Version 2.4.1

jtacGrpUI, lase code and CA integration.
Fogger supports local alt

modules/cfxZones.lua

@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
 cfxZones = {}
-cfxZones.version = "4.5.0" 
+cfxZones.version = "4.5.1" 
 
 -- cf/x zone management module
 -- reads dcs zones and makes them accessible and mutable 
 -- by scripting.
 --
--- Copyright (c) 2021 - 2024 by Christian Franz and cf/x AG
+-- Copyright (c) 2021 - 2025 by Christian Franz and cf/x AG
 --
 
 --[[-- VERSION HISTORY
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ cfxZones.version = "4.5.0"
 -4.5.0    - corrected bug in getBoolFromZoneProperty for default = false and "rnd"
 		  - rnd in bool can have = xxx param for percentage
 		  - getSmokeColorNumberFromZoneProperty()
+-4.5.1    - moved processSimpleZoneDynamics to common 
 
 --]]--
 
@@ -2934,6 +2935,9 @@ end
 
 -- process <t>, <lat>, <lon>, <ele>, <mgrs> 
 function cfxZones.processSimpleZoneDynamics(inMsg, theZone, timeFormat, imperialUnits)
+	local p = theZone:getPoint()
+	return dcsCommon.processTimeLocWildCards(inMsg, p, timeFormat, imperialUnits)
+	--[[--
 	if not inMsg then return "<nil inMsg>" end
 	-- replace <t> with current mission time HMS
 	local absSecs = timer.getAbsTime()-- + env.mission.start_time
@@ -2962,6 +2966,7 @@ function cfxZones.processSimpleZoneDynamics(inMsg, theZone, timeFormat, imperial
 	local mgrs = grid.UTMZone .. ' ' .. grid.MGRSDigraph .. ' ' .. grid.Easting .. ' ' .. grid.Northing
 	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<mgrs>", mgrs)
 	return outMsg
+	--]]--
 end 
 
 -- process <v: flag>, <rsp: flag> <rrnd>

modules/cloneZone.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cloneZones = {}
-cloneZones.version = "2.5.0"
+cloneZones.version = "2.5.2"
 cloneZones.verbose = false  
 cloneZones.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- always
@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ cloneZones.respawnOnGroupID = true
 	2.5.0 - re-establish spawn zone in persistence to provide 
 	        empty! detection through saves (missed hasClones)
 	2.5.1 - f? and in? put on notice for depreciation
+	2.5.2 - removed bug when checking damaged! and no units cloned 
 --]]--
 
 --
@@ -1715,9 +1716,10 @@ function cloneZones.update()
 		end
 		
 		-- handling of damaged! and #health  
-		if aZone.damaged or aZone.health then
+		if aZone.hasClones and (aZone.damaged or aZone.health) then
 			-- calculate current health 
 			local currSize = cloneZones.countLiveAIUnits(aZone)
+			if not aZone.oSize then aZone.oSize = 0 end 
 			if aZone.oSize < 1 then 
 				if aZone.verbose or cloneZones.verbose then 
 					trigger.action.outText("+++clnZ: Warning: zero oZize for cloner <" .. aZone.name .. ">, no health info, no damage alert", 30)

modules/dcsCommon.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 dcsCommon = {}
-dcsCommon.version = "3.1.5"
+dcsCommon.version = "3.2.0"
 --[[-- VERSION HISTORY 
 3.0.0  - removed bad bug in stringStartsWith, only relevant if caseSensitive is false 
        - point2text new intsOnly option 
@@ -34,12 +34,16 @@ dcsCommon.version = "3.1.5"
 3.1.4  - new processStringWildcardsForUnit
        - integrated into std wildcard proccing, unit optional 
 3.1.5  - more verbosity on unitID2X
-
+3.2.0  - support for twn in processStringWildcardsForUnit()
+	   - new processTimeLocWildCards()
+	   - cfxZones links to processTimeLocWildCards 
+	   - new processAtoBWildCards()
+	   - tons of new wildcards like <eleft> 
 --]]--
 
 	-- dcsCommon is a library of common lua functions 
 	-- for easy access and simple mission programming
-	-- (c) 2021 - 2024 by Christian Franz and cf/x AG
+	-- (c) 2021 - 2025 by Christian Franz and cf/x AG
 
 --
 -- DCS API PATCHES FOR DCS-INTERNAL BUGS
@@ -3396,7 +3400,7 @@ function dcsCommon.LSR(a, num)
 end
 
 --
--- string wildcards 
+-- string wildcard processing
 --
 function dcsCommon.processStringWildcards(inMsg, theUnit)
 	-- Replace STATIC bits of message like CR and zone name 
@@ -3414,18 +3418,17 @@ function dcsCommon.processStringWildcards(inMsg, theUnit)
 	
 	return outMsg 
 end
-
+-- <u>, <p>, <g>, <typ>, <c>, <e>, <twn>, <twnkm>, <twnnm>
 function dcsCommon.processStringWildcardsForUnit(msg, theUnit)
 	local uName = theUnit:getName()
 	msg = msg:gsub("<u>", uName)
-	pName = "!AI!"
+	pName = "AI"
 	if dcsCommon.isPlayerUnit(theUnit) then 
 		pName = theUnit:getPlayerName()
-	else 
-		return 
 	end
 	msg = msg:gsub("<p>", pName)
-	msg = msg:gsub("<t>", theUnit:getTypeName())
+	msg = msg:gsub("<t>", theUnit:getTypeName()) -- WARNING! <t> is conflicted
+	msg = msg:gsub("<typ>", theUnit:getTypeName())
 	local theGroup = theUnit:getGroup()
 	local gName = theGroup:getName()
 	msg = msg:gsub("<g>", gName)
@@ -3439,9 +3442,73 @@ function dcsCommon.processStringWildcardsForUnit(msg, theUnit)
 	e = e:lower()
 	msg = msg:gsub("<c>", coa)
 	msg = msg:gsub ("<e>", e)
+	local locString = ""
+	local locStingnm = ""
+	local p = theUnit:getPoint()
+	if twn and towns then locString = " " .. twn.closestTownTo(p) end
+	msg = msg:gsub("<twn>", locString)
+	if twn and towns then
+		local name, data, dist = twn.closestTownTo(p)
+		local mdist= dist * 0.539957
+		dist = math.floor(dist/100) / 10
+		mdist = math.floor(mdist/100) / 10		
+		local bear = dcsCommon.compassPositionOfARelativeToB(p, data.p)
+		locString = " " .. dist .. "km " .. bear .. " of " .. name
+		locStringnm = " " .. mdist .."nm " .. bear .. " of " .. name
+	end 
+	msg = msg:gsub("<twnkm>", locString)
+	msg = msg:gsub("<twnnm>", locString)
 	return msg
 end
 
+-- process <tme>, <t>, <lat>, <lon>, <ele>, <mgrs> 
+function dcsCommon.processTimeLocWildCards(inMsg, p, timeFormat, imperialUnits)
+	if not inMsg then return "<nil inMsg tloc>" end
+	-- replace <t> with current mission time HMS
+	local absSecs = timer.getAbsTime()-- + env.mission.start_time
+	while absSecs > 86400 do 
+		absSecs = absSecs - 86400 -- subtract out all days 
+	end
+	if not timeFormat then timeFormat = "<:h>:<:m>:<:s>" end 
+	local timeString  = dcsCommon.processHMS(timeFormat, absSecs)
+	local outMsg = inMsg:gsub("<tme>", timeString)
+	local outMsg = inMsg:gsub("<t>", timeString) -- WARNING! <t> is conflicted
+	-- replace <lat> with lat and <lon> with lon of point 
+	-- and <mgrs> with mgrs coords of point 
+	local currPoint = p
+	local lat, lon = coord.LOtoLL(currPoint)
+	lat, lon = dcsCommon.latLon2Text(lat, lon)
+	local alt = land.getHeight({x = currPoint.x, y = currPoint.z})
+	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<elem>", alt)
+	local altft = math.floor(alt * 3.28084) -- feet
+	if imperialUnits then 
+		alt = math.floor(alt * 3.28084) -- feet 
+	else 
+		alt = math.floor(alt) -- meters 
+	end 
+	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<lat>", lat)
+	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<lon>", lon)
+	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<ele>", alt)
+	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<eleft>", alt)
+	local grid = coord.LLtoMGRS(coord.LOtoLL(currPoint))
+	local mgrs = grid.UTMZone .. ' ' .. grid.MGRSDigraph .. ' ' .. grid.Easting .. ' ' .. grid.Northing
+	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<mgrs>", mgrs)
+	return outMsg
+end
+
+-- process A to B: <rng>, <rngnm>, <bea> 
+function dcsCommon.processAtoBWildCards(inMsg, A, B)
+	if not inMsg then return "<nil inMsg AtB>" end
+	local outMsg = inMsg 
+	local bea = dcsCommon.bearingInDegreesFromAtoB(A, B)
+	local range = dcsCommon.dist(A, B) / 1000 -- km
+	local rangenm = math.floor(range * 5.39957) / 10
+	range = math.floor(range * 10) / 10
+	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<bea>", bea)
+	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<rng>", range)
+	outMsg = outMsg:gsub("<rngnm>", rangenm)
+	return outMsg
+end
 --
 -- phonetic alphabet 
 --

modules/fogger.lua

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ fogger.requiredLibs = {
 fogger.zones = {}
 
