SSDPRINT 8.0

SSDPRINT 8.0 is an improvement over SSDPRINT 7.0. This uses the "real" font used in SSDs. I've been using 8.0 for the ships you've seen in 2002. This is not the Visual Basic version (10.0). I've pretty much scrapped 10.0 for several reasons (the biggest being ADB would barbeque me if I made SSDs too "easy" to make).

You'll need to know how to use 7.0 in order to use 8.0. If you're not familiar with 7.0, give it a try first, then come back here. SSDPRINT 8.0 builds upon knowledge of using 7.0.

The Program:

Make yourself a new subdirectory, and put the files from this ZIP into it:
SSDPRINT 8.0, including some weapons charts and such

"SSD80A.EXE" is the executible version (you don't need QBASIC).
"SSD80.BAS" is the source code (QBASIC).

What's different in this version?

• The resultant SSDs look a lot better.
• This program makes ".SSR" files instead of ".SSD" files. The format is actually the same, but you won't be able to use your old .SSD files really, as the font difference will make them look all screwed up. Not being able to use old .SSD files means you will have to re-enter all your weapons tables (sorry guys). I've included .SSR versions of common weapon tables with the ZIP above.
• If you really want to, you can load an old .SSD file using the normal "O" or "I" commands (and typing the .SSD extension). You would type "FED-ENTB.SSD" instead of "FED-ENTB" to make sure 8.0 knows you want an old .SSD file (not an .SSR). For weapons, you'll find it's probably easier to redo an old weapon table than to try to "fix" an old .SSD file.
• Function keys for weird symbols: While entering text, you may use function keys to duplicate some common special symbols on SSDs. These keys only work while you're in the process of entering text (using the "Enter key" or "B" commands). They are as follows:
  • F1: SpecSen box outline (try hitting the "B" command then the "F1" key; you'll see what I mean)
  • F2: SpecScan box outline
  • F3: SpecComp symbol (the little laptop)
  • F4: SpecComm symbol (the little satellite dish)
  • F5: Phaser crosshair box outline
  • F6: Infinity symbol
  • F7: The capital letter "I" with the top and bottom more pronounced (so it won't be so easily confused with the number "1").
  • F8: 1/2
  • F9: Degree symbol
  • F10: The big star used to indicate minimum crew
• A new "Boldface" command: After entering text (after you've hit "Enter" to enter the text), if you hit CTRL+B, the last text you entered will become bold-face.

SSR Files:

Here's a zip of a bunch of my ships in SSR format.
Some might be a little messy (especially with some unexplained lower-case text overlapping in weird places), that's because I've played with 8.0 quite a bit, and the old SSR files have some weird artifacts in them.