OpenSimulator - User contributions [en]

FAQ

2012-05-11T20:01:40Z

Mstram: "Exit ... .xml file " --> *Edit*

{{Quicklinks}}
 

== About OpenSimulator ==
=== What is OpenSim? ===
OpenSimulator is a platform for operating a virtual world, and supports multiple independent regions connecting to a single centralized grid. This is somewhat similar to the web, where anyone can run their own web server, tied together through the internet. It can also be used to create a private grid, analogous to a private intranet.

=== What is a region? ===
A region is what you see when you log into OpenSimulator. It is the physical place (well, virtual physical space) where avatars move and interact. It is a square patch of land which may contain an island, mountains, a plain, buildings, etc., or just an ocean.

=== What is the grid? ===
The grid is the level that organizes the regions and their positions in the world, and handles things that need to exist across regions, such as a user's inventory. You can think of it as similar to the world map.

=== What does ... mean? ===
See [[:Category:Tech Reference|OpenSim:Technical Reference]] for definitions of some terms commonly used in OpenSimulator.

== Configuring OpenSimulator ==
First, read [[OpenSim Configuration]].
=== Where can I get a new UUID for my sim config? ===
* See [[OpenSim Configuration]]

=== Can I run multiple regions with OpenSim? ===
* See [[OpenSim Configuration]]

=== What databases can be used with OpenSim? ===
* See [[OpenSim Configuration]]

=== What about PostgreSQL or NHibernate? ===
* NHibernate support, which enabled OpenSimulator to access PostgreSQL database, was removed on October 2009 ([http://opensimulator.org/viewgit/?a=commitdiff&p=opensim&h=fdce1be3db287bed901332b90ba57165e201d3fc r/11252]) due to lack of users and mainteners ([http://lists.berlios.de/pipermail/opensim-dev/2010-April/008537.html Opensim-dev: NHibernate status]).

== Running OpenSimulator ==

=== An error is thrown while trying to start up OpenSimulator ===

See [[Troubleshooting]].

== Connecting to OpenSimulator ==
=== I've set up my OpenSimulator server and it looks like the login works but the client hangs on 'connecting to region' ===

There are 2 steps to login.

1) When you start up the client and enter your name/password, it sends those details to the OpenSimulator login service. If your password is correct, it tells the region simulator that you're coming. It then sends back to you (the client) the ip address and port to use to enter that region (as gleaned from your Regions.ini file).

2) Your client then connects to the region using those details.

If the client hangs on 'connecting to region' then the details being sent to it in step 2) are not allowing it to connect. Check your Regions.ini carefully and try to telnet to the ip & port that should be available.

If you're seeing this problem after you've made your sim available to the outside world (where people outside your network can connect to it but you cannot) then you probably don't have a router that supports NAT loopback. This allows you to connect to a local machine through your router via an external address. See [[NAT Loopback Routers]] for a list of routers that support this feature.

== OpenSimulator in the Wild ==
=== Are there test servers running OpenSimulator I can connect to? ===

Yes. Check out our [[Grid List]]! There are often many private servers up for testing. Hang out on the IRC channel (Freenode #opensim), and troll for URI's.

There are also several private organizations offering directories and search engines. They include:

* [http://www.hyperica.com Hyperica] -- a categorized directory of hypergrid-enabled OpenSimulator destinations, currently over 250 locations 
* [http://www.metaverseink.com MetaverseInk] -- ha key-word-based search engine for OpenSimulator grids, mostly those running the Diva Distro
* [http://www.gridhop.net GridHop] -- a list covering the major OpenSimulator grids, currently over 150 destinations accessible over hypergrid teleport
* [http://www.hgurl.com HGURL] -- a key-word-search database for all grid, all accessible via hypergrid (in progress API for acces to search engine and info in world).
* [http://www.thehypergates.com/ The HyperGates] -- The first dynamic, auto-updating HyperGrid directory for both HyperGrid 1.5 ( OpenSimulator 0.7.x ) and HyperGrid 1.0 ( OpenSimulator 0.6.x ) standalones & grids. Download the HyperGate from the site now and Join the HyperGate Network. The most reliable HyperGrid directory.

=== Are there any companies that will host my grid for me? ===

Yes there are dozens of independent OpenSimulator hosting providers. The following are not affiliated with OpenSimulator.org.