 --[[-- Version history
-  A DML module (c) 2024 by Christian FRanz 
+  A DML module (c) 2024-25 by Christian FRanz 
 
 - 1.0.0 - Initial version
 - 1.1.0 - added lcl attribute  
@@ -27,18 +27,13 @@ function fogger.createFogZone(theZone)
 	theZone.lcl = theZone:getBoolFromZoneProperty("lcl", false)
 	theZone.durMin, theZone.durMax = theZone:getPositiveRangeFromZoneProperty ("duration", 1, 1)
 	if theZone:hasProperty("onStart") then 
-		--trigger.action.outText("+++fog: zone <" .. theZone.name .. "> HAS 'onStart' attribute", 30)
 		theZone.onStart = theZone:getBoolFromZoneProperty("onStart", false)
 		if theZone.onStart then 
 			if theZone.verbose then 
 				trigger.action.outText("+++fog: will schedule onStart fog in zone <" .. theZone.name .. ">", 30)
 			end
 			timer.scheduleFunction(fogger.doFog, theZone, timer.getTime() + 0.5)
-		else 
-			--trigger.action.outText("+++ fog: onstart turned OFF", 30)
 		end 
-	else 
-		--trigger.action.outText("+++fog: zone <" .. theZone.name .. "> no 'onStart' attribute, turned off", 30)
 	end 
 	if theZone.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++fog: zone <" .. theZone.name .. "> processed.", 30)

modules/groundTroops.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxGroundTroops = {}
-cfxGroundTroops.version = "2.2.1"
+cfxGroundTroops.version = "3.0.0"
 cfxGroundTroops.ups = 0.25 -- every 4 seconds 
 cfxGroundTroops.verbose = false 
 cfxGroundTroops.requiredLibs = {
@@ -26,15 +26,8 @@ cfxGroundTroops.jtacCB = {} -- jtac callbacks, to be implemented
 
 --[[--
  version history
-
+   3.0.0 - support for troop-individual laser codes 
-   2.0.0 - dmlZones 
+         - support for isDrivable CA troop spawns 
-	     - jtacSound 
-		 - cleanup 
-		 - jtacVerbose 
-   2.0.1 - small fiex ti checkPileUp()
-   2.1.0 - captureandhold - oneshot attackowned 
-   2.2.0 - moveFormation support 
-   2.2.1 - reduced verbosity 
 
   an entry into the deployed troop table has the following attributes
   - group - the group 
@@ -55,8 +48,10 @@ cfxGroundTroops.jtacCB = {} -- jtac callbacks, to be implemented
   - signature - "cfx" to tell apart from dcs groups 
   - range = range to look for enemies. default is 300m. In "laze" orders, range to laze
   - lazeTarget - target currently lazing
-  - lazeCode - laser code. default is 1688
+  - ??lazeCode?? - laser code. default is 1688
   - moving - has been given orders to move somewhere already. used for first movement order with attack orders 
+  - code - laser code 
+  - canDrive - for spawning if CA supported
   -- reduced ups to 0.24, updating troops every 4 seconds is fast enough 
 
  
@@ -469,11 +464,13 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.trackLazer(troop)
 	end
 	
 	if not troop.lazerPointer then
+		local code = troop.code
+		if not code then code = cfxGroundTroops.laseCode end -- default
 		local there = troop.lazeTarget:getPoint()
-		troop.lazerPointer = Spot.createLaser(troop.lazingUnit,{x = 0, y = 2, z = 0}, there, cfxGroundTroops.laseCode)
+		troop.lazerPointer = Spot.createLaser(troop.lazingUnit,{x = 0, y = 2, z = 0}, there, code)
 		troop.lazeTargetType = troop.lazeTarget:getTypeName()
 		if cfxGroundTroops.jtacVerbose then 
-			trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(troop.side, troop.name .. " tally target - lasing " .. troop.lazeTargetType .. ", code " .. cfxGroundTroops.laseCode .. "!", 30)
+			trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(troop.side, troop.name .. " tally target - lasing " .. troop.lazeTargetType .. ", code " .. code .. "!", 30)
 			trigger.action.outSoundForCoalition(troop.side, cfxGroundTroops.jtacSound) -- "UI_SCI-FI_Tone_Bright_Dry_20_stereo.wav")
 		end 
 		troop.lastLazerSpot = there -- remember last spot
@@ -918,7 +915,7 @@ end
 -- createGroundTroop
 -- use this to create a cfxGroundTroops from a dcs group
 --
-function cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(inGroup, range, orders, moveFormation) 
+function cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(inGroup, range, orders, moveFormation, code, canDrive) 
 	local newTroops = {}
 	if not orders then 
 		orders = "guard" 
@@ -927,7 +924,6 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(inGroup, range, orders, moveFormatio
 	if orders:lower() == "lase" then 
 		orders = "laze" -- we use WRONG spelling here, cause we're cool. yeah, right.
 	end
---	trigger.action.outText("Enter createGT group <" .. inGroup:getName() .. "> with o=<" .. orders .. ">, mf=<" .. moveFormation .. ">", 30)
 	newTroops.insideDestination = false
 	newTroops.unscheduleCount = 0 -- will count up as we aren't scheduled
 	newTroops.speedWarning = 0
@@ -942,6 +938,10 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(inGroup, range, orders, moveFormatio
 	newTroops.signature = "cfx" -- to verify this is groundTroop group, not dcs groups
 	if not range then range = 300 end
 	newTroops.range = range
+	if not code then code = cfxGroundTroops.laseCode end 
+	newTroops.code = code 
+	newTroops.canDrive = canDrive
+--	trigger.action.outText("createGndT with code = <" .. code .. ">", 30)
 	return newTroops
 end
 

modules/heloTroops.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxHeloTroops = {}
-cfxHeloTroops.version = "4.0.0"
+cfxHeloTroops.version = "4.2.0"
 cfxHeloTroops.verbose = false 
 cfxHeloTroops.autoDrop = true 
 cfxHeloTroops.autoPickup = false 
@@ -8,28 +8,20 @@ cfxHeloTroops.requestRange = 500 -- meters
 --
 --[[--
  VERSION HISTORY
- 3.0.0 - added requestable cloner support 
-	   - harmonized spawning invocations across cloners and spawners 
-	   - dmlZones 
-	   - requestRange attribute
- 3.0.1 - fixed a bug with legalTroops attribute
- 3.0.2 - fixed a typo in in-air menu 
- 3.0.3 - pointInZone check for insertion rather than radius 
- 3.0.4 - also handles picking up troops with orders "captureandhold"
- 3.0.5 - worked around a new issues accessing a unit's name 
- 3.1.0 - compatible with DCS 2.9.6 dynamic spawning 
- 3.1.1 - deployTroopsFromHelicopter() captureandhold 
- 3.1.2 - doLoadGroup - test if group is still alive edge case handling 
- 3.1.3 - decycled structures (destination zone) on save
-       - upcycled structures (destination) on load 
-	   - loadSound and disembarkSound 
- 3.1.4 - guarding destination access in save 	  
- 3.1.5 - more guarding of destination access 
  4.0.0 - added dropZones
 	   - enforceDropZones
 	   - coalition for drop zones 
---]]--
+ 4.1.0 - troops dropped in dropZones with active autodespawn are 
+         filtered from load menu 
+	   - updated eventhandler to new events and unitLost 
+	   - timeStamp to avoid double-dipping 
+	   - auto-pickup restricted as well 
+	   - code cleanup
+ 4.2.0 - support for individual lase codes 
+       - support for drivable 
 	   
