I've downloaded MP's EAW patch 1.2 and installed it, no problems.

I've downloaded, and am in the process of installing, the following:
--Scorpion's Enabler
--MeatWater v2.0
--MeatWater v2.5
--Cord's Sound Collection
--ECA 1.4
--ECA Panel 2.0
--ECA Online
--EAW Control 2000
--EAW Stab 1.2

Being somewhat more patient, and a hell of a lot more fearful, than I was when I was younger, I also made folders for each of the zip files, and extracted them individually. I also printed up the READ.ME files for each one, if there was one (the sound zip files did not, so I assume I just move each set of files into the EAW main directory and activate the application file, and watch in amazement as developments unfold). Now, here's where I got hung up.....

The READ.ME file for Scorpion's Enabler mentions the 1.2 patch, the ECA Online v1.21, ECA 1.4 and ECA Panel 2.0 or 1.4, RIP, and MSA. What the hell are RIP and MSA?
And where do I find them, if I need them?

The Enabler allows me to choose which version of EAW I want to play, before I play anything, which is cool. At this point, I don't play online, but AM looking forward to the enhanced version that will shortly be mine <evil chuckle>. But......I have simply have no idea of what RIP or MSA are.

Any help would be appreciated. At this point, I'm going to follow the instructions in the Enabler READ.ME, but leave the RIP and MSA folders empty, until I determine if what they are.

By the way, I want to thank everybody for their warm welcome and generous help. I can see why this is easily the best forum on this subject, or any other, I might add, that I have ever been involved with. Cudo's to all of you, and to Cord, who makes this possible. S!

THe RIP (http://www.sonic.net/jcam/eawskins/downloads.htm)file is required for the ladder match(http://exo.com/~gregoryp/),it basically tunes the engine performance of EAW planes, but leaves the rest untouched(no extra planes,weapon tuning, etc).

The MSA file is for the Multy Squadron Aliance(or something like that ,and is a file for Virtual Squadrons to use whislt playing each other(same data allround when in battle).The MSA is made up of 3 Squads of wich I cannot remmenber...(sorry chaps,still learning the ropes ).

You will not need the RIP and MSA file (for now anyway ),but if you get them stick `em in those folders.

Here are some more links: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Metro/8853/index.html http://www.sonic.net/jcam/eawskins/ http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Alley/6644/stuff.htm http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/4145/ http://thehangar.dogfighter.com/
and the Squad that I have joined: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Galaxy/6846/

Good luck mate and S!(salute)

Always glad to see new faces in the EAW community!

I fly with the American squadron of the MSA (Multi Squadron Alliance) and if I can be of any help in getting you hooked up with online flying, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me; either here or email at pharoah42@eritter.net.

You can find out more regarding who we are at:

http://www.savlan.com/56FG/

Good luck and hope to see you off my wing one day in the 'virtual' skies.

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"A mind is like a parachute; it only functions when it is open." Sir Lewis Dewar

One step further, "I may not agree with what you say but will fight to the death for your right to say it"

[This message has been edited by 56thFG_Pharaoh (edited 02-12-2000).]

[This message has been edited by 56thFG_Pharaoh (edited 02-12-2000).]

[...What the hell are RIP and MSA? And where do I find them, if I need them?]

As has been noted above, RIP and MSA are modified flight models used for some forms of online play. RIP (Realistic In Performance) is used for "Ladder" matches at the Zone (Microsoft's Internet Gaming Zone). MSA is used by the Multi Squadron Alliance (which consists of the 56th FG, JG26, and a British online squadron that I can't think of right now!). RIP, as noted above, changes the engine performance of the aircraft, especially improving the American aircraft in EAW. MSA uses the RIP files, but replaces the bomber-buster FW190A-8 (which is a DOG of a fighter!) with the earlier, lighter, and hotter FW190A-4 model taken from ECA Online 1.21.

Do you need them? Well, strictly speaking, probably not, unless you join one of the online squadrons or participate in Ladder competition at the Zone. Likewise, if you don't fly online, there's no point in getting them. On the other hand, if you're flying online, it probably can't hurt to have the option of using them, just in case. It might be possible to only find one or two others playing at the same time you're there, and if they want to use RIP or MSA to get some practice in for competitions, then you'd be able to play with them.

With the Enabler, this is not much of a problem, since there should be no problem doing what you've already done, i.e. leaving the rip and msa folders empty. Like I said, it probably isn't strictly necessary to have the RIP and MSA files, but since they don't take up much in the way of HD space, it probably wouldn't hurt to have them just in case. But you might still never actually need them!

Don't recall at the moment where to download the MSA files but if you need it, email me your email address and I will be more than happy to send it to you (a 541kb zip file).

As that delightful blighter Rodger Bilko says, "Toodle Pip!"

Regards,

Lt. Pharaoh
Recruiting/Intel Officer
56th MSA Fighter Group

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"A mind is like a parachute; it only functions when it is open." Sir Lewis Dewar

Now that I have the basics installed, my next move is terrain and skins. However, if someone has any other suggestions on something I may be missing, please feel free to speak up. The only thing that I added to the program that is NOT included in the list in my initial post is the gunsight add, which made the rounds a month or so back.

Well, my time is up, as it's time to get off my duff and go deal with the 3rd shift thing at WalMart. Happy hunting.

Just check it out for yourself, as it is for me, as soon as I had "tasted blood" of the CFS terrain, I just wouldn't want to change back, even if it's looking a bit "bigger pixeled" at low altitude. Climb into the sky, look down over your shoulder, and you'll see why Jay's terrain is my favorite...

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Cord Hartmann

I noticed on a zone game lastnight,that whilst flying,the terrain was of the "Desert" flavour...
So does that mean that the person hosting the game,makes there chosen terrain available to all that join him whislt flying(it seemed that way;it was a real beauty,a dusk mission with a slight mist,flying with the desert colors in background....)?

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Cord Hartmann