Exult on the Zaurus: Problems with versions and packages, pl

[trevor_clim_3]

Hi!

I'm a big fan of Ultima VII: The Black Gate.
For playing it everytime and everywhere i have bought a Sharp Zaurus SL-5500G (German Version) via Ebay.

I have read the documentation about the Zaurus, but I have still some questions. (I have never owned a PDA and I have no experience with Linux, etc. by the way. So please excuse)

the versions of my Zaurus which I looked up:

Embedix Plus PDA Version 1.0
Linux Kernel Version 2.4.6-rmk1-np2-embedix
ROM Version: 2.13G


The Exult-documentation says that the Zaurus Package is created for ROM v2.12, but I have v.2.13G.
I want to go sure (because of my lack of experience with PDAs and the whole thing) and want to "downdate" the ROM to the mentioned v2.12. Is that a good idea?

I have searched www.myzaurus.com for this old version, but i didnt found any old versions. So my question: "Should I try getting Exult work with v.2.13G?" Or can you help me find this old ROM-version?

The only exult-file I need to transfer on my Zaurus is "Sharp Zaurus binary.ipk", is that correct?"

On http://www.gnurou.org/software/zaurus/ I found following files:
SDL Library: libSDL_1.2.6cvs-1_arm.ipk
SDL Mixer: libSDL-mixer_1.2.5cvs-1_arm.ipk
Are these versions working with the current Exult zaurus package? Shall i use these versions?
Generally: Shall I use only the "Latest Package" or other Packages like "Development Package?"

In the documentation it says: Does the point "8.5. Installing New Packages" only concern uploading new ROM-Versions or generally every package?

In 8.6. it says: "If like me you still use the standard ROM". What's the standard ROM? v2.12?

In which order shall I install all the files?
It would be great if someone has some general useful hints for a greenhorn like me concerning the whole stuff!




Many thanks for your help!

Sorry for my crooky english!

bye, trevor

[Dominus]

First of all, I'm only giving this answer from my general knowledge. Apart from copy/pasting Artaxerxes' docs I have no idea how the Zaurus works.

So, I wouldn't downgrade the ROM and try it first if it doesn't work, you can still downgrade.

As for the packages I'm not sure, but I'd also try first and then complain if it isn't working.

8.5 concerns all packages but I'm sure it was aimed at those packages from www.gnurou.org.

8.6 is related to 8.8, so I'd say the standard ROM is 2.1x (or 2.x) and the newer one Artaxerxes meant is 3.x.

Again, just try it and report back how it worked out for you!

[trevor_clim3]

ok, thx for info Dominus!
I'm just so cautios, because i don't want to break something

But you are right, i will try it out now by myself and report back!

I will now just go for buying a SD-Card for the SD-Slot of my Zaurus. Artaxerxes used the Compact-Flash-Memory Card, but i don't think thats important, is it?
(Just thinking about executing files from a SD-Card...)

[Dominus]

Don't know which one is better. You might want to check which one is faster, but again I have no idea.

[artaxerxes]

Hi there,

I'll try to make sure all your questions are answered:

* use your current ROM. I'm sure it's gonna work on it. The only way you can break a Zaurus is when you upgrade/downgrade the ROM. Any other operation can be rolled back.

* you only need the Zaurus binary to play the game, however, you can install the sound package if you want pretty music.

* As for SDL, you picked the right ones. As a rule, stick to stable release if you don't want to experience bugs.

* 8.5 is only for packages, NOT for ROMs. ROMs are TOTALLY different beasts. Much more complicated, involving remove the battery, pressing reset while holding some buttons on the keyboard.

* 8.6: standard ROM is the one that comes with Zaurus. In my case, it's 2.12

* first install SDL and SDL-mixer (on the RAM), then Exult (on the RAM also). If you want to install the sound package, install them on the CF disk or the SD card.

* the SD card has a tendency to dislodge from its holder and thus be inaccessible. I would use a CF disk if I were you.

Please note you must save often as some users have experience some weird hanging bug.

Enjoy!

Artaxerxes

[trevor_clim3]

Thanks for your quick help!

I have still problems with the docking station...

I have plugged the Zaurus into the Docking Station and connected it via USB with my PC and installed all drivers and "Intellisync for SL" synchronisation program.

But I can't get a connection!
On the Zaurus, it says that the USB-TCP/IP Adress is 192.168.1.36.
In the Network & Sync - Menu I found this information.

I have no idea about IPs
Must the IP on my PC the same as on my Zaurus? Is "USB - TCP/IP" the correct protocol i have to use?

Please help me!

[trevor_clim3]

hmm, i dont get the synchronisation and FTP working, but nevermind

i have bought a 128mb Compact Flash as you recommended!

i have good news!
i installed the SDL, the SDL mixer and the Zaurus-Exult File already on my Zaurus!

but now I'm confused about how putting ultima7 on the zaurus...

This is what i have done so far:

- installed Ultima 7 BG on my PC anywhere
- plugged the CF-Card into my PC and created the folders L:\mnt\cf\exult-data\bg\static (L:\ is my CF-Card)
- there, in the Static-folder i copied all the stuff, which is in the Static folder of my BG-installation

after this (above), i made the following steps:

- i created the folder "exult1" on my CF-Card and there I installed Exult v1.2 (official Win XP version) and set the paths of BG on the CF correctly
- after installing Exult I created the folderlines mentioned in the documentation: "L:\opt\QTPalmtop\bin" (in the bin-folder i copied the whole content of "exult1", so i had the whole exult-installation in this folder).
in L:\opt\QTPalmtop\share\exult i put the whole content of "L:\opt\QTPalmtop\bin\Data" so i had the whole data-stuff in this folder.
then I created the folder line (folder in a folder) "L:\home\root", there I put the exult.config file.

then i put the CF-Card back in my Zaurus and started exult and the message "Warning, Could not find the data files.... please check the configuration file" Does that mean i have to look in exult.cfg? in exult.cfg i can only change the paths of where BG is located (in my case, there is written: l:\mnt\cf\exult-data\bg


what is to be done? please help me!