+--]]--
+cfxHeloTroops.minTime = 3 -- seconds beween tandings
 
 cfxHeloTroops.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- common is of course needed for everything
@@ -40,7 +32,7 @@ cfxHeloTroops.requiredLibs = {
 
 cfxHeloTroops.unitConfigs = {} -- all configs are stored by unit's name 
 cfxHeloTroops.troopWeight = 100 -- kg average weight per trooper 
-cfxHeloTroops.dropZones = {}
+cfxHeloTroops.dropZones = {} -- dict
 
 -- persistence support 
 cfxHeloTroops.deployedTroops = {}
@@ -70,18 +62,17 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.resetConfig(conf)
 	conf.troopsOnBoard = {} -- table with the following
 	conf.troopsOnBoard.name = "***reset***"
 	conf.dropFormation = "circle_out" -- may be chosen later?
+	conf.timeStamp = timer.getTime() -- to avoid double-dipping 
 end
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.createDefaultConfig(theUnit)
 	local conf = {}
 	cfxHeloTroops.resetConfig(conf)
-
 	conf.myMainMenu = nil -- this is where the main menu for group will be stored
 	conf.myCommands = nil -- this is where we put all teh commands in 
 	return conf 
 end
 
-
 function cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit) -- will create new config if not existing
 	if not theUnit then
 		trigger.action.outText("+++WARNING: nil unit in get config!", 30)
@@ -99,11 +90,10 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.getConfigForUnitNamed(aName)
 	return cfxHeloTroops.unitConfigs[aName]
 end
 
---
 --
 -- LANDED
 --
---
+
 function cfxHeloTroops.loadClosestGroup(conf)
 	local p = conf.unit:getPosition().p
 	local cat = Group.Category.GROUND
@@ -113,6 +103,11 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.loadClosestGroup(conf)
 	-- for now we only load troops with legal type strings 
 	unitsToLoad = cfxHeloTroops.filterTroopsByType(unitsToLoad)
 
+	-- filter all groups that are inside a dropZone with a 
+	-- positive autoDespawn attribute
+	local mySide = conf.unit:getCoalition() 
+	unitsToLoad = cfxHeloTroops.filterTroopsFromDropZones(unitsToLoad, mySide)
+	
 	-- now limit the options to the five closest legal groups
 	local numUnits = #unitsToLoad
 	if numUnits < 1 then return false end -- on false will drop through 
@@ -127,23 +122,32 @@ end
 function cfxHeloTroops.heloLanded(theUnit)
 	-- when we have landed, 
 	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, cfxHeloTroops.troopCarriers) then return end
-	
 	local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
+	-- prevent double-dipping on land and depart
+	local now = timer.getTime()
+	local diff = now - conf.timeStamp
+	if diff < cfxHeloTroops.minTime then 
+		if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++heloT-heloLanded: filtered for time restraint <" .. diff .. ">", 30)
+		end
+		return
+	end
+	if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++heloT-heloLanded: resetting timeStamp for delta <" .. diff .. ">", 30)
+	end
+	conf.timeStamp = now 
+	
 	conf.unit = theUnit
 	conf.currentState = 0
-	
+	-- auto-unload
-	-- we look if we auto-unload
 	if conf.autoDrop then 
 		if conf.troopsOnBoardNum > 0 then 
 			cfxHeloTroops.doDeployTroops({conf, "autodrop"})
-			-- already called set menu, can exit directly
+			-- doDeployTroops() invokes set menu and empties troopsOnBoard
 			return
 		end
-		-- when we get here, we have no troops to drop on board 
+		-- no troops to drop on board 
-		-- so nothing to do really except look if we can pick up troops
-		-- set menu will do that for us	
 	end
-	
 	if conf.autoPickup then 
 		if conf.troopsOnBoardNum < 1 then
 			-- load the closest group
@@ -152,49 +156,46 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.heloLanded(theUnit)
 			end
 		end		
 	end
-	
-	-- when we get here, we simply set the newest menus and are done 
 	-- reset menu 
 	cfxHeloTroops.removeComms(conf.unit)
 	cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(conf.unit)
 end
 
---
 --
 -- Helo took off
 --
---
+
 function cfxHeloTroops.heloDeparted(theUnit)
 	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, cfxHeloTroops.troopCarriers) then return end
-	
+	-- change the state to airborne, and update menus 
-	-- when we take off, all that needs to be done is to change the state 
-	-- to airborne, and then set the status flag 
 	local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
+	-- prevent double-dipping on land and depart
+	local now = timer.getTime()
+	local diff = now - conf.timeStamp
+	if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++heloT-heloDeparted: resetting timeStamp for delta <" .. diff .. ">", 30)
+	end
+	conf.timeStamp = now 
 	conf.currentState = 1 -- in the air 
-	
 	cfxHeloTroops.removeComms(conf.unit)
 	cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(conf.unit)
-	
 end
 
---
 -- 
 -- Helo Crashed 
 --
---
+
 function cfxHeloTroops.cleanHelo(theUnit)
 	-- clean up 
 	local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
 	conf.unit = theUnit 
 	conf.troopsOnBoardNum = 0 -- all dead 
 	conf.currentState = -1 -- (we don't know)
-
 	-- check if we need to interface with groupTracker 
 	if conf.troopsOnBoard.name and groupTracker then 
 		local theName = conf.troopsOnBoard.name
 		-- there was (possibly) a group on board. see if it was tracked
 		local isTracking, numTracking, trackers = groupTracker.groupNameTrackedBy(theName)
-		
 		-- if so, remove it from limbo 
 		if isTracking then 
 			for idx, theTracker in pairs(trackers) do 
@@ -215,11 +216,10 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.heloCrashed(theUnit)
 	cfxHeloTroops.cleanHelo(theUnit)
 end
 
---
 --
 -- M E N U   H A N D L I N G   &   R E S P O N S E 
 -- 
--- 
+ 
 function cfxHeloTroops.clearCommsSubmenus(conf)
 	if conf.myCommands then 
 		for i=1, #conf.myCommands do
@@ -231,7 +231,6 @@ end
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.removeCommsFromConfig(conf)
 	cfxHeloTroops.clearCommsSubmenus(conf)
-	
 	if conf.myMainMenu then 
 		missionCommands.removeItemForGroup(conf.id, conf.myMainMenu) 
 		conf.myMainMenu = nil
@@ -241,20 +240,16 @@ end
 function cfxHeloTroops.removeComms(theUnit)
 	if not theUnit then return end
 	if not theUnit:isExist() then return end 
-	
 	local group = theUnit:getGroup() 
 	local id = group:getID()
 	local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
 	conf.id = id
 	conf.unit = theUnit 
-	
 	cfxHeloTroops.removeCommsFromConfig(conf)
 end
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.addConfigMenu(conf)
-	-- we add the a menu showing current state 
+	-- we add a menu showing current configs 
-	-- and the option to change fro auto drop 
-	-- and auto pickup 
 	local onOff = "OFF"
 	if conf.autoDrop then onOff = "ON" end 
 	local theCommand =  missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(
@@ -279,10 +274,12 @@ end
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(theUnit)
 	-- compatible with DCS 2.9.6 dynamic spawns 
-	-- set F10 Other.. menu for group 
+	if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++heloT: setComms for player unit <" .. theUnit:getName() .. ">: ENTER.", 30)
+	end
+
 	if not theUnit then return end
 	if not theUnit:isExist() then return end 	
-	
 	-- we only add this menu to troop carriers 
 	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, cfxHeloTroops.troopCarriers) then
 		if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
@@ -294,19 +291,16 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(theUnit)
 	local group = theUnit:getGroup() 
 	local id = group:getID()
 	local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
+	-- set time stamp to avoid double-dipping later 
+	--conf.timeStamp = timer.getTime() -- to avoid double-dipping 
 	conf.id = id; -- we ALWAYS do this so it is current even after a crash 
 	conf.unit = theUnit -- link back
-	
+	-- if we don't have an F-10 menu, create one 
-	-- ok, first, if we don't have an F-10 menu, create one 
 	if not (conf.myMainMenu) then 
 		conf.myMainMenu = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(id, 'Airlift Troops') 
 	end
-	
+	-- clear out existing commands, add new
-	-- clear out existing commands
 	cfxHeloTroops.clearCommsSubmenus(conf)
-	
-	-- now we have a menu without submenus. 
-	-- add our own submenus
 	cfxHeloTroops.addConfigMenu(conf)
 	
