GP3FAQ For new users, forum guide-links-tutorials

FAQ For GP3 and the Forum Guide

Welcome to the Grandprix 3 Forum at www.grandprixgames.org

New Users Read this please

Even if Gp3 is fairly old now there are still newbies who have just started to edit the game. I hope this sticky will make it easier for them to figure out where to start from. If something is wrong, incomplete, missing or simply incomprehensible, please let me know.

We will try to keep this FAQ up to date and add more questions and answers as they come along. We will also (hopefully) add recommendations on best carsets, tracks, car shapes, etc. soon


Ver. 2.2 - 02 Nov. 2004 (95kb/97792b)

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TABLE OF CONTENT

1. GENERAL FORUM RULES

1.1 Posting

1.2 Decency

1.3 I have a problem with the game. Will people help me?

1.3.1 How do I use the forum search?

1.4 Nobody has answered my question yet. Do people hate me?

1.5 Can I post in capitals?

1.6 How can I post a picture on the forum?

1.6.1 How do I get a "sig pic"?

1.6.2 How do I add my sig pic automatically to my posts?

1.6.3 Signature Rules

1.7 I have made my own work for Gp3 / Gp3 2k and would like to offer it to granprixgames.org. How can I do that?

1.8 I found a broken link at the download site of grandprixgames.org



2. GENERAL GP3 / GP3 2K QUESTIONS

2.1 Should I buy Grand Prix 3 (Gp3) or Grand Prix 3 2000 Season (Gp3 2k)?

2.2 Hardware Mode, Software Mode? what is the difference?

2.2.1 How do I know which mode my game runs in?

2.3 I live in North America and I cannot get Gp3 2k.

2.3.1 I live in North America and I managed to buy Gp3 2k. Unfortunately I cannot install it, even though I have the orignal Gp3 CD.

2.3.2 I downloaded the Install Fix. How do I use it?

2.4 Is it possible to have more/less than 22 cars?

2.5 Can we have more than 16 tracks in Gp3 or 17 tracks in Gp3 2k?

2.6 Is it possible to have different car shapes for each team?

2.7 Is it possible to have different steering wheels for each team?

2.8 Is it possible to have different cockpit shapes for each team?

2.9 Are there LeMans 24 hours or Nürburgring Nordschleife tracks for Gp3 / Gp3 2k?

2.10 Can I have more than one installation of Gp3/Gp3 2k?



3. DOWNLOADS

3.1 For Gp3

3.2 For Gp3 2k

3.3 For all versions

3.4 Tracks

3.5 Season Packages, Carsets, Cars, etc.

3.6 Teamart

3.7 Eyecandy

3.8 Sounds

3.9 Pitcrews

3.10 Setups



4. TROUBLESHOOTING

4.1 When I try to install Gp3 2k it asks me to put in the Gp3 CD even when it is already in the drive and I cannot continue the installation.

4.2 Although I have a fast high-end graphic card the game does not really run fast. Why is that?

4.3 My graphic card does not support Hardware Mode. Is there anything I can do about it?

4.4 I try to use editors but they keep telling me I need a decrypted exe?

4.5 Will GpxPatch slow down my game?

4.6 Every time I start the game it asks me to calibrate the graphics again. How can I stop this?

4.7 Sometimes the cars at the back or way in front start to look weird.

4.7.1 I use add-on car shapes. In the game the cars seem to change between the original shape and the new one.

4.7.2 How do I change the RCR values?

4.8 When I use add-on tracks the game crashes back to the desktop.

4.9 How do I read the GpxPatch log file?

4.10 When I use different car shapes the game crashes.

4.11 When I stop the car it still keeps on rolling even if I do not accelerate.

4.12 How can I change the speed display from mph to km/h?

4.13 How can I change the menu language?

4.14 Steering Setup

4.14.1 How can I setup my wheel for split axis?

4.14.2 I have disabled Steering Help (F8) under Driving Aids. Still it feels as if I do not have full control over the car.

