Version 1.11

cloneZone onRoad, more persistence

modules/FARPZones.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 FARPZones = {}
-FARPZones.version = "1.1.0"
+FARPZones.version = "1.2.0"
 FARPZones.verbose = false 
 --[[--
   Version History
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@ FARPZones.verbose = false
 		- rFormation attribute added 
 		- verbose flag 
 		- verbose cleanup ("FZ: something happened")
+  1.2.0 - persistence 
+        - handles contested state
+  
   
 --]]--
 
@@ -75,7 +78,7 @@ FARPZones.spinUpDelay = 30 -- seconds until FARP becomes operational after captu
 
 
 FARPZones.allFARPZones = {}
-FARPZones.startingUp = false 
+FARPZones.startingUp = false -- not needed / read anywhere
 
 -- FARP ZONE ACCESS
 function FARPZones.addFARPZone(aFARP)
@@ -90,6 +93,15 @@ function FARPZones.getFARPForZone(aZone)
 	return FARPZones.allFARPZones[aZone]
 end
 
+function FARPZones.getFARPZoneByName(aName)
+	for aZone, aFarp in pairs(FARPZones.allFARPZones) do
+		if aZone.name == aName then return aFarp end
+		-- we assume zone.name == farp.name 
+	end
+	trigger.action.outText("Unable to find FARP <" .. aName .. ">", 30)
+	return nil 
+end
+
 function FARPZones.getFARPZoneForFARP(aFarp) 
 	-- find the first FARP zone that associates with 
 	-- aFARP (an airField)
@@ -123,9 +135,9 @@ function FARPZones.createFARPFromZone(aZone)
 	if #mapFarps == 0 then 
 		trigger.action.outText("***Farp Zones: no FARP found for zone " .. aZone.name, 30)
 	else 
-		for idx, aFarp in pairs(mapFarps) do 
+		--for idx, aFarp in pairs(mapFarps) do 
 --			trigger.action.outText("Associated FARP " .. aFarp:getName() .. " with FARP Zone " .. aZone.name, 30)
-		end
+		--end
 		
 		theFarp.mainFarp = theFarp.myFarps[1]
 		theFarp.point = theFarp.mainFarp:getPoint() -- this is FARP, not zone!!!
@@ -317,7 +329,7 @@ function FARPZones.produceVehicles(theFarp)
 	local theCoalition = theFarp.owner 
 	
 	if theTypes ~= "none" then 
-		local theGroup = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
+		local theGroup, theData = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
 			theCoalition, 
 			theFarp.name .. "-D" .. theFarp.count, -- must be unique 
 			theFarp.defZone,
@@ -326,10 +338,11 @@ function FARPZones.produceVehicles(theFarp)
 			theFarp.defHeading)
 		-- we do not add these troops to ground troop management 
 		theFarp.defenders = theGroup -- but we retain a handle just in case
+		theFarp.defenderData = theData 
 	end 
 	
 	unitTypes = FARPZones.resourceTypes
-	local theGroup = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
+	local theGroup, theData = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
 			theCoalition, 
 			theFarp.name .. "-R" .. theFarp.count, -- must be unique 
 			theFarp.resZone,
@@ -337,7 +350,7 @@ function FARPZones.produceVehicles(theFarp)
 			"line_v",
 			theFarp.resHeading)
 	theFarp.resources = theGroup 
-			
+	theFarp.resourceData = theData 		
 	-- update unique counter
 	theFarp.count = theFarp.count + 1
 end
@@ -382,6 +395,23 @@ function FARPZones.somethingHappened(event)
 	end 
 
 	local newOwner = aFarp:getCoalition()	
+	-- now, because we can load from file, we may get a notice 
+	-- that a newly loaded state disagrees with new game state
+	-- if so, we simply wink and exit 
+	if newOwner == zonedFarp.owner then 
+		trigger.action.outText("FARP <" .. zonedFarp.name .. "> aligned with persisted data", 30)
+		return
+	end
+	
+	-- let's ignore the owner = 3 (contested). Usually does not
+	-- happen with an event, but let's be prepared 
+	if newOwner == 3 then 
+		if FARPZones.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("FARP <" .. zonedFarp.name .. "> has become contested", 30)
+		end 
+		return 
+	end
+	
 	local blueRed = "Red" 
 	if newOwner == 2 then blueRed = "Blue" end 
 	trigger.action.outText("FARP " .. zonedFarp.zone.name .. " captured by " .. blueRed .."!", 30)
@@ -408,6 +438,80 @@ function FARPZones.somethingHappened(event)
 end
 
 
+--
+-- LOAD / SAVE 
+--
+function FARPZones.saveData()
+	local theData = {}
+	if FARPZones.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++frpZ: enter saveData", 30)
+	end
+	
+	local farps = {}
+	-- iterate all farp data and put them into a container each
+	for theZone, theFARP in pairs(FARPZones.allFARPZones) do 
+		fName = theZone.name 
+		trigger.action.outText("frpZ persistence: processing FARP <" .. fName .. ">", 30)
+		local fData = {}
+		fData.owner = theFARP.owner 
+		fData.defenderData = dcsCommon.clone(theFARP.defenderData)
+		fData.resourceData = dcsCommon.clone(theFARP.resourceData)
+		dcsCommon.synchGroupData(fData.defenderData)
+		if fData.defenderData and #fData.defenderData.units<1 then 
+			fData.defenderData = nil 
+		end
+		dcsCommon.synchGroupData(fData.resourceData)
+		if fData.resourceData and #fData.resourceData.units<1 then 
+			fData.resourceData = nil 
+		end
+		farps[fName] = fData 
+	end
+	
+	theData.farps = farps 
+	return theData 
+end
+
+function FARPZones.loadMission()
+	local theData = persistence.getSavedDataForModule("FARPZones")
+	if not theData then 
+		if FARPZones.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("frpZ: no save date received, skipping.", 30)
+		end
+		return
+	end
+	
+	local farps = theData.farps 
+	if farps then 
+		for fName, fData in pairs(farps) do 
+			local theFARP = FARPZones.getFARPZoneByName(fName)
+			if theFARP then 
+				theFARP.owner = fData.owner 
+				theFARP.zone.owner = fData.owner 
+				theFARP.defenderData = dcsCommon.clone(fData.defenderData)
+				local groupData = fData.defenderData
+				if groupData and #groupData.units > 0 then 
+					local cty = groupData.cty 
+					local cat = groupData.cat 
+					theFARP.defenders = coalition.addGroup(cty, cat, groupData)
+				end 
+				
+				groupData = fData.resourceData
+				if groupData and #groupData.units > 0 then 
+					local cty = groupData.cty 
+					local cat = groupData.cat
+					theFARP.resources = coalition.addGroup(cty, cat, groupData)
+				end 
+				FARPZones.drawFARPCircleInMap(theFARP) -- mark in map
+				if (not theFARP.defenders) and (not theFARP.resources) then 
+					-- we instigate a resource and defender drop 
+					FARPZones.produceVehicles(theFARP)
+				end
+			else 
+				trigger.action.outText("frpZ: persistence: FARP <" .. fName .. "> no longer exists in mission, skipping", 30)
+			end
+		end
+	end
+end
 
 --
 -- Start 
@@ -439,7 +543,7 @@ function FARPZones.start()
 		return false 
 	end
 	
-	FARPZones.startingUp = true 
+	FARPZones.startingUp = true -- not needed / read anywhere
 	
 	-- read config zone 
 	FARPZones.readConfig()
@@ -449,19 +553,41 @@ function FARPZones.start()
 							  FARPZones.preProcessor,
 							  FARPZones.postProcessor)
 
+	-- set up persistence BEFORE we read zones, so weh know the 
+	-- score during init phase
+	local hasSaveData = false 
+	if persistence then 
+		-- sign up for persistence 
+		callbacks = {}
+		callbacks.persistData = FARPZones.saveData
+		persistence.registerModule("FARPZones", callbacks)
+		hasSaveData = persistence.hasData
+	end
+	
 	-- collect all FARP Zones
 	local theZones = cfxZones.getZonesWithAttributeNamed("FARP")
 	for k, aZone in pairs(theZones) do 
 		local aFARP = FARPZones.createFARPFromZone(aZone) -- read attributes from DCS
 		FARPZones.addFARPZone(aFARP) -- add to managed zones 
-		FARPZones.drawFARPCircleInMap(aFARP) -- mark in map 
+		-- moved FARPZones.drawFARPCircleInMap(aFARP) -- mark in map 
-		FARPZones.produceVehicles(aFARP) -- allocate initial vehicles
+		-- moved FARPZones.produceVehicles(aFARP) -- allocate initial vehicles
 		if FARPZones.verbose then 
 			trigger.action.outText("processed FARP <" .. aZone.name .. "> now owned by " .. aZone.owner, 30)
 		end 
 	end
 
-	FARPZones.startingUp = false 
+	-- now produce all vehicles - whether from 
+	-- save, or clean from start 
+	if hasSaveData then 
+		FARPZones.loadMission()
+	else 
+		for idx, aFARP in pairs (FARPZones.allFARPZones) do 
+			FARPZones.drawFARPCircleInMap(aFARP) -- mark in map
+			FARPZones.produceVehicles(aFARP) -- allocate initial vehicles
+		end
+	end 
+	
+	FARPZones.startingUp = false -- not needed / read anywhere
 	
 	trigger.action.outText("cf/x FARP Zones v" .. FARPZones.version .. " started", 30)
 	return true 
@@ -480,4 +606,6 @@ Improvements:
   
   make hidden farps only appear for owning side 
   
+  make farps repair their service vehicles after a time, or simply refresh them every x minutes, to make the algo simpler 
+ 
 --]]--

modules/cfxArtilleryZones.lua

@@ -297,6 +297,10 @@ function cfxArtilleryZones.doFireAt(aZone, maxDistFromCenter)
 	cfxArtilleryZones.invokeCallbacksFor('fire', aZone, {})
 end
 
+--
+-- API main entry call for firing at zone
+--     invokes doFireAt()
+--
 function cfxArtilleryZones.simFireAtZone(aZone, aGroup, dist)
 	
 	if not dist then dist = aZone.spotRange end 

modules/cfxMX.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxMX = {}
-cfxMX.version = "1.2.0"
+cfxMX.version = "1.2.1"
 cfxMX.verbose = false 
 --[[--
  Mission data decoder. Access to ME-built mission structures
@@ -16,14 +16,15 @@ cfxMX.verbose = false
    1.2.0 - added group name reference table 
 		 - added group type reference 
 		 - added references for allFixed, allHelo, allGround, allSea, allStatic
-		 
+   1.2.1 - added countryByName
-   
+         - added linkByName 
    
