The SPF Hamachi FAQ v1.2
This will be my first ever piece of serious work for (hopefully) the benefit of the SPF Community. I welcome your comments, ideas and suggestions for improvements to this project.
CONTENTS:
- Introduction. Is Fast Eddie really that fast?
- SPF Formalities a.k.a. Where I Try Not To Be Condescending
- How Do I Hamachi?
- SPF Hamachi Etiquette
- Current SPF Hamachi Members
- Contacting Me
===
- Introduction. Is Fast Eddie really that fast?
Hello, Fast Eddie here. I have been playing D2 for about four years now. I don’t count the period when I bought the game in 2003, made a Barbarian, put all my points in Bash, died to Blood Raven, and hated the game for nearly a year.
When I returned, I spent most of my time on BNet, gaining a L87 Barbarian and a L84 FishyMancer (ironically I used the guide from here, but didn’t then harness the true power of the SPF). However like some people on BNet I still knew naff-all about the game, and am still learning things today. I started SPing in 2006, and found the forums later that year. It is my one true escape from RL, and like nearly everyone here, I spend more time lurking and talking about finding a Ber than actually doing something about it. My favourite classes are Sorcs and Necros, but I’d love to diversify my portfolio.
The one thing I missed about BNet was the silly chit-chat and banter. With Hamachi, some guidelines, and some like-minded people who can’t host but wish they could, I hope to kickstart the MP forum so everyone can find a Tyreal’s before D3.
- SPF Formalities a.k.a. Where I Try Not To Be Condescending
Due to certain circumstances, the SPF Hamachi networks mentioned will no longer be maintained, including accepting new members. For those that are already on the networks, they will continue to function and operate normally. if you are not a member of a Hamachi network, you are able and free to create your own, and even use this thread to maintain it. If you do so, I would suggest only giving out the details via PM as non-members can read these forum walls.
- How Do I Hamatch?
I know some of you will already know how to use Hamachi, but some people are downloading the program just to MP and therefore may need some guidance. Hamachi is an application that can generate a fully-functional virtual LAN with no extra configurations. It can be downloaded
here. It also comes with built-in Instant Messaging, which can quickly aid hosting problems or last-minute muling notifications. In layman’s terms it can enable someone who cannot host a game of D2 to host, and can save a lot of time with people checking PMs and thread updates and edits etc.
First off, unless you wish to install to a custom directory, the default Hamachi install settings will be fine and dandy for your MP needs. However, there are a couple of tweaks that may benefit your experience of Hamachi, including:
- In ‘Window’ under the preferences menu, there is an option to only show those persons in the network who are online. It can be handy, but I leave it switched off.
- In ‘Window’ under the preferences menu, there is an option to change what happens when you double-click on a member. By default it is set to ‘Ping’ but I find it easier to change it to ‘Send Instant Message’ (a.k.a. Open IM Chat Window).
- Just because a member’s Hamachi is left on, does not mean that they wish to MP, let alone have a char in the Act and difficulty you require help on. I doubt I speak for everyone but I for one have my Hamachi start up when my PC boots, and after a nine hour shift at 2AM Sunday morning the last thing I want to do is MP. An acceptable state of affairs would be one polite IM asking if they can MP in your favoured act/difficulty. However a ‘game up’ message should be posted in the forums, as to be discussed later.
- Right-clicking on a member’s IP can let you ping them, giving you an idea of connection speed as well as whether you would be able to connect to this host. It can also let you copy their IP address to paste in D2 in the TCP/IP menu.
- Right-clicking on a member’s IP can give you the Chat option, to IM with them. Again, it’s just that much quicker than forum refreshing/PMs but some folk may not like it/use it.
- Right-clicking on a member’s IP can give you an option to Set Label. If you click on Custom you are able to change the name that displays for that Hamachi member on your Hamachi front-end. You may want it to be identical to their forum name or change it to a word that reminds you of them.
- Double-clicking on the name of the network changes your status to offline (and vice-versa). This can be handy if you have other Hamachi networks, or simply don't want to MP but wish to leave the program running.
Once you have organised a game thorugh the forums (preferably) or IM, the IP you must connect to is the simulated Hamachi IP which begins 5.xxx.xxx.xxx. This is not the 192.xxx.xxx.xxx that D2 suggests, or the external IP gained from
www.whatsmyip.org.
You may need to disable your firewall. If you have a seperate firewall application (as opposed to Windows Firewall) you may not need to, as Windows Firewall is more strict than some other applications. Making an exception for Hamachi in Windows Firewall does not work, you can't host if Windows Firewall is on.
- SPF Hamachi Etiquette
There are already set rules on how to politely and successfully MP on the forums
here. However there are a few pointers (merely pointers) that can enhance SPHamMP. These are:
- Post a game up or game suggestion in the forums. This will not only tell all the Hamachi members you are LFG (for lack of a better phrase) but also the non-Hamachi members as well. If they can host, then you’ve got yourself an extra player to kill some baddies with!
- Once you are hosting a game, YOU are in charge of the game. This mean the standard MP rules, including but not limited to: Your pace, your drop rules, and you reserving the right to check up on a member before you feel comfortable MPing with them, including whether they are allowed to currently MP (they may have an infraction/ban). To date every member has an intro thread posted in the SPF. Again, you are all free to create your own network(s) should you not like the rules.
- I have PM’d both SPF mods regarding the setup and continuation of the networks. This is not a threat of any sort, but due to the fact that the network has a significant amount of members, including some well-respected old-timers, purely a notification. Together with the fact that I begin the final year of my degree this year, I am not around for help.
- Current SPF Hamachi Members
Links are to intro threads. This will hopefully provide a quick link for Hamachi Hosts, or in the case of Cheese on Toast's intro, an insight into world views on vegemite and marmite.
Network One
Fast Eddie
Cheese On Toast
Monsteroog
Kyrandia (two accounts)
NeoKnuckles
omgwtfbbqpwned
Friedbananazzzz
NagisaFurukawa
BobTheWarrior
Sardonic (kind-of intro-ey)
dune6836
LionHeartTheBrave
Sylandro
LionheartOmnislash
MmmmBob
Dalveen
Pinacle
Callador
NoisemakerArrow
Umm
Liquid Evil
Network Two
Starloader
smips
Justa
Tanksaabas
Neno
Median XL Network
dune6836
- Contacting Me
As I have relinquished control of the Hamachi networks, the best way for further help or to ask any questions would be to simply post in the thread.
Fast Eddie
friedbananazzzz
& Platinum Pal
Linear Mode