4.15 I have downloaded a file that has the extension. What do I do with that?

4.16 I try to watch hotlaps under XP but the game keeps crashing back to the desktop.

4.17 Can I play Gp3 / Gp3 2k over the internet?



Edited 85 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/2013 11:41PM by mortal.

1. GENERAL FORUM RULES


Here at grandprixgames.org, we want to make this forum accessible for all.
So here are a few simple guidelines.
- Keep signature images to below 20kb, preferably normal banner size. If it is too big, a moderator will ask you to resize it, failure to comply will see it removed.
- No pornography, swearing, racial vilification, sexist remarks or abusive behaviour, this will get you banned.
- No big images, if you must insert large images, please put a (56k Warning) in the thread title.
- Advertising links asking forum members for money, selling goods directly on the forums is prohibited. Please use eBay, that's what it's for, but you may link your thread to your item/s on eBay as long as it is a gamer or computer related item.
- English is the preferred language in the main forums. There are Dutch and German language forums available as well.
- Please refrain from using text speak on the forums, we hate it, save it for you mobile phone. You don't really want to look like a total n00b do you
- Begging our modders for release dates, it's ready when it's ready.
- Make use of the pm service if you want to have a dispute, don't do it in public.
- The posting of private pm's in the public forums is expressly forbidden, doing so will result in an immediate ban.
- Asking the moderators to ban other users is poor form.
- If you feel it is necessary to report a post, please do it only once, and give us the information on why the report was necessary.
- Spamming the forums, your account will be deleted.
- Offensive posts will be deleted.
- NOTE: NO TALKING ABOUT WAREZ. POSTS ABOUT WAREZ WILL BE DELETED STRAIGHT AWAY. WE ONLY SUPPORT GAMERS WHO LEGALLY OWN THE GAME.

Please make sure you are really posting in the right forum before clicking on the SEND button. To avoid double posts just click once.

1.2 Decency

Remember this is a family forum. No foul language, no abuse of other members, no porn, no illegal content.

1.3 I have a problem with the game. Will people help me?

Of course we are glad to help where we can. However, before you post about a problem please use the search function of this forum to see if the same or a similar question has been asked before, respectively if this problem has already been solved.

Also read the help and "readme" files that usually come with downloads. A lot of problems can be avoided if you read the manual.

1.3.1 How do I use the forum search?

Obvioulsy first click on "Search". Now enter the term, words or phrase you want to search for.

"Search Only This Forum" means you will only find things posted in the forum you are currently in.

"Search All Forums" means you will search in all four forums.

If you enable "Message Bodies" search will go through the content of all posts.

If you want to search for subject lines (titles) enable "Subjects".

If you want to search for an author enable "Author".

"All Words" means that the search will find all posts/subjects/authors that contain the words you were looking for in any given order.

"Any Words" means that the search will find all posts/subjects/authors that contain at least one of the words you were looking for.

"Exact Phrase" means that the search will find all posts/subjects/authors that match the exact phrase you were looking for (=the exact word order).

The options "Last 30 Days", "Last 90 Days", "Last Year" and "All Dates" are pretty self-explanatory.

In order to optimize your search it is recommended to enable "Message Bodies" and "Subjects", search for "All Words" and "All Dates".

1.4 Nobody has answered my question yet. Do people hate me?

Most probably not - unless you give us reason to hate you. If nobody answers your question it could simply mean that nobody knows an answer. It could also mean that currently people have no time to answer - keep in mind that even if it looks like some of us are online 24 hours a day, we all have private lives, families, jobs, school, other hobbies, ect.

You need patience. Do not post every hour to ask why nobody has answered yet. This will be regarded as spam and this means we have reason to hate you.

1.5 Can I post in capitals?

NO! POSTING IN CAPITALS LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE SCREAMING AT US AND WE DO NOT LIKE TO BE SCREAMED AT. Capitals are usually regarded as being impolite. Chances are high that you will get a lot of stick from other forum members if you use capitals all the time, especially in subject lines.

