Demo Build Update v0.28 is Here!
The power grid sync process has been a sticking-point with players wanting increased realism; v0.28 aims to begin addressing that, whilst still (hopefully) making the sync process accessible to the more casual players. v0.28x will also set the foundation for a whole slew of future QoL and new feature updates very soon!
Here is the low-down on the first lot of changes arriving with v0.28 - now available to download!:
To ensure you are taking advantage of the above changes, be sure to update so you are on v0.28. You can find the version number of Hydro at the bottom of the main menu.
As always, I hope you enjoy this update! There is much more to come on my to-do list, so watch this space! Now that the grid process is addressed, I plan to start adding more incremental updates to v0.28 (a,b,c,d, etc) over the coming days.
And finally, to assist you in learning about these new changes to the sync process, check out the video below!
https://youtu.be/4-ETGLWl42M
Here is the low-down on the first lot of changes arriving with v0.28 - now available to download!:
- The grid sync process is now directly tied-in with the Generator's RPM
- This means that one just needs to get the RPMs into the 'green zone' of the Generator for the sync process to begin
- There has been some refinements to the way the sync needle operates now too, and you should notice some 'finesse' when it approaches the 'happy place' on the sync gauge. This is at the 12 o'clock position. When this position is reached, hit 'R' at the Generator Excitation wheel control as usual, to 'lock in' the sync. That's it! (There is no need to use the Q/E keys to adjust the 'excitation' - this is a completely separate mechanic which may be introduced at a later date and for now, is not modeled in Hydro)
- ADVANCED OPERATIONS: Those of you who are looking at the finer details and want more realism will notice that the sync gauge will revolve anti-clockwise when the Generator RPM is 'lagging' behind the grid frequency, and revolve clockwise when the generator is 'leading' ahead of the grid frequency. If you want to get really 'pro' - river flow permitting - you can try finessing the Generator RPM until the needle actually 'freezes' in the 12 o'clock position on the sync gauge, before closing the Grid Relay (note that this is OPTIONAL! I didn't want to make the game overly difficult!)
- I have made some updates to the Demo Help and Tutorials to address this new sync process for new players as well
- There is now a 'zoom' feature available so you can zoom-in on details like gauges, etc. Use the right-mouse button!
- I have added two new gauges beneath the grid sync lights. 1: Generator AC Volts and 2: Grid Voltage. Whilst they are animated and 'functional' more or less (the Generator AC volts output is tied to the RPM), the gauges are currently not interact-able by the player and are only for surface-level 'cosmetic' purposes for now, however the Generator AC volts may become an adjustable feature in future - through the use of the existing excitation wheel.
- Following ongoing player feedback, I have finally reduced the oil consumption! The max consumption rate has now been reduced by 60%. To help add back some balance, I have slightly increased the oil can cost - however I have not increased it by 60%...
To ensure you are taking advantage of the above changes, be sure to update so you are on v0.28. You can find the version number of Hydro at the bottom of the main menu.
As always, I hope you enjoy this update! There is much more to come on my to-do list, so watch this space! Now that the grid process is addressed, I plan to start adding more incremental updates to v0.28 (a,b,c,d, etc) over the coming days.
And finally, to assist you in learning about these new changes to the sync process, check out the video below!
https://youtu.be/4-ETGLWl42M