 --]]--
 cfxMX.groupNamesByID = {}
 cfxMX.groupIDbyName = {}
 cfxMX.groupDataByName = {}
-
+cfxMX.countryByName ={}
+cfxMX.linkByName = {}
 cfxMX.allFixedByName = {}
 cfxMX.allHeloByName = {}
 cfxMX.allGroundByName = {}
@@ -193,11 +194,20 @@ function cfxMX.createCrossReferences()
 								local category = obj_type_name
 								if ((type(obj_type_data) == 'table') and obj_type_data.group and (type(obj_type_data.group) == 'table') and (#obj_type_data.group > 0)) then	--there's at least one group!
 									for group_num, group_data in pairs(obj_type_data.group) do
+										
 										local aName = group_data.name 
 										local aID = group_data.groupId
+										-- get linkUnit info if it exists
+										local linkUnit = nil 
+										if group_data and group_data.route and group_data.route and group_data.route.points[1] then 
+											linkUnit = group_data.route.points[1].linkUnit
+											cfxMX.linkByName[aName] = linkUnit
+										end 
+										
 										cfxMX.groupNamesByID[aID] = aName
 										cfxMX.groupIDbyName[aName] = aID
 										cfxMX.groupDataByName[aName] = group_data
+										cfxMX.countryByName[aName] = cntry_id
 										-- now make the type-specific xrefs
 										if obj_type_name == "helicopter" then 
 											cfxMX.allHeloByName[aName] = group_data 

modules/cfxObjectDestructDetector.lua

@@ -1,22 +1,24 @@
 cfxObjectDestructDetector = {}
-cfxObjectDestructDetector.version = "1.2.0" 
+cfxObjectDestructDetector.version = "1.3.0" 
+cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose = false 
 cfxObjectDestructDetector.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- always
 	"cfxZones", -- Zones, of course 
 }
-cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose = false 
 --[[--
    VERSION HISTORY 
    1.0.0 initial version, based on parashoo, arty zones  
    1.0.1 fixed bug: trigger.MISC.getUserFlag()
    1.1.0 added support for method, f! and destroyed! 
    1.2.0 DML / Watchflag support 
+   1.3.0 Persistence support 
    
    
    Detect when an object with OBJECT ID as assigned in ME dies 
    *** EXTENDS ZONES 
    
 --]]--
+
 cfxObjectDestructDetector.objectZones = {}
 
 --
@@ -41,6 +43,14 @@ function cfxObjectDestructDetector.addObjectDetectZone(aZone)
 	table.insert(cfxObjectDestructDetector.objectZones, aZone)
 end
 
+function cfxObjectDestructDetector.getObjectDetectZoneByName(aName)
+	for idx, aZone in pairs(cfxObjectDestructDetector.objectZones) do 
+		if aZone.name == aName then return aZone end 
+	end
+	-- add landHeight to this zone 
+	return nil
+end
+
 --
 -- processing of zones 
 --
@@ -48,6 +58,10 @@ function cfxObjectDestructDetector.processObjectDestructZone(aZone)
 	aZone.name = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "NAME", aZone.name)
 --	aZone.coalition = cfxZones.getCoalitionFromZoneProperty(aZone, "coalition", 0)
 	aZone.ID = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(aZone, "OBJECT ID", 1)  -- THIS!
+	-- persistence interface
+	aZone.isDestroyed = false 
+	
+	--[[-- old code, to be decom'd --]]--
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(aZone, "setFlag") then 
 		aZone.setFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "setFlag", "999")
 	end
@@ -73,16 +87,16 @@ function cfxObjectDestructDetector.processObjectDestructZone(aZone)
 		aZone.decreaseFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "f-1", "999")
 	end
 	
-	-- new method support
+	-- DML method support
-	aZone.oddMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "method", "flip")
+	aZone.oddMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "method", "inc")
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(aZone, "oddMethod") then 
-		aZone.oddMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "oddMethod", "flip")
+		aZone.oddMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "oddMethod", "inc")
 	end
 	
 	
-	if cfxZones.hasProperty(aZone, "f!") then 
+	-- we now always have that property
 	aZone.outDestroyFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "f!", "*none")
-	end
+
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(aZone, "destroyed!") then 
 		aZone.outDestroyFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "destroyed!", "*none")
 	end
@@ -102,7 +116,7 @@ function cfxObjectDestructDetector:onEvent(event)
 		if not id then return end 
 		
 		for idx, aZone in pairs(cfxObjectDestructDetector.objectZones) do 
-			if aZone.ID == id then 
+			if (not aZone.isDestroyed) and aZone.ID == id then 
 				-- flag manipulation 
 				-- OLD FLAG SUPPORT, SOON TO BE REMOVED
 				if aZone.setFlag then 
@@ -128,7 +142,7 @@ function cfxObjectDestructDetector:onEvent(event)
 				
 				-- invoke callbacks 
 				cfxObjectDestructDetector.invokeCallbacksFor(aZone)
-				if cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose then 
+				if aZone.verbose or cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose then 
 					trigger.action.outText("OBJECT KILL: " .. id, 30)
 				end
 
@@ -136,6 +150,9 @@ function cfxObjectDestructDetector:onEvent(event)
 				-- for better performance since it cant
 				-- die twice 
 				
+				-- save state for persistence
+				aZone.isDestroyed = true 
+				
 				return 
 			end
 		end
@@ -143,8 +160,85 @@ function cfxObjectDestructDetector:onEvent(event)
     end
 	
 end
--- add event handler
 
+--
+-- persistence: save and load data 
+--
+function cfxObjectDestructDetector.saveData() -- invoked by persistence
+	local theData = {}
+	local zoneInfo = {}
+	for idx, aZone in pairs(cfxObjectDestructDetector.objectZones) do
+		-- save all pertinent info. in our case, it's just 
+		-- the isDestroyed and flag info info
+		info = {}
+		info.isDestroyed = aZone.isDestroyed
+		info.outDestroyVal = cfxZones.getFlagValue(aZone.outDestroyFlag, aZone)
+		zoneInfo[aZone.name] = info
+	end
+	-- expasion proof: assign as own field
+	theData.zoneInfo = zoneInfo
+	return theData
+end
+
+function cfxObjectDestructDetector.loadMission()
+	if cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++oDDet: persistence - loading data", 30)
+	end
+	
+	local theData = persistence.getSavedDataForModule("cfxObjectDestructDetector")
+	if not theData then 
+		return 
+	end
+	
+	-- iterate the data, and fail graciously if 
+	-- we can't find a zone. it's probably beed edited out
+	local zoneInfo = theData.zoneInfo
+	if not zoneInfo then return end 
+	if cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++oDDet: persistence - processing data", 30)
+	end	
+	
+	for zName, info in pairs (zoneInfo) do 
+		local theZone = cfxObjectDestructDetector.getObjectDetectZoneByName(zName)
+		if theZone then 
+			theZone.isDestroyed = info.isDestroyed
+			cfxZones.setFlagValue(theZone.outDestroyFlag, info.outDestroyVal, theZone)
+			if cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose or theZone.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++oDDet: persistence setting flag <" .. theZone.outDestroyFlag .. "> to <" .. info.outDestroyVal .. ">",30)
+			end
+			local theName = tostring(theZone.ID)
+			if info.isDestroyed then 
+				-- We now get the scenery object in that zone 
+				-- and remove it
+				-- note that dcsCommon methods use DCS zones, not cfx
+				local theObject = dcsCommon.getSceneryObjectInZoneByName(theName, theZone.dcsZone)
+				if theObject then 
+					if cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose or theZone.verbose then 
+						trigger.action.outText("+++oDDet: persistence removing dead scenery object <" .. theName .. ">",30)
+					end
+					theObject:destroy()
+				else 
+					if cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose or theZone.verbose then 
+						trigger.action.outText("+++oDDet: persistence - can't find scenery objects <" .. theName .. ">, skipped destruction",30)
+					end
+				end
+			else 
+				if cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose or theZone.verbose then 
+					trigger.action.outText("+++oDDet: persistence - scenery objects <" .. theName .. "> is healthy",30)
+				end
+			end
+		else 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++oDDet: persistence - can't find detector <" .. zName .. "> on load. skipping", 30)
+		end
+	end
+	if cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++oDDet: persistence - processing complete", 30)
+	end	
+end
+
+--
+-- start
+--
 
 function cfxObjectDestructDetector.start()
 	if not dcsCommon.libCheck("cfx Object Destruct Detector", 
@@ -152,20 +246,38 @@ function cfxObjectDestructDetector.start()
 		return false 
 	end
 	
-	-- collect all zones with 'smoke' attribute 
+	-- collect all zones with 'OBJECT id' attribute 
 	-- collect all spawn zones 
 	local attrZones = cfxZones.getZonesWithAttributeNamed("OBJECT ID")
 	
-	-- now create a spawner for all, add them to the spawner updater, and spawn for all zones that are not
+
-	-- paused 
 	for k, aZone in pairs(attrZones) do 
 		cfxObjectDestructDetector.processObjectDestructZone(aZone) -- process attribute and add to zone properties (extend zone)
-		cfxObjectDestructDetector.addObjectDetectZone(aZone) -- remember it so we can smoke it
+		cfxObjectDestructDetector.addObjectDetectZone(aZone)
 	end
 
 	-- add myself as event handler
 	world.addEventHandler(cfxObjectDestructDetector)
 	
+	-- persistence: see if we have any data to process 
+	-- for all our zones, and sign up for data saving 
+	if persistence and persistence.active then 
+		-- sign up for saves 
+		callbacks = {}
+		callbacks.persistData = cfxObjectDestructDetector.saveData
+		persistence.registerModule("cfxObjectDestructDetector", callbacks)
+		
+		if persistence.hasData then
+			cfxObjectDestructDetector.loadMission()
+		end
+	else 
+		if cfxObjectDestructDetector.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("no persistence for cfxObjectDestructDetector", 30)
+		end
+	end
+	
+	
+	
 	-- say hi
 	trigger.action.outText("cfx Object Destruct Zones v" .. cfxObjectDestructDetector.version .. " started.", 30)
 	return true 

modules/cfxOwnedZones.lua

@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 cfxOwnedZones = {}
-cfxOwnedZones.version = "1.1.2"
+cfxOwnedZones.version = "1.2.0"
 cfxOwnedZones.verbose = false 
 cfxOwnedZones.announcer = true 
+cfxOwnedZones.name = "cfxOwnedZones" 
 --[[-- VERSION HISTORY
 
 1.0.3 - added getNearestFriendlyZone
@@ -21,7 +22,7 @@ cfxOwnedZones.announcer = true
       - support of 'none' type string to indicate no attackers/defenders 
 	  - updated property access 
 	  - module check 
-	  - cfxOwnedTroop.usesDefenders(aZone)
+	  - cfxOwnedZones.usesDefenders(aZone)
 	  - verifyZone
 1.0.8 - repairDefenders trims types to allow blanks in 
         type separator 
@@ -41,6 +42,9 @@ cfxOwnedZones.announcer = true
       - announcer 		
 1.1.1 - conq+1 flag 
 1.1.2 - corrected type bug in zoneConquered 
+1.2.0 - support for persistence 
+      - conq+1 --> conquered!
+	  - no cfxGroundTroop bug (no delay)
 	  
 --]]--
 cfxOwnedZones.requiredLibs = {
@@ -60,6 +64,10 @@ cfxOwnedZones.attackingTime = 300 -- 300 seconds until new attackers are produce
 cfxOwnedZones.shockTime = 200 -- 200 -- 'shocked' period of inactivity
 cfxOwnedZones.repairTime = 200 -- 200 -- time until we raplace one lost unit, also repairs all other units to 100%  
 
+-- persistence: all attackers we ever sent out.
+-- is regularly verified and cut to size 
+cfxOwnedZones.spawnedAttackers = {}
+
 -- owned zones is a module that managers 'conquerable' zones and keeps a 
 -- record of who owns the zone
 -- based on some simple rules that are regularly checked 
@@ -166,6 +174,12 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.drawZoneInMap(aZone)
 	
 end
 
+function cfxOwnedZones.getOwnedZoneByName(zName)
+	for zKey, theZone in pairs (cfxOwnedZones.zones) do 
+		if theZone.name == zName then return theZone end 
+	end
+	return nil
+end
 
 function cfxOwnedZones.addOwnedZone(aZone)
 	local owner = cfxZones.getCoalitionFromZoneProperty(aZone, "owner", 0) -- is already readm read it again
@@ -203,8 +217,9 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.addOwnedZone(aZone)
 	local paused = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(aZone, "paused", false)
 	aZone.paused = paused 
 	
+	aZone.conqueredFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "conquered!", "*<cfxnone>")
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(aZone, "conq+1") then 
-		cfxOwnedZones.conqueredFlag = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "conq+1", -1)
+		aZone.conqueredFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "conq+1", "*<cfxnone>")
 	end
 	
 	aZone.unbeatable = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(aZone, "unbeatable", false)
@@ -218,7 +233,7 @@ end
 function cfxOwnedZones.verifyZone(aZone)
 	-- do some sanity checks
 	if not cfxGroundTroops and (aZone.attackersRED ~= "none" or aZone.attackersBLUE ~= "none") then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++owdZ: " .. aZone.name .. " attackers need cfxGroundTroops to function")
+		trigger.action.outText("+++owdZ: " .. aZone.name .. " attackers need cfxGroundTroops to function", 30)
 	end
 	
 end
@@ -375,14 +390,14 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.spawnAttackTroops(theTypes, aZone, aCoalition, aFormation
 	
 	local spawnZone = cfxZones.createSimpleZone("attkSpawnZone", spawnPoint, aZone.attackRadius)
 	
-	local theGroup = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
+	local theGroup, theData = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
 				aCoalition, -- theCountry,							
 				aZone.name .. " (A) " .. dcsCommon.numberUUID(), -- must be unique 
 				spawnZone, 											
 				unitTypes, 													
 				aFormation, -- outward facing
 				0)
-	return theGroup
+	return theGroup, theData
 end
 
 function cfxOwnedZones.spawnDefensiveTroops(theTypes, aZone, aCoalition, aFormation)
@@ -400,13 +415,13 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.spawnDefensiveTroops(theTypes, aZone, aCoalition, aFormat
 	
 	--local theCountry = dcsCommon.coalition2county(aCoalition) 
 	local spawnZone = cfxZones.createSimpleZone("spawnZone", aZone.point, aZone.spawnRadius)
-	local theGroup = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
+	local theGroup, theData = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
 				aCoalition, --theCountry,				
 				aZone.name .. " (D) " .. dcsCommon.numberUUID(), -- must be unique 
 				spawnZone, 										unitTypes,
 				aFormation, -- outward facing
 				0)
-	return theGroup
+	return theGroup, theData
 end
 --
 -- U P D A T E 
@@ -432,7 +447,13 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.sendOutAttackers(aZone)
 
 	if attackers == "none" then return end 
 
-	local theGroup = cfxOwnedZones.spawnAttackTroops(attackers, aZone, aZone.owner, aZone.attackFormation)
+	local theGroup, theData = cfxOwnedZones.spawnAttackTroops(attackers, aZone, aZone.owner, aZone.attackFormation)
+	
+	local troopData = {}
+	troopData.groupData = theData
+	troopData.orders = "attackOwnedZone" -- lazy coding! 
+	troopData.side = aZone.owner
+	cfxOwnedZones.spawnedAttackers[theData.name] = troopData 
 	
 	-- submit them to ground troops handler as zoneseekers 
 	-- and our groundTroops module will handle the rest 
@@ -496,10 +517,11 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.zoneConquered(aZone, theSide, formerOwner) -- 0 = neutral
 		end
 	end 
 	-- increase conq flag 
-	if aZone.conqueredFlag then 
+--	if aZone.conqueredFlag then 
-		local lastVal = trigger.misc.getUserFlag(aZone.conqueredFlag)
+		-- local lastVal = trigger.misc.getUserFlag(aZone.conqueredFlag)
-		trigger.action.setUserFlag(aZone.conqueredFlag, lastVal + 1)
+		-- trigger.action.setUserFlag(aZone.conqueredFlag, lastVal + 1)
-	end
+	cfxZones.pollFlag(aZone.conqueredFlag, "inc", aZone) 
+--	end
 	-- invoke callbacks now
 	cfxOwnedZones.invokeConqueredCallbacks(aZone, theSide, formerOwner)
 	
@@ -567,7 +589,7 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.repairDefenders(aZone)
 	-- now livingTypes holds the full array of units we need to spawn 
 	local theCountry = dcsCommon.getACountryForCoalition(aZone.owner) 
 	local spawnZone = cfxZones.createSimpleZone("spawnZone", aZone.point, aZone.spawnRadius)
-	local theGroup = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
+	local theGroup, theData = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
 				aZone.owner, -- was wrongly: theCountry		
 				aZone.name .. dcsCommon.numberUUID(), -- must be unique 
 				spawnZone, 											
@@ -599,15 +621,17 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.spawnDefenders(aZone)
 	-- if 'none', simply exit
 	if defenders == "none" then return end
 	
-	local theGroup = cfxOwnedZones.spawnDefensiveTroops(defenders, aZone, aZone.owner, aZone.formation)
+	local theGroup, theData = cfxOwnedZones.spawnDefensiveTroops(defenders, aZone, aZone.owner, aZone.formation)
 	-- the troops reamin, so no orders to move, no handing off to ground troop manager
-	aZone.defenders = theGroup;
+	aZone.defenders = theGroup
+	aZone.defenderData = theData -- used for persistence 
 	if theGroup then 
-		aZone.defenderMax = theGroup:getInitialSize() -- so we can determine if some units were destroyed
+		--aZone.defenderMax = theGroup:getInitialSize() -- so we can determine if some units were destroyed
-		aZone.lastDefenders = aZone.defenderMax -- if this is larger than current number, someone bit the dust  
+		aZone.lastDefenders = theGroup:getInitialSize() --- aZone.defenderMax -- if this is larger than current number, someone bit the dust  
 		--trigger.action.outText("+++ spawned defenders for ".. aZone.name, 30)
 	else 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++owdZ: WARNING: spawned no defenders for ".. aZone.name, 30)
+		aZone.defenderData = nil 
 	end 
 end
 
@@ -661,6 +685,10 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.updateZone(aZone)
 		-- we have defenders
 		if aZone.defenders:isExist() then
 			-- isee if group was damaged 
+			if not aZone.lastDefenders then
+				-- fresh group, probably from persistence, needs init 
+				aZone.lastDefenders = -1 
+			end 
 			if aZone.defenders:getSize() < aZone.lastDefenders then 
 				-- yes, at least one unit destroyed
 				aZone.timeStamp = timer.getTime()
@@ -671,6 +699,8 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.updateZone(aZone)
 				aZone.state = "shocked"
 
 				return 
+			else 
+				aZone.lastDefenders = aZone.defenders:getSize()
 			end
 			
 		else 
@@ -725,17 +755,19 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.updateZone(aZone)
 		-- we are currently rebuilding defenders unit by unit 
 		if timer.getTime() > aZone.timeStamp + cfxOwnedZones.repairTime then 
 			aZone.timeStamp = timer.getTime()
+			-- wait's up, repair one defender, then check if full strength
 			cfxOwnedZones.repairDefenders(aZone)
-			if aZone.defenders:getSize() >= aZone.defenderMax then
+			-- see if we are full strenght and if so go to attack, else set timer to reair the next unit
---				
+			if aZone.defenders and aZone.defenders:isExist() and aZone.defenders:getSize() >= aZone.defenders:getInitialSize() then
 				-- we are at max size, time to produce some attackers
+				-- progress to next state 
 				nextState = "attacking"
 				aZone.timeStamp = timer.getTime()
 				if cfxOwnedZones.verbose then 
 					trigger.action.outText("+++owdZ: State " .. aZone.state .. " to " .. nextState .. " for " .. aZone.name, 30)
 				end
 			end
-			-- see if we are full strenght and if so go to attack, else set timer to reair the next unit
+
 		end
 		
 	elseif aZone.state == "shocked" then 
@@ -763,6 +795,20 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.updateZone(aZone)
 	aZone.state = nextState
 end
 
