Night Time Lights?

[dekiscool 6]

I have the 1.1.638.0 version, which I was told would solve a lot of my issues...but I still have those issues.

@lhrob...I just DL'ed that the other day and loaded it. Not really noticing much of a change...

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

1,1,640 is a fix that allows buildings with special textures in the .sc4model file to show lighted windows at night. It is part of the BAT release. If you want to use lots created with the BAT using these textures, you need this fix. The fix has nothing to do with street lighting.

And by the way, I see that Mandelsoft has an installer. Did it stick in a folder with a Z prefix? This is probably what is killing your lights. When a mod has an installer, you need to know what it does.

[lhrob 213]

I have the 1.1.638.0 version, which I was told would solve a lot of my issues...but I still have those issues.

See, that's what confuses me. My game is the same version, and I have zero problems with nightlighting. Something doesn't jive.

@lhrob...I just DL'ed that the other day and loaded it. Not really noticing much of a change...

Okay. Just wanted to see if maybe that would help somehow. I've read many of your posts - and I even tried to help you in the other thread - but it seems now that you've done the things we recommended, you're still not finding a solution to your problem. I'm stumped. You said you downloaded your game from Amazon, right? Was it the download, or did you buy the disks?

1,1,640 is a fix that allows buildings with special textures in the .sc4model file to show lighted windows at night. It is part of the BAT release. If you want to use lots created with the BAT using these textures, you need this fix. The fix has nothing to do with street lighting.

Which buildings with special textures? When you download them, does it say? As I said, I don't have a problem seeing lighted windows in buildings at night....so maybe I don't have any of those special buildings. I don't know.

[Cefien 361]

I have the 1.1.638.0 version, which I was told would solve a lot of my issues...but I still have those issues.

Mr.dekiscool, we tried everything we could, but no matter how great we are, we can only assume here, for we're not the creator of the LRM itself....i gave you the link to the thread, i suggest you to post a question there...Mandelsoft is the right person to answer your questions concerning the LRM.

About your game version, it has nothing to do with the street lights at all, i'm saying that because i remember you said something in the very first post that your custom building was still dark. So, i assume that maybe there's something wrong with your patch eventhough it says 1.1.638. And it needs to be patch to 1.1.640. Like Moose said that update version needed for the custom BAT lighting. it's just strange, maybe there's something wrong with your original SimCity.dat files

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

@ihrob: Well, lad, maybe you were just lucky. But almost any of the newer BATs will have night lighted windows textures. This stuff came out at about the time I was building my and I think I night lighted the whole roof.

[Cefien 361]

Haha...be alert before the luck runs out.

[MandelSoft 2,769]

OK, let me first set some things right. I've been away for a few days, so that's why I couldn't offer help earlier:

1. LRM v4.0 Mega Pack is an older version of the LRM. The latest versions are the LRM v5.0 series, which have been split up for easier installation (drag 'n drop instead of a hard to understand installer).

2. I can't do anything about overbright lots. There are just too many to change. It totally depends on the lot editors how to deal with street lights. It's an annoying drawback I can't get past right now

3. The LRM also contains T21 mods. These will not only change the streetlight patterns, but also applies additional exemplars. If you remove it, the exemplars will be gone too, and then there will be no exemplar to reference to. The effect: streetlights disappear. How to solve it? Set city details to low, save your city and exit to region, set details to high again and all props will reappear.

Best,

Maarten

[Cefien 361]

Glad you finally here,...we were all lost...

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Haha...be alert before the luck runs out.

Right. We need more lerts.

[jdenm8 362]

Maarten forgot one thing. A retail copy of the game cannot be updated to 1.1.640. That's the version for Digital Distribution that has SafeDisc removed. 1.1.638 is a fully patched retail copy.

[lhrob 213]

Maarten forgot one thing. A retail copy of the game cannot be updated to 1.1.640. That's the version for Digital Distribution that has SafeDisc removed. 1.1.638 is a fully patched retail copy.

THANK you. At least I feel like I know what I'm talking about now.

