AutoDKP
Requirements
Use any CT-modified Raid Tracker version 1.25.xx, where xx is 8 or higher.
(For example, valid versions are 1.25.8, 1.25.9, 1.25.10, 1.25.11, and so on...)
Do not use any version lower or higher than version 1.25.xx (i.e. don't use versions 1.0, 2.00, etc.).
Get the latest version here:
http://www.curse-gaming.com/mod.php?addid=1836
FAQ
What is AutoDKP?
AutoDKP (short for Automated Dragon Kill Points) is a program that performs the following main functions:
- Automatically calculates points from a raid. In many guilds, point systems are used to ensure fair distribution of epic loot. Two systems are typically used to calculate points, and they are Boss Kill and Zero Sum. AutoDKP supports both systems for any given set of instances and loot.
- Views Raid Tracker data out-of-game.
AutoDKP is part of a category of software named DKPSoft. These are software programs that make it easier to calculate and archive guild raid points.
What's the point?
The driving goal behind AutoDKP is to make the entire point calculation process very quick. You should be able to switch out of the game, run AutoDKP, and then view the calculated point totals (either in program or in HTML) within a matter of a few seconds using only a few clicks of the mouse. The other main goal of AutoDKP is to simply provide a way to view RaidTracker data out-of-game. You may find it best to use AutoDKP for one goal, or both... it is up to you!
How does AutoDKP compare to other DKPsoft?
Many guilds use a WoW-modified version of EQDKP (EverQuest Dragon Kill Points). AutoDKP is quite different from EQDKP. AutoDKP is client-based, EQDKP is web-based. AutoDKP is meant to be used on the same computer that you run WoW on, while EQDKP is typically deployed to the guild website. The advantage of EQDKP is that the software is installed in only one location, and thus it can be managed centrally by a guild webmaster. The advantage of AutoDKP is that no website is needed, nor is any prior knowledge required on how to install/maintain the software on the website.
AutoDKP is a spreadsheet application that can be used as the whole point recording solution, or it can be used in conjuction with other mechanisms. For example, it can be used to calculate points so they can then be directly entered into EQDKP. Or, it can be used to generate HTML which can be imported into other spreadsheet applications. And of course, AutoDKP can be used to provide the entire point recording solution.
What are the system requirements?
- The latest CT modified Raid Tracker should be used.
- Java version 1.5 or higher is required. AutoDKP will automatically detect for Java, and if it is not found (or if an incompatible version is found), you will be presented with the ability to download it.
What is Raid Tracker?
Raid Tracker is an Add-On that is used to track, among other things, loot drops during a raid. In order for AutoDKP to calculate points, Raid Tracker must be used to record all loot that drops during a given raid. Because of this dependency, Raid Tracker must not only be used, but you should know what it does and some of its features/quirks. Keep in mind the following:
- For each raiding session, you probably want everything to be logged into its own raid. Thus, be sure you don't share raids (i.e. use the same raid group for multiple raids) if you want to achieve this effect. Sometimes Raid Tracker keeps raids open and will not update the raid log until you either disband the raid or leave the game. Just be sure that Raid Tracker has had a chance to finish saving all its raid data to the raid log before you begin points, otherwise you may not even see the raid when you open AutoDKP.
- It is not necessary to be the leader, assistant, nor master looter of the raid when using Raid Tracker.
- As stated above, whoever is using AutoDKP must use Raid Tracker throughout the raid.
- Sometimes, your Raid Tracker does not record loot when the receiver of the loot is too far away from you. Thus, to ensure that Raid Tracker records all loot for a raid, be sure you are in the general proximity of each recipient when loot is distributed. If you think you may have been out of range, check your Raid Tracker log to see if it recorded the loot. If not, AutoDKP has mechanisms to allow you to manually enter loot for a raid.
How do I use AutoDKP to do points?
AutoDKP is a spreadsheet that allows you to do two main things:
- Defined and maintain point system settings and loot values.
- Automatically calculate points for raids.
