Version 1.2.3

New ASW modules
Lots of maintenance fixes

modules/asw.lua

@@ -0,0 +1,983 @@
+asw = {}
+asw.version = "1.0.0"
+asw.verbose = false 
+asw.requiredLibs = {
+	"dcsCommon", -- always
+	"cfxZones", -- Zones, of course 
+}
+asw.ups = 0.1 -- = once every 10 seconds
+asw.buoys = {} -- all buoys, by name
+asw.torpedoes = {} -- all torpedoes in the water. 
+asw.thumpers = {} -- all current sonar amplifiers/booms that are active
+asw.fixes = {} -- all subs that we have a fix on. indexed by sub name 
+-- fixname encodes the coalition of the fix in "/<coanum>"
+
+--[[--
+	Version History
+	1.0.0 - initial version 
+	
+--]]--
+
+--
+--  :::WARNING:::
+--  CURRENTLY NOT CHECKING FOR COALITIONS 
+--
+
+function asw.createTorpedo()
+	local t = {}
+	t.lifeTimer = timer.getTime() + asw.torpedoLife
+	t.speed = asw.torpedoSpeed
+	t.state = 0; -- not yet released. FSM 
+	t.name = dcsCommon.uuid("asw.t")
+	return t
+end
+
+function asw.createTorpedoForUnit(theUnit)
+	local t = asw.createTorpedo()
+	t.coalition = theUnit:getCoalition()
+	t.point = theUnit:getPoint()
+	return t 
+end
+
+function asw.createTorpedoForZone(theZone)
+	local t = asw.createTorpedo()
+	t.coalition = theZone.coalition
+	t.point = cfxZones.getPoint(theZone)
+	return t 
+end
+
+function asw.createBuoy() 
+	local b = {}
+	b.markID = dcsCommon.numberUUID() -- buoy mark
+	b.coalition = 0
+	b.point = nil 
+	b.smokeTimer = timer.getTime() + 5 * 60 -- for refresh
+	b.smokeColor = nil -- 
+	b.lifeTimer = timer.getTime() + asw.buoyLife 
+	b.contacts = {} -- detected contacts in range. by unit name 
+	b.timeStamps = {}
+	b.bearing = {} -- bearing to contact
+	b.lines = {} -- line art for contact (wedges)
+	b.lastContactNum = 0 
+	b.lastReportedIn = 0 -- time of last report
+	return b
+end
+
+function asw.createBuoyForUnit(theUnit)
+	-- theUnit drops buoy, making it belong to the same coalition 
+	-- as the dropping unit 
+	local b = asw.createBuoy()
+	b.point = theUnit:getPoint()
+	b.point.y = 0 
+	b.coalition = theUnit:getCoalition()
+	b.smokeColor = asw.smokeColor -- needs to be done later 
+	b.name = dcsCommon.uuid("asw-b." .. theUnit:getName()) 
+	return b 
+end
+
+function asw.createBuoyForZone(theZone)
+	-- theZone drops buoy (if zone isn't linked to unit) 
+	-- making it belong to the same coalition 
+	-- as the dropping unit 
+	local theUnit = cfxZones.getLinkedUnit(theZone)
+	if theUnit then 
+		b = asw.createBuoyForUnit(theUnit)
+		return b 
+	end 
+	
+	local b = asw.createBuoy()
+	b.point = cfxZones.getPoint(theZone)
+	b.point.y = 0 
+	b.coalition = theZone.coalition
+	b.smokeColor = asw.smokeColor -- needs to be done later 
+	b.name = dcsCommon.uuid("asw-b." .. theZone.name) 
+	return b 
+end
+
+-- uid generation for this module.
+asw.ccounter = 0 -- init to preferred value 
+asw.ccinc = 1 -- init to preferred increment
+function asw.contactCount()
+	asw.ccounter = asw.ccounter + asw.ccinc
+	return asw.ccounter
+end
+
+function asw.createFixForSub(theUnit, theCoalition) 
+	if not theCoalition then
+		trigger.action.outText("+++ASW: createFix without coalition, assuming BLUE", 30)
+		theCoalition = 2 
+	end
+	
+	local now = timer.getTime()
+	local f = {}
+	f.coalition = theCoalition
+	f.theUnit = theUnit 
+	if theCoalition == theUnit:getCoalition() then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++ASW: createFix - theUnit <" .. theUnit:getName() .. "> has same coalition than detection side (" .. theCoalition .. ")", 30)
+	end 
+	
+	f.name = theUnit:getName()
+	f.typeName = theUnit:getTypeName()
+	f.desig = "SC-" .. asw.contactCount()
+	f.lifeTimer = now + asw.fixLife -- will be renewed whenever we hit enough signal strength 
+	f.lines = 0 
+	return f 
+end
+
+--
+-- dropping buoys, torpedos and thumpers 
+--
+
+function asw.dropBuoyFrom(theUnit)
+	if not theUnit or not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then return end 
+	-- make sure we do not drop over land 
+	local p3 = theUnit:getPoint()
+	local p2 = {x=p3.x, y=p3.z}
+	local lType = land.getSurfaceType(p2)
+	if lType ~= 3 then
+		if asw.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: ASW counter-measures must be dropped over open water, not <" .. lType .. ">. Aborting deployment for <" .. theUnit:getName() .. "> failed, counter-measure lost", 30)
+		end 
+		return nil 
+	end 
+
+	local now = timer.getTime()
+	-- create buoy
+	local theBuoy = asw.createBuoyForUnit(theUnit)
+	
+	-- mark point 
+	dcsCommon.markPointWithSmoke(theBuoy.point, theBuoy.smokeColor)
+	theBuoy.smokeTimer = now + 5 * 60
+	
+	-- add buoy to my inventory 
+	asw.buoys[theBuoy.name] = theBuoy
+	
+	-- mark on map 
+	local info = "Buoy dropped by " .. theUnit:getName() .. " at " .. dcsCommon.nowString()
+	trigger.action.markToCoalition(theBuoy.markID, info, theUnit:getPoint(), theBuoy.coalition, true, "")
+	if asw.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("Dropping buoy " .. theBuoy.name, 30)
+	end 
+	return theBuoy
+end
+
+function asw.dropBuoyFromZone(theZone)
+--	trigger.action.outText("enter asw.dropBuoyFromZone <" .. theZone.name .. ">", 30)
+	local theUnit = cfxZones.getLinkedUnit(theZone)
+	if theUnit and Unit.isExist(theUnit)then 
+		return asw.dropBuoyFrom(theUnit)
+	end 
+
+	-- try and set the zone's coalition by the unit that 
+	-- it is following
+	local coa = cfxZones.getLinkedUnit(theZone)
+	if coa then 
+		theZone.coalition = coa 
+	end 
+	
+	if not theZone.coalition or theZone.coalition == 0 then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: 0 coalition for aswZone <" .. theZone.name .. ">, aborting buoy drop.", 30)
+		return nil 
+	end
+
+	-- make sure we do not drop over land 
+	local p3 = cfxZones.getPoint(theZone)
+	local p2 = {x=p3.x, y=p3.z}
+	local lType = land.getSurfaceType(p2)
+	if lType ~= 3 then
+		if asw.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: asw measures must be dropped over open water, not <" .. lType .. ">. Aborting deployment for <" .. theZone.name .. ">", 30)
+		end 
+		return nil 
+	end 
+	
+
+	local now = timer.getTime()
+	-- create buoy
+	local theBuoy = asw.createBuoyForZone(theZone)
+	
+	-- mark point 
+	dcsCommon.markPointWithSmoke(theBuoy.point, theBuoy.smokeColor)
+	theBuoy.smokeTimer = now + 5 * 60
+	
+	-- add buoy to my inventory 
+	asw.buoys[theBuoy.name] = theBuoy
+	
+	-- mark on map 
+	local info = "Buoy dropped by " .. theZone.name .. " at " .. dcsCommon.nowString()
+	local pos = cfxZones.getPoint(theZone)
+	trigger.action.markToCoalition(theBuoy.markID, info, pos, theBuoy.coalition, true, "")
+	if asw.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("Dropping buoy " .. theBuoy.name, 30)
+	end 
+	return theBuoy
+end 
+
+function asw.dropTorpedoFrom(theUnit)
+	if not theUnit or not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then 
+		return nil 
+	end
+	local p3 = theUnit:getPoint()
+	local p2 = {x=p3.x, y=p3.z}
+	local lType = land.getSurfaceType(p2)
+	if lType ~= 3 then 
+		if asw.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: sub counter-measures must be dropped over open water, not <" .. lType .. ">. Aborting deployment for <" .. theUnit:getName() .. "> failed, counter-measure lost", 30)
+		end 
+		return nil 
+	end 
+	
+	local t = asw.createTorpedoForUnit(theUnit)
+	-- add to inventory
+	asw.torpedoes[t.name] = t 
+	if asw.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("Launching torpedo " .. t.name, 30)
+	end 
+	return t 
+end
+
+function asw.dropTorpedoFromZone(theZone)
+	local theUnit = cfxZones.getLinkedUnit(theZone)
+	if theUnit then 
+		return asw.dropTorpedoFrom(theUnit)
+	end 
+	
+	-- try and set the zone's coalition by the unit that 
+	-- it is following
+	local coa = cfxZones.getLinkedUnit(theZone)
+	if coa then 
+		theZone.coalition = coa 
+	end 
+	
+	if not theZone.coalition or theZone.coalition == 0 then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: 0 coalition for aswZone <" .. theZone.name .. ">, aborting torpedo drop.", 30)
+		return nil 
+	end
+	
+	-- make sure we do not drop over land 
+	local p3 = cfxZones.getPoint(theZone)
+	local p2 = {x=p3.x, y=p3.z}
+	local lType = land.getSurfaceType(p2)
+	if lType ~= 3 then  
+		if asw.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: asw measures must be dropped over open water, not <" .. lType .. ">. Aborting deployment for <" .. theZone.name .. ">", 30)
+		end 
+		return nil 
+	end 
+	
+	local t = asw.createTorpedoForZone(theZone)
+	-- add to inventory
+	asw.torpedoes[t.name] = t 
+	if asw.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("Launching torpedo for zone", 30)
+	end 
+	return t
+end
+
+--
+-- UPDATE 
+--
+function asw.getClosestFixTo(loc, coalition)
+	local dist = math.huge
+	local closestFix = nil 
+	for fixName, theFix in pairs(asw.fixes) do
+		if theFix.coalition == coalition then 
+			local theUnit = theFix.theUnit
+			if Unit.isExist(theUnit) then 
+				pos = theUnit:getPoint()
+				d = dcsCommon.distFlat(loc, pos)
+				if d < dist then 
+					dist = d
+					closestFix = theFix
+				end 
+			end
+		end
+	end	
+	return closestFix, dist
+end
+
+function asw.getClosestSubToLoc(loc, allSubs)
+	local dist = math.huge
+	local closestSub = nil
+	for cName, contact in pairs(allSubs) do 
+		if Unit.isExist(contact.theUnit) then 
+			d = dcsCommon.distFlat(loc, contact.theUnit:getPoint())
+			if d < dist then 
+				closestSub = contact.theUnit
+				dist = d 
+			end 
+		end
+	end
+	return closestSub, dist 
+end
+
+function asw.wedgeForBuoyAndContact(theBuoy, aName, p)
+	--env.info("   >enter wedge for buoy/contact: <" .. theBuoy.name .. ">/< .. aName .. >, p= " .. p)
+	if p > 1 then p = 1 end  
+	theBuoy.lines[aName] = dcsCommon.numberUUID()
+	local shape = theBuoy.lines[aName]
+	local p1 = theBuoy.point 
+	local deviant = asw.maxDeviation * (1-p) -- get percentage of max dev 
+	local minDev = math.floor(5 + (deviant * 0.2)) -- one fifth + 5 is fixed 
+	local varDev = math.floor(deviant * 0.8) -- four fifth is variable 
+	--env.info("   |will now calculate leftD and rightD")
+	local leftD = math.floor(minDev + varDev * math.random()) -- dcsCommon.smallRandom(varDev) -- varDev * math.random() 
+	local rightD = math.floor(minDev + varDev * math.random()) -- dcsCommon.smallRandom(varDev) -- varDev * math.random() 
+	--env.info("   |will now calculate p2 and p3")
+	local p2 = dcsCommon.newPointAtDegreesRange(p1, theBuoy.bearing[aName] - leftD, asw.maxDetectionRange)
+	local p3 = dcsCommon.newPointAtDegreesRange(p1, theBuoy.bearing[aName] + rightD, asw.maxDetectionRange)
+	--env.info("   |will now create wedge <" .. shape .. "> ")
+	trigger.action.markupToAll(7, theBuoy.coalition, shape, p1, p2, p3, p1, {1, 0, 0, 0.25}, {1, 0, 0, 0.05}, 4, true, "Contact " .. tonumber(shape))
+	--env.info("   <complete, leaving wedge for buoy/contact: <" .. theBuoy.name .. ">/< .. aName .. >")
+end
+
+function asw.updateBuoy(theBuoy, allSubs)
+	--env.info("  >>enter update buoy for " .. theBuoy.name)
+	-- note: buoys never see subs of their own side since it is 
+	-- assumed that their location is known and filtered 
+	if not theBuoy then return false end 
+	
+	-- allSubs are all possible contacts 
+	local now = timer.getTime()
+	if now > theBuoy.lifeTimer then 
+		--env.info("  lifetime ran out")
+		-- buoy timed out: remove mark 
+		if asw.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++ASW: removing mark <" .. theBuoy.markID .. "> for buoy <" .. theBuoy.name .. ">", 30)
+		end 
+		--env.info("  - will remove mark " .. theBuoy.markID)
+		trigger.action.removeMark(theBuoy.markID)
+		--env.info("  - removed mark")
+		-- now also remove all wedges 
+		for name, wedge in pairs(theBuoy.lines) do 
+			if asw.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++ASW: removing wedge mark <" .. wedge .. "> for sub <" .. name .. ">", 30)
+			end 
+			--env.info("  - will remove wedge " .. wedge)
+			trigger.action.removeMark(wedge)
+		end 
+		--env.info("  <<updateBuoy, returning false")
+		return false
+	end
+	
+	-- buoy is alive!
+	-- see if we need to resmoke 
+	if now > theBuoy.smokeTimer then 
+		--env.info("  resmoking buoy, continue")
+		dcsCommon.markPointWithSmoke(theBuoy.point, theBuoy.smokeColor)
+		theBuoy.smokeTimer = now + 5 * 60
+		--env.info("  resmoke done, continue")
+	end
+	
+	-- check all contacts, skip own coalition subs
+	-- check signal strength to all subs 
+	local newContacts = {} -- as opposed to already in theBuoy.contacts
+	--env.info("  :iterating allSubs for contacts")
+	for contactName, contact in pairs (allSubs) do 
+		if contact.coalition ~= theBuoy.coalition then -- not on our side
+			local theSub = contact.theUnit 
+			local theSubLoc = theSub:getPoint()
+			local theSubName = contact.name 
+			local p = 0 -- detection probability 
+			local canDetect = false 
+			local sureDetect = false 
+			local depth = -dcsCommon.getUnitAGL(theSub) -- NOTE: INVERTED!!
+			if depth > 5 and depth < asw.maxDetectionDepth then 			
+				-- distance. probability recedes by square of distance 
+				local dist = dcsCommon.distFlat(theBuoy.point, theSubLoc)
+				if dist > asw.maxDetectionRange then 
+					-- will not detect 
+				elseif dist < asw.sureDetectionRange then 
+					canDetect = true 
+					sureDetect = true
+					p = 1
+					theBuoy.bearing[theSubName] = dcsCommon.bearingInDegreesFromAtoB(theBuoy.point, theSubLoc)
+				else
+					canDetect = true 
+					p = 1 - (dist - asw.sureDetectionRange) / asw.maxDetectionRange -- percentage 
+					p = p * p * p -- cubed, in 3D
+					theBuoy.bearing[theSubName] = dcsCommon.bearingInDegreesFromAtoB(theBuoy.point, theSubLoc)
+				end
+			end
+			if canDetect then 
+				if sureDetect or math.random() < p then 
+					-- we have detected sub this round!
+					newContacts[theSubName] = p -- remember for buoy
+					contact.trackedBy[theBuoy.name] = p -- remember for sub
+				else 
+					-- didn't detect, do nothing
+					-- contact.trackedBy[theBuoy.name] = nil -- probably not required, contact is new each pass 
+				end
+			else 
+				-- contact.trackedBy[theBuoy.name] = nil -- probably not required 
+			end
+		end -- if not the same coalition
+	end -- for all contacts 
+	--env.info("  :iterating allSubs done")
+	-- now compare old contacts with new contacts
+	-- if contact lost, remove wedge
+	--env.info("  >start iterating buoy.contacts to find which contacts we lost")
+	for aName, aP in pairs(theBuoy.contacts) do 
+		if newContacts[aName] then 
+			-- exists, therefore old contact. Keep it
+			--[[-- code to update wedge removed
+			if theBuoy.timeStamps[aName] + 60 * 2 < now then 
+				-- update map: remove wedge 
+				local shape = theBuoy.lines[aName]
+				trigger.action.removeMark(shape)
+				-- draw a new one 
+				local pc = newContacts[aName] -- new probability 
+				asw.wedgeForBuoyAndContact(theBuoy, aName, pc)
+			end
+			--]]--
+		else 
+			-- contact lost. remove wedge 
+			local shape = theBuoy.lines[aName]
+			if asw.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++ASW: will remove wedge <" .. shape .. ">", 30)
+			end
+			--env.info("  >removing wedge #" .. shape)
+			trigger.action.removeMark(shape)
+			--env.info("  >done removing wedge")
+			-- delete this line entry 
+			theBuoy.lines[aName] = nil 
+		end
+	end
+	--env.info("  <iterating buoy.contacts for lost contact done")
+	-- check if contact is new and add wedge if so 
+	--env.info("  >start iterating newContacts for new contacts")
+	for aName, aP in pairs(newContacts) do 
+		if theBuoy.contacts[aName] then 
+			-- exists, is old contact, do nothing 
+		else 
+			-- new contact, draw wedge  
+			theBuoy.timeStamps[aName] = now 
+			theBuoy.lines[aName] = dcsCommon.numberUUID() -- new shape ID
+			asw.wedgeForBuoyAndContact(theBuoy, aName, aP)
+			-- sound, but suppress ping if we have a fix for that sub 
+			-- fixes are indexed by <subname>"/"<coalition>
+			if theBuoy.coalition == 1 then -- and (not asw.fixes[aName .. "/" .. "1"])then 
+				asw.newRedBuoyContact = true 
+			elseif theBuoy.coalition == 2 then --and (not asw.fixes[aName .. "/" .. "2"]) then
+				asw.newBlueBuoyContact = true 
+			end
+		end
+	end
+	--env.info("  >iterating newContacts for new contacts done")
+	-- we may want to suppress beep if the sub is already in a fix 
+	
+	-- now save the new contacts and overwrite old 
+	theBuoy.contacts = newContacts
+	--env.info("  <<done update buoy for " .. theBuoy.name .. ", returning true")
+	return true -- true = keep uoy alive 
+end
+
+function asw.hasFix(contact)
+	-- determine if this sub can be fixed by the buoys 
+	-- run down all buoys that currently see me 
+	-- sub is only seen by opposing buoys.
+	
+	local bNum = 0
+	local pTotal = 0
+	local deltaB = 0
+	local bearings = {}
+	local subName = contact.name 
+	for bName, p in pairs(contact.trackedBy) do 
+		local theBuoy = asw.buoys[bName]
+		-- CHECK FOR COALITION 
+		-- make bnum to bnumred and bnumblue 
+		if theBuoy.coalition == contact.coalition then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++Warning: same coa for buoy <" .. theBuoy.name .. "> and sub contact <" .. contact.name .. "> ", 30)
+		end 
+		bNum = bNum + 1 -- count number of tracking buoys 
+		pTotal = pTotal + p 
+		bearings[bName] = theBuoy.bearing[subName] - 180
+		if bearings[bName] < 0 then bearings[bName] = bearings[bName] + 360 end 
+	end
+	
+	local best90 = 0
+	local above30 = 0 
+	for bName, aBearing in pairs (bearings) do 
+		for bbName, bBearing in pairs(bearings) do 
