HeavyMetal Pro Features
Program Summary
HeavyMetal Pro is the Official advanced BattleMech design program, that is
capable of designing all 'Mech types and sizes, as described in the latest
releases of BattleTech Master Rules as well as the Level 3 equipment and vehicle
types in Maximum Tech. This includes the following BattleMech types:
• Biped 'Mechs
• Quad 'Mechs
• OmniMechs
• LAMs (Land Air 'Mechs), with Level 3 rules
• Utility 'Mechs, with Level 3 rules
Level 3 rules also provide for multiple turrets, additional engine, gyro, armor,
internal structure and cockpit options, and a wealth of other toys to play with!
As you've come to expect from all of the HeavyMetal programs, HeavyMetal Pro
gives you all the tools to design, including custom weapon design, manufacturer
and model of equipment information, professional quality record sheets and
Technical Readouts (both with pictures, if desired). All available weapons and
equipment are included, and are updated as more are published. A Selection
utility assists in choosing 'Mechs for games, full mixed arms BattleForce2
printouts and support is included, and much, much more!
With HeavyMetal Pro, you will have available every official design published in
all of the tech readout and record sheet books, which are constantly updated as
more are published. HeavyMetal Plus includes all of them on the CD, along with
hundreds of custom designs submitted by HeavyMetal users, while HeavyMetal Pro
includes a selection of about 500 designs, with all of the rest available for free
download from this web site.
Total Warfare Rules and Equipment Now Included Using Custom Weapons Files
With the rules and equipment used in BattleTech changing, please be sure
to check out the Total Warfare A & Q page for
information on how this new series of publications affects the HeavyMetal
programs, and when/if the new weapons will be included.
Update: In the meantime, custom weapons data files have been created that
add almost all of the new equipment from not only Total Warfare & the TechManual,
but also the advanced equipment from Tactical Operations. You can download a
single setup program that places all of the custom files in place for all of
your programs from the Data Files for
Programs page.
Please check out the specific features and screenshots (click on the screen
thumbnail) below:
The CD Package
HeavyMetal Pro has been packaged for sale in out our
New Slim DVD case, a high-quality DVD case, which
looks better, is much stronger, ships better and has more convenient room for
the instructions insert, than standard CD jewel cases. The thumbnail shown below
is from a scan of the package; click on it to see an
enlarged version.
Program
Requirements

The Main Screen
HeavyMetal Pro has three main screen versions:
Regular, Veteran and Elite. This is done to ease the
learning curve and reduce clutter for the new user (and
make HMPro run well on lower resolution 640x480
monitors), as well as provide additional design
information for the experienced user (provided he/she is
running higher resolutions). The Regular main screen,
shown to the left below, is the default when first
running HMPro. It will fit comfortably on a standard VGA
screen (640 x 480 resolution). While there is a fair
amount of information, this is a good starting point for
the new user, as information overload is avoided.

After you're somewhat familiar with the operation of
HeavyMetal Pro, and assuming that your video is capable
of displaying at least 800 x 600 resolution, you'll
probably want to take a look at the Veteran and Elite
versions of the main screen. The Elite version, shown to
the right above, expands the standard main screen and
provides additional information to both the right and
bottom of the screen (the Veteran only has the added
information to the right). This provides a wealth of
graphic and text information for the experienced
designer, allowing operation with less screen or tab
switching as well as providing summary information on
the design, two graphs (damage and HTAL armor), design
status and weapon specifics.
One of the most important things on any 'Mech® are
the weapons, of course. HMPro's weapon selection screen
is very comprehensive, allowing you to view all
available weapons, or filter them so that you only see
the missile, projectile, short, long or medium range,
and many other factors. If you get a 'Mech design from a
friend who used HMPro and included custom weapons, you
can even "Absorb" them into your custom weapons
database. Full information is always available for each
weapon during selection. Also, notice the little
check-marks to the right of the equipment listing; you
can select to display the specialty weapons from
Unbound, the Tactical Handbook and MechForce UK when
using Level 3 rules. The weapon selection screen is
shown below to the left.