+function cfxOwnedZones.GC()
+	-- GC run. remove all my dead remembered troops
+	local filteredAttackers = {}
+	for gName, gData in pairs (cfxOwnedZones.spawnedAttackers) do 
+		-- all we need to do is get the group of that name
+		-- and if it still returns units we are fine 
+		local gameGroup = Group.getByName(gName)
+		if gameGroup and gameGroup:isExist() and gameGroup:getSize() > 0 then 
+			filteredAttackers[gName] = gData
+		end
+	end
+	cfxOwnedZones.spawnedAttackers = filteredAttackers
+end
+
 function cfxOwnedZones.update()
 	cfxOwnedZones.updateSchedule = timer.scheduleFunction(cfxOwnedZones.update, {}, timer.getTime() + 1/cfxOwnedZones.ups)
 	
@@ -792,6 +838,11 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.update()
 	
 end
 
+function cfxOwnedZones.houseKeeping()
+	timer.scheduleFunction(cfxOwnedZones.houseKeeping, {}, timer.getTime() + 5 * 60) -- every 5 minutes 
+	cfxOwnedZones.GC()
+end
+
 function cfxOwnedZones.sideOwnsAll(theSide) 
 	for key, aZone in pairs(cfxOwnedZones.zones) do 
 		if aZone.owner ~= theSide then 
@@ -810,19 +861,150 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.hasOwnedZones()
 	return false 
 end
 
+
+--
+-- load / save data 
+--
+
+function cfxOwnedZones.saveData()
+	-- this is called from persistence when it's time to 
+	-- save data. returns a table with all my data 
+	local theData = {}
+	local allZoneData = {}
+	-- iterate all my zones and create data 
+	for idx, theZone in pairs(cfxOwnedZones.zones) do
+		local zoneData = {}
+		if theZone.defenderData then 
+			zoneData.defenderData = dcsCommon.clone(theZone.defenderData)
+			dcsCommon.synchGroupData(zoneData.defenderData)
+		end 
+		zoneData.conquered = cfxZones.getFlagValue(theZone.conqueredFlag, theZone)
+		zoneData.owner = theZone.owner 
+		zoneData.state = theZone.state -- will prevent immediate spawn
+			-- since new zones are spawned with 'init'
+		allZoneData[theZone.name] = zoneData
+	end
+	
+	-- now iterate all attack groups that we have spawned and that 
+	-- (maybe) are still alive 
+	cfxOwnedZones.GC() -- start with a GC run to remove all dead 
+	local livingAttackers = {}
+	for gName, gData in pairs (cfxOwnedZones.spawnedAttackers) do 
+		-- all we need to do is get the group of that name
+		-- and if it still returns units we are fine 
+		-- spawnedAttackers is a [groupName] table with {.groupData, .orders, .side}
+		local gameGroup = Group.getByName(gName)
+		if gameGroup and gameGroup:isExist() then 
+			if gameGroup:getSize() > 0 then 
+				local sData = dcsCommon.clone(gData)
+				dcsCommon.synchGroupData(sData.groupData)
+				livingAttackers[gName] = sData
+			end
+		end
+	end
+	
+	-- now write the info for the flags that we output for #red, etc
+	local flagInfo = {}
+	flagInfo.neutral = cfxZones.getFlagValue(cfxOwnedZones.neutralTriggerFlag, cfxOwnedZones)
+	flagInfo.red = cfxZones.getFlagValue(cfxOwnedZones.redTriggerFlag, cfxOwnedZones)
+	flagInfo.blue = cfxZones.getFlagValue(cfxOwnedZones.blueTriggerFlag, cfxOwnedZones)
+	-- assemble the data 
+	theData.zoneData = allZoneData
+	theData.attackers = livingAttackers
+	theData.flagInfo = flagInfo
+	
+	-- return it 
+	return theData
+end
+
+function cfxOwnedZones.loadData()
+	-- remember to draw in map with new owner 
+	if not persistence then return end 
+	local theData = persistence.getSavedDataForModule("cfxOwnedZones")
+	if not theData then 
+		if cfxOwnedZones.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("owdZ: no save date received, skipping.", 30)
+		end
+		return
+	end
+	-- theData contains the following tables:
+	--   zoneData: per-zone data 
+	--   flagInfo: module-global flags 
+	--   attackers: all spawned attackers that we feed to groundTroops
+	local allZoneData = theData.zoneData 
+	for zName, zData in pairs(allZoneData) do 
+		-- access zone 
+		local theZone = cfxOwnedZones.getOwnedZoneByName(zName)
+		if theZone then 
+			if zData.defenderData then 
+				if theZone.defenders and theZone.defenders:isExist() then 
+					-- should not happen, but so be it
+					theZone.defenders:destroy()
+				end
+				local gData = zData.defenderData
+				local cty = gData.cty 
+				local cat = gData.cat 
+				theZone.defenders = coalition.addGroup(cty, cat, gData)
+				theZone.defenderData = zData.defenderData
+			end
+			theZone.owner = zData.owner 
+			theZone.state = zData.state 
+			cfxZones.setFlagValue(theZone.conqueredFlag, zData.conquered, theZone)
+			-- update mark in map 
+			cfxOwnedZones.drawZoneInMap(theZone)
+		else 
+			trigger.action.outText("owdZ: load - data mismatch: cannot find zone <" .. zName .. ">, skipping zone.", 30)
+		end
+	end
+	
+	-- now process all attackers 
+	local allAttackers = theData.attackers
+	for gName, gdTroop in pairs(allAttackers) do 
+		-- table is {.groupData, .orders, .side}
+		local gData = gdTroop.groupData 
+		local orders = gdTroop.orders 
+		local side = gdTroop.side 
+		local cty = gData.cty 
+		local cat = gData.cat 
+		-- add to my own attacker queue so we can save later 
+		local dClone = dcsCommon.clone(gData)
+		cfxOwnedZones.spawnedAttackers[gName] = dClone 
+		local theGroup = coalition.addGroup(cty, cat, gData)
+		if cfxGroundTroops then 
+			local troops = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup)
+			troops.orders = orders
+			troops.side = side
+			cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(troops) -- hand off to ground troops
+		end 
+	end
+	
+	-- now process module global flags 
+	local flagInfo = theData.flagInfo
+	if flagInfo then 
+		cfxZones.setFlagValue(cfxOwnedZones.neutralTriggerFlag, flagInfo.neutral, cfxOwnedZones)
+		cfxZones.setFlagValue(cfxOwnedZones.redTriggerFlag, flagInfo.red, cfxOwnedZones)
+		cfxZones.setFlagValue(cfxOwnedZones.blueTriggerFlag, flagInfo.blue, cfxOwnedZones)
+	end
+end
+
+ 
+--
 function cfxOwnedZones.readConfigZone(theZone)
+	if not theZone then theZone = cfxZones.createSimpleZone("ownedZonesConfig") end 
+	
+	cfxOwnedZones.name = "cfxOwnedZones" -- just in case, so we can access with cfxZones 
 	cfxOwnedZones.verbose = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "verbose", false)
 	cfxOwnedZones.announcer = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "announcer", true)
 	
-	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "r!") then 
+--	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "r!") then 
-		cfxOwnedZones.redTriggerFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "r!", "<none>")
+		cfxOwnedZones.redTriggerFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "r!", "*<cfxnone>")
-	end
+--	end
-	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "b!") then 
+--	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "b!") then 
-		cfxOwnedZones.blueTriggerFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "b!", "<none>")
+		cfxOwnedZones.blueTriggerFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "b!", "*<cfxnone>")
-	end
+--	end
-	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "n!") then 
+--	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "n!") then 
-		cfxOwnedZones.neutralTriggerFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "n!", "<none>")
+		cfxOwnedZones.neutralTriggerFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "n!", "*<cfxnone>")
-	end
+--	end
 	cfxOwnedZones.defendingTime = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "defendingTime", 100)
 	cfxOwnedZones.attackingTime = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "attackingTime", 300)
 	cfxOwnedZones.shockTime = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "shockTime", 200)
@@ -838,11 +1020,8 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.init()
 
 	-- read my config zone
 	local theZone = cfxZones.getZoneByName("ownedZonesConfig") 
-	if not theZone then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++ownZ: no config", 30)
-	else
 	cfxOwnedZones.readConfigZone(theZone)
-	end
+
 	
 	-- collect all owned zones by their 'owner' property 
 	-- start the process
@@ -854,9 +1033,21 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.init()
 		cfxOwnedZones.addOwnedZone(aZone)
 	end
 	
+	if persistence then 
+		-- sign up for persistence 
+		callbacks = {}
+		callbacks.persistData = cfxOwnedZones.saveData
+		persistence.registerModule("cfxOwnedZones", callbacks)
+		-- now load my data 
+		cfxOwnedZones.loadData()
+	end
+	
 	initialized = true 
 	cfxOwnedZones.updateSchedule = timer.scheduleFunction(cfxOwnedZones.update, {}, timer.getTime() + 1/cfxOwnedZones.ups)
 	
+	-- start housekeeping 
+	cfxOwnedZones.houseKeeping()
+	
 	trigger.action.outText("cx/x owned zones v".. cfxOwnedZones.version .. " started", 30)
 	
 	return true 

modules/cfxReconMode.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxReconMode = {}
-cfxReconMode.version = "2.1.0"
+cfxReconMode.version = "2.1.1"
 cfxReconMode.verbose = false -- set to true for debug info  
 cfxReconMode.reconSound = "UI_SCI-FI_Tone_Bright_Dry_20_stereo.wav" -- to be played when somethiong discovered
 