[CaptCity 4,696]

Maarten forgot one thing. A retail copy of the game cannot be updated to 1.1.640. That's the version for Digital Distribution that has SafeDisc removed. 1.1.638 is a fully patched retail copy.

By "retail copy", do you mean a downloaded retail copy? Just to clarify... There is a version of the game available for a legitimate download that includes the SC4Update4BAT patch with a version number of 1.1.638? This could be confusing for CD owners who happen upon this. Retail CD versions (Deluxe) go 1.1.610/1.1.613 to 1.1.638 to 1.1.640 as updates are applied.

[dekiscool 6]

Ok...well...I finally got my amazon giftcard and just downloaded SimCity 4 v 1.1.641.0 from Amazon for $9.99. So I will check it out and see if anything changes.

[Cefien 361]

By "retail copy", do you mean a downloaded retail copy? Just to clarify... There is a version of the game available for a legitimate download that includes the SC4Update4BAT patch with a version number of 1.1.638? This could be confusing for CD owners who happen upon this. Retail CD versions (Deluxe) go 1.1.610/1.1.613 to 1.1.638 to 1.1.640 as updates are applied.

Actually, i'm already confuse now...some said have no problem with 1.1.638. while others must update to 1.1.640.

[dekiscool 6]

By "retail copy", do you mean a downloaded retail copy? Just to clarify... There is a version of the game available for a legitimate download that includes the SC4Update4BAT patch with a version number of 1.1.638? This could be confusing for CD owners who happen upon this. Retail CD versions (Deluxe) go 1.1.610/1.1.613 to 1.1.638 to 1.1.640 as updates are applied.

Actually, i'm already confuse now...some said have no problem with 1.1.638. while others must update to 1.1.640.

Yes I bought a downloadable retail copy from Amazon.com which is version 1.1.641.0...that is according to my exe file. Yes...1.1.641...not 1.1.640....

And now my game seems to work ok. The building and signs all seem to light up like they are supposed to at night time. Before I loaded it up, I was able to save all the plugins and my cities from my old copy. I loaded the new retail copy I bought and downloaded. I then moved all my plugins into the new game plugin and my cities too. I hope it will work ok. I loaded my city into the game and saw all the new working lights...but while I was scrolling around the city, the game just shut down. Hopefully this wont be a sign of things to come....

[Cefien 361]

Yes I bought a downloadable retail copy from Amazon.com which is version 1.1.641.0...that is according to my exe file. Yes...1.1.641...not 1.1.640....

And now my game seems to work ok. The building and signs all seem to light up like they are supposed to at night time. Before I loaded it up, I was able to save all the plugins and my cities from my old copy. I loaded the new retail copy I bought and downloaded. I then moved all my plugins into the new game plugin and my cities too. I hope it will work ok. I loaded my city into the game and saw all the new working lights...but while I was scrolling around the city, the game just shut down. Hopefully this wont be a sign of things to come....

Well, it seems you have a fully updated patch...good then..

There is actually a known bug in SimCity which cause the game experience CTD sometimes. I don't know if it is fix already in 1.1.641. Always make a back up of your regions and plugins.

Try to reload your city, if the problem persist, you might wanna check your plugins. You probably missing something.

[dekiscool 6]

What is CTD? I am a $%&^!. Also I keep getting a message now that the roads between cities are not connected or something like that. I used to get that in my old copy of the game...but I thought I fixed it since I didn't get the messages anymore. Now I am getting them again with the new copy. Something about reconciling it?

[CaptCity 4,696]

Well, until someone can dispel this, what has been thought up to this point, anyway...

1.1.610/1.1.613 is SC4 Deluxe without the official patches (EP1 Update and SC4Update4BAT) applied.

1.1.638 is SC4 Deluxe/Rush Hour with the EP1 Update patch applied.

1.1.640 is SC4 Deluxe/Rush Hour with the EP1 Update patch and the SC4Update4BAT patch applied.

1.1.641 is a downloaded SC4 Deluxe with all patches applied plus eliminates the need to have a CD in the drive.