+			local a = aBearing 
+			if a > 180 then a = a - 180 end 
+			local b = bBearing
+			if b > 180 then b = b - 180 end 
+			local d = math.abs(a - b) -- 0..180
+			if d > 90 then d = 90 - (d-90) end -- d = 0..90
+			local this90 = d 
+			if this90 > 30 then above30 = above30 + 1 end 
+			if this90 > best90 then best90 = this90 end 
+		end
+	end
+	above30 = above30 / 2 -- number of buoys that have more than 30° angle to contact, by 2 because each counts twice.
+	local solver = above30 * best90/90 * pTotal 
+	if solver >= 2.0 then -- we have a fix
+		return true
+	end
+	return false
+end
+
+function asw.updateFixes(allSubs)
+	-- in order to create or maintain a fix, we need at least x 
+	-- buoys with a confidence level of xx for that sub 
+	-- and their azimuth must make at least 45 degrees so we 
+	-- can make a fix 
+	-- remember that buoys can only see subs of *opposing* side 
+	local now = timer.getTime()
+	
+	for subName, contact in pairs(allSubs) do 
+		-- calculate if we have a fix on this sub 
+		local coa = dcsCommon.getEnemyCoalitionFor(contact.coalition) 
+		-- if coa is nil, it's a neutral sub, and we skip 
+		if coa and asw.hasFix(contact) then 
+			-- if new fix? Access existing ones via fix name scheme
+			-- fix naming scheme is to allow (later) detection of 
+			-- same-side subs with buoys and not create a fix name 
+			-- collision. Currently overkill 
+			local theFix = asw.fixes[subName .. "/" .. tonumber(coa)]
+			if theFix then
+				-- exists, nothing to do
+			else 
+				-- create a new fix  
+				theFix = asw.createFixForSub(contact.theUnit, coa)
+				local theUnit = theFix.theUnit 
+				local pos = theUnit:getPoint()
+				local lat, lon, dep =  coord.LOtoLL(pos)
+				local lla, llb = dcsCommon.latLon2Text(lat, lon)
+				trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(coa, "NEW FIX " .. theFix.desig .. ": submerged contact, class <" .. theFix.typeName .. ">, location " .. lla .. ", " .. llb .. ", tracking.", 30)
+				if coa == 1 then asw.newRedFix = true 
+				elseif coa == 2 then asw.newBlueFix = true 
+				end
+				-- add fix to list of fixes 
+				asw.fixes[subName .. "/" .. tonumber(coa)] = theFix 
+			end 
+			-- update life timer for all fixes 
+			theFix.lifeTimer = now + asw.fixLife 
+			trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(coa, "contact fix " .. theFix.desig .. " confirmed.", 30)
+			if asw.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("renewed lease for fix " .. subName .. "/" .. tonumber(coa), 30)
+			end 
+		else 
+			-- no new fix, 
+		end
+	end
+	
+	-- now iterate all fixes and update them, or time out
+	local filtered = {}
+	for fixName, theFix in pairs(asw.fixes) do 
+		if now < theFix.lifeTimer and Unit.isExist(theFix.theUnit) then 
+			-- update the location 
+			if theFix.lines and theFix.lines > 0 then 
+				-- remove old
+				trigger.action.removeMark(theFix.lines)
+			end
+			-- allocate new fix id. we always need new fix id 
+			theFix.lines = dcsCommon.numberUUID()
+			-- mark on map for coalition 
+			local theUnit = theFix.theUnit 
+			local pos = theUnit:getPoint()
+			-- assemble sub info 
+			local vel = math.floor(1.94384 * dcsCommon.getUnitSpeed(theUnit))
+			local heading = math.floor(dcsCommon.getUnitHeadingDegrees(theUnit))
+			local delta = asw.fixLife - (theFix.lifeTimer - now) 
+			local timeAgo = dcsCommon.processHMS("<m>:<:s>", delta)
+			local info = "Submerged contact, identified as '" .. theFix.theUnit:getTypeName() .. "' class, moving at " .. vel .. " kts, heading " .. heading .. ", last fix " .. timeAgo .. " minutes ago."
+			-- note: neet to change to markToCoalition! 
+			trigger.action.markToCoalition(theFix.lines, info, pos, theFix.coalition, true, "")
+			
+			-- add to filtered
+			filtered[fixName] = theFix
+		else 
+			-- do not add to filtered, timed out or unit destroyed  
+			trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(theFix.coalition, "Lost fix for contact", 30)
+			-- remove mark 
+			if theFix.lines and theFix.lines > 0 then 
+				trigger.action.removeMark(theFix.lines)
+			end 
+		end
+	end
+	
+	asw.fixes = filtered 
+end
+
+function markTorpedo(theTorpedo)
+	theTorpedo.markID = dcsCommon.numberUUID()
+	trigger.action.markToCoalition(theTorpedo.markID, "Torpedo " .. theTorpedo.name, theTorpedo.point, theTorpedo.coalition, true, "")
+end
+
+function asw.updateTorpedo(theTorpedo, allSubs)
+	-- homes in on closest torpedo, but only if it can detect it 
+	-- else it simply runs in a random direction 
+	
+	-- remove old mark 
+	if theTorpedo.markID then 
+		trigger.action.removeMark(theTorpedo.markID)
+	end 
+
+	-- outside of lethal range, torp can randomly fail and never 
+	-- re-aquire (lostTrack is true) unless it accidentally 
+	-- gets into lethal range 
+
+	-- see if it timed out 
+	local now = timer.getTime()
+	if now > theTorpedo.lifeTimer then 
+		trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(theTorpedo.coalition, "Torpedo " .. theTorpedo.name .. " ran out", 30)
+		return false
+	end
+	
+	-- redraw mark for torpedo. give it a new 
+	-- uuid every time 
+	-- during update, it gets near and if it can get close 
+	-- enough, it will set them up the bomb and create an explosion 
+	-- near the sub it detected. 
+	-- uses FSM 
+	-- state 0 = dropped into water 
+	if theTorpedo.state == 0 then 
+		-- state 0: dropping in the water 
+		trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(theTorpedo.coalition, "Torpedo " .. theTorpedo.name .. " in the water!", 30)
+		theTorpedo.state = 1
+		markTorpedo(theTorpedo)
+		return true 
+		
+	elseif theTorpedo.state == 1 then 	
+		-- seeking. get closest fix. if we have a fix in range 
+		-- we go to stage homing, and it's a race between time and 
+		-- and sub
+		trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(theTorpedo.coalition, "Torpedo " .. theTorpedo.name .. " is seeking contact...", 30)
+		
+		-- select closest fix from same side as torpedo 
+		local theFix, dist = asw.getClosestFixTo(theTorpedo.point, theTorpedo.coalition)
+		
+		if theFix and dist > asw.maxDetectionRange / 2 then 
+			-- too far, forget it existed
+			theFix = nil 
+		end 
+		
+		if not theFix then 
+			if asw.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("stage1: No fix/distance found for " .. theTorpedo.name, 30)
+			end 
+		else 
+			if asw.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("stage1: found fix <" .. theFix.name .. "> at dist <" .. dist .. "> for " .. theTorpedo.name, 30)
+			end 
+		end
+		
+		if theFix and dist < 1700 then 
+			-- have seeker, go to homing mode 
+			theTorpedo.target = theFix.theUnit
+			if asw.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++asw: target found: <" .. theTorpedo.target:getName() .. ">", 30)
+			end 
+			theTorpedo.state = 20 -- homing
+			
+		elseif theFix then 
+			local B = theFix.theUnit:getPoint()
+			theTorpedo.course = dcsCommon.bearingFromAtoB(theTorpedo.point, B)
+			if asw.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++asw: unguided heading for <" .. theFix.theUnit:getName() .. ">", 30)
+			end 
+			theTorpedo.state = 10 -- directed run 
+		else 
+			-- no fix anywhere in range,
+			-- simply pick a course and run
+			-- maybe we get lucky 
+			theTorpedo.course = 2 * 3.1415 * math.random()
+			if asw.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++asw: random heading", 30)
+			end
+			theTorpedo.state = 10 -- random run 
+		end
+		
+		markTorpedo(theTorpedo)
+		return true 
+		
+	elseif theTorpedo.state == 10 then -- moving, not homing
+		-- move torpedo and see if it's close enough to a sub 
+		-- to track or blow up 
+		local displacement = asw.torpedoSpeed * 1/asw.ups -- meters travelled
+		if not theTorpedo.course then 
+			theTorpedo.course = 0
+			trigger.action.outText("+++ASW: Torpedo <" .. theTorpedo.name .. "> stage (10) with undefined course, setting 0", 30)
+		end 
+		
+		theTorpedo.point.x = theTorpedo.point.x + displacement * math.cos(theTorpedo.course)
+		theTorpedo.point.z = theTorpedo.point.z + displacement * math.sin(theTorpedo.course) 
+
+		-- seeking ANY sub now. 
+		-- warning: may go after our own subs as well, torpedo don't care!
+		local theSub, dist = asw.getClosestSubToLoc(theTorpedo.point, allSubs)
+		if dist < 1200 then 
+			-- we lock on to this sub 
+			theTorpedo.target = theSub
+			theTorpedo.state = 20 -- switch to homing 
+			trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(theTorpedo.coalition, "Torpedo " .. theTorpedo.name .. " is going active!", 30)
+		end
+		
+		if dist < 1.2 * displacement then 
+			theTorpedo.state = 99 -- go boom
+		end
+		markTorpedo(theTorpedo)
+		return true 
+		
+	elseif theTorpedo.state == 20 then -- HOMING!
+		if not Unit.isExist(theTorpedo.target) then 
+			-- target was destroyed?
+			if asw.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++asw: target lost", 30)
+			end 
+			theTorpedo.course = 2 * 3.1415 * math.random()
+			theTorpedo.state = 10 -- switch to run free
+			theTorpedo.target = nil 
+			trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(theTorpedo.coalition, "Torpedo " .. theTorpedo.name .. " lost track, searching...", 30)
+			return 
+		end 
+		
+		if not theTorpedo.target then 
+			-- sanity check
+			theTorpedo.course = 2 * 3.1415 * math.random()
+			theTorpedo.state = 10 -- switch to run free
+			return 
+		end
+
+		-- we know that isExist(target)
+		local B = theTorpedo.target:getPoint()
+		theTorpedo.course = dcsCommon.bearingFromAtoB(theTorpedo.point, B)
+		local displacement = asw.torpedoSpeed * 1/asw.ups -- meters travelled
+		theTorpedo.point.x = theTorpedo.point.x + displacement * math.cos(theTorpedo.course)
+		theTorpedo.point.z = theTorpedo.point.z + displacement * math.sin(theTorpedo.course) 
+		local dist = dcsCommon.distFlat(theTorpedo.point, B)
+		if dist < displacement then 
+			theTorpedo.state = 99 -- boom, babe!
+		else 
+			local hdg = math.floor(57.2958 * theTorpedo.course)
+			if hdg < 0 then hdg = hdg + 360 end 
+			trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(theTorpedo.coalition, "Torpedo " .. theTorpedo.name .. " is homing, course " .. hdg .. ", " .. math.floor(dist) .. "m to impact", 30)
+		end
+		-- move to this torpedo and blow up 
+		-- when close enough 
+		markTorpedo(theTorpedo)
+		
+		return true 
+	elseif theTorpedo.state == 99 then -- go boom 
+		if Unit.isExist(theTorpedo.target) then 
+			Unit.destroy(theTorpedo.target)
+		end
+		-- impact!
+		trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(theTorpedo.coalition, "Impact for  " .. theTorpedo.name .. "! We have confirmed hit on submerged contact!", 30)
+		if theTorpedo.coalition == 1 then 
+			if asw.redKill then 
+				cfxZones.pollFlag(asw.redKill, asw.method, asw) 
+			end
+		elseif theTorpedo.coalition == 2 then 
+			if asw.blueKill then 
+				cfxZones.pollFlag(asw.blueKill, asw.method, asw) 
+			end
+		end
+		
+		-- make surface explosion 
+		-- choose point 1m under water 
+		local loc = theTorpedo.point
+		local alt = land.getHeight({x = loc.x, y = loc.z})
+		loc.y = alt-1
+		trigger.action.explosion(loc, 3000)
+		
+		-- we are done 
+		return false 
+
+	else 
+		-- we somehow ran into an unknown state
+		trigger.action.outText("unknown torpedo state <" .. theTorpedo.state .. "> for <" .. theTorpedo.name .. ">", 20)
+		return false
+	end
+	
+	-- return true if it should be kept in array
+	return true 
+end
+
+--
+-- MAIN UPDATE
+--
+-- does not find subs that have surfaced 
+-- returns a list of 'contacts' - ready made tables 
+-- to track the sub: who sees them (trackedBy) and misc
+-- info.
+-- contacts is indexed by unit name 
+function asw.gatherSubs()
+	local allCoas = {0, 1, 2}
+	local subs = {}
+	for idx, coa in pairs(allCoas) do 
+		local allGroups = coalition.getGroups(coa, 3) -- ships only
+		for idy, aGroup in pairs(allGroups) do 
+			allUnits = aGroup:getUnits()
+			for idz, aUnit in pairs(allUnits) do 
+				-- see if this unit is a sub 
+				if aUnit and Unit.isExist(aUnit) and 
+				   (dcsCommon.getUnitAGL(aUnit) < -5) then	-- yes, submerged contact.
+					local contact = {}
+					contact.theUnit = aUnit
+					contact.trackedBy = {} -- buoys that have a ping
+					contact.name = aUnit:getName()
+					contact.coalition = aUnit:getCoalition()
+					subs[contact.name] = contact 
+				end
+			end
+		end
+	end
+	return subs 
+end
+
+function asw.update()
+	--env.info("-->Enter asw update")
+	-- first, schedule next invocation 
+	timer.scheduleFunction(asw.update, {}, timer.getTime() + 1/asw.ups)
+	
+	local subs = asw.gatherSubs() -- ALL contacts/subs
+	
+	asw.newRedBuoyContact = false 
+	asw.newBlueBuoyContact = false 
+	
+	-- refresh all buoy detections
+	-- if #asw.buoys > 0 then 
+	--env.info("Before buoy proc")
+	local filtered = {}
+	for bName, theBuoy in pairs(asw.buoys) do 
+		if asw.updateBuoy(theBuoy, subs) then 
+			filtered[bName] = theBuoy
+		end
+	end
+	asw.buoys = filtered
+	--env.info("Complete buoy proc")
+	
+	if asw.newRedBuoyContact then 
+		trigger.action.outSoundForCoalition(1, asw.sonarSound)
+	end
+	if asw.newBlueBuoyContact then 
+		trigger.action.outSoundForCoalition(2, asw.sonarSound)
+	end	
+	
+	
+	-- update fixes: create if they don't exist
+	asw.newBlueFix = false 
+	asw.newRedFix = false 
+	
+	--env.info("Before fixes")
+	asw.updateFixes(subs)
+	--env.info("Complete fixes")
+	
+	if asw.newBlueFix then 
+		trigger.action.outSoundForCoalition(2, asw.fixSound)
+	end
+	
+	if asw.newRedFix then 
+		trigger.action.outSoundForCoalition(1, asw.fixSound)
+	end
+		
+	-- see if there are any torpedoes in the water 
+	--if #asw.torpedoes > 0 then 
+	--env.info("Before torpedoes")
+	local filtered = {}
+	for tName, theTorpedo in pairs(asw.torpedoes) do 
+		if asw.updateTorpedo(theTorpedo, subs) then 
+			filtered[tName] = theTorpedo
+		end
+	end
+	asw.torpedoes = filtered
+
+	--env.info("Complete torpedoes")
+
+	--end
+	--env.info("<--Leave asw update")
+end
+
+--
+-- CONFIG & START
+--
+function asw.readConfigZone()
+	local theZone = cfxZones.getZoneByName("aswConfig") 
+	if not theZone then 
+		if asw.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++asw: no config zone!", 30)
+		end 
+		theZone =  cfxZones.createSimpleZone("aswConfig")
+	end 
+	asw.verbose = theZone.verbose 
+	asw.name = "aswConfig" -- make compatible with cfxZones 
+	
+	-- set defaults, later do the reading 
+	asw.buoyLife = 30 * 60 -- 30 minutes life time 
+	asw.buoyLife = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "buoyLife", asw.buoyLife)
+	if asw.buoyLife < 1 then asw.buoyLife = 999999 end -- very, very long time 
+	
+	asw.maxDetectionRange = 12000 -- 12 km 
+	asw.maxDetectionRange = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "detectionRange", 12000)
+	asw.sureDetectionRange = 1000 -- inside 1 km will always detect sub
+	asw.sureDetectionRange = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "sureDetect", 1000)
+	asw.torpedoLife =  7 * 60 + 30 -- 7.5 minutes, will reach max range in that time  
+	asw.torpedoSpeed = 28.3 -- speed in m/s -- 55 knots
+	asw.maxDetectionDepth = 500 -- in meters. deeper than that, no detection. 
+	asw.maxDetectionDepth = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "detectionDepth", 500)
+	asw.fixLife = 3 * 60 -- a sub "fix" lives 3 minutes past last renew
+	asw.fixLife = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "fixLife", asw.fixLife)
+	if asw.fixLife < 1 then asw.fixLife = 999999 end -- a long time
+	
+	asw.verbose = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "verbose", false)
+	
+	asw.maxDeviation = 40 -- 40 degrees + 5 = 45 degrees left and right max deviation makes a worst-case 90 degree left/right wedge 
+	asw.fixSound = "submarine ping.ogg"
+	asw.fixSound = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "fixSound", asw.fixSound)
+	asw.sonarSound = "beacon beep-beep.ogg"
+	asw.sonarSound = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "sonarSound", asw.sonarSound)
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "redKill!") then 
+		asw.redKill = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "redKill!", "none")
+	end 
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "blueKill!") then 
+		asw.blueKill = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "blueKill!", "none")
+	end 
+	
+	asw.method = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "method", "inc")
+	
+	asw.smokeColor = cfxZones.getSmokeColorStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "smokeColor", "red")
+	asw.smokeColor = dcsCommon.smokeColor2Num(asw.smokeColor)
+	
+	if asw.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++asw: read config", 30)
+	end 
+end
+
+function asw.start()
+	if not dcsCommon.libCheck then 
+		trigger.action.outText("cfx asw requires dcsCommon", 30)
+		return false 
+	end 
+	if not dcsCommon.libCheck("cfx asw", asw.requiredLibs) then
+		return false 
+	end
+	
+	-- read config 
+	asw.readConfigZone()
+	
+	-- start update 
+	asw.update()
+	
+	trigger.action.outText("cfx ASW v" .. asw.version .. " started.", 30)
+	return true 
+end
+
+--
+-- start up asw
+--
+if not asw.start() then 
+	trigger.action.outText("cfx asw aborted: missing libraries", 30)
+	asw = nil 
+end
+
+--[[--
+	Ideas/to do
+	- false positives for detections
+	- triangle mark for fixes, color red 
+	- squares for torps, color yellow
+	- remove torpedoes when they run aground 
+	
+--]]--