@@ -77,6 +77,8 @@ VERSION HISTORY
  2.1.0 - processZoneMessage uses group's position, not zone
        - silent attribute for priority targets 
 	   - activate / deactivate by flags 
+ 2.1.1 - Lat Lon and MGRS also give Elevation
+       - cfxReconMode.reportTime
 	   
  cfxReconMode is a script that allows units to perform reconnaissance
  missions and, after detecting units, marks them on the map with 
@@ -421,13 +423,14 @@ function cfxReconMode.getLocation(theGroup)
 	local msg = ""
 	local theUnit = theGroup:getUnit(1)
 	local currPoint = theUnit:getPoint()
+	local ele = math.floor(land.getHeight({x = currPoint.x, y = currPoint.z}))
 	if cfxReconMode.mgrs then 
 		local grid = coord.LLtoMGRS(coord.LOtoLL(currPoint))
-		msg = grid.UTMZone .. ' ' .. grid.MGRSDigraph .. ' ' .. grid.Easting .. ' ' .. grid.Northing
+		msg = grid.UTMZone .. ' ' .. grid.MGRSDigraph .. ' ' .. grid.Easting .. ' ' .. grid.Northing .. " Ele " .. ele .."m"
 	else 
 		local lat, lon, alt = coord.LOtoLL(currPoint)
 		lat, lon = dcsCommon.latLon2Text(lat, lon)
-		msg = "Lat " .. lat .. " Lon " .. lon
+		msg = "Lat " .. lat .. " Lon " .. lon .. " Ele " .. ele .."m"
 	end
 	return msg
 end
@@ -516,7 +519,7 @@ function cfxReconMode.detectedGroup(mySide, theScout, theGroup, theLoc)
 	-- say something
 	if not silent and cfxReconMode.announcer then 
 		local msg = cfxReconMode.generateSALT(theScout, theGroup)
-		trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(mySide, msg, 30)
+		trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(mySide, msg, cfxReconMode.reportTime)
 --		trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(mySide, theScout:getName() .. " reports new ground contact " .. theGroup:getName(), 30)
 		if cfxReconMode.verbose then 
 			trigger.action.outText("+++rcn: announced for side " .. mySide, 30)
@@ -549,7 +552,7 @@ function cfxReconMode.detectedGroup(mySide, theScout, theGroup, theLoc)
 				-- AND EVEN WHEN SILENT!!!
 				local msg = zInfo.prioMessage
 				msg = cfxReconMode.processZoneMessage(msg, zInfo.theZone, theGroup) 
-				trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(mySide, msg, 30)
+				trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(mySide, msg, cfxReconMode.reportTime)
 				if cfxReconMode.verbose or zInfo.theZone.verbose then 
 					trigger.action.outText("+++rcn: prio message sent  for prio target zone <" .. zInfo.theZone.name .. ">",30)
 				end
@@ -965,6 +968,7 @@ function cfxReconMode.readConfigZone()
 	cfxReconMode.greyScouts = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "greyScouts", false)
 	cfxReconMode.playerOnlyRecon = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "playerOnlyRecon", false)
 	cfxReconMode.reportNumbers = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "reportNumbers", true)
+	cfxReconMode.reportTime = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "reportTime", 30)
 	
 	cfxReconMode.detectionMinRange = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "detectionMinRange", 3000)
 	cfxReconMode.detectionMaxRange = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "detectionMaxRange", 12000)

modules/cfxZones.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxZones = {}
-cfxZones.version = "2.8.4"
+cfxZones.version = "2.8.5"
 
 -- cf/x zone management module
 -- reads dcs zones and makes them accessible and mutable 
@@ -89,6 +89,9 @@ cfxZones.version = "2.8.4"
           - changed extractPropertyFromDCS() to also match attributes with blanks like "the Attr" to "theAttr"
 		  - new expandFlagName()
 - 2.8.4   - fixed bug in setFlagValue()
+- 2.8.5   - createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition() now always passes back a copy of the group data 
+          - data also contains cty = country and cat = category for easy spawn
+          - getFlagValue additional zone name guards 
 
 --]]--
 cfxZones.verbose = false
@@ -1047,8 +1050,17 @@ function cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (theCoalition, groupName,
 	-- first we need to translate the coalition to a legal 
 	-- country. we use UN for neutral, cjtf for red and blue 
 	local theSideCJTF = dcsCommon.coalition2county(theCoalition)
-	return coalition.addGroup(theSideCJTF, Group.Category.GROUND, theGroup)
+	-- store cty and cat for later access. DCS doesn't need it, but we may 
 	
+	theGroup.cty = theSideCJTF
+	theGroup.cat = Group.Category.GROUND
+	
+    -- create a copy of the group data for 
+	-- later reference 
+	local groupDataCopy = dcsCommon.clone(theGroup)
+
+	local newGroup = coalition.addGroup(theSideCJTF, Group.Category.GROUND, theGroup)
+	return newGroup, groupDataCopy
 end
 
 -- parsing zone names. The first part of the name until the first blank " " 
@@ -1311,8 +1323,8 @@ end
 
 function cfxZones.getFlagValue(theFlag, theZone)
 	local zoneName = "<dummy>"
-	if not theZone then 
+	if not theZone or not theZone.name then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++Zne: no zone on getFlagValue", 30)
+		trigger.action.outText("+++Zne: no zone or zone name on getFlagValue")
 	else 
 		zoneName = theZone.name -- for flag wildcards
 	end

modules/changer.lua

@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ function changer.start()
 	-- read config 
 	changer.readConfigZone()
 	
-	-- process cloner Zones 
+	-- process changer Zones 
 	local attrZones = cfxZones.getZonesWithAttributeNamed("change?")
 	for k, aZone in pairs(attrZones) do 
 		changer.createChangerWithZone(aZone) -- process attributes

modules/cloneZone.lua

@@ -1,19 +1,23 @@
-	cloneZones = {}
+cloneZones = {}
-	cloneZones.version = "1.4.8"
+cloneZones.version = "1.4.9"
-	cloneZones.verbose = false  
+cloneZones.verbose = false  
-	cloneZones.requiredLibs = {
+cloneZones.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- always
 	"cfxZones", -- Zones, of course 
 	"cfxMX", 
-	}
+}
-	-- groupTracker is OPTIONAL! and required only with trackWith attribute
+cloneZones.minSep = 10 -- minimal separation for onRoad auto-pos
+cloneZones.maxIter = 100 -- maximum number of attempts to resolve 
+						-- a too-close separation 
 						
-	cloneZones.cloners = {}
+-- groupTracker is OPTIONAL! and required only with trackWith attribute
-	cloneZones.callbacks = {}
+
-	cloneZones.unitXlate = {}
+cloneZones.cloners = {}
-	cloneZones.groupXlate = {} -- used to translate original groupID to cloned. only holds last spawned group id 
+cloneZones.callbacks = {}
-	cloneZones.uniqueCounter = 9200000 -- we start group numbering here 
+cloneZones.unitXlate = {}
-	--[[--
+cloneZones.groupXlate = {} -- used to translate original groupID to cloned. only holds last spawned group id 
+cloneZones.uniqueCounter = 9200000 -- we start group numbering here 
+--[[--
 	Clones Groups from ME mission data
 	Copyright (c) 2022 by Christian Franz and cf/x AG
 	
@@ -47,18 +51,20 @@
 	1.4.6 - removed some verbosity for spawned aircraft with airfields on their routes
 	1.4.7 - DML watchflag and DML Flag polish, method-->cloneMethod
 	1.4.8 - added 'wipe?' synonym 
+	1.4.9 - onRoad option 
+	      - rndHeading option 
 	
 	
-	--]]--
+--]]--
 
-	--
+--
-	-- adding / removing from list 
+-- adding / removing from list 
-	--
+--
-	function cloneZones.addCloneZone(theZone)
+function cloneZones.addCloneZone(theZone)
 	table.insert(cloneZones.cloners, theZone)
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.getCloneZoneByName(aName) 
+function cloneZones.getCloneZoneByName(aName) 
 	for idx, aZone in pairs(cloneZones.cloners) do 
 		if aName == aZone.name then return aZone end 
 	end
@@ -67,28 +73,28 @@
 	end 
 	
 	return nil 
-	end
+end
 
-	--
+--
-	-- callbacks 
+-- callbacks 
-	--
+--
 
-	function cloneZones.addCallback(theCallback)
+function cloneZones.addCallback(theCallback)
 	if not theCallback then return end 
 	table.insert(cloneZones.callbacks, theCallback)
-	end
+end
 
-	-- reasons for callback 
+-- reasons for callback 
-	-- "will despawn group" - args is the group about to be despawned
+-- "will despawn group" - args is the group about to be despawned
-	-- "did spawn group" -- args is group that was spawned
+-- "did spawn group" -- args is group that was spawned
-	-- "will despawn static"
+-- "will despawn static"
-	-- "did spawn static"
+-- "did spawn static"
-	-- "spawned" -- completed spawn cycle. args contains .groups and .statics spawned 
+-- "spawned" -- completed spawn cycle. args contains .groups and .statics spawned 
-	-- "empty" -- all spawns have been killed, args is empty 
+-- "empty" -- all spawns have been killed, args is empty 
-	-- "wiped" -- preWipe executed 
+-- "wiped" -- preWipe executed 
-	-- "<none" -- something went wrong 
+-- "<none" -- something went wrong 
 
-	function cloneZones.invokeCallbacks(theZone, reason, args)
+function cloneZones.invokeCallbacks(theZone, reason, args)
 	if not theZone then return end 
 	if not reason then reason = "<none>" end 
 	if not args then args = {} end 
@@ -98,14 +104,14 @@
 	for idx, cb in pairs(cloneZones.callbacks) do 
 		cb(theZone, reason, args)
 	end
-	end
+end
 
-	-- group translation orig id 
+-- group translation orig id 
 
-	--
+--
-	-- reading zones
+-- reading zones
-	--
+--
-	function cloneZones.partOfGroupDataInZone(theZone, theUnits)
+function cloneZones.partOfGroupDataInZone(theZone, theUnits)
 	local zP = cfxZones.getPoint(theZone)
 	zP.y = 0
 	
@@ -118,9 +124,9 @@
 		if dist <= theZone.radius then return true  end 
 	end 
 	return false 
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.allGroupsInZoneByData(theZone) 
+function cloneZones.allGroupsInZoneByData(theZone) 
 	local theGroupsInZone = {}
 	local radius = theZone.radius 
 	for groupName, groupData in pairs(cfxMX.groupDataByName) do 
@@ -132,9 +138,9 @@
 		end
 	end
 	return theGroupsInZone
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.createClonerWithZone(theZone) -- has "Cloner"
+function cloneZones.createClonerWithZone(theZone) -- has "Cloner"
 	if cloneZones.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++clnZ: new cloner " .. theZone.name, 30)
 	end
@@ -170,8 +176,8 @@
 				-- resolving internal references 
 				local rawData, cat, ctry = cfxMX.getGroupFromDCSbyName(gName)
 				local origID = rawData.groupId
-	--				cloneZones.templateGroups[gName] = origID 
+--				cloneZones.templateGroups[gName] = origID 
-	--				cloneZones.templateGroupsReverse[origID] = gName
+--				cloneZones.templateGroupsReverse[origID] = gName
 			end 	
 		end
 		