As for nightlights appearing. It has always been believed that the SC4Update4BAT patch (1.1.640 or 1.1.641) has been needed for custom content made with the BAT to have lights appear. This does not include standard Maxis buildings, including lots made with them. The patch is not needed for those to exhibit lights. In addition, having the SC4Update4BAT patch does not guarantee lights will appear. The BAT model would have to have been made to include them.

Having said this, if someone can verify having version 1.1.638 and have lights appear on BAT created items, it might help clear this up...

What is CTD? I am a $%&^!. Also I keep getting a message now that the roads between cities are not connected or something like that. I used to get that in my old copy of the game...but I thought I fixed it since I didn't get the messages anymore. Now I am getting them again with the new copy. Something about reconciling it?

CTD is a "crash to desktop" where the game suddenly quits and the computer reverts to the standard desktop appearance. As for the connection warnings, it might mean that the terrain height difference between two adjacent city tiles is too great. Reconciling means that the terrain is adjusted to allow the two terrains to match up.

[Cefien 361]

As for nightlights appearing. It has always been believed that the SC4Update4BAT patch (1.1.640 or 1.1.641) has been needed for custom content made with the BAT to have lights appear. This does not include standard Maxis buildings, including lots made with them. The patch is not needed for those to exhibit lights. In addition, having the SC4Update4BAT patch does not guarantee lights will appear. The BAT model would have to have been made to include them.

Having said this, if someone can verify having version 1.1.638 and have lights appear on BAT created items, it might help clear this up...

Well, someone around here, claimed that he has no problem with nightlighting eventhough the game version shows 1.1.638. That's made me wonder. Is it version 1.1.640 really essential here?? That does not guarantee the lights will appear anyway.

And what about 1.1.641...?? Is that the original maxis update patch?? You can only get that version by buying it, right??

[dekiscool 6]

I think there is a 1.1.613.0 version too. I was told awhile back too that version 1.1.638 would solve my problems...it didn't. Oh well I have the newest version.

As for the reconciling...that would be a good thing to do??

[Cefien 361]

Yes, my friend once has that version too...at least your nightlighting problem is now solved.

Well, you should just try it.

[CaptCity 4,696]

I think there is a 1.1.613.0 version too. I was told awhile back too that version 1.1.638 would solve my problems...it didn't. Oh well I have the newest version.

1.1.613 is an unpatched Deluxe version made for a different geographical location than 1.1.610. It is sometimes referred to as the European version. Patching it will lead to the same versions indicated above. 1.1.640 is essential for nightlights to appear on custom content made from the BAT if the creator included them. 1.1.638 results from an update released to fix some game bugs but doesn't deal with nightlights.

As for the reconciling...that would be a good thing to do??

Reconciling could lead to drastic changes in the city's terrain, thus destroying development along the edges of your cities and even farther inland, depending on the amount of alteration. You might try using the terrain tools to get things closer together if reconciling demolishes too much.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

When my disk-loaded game was fully updated it was 1,1,640. I now have the digital download game and it is 1,1,641.

My installation disks died of old age and bad storage so I ponied up thirty bucks and got a new copy.

There need be no argument nor confusion. BAT night-light textures do not light up below level 1,1,640. Computers don't do strange things.

[jdenm8 362]

Retail CD versions (Deluxe) go 1.1.610/1.1.613 to 1.1.638 to 1.1.640 as updates are applied.

Derp. You're completely correct. I was thinking of 1.1.641. I guess that's what happens when you're posting at 3am. Disclaimer: Something I'm doing again right now.

1.1.610 is the North American distribution. Considered the stock-standard version and 'bought physically from a person in a shop' (Retail) version of the game. This version is the most common version seen in North America and Australia, though Australian Retail copies may be 1.1.613 instead, coming from a 2007 reissue originally intended for the UK market.

1.1.613 is the Euro distribution. Not aware of any significant changes apart from the language files however and has only ever been available Retail.

We don't know what the Japanese or Chinese version (Which has probably been modified to support Asian Characters) numbers are, possibly 1.1.614.