When AutoDKP is first used, you must define your own point systems. Once you have defined your guild point system(s) (more than one point system can be simultaneously active), you may apply your point system towards any raid. AutoDKP reads from the Raid Tracker log file and uses this information along with your defined point system to automatically determine each player's points. There are five basic steps to using AutoDKP to calculate points:
- Select the raid you wish to record points for.
You may choose among all raids that Raid Tracker knows of.
- Select the point system you wish to use.
The point system defines such things as whether Boss Kill or Zero Sum formulas should be used, what the value of each loot is, and any special adjustments that should be allowed.
- Start points for the raid.
When its time to sit down and record points, you must explicitly start points by push the start button (looks like a Play button from a VCR). This will set up a working table of points for you to modify.
- Import points from a previous raid.
Importing points allows you to set the starting point values of the current raid to be the resulting total points from a previous raid. It is the key concept that allows raids to be linked together. Multiple chains of raids can be linked together, one per point system. Thus, if a guild has multiple point systems, all point systems can be managed simultaneously.
- Make adjustments, if necessary.
You may set up special adjustment columns that give you the flexibility of entering in special adjustments, such as for recording bonus points for players who are not late, and who stay the duration of the raid.
- Lock points.
After you finish calculating points, lock them. This effectively freezes point values, and is a key concept to maintaing an extended history of raid points. Though you may always unlock points for any given raid, it is a wise idea to keep points locked. This is because if you later change settings for loot or boss values, raid points that use these settings will not be affected. Thus, you can go back to any given raid, make adjustments, and not worry about new point settings changing the final totals for each player.
- Post points.
AutoDKP exports points in HTML format, which can be copy and pasted to a guild website or to standard guild hosts such as GuildPortal. Or, the values from AutoDKP can be entered into any other DKPSoft, such as EQDKP.
What if multiple people keep track of points?
AutoDKP is designed to be easily sharable among those who might record points for a raid. There are usually a couple different approaches to this. One is to zip everything up and send the zip file. The other approach is to only share saved raid point files. The "save" directory includes all saved raid point files.
What are some other cool features of AutoDKP
- Alt management. AutoDKP can automatically combine alternates and their mains into one main character, facilitating point totals for players who may choose to play their alts as well as their mains in guild raids.
- Loot categories. Values for loot can be directly entered, or they can be grouped into loot categories. Loot categories make it easier to change values for multiple loot types at once.
- Custom costs. Custom point bonuses, penalties, and adjustments can be entered, as well as special line items. For example, if you want to penalize a player -50 DKP for falling into the lava, you can enter in just such a line item.
- Preserving raids. Whenever points are started for a raid, AutoDKP will "promote" a raid. You can also "promote" raids manually. Once this is done to a raid, it is preserved, and its data will summarily override any pre-existing RaidTracker data for the same raid. Thus, you are free to delete the raid from your RaidTracker log... it will still show up in AutoDKP because it is now saved into a file on your computer. Last but not least, this file can then be shared with others who have AutoDKP, so it will show up in their raid lists as well (even if they don't have any RaidTracker data for that raid).
- Rolling items database. Items are added to AutoDKP's internal item repository as they are discovered in raids. This means items are discovered and entered into AutoDKP automatically. You will be prompted to enter in new item values at the time of discovery.
- Point System Buffet. The Boss Kill system allows you to reward a certain number of points each time a boss is killed (customizable for each individual boss). The Zero Sum system divides the cost of loot to the other players in the raid, such that the total sum of distribution points and loot costs is zero. You may even choose to combine these systems, such that the Zero Sum formula is used, yet you also reward points for killing bosses. For Zero Sum, points are distributed based upon who was in the raid at the time the loot was distributed. For Boss Kill, points are rewarded for who was in the raid at the time the boss died. These systems are automatic, you will never need to know the details. However, if you do need to know (or want to know), then AutoDKP allows you to customize as much as you want/need.
Look & Feel
Donations
AutoDKP is freeware, enjoy completely unrestricted use!
I'm very grateful for any donations, and have set up a certified PayPal account for it.
Donations can be made from the AutoDKP web site:
http://blogs.sun.com/roller/page/autodkp