@@ -278,18 +284,22 @@
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "rndLoc") then 
 		theZone.rndLoc = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "rndLoc", false)
 	end 
+	theZone.rndHeading = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "rndHeading", false)
+	
+	theZone.onRoad = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "onRoad", false)
+	
 	if theZone.rndLoc and theZone.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++ rndloc on for " .. theZone.name, 30)
 	end 
 	
 	-- we end with clear plate 
-	end
+end
 
-	-- 
+-- 
-	-- spawning, despawning
+-- spawning, despawning
-	--
+--
 
-	function cloneZones.despawnAll(theZone) 
+function cloneZones.despawnAll(theZone) 
 	if cloneZones.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("wiping <" .. theZone.name .. ">", 30)
 	end 
@@ -314,9 +324,9 @@
 	end
 	theZone.mySpawns = {}
 	theZone.myStatics = {}
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.updateLocationsInGroupData(theData, zoneDelta, adjustAllWaypoints)
+function cloneZones.updateLocationsInGroupData(theData, zoneDelta, adjustAllWaypoints)
 	
 	-- remember that zoneDelta's [z] modifies theData's y!!
 	theData.x = theData.x + zoneDelta.x 
@@ -376,26 +386,26 @@
 			end
 		end
 	end
-	end
+end
-	function cloneZones.uniqueID()
+function cloneZones.uniqueID()
 	local uid = cloneZones.uniqueCounter
 	cloneZones.uniqueCounter = cloneZones.uniqueCounter + 1
 	return uid 
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.uniqueNameGroupData(theData)  
+function cloneZones.uniqueNameGroupData(theData)  
 	theData.name = dcsCommon.uuid(theData.name)
 	local units = theData.units 
 	for idx, aUnit in pairs(units) do 
 		aUnit.name = dcsCommon.uuid(aUnit.name)
 	end 
-	end 
+end 
 
-	function cloneZones.uniqueIDGroupData(theData)
+function cloneZones.uniqueIDGroupData(theData)
 	theData.groupId = cloneZones.uniqueID()
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.uniqueIDUnitData(theData)
+function cloneZones.uniqueIDUnitData(theData)
 	if not theData then return end 
 	if not theData.units then return end 
 	local units = theData.units 
@@ -405,9 +415,9 @@
 		aUnit.CZTargetID = aUnit.unitId
 	end 
 
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.resolveOwnership(spawnZone, ctry)
+function cloneZones.resolveOwnership(spawnZone, ctry)
 	if not spawnZone.masterOwner then return ctry end 
 
 	local masterZone = cfxZones.getZoneByName(spawnZone.masterOwner)
@@ -422,13 +432,13 @@
 	
 	ctry = dcsCommon.getACountryForCoalition(masterZone.owner)
 	return ctry 
-	end
+end
 
-	--
+--
-	-- resolve external group references 
+-- resolve external group references 
-	-- 
+-- 
 
-	function cloneZones.resolveGroupID(gID, rawData, dataTable, reason)
+function cloneZones.resolveGroupID(gID, rawData, dataTable, reason)
 	if not reason then reason = "<default>" end 
 	
 	local resolvedID = gID
@@ -459,10 +469,10 @@
 	-- if we get here, reference is not to a cloned item 
 	--trigger.action.outText("resolved " .. gID .. " to " .. resolvedID, 30)
 	return resolvedID
-	end 
+end 
 
-	function cloneZones.resolveUnitID(uID, rawData, dataTable, reason)
+function cloneZones.resolveUnitID(uID, rawData, dataTable, reason)
-	-- also resolves statics as they share ID with units 
+-- also resolves statics as they share ID with units 
 	local resolvedID = uID
 	--trigger.action.outText("Resolve reference to unitId <" .. uID .. "> for <" .. reason.. "> task", 30)
 	
@@ -491,9 +501,9 @@
 	-- if we get here, reference is not to a cloned item 
 	--trigger.action.outText("resolved G-" .. uID .. " to " .. resolvedID, 30)
 	return resolvedID
-	end 
+end 
 
-	function cloneZones.resolveStaticLinkUnit(uID)
+function cloneZones.resolveStaticLinkUnit(uID)
 	local resolvedID = uID
 	local lastClone = cloneZones.unitXlate[uID]
 	if lastClone then 
@@ -502,11 +512,11 @@
 		return resolvedID	
 	end
 	return resolvedID
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.resolveWPReferences(rawData, theZone, dataTable)
+function cloneZones.resolveWPReferences(rawData, theZone, dataTable)
-	-- check to see if we really need data table, as we have theZone 
+-- check to see if we really need data table, as we have theZone 
-	-- perform a check of route for group or unit references 
+-- perform a check of route for group or unit references 
 	if not rawData then return end 
 	local myOName = rawData.CZorigName 
 
@@ -604,9 +614,9 @@
 			end
 		end
 	end 
-	end 
+end 
 
-	function cloneZones.resolveReferences(theZone, dataTable) 
+function cloneZones.resolveReferences(theZone, dataTable) 
 	-- when an action refers to another group, we check if 
 	-- the group referred to is also a clone, and update 
 	-- the reference to the newest incardnation 
@@ -615,10 +625,10 @@
 		-- resolve references in waypoints
 		cloneZones.resolveWPReferences(rawData, theZone, dataTable)
 	end
-	end
+end
 
 
-	function cloneZones.handoffTracking(theGroup, theZone)
+function cloneZones.handoffTracking(theGroup, theZone)
 	if not groupTracker then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++clne: <" .. theZone.name .. "> trackWith requires groupTracker module", 30) 
 		return 
@@ -649,12 +659,12 @@
 			 end
 		end 
 	end 
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.spawnWithTemplateForZone(theZone, spawnZone)
+function cloneZones.spawnWithTemplateForZone(theZone, spawnZone)
 	-- theZone is the cloner with the template
 	-- spawnZone is the spawner with settings 
-		--if not spawnZone then spawnZone = theZone end 
+	-- if not spawnZone then spawnZone = theZone end 
 	local newCenter = cfxZones.getPoint(spawnZone) 
 	-- calculate zoneDelta, is added to all vectors 
 	local zoneDelta = dcsCommon.vSub(newCenter, theZone.origin)
@@ -695,6 +705,49 @@
 			end
 		end
 		
+		if spawnZone.rndHeading then 
+			local units = rawData.units
+			for idx, aUnit in pairs(units) do 
+				local phi = 6.2831 * math.random() -- that's 2Pi, folx 
+				aUnit.heading = phi
+			end
+		end
+
+		-- apply onRoad option if selected 			
+		if spawnZone.onRoad then 
+			local units = rawData.units
+			local iterCount = 0
+			local otherLocs = {} -- resolved locs
+			for idx, aUnit in pairs(units) do 
+				local cx = aUnit.x
+				local cy = aUnit.y 
+				-- we now iterate until there is enough separation or too many iters
+				local tooClose
+				local np, nx, ny					
+				repeat 
+					nx, ny =  land.getClosestPointOnRoads("roads", cx, cy)
+					-- compare this with all other locs
+					np = {x=nx, y=ny}
+					tooClose = false
+					for idc, op in pairs(otherLocs) do 
+						local d = dcsCommon.dist(np, op)
+						if d < cloneZones.minSep then 
+							tooClose = true 
+							cx = cx + cloneZones.minSep
+							cy = cy + cloneZones.minSep
+							iterCount = iterCount + 1
+							-- trigger.action.outText("d fail for <" .. aUnit.name.. ">: d= <" .. d .. ">, iters = <" .. iterCount .. ">", 30)
+						end
+					end						
+				until (iterCount > cloneZones.maxIter) or (not tooClose)
+				-- trigger.action.outText("separation iters for <" .. aUnit.name.. ">:<" .. iterCount .. ">", 30)
+				table.insert(otherLocs, np)
+				aUnit.x = nx
+				aUnit.y = ny 
+			end
+		end
+		
+		
 		-- apply turning 
 		dcsCommon.rotateGroupData(rawData, spawnZone.turn, newCenter.x, newCenter.z)
 		
@@ -790,6 +843,19 @@
 			rawData.y = rawData.y + dy 
 		end
 		
+		if spawnZone.rndHeading then 
+			local phi = 6.2831 * math.random() -- that's 2Pi, folx 
+			rawData.heading = phi
+		end
+		
+		if spawnZone.onRoad then 
+			local cx = rawData.x
+			local cy = rawData.y 
+			local nx, ny =  land.getClosestPointOnRoads("roads", cx, cy)
+			rawData.x = nx
+			rawData.y = ny 
+		end
+		
 		-- apply turning 
 		dcsCommon.rotateUnitData(rawData, spawnZone.turn, newCenter.x, newCenter.z)
 		
@@ -818,7 +884,7 @@
 			rawData.offsets.x = rawData.offsets.x - zoneDelta.x 
 			rawData.offsets.angle = rawData.offsets.angle + spawnZone.turn
 			rawData.linkOffset = true 
-	--			trigger.action.outText("zone deltas are " .. zoneDelta.x .. ", " .. zoneDelta.y, 30)
+--			trigger.action.outText("zone deltas are " .. zoneDelta.x .. ", " .. zoneDelta.y, 30)
 		end
 		
 		local isCargo = rawData.canCargo 
@@ -828,7 +894,7 @@
 		-- we don't mix groups with units, so no lookup tables for 
 		-- statics 
 		if newStaticID == rawData.CZTargetID then 
-	--			trigger.action.outText("Static ID OK: " .. newStaticID  .. " for " .. rawData.name, 30)
+--			trigger.action.outText("Static ID OK: " .. newStaticID  .. " for " .. rawData.name, 30)
 		else 
 			trigger.action.outText("Static ID mismatch: " .. newStaticID .. " vs (target) " .. rawData.CZTargetID .. " for " .. rawData.name, 30)
 		end
@@ -858,9 +924,9 @@
 	args.statics = spawnedStatics
 	cloneZones.invokeCallbacks(theZone, "spawned", args)
 	return spawnedGroups, spawnedStatics 
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.spawnWithCloner(theZone) 
+function cloneZones.spawnWithCloner(theZone) 
 	if not theZone then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++clnZ: nil zone on spawnWithCloner", 30)
 		return 
@@ -925,9 +991,9 @@
 		theZone.mySpawns = {}
 		theZone.myStatics = {}
 	end
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.countLiveUnits(theZone)
+function cloneZones.countLiveUnits(theZone)
 	if not theZone then return 0 end 
 	local count = 0
 	-- count units 
@@ -953,9 +1019,9 @@
 		end
 	end
 	return count 
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.hasLiveUnits(theZone)
+function cloneZones.hasLiveUnits(theZone)
 	if not theZone then return 0 end 
 	if theZone.mySpawns then 
 		for idx, aGroup in pairs(theZone.mySpawns) do 
@@ -979,12 +1045,12 @@
 	end
 	
