New Extensible RF Sources 1.5.2 addon - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Anomaly mod for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat

PURPOSE

New Extensible RF Sources (NERFS) is the beginning of a comprehensive overhaul of the RF Receiver's functionality. Its key features are:

• Expands the frequency range from 300 to 999 (configurable in MCM)
• Adds interesting new sources of RF noise, from electromagnetic anomalies to cellular interference
• Unique new sound effects for psy interference and GSM noise
• Moves all RF sources into easily-modded, conflict-free LTX files
• Includes my ARFS mod with lootable lore notes about useful frequencies
• NEW Define up to 9 preset frequencies in MCM, and assign a different hotkey to each
• Change frequency or presets with mouse wheel (requires modded binaries 20230701 or newer)
• Adds an optional HUD indicator of signal strength, configurable for accessibility or preference
• Compatible with TB's RF tasks and Coverdrave's Reworked RF Receiver addons
• NEW Now compatible with Remote Controlled Explosives, with install option for Bizarre Interference

NOW INCLUDED WITH DEVICES OF ANOMALY REDONE

If you have the excellent Devices of Anomaly Redone addon by Barry Bogs, then you already have the stripped-down version of NERFS that is included with that addon. Installing the full version of NERFS and loading it after DAR will offer additional features.

If you do not have DAR, and you use the RF Receiver, then you should absolutely get it!

The full feature list for NERFS is below:

EXPANDED FREQUENCY RANGE

In vanilla Anomaly, the RF Receiver is clamped to a frequency range of 30-300 Mhz (VHF), with no way to change bands or go outside that range. NERFS changes this range to 1-999 Mhz, with the upper end configurable in MCM.

Aside from enabling detection of several vanilla RF sources that had frequencies above or below VHF, this also enables a number of new gameplay options.

FREQUENCY PRESETS WITH HOTKEYS

With so many new things to scan for, having to manually cycle between frequencies can get cumbersome. You can now define up to 9 frequency presets in MCM, and assign a different hotkey to each. A handful of useful frequencies are set as defaults, but feel free to change them to whatever you like!

NEW SIGNAL SOURCE: CELLULAR NOISE FROM PDAS

GSM-standard cellular devices cause RF interference on certain frequencies--if you've ever heard that rhythmic, stuttering buzz on your speakers or wireless headphones with your cellphone nearby, that's probably why.

NERFS combines this fact with the expanded frequency range to allow you to pick up interference from the PDAs of nearby stalkers, potentially giving you an early warning of enemies. There are multiple GSM bands that affect different frequency ranges, and some of the most common ones used in Ukraine are represented here.

As of version 1.1, each stalker's PDA is now assigned to one of these four cellular bands, and each PDA has its own specific frequency within that band. Once a stalker is assigned a frequency, it will always stay the same during that playthrough--potentially allowing you to track them with the RF receiver if you learn their frequency!

NEW SIGNAL SOURCE: ELECTRICAL ANOMALIES

Electro and Tesla anomalies put out a lot of EM noise, and now that noise will register on the RF receiver. For now, start searching somewhere around 300 Mhz (may be subject to change).

MOUSE WHEEL SUPPORT

As of version 1.2, NERFS adds mouse wheel support thanks to the 20230701 update to demonized's modded binaries. This version of those binaries (or newer) is required for this feature to work. GAMMA also supports this feature.

Ever felt like repeatedly spamming mouse clicks to go up/down was really clunky? Enable this, and whenever the RF Receiver is out, scrolling your mouse wheel will tune its frequency instead of cycling through your equipment. Once you try it this way, you won't want to go back.

There is no benefit to using the vanilla game executables instead of modded binaries. In addition to advanced mod support, the demonized binaries support many graphics and engine enhancements that practically make Anomaly a new game. If you are not using them (or modpacks such as GAMMA and EFP that are based on them) then you can and should get them from the following link:

Github.com

EXTENSIBLE LTX FRAMEWORK

All signal sources are now defined in LTX files, which can be found in gamedata\configs\scripts\rf_sources. They are designed to be conflict-free and extremely easy to customize, and all you have to do to add your own is create a new rfsrc_*.ltx file in the same folder.