After selecting your weapons, you probably want to
take a look at the armor type and distribution. The
armor and structure tab has this information, as shown
to the above right. HMPro will automatically add the
maximum armor possible using the remaining weight, and
allocate it for you, if you want. Of course, you can
still fine-tune it. Or, you can specify the total points
or tons or armor, or manually add exactly the amount
desired at each location. Naturally, you can select all
the published armor types, and can even have Patchwork
armor, where each location can have its own armor type.
On this screen, you also choose the internal structure,
gyro and cockpit types, as well as other construction
options.
HeavyMetal Pro allows you to associate or include a
picture of your design, in a variety of formats, with
the 'Mech data file. It will be displayed on the third
tab of the main screen, as shown below on the left. From
this tab, you can also enter all the standard "fluff"
text, such as Overview, Capabilities, Battle History,
etc., plus a Personal Notes section where you can place
added info about your design (such as source of info or
designer) which while saved with the 'Mech and visible,
does not print along with the normal fluff text. A
Damage Graph is also visible, which gives the maximum,
probable and heat-limited damage for the 'Mech up to a
30 hex range.

One of the many neat things about HeavyMetal Pro is
its ability to select 'Mechs based on many criteria. One
of those criteria is usage, so the last tab of the main
screen, above to the right, allows the user to choose
any and all Inner Sphere Houses and/or Clans which
should have access to this particular design. Your
selections here make it possible to select only 'Mechs
available to certain factions. You can use the I.S. and
Clan User #1 and #2 selections to indicate those designs
you actually have miniatures of, so that when you select
units for a game, you'll be sure you can "put your iron
on the table."
Since we're discussing selecting 'Mechs, below to the
left is shown the Select 'Mechs screen. You can specify
a total based on Battle Value, C-bill cost or Tons, and
optionally specify the number or tonnage of 'Mechs
desired as well as many other criteria, and HMPro will
select what it feels are the best units. You can even
define "best" as the highest Weapon Value (HMPro's
special rating), Short-, Medium- or Long-Range Factors
(again, special to HMPro), BattleForce2 or other ratios.
You can even select "Random" to make up listings of
random 'Mechs, but ones which still meet all your
criteria. Selecting 'Mech for matches and campaigns was
never easier!

The Print screen, shown above right, provides for
several different printout types. The standard record
sheet can be printed, or reduced size versions can
include the movement grid, hit tables and Level 3 heat
table, all on standard 8-1/2" x 11" or A4 paper. Several
versions of the TRO (Technical Readout) can be printed,
with optional picture, fluff text and manufacturing
data, in addition to all the technical information.
Battle Value calculations may be printed, and a separate
movement grid with space for recording movement and
other information for up to 5 'Mechs is available. Of
course, you can enter a MechWarrior name and skills, or
use the built-in MechWarrior roster to select your
pilot.
While not actually part of the main screen, the
Distribution screen, show below left, is where you place
your equipment in desired locations. Equipment is
color-coded for ease of use; some equipment, like XL
Engine crits, can be moved only within the location they
are in, while others, such as most weapons, can be moved
around as desired and as space permits. Added buttons on
this screen also allow automatic distribution and
un-distribution of certain equipment, as well as moving
crits up to eliminate gaps.

Printouts
Naturally, designing 'Mechs is no fun unless you can
print the results of your work. HMPro provides many
options for printing, as shown on the screen above to
the right. You can specify the MechWarrior's name and
skill, manually or using the included MechWarrior roster
feature, include pictures and logos, even make up to 3
presets for your favorite configurations. Samples of the
printouts are shown below. Left to right they are: Tech
Readout (TRO) with 'Mech picture and manufacturers, the
second page of the TRO with all the technical
information, the Record Sheet with many options I'll
discuss in a moment, and the BattleForce2 printout:

Notice that the Iron Cheetah TRO (Complements of
Canis Dirus aka Dave Briedis) also includes the 'Mech's
picture. Dave did this one in black and white, but it
could just as easily be in color, and prints in color as
well. The Record Sheet shown is one of several
available, and includes the optional Turn Grid, Hit
Tables and Level 3 Heat Tables. The BattleForce2
printout is in the standard format, and can even include
blank units to be filled in later by hand. Incidentally,
once HeavyMetal Vee (BattleTech Vehicle Design
Generator) and HeavyMetal Lite (ProtoMech Design
Generator and Battle Armor and Infantry selection and
printing program) are released, you'll be able to
combine all these elements on the same BattleForce2
sheet, if desired.
HTML Output
HeavyMetal Pro can also output a 'Mech file to HTML
format, which makes viewing using a browser, either on
the Internet or locally, a breeze. This feature is great
for posting your designs on your site or others, or
giving them to people for review. A sample of the HTML
page is shown below, again compliments of Canis Dirus.
Other Screens
In addition to the main screen and Distribution
screen which are shown above, HMPro includes a wealth of
features which are implemented from separate screens.
For example, the Open 'Mech screen, shown below left, is
actually available in two versions: a standard versions
(not shown), and the advanced version shown which gives
you excellent control over exactly which 'Mechs are
shown.