Please no sILly wAy oF mIxInG smAlL LeTTeRs aNd CaPItalS EiTHeR. It does not only look daft, it is also hard to read and thus very annoying.

The same goes for txt-language and l33t. Please keep your posts readable.

1.6 How can I post a picture on the forum?

First of all you need to upload the picture to the internet.

On the forum use the img tags as described at the bottom of this site.

For example:

NOTE: Please use lower case letters for the tags (img). Upper case (IMG) will not work.

Please only use jpg or gif or a similar format as they are up to 90% smaller than bmps. People with slow connection will thank you. If you post many pictures in a thread put a "56k warning" in the title. This way people who have slow connections (56k modems) will be warned.

NOTE: You can not link to your HD. will not work.

If you do not have any websapce, please ask. Someone around here will surely host a pic for you or give you the address to a site where you can upload your pictures for free.

1.6.1 How do I get a "sig pic"?

Upload the picture as described above. In the forum click on "My Control Center --> Edit Signature" and enter the URL (web address) of the picture to the "Signature" field using the img-tags as described above. Click on "Submit".

1.6.2 How do I add my sig pic autimatically to my posts?

Click on "My Control Center --> Options --> Forum Settings". Set "Enable 'Add my signature' as default:" to "yes".

1.6.3 Signature Rules

Please keep your sig pics at or below 21.81kb and preferable in normal banner size (something like 600 x 100)

If your signature just has text or if there is text above your sig pic, please us the hr-tags. This command will add a grey line, thus making it easier to see where the signature begins and the post stops.

Under "My Control Center --> Edit Signature" it should look like this:



NOTE: These rules do also apply to the other forums on grandprixgames.org.

1.7 I have made my own work for Gp3 / Gp3 2k and would like to offer it to grandprixgames.org. How can I do that?

Open your Control Centre and use the Join Groups, select Software Developer and join. Your request will be approved by a moderator.

This is not the same as the forum log-in. As a grandprixgames.org member you can easily upload your stuff to this site.

NOTE: This forum does not support leechers. If you want to use the work of others for your own publications ask for permission first.



Edited 33 time(s). Last edit at 04/28/2014 01:41AM by mortal.

2 GENERAL GP3 / GP3 2K QUESTIONS

2.1 Should I buy Grand Prix 3 (Gp3) or Grand Prix 3 2000 Season (Gp3 2k)?

Gp3 is the original game. Out Of The box it offers

- 22 cars of the 1998 Formula 1 Championship season without tobacco sponsors
- 16 tracks of the 1998 Formula 1 Championship season

It does not offer

- damage when hitting debris
- opponent sound, you only hear your own car

Out of the box Gp3 2k offers:

- 22 cars of the 2000 Formula 1 Championship season
- 17 tracks of the 2000 Formula 1 Championship season
- damage when hitting debris on the track
- opponent sound
- two liveries per team

Even if it looks as if Gp3 2k has more to offer, most of its features can be added to Gp3 as well using the numerous add ons and patches.

Most carsets are for Gp3 since it is easier to edit.

The driving model is only slightly different.

NOTE: In order to install Gp3 2k you need to have the original Gp3 CD.

2.2 Hardware Mode, Software Mode, what is the difference?

Gp3 has two ways to display graphics. It either uses your direct3D compatible graphic card (uses hardware, thus Hardware Mode or HM) or it emulates a graphic card (Software Mode or SM). Obviously the first option looks better. In Software Mode the game pixelates more. On older machines, however, without good graphic cards Software Mode might be faster. If your graphic card is not older than 4 years, chances are high you can run the game in Hardware Mode.

2.2.1 How do I know which mode my game runs in?

Go to "Options --> Graphics". It either displays the name of your graphic card there or it says something about Software. If the latter is the case and you cannot change it, your graphic card apparently does not support HW.


2.3 I live in North America and I cannot get Gp3 2k.

Unfortunately Gp3 2k is not being sold in North America. If your local shop cannot order import games for you, your only chance is to buy it over the internet.