 	-- now see if we are on the ground or in the air
@@ -317,22 +311,18 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(theUnit)
 			conf.currentState = 1
 		end
 	end
-	
 	if conf.currentState == 0 then 
 		cfxHeloTroops.addGroundMenu(conf)
 	else 
 		cfxHeloTroops.addAirborneMenu(conf)
 	end	
-	
 end
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.addAirborneMenu(conf)
-	-- while we are airborne, there isn't much to do except add a status menu that does nothing
+	-- while airborne, add a status menu
-	-- but we can add some instructions
-	-- let's begin by assuming no troops aboard
 	local commandTxt = "(To load troops, land in proximity to them)"
 	if conf.troopsOnBoardNum > 0 then 
-		commandTxt = "(You are carrying " .. conf.troopsOnBoardNum .. " Assault Troops. Land to deploy them)"
+		commandTxt = "(You are carrying " .. conf.troopsOnBoardNum .. " Infantry. Land to deploy them)"
 	end
 	local theCommand =  missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(
 				conf.id, 
@@ -345,15 +335,21 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.addAirborneMenu(conf)
 end
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.redirectNoAction(args)
-	-- actually, we do not redirect since there is nothing to do
+	-- we do not redirect since there is nothing to do
 end
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.addGroundMenu(conf)
-	-- this is the most complex menu. Player can deploy troops when loaded
+	-- Player can deploy troops when loaded
-	-- and load troops when they are in proximity
+	-- or load troops when they are in proximity
+	if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++heloT: ENTER addGroundMenu for unit <" .. conf.unit:getName() .. "> with <" .. conf.troopsOnBoardNum .. "> troops on board", 30)
+	end 
 	
 	-- case 1: troops aboard 
 	if conf.troopsOnBoardNum > 0 then 
+		if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++heloT: unit <" .. conf.unit:getName() .. "> has <" .. conf.troopsOnBoardNum .. "> troops on board", 30)
+		end 
 		local theCommand =  missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(
 				conf.id, 
 				"Deploy Team <" .. conf.troopsOnBoard.name .. ">",
@@ -362,10 +358,10 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.addGroundMenu(conf)
 				{conf, "deploy"}
 				)
 		table.insert(conf.myCommands, theCommand)
-		return
+		return -- no loading
 	end
 	
-	-- case 2A: no troops aboard, and requestable spawners/cloners in range 
+	-- case 2A: no troops aboard. requestable spawners/cloners in range? 
 	local p = conf.unit:getPosition().p
 	local mySide = conf.unit:getCoalition() 
 
@@ -385,10 +381,12 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.addGroundMenu(conf)
 				if cfxHeloTroops.legalTroops then 
 					if not dcsCommon.arrayContainsString(cfxHeloTroops.legalTroops, aType) then 
 						allLegal = false 
+--						trigger.action.outText("spawner <" .. aSpawner.name .. ">: troop type <" .. aType .. "> is illegal", 30)
 					end
 				else 
 					if not dcsCommon.typeIsInfantry(aType) then 
 						allLegal = false 
+--						trigger.action.outText("spawner <" .. aSpawner.name .. ">: troop type <" .. aType .. "> is not infantry", 30)
 					end
 				end
 			end
@@ -431,11 +429,10 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.addGroundMenu(conf)
 	local numSpawners = #availableSpawners
 	if numSpawners > 5 then numSpawners = 5 end 
 	while numSpawners > 0 do
-		-- for each spawner in range, create a 
+		-- for each spawner in range, create a menu item
-		-- spawn menu item
 		local spawner = availableSpawners[numSpawners]
 		local theName = spawner.baseName 
-		local comm = "Request <" .. theName .. "> troops for transport" -- .. math.floor(aTeam.dist) .. "m away"
+		local comm = "Request <" .. theName .. "> troops for transport"
 		local theCommand =  missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(
 			conf.id, 
 			comm,
@@ -447,18 +444,20 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.addGroundMenu(conf)
 		numSpawners = numSpawners - 1
 	end
 	
-	-- case 2B: no troops aboard. see if there are troops around 
+	-- Collect troops in range that we can load up 
-	-- that we can load up 
-	
 	local cat = Group.Category.GROUND
 	local unitsToLoad = dcsCommon.getLivingGroupsAndDistInRangeToPoint(p, conf.pickupRange, conf.unit:getCoalition(), cat) 
 	
-	-- now, the groups may contain units that are not for transport.
+	-- the groups may contain units that are not for transport.
 	-- later we can filter this by weight, or other cool stuff
 	-- for now we simply only troopy with legal type strings 
 	-- TODO: add weight filtering 
 	unitsToLoad = cfxHeloTroops.filterTroopsByType(unitsToLoad)
 
+	-- filter all groups that are inside a dropZone with a 
+	-- positive autoDespawn attribute
+	unitsToLoad = cfxHeloTroops.filterTroopsFromDropZones(unitsToLoad, mySide)
+	
 	-- now limit the options to the five closest legal groups
 	local numUnits = #unitsToLoad
 	if numUnits > 5 then numUnits = 5 end
@@ -480,7 +479,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.addGroundMenu(conf)
 		local dist = aTeam.dist 
 		local group = aTeam.group 
 		local tNum = group:getSize()
-		local comm = "Load <" .. group:getName() .. "> " .. tNum .. " Members" -- .. math.floor(aTeam.dist) .. "m away"
+		local comm = "Load <" .. group:getName() .. "> " .. tNum .. " Members" 
 		local theCommand =  missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(
 				conf.id, 
 				comm,
@@ -530,10 +529,38 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.filterTroopsByType(unitsToLoad)
 	return filteredGroups
 end
 
+function cfxHeloTroops.filterTroopsFromDropZones(allTroops, mySide)
+	-- quick-out: no dropZones 
+	if dcsCommon.getSizeOfTable(cfxHeloTroops.dropZones) < 1 then return allTroops end
+	local filtered = {}
+	for idx, theTeam in pairs(allTroops) do 
+		-- theTeam is a table {group, dist}
+		local theGroup = theTeam.group 
+		local firstUnit = theGroup:getUnit(1)
+		local include = true 
+		if firstUnit and Unit.isExist(firstUnit) then 
+			local p = firstUnit:getPoint()
+			for idy, theZone in pairs(cfxHeloTroops.dropZones) do 
+				if theZone.autoDespawn > 0 and 
+				(theZone:getCoalition() == 0 or theZone:getCoalition() == mySide) 
+				then 
+					-- see if the unit is inside this zone 
+					if theZone:isPointInsideZone(p) then 
+						include = false -- filter out 
+						if theZone.verbose then 
+							trigger.action.outText("+++helo: filtered group <" .. theGroup:getName() .. "> from 'load' menu. Reason: autoDespawn active in deploy zone <" .. theZone.name .. ">", 30)
+						end 
+					end
+				end
+			end
+		end
+		if include then table.insert(filtered, theTeam) end 
+	end
+	return filtered 
+end 
 --
 -- T O G G L E S 
 --
-
 function cfxHeloTroops.redirectToggleConfig(args)
 	timer.scheduleFunction(cfxHeloTroops.doToggleConfig, args, timer.getTime() + 0.1)
 end
@@ -555,13 +582,10 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doToggleConfig(args)
 		else
 			trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "Troops will now board only after being ordered to do so", 30)
 		end
-		
 	end
-	
 	cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(conf.unit)
 end
 