* [http://www.dreamlandmetaverse.com DreamLand Metaverse]
* [http://www.ReactionGrid.com/ ReactionGrid]
* [http://www.simhost.com SimHost]
* [http://www.yoursimspot.com YourSimSpot]
* [http://edocio.com Edocio (Educational Sims Only.]
* [http://astral.dyndns-server.com World Star living virtual world's (Sim Host, Support)]
More vendors listed here: [http://www.hypergridbusiness.com/opensim-hosting-providers/ Hypergrid Business Vendors Directory] -- a categorized directory of OpenSimulator vendors, currently listing about three dozen providers. 

=== Can I teleport from the Linden Lab Second Life grid to my Sim? ===
No. In 2008 and 2009, there had been the connection to vaak grid, [http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/07/31/open-grid-public-beta-begins-today/ which enabled us to teleport from Second Life over to an OpenSimulator grid] before LindenLab closing it. As of 2010, "The vaak grid is currently unavailable as we transition from OGP based services to VWRAP based services."([http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Open_Grid_Public_Beta "Open Grid Public Beta" in Second Life Wiki])

== MySQL ==
=== How do I isolate and delete a user's Trash items in a MySQL grid database? ===
NOTE: BACK UP YOUR DATABASE!

CAUTION: The Linux default directory for the MySQL database is /var/lib/mysql Many backup tools (e.g. backupPC) do NOT back up /var/*! Make certain that the database and not just the MySQL code (/usr/bin/mysql) is included in your nightly backups! The actual paths will be different for different operating systems and databases, but the problem is the same.

'''1.''' Locate the avatars UUID you wish to find the trash items of, in the '''users''' table 
This query will locate a specified users UUID: (replace User/Test with username/lastname)
<nowiki>SELECT `UUID` FROM `users` WHERE `username` LIKE 'User' AND `lastname` LIKE 'Test' LIMIT 0 , 30;</nowiki>
 
'''2.''' Use the avatars UUID to search the field_name '''AgentID''' in the '''inventoryFolders''' table, using '''Trash''' as the '''folderName''' to isolate the users Trash '''folderID''' 
This query will locate the users Trash folder entry: (replace 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000 with UUID of user)
<nowiki>SELECT `folderID` FROM `inventoryfolders` WHERE `agentID` LIKE '00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000' AND `folderName` LIKE 'Trash'
LIMIT 0 , 30;</nowiki>
 
'''3.''' Use the '''folderID''' UUID obtained in the last query to find all of the trash items in the '''inventoryitems''' table, you can then delete them once you have isolated them. 
This query will locate the trash items of the avatar in question: (replace 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000 with Trash folder UUID obtained in the last query)
<nowiki>SELECT * FROM `inventoryitems` WHERE `parentFolderID` LIKE '00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000' LIMIT 0 , 9999;</nowiki>
 
'''NOTE:''' These steps will not remove the associated assets from the assets table, just the items in the inventory '''inventoryitems''' table.

=== How do I isolate and resolve duplicate inventory folder entries in a MySQL grid database? ===
NOTE: BACK UP YOUR DATABASE! 

'''1.''' It's first a good idea to search for the affected avatars UUID in the '''inventoryFolders''' table to see the duplicate entries. When you see this, you'll see the problem of duplicate entries. The key here will be to find out which is being used. 

'''2.''' Upload a file inworld and name it something unique. This will isolate the UUID of your root folder that is being used (even though there are dups only one is being used) 

'''3.''' Search the '''inventoryitems''' table for your uniquely named item and locate it's '''parentFolderID''' 
This query will isolate the '''parentFolderID''' based on your search for the unique item (replace '''unique_name''' with your unique item name)
<nowiki>SELECT `parentFolderID` FROM `inventoryitems` WHERE `inventoryName` LIKE 'unique_name' LIMIT 0 , 30;</nowiki>

'''4.''' Check the '''inventoryfolders''' table against the '''parentFolderID''' UUID obtained in the last search. That is your root folder that is being used.. you can delete all duplicate entries that do not match that parentFolderID. In the end, you should only have one of each type (Trash, etc) 
This query will return all values that are NOT the parentID obtained in the last search. (replace 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000 with the parentID located in step 3)
<nowiki>SELECT * FROM `inventoryfolders` WHERE `folderID` NOT LIKE '00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000' LIMIT 0 , 30;</nowiki>

== In World Questions ==
=== Does in world scripting work yet? ===
Not fully implemented, but most of it works, and there is a lot of work going on here. Please see [[ScriptEngines]], [[LSL Status]] and [[OSSL Status]] for the latest info.

=== Can I customize my avatar? ===
Yes. In order to do this:
* Click the Inventory Button
* Create -> New Clothes -> Shirt, Pants, etc
* Create -> New Body Parts -> Hair, Shape, etc
* Edit those from your inventory
* Wear them

Your avatar doesn't always face a nice direction for doing this, so you'll need to use the camera operations to see your face for some of the modifications. This is a known issue, will be fixed in the future. Also, you'll need to rewear you parts once you first join the environment. Right now default appearance is always "Ruth".

=== Why do I look like I gas cloud right after I did the the previous steps? ===
Second Life eliminated Ruth from their client. The Ruth we see in OpenSimulator is our own attempt of a yoga teacher and not truly Second Life's Ruth. When you create a shirt, pants, skin and shape and wear them without changing any parameters, the Second Life Viewer understands you are not Ruth. Since Ruth is no more, you become a cloud of gas. To fix it, either change a parameter of one of them before wearing all 4, or, if you already are a gas cloud, right click one of these items in your inventory and click edit. That should bring up the edit appearance menus. Just move any sliders and voilá.

=== I used [[XEngine]], but my recent update caused [[DotNetEngine]] to come on again ===
There were some changes and you will need to change or create the line DefaultScriptEngine = "XEngine" in the startup section to get XEngine back. See [[ScriptEngines]]

=== Why doesn't my world map update when I edit the terrain? ===
There are three approaches depending on just how adventurous you want to be. From the least to the most adventurous:
* Wait two days. You will need to restart your sim at the end of the two days to get the updates.
* Edit the .xml file for the region. Change the value in the "lastmap_refresh" attribute to "0". You will need to restart the sim.
* Not for the faint of heart! Edit the "WorldMapModule.cs" file and change the "LazySaveGeneratedMaptile" method to change the "RefreshSeconds" value to something less than two days. Be sure to read the comments and understand why things are the way they are.

Once your terrain stabilizes, this won't be much of a problem, but it is nice to see the updates while you're furiously developing something.

=== Why are my knees bent when I stand idle? ===
This seems to be a result of the ODE Physics Engine on 64 bit systems. A fix is to edit OpenSim.ini and change the following line:
* av_capsule_standup_tensor_linux = 550000
to
* av_capsule_standup_tensor_linux = 1700000

Note that this line of code is under the [ODEPhysicsSettings] section of the OpenSim.ini file.

=== when I create a new skin and shape, the thing goes bonkers creating new assets constantly ===
you have not configured an asset cache

you need to configure either the cenome cache or the flotsam cache

without an asset cache, temporary assets can't be held which means they are continously rerequested

copy either config-include/CenomeMemoryAssetCache.ini.example, or the relevant flotsam file, to .ini edit and set it up for your needs then check GridCommon.ini or StandaloneCommon.ini uncomment the line for that cache

(standalone defaults to cenome grid to flotsam)

=== How do I give a user God Mode privileges? ===
Open the Opensim database, select table useraccounts and set the UserLevel to 200 for the account that should have God Mode privileges.

Then, in the viewer Advanced menu, the user should select View Admin Options and select Request Admin Status.

== Scripting ==
=== System.Reflection.TargetParameterCountException: parameters do not match signature ===
The parameters for the states doesn't match with required. For example, this script should show the error above.
<source lang="lsl">
default
{
touch_start() // SHOULD have a parameter there
{
llApplyImpulse( <0., 0., 10000.>, FALSE );
}
}
</source>

== Region Statistics on a Web Page ==
=== Information about your regions. ===
Region statistics such as region name, avatar name, avatar position<x,y,z>, number of prims, and a lot of other information can be obtained on a web page by:
* Adding the following to the bottom of the OpenSim.ini file
[WebStats]
enabled=true
* Using a web browser and typing in the "Login URI" + "/SStats/" of your standalone server.
For example- <nowiki>http://127.0.0.1:9000/SStats/</nowiki>
The resulting web page is continually updated using AJAX, so there is no need to refresh the page to obtain current information. One possible use for this web page information would be to see who is logged on to the region in real time - without actually logging in. 
This web page provides region information similar to the kind generated by using various server console commands to obtain region statistics. See [[Server Commands]]

== Misc ==
=== You guys like April 1st, eh? Looks like the joke is on us... ===
Yes, every year we've had a piece of non destructive code in the unstable, unreleased, upstream subversion tree. The source tree that is only designed for testers and developers. In each case it has shown something that is possible in OpenSimulator that most people might not have realized. In 2008 this was an avatar created entirely from a Region Module (no user), in 2009 it was making all users a giant (and I mean giant) stick bug avatar. There will be more in the future, don't worry. The developers seem to have a sense of humor.

