Frequently Asked Questions (Updated: 7/3/2015)

Q: I'm having trouble setting up Trade Dangerous, please help!

A: Try Oliver's setup instructions: https://bitbucket.org/kfsone/tradedangerous/wiki/Setup_Guide.

Q: I have an "ERROR: Unable to load Python 'requests' package" error, how do I fix it?

A: Go to your Scripts directory under wherever you installed Python (such as: C:\Python34\Scripts), Shift+Right Click in Explorer and select "Open Command Window Here", then type at the prompt: "pip install requests" (no quotes). After it finishes, re-run the "Update DB" command in TDHelper, and you should be set. This tends to happen when you first run Trade Dangerous after a fresh Python install.

Q: I can't find the AppConfig.xml file, where should I look?

A: Please consult Frontier's KB for further info on where to find the file depending on your install location: https://support.elitedangerous.com/kb/faq.php?id=108.

Q: Why doesn't the Pilot's Log import all the systems from my netLogs?

A: It will behave this way when you delete systems from the Pilot's Log that are older than the very newest netLog file. This is a compromise so the user has more control over what stays in their log. To force TDHelper to pull from all netLogs, use Ctrl+Click on the "C" button. This will also forcefully update the recent systems list as well.

Q: Why do systems deleted from the top of the Pilot's Log regenerate after I've removed them?

A: This is because they're being pulled from the most recent netLog every time an update tick happens. There is currently no way to bypass this behavior, but a workaround that might help involves forcing Elite Dangerous to make a new logfile: quit the game and log back in to force this. Then only the current system will regenerate, and not the previous set of systems. I'm still experimenting with ways to add an override that might help with this issue.

Q: Can I add a custom set of options to the end of the Run command?

A: Click the button that looks like a gear in the Run options panel on the left side. The "Run parameters" box is what you're probably looking for.

Q: Is there a way to not have TDHelper auto-update at all? I want to keep a certain version.

A: The first way is to click the gear icon in the Run options panel, and select "Disable Auto-update", and then OK to save it to the config file. The second way is to simply add "/noupdate" (no quotes) to the end of your TDHelper shortcut.

Q: Why does TDHelper's database updater download multiple times?

A: Because TradeDangerous does not currently have a way to download all the appropriate prices and CSV data all at once with one command. TDHelper tries to make the process of updating your prices/CSV data simpler and more straightforward.

Q: How do I import a .prices file?

A: Ctrl+Click the Import button to set a path to a .prices file, then Shift+Click the Import button to import that file into Trade Dangerous.

Q: Is there a way to have multiple ship configurations?

A: If you Ctrl+Click the Load Settings/Save Settings buttons you can load or save an XML configuration file to a different name. A selector box in the center of the main panel allows you to choose among these XML files in the program's running directory.

Q: Is there a way to change the notification or unrecognized system sounds?

A: Just copy a WAV file named "notify.wav" and/or "unknown.wav" to the same directory as TDHelper and it will use that instead of the default sounds.

Q: How do I compile TDHelper after I clone from GIT?

A: Simply open the project solution in Visual Studio 2010/2013 (Express for Windows is fine too), add a reference to the System.Data.SQLite.dll found in the working directory in the Solution Explorer/References folder if it doesn't already exist, switch to the Release build, edit the post-build script (see the note below for details on that), then use Rebuild from the Build menu. Once it finishes you can find the binaries in bin\Release under the working directory. There are no additional requirements right now aside from having a working install of .NET 4.5 or above.

Q: Do I need to edit the post-build script "pack_binaries.ps1" before I compile?

A: Yes, you will need to edit the "$binpath" and "$7zpath" lines, pointing them at the directory you want the script to pack the archive to, and the path to your 7z.exe (32 or 64bit works).

Q: What is the best way to report issues or feedback?

A: The BitBucket issue tracker is best for both things. There is also a support thread on the Elite: Dangerous forums HERE. I try to be responsive to both methods of communication.