Of Custom Maps and S.D.S's

[Minimus Ambus]

So I recently was in a discussion on how to add custom content to a Source Dedicated Server (SDS). So I learned that I needed to pack my map. I installed Vide and followed this

guide https://tf2maps.net/threads/vide-a-how-to.21661/

So now I'm happy. My friends and I can now play on my new map. So I load up the server, wait for everything to do it's thing and type "map pl_thunderrock" to set the server's map to my map. After a long list of stuff missing Vpsychics It went back to normal. I thought that would be normal. No. It. Wasn't. Me and about 5 other friends logged on, but as soon as we spawned there was "errors" where the props should be. Looking at the skybox was like looking at the void. It was crazy. We left and I figured I might as well start a thread for help, the people on this site seem to know everything.

So in short, I have 0 idea what's wrong. Below is the Server log that I copied into a text file. The "Packed map was too large to upload here, so instead I will upload the normal .bsp (the only custom content needed should be from the Frontline! Community Project Pack.

 

[Da Spud Lord]

Your custom content wasn't packed properly. Here's a method that we use to test for custom content: Use the command "sv_pure 2", which causes TF2 to ignore custom assets not directly packed into a map. Then load up TF2. If you see errors and missing textures, then other people who play your map will see the same thing.

I'm guessing the problem is your content is located in your /tf/custom folder. You have two options to fix the problem with custom content. You can either move the content out of your /tf/custom folder and into your /tf folder, or switch to CompilePal. ATM VIDE is not very good at packing custom content that are in the custom folder, but moving them out of the custom folder will allow VIDE to pack them.e CompilePal will pack assets in your custom folder.

 

[theatreTECHIE]

Two things I think you should know about:

First is that maps should be repacked (compressed) as well as packed (custom content included). Repack if your map drastically decreases file size, and more info on it is available here: https://tf2maps.net/threads/repacking-your-maps.24822/

Second is that while VIDE is a decent way to pack custom content, there's now a better way, using a program called CompilePal. The program can compile, automatically build cube maps, pack any custom content into your map and repack it. Read this thread and the links to the site here: https://tf2maps.net/threads/vbct-replacement-compilepal.23387/

 

[Minimus Ambus]

I keep getting the same type of error message.
SOLID_VPHYSICS static prop with no vphysics model! (models/props_frontline/prop_fighter_plane_skybox.mdl) That's just an example. I load up the map and the props are all errors. I used CompilePal with the settings of "VBSP, VVIS, VRAD, COPY, PACK, and REPACK". This is the supposed "Packed" and "repacked" version. Is there something I'm doing wrong?

 

[Da Spud Lord]

A prop in your map is set to be solid, but the world model selected for it doesn't have an associated collision model, and as such players and objects can move through it. This error won't break anything; it's just letting you know that you can walk through the prop. You can get rid of this error by setting the "Collisions" property to "Not solid" (this won't have any effect in-game, just a few less lines in your console). If the prop needs to be solid, use one or more blockbullets brushes to simulate the prop being solid.

 

[Minimus Ambus]

Will that make the props appear in game? Because I'm looking to fix the models/ textures that are being weird.

 

[Da Spud Lord]

Will that make the props appear in game? Because I'm looking to fix the models/ textures that are being weird.

No, that's a separate problem with your packing. See my first post.

 

[Minimus Ambus]

well I finally got the map packed.


but this wouldn't be the source engine, without more problems. Now my friends can't connect to the server. It's under LAN instead of "Internet" in the server browser. Any thoughts? (also the map is available here https://tf2maps.net/downloads/pl_thunderrock.4337/ )

 

[Da Spud Lord]

well I finally got the map packed.


but this wouldn't be the source engine, without more problems. Now my friends can't connect to the server. It's under LAN instead of "Internet" in the server browser. Any thoughts? (also the map is available here https://tf2maps.net/downloads/pl_thunderrock.4337/ )

Are you running a listen server? Listen servers have severe limitations when it comes to playing with friends over the internet, the big one being that you have to go through extra steps involving forwarding ports and stuff before you can make your server an internet server. You can Google the exact steps if you need it, or you can just run a LAN server, which requires little additional setup. Additionally, running a TF2 client and server at the same time on a home PC or laptop can strain the computer's hardware and resources, and home wi-fi connections aren't always reliable enough to ensure that your other players can get a good connection to your server. If you can, you're better off getting a dedicated server running in a data center, which usually has plenty of power and a strong, stable internet connection suitable for running dedicated servers.

 

[Minimus Ambus]

https://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Windows_dedicated_server
thats what I did. I made a Source Dedicated Server, not a listen server. and what do you mean "getting a dedicated server running in a data center"?

 

[Da Spud Lord]

and what do you mean "getting a dedicated server running in a data center"?

Never heard of a data center before? They're those big rooms that house lots of servers stacked on top of and next to each other:

You can usually rent or buy them. Server groups like skial and rushy probably host their servers with these.

 

[Minimus Ambus]

I know what it is, didn't know how to get a server in one. Now I know. So I guess that raps up most of the problems. So I probably won't post anything in this thread for a while, possibly forever. However I'll leave it open so people with similar problems can visit it and try to fix the problem.