 	return false
-	end
+end
 
-	--
+--
-	-- UPDATE
+-- UPDATE
-	--
+--
-	function cloneZones.update()
+function cloneZones.update()
 	timer.scheduleFunction(cloneZones.update, {}, timer.getTime() + 1)
 	
 	for idx, aZone in pairs(cloneZones.cloners) do
@@ -1031,9 +1097,9 @@
 		end
 		
 	end
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.onStart()
+function cloneZones.onStart()
 	--trigger.action.outText("+++clnZ: Enter atStart", 30)
 	for idx, theZone in pairs(cloneZones.cloners) do 
 		if theZone.onStart then 
@@ -1044,12 +1110,12 @@
 			
 		end 
 	end
-	end
+end
 
-	--
+--
-	-- START 
+-- START 
-	--
+--
-	function cloneZones.readConfigZone()
+function cloneZones.readConfigZone()
 	local theZone = cfxZones.getZoneByName("cloneZonesConfig") 
 	if not theZone then 
 		if cloneZones.verbose then 
@@ -1063,9 +1129,9 @@
 	if cloneZones.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++clnZ: read config", 30)
 	end 
-	end
+end
 
-	function cloneZones.start()
+function cloneZones.start()
 	-- lib check
 	if not dcsCommon.libCheck then 
 		trigger.action.outText("cfx Clone Zones requires dcsCommon", 30)
@@ -1101,20 +1167,20 @@
 	
 	trigger.action.outText("cfx Clone Zones v" .. cloneZones.version .. " started.", 30)
 	return true 
-	end
+end
 
 
-	-- let's go!
+-- let's go!
-	if not cloneZones.start() then 
+if not cloneZones.start() then 
 	trigger.action.outText("cf/x Clone Zones aborted: missing libraries", 30)
 	cloneZones = nil 
-	end
+end
 
 
-	--[[--
+--[[--
 	to resolve tasks 
 
 	- AFAC 
 		- FAC Assign group 
 	- set freq for unit 
-	--]]--
+--]]--

modules/dcsCommon.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 dcsCommon = {}
-dcsCommon.version = "2.6.8"
+dcsCommon.version = "2.7.0"
 --[[-- VERSION HISTORY
  2.2.6 - compassPositionOfARelativeToB
 	   - clockPositionOfARelativeToB
@@ -85,6 +85,11 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.6.8"
  2.6.7 - new menu2text()
  2.6.8 - new getMissionName()
        - new flagArrayFromString()
+ 2.6.9 - new getSceneryObjectsInZone()
+       - new getSceneryObjectInZoneByName()
+ 2.7.0 - new synchGroupData()
+         clone, topClone and copyArray now all nil-trap 
+ 
 --]]--
 
 	-- dcsCommon is a library of common lua functions 
@@ -456,6 +461,7 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.6.8"
 		return dcsCommon.dist(point1, point2)
 	end
 	
+	
 	-- distance between points
 	function dcsCommon.dist(point1, point2)	 -- returns distance between two points
 	  -- supports xyz and xy notations
@@ -882,6 +888,7 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.6.8"
 	-- topClone is a shallow clone of orig, only top level is iterated,
 	-- all values are ref-copied
 	function dcsCommon.topClone(orig)
+		if not orig then return nil end 
 		local orig_type = type(orig)
 		local copy
 		if orig_type == 'table' then
@@ -898,6 +905,7 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.6.8"
 	-- clone is a recursive clone which will also clone
 	-- deeper levels, as used in units 
 	function dcsCommon.clone(orig)
+		if not orig then return nil end 
 		local orig_type = type(orig)
 		local copy
 		if orig_type == 'table' then
@@ -913,6 +921,8 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.6.8"
 	end
 
 	function dcsCommon.copyArray(inArray)
+		if not inArray then return nil end 
+		
 		-- warning: this is a ref copy!
 		local theCopy = {}
 		for idx, element in pairs(inArray) do 
@@ -1687,6 +1697,28 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.6.8"
 
 	end
 
+function dcsCommon.synchGroupData(inGroupData) -- update group data block by 
+-- comparing it to spawned group and update units by x, y, heding and isExist 
+-- modifies inGroupData!
+	if not inGroupData then return end 
+	-- groupdata from game, NOT MX DATA!
+	-- we synch the units and their coords 
+	local livingUnits = {}
+	for idx, unitData in pairs(inGroupData.units) do 
+		local theUnit = Unit.getByName(unitData.name)
+		if theUnit and theUnit:isExist() and theUnit:getLife()>1 then 
+			-- update x and y and heading
+			local pos = theUnit:getPoint()
+			unitData.unitId = theUnit:getID()
+			unitData.x = pos.x 
+			unitData.y = pos.z -- !!!!
+			unitData.heading = dcsCommon.getUnitHeading(gUnit)
+			table.insert(livingUnits, unitData)
+		end
+	end
+	inGroupData.units = livingUnits 
+end
+
 --
 --
 -- M I S C   M E T H O D S 
@@ -2440,6 +2472,42 @@ function dcsCommon.flagArrayFromString(inString, verbose)
 	end 
 	return flags
 end
+
+function dcsCommon.objectHandler(theObject, theCollector)
+	table.insert(theCollector, theObject)
+	return true 
+end
+
+function dcsCommon.getSceneryObjectsInZone(theZone) -- DCS ZONE!!! 
+	local aCat = 5 -- scenery
+	-- WARNING: WE ARE USING DCS ZONES, NOT CFX!!!
+	local p = {x=theZone.x, y=0, z=theZone.y}
+	local lp = {x = p.x, y = p.z}
+	p.y = land.getHeight(lp)
+	local collector = {}
+	
+	-- now build the search argument 
+	local args = {
+			id = world.VolumeType.SPHERE,
+			params = {
+				point = p,
+				radius = theZone.radius
+			}
+		}
+	
+	-- now call search
+	world.searchObjects(aCat, args, dcsCommon.objectHandler, collector)
+	return collector
+end
+
+function dcsCommon.getSceneryObjectInZoneByName(theName, theZone) -- DCS ZONE!!!
+	local allObs = dcsCommon.getSceneryObjectsInZone(theZone)
+	for idx, anObject in pairs(allObs) do 
+		if tostring(anObject:getName()) == theName then return anObject end 
+	end
+	return nil 
+end
+
 --
 --
 -- INIT

modules/persistence.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 persistence = {}
-persistence.version = "1.0.0"
+persistence.version = "1.0.1"
 persistence.ups = 1 -- once every 1 seconds 
 persistence.verbose = false 
 persistence.active = false 
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ persistence.saveFileName = nil -- "mission data.txt"
 persistence.sharedDir = nil -- not yet implemented
 persistence.missionDir = nil -- set at start 
 persistence.saveDir = nil -- set at start 
-
+persistence.name = "persistence" -- for cfxZones 
 persistence.missionData = {} -- loaded from file 
 persistence.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- always
@@ -16,6 +16,12 @@ persistence.requiredLibs = {
 --[[--
 	Version History 
 	1.0.0 - initial version
+	1.0.1 - when available, module sets flag "cfxPersistence" to 1
+		  - when data availabe, cfxPersistenceHasData is set to 1
+		  - spelling 
+		  - cfxZones interface
+		  - always output save location
+		  
 	
 	PROVIDES LOAD/SAVE ABILITY TO MODULES
 	PROVIDES STANDALONE/HOSTED SERVER COMPATIOBILITY
@@ -42,7 +48,7 @@ function persistence.registerModule(name, callbacks)
 	-- and must be the one given when you retrieve it later
 	persistence.callbacks[name] = callbacks
 	if persistence.verbose then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: module <" .. name .. "> registred itself", 30)
+		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: module <" .. name .. "> registered itself", 30)
 	end
 end
 
@@ -120,7 +126,10 @@ end
 --
 function persistence.saveText(theString, fileName, shared, append)
 	if not persistence.active then return false end 
-	if not fileName then return false end 
+	if not fileName then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: saveText without fileName")
+		return false 
+	end 
 	if not shared then shared = flase end 
 	if not theString then theString = "" end 
 	
@@ -140,6 +149,7 @@ function persistence.saveText(theString, fileName, shared, append)
 	end
 
 	if not theFile then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: saveText - unable to open " .. path, 30)
 		return false 
 	end
 	
@@ -283,6 +293,7 @@ function persistence.missionStartDataLoad()
 	-- can init from by data 
 	persistence.missionData = theData
 	persistence.hasData = true 
+	trigger.action.setUserFlag("cfxPersistenceHasData", 1)
 	
 	-- init my flags from last save 
 	local theFlags = theData["persistence.flagData"]
@@ -359,9 +370,9 @@ function persistence.doSaveMission()
 		return 
 	end 
 	
-	if persistence.verbose then 
+--	if persistence.verbose then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: mission saved", 30)
+		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: mission saved to\n" .. persistence.missionDir .. persistence.saveFileName, 30)
-	end
+--	end
 end
 
 function persistence.noteCleanRestart()
@@ -546,6 +557,7 @@ function persistence.start()
 	persistence.missionDir = missionDir
 	
 	persistence.active = true -- we can load and save data 
+	trigger.action.setUserFlag("cfxPersistence", 1)
     persistence.hasData = false -- we do not have save data 
 	
 	-- from here on we can read and write files in the missionDir 	

modules/theDebugger.lua

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 -- theDebugger 
 debugger = {}
-debugger.version = "1.1.1"
+debugger.version = "1.1.2"
 debugDemon = {}
-debugDemon.version = "1.1.1"
+debugDemon.version = "1.1.2"
 
 debugger.verbose = false 
 debugger.ups = 4 -- every 0.25 second  
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ debugger.log = ""
 		  - persistence of logs
 		  - save <name>
 	1.1.1 - warning when trying to set a flag to a non-int
+	1.1.2 - remove command 
 		  
  
 --]]--
@@ -478,11 +479,6 @@ if not debugger.start() then
 	debugger = nil 
 end
 
---[[--
-	debug on and off. globally, not per zone 
-	
---]]--
-
 
 --
 -- DEBUG DEMON 
@@ -625,15 +621,6 @@ end
 --
 -- Helpers 
 --
---[[--
-function debugDemon.isObserving(flagName)
-	-- for now, we simply scan out own 
-	for idx, aName in pairs(debugDemon.observer.flagArray) do 
-		if aName == flagName then return true end 
-	end
-	return false 
-end
---]]--
 
 function debugDemon.createObserver(aName)
 	local observer = cfxZones.createSimpleZone(aName)
@@ -667,6 +654,7 @@ debugger.outText("*** debugger: commands are:" ..
 	"\n\n  " .. debugDemon.markOfDemon .. "snap [<observername>] -- create new snapshot of flags" ..
 	"\n  " .. debugDemon.markOfDemon .. "compare -- compare snapshot flag values with current" ..
 	"\n  " .. debugDemon.markOfDemon .. "note <your note> -- add <your note> to the text log" ..
+	"\n\n  " .. debugDemon.markOfDemon .. "remove <group/unit/object name> -- remove named item from mission" ..
 	"\n\n  " .. debugDemon.markOfDemon .. "start -- starts debugger" ..
 	"\n  " .. debugDemon.markOfDemon .. "stop -- stop debugger" ..
 