modules/aswGUI.lua

@@ -0,0 +1,597 @@
+aswGUI = {}
+aswGUI.version = "1.0.0"
+aswGUI.verbose = false 
+aswGUI.requiredLibs = {
+	"dcsCommon", -- always
+	"cfxZones", -- Zones, of course 
+	"asw", -- needs asw module 
+	"aswZones", -- also needs the asw zones 
+}
+
+--[[--
+	Version History
+	1.0.0 - initial version 
+	
+--]]--
+
+aswGUI.ups = 1 -- = once every second
+aswGUI.aswCraft = {}
+
+--[[--
+::::::::::::::::: ASSUMES SINGLE_UNIT GROUPS ::::::::::::::::::
+--]]--
+
+
+function aswGUI.resetConf(asc)
+	if asc.rootMenu then 
+		missionCommands.removeItemForGroup(asc.groupID, asc.rootMenu)
+	end 
+	asc.rootMenu = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(asc.groupID, "ASW")
+	asc.buoyNum = 0 
+	asc.torpedoNum = 0
+	asc.coolDown = 0 -- used when waiting, currently not used 
+end
+
+-- we use lazy init whenever player enters 
+function aswGUI.initUnit(unitName) -- now this unit exists 
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(unitName)
+	if not theUnit then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswGUI: <" .. unitName .. "> not a unit, aborting initUnit", 30)
+		return nil
+	end 
+	
+	local theGroup = theUnit:getGroup()
+	local asc = {} -- set up player craft config block
+	--local groupData = cfxMX.playerUnit2Group[unitName]
+	asc.groupName = theGroup:getName() -- groupData.name
+	asc.name = unitName
+	asc.groupID = theGroup:getID() -- groupData.groupId
+	aswGUI.resetConf(asc)
+	return asc
+end
+
+
+function aswGUI.processWeightFor(conf)
+	-- make total weight and handle all 
+	-- cargo for this unit 
+	
+	-- hand off to DML cargo manager if implemented 
+	if cargosuper then 
+		trigger.action.outText("CargoSuper handling regquired, using none", 30)
+		return
+	end
+
+	local totalWeight = conf.buoyNum * aswGUI.buoyWeight
+	totalWeight = totalWeight + conf.torpedoNum * aswGUI.torpedoWeight
+
+	-- set cargo weight 
+	trigger.action.setUnitInternalCargo(conf.name, totalWeight)
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(conf.name)
+	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Total asw weight: " .. totalWeight .. "kg (" .. math.floor(totalWeight * 2.20462) .. "lbs)", 30)
+	return totalWeight 
+end
+
+--
+-- build unit menu 
+--
+function aswGUI.getBuoyCapa(conf) -- returns capa per slot 
+	-- warning: assumes two "slots" maximum 
+	if conf.torpedoNum > aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot then return 0 end -- both slots are filled with torpedoes 
+	if conf.torpedoNum > 0 then -- one slot is taken up by torpedoes 
+		return aswGUI.buoysPerSlot - conf.buoyNum 
+	end
+	if conf.buoyNum >= aswGUI.buoysPerSlot then 
+		return 2 * aswGUI.buoysPerSlot - conf.buoyNum
+	end 
+	return aswGUI.buoysPerSlot - conf.buoyNum
+end
+
+function aswGUI.getTorpedoCapa(conf)
+	if conf.buoyNum > aswGUI.buoysPerSlot then return 0 end -- both slots are filled with buoys 
+	if conf.buoyNum > 0 then -- one slot is taken up by torpedoes 
+		return aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot - conf.torpedoNum 
+	end
+	if conf.torpedoNum >= aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot then 
+		return 2 * aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot - conf.torpedoNum
+	end 
+	return aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot - conf.torpedoNum
+end
+
+function aswGUI.setGroundMenu(conf, theUnit)
+	-- build menu for load stores 
+	local loc = theUnit:getPoint()
+	local closestAswZone = aswZones.getClosestASWZoneTo(loc)
+	local inZone = cfxZones.pointInZone(loc, closestAswZone)
+	local bStore = 0 -- available buoys
+	local tStore = 0 -- available torpedoes
+	-- ... but only if we are in an asw zone 
+	-- calculate how much is available 
+	if inZone then 
+		bStore = closestAswZone.buoyNum
+		if bStore < 0 then bStore = aswGUI.buoysPerSlot end
+		tStore = closestAswZone.torpedoNum
+		if tStore < 0 then tStore = aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot end
+	end
+
+	if bStore > 0 then 
+		local bCapa = aswGUI.getBuoyCapa(conf)
+		if bCapa > 0 then 
+			missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "Load <" .. bCapa .."> ASW Buoys", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleLoadBuoys, conf)
+		else 
+			missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "(No free Buoy stores)", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleGeneric, conf)
+		end
+	else
+		missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "(Can't load ASW Buoys, no supplies in range)", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleGeneric, conf)
+	end
+	
+	if conf.buoyNum > 0 then 
+		local toUnload = conf.buoyNum
+		if toUnload > aswGUI.buoysPerSlot then toUnload = aswGUI.buoysPerSlot end 
+		missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "Unload <" .. toUnload .. "> ASW Buoys (" .. conf.buoyNum .. " on board)", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleUnloadBuoys, conf)
+	end 
+	
+	-- torpedo proccing 
+	
+	if tStore > 0 then 
+		local tCapa = aswGUI.getTorpedoCapa(conf)
+		if tCapa > 0 then 
+			tCapa = 1 -- one at a time 
+			missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "Load <" .. tCapa .."> ASW Torpedoes", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleLoadTorpedoes, conf)
+		else 
+			missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "All stores filled to capacity", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleGeneric, conf)
+		end
+	else
+		missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "(Can't load ASW Torpedoes, no supplies in range)", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleGeneric, conf)
+	end
+	
+	if conf.torpedoNum > 0 then 
+		local toUnload = conf.torpedoNum
+		if toUnload > aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot then toUnload = aswGUI.buoysPerSlot end 
+		missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "Unload <" .. toUnload .. "> ASW Torpedoes (" .. conf.torpedoNum .. " on board)", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleUnloadTorpedoes, conf)
+	end 
+	missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "[Stores: <" .. conf.buoyNum .. "> Buoys | <" .. conf.torpedoNum .. "> Torpedoes]", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleGeneric, conf)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.setAirMenu(conf, theUnit)
+	-- build menu for load stores 
+	local bStore = conf.buoyNum -- available buoys
+	local tStore = conf.torpedoNum -- available torpedoes
+
+	if bStore < 1 and tStore < 1 then 
+		missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "No ASW munitions on board", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleGeneric, conf)
+		return 
+	end 
+	
+	if bStore > 0 then 
+		missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "BUOY - Drop an ASW Buoy", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleBuoyDropoff, conf)
+	else 
+		missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "No ASW Buoys on board", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleGeneric, conf)
+	end
+
+	if tStore > 0 then 
+		missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "TORP - Drop an ASW Torpedo", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleTorpedoDropoff, conf)
+	else 
+		missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "No ASW Torpedoes on board", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleGeneric, conf)
+	end
+
+	missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(conf.groupID, "[Stores: <" .. conf.buoyNum .. "> Buoys | <" .. conf.torpedoNum .. "> Torpedoes]", conf.rootMenu, aswGUI.xHandleGeneric, conf)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+	if not theUnit then return end 
+	if not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then return end 
+	local uName = theUnit:getName()
+	
+	-- if we get here, the unit exists. fetch unit config 
+	local conf = aswGUI.aswCraft[uName]
+	-- delete old, and create new root menu
+	missionCommands.removeItemForGroup(conf.groupID, conf.rootMenu)
+	conf.rootMenu = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(conf.groupID, "ASW")
+	
+	-- if we are in the air, we add menus to drop buoys or torpedoes
+	if theUnit:inAir() then 
+		aswGUI.setAirMenu(conf, theUnit)
+	else 
+		aswGUI.setGroundMenu(conf, theUnit)
+	end
+end
+
+--
+-- comms callback handling 
+--
+--
+-- LOADING / UNLOADING
+--
+function aswGUI.xHandleGeneric(args)
+	timer.scheduleFunction(aswGUI.handleGeneric, args, timer.getTime() + 0.1)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.handleGeneric(args)
+	if not args then args = "*EMPTY*" end 
+	-- do nothing
+end
+
+function aswGUI.xHandleLoadBuoys(args)
+	timer.scheduleFunction(aswGUI.handleLoadBuoys, args, timer.getTime() + 0.1)	
+end
+
+
+function aswGUI.handleLoadBuoys(args) 
+	local conf = args 
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(conf.name)
+	if not theUnit then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswG: (load buoys) can't find unit <" .. conf.name .. ">", 30)
+		return
+	end
+	local loc = theUnit:getPoint()
+	local theZone = aswZones.getClosestASWZoneTo(loc)
+	local inZone = cfxZones.pointInZone(loc, theZone)
+	local bStore = 0 -- available buoys
+	if inZone then 
+		bStore = theZone.buoyNum
+		if bStore < 0 then bStore = aswGUI.buoysPerSlot end
+	else
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Nothing loaded. Return to ASW loading zone.", 30)
+		aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+		return
+	end
+	
+	if bStore < 1 then 
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "ASW Buoy stock has run out. Sorry.", 30)
+		aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+		return
+	end 
+	
+	local capa = aswGUI.getBuoyCapa(conf)
+	conf.buoyNum=conf.buoyNum + capa 
+	
+	if theZone.buoyNum >= 0 then 
+		theZone.buoyNum = theZone.buoyNum - capa 
+		if theZone.buoyNum < 0 then theZone.buoyNum = 0 end 
+		-- proc new weight 
+	end
+	
+	aswGUI.processWeightFor(conf)
+	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Loaded <" .. capa .. "> ASW Buoys.", 30)
+	aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.xHandleUnloadBuoys(args)
+	timer.scheduleFunction(aswGUI.handleUnloadBuoys, args, timer.getTime() + 0.1)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.handleUnloadBuoys(args) 
+	local conf = args 
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(conf.name)
+	if not theUnit then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswG: (unload buoys) can't find unit <" .. conf.name .. ">", 30)
+		return
+	end
+	local loc = theUnit:getPoint()
+	local theZone = aswZones.getClosestASWZoneTo(loc)
+	local inZone = cfxZones.pointInZone(loc, theZone)
+
+	local amount = conf.buoyNum
+	while amount > aswGUI.buoysPerSlot do -- future proof, any # of slots
+		amount = amount - aswGUI.buoysPerSlot 
+	end 
+	conf.buoyNum = conf.buoyNum - amount 
+	
+	if inZone then 
+		if theZone.buoyNum >= 0 then theZone.buoyNum = theZone.buoyNum + amount end 
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Returned <" .. amount .. "> ASW Buoys to storage.", 30)
+	else
+		-- simply drop them, irrecoverable 
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Discarded <" .. amount .. "> ASW Buoys.", 30)
+	end
+	aswGUI.processWeightFor(conf)
+	aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.xHandleLoadTorpedoes(args)
+	timer.scheduleFunction(aswGUI.handleLoadTorpedoes, args, timer.getTime() + 0.1)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.handleLoadTorpedoes(args)
+	local conf = args 
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(conf.name)
+	if not theUnit then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswG: (load torps) can't find unit <" .. conf.name .. ">", 30)
+		return
+	end
+	local loc = theUnit:getPoint()
+	local theZone = aswZones.getClosestASWZoneTo(loc)
+	local inZone = cfxZones.pointInZone(loc, theZone)
+	local tStore = 0 -- available torpedoes
+	if inZone then 
+		tStore = theZone.torpedoNum
+		if tStore < 0 then tStore = aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot end
+	else
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Nothing loaded. Return to ASW loading zone.", 30)
+		aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+		return
+	end
+	
+	if tStore < 1 then 
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "ASW Torpedo stock has run out. Sorry.", 30)
+		aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+		return
+	end 
+	
+	local capa = aswGUI.getTorpedoCapa(conf)
+	capa = 1 -- load one at a time 
+	conf.torpedoNum=conf.torpedoNum + capa 
+	if theZone.torpedoNum >= 0 then 
+		theZone.torpedoNum = theZone.torpedoNum - capa 
+		if theZone.torpedoNum < 0 then theZone.torpedoNum = 0 end 
+	end
+	
+	aswGUI.processWeightFor(conf)
+	
+	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Loaded <" .. capa .. "> asw Torpedoes.", 30)
+	aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.xHandleUnloadTorpedoes(args)
+	timer.scheduleFunction(aswGUI.handleUnloadTorpedoes, args, timer.getTime() + 0.1)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.handleUnloadTorpedoes(args) 
+	local conf = args 
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(conf.name)
+	if not theUnit then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswG: (unload torpedoes) can't find unit <" .. conf.name .. ">", 30)
+		return
+	end
+	local loc = theUnit:getPoint()
+	local theZone = aswZones.getClosestASWZoneTo(loc)
+	local inZone = cfxZones.pointInZone(loc, theZone)
+
+	local amount = conf.torpedoNum
+	while amount > aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot do -- future proof, any # of slots
+		amount = amount - aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot 
+	end 
+	conf.torpedoNum = conf.torpedoNum - amount 
+	
+	if inZone then 
+		if theZone.torpedoNum >= 0 then theZone.torpedoNum = theZone.torpedoNum + amount end 
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Returned <" .. amount .. "> ASW Torpedoes to storage.", 30)
+	else
+		-- simply drop them, irrecoverable 
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Discarded <" .. amount .. "> ASW Torpedoes.", 30)
+	end
+	aswGUI.processWeightFor(conf)
+	aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+end
+
+--
+-- LIVE DROP
+--
+function aswGUI.xHandleBuoyDropoff(args)
+	timer.scheduleFunction(aswGUI.handleBuoyDropoff, args, timer.getTime() + 0.1)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.hasDropoffParams(conf) 
+	-- to be added later, can be curtailed for units 
+	return true 
+end
+
+function aswGUI.handleBuoyDropoff(args)
+	local conf = args 
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(conf.name)
+	if not theUnit or not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswG: (drop buoy) unit <" .. conf.name .. "> does not exits", 30)
+		return 
+	end
+
+	-- we could now make height and speed checks, but dont really do 
+	if not aswGUI.hasDropoffParams(conf) then 
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "You need to be below xxx knots and yyy ft AGL to drop ASW munitions", 30)
+		return 
+	end
+
+	-- check that we really have some buoys left 
+	if conf.buoyNum < 1 then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswG: no buoys for <" .. conf.name .. ">.", 30)
+		return 
+	end
+	
+	conf.buoyNum = conf.buoyNum - 1
+	
+	-- do the deed 
+	asw.dropBuoyFrom(theUnit)
+	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Dropping ASW Buoy...", 30)
+	
+	-- wrap up 
+	aswGUI.processWeightFor(conf)
+	aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.xHandleTorpedoDropoff(args)
+	timer.scheduleFunction(aswGUI.handleTorpedoDropoff, args, timer.getTime() + 0.1)
+end
+
+function aswGUI.handleTorpedoDropoff(args)
+local conf = args 
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(conf.name)
+	if not theUnit or not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswG: (drop torpedo) unit <" .. conf.name .. "> does not exits", 30)
+		return 
+	end
+
+	-- we could now make height and speed checks, but dont really do 
+	if not aswGUI.hasDropoffParams(conf) then 
+		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "You need to be below xxx knots and yyy ft AGL to drop ASW munitions", 30)
+		return 
+	end
+
+	-- check that we really have some buoys left 
+	if conf.torpedoNum < 1 then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswG: no torpedoes for <" .. conf.name .. ">.", 30)
+		return 
+	end
+	
+	conf.torpedoNum = conf.torpedoNum - 1
+	
+	-- do the deed 
+	asw.dropTorpedoFrom(theUnit)
+	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.groupID, "Dropping ASW Torpedo...", 30)
+	
+	-- wrap up 
+	aswGUI.processWeightFor(conf)
+	aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+end
+
+-- 
+-- Event handling 
+--
+function aswGUI:onEvent(theEvent)
+	--env.info("> >ENTER aswGUI:onEvent")
+	if not theEvent then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswGUI: nil theEvent", 30)
+		--env.info("< <ABEND aswGUI:onEvent: nil event")
+		return
+	end
+	local theID = theEvent.id
+	if not theID then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswGUI: nil event.ID", 30)
+		--env.info("< <ABEND aswGUI:onEvent: nil event ID")
+		return
+	end 
+	local initiator = theEvent.initiator 
+	if not initiator then 
+		--env.info("< <ABEND aswGUI:onEvent: nil initiator")
+		return 
+	end -- not interested 
+	local theUnit = initiator 
+	if not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswGUI: non-unit event filtred.", 30)
+		--env.info("< <ABEND aswGUI:onEvent: theUnit does not exist")
+	end
+	local name = theUnit:getName() 
+	if not name then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswGUI: unable to access unit name in onEvent, aborting", 30)
+		--env.info("< <ABEND aswGUI:onEvent: theUnit not a unit/no name")
+		return 
+	end
+	-- see if this is a player aircraft 
+	if not theUnit.getPlayerName then 
+		--env.info("< <LEAVE aswGUI:onEvent: not player unit A")
+		return 
+	end -- not a player 
+	if not theUnit:getPlayerName() then 
+		--env.info("< <LEAVE aswGUI:onEvent: not player unit B")
+		return 
+	end -- not a player 
+	-- this is a player unit. Is it ASW carrier?
+	local uType = theUnit:getTypeName()
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrierType(uType, aswGUI.aswCarriers) then 
+		if aswGUI.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswGUI: Player <" .. theUnit:getPlayerName() .. ">'s unit <" .. name .. "> of type <" .. uType .. "> is not ASW-capable. ASW Types are:", 30)
+			for idx, aType in pairs(aswGUI.aswCarriers) do 
+				trigger.action.outText(aType,30)
+			end
+		end
+		--env.info("< <LEAVE aswGUI:onEvent: not troop carrier")
+		return 
+	end
+	
+	--env.info("> >Proccing aswGUI:onEvent event <" .. theID .. "")
+	
+	-- now let's access it if it was 
+	-- used before 
+	local conf = aswGUI.aswCraft[name]
+	if not conf then 
+		-- let's init it
+		conf = aswGUI.initUnit(name)
+		if not conf then 
+			-- something went wrong, abort
+			return 
+		end
+		aswGUI.aswCraft[name] = conf 
+	end
+
+	-- if we get here, theUnit is an asw craft 
+	if theID == 4 or -- land 
+	   theID == 3 then -- take off
+		aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+		return
+	end
+
+	if theID == 20 or   -- player enter
+	   theID == 15 then -- birth (server player enter)
+
+		-- reset
+		aswGUI.resetConf(conf)
+		-- set menus 
+		aswGUI.setMenuForUnit(theUnit)
+	end 
+	
+	if theID == 21 then -- player leave 
+		aswGUI.resetConf(conf)
+	end
+	--env.info("< <Proccing complete asw event <" .. theID .. "")
+end
+
+--
+-- Config & start 
+--
+function aswGUI.readConfigZone()
+	local theZone = cfxZones.getZoneByName("aswGUIConfig") 
+	
+	if not theZone then 
+		if aswGUI.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswGUI: no config zone!", 30)
+		end 
+		theZone =  cfxZones.createSimpleZone("aswGUIConfig")
+	end 
+	aswGUI.verbose = theZone.verbose 
+	
+	-- read & set defaults
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "aswCarriers") then 
+		local carr = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "aswCarriers", "")
+		carr = dcsCommon.splitString(carr, ",")
+		aswGUI.aswCarriers = dcsCommon.trimArray(carr)
+	end
+	
+	aswGUI.buoysPerSlot = 10 
+	aswGUI.torpedoesPerSlot = 2
+	aswGUI.buoyWeight = 50 -- kg, 10x = 500, 20x = 1000
+	aswGUI.buoyWeight = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "buoyWeight", aswGUI.buoyWeight)
+	aswGUI.torpedoWeight = 700 -- kg 
+	aswGUI.torpedoWeight = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "torpedoWeight", aswGUI.torpedoWeight)
+	
+	if aswGUI.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswGUI: read config", 30)
+	end 
+end
+
+function aswGUI.start()
+	--env.info(">>>ENTER asw GUI start")
+	if not dcsCommon.libCheck then 
+		trigger.action.outText("cfx aswGUI requires dcsCommon", 30)
+		return false 
+	end 
+	if not dcsCommon.libCheck("cfx aswGUI", aswGUI.requiredLibs) then
+		return false 
+	end
+	
+	-- read config 
+	aswGUI.readConfigZone()
+		
+	-- subscribe to world events 
+	world.addEventHandler(aswGUI)
+		
+	-- say Hi
+	trigger.action.outText("cfx ASW GUI v" .. aswGUI.version .. " started.", 30)
+	--env.info("<<<asw GUI started")
+	return true 
+end
+
+--
+-- start up aswZones
+--
+if not aswGUI.start() then 
+	trigger.action.outText("cfx aswGUI aborted: missing libraries", 30)
+	aswGUI = nil 
+end

modules/aswSubs.lua

@@ -0,0 +1,192 @@
+aswSubs = {}
+aswSubs.version = "1.0.0"
+aswSubs.verbose = false 
+aswSubs.requiredLibs = {
+	"dcsCommon", -- always
+	"cfxZones", -- Zones, of course 
+}
+
+--[[--
+	Version History
+	1.0.0 - initial version 
+	
+--]]--
+ 
+aswSubs.groupsToWatch = {} -- subs attack any group in here if they are of a different coalition and not neutral
+aswSubs.unitsHit = {} -- the goners
+
+function aswSubs.addWatchgroup(name)
+	if Group.getByName(name) then 
+		aswSubs.groupsToWatch[name] = name 
+	else 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswSubs: no group named <" .. name .. "> to watch over", 30)
+	end 	
+end
+
+function aswSubs.gatherSubs()
+	local allCoas = {0, 1, 2}
+	local subs = {}
+	for idx, coa in pairs(allCoas) do 
+		local allGroups = coalition.getGroups(coa, 3) -- ships only
+		for idy, aGroup in pairs(allGroups) do 
+			allUnits = aGroup:getUnits()
+			for idz, aUnit in pairs(allUnits) do 
+				-- see if this unit is a sub 
+				if aUnit and Unit.isExist(aUnit) then 
+					if (dcsCommon.getUnitAGL(aUnit) < -5) then	-- submerged contact.
+						local contact = {}
+						contact.theUnit = aUnit
+						contact.coalition = coa 
+						contact.name = aUnit:getName()
+						contact.loc = aUnit:getPoint()
+						subs[contact.name] = contact 
+					end 
+				end
+			end
+		end
+	end
+	return subs 
+end
+
+function aswSubs.boom(args)
+	
+	local uName = args.name 
+	local loc = args.loc 
+	local theUnit = Unit.getByName(uName)
+	if theUnit and theUnit.isExist(theUnit) then 
+		loc = theUnit:getPoint()
+	end
+	
+	trigger.action.explosion(loc, aswSubs.explosionDamage)
+end
+
+function aswSubs.alert(theUnit, theContact)
+	-- note: we dont need theContact right now
+	if not theUnit or not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then 
+		return 
+	end 
+	
+	-- see if this was hit before 
+	local uName = theUnit:getName()
+	if aswSubs.unitsHit[uName] then return end 
+	
+	-- mark it as hit 
+	aswSubs.unitsHit[uName] = theContact.name 
+	
+	-- schedule a few explosions
+	local args = {}
+	args.name = uName
+	args.loc = theUnit:getPoint()
+	local salvoSize = tonumber(aswSubs.salvoMin) 
+	local varPart = tonumber(aswSubs.salvoMax) - tonumber(aswSubs.salvoMin)
+	if varPart > 0 then 
+		varPart = dcsCommon.smallRandom(varPart)
+		salvoSize = salvoSize + varPart
+	end
+	
+	for i=1, tonumber(salvoSize) do 
+		timer.scheduleFunction(aswSubs.boom, args, timer.getTime() + i*2 + 4)
+	end 
+	
+	-- theContact has come within crit dist of theUnit
+	local coa = theUnit:getCoalition()
+	trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(coa, theUnit:getName() .. " reports " .. salvoSize .. " incoming torpedoes!", 30)
+end
+
+function aswSubs.update()
+	--env.info("-->Enter asw Subs update")
+	timer.scheduleFunction(aswSubs.update, {}, timer.getTime() + 1)
+
+	-- get all current subs 
+	local allSubs = aswSubs.gatherSubs()
+	
+	-- now iterate all watch groups 
+	for idx, name in pairs(aswSubs.groupsToWatch) do 
+		local theGroup = Group.getByName(name)
+		if theGroup and Group.isExist(theGroup) then 
+			local groupCoa = theGroup:getCoalition()
+			if theGroup and Group.isExist(theGroup) then 
+				allUnits = theGroup:getUnits()
+				for idx, aUnit in pairs(allUnits) do 
+					-- check against all subs
+					if aUnit and Unit.isExist(aUnit) then 
+						local loc = aUnit:getPoint()
+						for cName, contact in pairs(allSubs) do 
+							-- attack other side but not neutral 
+							if groupCoa ~= contact.coalition and groupCoa ~= 0 then 
+								-- ok, go check 
+								local dist = dcsCommon.dist(loc, contact.loc)
+								if dist < aswSubs.critDist then 
+									aswSubs.alert(aUnit, contact)
+								end
+							end
+						end
+					end
+				end
+			end
+		end
+	end
+	--env.info("<--Levae asw Subs update")
+end
+
+
+--
+-- Config & start 
+--
+function aswSubs.readConfigZone()
+	local theZone = cfxZones.getZoneByName("aswSubsConfig") 
+	if not theZone then 
+		if aswSubs.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswSubs: no config zone!", 30)
+		end 
+		theZone =  cfxZones.createSimpleZone("aswSubsConfig")
+	end 
+	
+	-- read & set defaults
+	aswSubs.critDist = 4000
+	aswSubs.critDist = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "critDist", aswSubs.critDist)
+	aswSubs.explosionDamage = 1000
+	aswSubs.explosionDamage = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "explosionDamage", aswSubs.explosionDamage)
+	
+	aswSubs.salvoMin, aswSubs.salvoMax = cfxZones.getPositiveRangeFromZoneProperty(theZone, "salvoSize", 4, 4)
+	--trigger.action.outText("salvo: min <" .. aswSubs.salvoMin .. ">, max <" .. aswSubs.salvoMax .. ">", 30)
+	local targets = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "targets", "")
+	local t2 = dcsCommon.string2Array(targets, ",")
+	for idx, targetName in pairs (t2) do 
+		aswSubs.addWatchgroup(targetName)
+	end
+	
+	if aswSubs.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswSubs: read config", 30)
+	end 
+end
+
+function aswSubs.start()
+	if not dcsCommon.libCheck then 
+		trigger.action.outText("cfx aswSubs requires dcsCommon", 30)
+		return false 
+	end 
+	if not dcsCommon.libCheck("cfx aswSubs", aswSubs.requiredLibs) then
+		return false 
+	end
+	
+	-- read config
+	aswSubs.readConfigZone()
+	
+	-- start the script
+	aswSubs.update()
+
+	-- all is good 
+	trigger.action.outText("cfx ASW Subs v" .. aswGUI.version .. " started.", 30)
+	
+	return true 
+end
+
+--
+-- start up aswSubs
+--
+if not aswSubs.start() then 
+	trigger.action.outText("cfx aswSubs aborted: missing libraries", 30)
+	aswSubs = nil 
+end
+

modules/aswZones.lua

@@ -0,0 +1,193 @@
+aswZones = {}
+aswZones.version = "1.0.0"
+aswZones.verbose = false 
+aswZones.requiredLibs = {
+	"dcsCommon", -- always
+	"cfxZones", -- Zones, of course 
+	"asw", -- needs asw module 
+}
+--[[--
+	Version History
+	1.0.0 - initial version 
+	
+--]]--
+
+aswZones.ups = 1 -- = once every second
+aswZones.zones = {} -- all zones, by name
+
+function aswZones.addZone(theZone)
+	if not theZone then
+		trigger.action.outText("aswZ: nil zone in addZone", 30)
+		return 
+	end
+	aswZones.zones[theZone.name] = theZone
+end
+
+function aswZones.getZoneNamed(theName)
+	if not theName then return nil end 
+	return aswZones[theName] 
+end
+
+function aswZones.getClosestASWZoneTo(loc)
+	local closestZone = nil
+	local loDist = math.huge 
+	for name, theZone in pairs(aswZones.zones) do 
+		local zp = cfxZones.getPoint(theZone)
+		local d = dcsCommon.distFlat(zp, loc)
+		if d < loDist then 
+			loDist = d
+			closestZone = theZone
+		end
+	end
+	return closestZone, loDist
+end
+
+function aswZones.createASWZone(theZone)
+	-- get inventory of buoys 
+	theZone.buoyNum = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "buoyS", -1) -- also used as supply for helos if they land in zone
+	theZone.torpedoNum = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "torpedoes", -1) -- also used as supply for helos if they land in zone
+
+	theZone.coalition = cfxZones.getCoalitionFromZoneProperty(theZone, "coalition", 0) 
+	
+	-- trigger method
+	theZone.aswTriggerMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "triggerMethod", "change")
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "aswTriggerMethod") then 
+		theZone.aswTriggerMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "aswTriggerMethod", "change")
+	end
+	
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "buoy?") then 
+		theZone.buoyFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "buoy?", "none")
+		theZone.lastBuoyValue = cfxZones.getFlagValue(theZone.buoyFlag, theZone)
+	end
+	
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "torpedo?") then 
+		theZone.torpedoFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "torpedo?", "none")
+		theZone.lastTorpedoValue = cfxZones.getFlagValue(theZone.torpedoFlag, theZone)
+	end
+	
+	if theZone.verbose or aswZones.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: new asw zone <" .. theZone.name .. ">", 30)
+		trigger.action.outText("has coalition " .. theZone.coalition, 30)
+	end
+end
+
+--
+-- responding to triggers
+--
+function aswZones.dropBuoy(theZone)
+	if theZone.buoyNum == 0 then 
+		-- we are fresh out. no launch 
+		if theZone.verbose or aswZones.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: zone <" .. theZone.name .. "> is out of buoys, can't drop", 30)
+		end
+		return 
+	end 
+	
+	local theBuoy = asw.dropBuoyFromZone(theZone)
+	if theZone.buoyNum > 0 then 
+		theZone.buoyNum = theZone.buoyNum - 1 
+	end
+end
+
+function aswZones.dropTorpedo(theZone)
+	if theZone.torpedoNum == 0 then 
+		-- we are fresh out. no launch 
+		if theZone.verbose or aswZones.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: zone <" .. theZone.name .. "> is out of torpedoes, can't drop", 30)
+		end
+		return 
+	end 
+	
+	local theTorpedo = asw.dropTorpedoFromZone(theZone)
+	if theZone.torpedoNum > 0 then 
+		theZone.torpedoNum = theZone.torpedoNum - 1 
+	end
+end
+--
+-- Update
+--
+function aswZones.update()
+	--env.info("-->Enter asw ZONES update")
+	-- first, schedule next invocation 
+	timer.scheduleFunction(aswZones.update, {}, timer.getTime() + 1/aswZones.ups)
+	
+	for zName, theZone in pairs(aswZones.zones) do 
+		if theZone.buoyFlag and cfxZones.testZoneFlag(theZone, theZone.buoyFlag, theZone.aswTriggerMethod, "lastBuoyValue") then
+			trigger.action.outText("zone <" .. theZone.name .. "> will now drop a buoy", 30)
+			aswZones.dropBuoy(theZone)
+		end
+		
+		if theZone.torpedoFlag and cfxZones.testZoneFlag(theZone, theZone.torpedoFlag, theZone.aswTriggerMethod, "lastTorpedoValue") then
+			trigger.action.outText("zone <" .. theZone.name .. "> will now drop a TORPEDO", 30)
+			aswZones.dropTorpedo(theZone)
+		end
+	end
+	
+	--env.info("<--Leave asw ZONES update")
+end
+
+--
+-- Config & start 
+--
+function aswZones.readConfigZone()
+	local theZone = cfxZones.getZoneByName("aswZonesConfig") 
+	if not theZone then 
+		if aswZones.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: no config zone!", 30)
+		end 
+		theZone =  cfxZones.createSimpleZone("aswZonesConfig")
+	end 
+	aswZones.verbose = theZone.verbose 
+	
+	-- set defaults, later do the reading 
+	
+	
+	if aswZones.verbose then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++aswZ: read config", 30)
+	end 
+end
+
+function aswZones.start()
+	if not dcsCommon.libCheck then 
+		trigger.action.outText("cfx aswZones requires dcsCommon", 30)
+		return false 
+	end 
+	if not dcsCommon.libCheck("cfx aswZones", aswZones.requiredLibs) then
+		return false 
+	end
+	
+	-- read config 
+	aswZones.readConfigZone()
+	
+	-- read zones 
+	local attrZones = cfxZones.getZonesWithAttributeNamed("asw")
+	
+	-- collect my zones 
+	for k, aZone in pairs(attrZones) do 
+		aswZones.createASWZone(aZone) -- process attributes
+		aswZones.addZone(aZone) -- add to inventory
+	end
+	
+	-- start update 
+	aswZones.update()
+	
+	-- say hi
+	trigger.action.outText("cfx aswZones v" .. aswZones.version .. " started.", 30)
+	
+	return true 
+end
+
+--
+-- start up aswZones
+--
+if not aswZones.start() then 
+	trigger.action.outText("cfx aswZones aborted: missing libraries", 30)
+	aswZones = nil 
+end
+
+-- add asw.helper with zones that can 
+-- drop torps 
+-- have inventory per zone or -1 as infinite 
+-- have an event when a buoy finds something 
+-- hav an event when a buoy times out 
+-- have buoyOut! and torpedoOut! events 

modules/cfxCommander.lua

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 -- *** EXTENDS ZONES: 'pathing' attribute 
 --
 cfxCommander = {}
-cfxCommander.version = "1.1.2"
+cfxCommander.version = "1.1.3"
 --[[-- VERSION HISTORY
  - 1.0.5 - createWPListForGroupToPointViaRoads: detect no road found 
  - 1.0.6 - build in more group checks in assign wp list 
@@ -27,6 +27,9 @@ cfxCommander.version = "1.1.2"
          - makeGroupStopTransmitting
 		 - verbose check before path warning
 		 - added delay defaulting for most scheduling functions 
+ - 1.1.3 - isExist() guard improvements for multiple methods
+         - cleaned up comments
+ 
 --]]--
 
 cfxCommander.requiredLibs = {
@@ -199,7 +202,8 @@ function cfxCommander.doScheduledTask(data)
 	end
 	local theGroup = data.group 
 	if not theGroup then return end 
-	if not theGroup.isExist then return end
+	if not Group.isExist(theGroup) then return end 
+--	if not theGroup.isExist then return end
 	
 	local theController = theGroup:getController()
 	theController:pushTask(data.task)
@@ -290,7 +294,7 @@ function cfxCommander.assignWPListToGroup(group, wpList, delay)
 		group = Group.getByName(group)
 	end
 	if not group then return end 
-	if not group:isExist() then return end 
+	if not Group.isExist(group) then return end 
 	
 	local theTask = cfxCommander.buildTaskFromWPList(wpList)
 	local ctrl = group:getController()
@@ -427,7 +431,6 @@ function cfxCommander.makeGroupGoTherePreferringRoads(group, there, speed, delay
 		if oRide and oRide.pathing == "offroad" then 
 			-- yup, override road preference
 			cfxCommander.makeGroupGoThere(group, there, speed, "Off Road", delay)
-			--trigger.action.outText("pathing: override offroad")
 			return 
 		end
 	end
@@ -441,7 +444,7 @@ end
 
 function cfxCommander.makeGroupHalt(group, delay)
 	if not group then return end 
-	if not group:isExist() then return end 
+	if not Group.isExist(group) then return end 
 	if not delay then delay = 0 end 
 	local theTask = {id = 'Hold', params = {}}
 	cfxCommander.scheduleTaskForGroup(group, theTask, delay)

modules/cfxGroundTroops.lua

@@ -21,84 +21,90 @@ cfxGroundTroops.requiredLibs = {
 -- module and addTroopsToPool to have them then managed by this 
 -- module 
 
-cfxGroundTroops.deployedTroops = {}
+cfxGroundTroops.deployedTroops = {} -- indexed by group name 
 
--- version history
+--[[--
---   1.3.0 - added "wait-" prefix to have toops do nothing 
+ version history
---         - added lazing 
+   1.3.0 - added "wait-" prefix to have toops do nothing 
---   1.3.1 - sound for lazing msg is "UI_SCI-FI_Tone_Bright_Dry_20_stereo.wav"
+         - added lazing 
---         - lazing --> lasing in text 
+   1.3.1 - sound for lazing msg is "UI_SCI-FI_Tone_Bright_Dry_20_stereo.wav"
---   1.3.2 - set ups to 2 
+         - lazing --> lasing in text 
---   1.4.0 - queued updates except for lazers 
+   1.3.2 - set ups to 2 
---   1.4.1 - makeTroopsEngageZone now issues hold before moving on 5 seconds later
+   1.4.0 - queued updates except for lazers 
---         - getTroopReport
+   1.4.1 - makeTroopsEngageZone now issues hold before moving on 5 seconds later
---		   - include size of group 
+         - getTroopReport
---   1.4.2 - uses unitIsInfantry from dcsCommon 
+		   - include size of group 
---   1.5.0 - new scheduled updates per troop to reduce processor load 
+   1.4.2 - uses unitIsInfantry from dcsCommon 
---         - tiebreak code 
+   1.5.0 - new scheduled updates per troop to reduce processor load 
---   1.5.1 - small bugfix in scheduled code 
+         - tiebreak code 
---   1.5.2 - checkSchedule 
+   1.5.1 - small bugfix in scheduled code 
---         - speed warning in scheduler
+   1.5.2 - checkSchedule 
---         - go off road when speed warning too much 
+         - speed warning in scheduler
---   1.5.3 - monitor troops 
+         - go off road when speed warning too much 
---         - managed queue for ground troops 
+   1.5.3 - monitor troops 
---         - on second switch to offroad now removed from MQ
+         - managed queue for ground troops 
---   1.5.4 - removed debugging messages
+         - on second switch to offroad now removed from MQ
---   1.5.5 - removed bug in troop report reading nil destination 
+   1.5.4 - removed debugging messages
---   1.6.0 - check modules 
+   1.5.5 - removed bug in troop report reading nil destination 
---   1.6.1 - troopsCallback management so you can be informed if a 
+   1.6.0 - check modules 
---           troop you have added to the pool is dead or has achieved a goal.
+   1.6.1 - troopsCallback management so you can be informed if a 
---           callback will list reasons "dead" and "arrived"
+           troop you have added to the pool is dead or has achieved a goal.
---           updateAttackers
+           callback will list reasons "dead" and "arrived"
---   1.6.2 - also accept 'lase' as 'laze', translate directly 
+           updateAttackers
---   1.7.0 - now can use groundTroopsConfig zone
+   1.6.2 - also accept 'lase' as 'laze', translate directly 
---   1.7.1 - addTroopsDeadCallback() renamed to addTroopsCallback() 
+   1.7.0 - now can use groundTroopsConfig zone
---         - invokeCallbacksFor also accepts and passes on data block
+   1.7.1 - addTroopsDeadCallback() renamed to addTroopsCallback() 
---         - troops is always passed in data block as .troops 
+         - invokeCallbacksFor also accepts and passes on data block
---   1.7.2 - callback when group is neutralized on guard orders
+         - troops is always passed in data block as .troops 
---         - callback when group is being engaged under guard orders 
+   1.7.2 - callback when group is neutralized on guard orders
---   1.7.3 - callbacks for lase:tracking and lase:stop 
+         - callback when group is being engaged under guard orders 
---   1.7.4 - verbose flag, warnings suppressed 
+   1.7.3 - callbacks for lase:tracking and lase:stop 
---   1.7.5 - some troop.group hardening with isExist()
+   1.7.4 - verbose flag, warnings suppressed 
---   1.7.6 - fixed switchToOffroad 
+   1.7.5 - some troop.group hardening with isExist()
---   1.7.7 - no longer case sensitive for orders 
+   1.7.6 - fixed switchToOffroad 
+   1.7.7 - no longer case sensitive for orders 
+   1.7.7 - updateAttackers() now inspects 'moving' status and invokes makeTroopsEngageZone
+         - makeTroopsEngageZone() sets 'moving' status to true
+         - createGroundTroops() sets moving status to false 
+		 - updateZoneAttackers() uses moving  
 
 
--- an entry into the deployed troop has the following attributes
+  an entry into the deployed troop table has the following attributes
---  - group - the group 
+  - group - the group 
---  - orders: "guard" - will guard the spot and look for enemies in range
+  - orders: "guard" - will guard the spot and look for enemies in range
---            "patrol" - will walk between way points back and forth 
+            "patrol" - will walk between way points back and forth 
---            "laze" - will stay in place and try to laze visible vehicles in range
+            "laze" - will stay in place and try to laze visible vehicles in range
---			  "attackOwnedZone" - interface to cfxOwnedZones module, seeks out
+			"attackOwnedZone" - interface to cfxOwnedZones module, seeks out
---			  enemy zones to attack and capture them
+			  enemy zones to attack and capture them
---            "wait-<some other orders>" do nothing. the "wait" prefix will be removed some time and <some other order> then revealed. Used at least by heloTroops
+            "wait-<some other orders>" do nothing. the "wait" prefix will be removed some time and <some other order> then revealed. Used at least by heloTroops
---            "train" - target dummies. ROE=HOLD, no ground loop 
+            "train" - target dummies. ROE=HOLD, no ground loop 
---            "attack" - transition to destination, once there, stop and 
+            "attack" - transition to destination, once there, stop and 
---            switch to guard. requires destination zone be sez to a valid cfxZone
+            switch to guard. requires destination zone be set to a valid cfxZone
---  - coalition - the coalition from the group
+  - coalition - the coalition from the group
---  - enemy - if set, the group this group it is engaging. this means the group is fighting and not idle
+  - enemy - if set, the group this group it is engaging. this means the group is fighting and not idle
---  - name - name of group, dan be freely changed
+  - name - name of group, dan be freely changed
---  - signature - "cfx" to tell apart from dcs groups 
+  - signature - "cfx" to tell apart from dcs groups 
---  - range = range to look for enemies. default is 300m. In "laze" orders, range to laze
+  - range = range to look for enemies. default is 300m. In "laze" orders, range to laze
---  - lazeTarget - target currently lazing
+  - 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 
 
--- 
+ 
--- usage:
+ usage:
--- take a dcs group of ground troops and create a cfx ground troop record with 
+ take a dcs group of ground troops and create a cfx ground troop record with 
---   createGroundTroops()
+  createGroundTroops()
--- then add this to the manager with 
+ then add this to the manager with 
---   addGroundTroopsToPool()
+  addGroundTroopsToPool()
--- 
+ 
--- you can control what the group is to do by changing the cfx troop attribute orders 
+ you can control what the group is to do by changing the cfx troop attribute orders 
--- you can install a callback that will notify you if a troop reached a goal or
+ you can install a callback that will notify you if a troop reached a goal or
--- was killed with addTroopsCallback() which will also give a reason
+ was killed with addTroopsCallback() which will also give a reason
--- callback pattern is myCallback(reason, theGroup, orders, data) with troop being the 
+ callback pattern is myCallback(reason, theGroup, orders, data) with troop being the 
--- group, and orders the original orders, and reason a string containing why the 
+ group, and orders the original orders, and reason a string containing why the 
--- callback was invoked. Currently defined reasons are
+ callback was invoked. Currently defined reasons are
---   - "dead" - entire group was killed 
+   - "dead" - entire group was killed 
---   - "arrived" - at least a part of group arrived at destination (only with some orders)
+   - "arrived" - at least a part of group arrived at destination (only with some orders)
---
+--]]--
 
 --
 -- UPDATE MODELS
@@ -129,7 +135,7 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.readConfigZone()
 		if cfxGroundTroops.verbose then 
 			trigger.action.outText("***gndT: NO config zone!", 30) 
 		end
-		return 
+		theZone = cfxZones.createSimpleZone("groundTroopsConfig") 
 	end 
 		
 	-- ok, for each property, load it if it exists
@@ -198,9 +204,10 @@ end
 
 -- create controller commands to attack a group "enemies"
 -- enemies are an attribute of the troop structure
+-- usually called from a group on guard when idling 
 function cfxGroundTroops.makeTroopsEngageEnemies(troop)
 	local group = troop.group
-	if not group:isExist() then 
+	if not Group.isExist(group) then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++gndT: troup don't exist, dropping", 30)
 		return 
 	end
@@ -214,10 +221,11 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.makeTroopsEngageEnemies(troop)
 	-- we lerp to 2/3 of enemy location
 	there = dcsCommon.vLerp(from, there, 0.66) 
 	
-	local speed = 10 -- m/s = 10 km/h
+	local speed = 10 -- m/s = 10 km/h -- wait. 10 m/s is 36 km/h 
 	cfxCommander.makeGroupGoThere(group, there, speed)
 	local attask = cfxCommander.createAttackGroupCommand(enemies)
 	cfxCommander.scheduleTaskForGroup(group, attask, 0.5)
+	troop.moving = true 
 end
 
 -- make the troops engage a cfxZone passed in the destination 
@@ -225,7 +233,7 @@ end
 function cfxGroundTroops.makeTroopsEngageZone(troop)
 	local group = troop.group
 	if not group:isExist() then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++gndT: make engage zone: troops do not exist, exiting", 30)
+		trigger.action.outText("+++gndT: make troops engage zone: troops do not exist, exiting", 30)
 		return 
 	end
 	
@@ -235,22 +243,14 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.makeTroopsEngageZone(troop)
 	local there = enemyZone.point -- access zone position
 	if not there then return end
 		
-	-- we lerp to 102% of enemy location to force overshoot and engagement
-	--there = dcsCommon.vLerp(from, there, 1.02) 
-	
 	local speed = 14 -- m/s; 10 m/s = 36 km/h
-	-- we prefer going over roads since we don't know 
-	-- what is there 
 	
 	-- make troops stop in 1 second, then start in 5 seconds to give AI respite 
 	cfxCommander.makeGroupHalt(group, 1) -- 1 second delay
 	cfxCommander.makeGroupGoTherePreferringRoads(group, there, speed, 5)
-	-- no attack command since we don't know what is there
-	-- but mayhaps we should issue weapons free?
-	-- we'll soon test that by sticking in a troop on the way 
 
---	local attask = cfxCommander.createAttackGroupCommand(enemies)
+	-- remember that we have issued a move order 
---	cfxCommander.scheduleTaskForGroup(group, attask, 0.5)
+	troop.moving = true 	
 end
 
 function cfxGroundTroops.switchToOffroad(troops)
@@ -301,13 +301,11 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.updateZoneAttackers(troop)
 	local newTargetZone = cfxGroundTroops.getClosestEnemyZone(troop)
 	if not newTargetZone then
 		-- all target zones are friendly, go to guard mode
---		trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(troop.side, troop.name .. " holding position", 30)
 		troop.orders = "guard"
 		return 
 	end
 	
 	if newTargetZone ~= troop.destination then 
---		trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(troop.side, troop.name .. " enroute to " .. newTargetZone.name, 30)
 		troop.destination = newTargetZone 
 		cfxGroundTroops.makeTroopsEngageZone(troop)
 		troop.lastOrderDate = timer.getTime()
@@ -315,23 +313,37 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.updateZoneAttackers(troop)
 		return
 	end
 	
+	-- if we get here, we should be under way to our nearest enemy zone
+	if not troop.moving then 
+		cfxGroundTroops.makeTroopsEngageZone(troop)
+		return 
+	end 
+	
 	-- if we get here, we are under way to troop.destination
 	-- check if we are inside the zone, and if so, set variable to true 
 	local p = dcsCommon.getGroupLocation(troop.group)
 	troop.insideDestination = cfxZones.isPointInsideZone(p, troop.destination)
 	
---	if we get here, we need no change 
+    -- if we get here, we need no change 
-
 	
 end
 
--- attackers simply travel to their destination, and then switch to 
+-- attackers simply travel to their destination (zone), and then switch to 
 -- guard orders once they arrive 
 function cfxGroundTroops.updateAttackers(troop) 
 	if not troop then return end 
 	if not troop.destination then return end 
 	if not troop.group:isExist() then return end 
 	
+	-- if we are not moving, we need to issue move oders now
+	-- this can happen if previously, there was a 'wait' command 
+	-- and this now was removed so we end up in the method 
+	if not troop.moving then 
+		cfxGroundTroops.makeTroopsEngageZone(troop)
+		return 
+	end 
+	
+	
 	if cfxZones.isGroupPartiallyInZone(troop.group, troop.destination) then
 		-- we have arrived
 		-- we could now also initiate a general callback with reason
@@ -613,21 +625,18 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.update()
 	cfxGroundTroops.updateSchedule = timer.scheduleFunction(cfxGroundTroops.update, {}, timer.getTime() + 1/cfxGroundTroops.ups)
 	-- iterate all my troops and build next 
 	-- versions pool
-	local liveTroops = {}
+	local liveTroops = {} -- filtered table, indexed by name 
 	for idx, troop in pairs(cfxGroundTroops.deployedTroops) do 
 		local group = troop.group 
 		if not dcsCommon.isGroupAlive(group) then 
 			-- group dead. remove from pool
 			-- this happens by not copying it into the poos
-		--	trigger.action.outText("+++ removing ground troops " .. troop.name, 30)
 			cfxGroundTroops.invokeCallbacksFor("dead", troop) -- notify anyone who is interested that we are no longer proccing these 
 		else 
 			-- work with this groop according to its orders
 			cfxGroundTroops.updateTroops(troop)
---			trigger.action.outText("+++ updated troops " .. troop.name, 30)
 			-- since group is alive remember it for next loop
-			--table.insert(liveTroops, troop)
+			liveTroops[idx] = troop -- do NOT use insert as we have indexed table by name
-			liveTroops[idx] = troop -- do NOT use insert as we have indexed table
 		end
 	end
 	-- liveTroops holds all troops that are still alive and will
@@ -958,6 +967,7 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(inGroup, range, orders)
 	newTroops.coalition = inGroup:getCoalition()
 	newTroops.side = newTroops.coalition -- because we'e been using both.
 	newTroops.name = inGroup:getName()
+	newTroops.moving = false -- set to not have received move orders yet 
 	newTroops.signature = "cfx" -- to verify this is groundTroop group, not dcs groups
 	if not range then range = 300 end
 	newTroops.range = range
@@ -985,7 +995,6 @@ function cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(troops) -- troops MUST be a table
 	if cfxGroundTroops.maxManagedTroops > 0 and dcsCommon.getSizeOfTable(cfxGroundTroops.deployedTroops) >= cfxGroundTroops.maxManagedTroops then 
 		-- we need to queue 
 		table.insert(cfxGroundTroops.troopQueue, troops)
-		-- trigger.action.outText("enqued " .. troops.group:getName() .. " at pos ".. #cfxGroundTroops.troopQueue ..", manage cap surpassed.", 30)
 	else
 		-- add to deployed set
 		cfxGroundTroops.deployedTroops[troops.group:getName()] = troops

modules/cfxHeloTroops.lua

@@ -1,37 +1,43 @@
 cfxHeloTroops = {}
-cfxHeloTroops.version = "2.3.0"
+cfxHeloTroops.version = "2.4.0"
 cfxHeloTroops.verbose = false 
 cfxHeloTroops.autoDrop = true 
 cfxHeloTroops.autoPickup = false 
 cfxHeloTroops.pickupRange = 100 -- meters 
 --
+--[[--
+ VERSION HISTORY
+ 1.1.3 - repaired forgetting 'wait-' when loading/disembarking
+ 1.1.4 - corrected coalition bug in deployTroopsFromHelicopter 
+ 2.0.0 - added weight change when troops enter and leave the helicopter 
+       - idividual troop capa max per helicopter 
+ 2.0.1 - lib loader verification
+       - uses dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit)
+ 2.0.2 - can now deploy from spawners with "requestable" attribute
+ 2.1.0 - supports config zones
+       - check spawner legality by types  
+       - updated types to include 2.7.6 additions to infantry
+       - updated types to include stinger/manpads 
+ 2.2.0 - minor maintenance (dcsCommon)
+       - (re?) connected readConfigZone (wtf?)
+       - persistence support
+       - made legalTroops entrirely optional and defer to dcsComon else
+ 2.3.0 - interface with owned zones and playerScore when 
+       - combat-dropping troops into non-owned owned zone.
+       - prevent auto-load from pre-empting loading csar troops 
+ 2.3.1 - added ability to self-define troopCarriers via config
+ 2.4.0 - added missing support for attackZone orders (destination)
+	   - eliminated cfxPlayer module import and all dependencies
+	   - added support for groupTracker / limbo 
+	   - removed restriction to only apply to helicopters in anticipation of the C-130 Hercules appearing in the game
+
+--]]--
 --
--- VERSION HISTORY
+-- cfxHeloTroops -- a module to pick up and drop infantry. 
--- 1.1.3 -- repaired forgetting 'wait-' when loading/disembarking
+-- Can be used with ANY aircraft, configured by default to be 
--- 1.1.4 -- corrected coalition bug in deployTroopsFromHelicopter 
+-- restricted to troop-carrying helicopters.
--- 2.0.0 -- added weight change when troops enter and leave the helicopter 
+-- might be configure to apply to any type you want using the 
-		 -- idividual troop capa max per helicopter 
+-- configuration zone.
--- 2.0.1 -- lib loader verification
---       -- uses dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit)
--- 2.0.2 -- can now deploy from spawners with "requestable" attribute
--- 2.1.0 -- supports config zones
---       -- check spawner legality by types  
---       -- updated types to include 2.7.6 additions to infantry
---       -- updated types to include stinger/manpads 
--- 2.2.0 -- minor maintenance (dcsCommon)
---       -- (re?) connected readConfigZone (wtf?)
---       -- persistence support
---       -- made legalTroops entrirely optional and defer to dcsComon else
--- 2.3.0 -- interface with owned zones and playerScore when 
---       -- combat-dropping troops into non-owned owned zone.
---       -- prevent auto-load from pre-empting loading csar troops 
---
--- cfxHeloTroops -- a module to pick up and drop infantry. Can be used with any helo,
--- might be used to configure to only certain
--- currently only supports a single helicopter per group 
--- only helicopters that can transport troops will have this feature
--- Copyright (c) 2021, 2022 by Christian Franz and cf/x AG
---
 
 
 cfxHeloTroops.requiredLibs = {
@@ -39,17 +45,11 @@ cfxHeloTroops.requiredLibs = {
 	             -- pretty stupid to check for this since we 
 				 -- need common to invoke the check, but anyway
 	"cfxZones", -- Zones, of course 
-	"cfxPlayer", -- player events
 	"cfxCommander", -- to make troops do stuff
 	"cfxGroundTroops", -- generic when dropping troops
 }
 
 cfxHeloTroops.unitConfigs = {} -- all configs are stored by unit's name 
-cfxHeloTroops.myEvents = {3, 4, 5} --  3- takeoff, 4 - land, 5 - crash 
-
--- legalTroops now optional, else check against dcsCommon.typeIsInfantry
---cfxHeloTroops.legalTroops = {"Soldier AK", "Infantry AK", "Infantry AK ver2", "Infantry AK ver3", "Infantry AK Ins", "Soldier M249", "Soldier M4 GRG", "Soldier M4", "Soldier RPG", "Paratrooper AKS-74", "Paratrooper RPG-16", "Stinger comm dsr", "Stinger comm", "Soldier stinger", "SA-18 Igla-S comm", "SA-18 Igla-S manpad", "Igla manpad INS", "SA-18 Igla comm", "SA-18 Igla manpad",}
-
 cfxHeloTroops.troopWeight = 100 -- kg average weight per trooper 
 
 -- persistence support 
@@ -59,13 +59,12 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.resetConfig(conf)
 	conf.autoDrop = cfxHeloTroops.autoDrop --if true, will drop troops on-board upon touchdown
 	conf.autoPickup = cfxHeloTroops.autoPickup -- if true will load nearest troops upon touchdown
 	conf.pickupRange = cfxHeloTroops.pickupRange --meters, maybe make per helo?
-	-- maybe set up max seats by type
 	conf.currentState = -1 -- 0 = landed, 1 = airborne, -1 undetermined
 	conf.troopsOnBoardNum = 0 -- if not 0, we have troops and can spawnm/drop
 	conf.troopCapacity = 8 -- should be depending on airframe 
+	-- troopsOnBoard.name contains name of group
+	-- the other fields info for troops picked up 
 	conf.troopsOnBoard = {} -- table with the following
-	
-
 	conf.troopsOnBoard.name = "***reset***"
 	conf.dropFormation = "circle_out" -- may be chosen later?
 end
@@ -80,7 +79,6 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.createDefaultConfig(theUnit)
 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)
@@ -98,70 +96,6 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.getConfigForUnitNamed(aName)
 	return cfxHeloTroops.unitConfigs[aName]
 end
 
-function cfxHeloTroops.removeConfigForUnitNamed(aName) 
-	if cfxHeloTroops.unitConfigs[aName] then cfxHeloTroops.unitConfigs[aName] = nil end
-end
-
-function cfxHeloTroops.setState(theUnit, isLanded)
-	-- called to set the current state of the helicopter (group)
-	-- currently one helicopter per group max
-end
-
-
-
---
--- E V E N T   H A N D L I N G 
--- 
-function cfxHeloTroops.isInteresting(eventID) 
-	-- return true if we are interested in this event, false else 
-	for key, evType in pairs(cfxHeloTroops.myEvents) do 
-		if evType == eventID then return true end
-	end
-	return false 
-end
-
-function cfxHeloTroops.preProcessor(event)
-	-- make sure it has an initiator
-	if not event.initiator then return false end -- no initiator 
-	local theUnit = event.initiator
-	if not dcsCommon.isPlayerUnit(theUnit) then return false end -- not a player unit 
-	local cat = theUnit:getCategory()
-	if cat ~= Group.Category.HELICOPTER then return false end
-
-	return cfxHeloTroops.isInteresting(event.id) 
-end
-
-function cfxHeloTroops.postProcessor(event)
-	-- don't do anything
-end
-
-function cfxHeloTroops.somethingHappened(event)
-	-- when this is invoked, the preprocessor guarantees that
-	-- it's an interesting event
-	-- unit is valid and player 
-	-- airframe category is helicopter 
-	
-	local theUnit = event.initiator
-	local ID = event.id
-	
-	
-	local myType = theUnit:getTypeName()
-	
-	if ID == 4 then 
-		cfxHeloTroops.heloLanded(theUnit)
-	end
-	
-	if ID == 3 then 
-		cfxHeloTroops.heloDeparted(theUnit)
-	end
-	
-	if ID == 5 then 
-		cfxHeloTroops.heloCrashed(theUnit)
-	end
-	
-	cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(theUnit)
-end
-
 --
 --
 -- LANDED
@@ -172,9 +106,8 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.loadClosestGroup(conf)
 	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.
+	-- groups may contain units that are not for transport.
-	-- later we can filter this by weight, or other cool stuff
+	-- for now we only load troops with legal type strings 
-	-- for now we simply only troopy with legal type strings 
 	unitsToLoad = cfxHeloTroops.filterTroopsByType(unitsToLoad)
 
 	-- now limit the options to the five closest legal groups
@@ -190,7 +123,7 @@ end
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.heloLanded(theUnit)
 	-- when we have landed, 
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, cfxHeloTroops.troopCarriers) then return end
 	
 	local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
 	conf.unit = theUnit
@@ -231,7 +164,7 @@ end
 --
 
 function cfxHeloTroops.heloDeparted(theUnit)
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, cfxHeloTroops.troopCarriers) then return end
 	
 	-- when we take off, all that needs to be done is to change the state 
 	-- to airborne, and then set the status flag 
@@ -248,17 +181,40 @@ end
 -- Helo Crashed 
 --
 --
-function cfxHeloTroops.heloCrashed(theUnit)
+function cfxHeloTroops.cleanHelo(theUnit)
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
-	
 	-- clean up 
 	local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
 	conf.unit = theUnit 
 	conf.troopsOnBoardNum = 0 -- all dead 
 	conf.currentState = -1 -- (we don't know)
-	-- conf.troopsOnBoardTypes = "" -- no troops, remember?
+
+	-- 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 
+				groupTracker.removeGroupNamedFromTracker(theName, theTracker)
+				if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+					trigger.action.outText("+++Helo: removed group <" .. theName .. "> from tracker <" .. theTracker.name .. ">", 30)
+				end 
+			end 
+		end
+	end
+	
 	conf.troopsOnBoard = {}
-	cfxHeloTroops.removeComms(conf.unit)
+end
+
+function cfxHeloTroops.heloCrashed(theUnit)
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, cfxHeloTroops.troopCarriers) then return 
+	end
+	
+	-- clean up 
+	cfxHeloTroops.cleanHelo(theUnit)
+	
 end
 
 --
@@ -332,15 +288,19 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(theUnit)
 	if not theUnit:isExist() then return end 
 	
 	-- we only add this menu to troop carriers 
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, cfxHeloTroops.troopCarriers) then
+		if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++heloT - player unit <" .. theUnit:getName() .. "> type <" .. theUnit:getTypeName() .. "> is not legal troop carrier.", 30)
+		end
+		return 
+	end
 	
 	local group = theUnit:getGroup() 
 	local id = group:getID()
-	local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit) --cfxHeloTroops.unitConfigs[theUnit:getName()]
+	local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
 	conf.id = id; -- we do this ALWAYS to it is current even after a crash 
 	conf.unit = theUnit -- link back
 	
-	--local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
 	-- 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') 
@@ -548,6 +508,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.filterTroopsByType(unitsToLoad)
 	end
 	return filteredGroups
 end
+
 --
 -- T O G G L E S 
 --
@@ -580,7 +541,6 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doToggleConfig(args)
 end
 
 
-
 --
 -- Deploying Troops
 --
@@ -629,7 +589,6 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doDeployTroops(args)
 	-- set own troops to 0 and erase type string 
 	conf.troopsOnBoardNum = 0
 	conf.troopsOnBoard = {}
---	conf.troopsOnBoardTypes = ""
 	conf.troopsOnBoard.name = "***wasdeployed***"
 	
 	-- reset menu 
@@ -644,10 +603,6 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 	local theUnit = conf.unit 
 	local p = theUnit:getPoint() 
 		
-	--for i=1, scenario.troopSize[theUnit:getName()] do 
-	--	table.insert(unitTypes, "Soldier M4")
-	--end
-	
 	-- split the conf.troopsOnBoardTypes into an array of types
 	unitTypes = dcsCommon.splitString(conf.troopsOnBoard.types, ",")
 	if #unitTypes < 1 then 
@@ -656,6 +611,9 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 	
 	local range = conf.troopsOnBoard.range
 	local orders = conf.troopsOnBoard.orders 
+	local dest = conf.troopsOnBoard.destination
+	local theName = conf.troopsOnBoard.name 
+	
 	if not orders then orders = "guard" end
 	
 	-- order processing: if the orders were pre-pended with "wait-"
@@ -671,7 +629,7 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 	local theCoalition = theUnit:getGroup():getCoalition() -- make it choppers COALITION
 	local theGroup, theData = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
 				theCoalition, 												
-				conf.troopsOnBoard.name, -- dcsCommon.uuid("Assault"), -- maybe use config name as loaded from the group 
+				theName, -- group name, may be tracked 
 				chopperZone, 											
 				unitTypes, 													
 				conf.dropFormation,
@@ -682,14 +640,27 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.deployTroopsFromHelicopter(conf)
 	troopData.orders = orders -- always set  
 	troopData.side = theCoalition
 	troopData.range = range
+	troopData.destination = dest -- only for attackzone orders 
 	cfxHeloTroops.deployedTroops[theData.name] = troopData 
 	
-	local troop = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup, range, orders) -- use default range and orders
+	local troop = cfxGroundTroops.createGroundTroops(theGroup, range, orders) 
-	-- instead of scheduling tasking in one second, we add to 
+	troop.destination = dest -- transfer target zone for attackzone oders
-	-- ground troops pool, and the troop pool manager will assign some enemies
+	cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(troop) -- will schedule move orders
-	cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(troop)
 	trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "<" .. theGroup:getName() .. "> have deployed to the ground with orders " .. orders .. "!", 30)
 	
+	-- see if this is tracked by a tracker, and pass them back so 
+	-- they can un-limbo 
+	if groupTracker then 
+		local isTracking, numTracking, trackers = groupTracker.groupNameTrackedBy(theName)
+		if isTracking then 
+			for idx, theTracker in pairs (trackers) do 
+				groupTracker.addGroupToTracker(theGroup, theTracker)
+				if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+					trigger.action.outText("+++Helo: un-limbo and tracking group <" .. theName .. "> with tracker <" .. theTracker.name .. ">", 30)
+				end
+			end
+		end
+	end
 end
 
 
@@ -709,21 +680,38 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doLoadGroup(args)
 	-- get the size 
 	conf.troopsOnBoardNum = group:getSize()
 	-- and name 
-	conf.troopsOnBoard.name = group:getName()
+	local gName = group:getName()
+	conf.troopsOnBoard.name = gName
 	-- and put it all into the helicopter config 
 	
-	-- now we need to destroy the group. First, remove it from the pool
+	-- now we need to destroy the group. Let's prepare:
+	-- if it was tracked, tell tracker to move it to limbo 
+	-- to remember it even if it's destroyed 
+	if groupTracker then
+		-- only if groupTracker is active
+		local isTracking, numTracking, trackers = groupTracker.groupTrackedBy(group)
+		if isTracking then 
+			-- we need to put them in limbo for every tracker 
+			for idx, aTracker in pairs(trackers) do 
+				if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
+					trigger.action.outText("+++Helo: moving group <" .. gName .. "> to limbo for tracker <" .. aTracker.name .. ">", 30)
+				end 
+				groupTracker.moveGroupToLimboForTracker(group, aTracker)
+			end
+		end
+	end 
+	
+	-- then, remove it from the pool
 	local pooledGroup = cfxGroundTroops.getGroundTroopsForGroup(group)
 	if pooledGroup then 
 		-- copy some important info from the troops 
 		-- if they are set 
 		conf.troopsOnBoard.orders = pooledGroup.orders
 		conf.troopsOnBoard.range = pooledGroup.range
-		
+		conf.troopsOnBoard.destination = pooledGroup.destination -- may be nil 
 		cfxGroundTroops.removeTroopsFromPool(pooledGroup)
 		trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "Team '".. conf.troopsOnBoard.name .."' loaded and has orders <" .. conf.troopsOnBoard.orders .. ">", 30)
 	else 
-		--trigger.action.outTextForGroup(conf.id, "Team '".. conf.troopsOnBoard.name .."' loaded!", 30)
 		if cfxHeloTroops.verbose then 
 			trigger.action.outText("+++heloT: ".. conf.troopsOnBoard.name .." was not committed to ground troops", 30)
 		end
@@ -731,7 +719,6 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doLoadGroup(args)
 		
 	-- now simply destroy the group
 	-- we'll re-assemble it when we deploy it 
-	-- we currently can't change the weight of the helicopter
 	-- TODO: add weight changing code 
 	-- TODO: ensure compatibility with CSAR module
 	group:destroy()
@@ -783,47 +770,55 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.doSpawnGroup(args)
 	
 end
 
-
 -- 
--- Player event callbacks
+-- handle events 
 -- 
-function cfxHeloTroops.playerChangeEvent(evType, description, player, data)
+function cfxHeloTroops:onEvent(theEvent)
-	if evType == "newGroup" then 
+	local theID = theEvent.id
-		theUnit = data.primeUnit
+	local initiator = theEvent.initiator 
-		cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(theUnit)
+	if not initiator then return end -- not interested 
+	local theUnit = initiator 
+	local name = theUnit:getName() 
+	-- see if this is a player aircraft 
+	if not theUnit.getPlayerName then return end -- not a player 
+	if not theUnit:getPlayerName() then return end -- not a player 
 	
+	-- only for helicopters -- overridedden by troop carriers
+	-- 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 evType == "removeGroup" then 
+	if theID == 4 then -- land 
---		trigger.action.outText("+++Helo Troops: a group disappeared", 30)
+		cfxHeloTroops.heloLanded(theUnit)
-		-- data.name contains the name of the group. nil the entry in config list, so all
+	end
-		-- troops that group was carrying are gone 
+	
-		-- we must remove the comms menu for this group else we try to add another one to this group later
+	if theID == 3 then -- take off 
-		-- we assume a one-unit group structure, else the following may fail
+		cfxHeloTroops.heloDeparted(theUnit)
-		local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getConfigForUnitNamed(data.primeUnitName)
+	end
+	
+	if theID == 5 then -- crash
+		cfxHeloTroops.heloCrashed(theUnit)
+	end
+	
+	if theID == 20 or  -- player enter 
+	   theID == 15 then -- birth
+	   cfxHeloTroops.cleanHelo(theUnit)
+	end
+	
+	if theID == 21 then -- player leave 
+		cfxHeloTroops.cleanHelo(theUnit)
+		local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getConfigForUnitNamed(name)
 		if conf then 
 			cfxHeloTroops.removeCommsFromConfig(conf)
 		end
 		return 
 	end
 