2.3.1 I live in North America and I managed to buy Gp3 2k. Unfortunately I cannot install it, even though I have the original Gp3 CD.

CDs in the USA have different copy protections than those in Europe. Since Gp3 2k is not being sold in the USA it is not able to detect US copy protection. If you have the US version of Gp3 it will not let you install Gp3 2k. In this case you need to visit
[www.gamecopyworld.com]
search for Grand Prix 3. You will find the Install fix there. We cannot provide a direct link as hot linking is not allowed. Beware of pop-ups.


2.3.2 I downloaded the Install Fix. How do I use it?

Copy the files from your Gp3 2k CD to any folder on your HD. Copy the files from the Install Fix to the Grand Prix folder (overwriting the original files) and start the installation from that folder.

2.4 Is it possible to have more/less than 22 cars?

This is neither possible in Gp3 nor in Gp3 2k.

2.5 Is it possible to have different car shapes for each team?

Unfortunately this is not possible. There can only be one carshape for all teams in the game. Since the shape is stored in the gp3.exe no editor will be able to change this.

2.6 Is it possible to have different steering wheels for each team?

Just as with the car shapes this is not possible.

2.7 Is it possible to have different cockpit shapes for each team?

Since the cockpit shape is part of the carshape there can only be one shape for all.

2.8 Are there LeMans 24 hours or Nürburgring Nordschleife tracks for Gp3 / Gp3 2k?

No and there never will be. These tracks are far too long for Gp3 / Gp3 2k. There is, however, the Le Mans Bugatti track - a shorter race track close to the legendary Le Mans circuit and a downscaled version of the Nürburgring called "The Ring". This is as close as it gets.

2.9 Can I have more than one installation of Gp3/Gp3 2k?

Yes. Simply install the game, apply the important patches and copy your Gp3/Gp32k folder to as many other folders you like. This way you do not need to reinstall the game from scratch if the updating business gets botched.



Edited 22 time(s). Last edit at 10/13/2013 10:41PM by mortal.

3. DOWNLOADS

Which editors, tools and other stuff do I need to make my game look as good as possible?


3.1 For Gp3

- Official Grand Prix 3 Patch

This will update your game to ver. 1.13. It will also fix a few bugs.

- Decrypted GP3 V 1.13 No CD Patch

This will provide you with a "decrypted" Gp3.exe and thus enable editing possibilties. It is also a "no-cd" patch - that means you can play the game without the CD in your drive.

- GP3 Edit (Shareware)

This is the main editor for Gp3. It lets you change teamarts, car liveries, pitcrews, etc.
This editor only works with the patched Gp3 ver. 1.13.

- GP3 Master & GP3Master V1.1 Fix

Another good Gp3 Editor, similar to Gp3 Edit.

- GP3 Sounds Editor

Allows you to change most ingame sounds from the engine over gear shifts to tyre noises. If you just want to change engine sounds GpxPatch is easier to use.

- CMagic Compiler 1.50 for GPxPatch Utility

Allows you to edit magic data. This way you can change track properties like fuel load of computer cars, chance of rain, surface grip, etc.


3.2 For Gp3 2k

- Decrypted No-CD Exe For GP3 2000

This will provide you with a "decrypted" Gp3.exe and thus enable editing possibilties. It is also a "no-cd" patch - that means you can play the game without the CD in your drive.

- Menu Art Editor for GP3 2000

Allows you to edit teamarts, spinning logos, etc.

- CMagic 2000 (GP3 2000)

Allows you to edit magic data. This way you can change track properties like fuel load of computer cars, chance of rain, surface grip, etc.


3.3 For all versions

- GPxPatch x.xx

"The most important standard add on for the Grandprix games series: official tv-style information, detailed on-screen race information, a track manager, a carset manager, extended save games, 3D sound, event sounds, internet play, taking screenshots and more."

The mother of all Gp3 addons. It really enhances the quality of the game by at least 500%. (No, I'm not getting paid for this).

