OMP

Project home: OMP homepage Author: Friedrich 'Face' Kastner-Masilko Current version: Unknown Compatibility: Unknown

History

OMP was announced on IRC as project to 'properly' execute a multiplayer environment in Orbiter. Presumably this meant it would take care of more of the conventional space-simulator multiple player caveats and be more of an end-user oriented product than the previous, mostly experimental multiplayer projects IRCMFD and Multiorb.

Using low-level TCP and UDP connections between machines, OMP may be considered a third-generation Orbiter multiplayer system, although it's understood that each machine is still responsible for its own physics.

Current status

Development is still going, and the 0.3 pack is about to be released. Although no public servers are currently known, users volunteer to host quite a bit. "Virtual space agencies", such as SimNasa, and Virtual Nasa, now use OMP for their missions.

Installation

OMP, in my opinion, is the easiest Orbiter Multiplayer project to configure, to this date. The 0.3 patch, which is still under development, but fully downloadable, gets rid of most of the NAT problems. Most of the PCs are able to run it, and OMP sends 8 kb packets, so, virtually any type of internet connection can use OMP, as well as host OMP servers. Heres a "short" checklist to setting up an OMP client. Please follow the procedures in order, and you will be flying with your buddies in no time:

1. Download the OMP 0.2 pack from here: http://www.snoopie.at/face/omp/?Releases
2. Extract the zip archive in the orbiter directory.
3. Download the following files from http://www.snoopie.at/face/omp/?Development
   • Orbiter plugin
   • Default configuration for the Orbiter plugin
   • Dummy scenario file for the automatic startup feature
4. Put the orbiter plugin in Orbiter\modules\plugin directory. OVERWRITE THE PREVIOUS FILE!
5. Put the Default configuration for the orbiter plugin in Orbiter\modules\plugin directory. OVERWRITE THE PREVIOUS FILE!
6. Put the Dummy scenario file for the automatic startup feature in orbiter\scenarios OVERWRITE THE PREVIOUS FILE!
7. Disable any firewalls.
8. Open the orbiter launchpad, and under the modules tab, activate the OMPClient module.
9. When you activate that module, a dialog will pop up. That's the OMP client.
10. Click in the server text field. Delete the IP inside it, and put the server IP you are trying to connect.
11. Click on standard.
12. Under name, put the username you want. Put a password you can remember, and hit connect Orbiter.(Launch Orbiter changes to connect orbiter)

This should get most of the users connected, if they follow the procedures correctly. If you are still having problems connecting, try this alternative method:

1. In the OMP client, click on Custom. The custom field should become active. Type your IP address in the custom field. If you don't know your IP address, get it here: http://whatismyipaddress.com/
2. Make sure ports 1500 and 2500 are forwarded, for both UDP and TCP
3. Try reconnecting.

Features

• See other people online
• "Jump" feature, so the users can jump to each other when ever they want
• Dock with other users
• Extremly easy set up
• Any user can "jump" into another user's cockpit
• Users can chat with each other
• Orbiter Playback funtion works with OMP
• Everything is in realtime
• Support for different planetary systems

Basically anything that's possible in Orbiter. With these features, you can do a lot. All you need is imagination.

• Live tutorials. Docking with ISS, landing. All can be done in realtime.
• Have competitions. Aerobatics air shows. Races.
• Do historical flights with your buddies. Launch the Mercury Atlas with your buddies. Have someone chase that Atlas in a DG. Be a chase plane for the shuttle landing.
• Use OMP for home cockpits.
• Teachers can use OMP for their classes, so the teacher would be with their students at all times. Even in simulation.
• Explore different planetary systems with your friends.

OMP is extremly easy to set up. With the current technology, almost everybody can use OMP. There are still limitations, such as no animation support, or MFD synchronization. But it's an amazing feeling when you hear that "Docking confirmed", and you know that you are not just docking to a computer, but a real person.