas together.
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If you want a route you can use the autorouting system that is already in game, not much need for an external application.
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If you want a route you can use the autorouting system that is already in game []
How do I display a route in-game?
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If you want a route you can use the autorouting system that is already in game, not much need for an external application.
It's not that I need a route. The most common case is that either a geological or a gravitational vessel cannot follow standing orders because it finished surveying the current system. I like to micro-manage so I don't use the move to system requiring survey so when a receive the message I have to find on the galactic map the system in which the survey was finished to know based on distance and importance what's the next system I want to send that survey vessel.
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How do I display a route in-game?
You can give a ship an order using the autoroute by system option, the entire route is then shown in the movement orders when you select a system.
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If you want a route you can use the autorouting system that is already in game []
How do I display a route in-game?
Well autoroute is a checkmark on the movement screen, above the movement commands a bit to the left.
It shows a list of accessible systems for that ship based on the stabilized jump network and jump engine status of the ship.
When you click to go to a system it will automatically plot a course through what the game believes is the shortest path.
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You can give a ship an order using the autoroute by system option, the entire route is then shown in the movement orders when you select a system.
When you click to go to a system it will automatically plot a course through what the game believes is the shortest path.
Ah, gotcha.
I was thinking about a way to display it on the map to easily see systems on the route and eventual branches. There isn't anything like that, is there?
Thanks
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When you click to go to a system it will automatically plot a course through what the game believes is the shortest path.
Ah, gotcha.
I was thinking about a way to display it on the map to easily see systems on the route and eventual branches. There isn't anything like that, is there?
Thanks
No there isn't anything of the sort. But the fact that such a route is calculated should hopefully help you if you want to implement that.
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New version v0.5.4:
? Highlight system on map, better map colors
Do you think you'll add a search function to it?
I added a rudimentary highlight function to the map. For now it's a simple select dropdown that highlights, zooms and centers on a system but maybe it'll be of help.
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Okay, downloaded this and took a look, and I have to say, this is one USEFUL little application.
The warnings tab is highly useful, for me, spotting unused populations is really handy.
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New version v0.5.5:
🐛 Fixed a bug in warnings (ordnance and fighter production)
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New version v0. 5. 4:
? Highlight system on map, better map colors
Do you think you'll add a search function to it?
I added a rudimentary highlight function to the map. For now it's a simple select dropdown that highlights, zooms and centers on a system but maybe it'll be of help.
It's great, it helps me a lot, thanks for the fast implementation.
I also just noticed I forgot to stabilize some jumps points thanks to the 'Gated from System' message.
Later Edit: I just noticed that on the warning tabs, I have 50 ships in low maintenance, out of the ships displayed only 1 has below 20% (red) and about 7 have above 85% (green). I'm guessing this is a bug.
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I guess it's a matter of interpretation. To me any ship with used MSP is in the "low maintenance" category and to be directed to a spaceport at their earliest convenience.
But I'm open to differing suggestions. What would be a sensible threshold?
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I am not a fan of these things but I must admit, your Mineral Sheet is top notch and I can really use it like every day!
Improved Aurora user experience 10/10.
something really cool would be the ability to remove systems from the list by clicking directly on them, so you could work by exclusion.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZzCQTrk.png)
Thanks
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something really cool would be the ability to remove systems from the list by clicking directly on them, so you could work by exclusion.
I'll look into it, I think there's some wiggle room there. It's going to make the system list bulkier but shouldn't be too bad.
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I guess it's a matter of interpretation. To me any ship with used MSP is in the "low maintenance" category and to be directed to a spaceport at their earliest convenience.
But I'm open to differing suggestions. What would be a sensible threshold?
70-80% of the ships in my list are survey ships and in my case they're the least of my concern as they have the 'if supply below 20%' standing order.
I'm guessing for each person the threshold is different as we each play the game in our own way, the suggestion I have would be to allow the user to select the threshold for which the warning should show. And an extra suggestion I would have would be to filter out ship classes.
As an example, if I'd be able to apply my own filter and threshold I would probably go somewhere at 50% and exclude my survey ships so I can monitor my just my warships and my space stations.
