Nexus

The Nexus is an addon that adds multiplayer features to Oolite.

This is not an OXP. It is also no custom build of Oolite. Instead it is a separate component that hooks up via XMPP and shares specific game events with other players.

Prerequisite

• You need to have Oolite Developer Edition installed on your system
• You need to have an XMPP account

Installation

• Download the stuff from ...
• Then execute ...

Configuration

• Startup Nexus, go to the Configuration tab.
• Enter your XMPP data. Press the Test button to verify it is correctly configured.
• Choose the correct Oolite installation path for your system. Nexus can suggest promising paths for you.
• Click the Save button in the lower right.
• Restart Nexus for the changes to be effective.

Troubleshooting

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The Nexus is an addon that adds multiplayer features to Oolite.

Overview

This is not an OXP. Nor a custom build of Oolite. Instead it is a separate component that hooks up via XMPP and shares specific game events with other players.

Current capabilities (5th Jan 2022) are

•communication between players

•ability to store material in a warehouse on station when docked (reclaimable later at the same station)

•ability to gift material to others via a warehouse at a specified station

Further enhancements are expected once the current status issues are sorted out.

Requirements

• Nexus (Oolite Communicator)
• A compatible Java language
• An XMPP account
• The Developer Release version of Oolite (also known as Oolite TR): this is a separate download for AppleMac or Linux but is instead a converter for Windows.

Current Status

At the time of writing this is a WIP.

The Linux version (Ubuntu & Debian) works well.

The Windows version works well but needs to be started up from the windows cmd (Command Shell).

The AppleMac version has a severe headache and Oolite does not yet start up properly. It also needs to be started from the Terminal utility.

Downloads

• Current Versions for the various platforms

The torrent file is for downloading a version of Ubuntu Linux which runs inside the AppleMac on VirtualBox complete with OoliteTR & Oolite Communicator/Nexus

Installation

AppleMac

Currently needs Terminal - found in the Utilities folder in Launchpad (F4)

1) Download

A version of Java needs to be installed (details in ReadMe file) as does the Developer version of Oolite (containing its Debug console).

My Nexus folder (with old versions of Oolite Communicator inside) is located here: /Users/accountname/Desktop/Nexus

2) Unzip

Using the Terminal programme (AppleMac utilities folder - F4 button) unpack the Oolite communicator distribution (from the downloads folder) into my Nexus folder:

 accountname@Fulls-Air Nexus % tar -xf ~/Downloads/OoliteCommunicator-1.0-20211221-202253-macos.tar.gz 

3) Configure

Using Terminal, look inside this new version of Oolite Communicator:

accountname@Fulls-Air OoliteCommunicator-1.0-20211221-202253 % ls

You should see this:

 Communicator_Logo_Icon.png	        readme.txt
 OoliteCommunicator.oxp		        run.cmd
 configuration.properties.sample	run.sh
 dist

Now run the Oolite Communicator from inside Terminal:

 accountname@Fulls-Air OoliteCommunicator-1.0-20211221-202253 % ./run.sh

Configure the Oolite communicator. You need the details of an XMPP account and password - and a nickname. [i]Test it[/i] to see if it works!

Then find where you have hidden your Developer Version of Oolite, and enter the details in the bottom box of OoliteCommunicator.

Save these details. If everything is hunky-dory, it will save. If you have been sabo-scupper-taged by the demon Ebortsa, it won't.

4) Play

Quit. Restart. Watch for the two green connected indicators in the bottom corners (change from red/blue). The right hand one will not turn green until Oolite is started up (it must start up after Oolite Communicator starts up, due to the eccentricities of Oolite itself).

Currently, Oolite itself stays stuck in stasis with a black window...

Windows

Needs windows cmd (command shell)

1) Download

As mentioned in the ReadMe file, Java & the Oolite Developer version (with the Debug console) need to be downloaded & installed.

Then download the windows version of Oolite Communicator

2) Unzip and tuck away

From the Downloads folder, unzip this to (eg) C:Users/Lenovo/Document/Hiran

3) Configure

Doubleclick [i]Run[/i] file inside the Oolite Communicator folder.

Configure the Oolite communicator. You need the details of an XMPP account and password - and a nickname. [i]Test it[/i] to see if it works!

Then find where you have hidden your Developer Version of Oolite, and enter the details in the bottom box of OoliteCommunicator.

Save these details. If everything is ship-shape and Bristol fashion, it will save. If you have been sabotaged by the Witchspace Lobster, it won't.

4) Play

Quit. Restart. Watch for the two green [i]connected[/i] indicators in the bottom corners (change from green/blue). The right hand one will not turn green until Oolite is started up (it [i]must[/i] start up after Oolite Communicator starts up, due to the vagaries of Oolite itself).

Linux

Linux users don't need instructions...

Links

• MultiPlayer Proof Of Concept: Oolite Communicator (2021+)
• Brainstorming for a MultiUser OXP (2021)
• Author: Hiran

Historic comments on multi-player Oolite

• Oolite Multiplayer? Please read (2009-date) - has links to older threads