1.1.638 is the EP1 Patch. Fixes a whole bunch of things and adds more flexibility to a whole ton of Rush Hour items (Like cross turning lanes on prefab Avenue X Highway intersections). Presumably includes the changes which set .613 apart from .610.

1.1.640 is the Nightlights Patch. When gmax does the nightlit renders, it does them differently to Maxis' tool used to make all the Vanilla buildings. 1.1.640 merely updates the game to work with these differently-made nightlit models. (Most Maxis buildings have a darkened version for use at night and a separate light texture laid on top. Why they did that, I don't know, but the gmax nightlight render bakes the lights into the night model allowing for much greater flexibility).

1.1.641 is the Digital Distribution version. It differs from the Retail version in that:

A. It's not available Retail.

B. It's been modified to have the DRM removed, indeed the GamersGate and Amazon versions seem to have no DRM at all from what I've been told. (The Steam version may not have any DRM either, I don't know of anyone that's tried booting a Steam copy of the game up with the Steam process not running, ala Unpatched Skyrim)

C. It's delivered completely patched.

D. I've heard that for some reason, the BAT and Lot Editor seem to have intermittent issues with recognising an installation of this version on your computer, especially if obtained through Steam and installed to the default location.

Other than those four points, it's exactly the same as 1.1.640.

[lhrob 213]

I'm the "someone around here" who Cefien is referring to, and I'm also the one who told Dekiscool that updating to version 1.1.638 should solve his nightlighting problem. Why did I say those things? Because I have version 1.1.638, and I have no problem with nightlighting.

Having said that, I am more than willing to be the guinea pig who tests out a building made with BAT to see if it lights up. As I also stated previously, I don't KNOW if I have any problems with BAT creations lighting up, because I haven't plopped many custom buildings in my city. Along with that, I don't run my city on a day/night cycle. I just keep it on daytime. So if I've misled anyone, I apologize.

I'll see what I can find out, and let everyone know.

**************************************************************

Okay, first...I downloaded and plopped the which I found in the BAT section of the STEX. It lights up perfectly for me.

Now, what I need to know is whether the following building is a Maxis building or something I've downloaded (I'm sorry, I honestly don't remember):

The reason I'm asking is because it does NOT light up at night.

So I'm stumped about this whole nightlighting/patch business. I'm humbly sorry if I've given anyone bad advice. I will strive to stay silent from now on unless I'm absolutely certain I can be of help.

Wishing you all a Happy and Blessed New Year!

[CaptCity 4,696]

Thanks, everyone, for the clarifying posts. There's no reason to feel "wrong" here. It can be confusing, which is probably why it comes up in the forums so frequently. The more information we have, the better the advice given to those needing help can be.

[dekiscool 6]

What building is that in the above pic? The good thing about the download retail copy I have is...I can DL it anytime I want and as many times as I want. So I'd assume, if another patch came out, I could download a newer version.

[lhrob 213]

I honestly don't know what that building is. I don't know if it's a standard Maxis building, or one I've downloaded and simply forgot about it. I have 40 pages in my Download history, so I suppose I could go through each one to check. I was just hoping maybe someone else knew before I took the time to do all that.

Thanks, everyone, for the clarifying posts. There's no reason to feel "wrong" here. It can be confusing, which is probably why it comes up in the forums so frequently. The more information we have, the better the advice given to those needing help can be.

Whether I was right or wrong isn't the issue for me. Obviously it's nice to be right, but more than that I just hate misleading people. It's a personal thing with me. So there are times when I think I'm helping, but find out later I really wasn't. That bothers me. So I think it might be safer, and better for others, for me to refrain from posting anything unless I'm absolutely certain I know it will help.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Now, don't take that attitude. If no one did anything wrong or made no mistakes, he wouldn't find out much, would he? You are doing just fine.

[jason leo 485]

I honestly don't know what that building is. I don't know if it's a standard Maxis building, or one I've downloaded and simply forgot about it. I have 40 pages in my Download history, so I suppose I could go through each one to check. I was just hoping maybe someone else knew before I took the time to do all that.

That is the maxis-default Marshall Printing, the tileset is New York if I'm not wrong.