Don't get me wrong, the list is useful as is, thanks to it I just realized I forgot to re-instate a supply line to a space station after a refit, however, in my case, it took some time for me to notice this due to the list being mostly survey ships.
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Dis great, Thanks.
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Is it possible to have utilities like this work on an interval read basis instead of needing a saved db? For my current game the save function takes a reasonable amount of time now, that I don't use it very often. That sadly would make tools like this tricky to get the full use out of them.
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Is it possible to have utilities like this work on an interval read basis instead of needing a saved db? For my current game the save function takes a reasonable amount of time now, that I don't use it very often. That sadly would make tools like this tricky to get the full use out of them.
Was about to post this exact thing
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Is it possible to have utilities like this work on an interval read basis instead of needing a saved db? For my current game the save function takes a reasonable amount of time now, that I don't use it very often. That sadly would make tools like this tricky to get the full use out of them.
Sadly for everyone that is not possible.
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I cri evertim :'(
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New version v0.6.0
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.6.0 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.6.0)
Changelog
something really cool would be the ability to remove systems from the list by clicking directly on them, so you could work by exclusion.
(https://i.imgur.com/Fyoi1Kt.png)
? Removable active system chips in mineral breakdown
(https://i.imgur.com/UEHzUlf.png)
👌 Thinnest remaining layer on armor damaged ships
(https://i.imgur.com/MY083Vn.png)
? Map filter as autocomplete
I'm guessing for each person the threshold is different as we each play the game in our own way, the suggestion I have would be to allow the user to select the threshold for which the warning should show. And an extra suggestion I would have would be to filter out ship classes.
(https://i.imgur.com/TrDbAbu.png)
? Maintenance threshold configuration
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New version v0. 6. 0
Download: https://github. com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0. 6. 0
Changelog
something really cool would be the ability to remove systems from the list by clicking directly on them, so you could work by exclusion.
(https://i. imgur. com/Fyoi1Kt. png)
? Removable active system chips in mineral breakdown
(https://i. imgur. com/UEHzUlf. png)
👌 Thinnest remaining layer on armor damaged ships
(https://i. imgur. com/MY083Vn. png)
? Map filter as autocomplete
I'm guessing for each person the threshold is different as we each play the game in our own way, the suggestion I have would be to allow the user to select the threshold for which the warning should show. And an extra suggestion I would have would be to filter out ship classes.
(https://i. imgur. com/TrDbAbu. png)
? Maintenance threshold configuration
You are both amazing and very fast at work. Thank you!
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New version v0.7.0
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.0 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.0)
Changelog
? Updated mineral potential formula
(https://i.imgur.com/78NKKG8.png)
? System body survey status on the map
(https://i.imgur.com/y03jmlV.png)
? Habitability breakdown
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I like how between versions the tool retains your settings, so convenient.
Would it be possible to add more information to the map? Such as jump point survey status and unexplored jump points?
As always, cheers!
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Would it be possible to add more information to the map? Such as jump point survey status and unexplored jump points?
Sure. It's mostly a matter of finding the right way to display a plethora of information that is by its nature overwhelming and all "very important".
My immediate plan was the habitability breakdown, since it was something I wanted. Now my focus will be on the map so I can definitely look into it.
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Would it be possible to add more information to the map? Such as jump point survey status and unexplored jump points?
Sure. It's mostly a matter of finding the right way to display a plethora of information that is by its nature overwhelming and all "very important".
My immediate plan was the habitability breakdown, since it was something I wanted. Now my focus will be on the map so I can definitely look into it.
I Find the original map satisfying, just lacking in some options.
The problem I have with your map atm is the fluid effect that does not allow me to place things the way I want as I can do in Aurora.
In my opinion the map should read the map settings in Aurora.
Once done I may tell you what I would like ;D
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Would it be possible to add more information to the map? Such as jump point survey status and unexplored jump points?
Sure. It's mostly a matter of finding the right way to display a plethora of information that is by its nature overwhelming and all "very important".
My immediate plan was the habitability breakdown, since it was something I wanted. Now my focus will be on the map so I can definitely look into it.
