Australian MSTS @ steam4me Route_Riter

Route-Riter Operations

by Mike Simpson

7.0.89 is the latest full install version of Route_Riter
Latest .exe-file-only build number is 7.0.98
Updated 22-August-2008

Table of Contents


  Opening screen of latest RR 7.0.xx

YOU MUST BACK UP THE ROUTE FOLDER BEFORE TRYING THIS PROGRAM AT ALL !!!! 

You must have the 6 Default Routes installed in MSTS on your PC.

Introduction

Route-Riter v6 is a suite of over 110 utilities for performing various actions on sections of the Microsoft Train Simulator program.

The major options are as follows:-

  1. Check a Route for missing shape and texture files.
     
  2. Compact a Route by removing files from the route which are not required and just serve to slow the program down.
     
  3. Check all Activities installed in the Simulator
     
  4. Package a route ready for uploading (including production of spanned zip files).
     
  5. Count objects in selected and adjacent World tiles
     
  6. List all the track and road sections used by a route.
     
  7. Produce 'Mini-Routes', i.e. compact versions of MSTS which contain only one route and associated rolling stock.
     
  8. Options to check and fix many of the file types used by MSTS.
     
  9. A host of utilities to compress and uncompress files, replace shapes in .W files, build AI locomotives etc.
     
  10. Graphics utilities which allow the user to view shape files and consists in full colour, run 3rd party programs such as TGATools2a and TView etc.
     

The full version of Carl-Heinz Rive's TSUtils program is also included. The language.txt file included with Route-Riter is in English, but lang_Dutch.txt, lang_Norwegian.txt, lang_Danish, lang_French and lang_Spanish.txt files are also included, just select the appropriate language from the Files/Language menu.

Version history for versions 2 to last update before most recent FULL install: click here to view

Version History For Latest FULL Install and later

  • v7.0.89 - New FULL INSTALL version. New option under TsUtils tab to search for all signals in a route and to list each type of signal and its location.
    New version of TsUtils is enclosed within the Extra Files v7.0.89+.ZIP file.
    Also A few small bugs fixed.
    {Released 30-Apr-2008}
     
  • v7.0.90 - Bug in Make Tsection.dat for use with Train-Store fixed.
    {Released 26-May-2008}
     
  • v7.0.91 - Includes new option under MSTS File Utils - Remove ViewDbSphere from Selected .W files - This as it says, removes all the ViewDbSphere entries from the .w files and it also alters all VDbId () entries to VDbId ( 4294967295 ) - This option is only for those who know what these entries do. See The Role Of The ViewDbSphere parameter for more information and search uktrainsim.com and train-sim.com fora for more enlightenment.
    {Released 2-June-2008}
     
  • v7.0.92 - Upgrades the 'Fix .eng/.wag Files' option to give you the opportunity to also check that all Sound files in the .eng/.wag files exist, including Aliased sounds. A report is shown listing all missing sounds.
    {Released 6-June-2008}
     
  • v7.0.93 - When making Thumbnails of rolling stock, you may now skip items which already have .jpg files, making the option much quicker than before. Also a new version of TsUtils, so download and install ExtraFiles_7093 as below. For your convenience and ease of use, the Extra_Files are now packaged as a simple to use installer.
    {Released 7-June-2008}
     
  • v7.0.94 - Will now check and compact routes which contain .s files which are difficult to uncompress, such as Wayne Campbell's 1940s cars.
    {Released 26-June-2008}
     
  • v7.0.97 - Fixed the convert .kml to .mkr files option to convert both files from Google Earth and from Microsoft Live. Also included new button on front screen which will increase/decrease the altitude of every object in the selected .w file. Thus you can raise/lower all items by a set amount if the route is above the terrain. Note that if a .w file includes track, this will be raised as well, so the whole route needs to be raised and a tdb rebuild undertaken if you use this. So only use on a backup - this was included to help a user who had converted a route to DEM data and the whole route ended up underground.
    {Released 22--2008}
     
  • v7.0.98 - A new RRit_Extra_Files released with this upgrade: this upgrade includes updated BrakeFiles and Couplers for use with the licenced version of Route_Riter (The updated files are from Bill Prieger - 'TurboBill' and are included with his kind permission - For those without the licenced version of RR, they may still be used to manually update the brakes and couplers of American engines and wagons). As well as files for brake systems using composition brake shoes, there are also files for cast iron shoed equipment. When you use the 'Correct Brakes Manually' button, you actually get the option to let the program update all selected items automatically and you get the option to use cast iron or composition brake shoes.

    Note: these figures and calculations are for North American trains only as Australia and other parts of the world use air brake-pipe pressures of 70psi rather than the US' 90 psi.
    {Released 22-August-2008}
     

The language.txt file included with Route-Riter is in English, but lang_Dutch.txt, lang_Norwegian.txt, lang_Danish, lang_French and lang_Spanish.txt files are also included, just select the appropriate language from the Files/Language menu.