[[Category:Users]]
[[Category:Users]]

Talk:Tips

2009-04-10T02:21:48Z

Mstram:

Anyone more to contribute to my section Place data away from the code. Be welcme and help me (Ulysses Hirvi) out.

--------------------------------------------------------
"change-region ..."

"script ....."

No such commands in Opensim ver 0.6.3.8730

now :

"change region"

"terrain ..."

--[[User:Mstram|Mstram]] 17:46, 9 April 2009 (UTC)
--------------------------------------------------------

Talk:Tips

2009-04-09T21:15:02Z

Mstram:

Anyone more to contribute to my section Place data away from the code. Be welcme and help me (Ulysses Hirvi) out.

--------------------------------------------------------
"change-region ..."

"script ....."

No such commands in Opensim ver 0.6.3.8730

now :

"change region"

"terrain ..."

Also how is the "current heightmap" set for the terrain commands?

--[[User:Mstram|Mstram]] 17:46, 9 April 2009 (UTC)
--------------------------------------------------------

Tips

2009-04-09T21:13:57Z

Mstram:

[[Category:Users]]
==Terrain Tidbits==
===How can I flatten a region?===
When you have multiple regions, that you need to terraform to a certain height, the quickest way to do it is by selecting a region, and fill the terrain to the specified height:

(as of version 0.6.3.8730)
change region YourRegionName
terrain fill 20

''Note:'' Remember to change to the region you wish to modify if that is the only region wish to make changes to. Without using the change-region command, you may very well end up flattening multiple regions!

As of SVN 4061
terrain fill 25

[[Category:Getting Started]]

=== What programs can I use to create terrains for OpenSim? ===
If you are after simple terrain files (jpg, gif, etc), you can use Photoshop or any number of freeware programs, like [http://www.gimp.org/ Gimp]. If you want more complex terrains, you will need programs that output to standard 3d raw format (aka r32 or r64). [http://www.bundysoft.com/L3DT/ L3DT] and [http://www.planetside.co.uk/terragen/ Terragen] are two of the top commercial programs for this. (anyone know of a freeware one?), or you could, with some practice, use [http://www.blender.org/ Blender]. The free version of L3DT can make terrains up to 2048x2048 in size, or 8x8 regions.
You can use `terrain load IMG yourfile.png` to load '''greyscale''' PNG files. Remember to use something like `terrain rescale 0 25` to make it visible.
Here is some info on [[Using L3DT]] to make a terrain.

You can also use http://lab.parkstudio.ru/terra/ if you know a bit about heightmaps and how they work. Just set the custom landscape texture gradient to pure black and pure white and turn off water.
And here are some [[Free Terrains]] that you can use. Enjoy!

=== Where do I put the files for my terrains? ===
This one is actually pretty simple, but first the 'hard' answer: anywhere in the PATH will work. Lost? yeah, I was too, so... just drop the file into the <tt>bin</tt> directory (right where your <tt>OpenSim.exe</tt> file is).

===How do I change the terrain for a group of sims?===
First, the file must be in f32 (or f64?) format. This is easy to do with L3DT's export feature. (Use the RAW format and set the options to <tt>Y flipped = true</tt> and at the bottom, change it to read 'float' instead of 'ushort'). It also needs to be a file that will cover each sim in a 256x256 layer (so, for 2x2 regions, you need a 512x512 file), It is very important that you rename the file extension to .r32 for the import to properly work.
Then, once you have it saved, on the <tt>OpenSim.exe</tt> console, type in:
script terrain load-tile <filename> <image X> <image y> <bottomleftsim X> <bottomleftsim y>
For example, I run a square of 4 sims in a 2x2 pattern. I started my sim placement at 0, 0 and ended at 1, 1. my line reads:
<strike>script terrain load-tile simalpha.r32 512 512 0 0</strike>
script terrain load-tile simalpha.r32 2 2 0 0 ([[User:Oudrun|Oudrun]])
New syntax is using number of tiles instead of imagesize (one tile 256x256 pix). Above example is for a 2x2 region terrainfile.

Next, before you log in, you may want to go to type in: *(THIS FUNCTION MAY NOT WORK)
script terrain multiply 0.4
This should scale it down from the nearly 300 meters altitude I ran into to something a little more reasonable for the minimap.

===How do I load a terrain file on startup?===
Edit the file <tt>startup_commands.txt</tt> in the bin directory and add the above commands "<tt>script terrain load-tile ...</tt>" and "<tt>script terrain multiply ...</tt>" one per line.

*** Notice this method is no longer required and should be considered a legacy function, Terrain persistance is now working 100%.

