  ________________
 |                |
 | Armored Core 2 |
 |  Emblem Tool   |
 |                |
 |  version 1.1   |
 |                |
  


What is Armored Core 2 Emblem Tool (AC2ET)?

A tool for making the coolest looking emblems for the PS2 mechgame Armored Core 2! The possibilities are endless as one might say :P
Though the game support USB mouse for emblem editing it is still hard to make a decent emblem. It is much easier on the PC. Datel/Interact has made it possible to transfer save games between your PS2 and PC.  


What you need:

- USB Cable. It depends on your PS2.
  If it's a PAL machine then you need Datels USB Comms link - the X-port.
  If it's a NTSC then it's the SharkPort from Interact you need.

- Windows9x or above. AC2ET will not run in anything else... and it has
  only been tested on Windows95 and 98, so I don't know about Win2k and NT,
  Anyone?

- A Graphics app. You could use MS Paint... but for creating the coolest looking
  emblems get Adobe PhotoShop or JASC PaintShop Pro.



How do I use AC2ET?

There are no help files in AC2ET, but there are tooltips (a.k.a. hints). Hold the mouse over various objects in AC2ET for some info.
Use the 'settings' for customizing AC2ET. In the beginning you should always keep the 'Backup prompting' box checked. If it is unchecked the XPO file will NOT be backed up.

1. Open a XPO. If it's not an AC2 emblem you'll notice.
2. Press 'Preview emblem' to see the emblem and the palette.
   Try using the mouse on the palette/image :)
3. Save the a bitmap copy of the emblem if you like. Use it
   as a kind of backup or on your website ;)
4. Open a BMP (128x128 pixels) image and change the settings
   in the Transparent box if necessary.
5. Press the 'Write to .XPO' button and wait a few seconds.
   Reload the preview if necessary to checkout your new emblem!
6. Get the XPO back in the X-port/SharkPort database and upload
   it to you PS2 memory card. Done!



Notes:

Putting the modified saves back in the X-port/SharkPort database can be a little tricky. You must delete the old emblems in the database or backup the .db files in the X-port/SharkPort PC software directory. 


To be done (Might appear in future versions of AC2ET):

- Editing the emblem number, date, game name and description...
- Above 8-bit BMP support. If the actual number of colors in the bitmap
  is equal or less than 256 you can write it to the XPO.
- Add things YOU request. Fixing bugs. PLEASE give some feedback on AC2ET!


And of course:
I'm not responsible for any kind of hardware/software damage to your PS2/PC.



End of file 5-10-2001

Thor Sarup
tsarup@hotmail.com
ICQ# 64711162