-	if evType == "leave" then 
+	cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(theUnit)	
-		local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getConfigForUnitNamed(player.unitName)
-		if conf then 
-			cfxHeloTroops.resetConfig(conf)
-		end
-	end
-	
-	if evType == "unit" then 
-		-- player changed units. almost never in MP, but possible in solo
-		-- we need to reset the conf so no troops are carried any longer
-		local conf = cfxHeloTroops.getConfigForUnitNamed(data.oldUnitName) 
-		if conf then 
-			cfxHeloTroops.resetConfig(conf)
-		end
-	end
-	
 end
 
 --
@@ -883,6 +878,13 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.readConfigZone()
 	cfxHeloTroops.autoPickup = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "autoPickup", false)
 	cfxHeloTroops.pickupRange = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "pickupRange", 100)
 	cfxHeloTroops.combatDropScore = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "combatDropScore", 200)
+	
+	-- add own troop carriers 
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "troopCarriers") then 
+		local tc = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "troopCarriers", "UH-1D")
+		tc = dcsCommon.splitString(tc, ",")
+		cfxHeloTroops.troopCarriers = dcsCommon.trimArray(tc)
+	end
 end
 
 --
@@ -955,23 +957,12 @@ function cfxHeloTroops.start()
 	-- start housekeeping 
 	cfxHeloTroops.houseKeeping()
 	
-	-- install callbacks for helo-relevant events
+	world.addEventHandler(cfxHeloTroops)
-	dcsCommon.addEventHandler(cfxHeloTroops.somethingHappened, cfxHeloTroops.preProcessor, cfxHeloTroops.postProcessor)
-
-	-- now iterate through all player groups and install the Assault Troop Menu
-	allPlayerGroups = cfxPlayerGroups -- cfxPlayerGroups is a global, don't fuck with it! 
-			-- contains per group a player record, use prime unit to access player's unit 
-	for gname, pgroup in pairs(allPlayerGroups) do 
-		local aUnit = pgroup.primeUnit -- get any unit of that group
-		cfxHeloTroops.setCommsMenu(aUnit)
-	end
-	-- now install the new group notifier to install Assault Troops menu
-	
-	cfxPlayer.addMonitor(cfxHeloTroops.playerChangeEvent)
 	trigger.action.outText("cf/x Helo Troops v" .. cfxHeloTroops.version .. " started", 30)
 	
-	-- now load all save data and populate map with troops that
+	-- persistence:
-	-- we deployed last save. 
+	-- load all save data and populate map with troops that
+	-- we deployed when we last saved. 
 	if persistence then 
 		-- sign up for persistence 
 		callbacks = {}
@@ -990,11 +981,5 @@ if not cfxHeloTroops.start() then
 	cfxHeloTroops = nil 
 end
 
---[[--
-	- interface with spawnable: request troops via comms menu if 
-		- spawnZones defined 
-		- spawners in range and 
-	    - spawner auf 'paused' und 'requestable'
 
---]]--
 -- TODO: weight when loading troops 

modules/cfxOwnedZones.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxOwnedZones = {}
-cfxOwnedZones.version = "1.2.3"
+cfxOwnedZones.version = "1.2.4"
 cfxOwnedZones.verbose = false 
 cfxOwnedZones.announcer = true 
 cfxOwnedZones.name = "cfxOwnedZones" 
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ cfxOwnedZones.name = "cfxOwnedZones"
 1.2.1 - fix in load to correctly re-establish all attackers for subsequent save 
 1.2.2 - redCap! and blueCap!
 1.2.3 - fix for persistence bug when not using conquered flag 
+1.2.4 - pause? and activate? inputs 
 
 	  
 --]]--
@@ -235,6 +236,23 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.addOwnedZone(aZone)
 		aZone.blueCap = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "blueCap!", "none")
 	end
 	
+	-- pause? and activate?
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(aZone, "pause?") then 
+		aZone.pauseFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "pause?", "none")
+		aZone.lastPauseValue = trigger.misc.getUserFlag(aZone.pauseFlag)
+	end
+	
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(aZone, "activate?") then 
+		aZone.activateFlag = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "activate?", "none")
+		aZone.lastActivateValue = trigger.misc.getUserFlag(aZone.activateFlag)
+	end
+	
+	aZone.ownedTriggerMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "triggerMethod", "change")
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(aZone, "ownedTriggerMethod") then 
+		aZone.ownedTriggerMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(aZone, "ownedTriggerMethod", "change")
+	end
+	
+	
 	aZone.unbeatable = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(aZone, "unbeatable", false)
 	aZone.untargetable = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(aZone, "untargetable", false)
 	aZone.hidden = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(aZone, "hidden", false)
@@ -856,6 +874,16 @@ function cfxOwnedZones.update()
 			end
 		end 
 
+		-- see if pause/unpause was issued
+		-- note that capping a zone will not change pause status
+		if aZone.pauseFlag and cfxZones.testZoneFlag(aZone, aZone.pauseFlag, aZone.ownedTriggerMethod, "lastPauseValue") then
+			aZone.paused = true 
+		end
+		
+		if aZone.activateFlag and cfxZones.testZoneFlag(aZone, aZone.activateFlag, aZone.ownedTriggerMethod, "lastActivateValue") then
+			aZone.paused = false 
+		end
+		
 		-- now, perhaps with their new owner call updateZone()
 		cfxOwnedZones.updateZone(aZone)
 	end

modules/cfxSpawnZones.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxSpawnZones = {}
-cfxSpawnZones.version = "1.7.2"
+cfxSpawnZones.version = "1.7.4"
 cfxSpawnZones.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- common is of course needed for everything
 	             -- pretty stupid to check for this since we 
@@ -20,112 +20,78 @@ cfxSpawnZones.spawnedGroups = {}
 -- Zones that conform with this requirements spawn toops automatically
 --   *** DOES NOT EXTEND ZONES *** LINKED OWNER via masterOwner ***
 -- 
-
+--[[--
 -- version history
---   1.3.0 
+   1.3.0 
---         - maxSpawn
+         - maxSpawn
---         - orders
+         - orders
---         - range
+         - range
---   1.3.1 - spawnWithSpawner correct translation of country to coalition 
+   1.3.1 - spawnWithSpawner correct translation of country to coalition 
---         - createSpawner - corrected reading from properties
+         - createSpawner - corrected reading from properties
---   1.3.2 - createSpawner - correct reading 'owner' from properties, now 
+   1.3.2 - createSpawner - correct reading 'owner' from properties, now 
---           directly reads coalition
+           directly reads coalition
---   1.4.0 - checks modules 
+   1.4.0 - checks modules 
---         - orders 'train' or 'training' - will make the 
+         - orders 'train' or 'training' - will make the 
---           ground troops be issued HOLD WEAPS and 
+           ground troops be issued HOLD WEAPS and 
---           not added to any queue. 'Training' troops 
+           not added to any queue. 'Training' troops 
---           are target dummies.
+           are target dummies.
---         - optional heading attribute 
+         - optional heading attribute 
---         - typeMult: repeate type this many time (can produce army in one call)
+         - typeMult: repeate type this many time (can produce army in one call)
---   1.4.1 - 'requestable' attribute. will automatically set zone to 
+   1.4.1 - 'requestable' attribute. will automatically set zone to 
---         - paused, so troops can be produced on call
+         - paused, so troops can be produced on call
---         - getRequestableSpawnersInRange 
+         - getRequestableSpawnersInRange 
---   1.4.2 - target attribute. used for
+   1.4.2 - target attribute. used for
---         - orders: attackZone 
+         - orders: attackZone 
---         - spawner internally copies name from cfxZone used for spawning (convenience only)
+         - spawner internally copies name from cfxZone used for spawning (convenience only)
---   1.4.3 - can subscribe to callbacks. currently called when spawnForSpawner is invoked, reason is "spawned"
+   1.4.3 - can subscribe to callbacks. currently called when spawnForSpawner is invoked, reason is "spawned"
---         - masterOwner to link ownership to other zone 
+         - masterOwner to link ownership to other zone 
---   1.4.4 - autoRemove flag to instantly start CD and respawn 
+   1.4.4 - autoRemove flag to instantly start CD and respawn 
---   1.4.5 - verify that maxSpawns ~= 0 on initial spawn on start-up 
+   1.4.5 - verify that maxSpawns ~= 0 on initial spawn on start-up 
---   1.4.6 - getSpawnerForZoneNamed(aName)
+   1.4.6 - getSpawnerForZoneNamed(aName)
---         - nil-trapping orders before testing for 'training'
+         - nil-trapping orders before testing for 'training'
---   1.4.7 - defaulting orders to 'guard'
+   1.4.7 - defaulting orders to 'guard'
---         - also accept 'dummy' and 'dummies' as substitute for training 
+         - also accept 'dummy' and 'dummies' as substitute for training 
---   1.4.8 - spawnWithSpawner uses getPoint to support linked spawn zones 
+   1.4.8 - spawnWithSpawner uses getPoint to support linked spawn zones 
---         - update spawn count on initial spawn
+         - update spawn count on initial spawn
---   1.5.0 - f? support to trigger spawn 
+   1.5.0 - f? support to trigger spawn 
---         - spawnWithSpawner made string compatible
+         - spawnWithSpawner made string compatible
---   1.5.1 - relaxed baseName and default to dcsCommon.uuid()
+   1.5.1 - relaxed baseName and default to dcsCommon.uuid()
---         - verbose 
+         - verbose 
---   1.5.2 - activate?, pause? flag 
+   1.5.2 - activate?, pause? flag 
---   1.5.3 - spawn?, spawnUnits? flags 
+   1.5.3 - spawn?, spawnUnits? flags 
---   1.6.0 - trackwith interface for group tracker
+   1.6.0 - trackwith interface for group tracker
---   1.7.0 - persistence support 
+   1.7.0 - persistence support 
---   1.7.1 - improved verbosity 
+   1.7.1 - improved verbosity 
---         - spelling check
+         - spelling check
---   1.7.2 - baseName now can can be set to zone name by issuing "*"
+   1.7.2 - baseName now can can be set to zone name by issuing "*"
---   1.7.3 - ability to hand off to delicates, useDelicates attribute 
+   1.7.3 - ability to hand off to delicates, useDelicates attribute 
---
+   1.7.4 - wait-attackZone fixes
--- new version requires cfxGroundTroops, where they are 
+
---
+  
--- How do we recognize a spawn zone?
+  - types    - type strings, comma separated 
--- contains a "spawner" attribute
+ see here: https://github.com/mrSkortch/DCS-miscScripts/tree/master/ObjectDB
--- a spawner must also have the following attributes
+
---  - spawner - anything, must be present to signal. put in 'ground' to be able to expand to other types  
+  - country  - defaults to 2 (usa) -- see here https://wiki.hoggitworld.com/view/DCS_enum_country
---  - types    - type strings, comma separated 
+    some important: 0 = Russia, 2 = US, 82 = UN neutral
--- see here: https://github.com/mrSkortch/DCS-miscScripts/tree/master/ObjectDB
+    country is converted to coalition and then assigned to
---  - typeMult - repeat types n times to create really LOT of troops. optional, defaults to 1
+    Joint Task Force <side> upon spawn
---  - country  - defaults to 2 (usa) -- see here https://wiki.hoggitworld.com/view/DCS_enum_country
+
---    some important: 0 = Russia, 2 = US, 82 = UN neutral
+  - formation - default is  circle_out; other formations are 
---    country is converted to coalition and then assigned to
+	- line - left lo right (west-east) facing north
---    Joint Task Force <side> upon spawn
+    - line_V - vertical line, facing north
---  - masterOwner - optional name of master cfxZone used to determine whom the surrounding 
+    - chevron - west-east, point growing to north 
---    territory belongs to. Spwaner will only spawn if the owner coalition is the 
+    - scattered, random
---    the same as the coalition my own county belongs to.
+    - circle, circle_forward (all fact north)
---    if not given, spawner spawns even if inside a zone owned by opposing force 
+	- circle-in (all face in)
---  - baseName - for naming spawned groups - MUST BE UNIQUE!!!!
+    - circle-out (all face out)
---  
+    - grid, square, rect arrayed in optimal grid
--- the following attributes are optional 
+    - 2deep, 2cols two columns, deep 
---  - cooldown, defaults to 60 (seconds) after troops are removed from zone,
+    - 2wide 2 columns wide (2 deep) 
---    then the next group spawns. This means troops will only spawn after 
+  --]]--
---    troops are removed and cooldown timed out 
+  
---  - autoRemove - instantly removes spwaned troops, will spawn again 
---    again after colldown 
---  - formation - default is  circle_out; other formations are 
---		- line - left lo right (west-east) facing north
---      - line_V - vertical line, facing north
---      - chevron - west-east, point growing to north 
---      - scattered, random
---      - circle, circle_forward (all fact north)
---		- circle-in (all face in)
---      - circle-out (all face out)
---      - grid, square, rect arrayed in optimal grid
---      - 2deep, 2cols two columns, deep 
---      - 2wide 2 columns wide (2 deep) 
---  - heading in DEGREES (deafult 0 = north ) direction entire group is facing 
---  - destination - zone name to go to, no destination = stay where you are 
---  - paused - defaults to false. If present true, spawning will not happen
---    you can then manually invoke cfxSpawnZones.spawnWithSpawner(spawner) to 
---    spawn the troops as they are described in the spawner 
---  - orders - tell them what to do. "train" makes them dummies, "guard" 
---    "laze", "wait-laze" etc 
---    other orders are as defined by cfxGroundTroops, at least 
---      guard - hold and defend (default)
---      laze - laze targets 
---      wait-xxx for helo troops, stand by until dropped from helo 
---      attackOwnedZone - seek nearest owned zone and attack
---      attackZone - move towards the named cfxZone. will generate error if zone not found 
---      name of zone to attack is in 'target' attribute
---  - target - names a target cfxZone, used for orders. Troops will immediately
---    start moving towards that zone if defined and such a zone exists
---  - maxSpawns - limit number of spawn cycles. omit or -1 is unlimited
---  - requestable - used with heloTroops to determine if spawning can be ordered by 
---    comms when in range
--- respawn currently happens after theSpawn is deleted and cooldown seconds have passed 
 cfxSpawnZones.allSpawners = {}
 cfxSpawnZones.callbacks = {} -- signature: cb(reason, group, spawner)
  
-
 --
 -- C A L L B A C K S 
 -- 
@@ -225,24 +191,25 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.createSpawner(inZone)
 	theSpawner.formation = "circle_out"
 	theSpawner.formation = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(inZone, "formation", "circle_out")
 	theSpawner.paused = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(inZone, "paused", false)
+	-- orders are always converted to all lower case 
 	theSpawner.orders = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(inZone, "orders", "guard"):lower() 
-	--theSpawner.orders = cfxZones.getZoneProperty(inZone, "orders")
+	-- used to assign orders, default is 'guard', use "laze" to make them laze targets. can be 'wait-' which may auto-convert to 'guard' after pick-up by helo, to be handled outside.
-	-- used to assign special orders, default is 'guard', use "laze" to make them laze targets. can be 'wait-' which may auto-convert to 'guard' after pick-up by helo, to be handled outside.
 	-- use "train" to tell them to HOLD WEAPONS, don't move and don't participate in loop, so we have in effect target dummies
 	-- can also use order 'dummy' or 'dummies' to switch to train
 	if theSpawner.orders:lower() == "dummy" or theSpawner.orders:lower() == "dummies" then theSpawner.orders = "train" end 
 	if theSpawner.orders:lower() == "training" then theSpawner.orders = "train" end 
 	
-	
 	theSpawner.range = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(inZone, "range", 300) -- if we have a range, for example enemy detection for Lasing or engage range
 	theSpawner.maxSpawns = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(inZone, "maxSpawns", -1) -- if there is a limit on how many troops can spawn. -1 = endless spawns
 	theSpawner.requestable = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(inZone, "requestable", false)
 	if theSpawner.requestable then 
 		theSpawner.paused = true 
 	end
-	theSpawner.target = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(inZone, "target", "")
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(inZone, "target") then 
-	if theSpawner.target == "" then -- this is the defaut case 
+		theSpawner.target = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(inZone, "target", "")
-		theSpawner.target = nil 
+		if theSpawner.target == "" then -- this is the defaut case 
+			theSpawner.target = nil 
+		end
 	end 
 	
 	if cfxSpawnZones.verbose or inZone.verbose then 
@@ -331,10 +298,9 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.verifySpawnOwnership(spawner)
 	
 	if (myCoalition ~= masterZone.owner) then 
 		-- can't spawn, surrounding area owned by enemy
-		--trigger.action.outText("spawner " .. spawner.name .. " - spawn suppressed: area not owned: " .. " master owner is " .. masterZone.owner .. ", we are " .. myCoalition, 30)
 		return false 
 	end
-	--trigger.action.outText("spawner " .. spawner.name .. " good to go: ", 30)
+
 	return true
 end
 
@@ -362,7 +328,6 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.spawnWithSpawner(aSpawner)
 	
 	local theCountry = aSpawner.country  
 	local theCoalition = coalition.getCountryCoalition(theCountry)
---	trigger.action.outText("+++ spawn: coal <" .. theCoalition .. "> from country <" .. theCountry .. ">", 30)
 	
 	local theGroup, theData = cfxZones.createGroundUnitsInZoneForCoalition (
 				theCoalition, 
@@ -374,7 +339,7 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.spawnWithSpawner(aSpawner)
 	aSpawner.theSpawn = theGroup
 	aSpawner.count = aSpawner.count + 1 
 
-	-- isnert into collector for persistence
+	-- insert into collector for persistence
 	local troopData = {}
 	troopData.groupData = theData
 	troopData.orders = aSpawner.orders -- always set 
@@ -384,6 +349,7 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.spawnWithSpawner(aSpawner)
 	troopData.range = aSpawner.range
 	cfxSpawnZones.spawnedGroups[theData.name] = troopData 
 	
+	-- remember: orders are always lower case only 
 	if aSpawner.orders and (
 	   aSpawner.orders:lower() == "training" or 
 	   aSpawner.orders:lower() == "train" )
@@ -403,16 +369,17 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.spawnWithSpawner(aSpawner)
 		cfxGroundTroops.addGroundTroopsToPool(newTroops)
 		
 		-- see if we have defined a target zone as destination
+		-- and set it accordingly 
 		if aSpawner.target then 
 			local destZone = cfxZones.getZoneByName(aSpawner.target)
 			if destZone then
 				newTroops.destination = destZone 
-				cfxGroundTroops.makeTroopsEngageZone(newTroops)
 			else 
-				trigger.action.outText("+++ spawner " .. aSpawner.name .. " has illegal target " .. aSpawner.target .. ". Pausing.", 30)
+				trigger.action.outText("+++ spawner " .. aSpawner.name .. " has illegal (unknown) target zone <" .. aSpawner.target .. ">. Pausing.", 30)
 				aSpawner.paused = true 
 			end
-		elseif aSpawner.orders == "attackZone" then 
+		elseif aSpawner.orders == "attackzone" then 
+			-- attackZone command but no zone given
 			trigger.action.outText("+++ spawner " .. aSpawner.name .. " has no target but attackZone command. Pausing.", 30)
 				aSpawner.paused = true 		
 		end 
@@ -459,7 +426,7 @@ function cfxSpawnZones.handoffTracking(theGroup, theZone)
 		return 
 	end
 	local trackerName = theZone.trackWith
-	--if trackerName == "*" then trackerName = theZone.name end 
+
 	-- now assemble a list of all trackers
 	if cfxSpawnZones.verbose or theZone.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++spawner: spawn pass-off: " .. trackerName, 30)

modules/cfxZones.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cfxZones = {}
-cfxZones.version = "3.0.2"
+cfxZones.version = "3.0.3"
 
 -- cf/x zone management module
 -- reads dcs zones and makes them accessible and mutable 
@@ -119,6 +119,9 @@ cfxZones.version = "3.0.2"
 - 3.0.2   - maxRadius for all zones, only differs from radius in polyZones 
           - re-factoring zone-base string processing from messenger module
 		  - new processStringWildcards() that does almost all that messenger can 
+- 3.0.3   - new getLinkedUnit()
+- 3.0.4   - new createRandomPointOnZoneBoundary()
+- 3.0.5   - getPositiveRangeFromZoneProperty() now also supports upper bound (optional)
 
 
 --]]--
@@ -392,6 +395,17 @@ function cfxZones.createRandomPointInsideBounds(bounds)
 	return cfxZones.createPoint(x, 0, z)
 end
 
+function cfxZones.createRandomPointOnZoneBoundary(theZone)
+	if not theZone then return nil end 
+	if theZone.isPoly then 
+		local loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointInPolyZone(theZone, true)
+		return loc, dx, dy 
+	else 
+		local loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointInCircleZone(theZone, true)
+		return loc, dx, dy 
+	end
+end
+
 function cfxZones.createRandomPointInZone(theZone)
 	if not theZone then return nil end 
 	if theZone.isPoly then 
@@ -408,7 +422,7 @@ function cfxZones.randomPointInZone(theZone)
 	return loc, dx, dy 
 end
 
-function cfxZones.createRandomPointInCircleZone(theZone)
+function cfxZones.createRandomPointInCircleZone(theZone, onEdge)
 	if not theZone.isCircle then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++Zones: warning - createRandomPointInCircleZone called for non-circle zone <" .. theZone.name .. ">", 30)
 		return {x=theZone.point.x, y=0, z=theZone.point.z}
@@ -417,7 +431,10 @@ function cfxZones.createRandomPointInCircleZone(theZone)
 	-- ok, let's first create a random percentage value for the new radius
 	-- now lets get a random degree
 	local degrees = math.random() * 2 * 3.14152 -- radiants. 
-	local r = theZone.radius * math.random() 
+	local r = theZone.radius 
+	if not onEdge then 
+		r = r * math.random()
+	end 
 	local p = cfxZones.getPoint(theZone) -- force update of zone if linked
 	local dx = r * math.cos(degrees)
 	local dz = r * math.sin(degrees)
@@ -426,7 +443,7 @@ function cfxZones.createRandomPointInCircleZone(theZone)
 	return {x=px, y=0, z = pz}, dx, dz -- returns loc and offsets to theZone.point
 end
 