I Find the original map satisfying, just lacking in some options.
The problem I have with your map atm is the fluid effect that does not allow me to place things the way I want as I can do in Aurora.
In my opinion the map should read the map settings in Aurora.
Once done I may tell you what I would like ;D
I have to disagree regarding the map, I really like the way it unfolds and moves organically
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on the new habitability screen, thank you very useful, especially the estimated terraforming time. However, could you add an option to exclude planets outside the racial gravity tolerance?
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However, could you add an option to exclude planets outside the racial gravity tolerance?
They should be. Those outside the upper bound of tolerance should be automatically excluded from the list because uncolonizable and you can filter the low gravity / no atmospheric retention ones with the “hide non-terraformable” checkbox.
Is this not the case?
If so, may I ask for your database to figure if there’s some kind of issue?
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I always play with a lower gravity tolerance than the standard to exclude luna from being an easy colony, but it still shows up in the habitability screen, so do titan and the other four moons with gravity between 0.1 and 0.2.
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Ah gotcha. So the bodies are technically terraformable, but they would still count as low gravity for your species. I’ll add a “hide low gravity” filter
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New version v0.7.4
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.4 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.4)
Changelog
However, could you add an option to exclude planets outside the racial gravity tolerance?
👌 LG indicators in Habitability, non-terraformable now filters out LG bodies
(https://i.imgur.com/eRX7KBh.png)
👌 See specific fleets freight capacity
Such as jump point survey status and unexplored jump points?
(https://i.imgur.com/GThtznl.png)
? Show unexplored just point and gravitational survey status in map
(https://i.imgur.com/fMu11We.png)
? Mineral / Habitability cross list
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New version v0.7.5
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.5 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.5)
Changelog
🐛 Bug fixed affecting empire freight and colonist capacity
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New version v0.7.8
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.8 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.8)
Changelog
(https://i.imgur.com/nc2dTWi.png)
? Civilian network work orders
? Wrecks warnings
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New version v0.7.9
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.9 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.7.9)
Changelog
🐛 Squashed a few bugs, likely made many new ones
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I just noticed that in the habitability screen the max population doesn't take into account tidal lock.
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It is a great tool.. not sure you take request but something I find lacking in Aurora are good economic planning tools and overviews.
I would like to have overviews in production and consumption that are better broken down. For example it is way easier to get a good overview if I can see the consumption and production of minerals on a yearly basis. The numbers can also be broken down per system... that way you can easier setup mineral runs without having to do manual calculations.
You could start with an empire overview that simply display the total mineral income adding all the mineral extraction and present them in a yearly basis or the value could be changeable. If you like to see it per month or three month you could do that too.
You could then select a system and you get a broken down list over the mineral income and consumed in that system. That is good so you know how many minerals you need to ship in and out of that system every year to satisfy the needs.
You also can break down the production into categories so we easier can see where all the minerals are being spent, both from an entire empire perspective or per system.
You probably could find additional uses for a good empire and/or economical overview panel in this tool in addition to this.
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I just noticed that in the habitability screen the max population doesn't take into account tidal lock.
This will be fixed next version.
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It is a great tool.. not sure you take request but something I find lacking in Aurora are good economic planning tools and overviews.
I would like to have overviews in production and consumption that are better broken down. For example it is way easier to get a good overview if I can see the consumption and production of minerals on a yearly basis. The numbers can also be broken down per system... that way you can easier setup mineral runs without having to do manual calculations.
You could start with an empire overview that simply display the total mineral income adding all the mineral extraction and present them in a yearly basis or the value could be changeable. If you like to see it per month or three month you could do that too.
You could then select a system and you get a broken down list over the mineral income and consumed in that system. That is good so you know how many minerals you need to ship in and out of that system every year to satisfy the needs.
You also can break down the production into categories so we easier can see where all the minerals are being spent, both from an entire empire perspective or per system.
You probably could find additional uses for a good empire and/or economical overview panel in this tool in addition to this.
It's an interesting and daunting idea. I'll mull it over.