[artaxerxes]

no offense but you got it all wrong!

Your L:\ drive should look like this:

L:\exult-data\bg\static
with all your BG's static stuff in there

and that's it.
Since you said you installed Zaurus-Exult, all you need to do is launch it.
I _do_ recommend to install the Konsole (found on http://www.killefiz.de/zaurus/showdetail.php?app=385)
and launch exult from it.

To do that, you would launch Konsole and type EXACTLY the following:
cd /opt/QtPalmtop/bin
./exult > /tmp/stdout.txt 2> /tmp/stderr.txt

Whether it starts or not, QUIT THE PROG right away! If it works, then launch it normally from the Game panel, if not, please post your /tmp/stdout.txt and /tmp/stderr.txt here.

Enjoy!

Artaxerxes

[trevor_clim3]

it works!!!!!!!!!!!
thank you so much!!!

I will install later the sfx-packages.

but whats up with music? it sounds weird...
can i install the Ogg-music files?

[Dominus]

you probably can, but they take up a lot of space and playing them a lot of juice, so the FM music is the best you can do on the zaurus.

[trevor_clim3]

ok, i will see if i will do it or not... the electricity is definately a point.

I have a problem with the Sound Effects: I installed the Zaurus BG sfx package and installed them on my Zaurus (Package-Installing) but in the game, the symbol for the FX (in front of the title) are still red-crossed.

Just being for sure: I dont need the normal "Sound pack for Black Gate" package, is that correct?

[trevor_clim3]

i have another problem

when the CF-Card is in the slot (with exult on it) and i try to use the normal zaurus functions like calender, etc. then Exult is automatically started when i close a window... what is to be done?

[artaxerxes]

Exult shouldn't be on your CF card. It should be installed in your internal disk space. What you have on your CF card is the Ultima 7 data files.

As for the sound, you should install those package on the CF card.

Could you please post the content of your ~/.exult.cfg here?
To do this, launch Konsole and type the following:

cd ~/
cp .exult.cfg /tmp/exult.cfg



Once done copy the content of /tmp/exult.cfg here and delete /tmp/exult.cfg

Artaxerxes

[artaxerxes]

and I forgot:

there is a special Zaurus package for sound. On the download page check out the Zaurus SI sfx package and the Zaurus BG sfx package.

Artaxerxes

[trevor_clim3]

thanks for your help again!
Support is really great here!

Before optimizing Exult on my Zaurus, i have another question:

I don't manage to get the synchronisation between my Windows XP and the Zaurus working.
Is the reason for this the old ROM-Version? Does Windows XP need the latest ROM at the Zaurus?

[Dominus]

maybe this link to a german site helps:
http://www.trisoft.de/c860winxpsetup.htm

[artaxerxes]

I don't use XP so I can't really help you. Sharp shipped the Zaurus with a couple manuals and a CD with a program to sync and transfer data from one to the other. You could check that CD.

Artaxerxes

[trevor_clim3]

thanks again for your help!

Dominus, i already know this website, but I didnt find this great explanation!

I'm still working on it...

One question left:
Is it possbile to configure Exult on the Zaurus so that i can easily put the CF-Card into my PC and continue to play the savegames i started on the zaurus? i mean, so i can play all the time! at home and when iam outside, but does that work? what is to be done? i cant manage to get it working

[Dominus]

Oh well, that was the first promising site when I googled it. Sorry it doesn't help, looked quite ok to me.

As for your savegame thing, just configure your PC-Exult to use the CF-Card as the savegame dir.
That is assuming there is a filesystem on it that is readable by Windows (Fat, Fat32), if it is a linux-filesystem than you might be out of luck.

Anyway for configuring Exult to use the CF-Card for the savegames, use the information in http://exult.info/docs.php#dir_config and point the gamedat and savegame path to your CF-card.

[artaxerxes]

Trevor:

Dominus is right on with configuring Exult to store savegames on the CF card. Keep in mind though that it will (slightly) accelerate the wear on your card.

So you want to edit your ~/.exult.cfg so that gamedat and savegame point to /mnt/cf/exult-data/bg/gamedat and /mnt/cf/exult-data/bg/savegame respectively.

When you insert your card in your PC, say it becomes the G: drive, then you can access the gamedat and the savegames at g:\exult-data\bg\gamedat and g:\exult-data\bg\savegame. You must adjust your PC's Exult.cfg accordingly of course!

Artaxerxes

[Kevin]

http://www.zaurususergroup.com/ < Go here if you need general help with the Zaurus, there are a large group of very helpful Zaurus geeks there. If it's just related to Exult, then ask here, but I think it's a bit unfair to dump other Zaurus questions here. No offence intended.

[Kevin]

EDIT: Sorry, here's the link. http://www.zaurususergroup.com/

[Kevin]

Reviving a dead thread, but I noticed that one of his questions wasn't answered. The SD corporation is closed-source, and the Zaurus runs linux. SD cards on the Zaurus are run in MMC card compatability mode. The upshot: SD cards are slow. CF cards are not.