-
 --
 -- Deploying Troops
 --
@@ -571,14 +595,13 @@ end
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.scoreWhenCapturing(theUnit)
 	if theUnit and Unit.isExist(theUnit) and theUnit.getPlayerName then 
-		-- see if wer are inside a non-alinged zone
+		-- see if we are inside a non-alinged zone (incl. neutral)
-		-- and this includes a neutral zone 
 		local coa = theUnit:getCoalition()
 		local p = theUnit:getPoint()
 		local theGroup = theUnit:getGroup()
 		local ID = theGroup:getID()
 		local nearestZone, dist = cfxOwnedZones.getNearestOwnedZoneToPoint(p)
-		if nearestZone and nearestZone:pointInZone(p) then -- dist < nearestZone.radius then 
+		if nearestZone and nearestZone:pointInZone(p) then  
 			-- we are inside an owned zone!
 			if nearestZone.owner ~= coa then 
 				-- yup, combat drop!
@@ -615,7 +638,6 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doDeployTroops(args)
 	
 	-- deploy the troops I have on board
 	cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
-	
 	-- interface with playerscore if we dropped 
 	-- inside an enemy-owned zone 
 	if cfxPlayerScore and cfxOwnedZones then 
@@ -627,7 +649,10 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doDeployTroops(args)
 	conf.troopsOnBoardNum = 0
 	conf.troopsOnBoard = {}
 	conf.troopsOnBoard.name = "***wasdeployed***"
-	
+	cfxHeloTroops.unitConfigs[theUnit:getName()] = conf -- forced write-back (strange...)
+	if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++heloT: doDeployTroops unit <" .. conf.unit:getName() .. "> reset to <" .. conf.troopsOnBoardNum .. "> troops on board", 30)
+	end 
 	-- reset menu 
 	cfxHeloTroops.removeComms(conf.unit)
 	cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(conf.unit)
@@ -635,15 +660,13 @@ end
 
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
--- we have troops, drop them now
 	local unitTypes = {} -- build type names
 	local theUnit = conf.unit 
 	local p = theUnit:getPoint() 
-		
 	-- split the conf.troopsOnBoardTypes into an array of types
 	unitTypes = dcsCommon.splitString(conf.troopsOnBoard.types, ",")
 	if #unitTypes < 1 then 
-		table.insert(unitTypes, "Soldier M4") -- make it one m4 trooper as fallback
+		table.insert(unitTypes, "Soldier M4") -- fallback
 	end
 	
 	local range = conf.troopsOnBoard.range
@@ -651,6 +674,8 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 	local dest = conf.troopsOnBoard.destination
 	local theName = conf.troopsOnBoard.name 
 	local moveFormation = conf.troopsOnBoard.moveFormation 
+	local code = conf.troopsOnBoard.code 
+	local canDrive = conf.troopsOnBoard.canDrive 
 	
 	if not orders then orders = "guard" end
 	orders = string.lower(orders) 
@@ -671,7 +696,9 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 				chopperZone, 											
 				unitTypes, 												
 				conf.dropFormation,
-				90)
+				90,
+				nil, -- liveries not yet supported 
+				canDrive)
 	-- persistence management 
 	local troopData = {}
 	troopData.groupData = theData
@@ -681,7 +708,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 	troopData.destination = dest -- only for attackzone orders 
 	cfxHeloTroops.deployedTroops[theData.name] = troopData 
 	
-	local troop = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup, range, orders, moveFormation) 
+	local troop = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup, range, orders, moveFormation, code, canDrive) 
 	if orders == "captureandhold" then 
 		-- we get the target zone NOW!!! before we flip the zone and 
 		-- and make them run to the wrong zone 
@@ -698,8 +725,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 	cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(troop) -- will schedule move orders
 	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "<" .. theGroup:getName() .. "> have deployed to the ground with orders " .. orders .. "!", 30)
 	trigger.action.outSoundForGroup(conf.id, cfxHeloTroops.disembarkSound) 
-	-- see if this is tracked by a tracker, and pass them back so 
+	-- if tracked by a tracker, and pass them back for un-limbo 
-	-- they can un-limbo 
 	if groupTracker then 
 		local isTracking, numTracking, trackers = groupTracker.groupNameTrackedBy(theName)
 		if isTracking then 
@@ -712,7 +738,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 		end
 	end
 	
-	-- bang on all dropZones that we can find 
+	-- bang on dropZones
 	for name, theZone in pairs(cfxHeloTroops.dropZones) do 
 		-- can employ coalition test here as well, maybe later? 
 		if theZone:isPointInsideZone(p) then 
@@ -766,9 +792,9 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doLoadGroup(args)
 	conf.troopsOnBoard.name = gName
 	-- and put it all into the helicopter config 
 	
-	-- now we need to destroy the group. Let's prepare:
+	-- destroy the group:
 	-- if it was tracked, tell tracker to move it to limbo 
-	-- to remember it even if it's destroyed 
+	-- to remember it 
 	if groupTracker then
 		-- only if groupTracker is active
 		local isTracking, numTracking, trackers = groupTracker.groupTrackedBy(group)
@@ -786,7 +812,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doLoadGroup(args)
 	-- then, remove it from the pool
 	local pooledGroup = cfxGroundTroops.getGroundTroopsForGroup(group)
 	if pooledGroup then 
-		-- copy some important info from the troops 
+		-- copy important info from the troops 
 		-- if they are set 
 		conf.troopsOnBoard.orders = pooledGroup.orders
 		conf.troopsOnBoard.range = pooledGroup.range
@@ -795,29 +821,26 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doLoadGroup(args)
 		if pooledGroup.orders and pooledGroup.orders == "captureandhold" then 
 			conf.troopsOnBoard.destination = nil -- forget last destination so they can be helo-redeployed
 		end 
+		conf.troopsOnBoard.code = pooledGroup.code 
+		conf.troopsOnBoard.canDrive = pooledGroup.canDrive 
+		
 		cfxGroundTroops.removeTroopsFromPool(pooledGroup)
 		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "Team '".. conf.troopsOnBoard.name .."' loaded and has orders <" .. conf.troopsOnBoard.orders .. ">", 30)
---		trigger.action.outText("and mf = <" .. conf.troopsOnBoard.moveFormation .. ">", 30)
-		--trigger.action.outSoundForGroup(conf.id, cfxHeloTroops.actionSound) --  "Quest Snare 3.wav")
 	else 
 		if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
 			trigger.action.outText("+++heloT: ".. conf.troopsOnBoard.name .." was not committed to ground troops", 30)
 		end
 	end
 		
-	-- now simply destroy the group
-	-- we'll re-assemble it when we deploy it 
 	-- TODO: add weight changing code 
 	-- TODO: ensure compatibility with CSAR module
 	group:destroy()	
-	
 	-- now immediately run a GC so this group is removed 
 	-- from any save data
 	cfxHeloTroops.GC()
-	
 	-- say so 
 	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "Team '".. conf.troopsOnBoard.name .."' aboard, ready to go!", 30)
-	trigger.action.outSoundForGroup(conf.id, cfxHeloTroops.loadSound) --  "Quest Snare 3.wav")
+	trigger.action.outSoundForGroup(conf.id, cfxHeloTroops.loadSound)
 
 	-- reset menu 
 	cfxHeloTroops.removeComms(conf.unit)
@@ -840,9 +863,8 @@ end
 function cfxHeloTroops.doSpawnGroup(args)
 	local conf = args[1]
 	local theSpawner = args[2]
-	-- NOTE: theSpawner can be of type cfxSpawnZone !!!OR!!! cfxCloneZones
+	-- theSpawner can be of type cfxSpawnZone !!!OR!!! cfxCloneZones
-	-- make sure cooldown on spawner has timed out, else 
+	-- make sure cooldown on spawner has timed out, else notify that you have to wait 
-	-- notify that you have to wait 
 	local now = timer.getTime()
 	if now < (theSpawner.lastSpawnTimeStamp + theSpawner.cooldown) then 
 		local delta = math.floor(theSpawner.lastSpawnTimeStamp + theSpawner.cooldown - now)
@@ -850,15 +872,13 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doSpawnGroup(args)
 		return 
 	end
 	