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New version v0.8.0
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.0 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.0)
Changelog
(https://i.imgur.com/8SW2NCK.png)
? Terraforming projects in production
👌 Production table multi-sort
🐛 A couple bugs fixed
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New bugfix version v0.8.2
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.2 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.2)
🐛 Fixed mismatched scientist bug in warnings
🔨 Rereleased v0.8.1
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New version v0.8.3
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.3 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.3)
✨ Spy on NPRs, if you want
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✨ Spy on NPRs, if you want
How does this work?
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How does this work?
There's a new option in settings to see and select NPR races.
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New version v0.8.5
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.5 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.5)
✨ Warning for spoilers
🔨 Expanding application reliance on relational models (internal workings)
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Thanks. I already spy on them in the db file as part of the story I'm telling my kids. This will make it much easier!
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I seem to have stumbled upon a bug. If I load the Database while on the Production tab or if I switch to the Production tab all the buttons and controls are unresponsive and I can't switch tabs or go to settings all I can do is scroll down the Production tab.
I'm guessing this has something to do with my DB, as this problem appeared after I saved the game and is happening in older versions of Electrons as well (I've tested 0.8.2, 0.8.3 and 0.8.5).
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I seem to have stumbled upon a bug. If I load the Database while on the Production tab or if I switch to the Production tab all the buttons and controls are unresponsive and I can't switch tabs or go to settings all I can do is scroll down the Production tab.
I'm guessing this has something to do with my DB, as this problem appeared after I saved the game and is happening in older versions of Electrons as well (I've tested 0.8.2, 0.8.3 and 0.8.5).
Having a similar problem. I deleted the default game from the DB and now Electrons isn't working. It did work fine prior to that though, but it could also be something else I've done.
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Electron cannot function if you attempt to use it while the DB is being accessed and will freeze up - Saving/loading the game will access the DB so it should freeze up during but recover afterwards
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Thank you! I'm loving this tool already. May I ask how do you calculate mineral potential for bodies and can we somehow alter it?
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Thank you! I'm loving this tool already. May I ask how do you calculate mineral potential for bodies and can we somehow alter it?
Being Θ the set of minerals (for bodies in the habitability breakdown this is the actual minerals present on the body, in the minerals breakdown this is the currently visible minerals in the table so that zero-amount minerals actively reduce the body's potential; this doesn't happen for bodies in the habitability breakdown which considers only minerals that exist on the body), and being a the accessibility of each mineral and m the amount of each mineral, mineral potential is calculated like this:
(https://i.imgur.com/kBU9CvV.png)
Currently this is not editable and I struggle to envision a UX to even make this editable in the first place. Maybe I could include suggested formulas and provide the option of different approaches.
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New version v0.8.6
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.6 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.6)
I seem to have stumbled upon a bug.
🐛 Fixed a duplicate identifier bug
👌 Persist production filters for session
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I have unexplored Ancient Construct on my colony and Electrons shows me what type it is (Warnings - Others - Unexploited ancient constructs). That might be something that users would prefere to be unknown.
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New version v0.8.8
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.8 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.8)
I have unexplored Ancient Construct on my colony and Electrons shows me what type it is (Warnings - Others - Unexploited ancient constructs). That might be something that users would prefere to be unknown.
🐛 Fixes dormant constructs
🐛 Fixes wasted production bug
(https://i.imgur.com/NsyO6XR.png)
✨ Contacts warning
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It seems that there is some issue with Populations section of Warnings tab.
It only shows one population with free construction capacity even when there are several colonies with free capacity. If I start construction and refresh it, it will show next free population and so on until there are no populations with free construction capacity.
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Mmm. Doesn't look like I'm seeing this error on any of the saves I have available for testing. Could you provide more context, details or a savegame where it is currently showing up?
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I attached my current game database. I have two colonies that have unused construction factories (Elbara and Citadel). Electrons only shows Elbara as colony with free construction capacity.
I downloaded Electrons again to see if that helps, but even fresh download shows only one colony in this situation.
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New version v0.8.9
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.9 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.9)
It only shows one population with free construction capacity even when there are several colonies with free capacity. If I start construction and refresh it, it will show next free population and so on until there are no populations with free construction capacity.
🐛 Fixes a bug with Free Construction Capacity
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New version v0.8.10
Download: https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.10 (https://github.com/rubybrowncoat/Aurora-Electrons/releases/tag/v0.8.10)
(https://i.imgur.com/uq3jCmj.png)
✨ Adds items to preselect unrestricted, colonized and inhabited systems in mineral and habitability breakdowns
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Would it be possible to add section that would show Civilian Mining Colonies? I have over 40 CMCs and if I miss creation of new one I have to go over all of them to find one that is not selling minerals to me.
Maybe in Warnings - Others or Warnings - Economy, there could be list of CMCs that do not sell minerals to the player?
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The Habitability tab shows ground mineral potential and level on bodies not yet surveyed. Should this be known in advance?
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I was working with Habitability tab and I noticed that some of my colonies, that are colony cost 0, do not have Done in Time (Y) collum.
For example in Sol, Luna shows Time 0, Arcadia in Cannae system shows Time 1 and Bastion in Alpha Centauri shows Time 1.4. All these colonies are colony cost 0.
Database in attachment.
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So I just grabbed this today after deciding to lose another period of my life to Aurora (new playthrough on 1. 12 now). . . and I love it! I just have one point of feedback: Can it be possible to change the thousands-separator, or have it default to spaces as Aurora itself does? The use of the apostrophe causes some minor cognitive dissonance when I use the app, and I find it being a little harder to read (locally, I would use a comma or space).
Thanks for a great new companion tool!
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Hi.
Great tool.
I noticed a few bugs though (DB attached):
- In the warnings under "Others" is an unexploited ancient construct on Mercury listed. It says "Lacking 10 million population on the Body". Current population on Mercury is 277. 8 million, with 18. 45 million available. The construct is already fully exploited and the research bonus is working fine.
- Also, when excluding the non-terraformable bodies from the list, I often get bodies listet which actually aren't terraformable. I follow the instructions, but when finished and updating the DB, the body is no longer in the list, and is way off from habitable. I don't know if this is also true for hot bodies, but I had this happen for several very very cold bodies (< -200°C)
- In the habitability tab are bodies listed which are not terraformable but have a time frame shown. Maybe that's related to the other bug. In my actual game I have this for several moons of "Minerva" (Sol) and one moon of "C I" (Bonn).
And now three suggestions:
- Either make a setting to set the number of Terraformers for the habitablity tab, or make it that the number isn't reset every time I switch tabs.
- In "Habitablity" make a checkbox to exclude "Done" bodies.
- In "Habitablity" make a checkbox to only show "Already Inhabited" bodies, so you can easily see which bodies should be made more habitable.
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- In the warnings under "Others" is an unexploited ancient construct on Mercury listed. It says "Lacking 10 million population on the Body". Current population on Mercury is 277. 8 million, with 18. 45 million available. The construct is already fully exploited and the research bonus is working fine.
I actually found the problem elsewhere. . . kind of. I had a Ruined Colony on Mercury, too. After exploring the colony I must have withdrawn my Xenos too early, so they didn't finish the exploration of the Ancient Construct. I didn't notice that, because I actually did get the research bonus out of it.
So, the bug for you is merely the false information of missing population, instead of a hint that the construct is not explored yet.
That the research bonus is available without exploring is an Aurora bug. ;)
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I don't know if this tool is still maintained, but I want to give my experience with Aurora 2.1.1.
The terraforming informations are based on the actual values at the time of saving the DB.
This leads to problems with the temperature when terraforming bodies with highly eccentric orbits.
So basically the informations are correct, but you have to check the min/max temperatures manually.
The standard race has a temperature variance from -10°C to +38°C, so technically if the min/max difference of the body is less than 48°C you have a chance to successfully terraform the body.
But the more the difference is to 48°C, the more difficult it is to hit the sweet spot. There are also other factors which can modify the min/max values while terraforming, so I recommend a max of 40°C difference.
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Really great utility, it a pity it does not have the full logs attached to copy and paste from or past data.