The BattleForce2 roster selection screen, shown above
right, allows you to put together rosters of any type,
and print the excellent quality sheet shown above. You
can work with Inner Sphere groups of 4 units, Clan
groups of 5 or Comstar groups of 6 units. Skills may be
changed on individual units, with the point values
automatically calculated and displayed. You can even
save your rosters for future use, and combine
BattleMech® units with vehicles, ProtoMechs, battle
armor and infantry, once HMVee and HMLite are available.
HeavyMetal Pro not only accurately calculates Battle
Value, it displays the step-by-step calculations and
allows them to be printed. The screen to the left below
shows an example of a portion of the calculation format.

One of the many really neat features of HeavyMetal
Pro is the ability to design your own custom weapons.
And while intend to make new weapons databases available
for free download as soon as they're available, if you
can't wait, you can add them using the Custom Weapons
Editor, shown above right. Any weapon you design will be
available for whatever era/year you specify, although
printouts will indicate that the design uses custom
equipment. Standard weapon data is displayed for
reference or as a basis for design of a new one. Even
correct Battle Value can be calculated for weapons
having both damage and range, or it can be entered
manually.
HeavyMetal Pro provides for using several MechWarrior
roster databases, and includes one with the program.
When adding warriors to the Print screen for use on
record sheets, or in 'Mech rosters, you can pop up the
built-in MechWarrior Roster screen, shown below left.
Using this screen, you can select various warrior
databases, make new ones, add, delete or change existing
warriors, change skills, etc.

The 'Mech Roster screen, shown above right, allows
you to make up rosters of any number of 'Mechs, include
pilot and skills for each, print out listings with all
specifications and totals, save and load 'Mech rosters,
and even batch print all those listed. Yes, a single
button click will print record sheets for all these
'Mechs, each with its own pilot and skills! Just think
how much time that will save before that big game, while
you go crunch down some Cheesie-Poofs while the printing
is being done for you!
HeavyMetal Pro allows you to enter the manufacturer
and model number for any equipment on the 'Mech,
including weapons. HMPro comes with a comprehensive
database including this data for all items, and you can
customize by adding, deleting and changing items to your
heart's content. The screen from which this is done is
shown below to the left.

HMPro also allows you to design Mixed Tech 'Mechs, as
shown in the screen above right. Choose a basic chassis
tech base, then separately choose either tech for
engines, heat sinks, targeting systems, physical attack
weapons, armor and more. With either base, all standard
weapons on either side will be available for use.
Logos may be printed on record sheets if desired, and
HMPro comes with a number of Inner Sphere house and Clan
logos. These are selected as shown below left, and in
addition to using those included with HMPro, I intend to
have more for you to download from this site. Also, you
can use any logo you have made or downloaded. The logo
is shown on the record sheet, and also in the HTML file
if desired.

The Tip of the Day screen, shown above right, is
displayed whenever HMPro starts up, although you can
turn it off, and is also available from the main screen
menu and toolbar icon. Be sure to read through these, as
they give many valuable hints about using HeavyMetal
Pro, and getting the most out of it.
Customizability
HeavyMetal Pro works the way you do. In addition to
the main screen appearance as mentioned above (Regular,
Veteran and Elite), the Preferences screen, shown to the
left below, allows you to make changes in the way
HeavyMetal Pro calculates certain values. And the Page
Setup screen, to the right below, gives added control to
the printouts.

Even the Toolbar at the top of the main screen is
fully customizable, as shown below left. You can change
what icons are shown, as well as order them to your
liking. Three separate icon sets are automatically
saved, one for each main screen type (Elite, etc.).

The HTML Options screen shown above right allows you
to customize the format of the HTML output. (Yes, HMPro
provides for a good-looking HTML file produced from any
'Mech, complete with all manufacturing information,
"fluff" text, and optional logo and 'Mech picture.) You
can send these to friends, or use them to publish the
best 'Mech design web pages available.
Many More...
There are many other screens and features available
with HeavyMetal Pro, but I've probably already taken up
too much of this page and your valuable time. But I hope
that this will give you a good idea what HMPro can offer
you, in the way of an easy-to-use yet extremely powerful
and comprehensive 'Mech editor. I can safely say that
there's nothing else like it, and feel that once you try
it, you will be hooked!
Order HMPro Today!
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