-	--cfxSpawnZones.spawnWithSpawner(theSpawner) -- old code 
+	theSpawner.spawnWithSpawner(theSpawner) -- can be both spawner and cloner (Lua "polymorphism"
-	theSpawner.spawnWithSpawner(theSpawner) -- can be both spawner and cloner 
 	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "Deploying <" .. theSpawner.baseName .. "> now...", 30)
 	
 	-- reset all comms so we can include new troops 
 	-- into load menu 
 	timer.scheduleFunction(cfxHeloTroops.delayedCommsResetForUnit, {conf.unit, "ignore"}, now + 1.0)
 end
-
 -- 
 -- handle events 
 -- 
@@ -872,24 +892,20 @@ function cfxHeloTroops:onEvent(theEvent)
 	if not theUnit:getPlayerName() then return end -- not a player 
 	local name = theUnit:getName() -- moved to a later 
 		
-	-- only for helicopters -- overridedden by troop carriers
+	-- only for troop carriers (not just helos any more)
-	-- we don't check for cat any more, so any airframe 
-	-- can be used as long as it's ok with isTroopCarrier()
-	
-	-- only for troop carriers
 	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, cfxHeloTroops.troopCarriers) then 
 		return 
 	end
 	
-	if theID == 4 then -- land 
+	if theID == 4 or theID == 55 then -- land 
 		cfxHeloTroops.heloLanded(theUnit)
 	end
 	
-	if theID == 3 then -- take off 
+	if theID == 3 or theID == 54 then -- take off 
 		cfxHeloTroops.heloDeparted(theUnit)
 	end
 	
-	if theID == 5 then -- crash
+	if theID == 5 or theID == 30 then -- crash or unitLost
 		cfxHeloTroops.heloCrashed(theUnit)
 	end
 	
@@ -1030,6 +1046,18 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.loadData()
 		local cty = gData.cty 
 		local cat = gData.cat  
 		local dest = nil 
+		local code = gdTroop.code 
+		local canDrive = gdTroop.canDrive
+		local formation = gdTroop.moveFormation
+		local code = gdTroop.code 
+		local canDrive = gdTroop.canDrive
+		
+		if canDrive then -- restore canDrive to all units 
+			local units = gData.units 
+			for idx, theUnit in pairs(units) do 
+				theUnit.playerCanDrive = drivable
+			end
+		end 
 		
 		-- synch destination from name to real zone 
 		if gdTroop.destination then 
@@ -1045,7 +1073,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.loadData()
 		-- post-proccing for cfxGroundTroops
 
 		-- add to groundTroops 
-		local newTroops = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup, range, orders) 
+		local newTroops = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup, range, orders, moveFormation, code, canDrive) 
 		newTroops.destination = dest 
 		cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(newTroops)
 	end

modules/jtacGrpUI.lua

@@ -1,26 +1,25 @@
 jtacGrpUI = {}
-jtacGrpUI.version = "3.1.0"
+jtacGrpUI.version = "4.0.0"
 jtacGrpUI.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- always
 	"cfxZones", 
 	"cfxGroundTroops", 
 }
 --[[-- VERSION HISTORY
- - 2.0.0 - dmlZones 
-         - sanity checks upon load 
-		 - eliminated cfxPlayer dependence 
-		 - clean-up 
-		 - jtacSound 
    3.0.0 - support for attachTo: 
-   3.1.0 - support for DCS 2.0.6 dynamic player spwans 
+   3.1.0 - support for DCS 2.9.6 jul-11 2024 dynamic player spwans 
-   
+   3.2.0 - better guarding access to ownedZones in collectJTACtargets()
+   4.0.0 - added support for twn when present 
+		 - made report more clear that all pos are requestor-relative 
+		 - support for CA (event 20 (enter unit) on ground vehicle)
+		 - report now supports wildcards
+		 - reports inm two parts: why and what 
+		 - "no target" for right side when no "what"
+		 - comms mechanic simplification 
+		 - lase code from spawner support via ground troops 
 --]]--
--- find & command cfxGroundTroops-based jtacs
--- UI installed via OTHER for all groups with players
--- module based on xxxGrpUI
  
 jtacGrpUI.groupConfig = {} -- all inited group private config data, indexed by group name. 
-jtacGrpUI.simpleCommands = true -- if true, f10 other invokes directly
 
 function jtacGrpUI.resetConfig(conf)
 end
@@ -43,8 +42,7 @@ function jtacGrpUI.createDefaultConfig(theGroup)
 	return conf
 end
 
--- getConfigFor group will allocate if doesn't exist in DB
+-- lazy init: allocate if doesn't exist in DB
--- and add to it
 function jtacGrpUI.getConfigForGroup(theGroup)
 	if not theGroup or (not Group.isExist(theGroup))then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++WARNING: jtacGrpUI nil group in getConfigForGroup!", 30)
@@ -65,8 +63,7 @@ function jtacGrpUI.getConfigByGroupName(theName) -- DOES NOT allocate when not e
 end
 
 
-function jtacGrpUI.getConfigForUnit(theUnit)
+function jtacGrpUI.getConfigForUnit(theUnit) -- lazy alloc
-	-- simple one-off step by accessing the group 
 	if not theUnit then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++WARNING: jtacGrpUI nil unit in getConfigForUnit!", 30)
 		return nil 
@@ -90,29 +87,12 @@ end
 
 function jtacGrpUI.removeCommsFromConfig(conf)
 	jtacGrpUI.clearCommsSubmenus(conf)
-	
 	if conf.myMainMenu then 
 		missionCommands.removeItemForGroup(conf.id, conf.myMainMenu) 
 		conf.myMainMenu = nil
 	end
 end
 
--- this only works in single-unit player groups. 
-function jtacGrpUI.removeCommsForUnit(theUnit)
-	if not theUnit then return end
-	if not theUnit:isExist() then return end 	
-	-- perhaps add code: check if group is empty
-	local conf = jtacGrpUI.getConfigForUnit(theUnit)
-	jtacGrpUI.removeCommsFromConfig(conf)
-end
-
-function jtacGrpUI.removeCommsForGroup(theGroup)
-	if not theGroup then return end
-	if not theGroup:isExist() then return end 	
-	local conf = jtacGrpUI.getConfigForGroup(theGroup)
-	jtacGrpUI.removeCommsFromConfig(conf)
-end
-
 function jtacGrpUI.isEligibleForMenu(theGroup)
 	if jtacGrpUI.jtacTypes == "all" or 
 	   jtacGrpUI.jtacTypes == "any" then return true end 
@@ -124,71 +104,32 @@ function jtacGrpUI.isEligibleForMenu(theGroup)
 		local cat = theGroup:getCategory()
 		return cat == 0
 	end
+	-- note: no option for ground troops now
 	if jtacGrpUI.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++jGUI: unknown jtacTypes <" .. jtacGrpUI.jtacTypes .. "> -- allowing access to group <" .. theGroup:getName() ..">", 30)
 	end 
 	return true -- for later expansion 
 end
 
-function jtacGrpUI.setCommsMenuForUnit(theUnit)
-	if not theUnit then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++WARNING: jtacGrpUI nil UNIT in setCommsMenuForUnit!", 30)
-		return
-	end
-	if not theUnit:isExist() then return end 
-	
-	local theGroup = theUnit:getGroup()
-	jtacGrpUI.setCommsMenu(theGroup)
-end
-
 function jtacGrpUI.setCommsMenu(theGroup)
 	if not theGroup then return end
 	if not Group.isExist(theGroup) then return end 
 	if not jtacGrpUI.isEligibleForMenu(theGroup) then return end
-	
 	local mainMenu = nil 
 	if jtacGrpUI.mainMenu then 
-		mainMenu = radioMenu.getMainMenuFor(jtacGrpUI.mainMenu) -- nilling both next params will return menus[0]
+		mainMenu = radioMenu.getMainMenuFor(jtacGrpUI.mainMenu) 
 	end 
 	