@@ -1154,6 +1142,40 @@ function debugDemon.processSaveCommand(args, event)
 	debugger.saveLog(aName)
 	return true 
 end
+
+function debugDemon.processRemoveCommand(args, event)
+	-- remove a group, unit or object 
+	-- try group first 
+	local aName = event.remainder
+	if not aName or aName:len() < 1 then 
+		debugger.outText("*** remove: no remove target", 30)
+		return false
+	end
+	
+	aName = dcsCommon.trim(aName)
+	local theGroup = Group.getByName(aName)
+	if theGroup and theGroup:isExist() then 
+		theGroup:destroy()
+		debugger.outText("*** remove: removed group <" .. aName .. ">", 30)
+		return true
+	end
+	
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(aName)
+	if theUnit and theUnit:isExist() then 
+		theUnit:destroy()
+		debugger.outText("*** remove: removed unit <" .. aName .. ">", 30)
+		return true
+	end
+	
+	local theStatic = StaticObject.getByName(aName)
+	if theStatic and theStatic:isExist() then 
+		theStatic:destroy()
+		debugger.outText("*** remove: removed static object <" .. aName .. ">", 30)
+		return true
+	end
+	debugger.outText("*** remove: did not find anything called <" .. aName .. "> to remove", 30)
+		return true
+end
 --
 -- init and start
 --
@@ -1223,6 +1245,7 @@ function debugDemon.init()
 	debugDemon.addCommndProcessor("?", debugDemon.processHelpCommand)
 	debugDemon.addCommndProcessor("help", debugDemon.processHelpCommand)
 
+	debugDemon.addCommndProcessor("remove", debugDemon.processRemoveCommand)
 	
 	return true 
 end
@@ -1259,6 +1282,11 @@ end
 	- inspect objects, dumping category, life, if it's tasking, latLon, alt, speed, direction 
 	
 	- exec files. save all commands and then run them from script 
-	- remove units via delete and explode
+
+	- query objects: -q persistence.active returns boolean, true 
+	  -q x.y returns table, 12 elements
+	  -q a.b.x returns number 12
+	  -q d.e.f returns string "asdasda..."
+	  -q sada reuturs <nil>
 	
 --]]--

modules/unitPersistence.lua

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 unitPersistence = {}
-unitPersistence.version = '1.0.0'
+unitPersistence.version = '1.0.1'
 unitPersistence.verbose = false 
+unitPersistence.updateTime = 60 -- seconds. Once every minute check statics
 unitPersistence.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- always
 	"cfxZones", -- Zones, of course 
@@ -10,6 +11,10 @@ unitPersistence.requiredLibs = {
 --[[--
 	Version History 
 	1.0.0 - initial version
+	1.0.1 - handles late activation 
+	      - handles linked static objects 
+		  - does no longer mess with heliports 
+		  - update statics once a minute, not second 
 	
 	REQUIRES PERSISTENCE AND MX
 
@@ -66,7 +71,7 @@ function unitPersistence.saveData()
 	
 	-- process all static objects placed with ME 
 	for oName, oData in pairs(unitPersistence.statics) do 
-		if not oData.isDead then 
+		if not oData.isDead or oData.lateActivation then 
 			-- fetch the object and see if it's still alive
 			local theObject = StaticObject.getByName(oName)
 			if theObject and theObject:isExist() then
@@ -75,17 +80,16 @@ function unitPersistence.saveData()
 				oData.x = pos.x
 				oData.y = pos.z -- (!!)
 				oData.isDead = theObject:getLife() < 1
---				trigger.action.outText("deadcheck: " .. oName .. " has health=" .. theObject:getLife(), 30)
 				oData.dead = oData.isDead
 			else 
 				oData.isDead = true
 				oData.dead = true 
---				trigger.action.outText("deadcheck: " .. oName .. " certified dead", 30)
 			end
 		end
 		if unitPersistence.verbose then 
 			local note = "(ok)"
 			if oData.isDead then note = "(dead)" end 
+			if oData.lateActivation then note = "(late active)" end 
 			trigger.action.outText("unitPersistence: save - processed group <" .. oName .. ">. " .. note, 30)
 		end
 	end
@@ -154,7 +158,7 @@ function unitPersistence.loadMission()
 					trigger.action.outText("+++ failed to add modified group <" .. groupName .. ">")
 				end
 				if unitPersistence.verbose then 
-					trigger.action.outText("+++unitPersistence: updated group <" .. groupName .. "> of cat <" .. cat .. "> for cty <" .. cty .. ">", 30)
+				--	trigger.action.outText("+++unitPersistence: updated group <" .. groupName .. "> of cat <" .. cat .. "> for cty <" .. cty .. ">", 30)
 				end 
 			end 
 		end
@@ -167,11 +171,27 @@ function unitPersistence.loadMission()
 	-- and now the same for static objects 
 	if theData.statics then 
 		for name, staticData in pairs(theData.statics) do
-			local theStatic = StaticObject.getByName(name)
+			--local theStatic = StaticObject.getByName(name)
-			if not theStatic then 
+			if staticData.lateActivation then 
-				mismatchWarning = true 
+				-- this one will not be in the game now, skip
+				if unitPersistence.verbose then
+					trigger.action.outText("+++unitPersistence: static <" .. name .. "> is late activate, no update", 30)
+				end
+			--elseif not theStatic then 
+			--	mismatchWarning = true 
+			elseif staticData.category == "Heliports" then 
+				-- FARPS are static objects that HATE to be 
+				-- messed with, so we don't 
+				if unitPersistence.verbose then
+					trigger.action.outText("+++unitPersistence: static <" .. name .. "> is Heliport, no update", 30)
+				end
 			else
 				local newStatic = dcsCommon.clone(staticData)
+				-- add link info if it exists
+				newStatic.linkUnit = cfxMX.linkByName[name]
+				if newStatic.linkUnit and unitPersistence.verbose then 
+					trigger.action.outText("+++unitPersistence: linked static <" .. name .. "> to unit <" .. newStatic.linkUnit .. ">", 30)
+				end
 				local cty = staticData.cty 
 				local cat = staticData.cat
 				-- spawn new one, replacing same.named old, dead if required 
@@ -182,7 +202,7 @@ function unitPersistence.loadMission()
 				if unitPersistence.verbose then 
 					local note = ""
 					if newStatic.dead then note = " (dead)" end 
-					trigger.action.outText("+++unitPersistence: updated static <" .. name .. "> for cty <" .. cty .. ">" .. note, 30)
+					-- trigger.action.outText("+++unitPersistence: updated static <" .. name .. "> for cty <" .. cty .. ">" .. note, 30)
 				end 
 			end
 		end
@@ -197,6 +217,31 @@ function unitPersistence.loadMission()
 	end
 end
 
+--
+-- Update
+--
+function unitPersistence.update()
+	-- we check every minute
+	timer.scheduleFunction(unitPersistence.update, {}, timer.getTime() + unitPersistence.updateTime)
+	-- do a quick scan for all late activated static objects and if they 
+	-- are suddently visible, remove their late activate state 
+	--for groupName, groupdata in pairs(unitPersistence.groundTroops) do 
+		-- currently not needed
+	--end
+	
+	for objName, objData in pairs(unitPersistence.statics) do 
+		if objData.lateActivation then 
+			local theStatic = StaticObject.getByName(objData.name)
+			if theStatic then 
+				objData.lateActivation = false 
+				if unitPersistence.verbose then 
+					trigger.action.outText("+++unitPersistence: <" ..  objData.name .. "> has activated", 30)
+				end	
+			end
+		end
+	end
+end
+
 --
 -- Start
 --
@@ -250,13 +295,18 @@ function unitPersistence.start()
 			theStatic.isDead = false 
 			theStatic.groupId = mxData.groupId
 			theStatic.cat = cfxMX.catText2ID("static")
+			theStatic.cty = cfxMX.countryByName[name]
 			local gameOb = StaticObject.getByName(theStatic.name)
 			if not gameOb then 
-				trigger.action.outText("+++warning: static object <" .. theStatic.name .. "> does not exist in-game!?", 30)
+				if unitPersistence.verbose then 
-			else 
+					trigger.action.outText("+++unitPersistence: static object <" .. theStatic.name .. "> has late activation", 30)
-				theStatic.cty = gameOb:getCountry()
-				unitPersistence.statics[theStatic.name] = theStatic
 				end 
+				theStatic.lateActivation = true 
+			else 
+				--theStatic.cty = gameOb:getCountry()
+				--unitPersistence.statics[theStatic.name] = theStatic
+			end
+			unitPersistence.statics[theStatic.name] = theStatic
 		end
 	end
 		
@@ -265,6 +315,9 @@ function unitPersistence.start()
 		unitPersistence.loadMission()
 	end
 	
+	-- start update 
+	unitPersistence.update()
+	
 	return true 
 end
 
@@ -274,3 +327,7 @@ if not unitPersistence.start() then
 	end
 	unitPersistence = nil 
 end
+--[[--
+	ToDo: linked statics and linked units on restore 
+
+--]]--