VSQL Module
SQLA's official medium for the Ladder and tournaments is the VASSAL engine and it's Squad Leader module (VSQL). The VASSAL engine is for playing on-line adaptations of board games and card games and the Squad Leader module is the digital representation of the board game. VASSAL runs on all platforms, is open source and is free. Players may meet in a virtual room for Face-to-Face play or they may record a log files and exchange them via email.
Ladder and tournament versions: (Check Squad Leader Module page for most recent version)
Current version is VSQL 4.3.8 on VASSAL 3.7+; COD/GIA Extension 9.5.
VSQL 4.3.8 is not compatible with prior versions, although one can install both. See 'Running Two Versions of VASSAL' in the Comments section of the VSQL page.
Installation Summary:
Install VASSAL (Windows/Mac Install)
Install VSQL Module (includes Squad Leader and Cross of Iron)
Install extension (COD and GIA players only)
Download version 5SK boards
VASSAL Installation:
Go to VASSAL engine webpage and follow their instructions.
See 'Running Two Versions of VASSAL' in the Comments section if necessary.
VSQL Installation:
Read the VSQL 4 Survivor's Guide and Beginners Guide to VSQL.
The beginners guide has an outdated extension setup, follow the VSQL 4 guide instead.
Create the Folders to hold VSQL, it's extensions and boards. For example:
Documents\VASSAL Modules\VSQL
Ext
Boards
Download VSQL module (.vmod, do not unzip) from here and move to VSQL folder
Add VSQL to VASSAL
Start VASSAL, File\Open Module
See Survivor's Guide for details.
VSQL is ready to run. Open VASSAL and double click on VSQL to start.
Set Preferences (VSQL\File\Preferences)
General Tab
Auto-report moves - check
Center on opponent's moves? check
Let opponent unconceal my units - uncheck
Us combined application window - check
Board Directory - Set to Boards folder.
Personal Tab
Set your name to appear in log-files and on-line.
Set password.
Concealment counters and HIP pickup the password when placed. WARNING: Change the password and lose the placed concealment counters and units beneath. It effects all vlogs, vsav, .ssf. The user should keep a backup of his password.
Place a concealment counter from a SSF onto your units and they become unconcealable because the password is not yours.
LOS Tab
Check all.
Set Hindrance and Blocked colors as desired.
Extension Installation: (COD and GIA players only)
Download COD/GIA extension (.vmdx) from the Squad Leader Module page.
Move it to VSQL_Ext folder
Add the extension to VSQL in VASSAL
Open VASSAL, Right click on VSQL, click Add Extension
VASSAL 3.5.x+ creates an Extension sub-folder and moves the extension there. No action from you is needed.
See VSQL 4 Survivor's Guide for details
Other community developed extensions are available include Japanese, Italians and black SS vehicles, ordnance and SWs
Board installation:
Download the Boards, version 5SK.
Boards 00-10 are required for SQL and COI.
Boards 11-24 are required for COD and GIA.
Other boards are options.
Unzip file so the individual boards are in the Boards folder.
Restart VSQL so it can read the new boards.
Additional Resources: