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Overview

This mod seeks to break from the beacon-block based systems for broadcasting ship locations with a new UI look and more server-level options. The intent is to loosely mimic detectability by sensors inherent to each grid, modified by specialty blocks. Depending on settings, the signal output of a grid can be the influenced by the current thrust, current power, shield HP, and/or weapon heat.

The server monitors each grid, recalculating their signal output over time, and sends a minimal amount of data to each client in range of a grid for them to draw the symbology locally.

Cool New Features (*TM)

Lots of stuff for server operators to customize
Small symbols and offscreen indicators
Options to deconflict with WC Radar so there isn't extra stuff drawn over objects
Server options to include factors for weapon heat and shield HP in signal generation
Server options for custom blocks to increase/decrease signal output or detection ability
Player options for customization of display
Players see the broadcast distance of their grid on-screen, no need for a toolbar slot for a beacon
Optional support for beacons on player-controlled grids (mostly for MES/NPC detection purposes)
Signals can be combined (server level option/settings) and will bump up the size per combined signal. This allows for masking some fleet maneuvers or deceptions via a group of smaller craft "appearing" to be something larger.

Resolved shortfalls with existing beacon-based scripts

Server inability to authoritatively set broadcast range is no longer a concern
Potential interference by players/scripts eliminated
Projections with beacons turned off may build in a state that caused some beacon scripts to not run will no longer have an impact
Subgridded items are now accounted for properly
Some beacon-based scripts ran per-block, multiplying the workload and number of signals shown
Variance between what different players see based on the different time indexes the legacy script was running on
Planets in LOS will block signals

Nerdy details

Server load is spread over time as grid group updates occur on a randomized time, but no greater than every second. Signals and whatnot are calculated based on the sum of attributes of a mechanical grid group, so subgridded thrusters, power, special blocks, etc are accounted for properly.

Players are evaluated for updates when the last two digits of their identityID matches the current tick, meaning a 100 tick update cycle but with the total player population distributed over time. If a grid is in range of the player, it's added to a temporary list. Once all grids are evaluated, that temporary list is sent to the player.

Once unpacked from the network, those grids are either updated if existing or added to the players internal grid list. Every tick that internal grid list is iterated for drawing symbols. If no updates are received on a particular grid, the symbol will begin to fade and eventually be removed from the internal grid list.