 	local conf = jtacGrpUI.getConfigForGroup(theGroup) 
 	conf.id = theGroup:getID(); -- we always do this
-	
+	local commandTxt = jtacGrpUI.menuName -- "jtac Lasing Report"
-	if jtacGrpUI.simpleCommands then 
+	local theCommand =  missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.id, commandTxt, mainMenu, jtacGrpUI.redirectCommandX, {conf, "lasing report"})
-		-- we install directly in F-10 other 
-		if not conf.myMainMenu then 
-			local commandTxt = "jtac Lasing Report"
-			local theCommand =  missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(
-				conf.id, commandTxt, mainMenu, jtacGrpUI.redirectCommandX, {conf, "lasing report"})
 	conf.myMainMenu = theCommand
-		end
-		
-		return 
-	end
-		
-	-- ok, first, if we don't have an F-10 menu, create one 
-	if not (conf.myMainMenu) then 
-		conf.myMainMenu = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(conf.id, 'jtac', mainMenu) 
-	end
-	
-	-- clear out existing commands
-	jtacGrpUI.clearCommsSubmenus(conf)
-	
-	-- now we have a menu without submenus. 
-	-- add our own submenus
-	jtacGrpUI.addSubMenus(conf)
-	
 end
 
 function jtacGrpUI.addSubMenus(conf)
 	local commandTxt = "jtac Lasing Report"
-	local theCommand =  missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(
+	local theCommand =  missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.id, commandTxt, conf.myMainMenu, jtacGrpUI.redirectCommandX, {conf, "lasing report"})
-				conf.id, 
-				commandTxt,
-				conf.myMainMenu,
-				jtacGrpUI.redirectCommandX, 
-				{conf, "lasing report"}
-				)
 	table.insert(conf.myCommands, theCommand)
 end
 
@@ -197,8 +138,8 @@ function jtacGrpUI.redirectCommandX(args)
 end
 
 function jtacGrpUI.doCommandX(args)
-	local conf = args[1] -- < conf in here
+	local conf = args[1] -- conf
-	local what = args[2] -- < second argument in here
+	local what = args[2] -- "xyz" -- not used here
 	local theGroup = conf.theGroup
 	local targetList = jtacGrpUI.collectJTACtargets(conf, true)
 	-- iterate the list
@@ -207,14 +148,33 @@ function jtacGrpUI.doCommandX(args)
 		trigger.action.outSoundForGroup(conf.id, jtacGrpUI.jtacSound)
 		return 
 	end
+	local here = dcsCommon.getGroupLocation(conf.theGroup) -- pos of pilot!
 	
-	local desc = "JTAC Target Report:\n"
+	local desc = "JTAC Target Report:\nTargets being laser-designated for " .. conf.name .. ":\n"
 	for i=1, #targetList do 
 		local aTarget = targetList[i]
-		if aTarget.idle then 
+		local theUnit = aTarget.source -- lazing unit 
-			desc = desc .. "\n" .. aTarget.jtacName .. aTarget.posInfo ..": no target"
+		local code = aTarget.code 
+		if not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then 
+			desc = desc .. "\n" .. aTarget.jtacName .. ": lost contact."
+		elseif aTarget.idle then 
+			local lWho = jtacGrpUI.who
+			lWho = dcsCommon.processStringWildcardsForUnit(lWho, theUnit)
+			local there = theUnit:getPoint()
+			lWho = dcsCommon.processAtoBWildCards(lWho, here, there)
+			lWho = lWho:gsub("<code>", code)
+			desc = desc .. "\n" .. lWho ..": no target"
 		else 
-			desc = desc .. "\n" .. aTarget.jtacName .. aTarget.posInfo .." lasing " .. aTarget.lazeTargetType .. " [" .. aTarget.range .. "nm at " .. aTarget.bearing .. "°]," .. " code=" .. cfxGroundTroops.laseCode 
+			local lWho = dcsCommon.processStringWildcardsForUnit(jtacGrpUI.who, theUnit)
+			local there = theUnit:getPoint()
+			lWho = dcsCommon.processAtoBWildCards(lWho, here, there)
+			lWho = lWho:gsub("<code>", code)
+			local lWhat = dcsCommon.processStringWildcardsForUnit(jtacGrpUI.what, aTarget.lazeTarget) -- does unit type 
+			there = aTarget.lazeTarget:getPoint()
+			lWhat = dcsCommon.processTimeLocWildCards(lWhat, there)
+			lWhat = dcsCommon.processAtoBWildCards(lWhat, here, there)
+			lWhat = lWhat:gsub("<code>", code)
+			desc = desc .. "\n" .. lWho .. lWhat 
 		end 
 	end
 	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, desc .. "\n", 30)
@@ -226,7 +186,6 @@ function jtacGrpUI.collectJTACtargets(conf, includeIdle)
 	-- troops that are lazing. 'Lazing' are all groups that 
 	-- have an active (non-nil) lazeTarget and 'laze' orders
 	if not includeIdle then includeIdle = false end 
-	
 	local theJTACS = {}
 	for idx, troop in pairs(cfxGroundTroops.deployedTroops) do 
 		if troop.coalition == conf.coalition
@@ -252,31 +211,20 @@ function jtacGrpUI.collectJTACtargets(conf, includeIdle)
 	for idx, troop in pairs (theJTACS) do
 		local aTarget = {}
 		-- establish our location 
-		aTarget.jtacName = troop.name 
+		aTarget.jtacName = troop.name -- group name 
-		aTarget.posInfo = ""
+		aTarget.code = troop.code 
-		if cfxOwnedZones and cfxOwnedZones.hasOwnedZones() then 
+		aTarget.source = dcsCommon.getFirstLivingUnit(troop.group)
-			local jtacLoc = dcsCommon.getGroupLocation(troop.group)
-			local nearestZone = cfxOwnedZones.getNearestOwnedZoneToPoint(jtacLoc)
-			if nearestZone then 
-				local ozRange = dcsCommon.dist(jtacLoc, nearestZone.point) * 0.000621371 -- meters to nm 
-				ozRange = math.floor(ozRange * 10) / 10
-				local relPos = dcsCommon.compassPositionOfARelativeToB(jtacLoc, nearestZone.point)
-				aTarget.posInfo = " (" .. ozRange .. "nm " .. relPos .. " of " .. nearestZone.name .. ")"
-			end
-		end
 		-- we may get idlers, catch them now 
 		if not troop.lazeTarget then 
 			aTarget.idle = true
 			aTarget.range = math.huge
 		else 
-			-- get the target we are lazing 
+			-- proc target 
 			local there = troop.lazeTarget:getPoint()
 			aTarget.idle = false
-			aTarget.range = dcsCommon.dist(here, there)
+			aTarget.range = dcsCommon.dist(here, there) * 0.000621371 -- meter to miles 
-			aTarget.range = aTarget.range * 0.000621371 -- meter to miles 
 			aTarget.range = math.floor(aTarget.range * 10) / 10
-			aTarget.bearing = dcsCommon.bearingInDegreesFromAtoB(here, there)
+			aTarget.lazeTarget = troop.lazeTarget
-			aTarget.lazeTargetType = troop.lazeTargetType
 		end
 		table.insert(targetList, aTarget)
 	end
@@ -289,7 +237,7 @@ function jtacGrpUI.collectJTACtargets(conf, includeIdle)
 end
 
 --
--- event handler - simplified, only for player birth
+-- event handler
 --
 function jtacGrpUI:onEvent(theEvent)
 	if not theEvent then return end 
@@ -315,12 +263,29 @@ function jtacGrpUI:onEvent(theEvent)
 			jtacGrpUI.removeCommsFromConfig(conf) -- remove menus 
 			jtacGrpUI.resetConfig(conf) -- re-init this group for when it re-appears
 		end 
-		
 		jtacGrpUI.setCommsMenu(theGroup)
 	end 
+	-- maybe collapse event 15 into 20?
+	if id == 20 then -- CA player enter event???
+		local theGroup = theUnit:getGroup()
+		if not theGroup then return end 
+		local gName = theGroup:getName()
+		if not gName then return end 
+		local cat = theGroup:getCategory()
+		if cat == 2 then -- ground! we are in a CA unit!
+			local pName = theUnit:getPlayerName()
+			if jtacGrpUI.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++jGUI: CA player unit take-over. installing JTAC for <" .. pName .. "> on unit <" .. uName .. ">", 30)
+			end 
+			local conf = jtacGrpUI.getConfigByGroupName(gName)		
+			if conf then 
+				jtacGrpUI.removeCommsFromConfig(conf) -- remove menus 
+				jtacGrpUI.resetConfig(conf) -- re-init this group for when it re-appears
+			end 
+			jtacGrpUI.setCommsMenu(theGroup)
+		end
+	end 
 end
-
-
 --
 -- Start 
 --
@@ -335,6 +300,7 @@ function jtacGrpUI.readConfigZone()
 	jtacGrpUI.jtacTypes = string.lower(jtacGrpUI.jtacTypes)
 	
 	jtacGrpUI.jtacSound = theZone:getStringFromZoneProperty("jtacSound", "UI_SCI-FI_Tone_Bright_Dry_20_stereo.wav")
+	jtacGrpUI.menuName = theZone:getStringFromZoneProperty("menuName", "jtac Lasing Report")
 
 	if theZone:hasProperty("attachTo:") then 
 		local attachTo = theZone:getStringFromZoneProperty("attachTo:", "<none>")
@@ -350,6 +316,9 @@ function jtacGrpUI.readConfigZone()
 		end 
 	end
 