[rfss_af_death_lamp]
section = af_death_lamp
dist 	    = 200
snd 	    = func
func 	    = item_radio.sfx_random_noise_psy
freq 	    = 321
action   = item_radio.signal_active_artifact

You can either use the existing library of sound effects and default signal handling, or define functors to return your own and control what actions are taken when the source is detected.

New functions have also been added to item_radio.script, providing other addons with a way to cleanly manage signal source types and sound effects at runtime.

NEW SOUND EFFECTS: PSY INTERFERENCE

In vanilla Anomaly, RF interference from psy sources uses the same sound effects as any other noise--including random bits of radio chatter or other things that aren't really fitting. In version 1.1, NERFS adds unique new sound effects to distinguish psy interference from other kinds.

OPTIONAL LORE NOTES FROM ARFS ADDON

My previous RF addon, Anomalous RF Signals, is included in this as an installation option. It adds lore notes that can be randomly looted from dead stalkers, giving players an in-game way to learn new useful frequencies.

For this feature to work correctly, you need to select either the DLTX or Non-DLTX option when installing. If you are able to right-click on notes, but nothing happens when you try to read them, it is probably because this option wasn't selected, or wasn't installed correctly.

ACCESSIBILITY HUD WIDGET

RF Receiver gameplay is not friendly to deaf or hearing impaired persons. Neither is Stalker in general, but everyone should to be able to enjoy the games they love. This optional accessibility widget, courtesy of RavenAscendant, provides a visual indicator of signal strength, with the on-screen position and colors configurable in MCM for preference or color blindness.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER RF ADDONS

NERFS is fully compatible right out of the box with TB's excellent RF Tasks addon, with no changes necessary. It also includes a compatibility switch for Coverdrave's Reworked RF Receiver addon. This switch forces the device to use their LED and signal switching tweaks. RRFR's MCM setting for whether the RF receiver works when equipped but not out is also respected.

INSTALLATION

Use MO2. The Main module is required, and you must choose either the DLTX or non-DLTX option. If you do not install either, the encyclopedia will not unlock new entries from the notes.

DLTX is supported by GAMMA, as well as by demonized's modded binaries (which are linked above in the Mouse Wheel Support section).

You can manually install the files if you wish, but it's not recommended. You can also use JSGME, but it is known to cause issues and I cannot provide support for problems that occur while using it.

LOCALIZATION

RUS localization by leeviathan (MCM and system strings), and S5yn3T / Stalzi / Mr.Goose (lore notes and encyclopedia entries).

CHANGE LOG

1.5.2: Corrected missing MCM header image.

1.5.1: Removed unintentionally-included debug code. This had no functional impact, but was causing a large amount of log spam.

1.5: Fix for incompatibility with Cold System; both addons were trying to hijack the same "unused" multiplayer window. NERFS now uses its own custom window. NERFS will now detect if another addon has overwritten item_radio.script, and scream at you in MCM. It will also detect whether the oustanding Devices of Anomaly Redone is installed, and swap its header graphic to match the new RF Receiver.

1.4: Fix for rare crash with Reworked RF Receiver compatibility. Moved both the background static and emission noise into their own separate functors configured in LTX. This has no effect on the user experience, and is purely a hook for modders who need to alter the regular or emission static.

1.3: Added the ability to define up to 9 preset frequences in MCM, and assign hotkeys for each. Cycle between presets with Ctrl if mouse wheel support is enabled. Added compatibility with Remote Controlled Explosives (integrated) and Bizarre Interference (install option). Moved most sound effect definitions into LTX files for ease of modding (see the Bizarre Interference patch for an example). A lot of refactoring.

1.2: Mouse wheel support, requires the 20230701 build of demonized's modded binaries. When enabled, scrolling the mouse wheel will tune the RF receiver instead of cycling through your weapons.

1.1: Each stalker now has their own persistent PDA cellular frequency. Added distinct new sound effects for psy RF interference. Added RUS localization for MCM courtesy of leeviathan. Added the option to use the RF receiver while equipped but not out, which respects RRFR's MCM setting for this.

1.0: Initial public release