Notes:
1. If you are using this program to compress routes you have downloaded, then after running the route from end to end, providing everything is OK, then you can delete your backup.
2. Do not run this utility against the Default MSTS routes or you will delete files which might be required by other routes.

YOU MUST BACK UP THE ROUTE FOLDER BEFORE TRYING THIS PROGRAM AT ALL !!!!

Technical Support

Please advise me of any difficulties - Any comments / Suggestions will be appreciated. :-
Mike Simpson - 22-August-2008.
Email: virtualtrains@optushome.com.au


Unlocking Route_Riter's Extra Features

If you wish to make a small donation towards Route_Riter development,
click the PayPal button at right.

All contributors will receive a Licence file which activates some extra features within Route_Riter.
Note: The payee is agene AT optushome.com.au - this is correct, it is Mike Simpson's main email address.

Downloads:

Summary of Files Required

Note: Versions of Route_Riter less than 7.0.85 are no longer supported. It is strongly recommended that you install a full version of 7.0.85 or higher as listed below. If you delete your old folder (not necessary), be sure to save your licence file if you have donated to Route_Riter.

  1. New Installation :
    1. Install full 7.0.89 Route Riter Package (~14 MB);
    2. The latest version of Java should be installed: visit http://www.java.com/en;
    3. Download and run the ExtraFiles_7098 installer (~1.3 MB);
    4. Install 7.0.98 upgrade (~1.1 MB).

  2. Upgrading your installation: Upgrade from 7.0.85 or higher only to current version.

Download Links

Clickable Links
Description
RRit7_0_89full.zip
Full Install
14.3 MB (15,066,698 bytes)
Full Route Riter Package: all Route_Riter exe and help files, AceIt! (and its matching TGATools2a), and TsUtils v4.
You must have an up to date Java installation on your computer: visit http://www.java.com/en for the recommended installation.

Once this is installed, install the latest help file, the latest upgrade version and the latest ExtraFiles to bring your installation up to date.
Released 30-April-2008
Update to v7.0.98
1.03 MB (1,080,800 bytes)
Update Package - updates a full install of RouteRiter 7.0.85 or higher to 7.0.98.
Check version numbers of Extras and Help files below for complete upgrade (as these are now packaged separately): extrafiles need to be upgraded with this version, install ExtraFiles BEFORE running this update. Download and install the Extra_Files usiong the installer below.
You must have an up to date Java installation on your computer: visit http://www.java.com/en for the recommended installation. Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 is no longer required.
Released 22-August-2008
RR_ExtraFiles_v7.0.98
1.27 MB (1,332,736 bytes)
Route_Riter Extra Files for Route_Riter - Coupling, Brake, etc. files for Route_Riter as well the latest version of TsUtils (dated 22.04.2008) if updating: now packaged as separate download as updates no longer contain these files (brake files etc are installed with FULL versions of RR, but not the latest TsUtils). Includes NEW Couplings from TurboBill and Otto. Latest version of TsUtils is also included.
Now presented as a simple to run installer.
This IS the latest version containing files most recently dated 22-August-2008
 Route_Riter 7.0.48+ Help File
4.39 MB (4,604,079 bytes)
English Help File:  latest version for 7.0.48 or higher now packaged as separate download.
Yes, this IS the latest version dated 21-Aug-2007
 French Help File
 French Help File:  translation by U.Telemaque with many thanks (6.30 MB (6,611,795 bytes))
Released 12-Nov-2007
Spanish Help File
 Spanish Help File: translation by Javier Torres with many thanks. New version for 6.2.01 or higher.
Released 5-Dec-2004
Portugese Help File
 Portugese Help file: translation by Carlos Alberto Ricardi with many thanks.
Released 1-May-2005
Italian Help File
 Italian Help file: translation by Daniele Formica with many thanks.
Released 14-June-2007
Java Downloads
 Download the "Offline" install version - the automatic/online download sometimes doesn't install completely/properly on some XP systems. If you have installed Java and RR doesn't work, read #11 in error messages below.

Error Messages after Installation / Upgrading

  1. I receive Error 76 when I first try to run Route-Riter after clicking OK on the Startup screen:
    The possibility is that the Route Riter 6 registry entry has become messed up, in which case it will be necessary to use Regedit, and look for the entry:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\Route_Riter6

    Right click on Route_Riter6 (and Route_Riter as well if it exists from a previous version) and select Delete from the menu. The program should then run OK. (The registry entries are then re-written when you next exit RR.)
     

  2. The Route_Riter main window opens too high on my screen and I cannot drag it back into place
    There must be a problem with the registry entry for Route_Riter as this tells RR to open on the screen in the position it was closed in.

    I suggest

    1. you run Regedit from the Start menu run box, and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\Route_Riter6
    2. Click on Route_Riter6 and under it you will see an entry Startupk;
    3. Left-click on Startup and you should see entries for Height/Left/Top/Width
    4. Right-click on Top and select MODIFY from the menu and change the figure in the box to somthing like 2000 this should move the Route_Riter screen down to around the screen centre.