Terrain Tidbits brought to you by Tilde, with a few questions in IRC :) - [[User:Tildeampersand|Tilde]] 10:32, 15 August 2007 (PDT)

===How do I import into OpenSim the terrain shape of my Second Life sim?===
First, assure you are in the right region if you have more than one, by using:

change-region <nowiki><regionname></nowiki>

Then use the command (file extension now determines the format, use .r32 for L3DT terrains)

script terrain load <filename>

Watch [http://archimedix.wordpress.com/2007/11/26/opensim/ this video] for a step-by-step tutorial.

=== Other useless or useful info depending on who reads it ===

* I found out that each point on the grey scale (0 to 255) equals approximately .23 to .25 meters in terrain height. - [[CharlieO]]
* Also for those who want to manually edit a png file, you need at minimum 3 different shades of grey. and one has to be drastically different than the other 2 in order to have the height show correctly. - [[CharlieO]]
example:
1) 0,0,0
2) 223, 233, 233
3) 255, 255, 255

==General Setup Tricks==
=== Changing viewer start webpage in standalone mode ===

In order to change the page that the viewer starts in /opensim/bin/ there is a http_loginform.html.example page. Removing the .example will make this page be the start webpage which you can edit etc. Since the login html code is no longer needed this can be modified at will.

=== Making the server remember terrain, prims and other region storage changes after reboot ===
In order for the server to remember these things you must select a database to be used in the OpenSim.ini file. For more info on setting this up see [[OpenSim_Database_support]]. The easiest to set up is SqLite which has a guide on the linked page.

=== Placing data away from the code ===
A good set up, separates the code (replaced often in this project) from the data ("unique" and more valuable for the user). Things to do:
* separate your region definitions by using the ''regionload_regionsdir'' value in the OpenSim.ini
e.g. regionload_regionsdir="../OSHirvi/Regions" places the Regions directory besides the "code directory" in a folder called OSHirvi
* make your data persistent in a database (see above), this requires (again) to edit your OpenSim.ini file. You might use unique names to separate multiple setups within the database server you use.
e.g. ''storage_connection_string=''"Data Source=localhost;Database=OSHirvi;User ID=OSHirvi;Password=password;";
* the next step is copying/cutting OpenSim.ini itself away from the code
p.e. place this file in ../OSHirvi/OpenSim.1.ini
* to point from your place ../ to your wanted runtime directory create a link (or some call it shortcut). If you download a newer build just change the link.
e.g. ln -s opensimservercode opensim-0.5.8.5695

Now create a script, and call it startHirvi.sh that:
a) gets it current directory in the code directory, found by the link
b) starts up OpenSim.exe with the required .ini file, by using the ''-inifile'' startup option. You can still add other options.
cd ../opensimservercode
mono OpenSim.exe -inifile ../OSHirvi/OpenSim.1.ini -gridmode=true

Oke, done this you are left with a code directory still filled with runtime data, but this is just persistent temporary stuff that the server automatic rebuilds if it is deleted. Still a pitty there is no way to get it separate.
./addin-db-00
./addins
./OpaenSim.log and many others if you run in grid-mode
./estate_settings.xml and many other configuration settings

Talk:Tips

2009-04-09T17:46:31Z

Mstram:

Anyone more to contribute to my section Place data away from the code. Be welcme and help me (Ulysses Hirvi) out.

--------------------------------------------------------
"change-region ..."

"script ....."

No such commands in Opensim ver 0.6.3.8730

Is there a "change-region" equivalent?

Also how is the "current heightmap" set for the terrain commands?

--[[User:Mstram|Mstram]] 17:46, 9 April 2009 (UTC)
--------------------------------------------------------

User talk:Justincc

2009-04-09T14:16:31Z

Mstram: New page: Hi Justin, Is your email really 'AT googlemail DORT com' .. or should that be ... '''DOT''' com ? :) --~~~~

Hi Justin,
Is your email really 'AT googlemail DORT com' .. or should that be ... '''DOT''' com ? :)

--[[User:Mstram|Mstram]] 14:16, 9 April 2009 (UTC)

User:Mstram

2009-04-09T14:14:34Z

Mstram: New page: ==About me== My full name is Michael Stramba. If you want to get in contact with me directly, my e-mail is mikestramba AT gmail DOT com. --~~~~

==About me==

My full name is Michael Stramba.

If you want to get in contact with me directly, my e-mail is mikestramba AT gmail DOT com.

--[[User:Mstram|Mstram]] 14:14, 9 April 2009 (UTC)