+	jtacGrpUI.who = theZone:getStringFromZoneProperty("who", "<g><twnnm>")
+	--jtacGrpUI.what = theZone:getStringFromZoneProperty("what", " - lasing <typ> [<lat>:<lon>], code=<code>")
+	jtacGrpUI.what = theZone:getStringFromZoneProperty("what", " - lasing <typ> [<rngnm>nm, bearing <bea>°], code=<code>")
 	jtacGrpUI.verbose = theZone.verbose 
 
 end
@@ -362,15 +331,7 @@ function jtacGrpUI.start()
 	if not dcsCommon.libCheck("cfx jtac GUI", jtacGrpUI.requiredLibs) then
 		return false 
 	end
-	
 	jtacGrpUI.readConfigZone()
-	
-	local allPlayerUnits = dcsCommon.getAllExistingPlayerUnitsRaw()
-	for unitName, theUnit in pairs(allPlayerUnits) do 
-		jtacGrpUI.setCommsMenuForUnit(theUnit)
-	end
-	
-	-- now install event handler
 	world.addEventHandler(jtacGrpUI)
 	trigger.action.outText("cf/x jtacGrpUI v" .. jtacGrpUI.version .. " started", 30)
 	return true 
@@ -381,9 +342,3 @@ if not jtacGrpUI.start() then
 	trigger.action.outText("JTAC GUI failed to start up.", 30)
 	jtacGrpUI = nil 
 end
-
---[[--
-	TODO:
-		callback into GroundTroops lazing
-		what is 'simpleCommand' really for? remove or refine 
---]]--

modules/ownedZones.lua

@@ -607,7 +607,7 @@ end
 
 -- getting closest owned zones etc
 -- required for groundTroops and factory attackers 
--- methods provided only for other modules (e.g. cfxGroundTroops or 
+-- methods provided only for other modules (e.g. cfxGroundTroops, jtacGrpGUI or 
 -- factoryZone 
 --
 
@@ -658,7 +658,7 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.collectZones(mode)
 	end
 end 
 
--- getNearestOwnedZoneToPoint invoked by heloTroops
+-- getNearestOwnedZoneToPoint invoked by heloTroops and jtacGUI
 function cfxOwnedZones.getNearestOwnedZoneToPoint(p)
 	local allZones = cfxOwnedZones.collectZones()
 	return cfxZones.getClosestZone(p, allZones)

modules/spawnZones.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxSpawnZones = {}
-cfxSpawnZones.version = "2.2.0"
+cfxSpawnZones.version = "3.0.0"
 cfxSpawnZones.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- common is of course needed for everything
 	             -- pretty stupid to check for this since we 
@@ -18,20 +18,12 @@ cfxSpawnZones.spawnedGroups = {}
 
 --
 -- Zones that conform with this requirements spawn toops automatically
---   *** DOES NOT EXTEND ZONES *** LINKED OWNER via masterOwner ***
+--   *** DOES !NOT! EXTEND ZONES *** LINKED OWNER via masterOwner ***
 -- 
 --[[--
 -- version history 
-   2.0.0 - dmlZones
+   3.0.0 - supports zone-individual laser code for "lase" orders 
-		 - moved "types" to spawner 
+		 - drivable attribute passed to groundTroops 
-		 - baseName defaults to zone name, as it is safe for naming
-         - spawnWithSpawner direct link in spawner to spawnZones
-   2.0.1 - fix in verifySpawnOwnership() when not master zone found 
-   2.0.2 - new "moveFormation" attribute 
-   2.0.3 - corrected type in spawnUnits? attribute 
-   2.1.0 - masterOwner update for dmlZones. 
-		   since spawners don't extend zones, this is still old-school 
-   2.2.0 - "drivable" spawner attribute
    
   --]]--
   
@@ -176,6 +168,12 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.createSpawner(inZone)
 		end
 	end 
 	
+	if inZone:hasProperty("code") then -- lase code
+		theSpawner.code = inZone:getNumberFromZoneProperty("code", 1688)
+	elseif inZone:hasProperty("lcode") then -- lase code
+		theSpawner.code = inZone:getNumberFromZoneProperty("lcode", 1688)
+	end 
+	
 	if cfxSpawnZones.verbose or inZone.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++spwn: created spawner for <" .. inZone.name .. ">", 30)
 	end	
@@ -212,14 +210,19 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.getRequestableSpawnersInRange(aPoint, aRange, aSide)
 	for aZone, aSpawner in pairs(cfxSpawnZones.allSpawners) do 
 		-- iterate all zones and collect those that match 
 		local hasMatch = true 
+		local reasons = ""
 		local delta = dcsCommon.distFlat(aPoint, cfxZones.getPoint(aZone))
-		if delta>aRange then hasMatch = false end 
+		if delta>aRange then 
+			hasMatch = false
+--			reasons = reasons .. "[distance " .. math.floor(delta) .. "]
+		end 
 		if aSide ~= 0 then 
 			-- check if side is correct for owned zone 
 			if not cfxSpawnZones.verifySpawnOwnership(aSpawner) then 
 				-- failed ownership test. owner of master 
 				-- is not my own zone 
 				hasMatch = false 
+--				reasons = reasons .. "[sawnOwnership] "
 			end
 		end
 		
@@ -227,6 +230,7 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.getRequestableSpawnersInRange(aPoint, aRange, aSide)
 			-- only return spawners with this side
 			-- note: this will NOT work with neutral players 
 			hasMatch = false 
+--			reasons = reasons .. "[rawOwner] "
 		end
 		
 		if not aSpawner.requestable then 
@@ -235,6 +239,9 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.getRequestableSpawnersInRange(aPoint, aRange, aSide)
 		
 		if hasMatch then 
 			table.insert(theSpawners, aSpawner)
+--			trigger.action.outText("+++Spwn: ELIGIBLE spawner <" .. aSpawner.name .. ">", 30)
+--		else 
+--			trigger.action.outText("+++Spwn: spawner <" .. aSpawner.name .. "> not eligible because " .. reasons, 30)
 		end
 	end
 	
@@ -327,6 +334,9 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.spawnWithSpawner(aSpawner)
 	troopData.target = aSpawner.target -- can be nil!
 	troopData.tracker = theZone.trackWith -- taken from ZONE!!, can be nil
 	troopData.range = aSpawner.range
+	troopData.code = aSpawner.code 
+	troopData.drivable = aSpawner.drivable 
+	
 	cfxSpawnZones.spawnedGroups[theData.name] = troopData 
 	
 	-- remember: orders are always lower case only 
@@ -345,7 +355,7 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.spawnWithSpawner(aSpawner)
 			AI.Option.Ground.val.ROE.WEAPON_HOLD, 
 			1.0)
 	else 
-		local newTroops = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup, aSpawner.range, aSpawner.orders, aSpawner.moveFormation) 
+		local newTroops = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup, aSpawner.range, aSpawner.orders, aSpawner.moveFormation, aSpawner.code, aSpawner.drivable) 
 		cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(newTroops)
 		
 		-- see if we have defined a target zone as destination
@@ -610,6 +620,7 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.loadData()
 		local range = gdTroop.range
 		local cty = gData.cty 
 		local cat = gData.cat  
+		local code = gdTroop.code 
 		
 		-- now spawn, but first 
 		-- add to my own attacker queue so we can save later