-function cfxZones.createRandomPointInPolyZone(theZone)
+function cfxZones.createRandomPointInPolyZone(theZone, onEdge)
 	if not theZone.isPoly then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++Zones: warning - createRandomPointInPolyZone called for non-poly zone <" .. theZone.name .. ">", 30)
 		return cfxZones.createPoint(theZone.point.x, 0, theZone.point.z)
@@ -446,6 +463,11 @@ function cfxZones.createRandomPointInPolyZone(theZone)
 	local b = theZone.poly[lineIdxA] 
 	local randompercent = math.random()
 	local sourceA = dcsCommon.vLerp (a, b, randompercent)
+	-- if all we want is a point on an edge, we are done 
+	if onEdge then 
+		local polyPoint = sourceA
+		return polyPoint, polyPoint.x - p.x, polyPoint.z - p.z -- return loc, dx, dz 
+	end 
 	
 	-- now get point on second line 
 	a = theZone.poly[lineIdxB]
@@ -1962,13 +1984,15 @@ function cfxZones.randomDelayFromPositiveRange(minVal, maxVal)
 	return delay 
 end
 
-function cfxZones.getPositiveRangeFromZoneProperty(theZone, theProperty, default)
+function cfxZones.getPositiveRangeFromZoneProperty(theZone, theProperty, default, defaultmax)
 	-- reads property as string, and interprets as range 'a-b'. 
 	-- if not a range but single number, returns both for upper and lower 
 	--trigger.action.outText("***Zne: enter with <" .. theZone.name .. ">: range for property <" .. theProperty .. ">!", 30)
 	if not default then default = 0 end 
+	if not defaultmax then defaultmax = default end 
+	
 	local lowerBound = default
-	local upperBound = default 
+	local upperBound = defaultmax 
 	
 	local rangeString = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, theProperty, "")
 	if dcsCommon.containsString(rangeString, "-") then 
@@ -1987,12 +2011,12 @@ function cfxZones.getPositiveRangeFromZoneProperty(theZone, theProperty, default
 
 		else
 			-- bounds illegal
-			trigger.action.outText("+++Zne: illegal range  <" .. rangeString .. ">, using " .. default .. "-" .. default, 30)
+			trigger.action.outText("+++Zne: illegal range  <" .. rangeString .. ">, using " .. default .. "-" .. defaultmax, 30)
 			lowerBound = default
-			upperBound = default 
+			upperBound = defaultmax 
 		end
 	else 
-		upperBound = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, theProperty, default) -- between pulses 
+		upperBound = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, theProperty, defaultmax) -- between pulses 
 		lowerBound = upperBound
 	end
 
@@ -2455,11 +2479,18 @@ function cfxZones.getDCSOrigin(aZone)
 	return o
 end
 
+function cfxZones.getLinkedUnit(theZone)
+	if not theZone then return nil end 
+	if not theZone.linkedUnit then return nil end 
+	if not Unit.isExist(theZone.linkedUnit) then return nil end 
+	return theZone.linkedUnit 
+end
+
 function cfxZones.getPoint(aZone) -- always works, even linked, returned point can be reused 
 	if aZone.linkedUnit then 
 		local theUnit = aZone.linkedUnit
 		-- has a link. is link existing?
-		if theUnit:isExist() then 
+		if Unit.isExist(theUnit) then 
 			-- updates zone position 
 			cfxZones.centerZoneOnUnit(aZone, theUnit)
 			local dx = aZone.dx

modules/changer.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 changer = {}
-changer.version = "1.0.4"
+changer.version = "1.0.5"
 changer.verbose = false 
 changer.ups = 1 
 changer.requiredLibs = {
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ changer.changers = {}
 	1.0.2 - on/off: verbosity 
 	1.0.3 - NOT on/off
 	1.0.4 - a little bit more conversation
+	1.0.5 - fixed a bug in verbosity 
 	
 	Transmogrify an incoming signal to an output signal
 	- not 
@@ -241,7 +242,7 @@ function changer.update()
 			end
 		else 
 			if aZone.verbose then 
-				trigger.action.outText("+++chgr: <" .. aZone.name .. "> is paused.")
+				trigger.action.outText("+++chgr: <" .. aZone.name .. "> is paused.", 30)
 			end	
 		end 
 	end

modules/civAir.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 civAir = {}
-civAir.version = "1.5.1"
+civAir.version = "1.5.2"
 --[[--
 	1.0.0 initial version
 	1.1.0 exclude list for airfields 
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ civAir.version = "1.5.1"
 		  massive simplifications: always between zoned airfieds
 		  exclude list and include list 
 	1.5.1 added depart only and arrive only options for airfields 
+	1.5.2 fixed bugs inb verbosity 
 	
 	
 --]]--
@@ -181,7 +182,7 @@ function civAir.getTwoAirbases()
 	local filteredAB = civAir.filterAirfields(departAB, civAir.excludeAirfields)
 	-- if none left, error
 	if #filteredAB < 1 then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++civA: too few departure airfields")
+		trigger.action.outText("+++civA: too few departure airfields", 30)
 		return nil, nil 
 	end
 	
@@ -195,7 +196,7 @@ function civAir.getTwoAirbases()
 	
 	-- if one left use it twice, boring flight.
 	if #filteredAB < 1 then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++civA: too few arrival airfields")
+		trigger.action.outText("+++civA: too few arrival airfields", 30)
 		return nil, nil
 	end
 	

modules/cloneZone.lua

@@ -93,6 +93,7 @@ cloneZones.respawnOnGroupID = true
 		  - masterOwner "*" convenience shortcut
 	1.7.1 - useDelicates handOff for delicates 
 	      - forcedRespawn passes zone instead of verbose
+	1.7.2 - onPerimeter attribute 
 	
 --]]--
 
@@ -362,6 +363,8 @@ function cloneZones.createClonerWithZone(theZone) -- has "Cloner"
 	
 	theZone.onRoad = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "onRoad", false)
 	
+	theZone.onPerimeter = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "onPerimeter", false)
+
 	-- check for name scheme and / or identical 
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "identical") then
 		theZone.identical = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "identical", false)
@@ -1119,12 +1122,21 @@ function cloneZones.spawnWithTemplateForZone(theZone, spawnZone)
 			-- calculate the entire group's displacement
 			local units = rawData.units
 
-			local loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointInZone(spawnZone) -- also supports polygonal zones 
+			local loc, dx, dy 
+			if spawnZone.onPerimeter then 
+				loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointOnZoneBoundary(spawnZone)
+			else 
+				loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointInZone(spawnZone) -- also supports polygonal zones 
+			end 
 			
 			for idx, aUnit in pairs(units) do 
 				if not spawnZone.centerOnly then 
 					-- *every unit's displacement is randomized
-					loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointInZone(spawnZone)
+					if spawnZone.onPerimeter then 
+						loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointOnZoneBoundary(spawnZone)
+					else	
+						loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointInZone(spawnZone)
+					end 
 					aUnit.x = loc.x 
 					aUnit.y = loc.z 
 				else 
@@ -1363,9 +1375,14 @@ function cloneZones.spawnWithTemplateForZone(theZone, spawnZone)
 		-- randomize if enabled
 		if spawnZone.rndLoc then 
 
-			local loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointInZone(spawnZone) -- also supports polygonal zones 
+			local loc, dx, dy 
-			rawData.x = rawData.x + dx
+			if spawnZone.onPerimeter then 
-			rawData.y = rawData.y + dy 
+				loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointOnZoneBoundary(spawnZone)
+			else 
+				loc, dx, dy = cfxZones.createRandomPointInZone(spawnZone) -- also supports polygonal zones 
+			end
+			rawData.x = rawData.x + dx -- might want to use loc 
+			rawData.y = rawData.y + dy -- directly
 		end
 		
 		if spawnZone.rndHeading then 
@@ -1963,7 +1980,7 @@ function cloneZones.start()
 	-- to our watchlist 
 	for k, aZone in pairs(attrZones) do 
 		cloneZones.createClonerWithZone(aZone) -- process attribute and add to zone
-		cloneZones.addCloneZone(aZone) -- remember it so we can smoke it
+		cloneZones.addCloneZone(aZone) 
 	end
 	
 	-- update all cloners and spawned clones from file 

modules/csarManager2.lua

@@ -49,13 +49,15 @@ csarManager.ups = 1
 		 - integration with playerScore 
 		 - score global and per-mission 
 		 - isCSARTarget API 
+ - 2.2.1 - added troopCarriers attribute to config
+		 - passes own troop carriers to dcsCommin.isTroopCarrier()
 		 
  
 --]]--
 -- modules that need to be loaded BEFORE I run 
 csarManager.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- common is of course needed for everything
-	"cfxZones", -- zones management foc CSAR and CSAR Mission zones
+	"cfxZones", -- zones management for CSAR and CSAR Mission zones
 	"cfxPlayer", -- player monitoring and group monitoring 
 	"nameStats", -- generic data module for weight 
 	"cargoSuper",
@@ -385,7 +387,7 @@ end
 
 function csarManager.heloLanded(theUnit)
 	-- when we have landed, 
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, csarManager.troopCarriers) then return end
 	local conf = csarManager.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
 	conf.unit = theUnit
 	local theGroup = theUnit:getGroup()
@@ -532,7 +534,7 @@ end
 --
 --
 function csarManager.heloDeparted(theUnit)
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, csarManager.troopCarriers) then return end
 	-- if we have timed extractions (i.e. not instantaneous),
 	-- then we need to check if we take off after the timer runs out 
 	
@@ -555,7 +557,7 @@ end
 --
 
 function csarManager.heloCrashed(theUnit)
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, csarManager.troopCarriers) then return end
 	-- problem: this isn't called on network games. 
 	
 	-- clean up 
@@ -573,7 +575,7 @@ end
 
 function csarManager.airframeCrashed(theUnit)
 	-- called from airframe manager 
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, csarManager.troopCarriers) then return end
 	local conf = csarManager.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
 	conf.unit = theUnit 
 	local theGroup = theUnit:getGroup()
@@ -584,7 +586,7 @@ end
 
 function csarManager.airframeDitched(theUnit)
 	-- called from airframe manager 
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, csarManager.troopCarriers) then return end
 	
 	local conf = csarManager.getUnitConfig(theUnit)
 	conf.unit = theUnit 
@@ -652,7 +654,7 @@ function csarManager.setCommsMenu(theUnit)
 	
 	-- we only add this menu to helicopter troop carriers
 	-- will also filter out all non-helicopters as nice side effect
-	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end
+	if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, csarManager.troopCarriers) then return end
 	
 	local group = theUnit:getGroup() 
 	local id = group:getID()
@@ -822,7 +824,7 @@ end
 function csarManager.playerChangeEvent(evType, description, player, data)
 	if evType == "newGroup" then 
 		local theUnit = data.primeUnit
-		if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit) then return end 
+		if not dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, csarManager.troopCarriers) then return end 
 		
 		csarManager.setCommsMenu(theUnit) -- allocates new config
 --		trigger.action.outText("+++csar: added " .. theUnit:getName() .. " to comms menu", 30)
@@ -939,7 +941,7 @@ function csarManager.update() -- every second
 			local uID = uGroup:getID()
 			local uSide = aUnit:getCoalition()
 			local agl = dcsCommon.getUnitAGL(aUnit)
-			if dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(aUnit) then 
+			if dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(aUnit, csarManager.troopCarriers) then 
 				-- scan through all available csar missions to see if we are close 
 				-- enough to trigger comms 
 				for idx, csarMission in pairs (csarManager.openMissions) do
@@ -1277,7 +1279,7 @@ function csarManager.readConfigZone()
 	
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "csarDelivered!") then 
 		csarManager.csarDelivered = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "csarDelivered!", "*<none>")
-		--trigger.action.outText("+++csar: will bang csarDelivered: <" .. csarManager.csarDelivered .. ">", 30)
+
 	end
 	
 	csarManager.rescueRadius = cfxZones.getNumberFromZoneProperty(theZone, "rescueRadius", 70) --70 -- must land within 50m to rescue
@@ -1293,6 +1295,19 @@ function csarManager.readConfigZone()
 	csarManager.actionSound = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "actionSound", "Quest Snare 3.wav")
 	csarManager.vectoring = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "vectoring", true)
 	
+	-- add own troop carriers 
+	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "troopCarriers") then 
+		local tc = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "troopCarriers", "UH-1D")
+		tc = dcsCommon.splitString(tc, ",")
+		csarManager.troopCarriers = dcsCommon.trimArray(tc)
+		if csarManager.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++casr: redefined troop carriers to types:", 30)
+			for idx, aType in pairs(csarManager.troopCarriers) do 
+				trigger.action.outText(aType, 30)
+			end
+		end
+	end
+	
 	if csarManager.verbose then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++csar: read config", 30)
 	end 

modules/dcsCommon.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 dcsCommon = {}
-dcsCommon.version = "2.8.1"
+dcsCommon.version = "2.8.2"
 --[[-- VERSION HISTORY
  2.2.6 - compassPositionOfARelativeToB
 	   - clockPositionOfARelativeToB
@@ -127,6 +127,18 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.8.1"
 	   - processStringWildcards()
 	   - new wildArrayContainsString() 
 	   - fix for stringStartsWith oddity with aircraft types 
+ 2.8.2 - better fixes for string.find() in stringStartsWith and containsString
+       - dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, carriers) new carriers optional param
+	   - better guards for getUnitAlt and getUnitAGL
+	   - new newPointAtDegreesRange()
+	   - new newPointAtAngleRange()
+	   - new isTroopCarrierType()
+	   - stringStartsWith now supports case insensitive match 
+	   - isTroopCarrier() supports 'any' and 'all'
+	   - made getEnemyCoalitionFor() more resilient 
+	   - fix to smallRandom for negative numbers
+	   - isTroopCarrierType uses wildArrayContainsString
+ 
 --]]--
 
 	-- dcsCommon is a library of common lua functions 
@@ -139,7 +151,7 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.8.1"
 	
 	-- globals
 	dcsCommon.cbID = 0 -- callback id for simple callback scheduling
-	dcsCommon.troopCarriers = {"Mi-8MT", "UH-1H", "Mi-24P"} -- Ka-50 and Gazelle can't carry troops
+	dcsCommon.troopCarriers = {"Mi-8MT", "UH-1H", "Mi-24P"} -- Ka-50, Apache and Gazelle can't carry troops
 	dcsCommon.coalitionSides = {0, 1, 2}
 	
 	-- lookup tables
@@ -270,8 +282,12 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.8.1"
 	-- 50 items (usually some more), and only then one itemis picked from 
 	-- that array with a random number that is from a greater range (0..50+)
 	function dcsCommon.smallRandom(theNum) -- adapted from mist, only support ints
+		theNum = math.floor(theNum)
 		if theNum >= 50 then return math.random(theNum) end
-		
+		if theNum < 1 then
+			trigger.action.outText("smallRandom: invoke with argument < 1 (" .. theNum .. "), using 1", 30)
+			theNum = 1 
+		end 
 		-- for small randoms (<50) 
 		local lowNum, highNum
 		highNum = theNum
@@ -886,6 +902,20 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.8.1"
 		return thePoint, degrees
 	end
 
+	function dcsCommon.newPointAtDegreesRange(p1, degrees, radius)
+		local rads = degrees * 3.14152 / 180
+		local p2 = dcsCommon.newPointAtAngleRange(p1, rads, radius)
+		return p2 
+	end
+	
+	function dcsCommon.newPointAtAngleRange(p1, angle, radius)
+		local p2 = {}
+		p2.x = p1.x + radius * math.cos(angle)
+		p2.y = p1.y 
+		p2.z = p1.z + radius * math.sin(angle)
+		return p2 
+	end
+
 	-- get group location: get the group's location by 
 	-- accessing the fist existing, alive member of the group that it finds
 	function dcsCommon.getGroupLocation(group)
@@ -1005,13 +1035,14 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.8.1"
 	end
 
 	function dcsCommon.getEnemyCoalitionFor(aCoalition)
-		if aCoalition == 1 then return 2 end
-		if aCoalition == 2 then return 1 end
 		if type(aCoalition) == "string" then 
 			aCoalition = aCoalition:lower()
 			if aCoalition == "red" then return 2 end
 			if aCoalition == "blue" then return 1 end
+			return nil 
 		end
+		if aCoalition == 1 then return 2 end
+		if aCoalition == 2 then return 1 end
 		return nil
 	end
 
@@ -1818,7 +1849,7 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.8.1"
 			theUnit.x = theUnit.x + cx -- MOVE BACK 
 			theUnit.y = theUnit.y + cy 				
 
-			-- may also want to increase heading by degreess
+			-- may also want to increase heading by degrees
 			theUnit.heading = theUnit.heading + rads 
 		end
 	end
@@ -1840,7 +1871,7 @@ dcsCommon.version = "2.8.1"
 			theUnit.x = theUnit.x + cx -- MOVE BACK 
 			theUnit.y = theUnit.y + cy 				
 
-			-- may also want to increase heading by degreess
+			-- may also want to increase heading by degrees
 			theUnit.heading = theUnit.heading + rads 
 			-- now kill psi if it existed before 
 			-- theUnit.psi = nil
@@ -2011,29 +2042,30 @@ end
 		
 		--trigger.action.outText("wildACS: theString = <" .. theString .. ">, theArray contains <" .. #theArray .. "> elements", 30)
 		local wildIn = dcsCommon.stringEndsWith(theString, "*")
-		if wildIn then dcsCommon.removeEnding(thestring, "*") end 
+		if wildIn then dcsCommon.removeEnding(theString, "*") end 
-		for i = 1, #theArray do 
+		for idx, theElement in pairs(theArray) do -- i = 1, #theArray do 
-			local theElement = theArray[i]
+			--local theElement = theArray[i]
-			if caseSensitive then theElement = string.upper(theElement) end 
+			--trigger.action.outText("test e <" .. theElement .. "> against s <" .. theString .. ">", 30)
+			if not caseSensitive then theElement = string.upper(theElement) end 
 			local wildEle = dcsCommon.stringEndsWith(theElement, "*")
 			if wildEle then theElement = dcsCommon.removeEnding(theElement, "*") end 
 			--trigger.action.outText("matching s=<" .. theString .. "> with e=<" .. theElement .. ">", 30)
 			if wildEle and wildIn then 
 				-- both end on wildcards, partial match for both
-				if dcsCommon.stringStartsWith(theElement. theString) then return true end 
+				if dcsCommon.stringStartsWith(theElement, theString) then return true end 
 				if dcsCommon.stringStartsWith(theString, theElement) then return true end 
 				--trigger.action.outText("match e* with s* failed.", 30)
 			elseif wildEle then 
 				-- Element is a wildcard, partial match 
 				if dcsCommon.stringStartsWith(theString, theElement) then return true end
-				--trigger.action.outText("match e* with s failed.", 30)
+				--trigger.action.outText("startswith - match e* <" .. theElement .. "> with s <" .. theString .. "> failed.", 30)
 			elseif wildIn then
 				-- theString is a wildcard. partial match 
-				if dcsCommon.stringStartsWith(theElement. theString) then return true end
+				if dcsCommon.stringStartsWith(theElement, theString) then return true end
 				--trigger.action.outText("match e with s* failed.", 30)
 			else
 				-- standard: no wildcards, full match
-				if theArray[i] == theString then return true end 
+				if theElement == theString then return true end 
 				--trigger.action.outText("match e with s (straight) failed.", 30)
 			end
 			
@@ -2165,13 +2197,22 @@ end
 		return false 
 	end
 	
-	function dcsCommon.stringStartsWith(theString, thePrefix)
+	function dcsCommon.stringStartsWith(theString, thePrefix, caseInsensitive)
 		if not theString then return false end 
 		if not thePrefix then return false end 
+		if not caseInsensitive then caseInsensitive = false end 
 		
+		if caseInsensitive then 
+			theString = string.upper(theString)
+			thePrefix = string.upper(theString)
+		end
 		-- new code because old 'string.find' had some really 
 		-- strange results with aircraft types. Prefix "A-10" did not 
 		-- match string "A-10A" etc. 
+		
+		-- superseded: string.find (s, pattern [, init [, plain]]) solves the problem 
+		
+		--[[
 		local pl = string.len(thePrefix)
 		if pl > string.len(theString) then return false end
 		if pl < 1 then return false end
@@ -2184,11 +2225,12 @@ end
 		end
 	
 		return true 
---[[--		trigger.action.outText("---- OK???", 30)
+--]]--		trigger.action.outText("---- OK???", 30)
 		-- strange stuff happening with some strings, let's investigate 
 		
-		
+		local i, j = string.find(theString, thePrefix, 1, true)
-		local res = string.find(theString, thePrefix) == 1
+		return (i == 1)
+--[[--
 		if res then
 			trigger.action.outText("startswith: <" .. theString .. "> pre <" .. thePrefix .. "> --> YES", 30)
 		else 
@@ -2222,7 +2264,7 @@ end
 			what = string.upper(what)
 		end
 		if inString == what then return true end -- when entire match 
-		return string.find(inString, what)
+		return string.find(inString, what, 1, true) -- 1, true means start at 1, plaintext
 	end
 	
 	function dcsCommon.bool2Text(theBool) 
@@ -2441,6 +2483,7 @@ end
 	end
 	
 	function dcsCommon.markPointWithSmoke(p, smokeColor)
+		if not smokeColor then smokeColor = 0 end 
 		local x = p.x 
 		local z = p.z -- do NOT change the point directly
 		-- height-correct
@@ -2628,17 +2671,35 @@ function dcsCommon.isSceneryObject(theUnit)
 	return theUnit.getCoalition == nil -- scenery objects do not return a coalition 
 end
 