     
  3. I receive Error 429 whenever I try 'Set up new .ENV files' or some other options:
    If you still get this Error 429 after you have carried out the option in 2. above, and you find that you can run the 'Check Route' option successfully, then it is likely that you have a problem running scripts on your PC. This can be overcome by going to the Desktop Start/Run box and entering:-

    regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll

    Then clicking the OK button. After this everything should work OK.
     

  4. I receive Error 429 whenever I try Route_Riter's ZIP options:
    This can be caused by the ZIP dll not being registered correctly. This can be overcome by going to the Desktop Start/Run box and entering:-

    regsvr32.exe SawZipNG.dll

    Then clicking the OK button. After this everything should work OK.
     

  5. I am using Windows 98 and am unable to see the Route-Riter help files:
    This is similar to 3. above: Windows 98 does not natively read .chm files, so needs hhctrl.ocx installed to do this, this file must also be registered as above:-

    regsvr32.exe hhctrl.ocx

    A useful utility is MJ Diag available by clicking here, it checks your Help file .dlls etc and fixes some errors automatically a s well as showing you a report.
     

  6. I receive Error 75 while running Check Route (or some other items):
    Error 75 - Means 'Unable to access the selected file' - This is usually because the file in question is READ ONLY - There is a button on the MSTS File Utils screen which will force all files in your MSTS installation to be Read/Write, or you may change individual files to Read/Write using Windows Explorer.
     
  7. I receive Error 380 when Route-Riter starts or when running TsUtils:
    This has been connected to problems with the Java installation. Users have found that downloading the latest version from Java Manual Downloads for All Operating Sytems. Make sure you download the 'Manual Download' version as Windows XP SP2 has been found to block installation of the automatic version.
     
  8. I can not get TsUtils to run:
    Open a DOS window and go to the TsUtil folder, then type at the prompt java TSUtil - You should get the response 'Error --- too less arguments!' Instructions for use can be obtained with argument '?'! ("java TSUtil ?")

    This response indicates Java/TsUtil is correctly installed. However I found that on my PC, I had to place the TsUtil class and properties files into the folder c:\program files\java\jre1.6.0_nn\Classes as mentioned in the readme.txt file in the TsUtil folder of Route-Riter. This fixed everything up (Note: The folder jre1.6.0_xx number may vary depending upon your Java version) .
     

  9. AVG anti-virus reports UHARC.exe as a virus in Route_Riter
    This is a 'false positive' report by recent versions of AVG, UHARC.exe is a compression program like WinZip widely used, however I am modifying Route_Riter (v7.0.74 onwards) so that if UHARC is missing, then the button for using it will be greyed out. In the meantime, anyone who is worried or annoyed by this AVG report can safely remove UHARC from the Route_Riter folder.
     
  10. I receive Error 75 when Packaging an Activity.
    This has been reported when a user checks a selected activity and finds it is OK, yet when he tries to package that activity he gets an Error 75. Error 75 usually means that a file is inaccessible because it is Read Only, but in this case it is caused by the .zip utility not being registered correctly. Correct this in a similar manner to registration errors in item 4. above, i.e. with the entry in the RUN box of

    regsvr32.exe SAWZipNG.dll
     

  11. Problems with the Java/TsUtils installation
    As TsUtils is now used for all compress/uncompress operations within Route_Riter, it is imperative that a working Java setup is running on your PC. The latest version can always be downloaded from Java Manual Downloads for All Operating Sytems. Make sure you download the 'Manual Download' version as Windows XP SP2 has been found to block installation of the automatic version.

    From v7.0.23, Route_Riter automatically runs a java script on startup, and will advise you if Java/TsUtils are not working. At which time Route_Riter will close.

    TsUtils is normally installed in the Route_Riter\TsUtils folder, but if you have installed Java and it still does not work, you should go to the Java folder, normally at c:\Program Files\Java, under which there may be several sub-folders like jre1.4.0 and jre1.6.0 - The one with the highest number is the latest version. Open this folder and you should see sub-folders bin and lib make a new folder 'classes' which will then appear between these two and copy the contents of the TsUtil folder into this new Classes folder. After which TsUtils should run OK. You may then remove all older versions of Java (they occupy about 114MB per version) using the Start | Settings | Control Panel | Add/Remove Programs option.
     

  12. Using Route_Riter with Windows Vista
    Route_Riter and MSTS both run fine under Vista (although due to limitations of early video and sound card drivers, MSTS does leave something to be desired).

    Install Route_Riter V7 as usual under Vista using the Full-Install versions of RR.
    You must also download and install Java to be able to use the TsUtils options.

    After that, RR should run fine under Vista, however it has been found that you may need to run Route_Riter as an administrator.

    To do this:-

    1. Open the folder which contains the program file (by default C:\program files\Route_Riter}
    2. Right-click the Route_Riter.exe file
    3. On the Compatability tab, click the 'Run this program as an Administrator' check-box.
    4. Click OK, then the program will always run in Administrator mode.