-function dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit)
+function dcsCommon.isTroopCarrierType(theType, carriers)
-	-- return true if conf can carry troups
+	if not theType then return false end 
-	if not theUnit then return false end 
+	if not carriers then carriers = dcsCommon.troopCarriers 
-	local uType = theUnit:getTypeName()
+	end 
-	if dcsCommon.arrayContainsString(dcsCommon.troopCarriers, uType) then 
+	-- remember that arrayContainsString is case INsensitive by default 
+	if dcsCommon.wildArrayContainsString(carriers, theType) then 
 		-- may add additional tests before returning true
 		return true
 	end
+	
+	-- see if user wanted 'any' or 'all' supported
+	if dcsCommon.arrayContainsString(carriers, "any") then 
+		return true 
+	end 
+	
+	if dcsCommon.arrayContainsString(carriers, "all") then 
+		return true 
+	end 
+	
 	return false
 end
 
+function dcsCommon.isTroopCarrier(theUnit, carriers)
+	-- return true if conf can carry troups
+	if not theUnit then return false end 
+	local uType = theUnit:getTypeName()
+	return dcsCommon.isTroopCarrierType(uType, carriers) 
+end
+
 function dcsCommon.isPlayerUnit(theUnit)
 	-- new patch. simply check if getPlayerName returns something
 	if not theUnit then return false end 
@@ -2664,14 +2725,14 @@ end
 
 function dcsCommon.getUnitAlt(theUnit)
 	if not theUnit then return 0 end
-	if not theUnit:isExist() then return 0 end 
+	if not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then return 0 end -- safer 
 	local p = theUnit:getPoint()
 	return p.y 
 end
 
 function dcsCommon.getUnitAGL(theUnit)
 	if not theUnit then return 0 end
-	if not theUnit:isExist() then return 0 end 
+	if not Unit.isExist(theUnit) then return 0 end -- safe fix
 	local p = theUnit:getPoint()
 	local alt = p.y 
 	local loc = {x = p.x, y = p.z}

modules/groupTrackers.lua

@@ -29,9 +29,22 @@ groupTracker.trackers = {}
 		  - numUnits output 
 		  - persistence 
 	1.2.1 - allGone! bug removed 
+	1.2.2 - new groupTrackedBy() method
+		  - limbo for storing a unit in limbo so it is 
+		  - not counted as missing when being transported 
 	
 --]]--
 
+-- 'limbo'
+-- is a special storage in tracker indexed by name that is used
+-- to temporarily suspend a groups tracking while it's not in 
+-- the mission, e.g. because it's being transported by heloTroops
+-- in limbo, only the number of units is preserved
+-- addGroup will automatically move a group back from limbo 
+-- to move into limbo, you must use moveGroupToLimboForTracker
+-- to remove a group in limbo, use removeGroupNamedFromTracker
+--
+
 function groupTracker.addTracker(theZone)
 	table.insert(groupTracker.trackers, theZone)
 end
@@ -54,6 +67,8 @@ end
 --
 -- adding a group to a tracker - called by other modules and API
 -- 
+-- addGroupToTracker will automatically also move a group from 
+-- limbo to tracker if it already existed in limbo 
 function groupTracker.addGroupToTracker(theGroup, theTracker)
 	-- check if filtering is enabled for this tracker
 	if theTracker.groupFilter then 
@@ -84,18 +99,29 @@ function groupTracker.addGroupToTracker(theGroup, theTracker)
 		end
 	end
 		
+	
 	if not exists then 
 		table.insert(theTracker.trackedGroups, theGroup) 
 		
-		-- now bang/invoke addGroup!
+		-- see if we merely transfer group back from limbo 
-		if theTracker.tAddGroup then 
+		-- to tracked
-			cfxZones.pollFlag(theTracker.tAddGroup, "inc", theTracker)
+		if theTracker.limbo[theName] then 
+			-- group of that name is in limbo
+			if theTracker.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++gTrk: moving shelved group <" .. theName .. "> back to normal tracking for <" .. theTracker.name .. ">", 30)
+			end
+			theTracker.limbo[theName] = nil -- remove from limbo
+		else 
+			-- now bang/invoke addGroup!
+			if theTracker.tAddGroup then 
+				cfxZones.pollFlag(theTracker.tAddGroup, "inc", theTracker)
+			end
 		end
 	end
 	
 	-- now set numGroups
 	if theTracker.tNumGroups then 
-		cfxZones.setFlagValue(theTracker.tNumGroups, #theTracker.trackedGroups, theTracker)
+		cfxZones.setFlagValue(theTracker.tNumGroups, dcsCommon.getSizeOfTable(theTracker.limbo) + #theTracker.trackedGroups, theTracker)
 	end
 	
 	-- count all units
@@ -105,6 +131,9 @@ function groupTracker.addGroupToTracker(theGroup, theTracker)
 			totalUnits = totalUnits + aGroup:getSize()
 		end
 	end
+	for idx, limboNum in pairs(theTracker.limbo) do 
+		totalUnits = totalUnits + limboNum
+	end 
 	
 	-- update unit count 
 	if theTracker.tNumUnits then 
@@ -113,6 +142,7 @@ function groupTracker.addGroupToTracker(theGroup, theTracker)
 	-- invoke callbacks
 end
 
+
 function groupTracker.addGroupToTrackerNamed(theGroup, trackerName)
 	if not trackerName then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++gTrk: nil tracker in addGroupToTrackerNamed", 30)
@@ -133,6 +163,93 @@ function groupTracker.addGroupToTrackerNamed(theGroup, trackerName)
 	groupTracker.addGroupToTracker(theGroup, theTracker)
 end
 
+function groupTracker.moveGroupToLimboForTracker(theGroup, theTracker)
+	if not theGroup then return end 
+	if not theTracker then return end 
+	if not Group.isExist(theGroup) then return end 
+	
+	local gName = theGroup:getName()
+	local filtered = {}
+	if theTracker.trackedGroups then 
+		for idx, aGroup in pairs(theTracker.trackedGroups) do 
+			if Group.isExist(aGroup) and aGroup:getName() == gName then 
+				-- move this to limbo 
+				theTracker.limbo[gName] = aGroup:getSize()
+				if theTracker.verbose then 
+					trigger.action.outText("+++gTrk: moved group <" .. gName .. "> to limbo for <" .. theTracker.name .. ">", 30)
+				end
+				-- filtered 
+			else 
+				table.insert(filtered, aGroup)
+			end
+		end
+		theTracker.trackedGroups = filtered
+	end
+end
+
+function groupTracker.removeGroupNamedFromTracker(gName, theTracker)
+	if not gName then return end 
+	if not theTracker then return end 
+	
+	local filteredGroups = {}
+	local foundOne = false 
+	local totalUnits = 0
+	if not theTracker.trackedGroups then theTracker.trackedGroups = {} end 
+	for idx, aGroup in pairs(theTracker.trackedGroups) do 
+		if Group.isExist(aGroup) and aGroup:getName() == gName then 
+			-- skip and remember 
+			foundOne = true 
+		else 
+			table.insert(filteredGroups, aGroup)
+			if Group.isExist(aGroup) then 
+				totalUnits = totalUnits + aGroup:getSize()
+			end
+		end
+	end
+	-- also check limbo 
+	for limboName, limboNum in pairs (theTracker.limbo) do 
+		if gName == limboName then 
+			-- don't count, but remember that it existed
+			foundOne = true 
+			if theTracker.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++gTrk: removed group <" .. gName .. "> from limbo for <" .. theTracker.name .. ">", 30)
+			end
+		else 
+			totalUnits = totalUnits + limboNum
+		end		
+	end 
+	-- remove from limbo 
+	theTracker.limbo[gName] = nil 
+	
+	if (not foundOne) and (theTracker.verbose or groupTracker.verbose) then 
+		trigger.action.outText("+++gTrk: Removal Request Note: group <" .. gName .. "> wasn't tracked by <" .. theTracker.name .. ">", 30)
+	end 
+	
+	-- remember the new, cleanded set
+	theTracker.trackedGroups = filteredGroups
+	
+	-- update number of tracked units. do it in any case 
+	if theTracker.tNumUnits then 
+		cfxZones.setFlagValue(theTracker.tNumUnits, totalUnits, theTracker)
+	end
+	
+	if foundOne then 
+		if theTracker.verbose or groupTracker.verbose then 
+			trigger.action.outText("+++gTrk: removed group <" .. gName .. "> from tracker <" .. theTracker.name .. ">", 30)
+		end 
+		
+		-- now bang/invoke removeGroup!
+		if theTracker.tRemoveGroup then 
+			cfxZones.pollFlag(theTracker.tRemoveGroup, "inc", theTracker)
+		end
+	
+		-- now set numGroups
+		if theTracker.tNumGroups then 
+			cfxZones.setFlagValue(theTracker.tNumGroups, dcsCommon.getSizeOfTable(theTracker.limbo) + #theTracker.trackedGroups, theTracker)
+		end
+	end 
+end
+
 function groupTracker.removeGroupNamedFromTrackerNamed(gName, trackerName)
 	local theTracker = groupTracker.getTrackerByName(trackerName)
 	if not theTracker then return end 
@@ -141,6 +258,8 @@ function groupTracker.removeGroupNamedFromTrackerNamed(gName, trackerName)
 		return 
 	end 
 	
+	groupTracker.removeGroupNamedFromTracker(gName, theTracker)
+--[[--	
 	local filteredGroups = {}
 	local foundOne = false 
 	local totalUnits = 0
@@ -156,6 +275,18 @@ function groupTracker.removeGroupNamedFromTrackerNamed(gName, trackerName)
 			end
 		end
 	end
+	-- also check limbo 
+	for limboName, limboNum in pairs (theTracker.limbo) do 
+		if gName == limboName then 
+			-- don't count, but remember that it existed
+			foundOne = true 
+		else 
+			totalUnits = totalUnits + limboNum
+		end		
+	end 
+	-- remove from limbo 
+	theTracker.limbo[gName] = nil 
+	
 	if (not foundOne) and (theTracker.verbose or groupTracker.verbose) then 
 		trigger.action.outText("+++gTrk: Removal Request Note: group <" .. gName .. "> wasn't tracked by <" .. trackerName .. ">", 30)
 	end 
@@ -180,16 +311,59 @@ function groupTracker.removeGroupNamedFromTrackerNamed(gName, trackerName)
 	
 		-- now set numGroups
 		if theTracker.tNumGroups then 
-			cfxZones.setFlagValue(theTracker.tNumGroups, #theTracker.trackedGroups, theTracker)
+			cfxZones.setFlagValue(theTracker.tNumGroups, dcsCommon.getSizeOfTable(theTracker.limbo) + #theTracker.trackedGroups, theTracker)
 		end
 	end 
+	--]]--
 end
 
+-- groupTrackedBy - return trackers that track group theGroup  
+-- returns 3 values: true/false (is tracking), number of trackers, array of trackers 
+function groupTracker.groupNameTrackedBy(theName) 
+	local isTracking = false 
+	
+	-- now iterate all trackers 
+	local tracking = {}
+	for idx, aTracker in pairs(groupTracker.trackers) do 
+		-- only look at tracked groups if that tracker has an 
+		-- initialized tracker (lazy init)
+		if aTracker.trackedGroups then 
+			for idy, aGroup in pairs (aTracker.trackedGroups) do 
+				if Group.isExist(aGroup) and aGroup:getName() == theName then 
+					table.insert(tracking, aTracker)
+					isTracking = true 
+				end
+			end
+		end
+		
+		for aName, aNum in pairs(aTracker.limbo) do 
+			if aName == theName then 
+				table.insert(tracking, aTracker)
+				isTracking = true
+			end
+		end
+	end 
+	
+	return isTracking, #tracking, tracking
+end
+
+function groupTracker.groupTrackedBy(theGroup)
+	if not theGroup then return false,0, nil end
+	if not Group.isExist(theGroup) then return false, 0, nil end 
+	local theName = theGroup:getName()
+	local isTracking, numTracks, trackers = groupTracker.groupNameTrackedBy(theName)
+	return isTracking, numTracks, trackers 
+
+end
+
+--
 -- read zone 
+--
 function groupTracker.createTrackerWithZone(theZone)
 	-- init group tracking set 
 	theZone.trackedGroups = {}
-
+	theZone.limbo = {} -- name based, for groups that are tracked 
+	                   -- although technically off the map (helo etc)
 
 	theZone.trackerMethod = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "method", "inc")
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "trackerMethod") then 
@@ -264,6 +438,10 @@ function groupTracker.destroyAllInZone(theZone)
 			theGroup:destroy()
 		end
 	end
+	for aName, aNum in pairs(theZone.limbo) do 
+		theZone.limbo[aName] = 0 -- <1 is special for 'remove me and detect kill on next checkGroups'
+	end
+	
 	-- we keep all groups in trackedGroups so we 
 	-- generate a host of destroy events when we run through 
 	-- checkGroups next 
@@ -300,12 +478,26 @@ function groupTracker.checkGroups(theZone)
 		end
 		
 	end
+	
+	local newLimbo = {}
+	for aName, aNum in pairs (theZone.limbo) do 
+		if aNum < 1 then
+			if groupTracker.verbose or theZone.verbose then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++gTrk: dead group <" .. aName .. "> detected in LIMBO for " .. theZone.name .. ", removing.", 30)
+			end 
+		else 
+			newLimbo[aName] = aNum
+			totalUnits = totalUnits + aNum 
+		end 
+	end 
+	theZone.limbo = newLimbo
+	
 	-- now exchange filtered for current
 	theZone.trackedGroups = filteredGroups
 	--set new group value 
 	-- now set numGroups if defined
 	if theZone.tNumGroups then 
-		cfxZones.setFlagValue(theZone.tNumGroups, #filteredGroups, theZone)
+		cfxZones.setFlagValue(theZone.tNumGroups, dcsCommon.getSizeOfTable(theZone.limbo) + #filteredGroups, theZone)
 	end
 	
 	-- and update unit count if defined 
@@ -361,7 +553,7 @@ function groupTracker.update()
 		groupTracker.checkGroups(theZone)
 		
 		-- see if we need to bang on empty!
-		local currCount = #theZone.trackedGroups
+		local currCount = #theZone.trackedGroups + dcsCommon.getSizeOfTable(theZone.limbo)
 		if theZone.allGoneFlag and currCount == 0 and currCount ~= theZone.lastGroupCount then 
 			cfxZones.pollFlag(theZone.allGoneFlag, theZone.trackerMethod, theZone)
 		end 

modules/messenger.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 messenger = {}
-messenger.version = "2.2.0"
+messenger.version = "2.2.1"
 messenger.verbose = false 
 messenger.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- always
@@ -64,6 +64,9 @@ messenger.messengers = {}
 	2.2.0 - <player: unit> 
 	      - made dynamic string gen more portable in prep for move to cfxZones
 		  - refactoring wildcard processing: moved to cfxZones 
+	2.2.1 - when messenger is linked to a unit, it can use the linked
+			unit as reference point for relative wildcards. Always broadcasts to coalition. Can be used to broadcase 'eye in the sky' type information
+		  - fixed verbosity bug 
 	
 --]]--
 
@@ -318,7 +321,7 @@ function messenger.createMessengerWithZone(theZone)
 	-- flag whose value can be read: to be deprecated
 	if cfxZones.hasProperty(theZone, "messageValue?") then 
 		theZone.messageValue = cfxZones.getStringFromZoneProperty(theZone, "messageValue?", "<none>") 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++Msg: Warning - zone <" .. theZone.name .. "> uses 'messageValue' attribute. Migrate to <v:<flag> now!")
+		trigger.action.outText("+++Msg: Warning - zone <" .. theZone.name .. "> uses 'messageValue' attribute. Migrate to <v:<flag> now!", 30)
 	end
 	
 	-- time format for new <t: flagname>
@@ -418,6 +421,20 @@ function messenger.isTriggered(theZone)
 			end
 			trigger.action.outSoundForUnit(ID, fileName)
 		end
+	elseif cfxZones.getLinkedUnit(theZone) then 
+		-- this only works if the zone is linked to a unit 
+		-- and not using group or unit 
+		-- the linked unit is then used as reference 
+		-- outputs to all of same coalition as the linked 
+		-- unit 
+		local theUnit = cfxZones.getLinkedUnit(theZone)
+		local ID = theUnit:getID()
+		local coa = theUnit:getCoalition()
+		msg = messenger.dynamicUnitProcessing(msg, theZone, theUnit)
+		if #msg > 0 or theZone.clearScreen then 
+			trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(coa, msg, theZone.duration, theZone.clearScreen)
+		end
+		trigger.action.outSoundForCoalition(coa, fileName)
 	else 
 		-- out to all 
 		if #msg > 0 or theZone.clearScreen then 
@@ -518,3 +535,8 @@ if not messenger.start() then
 	messenger = nil 
 end
 
+
+--[[--
+Ideas:
+  - when messenger is ties to a unit, that unit can also be base for all relative references. Only checked if neither group nor unit is set
+--]]--

modules/persistence.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 persistence = {}
-persistence.version = "1.0.4"
+persistence.version = "1.0.6"
 persistence.ups = 1 -- once every 1 seconds 
 persistence.verbose = false 
 persistence.active = false 
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ persistence.requiredLibs = {
 		    new 'saveNotification" can be off 
 	1.0.4 - new optional 'root' property 
 	1.0.5 - desanitize check on readConfig to early-abort
+	1.0.6 - removed potential verbosity bug 
 		  
 	
 	PROVIDES LOAD/SAVE ABILITY TO MODULES
@@ -132,7 +133,7 @@ end
 function persistence.saveText(theString, fileName, shared, append)
 	if not persistence.active then return false end 
 	if not fileName then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: saveText without fileName")
+		trigger.action.outText("+++persistence: saveText without fileName", 30)
 		return false 
 	end 
 	if not shared then shared = flase end 

modules/pulseFlags.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 pulseFlags = {}
-pulseFlags.version = "1.3.1"
+pulseFlags.version = "1.3.2"
 pulseFlags.verbose = false 
 pulseFlags.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- always
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ pulseFlags.requiredLibs = {
 	        returned onStart, defaulting to true
 	- 1.3.0 persistence
 	- 1.3.1 typos corrected
+	- 1.3.2 removed last pulse's timeID upon entry in doPulse
 	
 --]]--
 
@@ -165,6 +166,7 @@ end
 
 
 function pulseFlags.doPulse(args) 
+
 	local theZone = args[1]
 	-- check if we have been paused. if so, simply 
 	-- exit with no new schedule 
@@ -172,6 +174,8 @@ function pulseFlags.doPulse(args)
 		theZone.pulsing = false 
 		return 
 	end 
+	-- erase old timerID, since we completed that
+	theZone.timerID = nil
 	
 	-- do a poll on flags
 	-- first, we only do an initial pulse if zeroPulse is set
@@ -268,7 +272,7 @@ function pulseFlags.update()
 		-- pausePulseFlag
 		if cfxZones.testZoneFlag(aZone, aZone.pausePulseFlag, aZone.pulseTriggerMethod, "lastPauseValue") then
 			if pulseFlags.verbose or aZone.verbose then 
-					trigger.action.outText("+++pulF: pausing <" .. aZone.name .. ">", 30)
+				trigger.action.outText("+++pulF: pausing <" .. aZone.name .. ">", 30)
 			end 
 			aZone.pulsePaused = true  -- prevents new start 
 			if aZone.timerID then 

modules/valet.lua

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 valet = {}
-valet.version = "1.0.0"
+valet.version = "1.0.2"
 valet.verbose = false 
 valet.requiredLibs = {
 	"dcsCommon", -- always
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ valet.valets = {}
 --[[--
 	Version History
 	1.0.0 - initial version 
+	1.0.1 - typos in verbosity corrected
+	1.0.2 - also scan birth events 
+	
 --]]--
 
 function valet.addValet(theZone)
@@ -374,16 +377,20 @@ function valet.checkPlayerSpawn(playerName, theUnit)
 end
 
 function valet:onEvent(event)
-	if event.id == 20 then 
+	if (event.id == 20) or (event.id == 15) then 
 		if not event.initiator then return end 
 		local theUnit = event.initiator
 		if not theUnit.getPlayerName then
-			trigger.action.outText("+++valet: non player event 20(?)", 30)
+			if event.id == 20 then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++valet: non player event 20(?)", 30)
+			end -- 15 (birth can happen to all)
 			return 
 		end 
 		local pName = theUnit:getPlayerName()
 		if not pName then 
-			trigger.action.outText("+++valet: nil player name on event 20 (!)", 30)
+			if event.id == 20 then 
+				trigger.action.outText("+++valet: nil player name on event 20 (!)", 30)
+			end 
 			return 
 		end
 		
@@ -398,7 +405,7 @@ function valet.readConfigZone()
 	local theZone = cfxZones.getZoneByName("valetConfig") 
 	if not theZone then 
 		if valet.verbose then 
-			trigger.action.outText("+++msgr: NO config zone!", 30)
+			trigger.action.outText("+++valet: NO config zone!", 30)
 		end 
 		theZone =  cfxZones.createSimpleZone("valetConfig")
 	end 
@@ -406,7 +413,7 @@ function valet.readConfigZone()
 	valet.verbose = cfxZones.getBoolFromZoneProperty(theZone, "verbose", false)
 	
 	if valet.verbose then 
-		trigger.action.outText("+++msgr: read config", 30)
+		trigger.action.outText("+++valet: read config", 30)
 	end 
 end