- GP3 Cockpits Editor

With this tool you can insert new steering wheels and cockpit textures.

- GP3 CarEditor

The name says it all. It is an editor that allows you to edit the carshape and export it to the game. If you just want to have a different car shape GpxPatch is easier to use.

- GP3 Manual

The GP3 Manual in pdf format.

3.4 Tracks

Download tracks from the track sections of grandprixgames.org. Follow the instructions in the read me files on how to install the tracks. You can also download track packs that come with auto-installers. For beginners this might be easier.

F1 Tracks
CART & Other tracks
Fictional Tracks

Most tracks work for both versions. It is, however, advisable to insert new magic data if you are using Gp3 tracks for Gp3 2k or vice versa. You will find magic data here:

- New Magicdata for 188 Tracks (Gp3)

- Magicdata for 203 Tracks (GP3 2000)

Also have a look at Track Graphics

3.5 Season Packages, Carsets, Cars, etc.

Season Packages
F1 Cars
CART & Other Cars
Fictional Cars

Refer to the read me files that come with the downloads. Most of them will exactly tell you how to install things and which tools to use.

There are a few Season Packages that come as self-installing archives. For beginners this might be easier.

3.6 Teamart

Find updates at the Teamart section. Lots of material for newer and older seasons. Follow the read me files on how to install new Teamarts.

3.7 Eyecandy

Download better sky textures, tyre threads, engine smoke, etc. from the Misc. Graphics section of grandprixgames.org. Follow the read me files on how to install graphics.

If you play the game in Software Mode, look here:

Graphics (Software Mode)

3.8 Sounds

Download sound updates from the Sounds section of grandprixgames.org. Follow the read me files on how to install sounds.

3.9 Pitcrews

Download pitcrew textures from the Pitcrews section of grandprixgames.org. Follow the read me files on how to install pitcrews.

3.10 Setups

Download setups from the Setups section. Most setups are not designed for a race distance but for a fast qualifying. Follow the read me files on how to use setups.



Edited 12 time(s). Last edit at 10/13/2013 10:44PM by mortal.

4. TROUBLESHOOTING


4.1 When I try to install Gp3 2k it asks me to put in the Gp3 CD even when it is already in the drive and I cannot continue the installation.

As described above, chance are high that you somehow have the US version of Gp3. CDs in the USA have different copy protections than those in Europe. Since Gp3 2k is not being sold in the USA it is not able to detect US copy protection. If you have the US version of Gp3 it will not let you install Gp3 2k. In this case you need to download the Install Fix.
Copy the files from your Gp3 2k CD to any folder on your HD. Copy the files from the Install Fix to the Grand Prix folder (overwriting the original files) and start the installation from that folder.

4.2 Although I have a fast high-end graphic card the game does not really run fast. Why is that?

Gp3 rather needs a fast CPU than a fast graphic card. For some reason the game is coded in a way that the CPU has to do a lot of graphics calculations that actually should be done by the graphic card. This way GP3 does need a lot of RAM as well. Especially if you are running Windows XP with only 256MB you will most likely experience slowdowns, no matter what graphic card you are using. 256MB is not really enough for Windows XP alone. Before you update your graphic card to improve your Gp3 performance have a look at your CPU and RAM as well.

4.3 My graphic card does not support Hardware Mode. Is there anything I can do about it?

Buy a new graphic card. Cards with Intel, Kyro and Voodoo3 chipsets seem to be problematic in Gp3. There used to be a fix for the Intel cards, but unfortunately all the links seem to be dead. As far as I know Gp3 2k supports the Intel chipset.

4.4 I try to use editors but they keep telling me I need a "decrypted exe".

Download the Decrypted GP3 V 1.13 No CD Patch or Decrypted No-CD Exe For GP3 2000.


4.5 Will GpxPatch slow down my game?

On modern PC it actually should not. If you are low on RAM it could.

4.6 Every time I start the game it asks me to calibrate the graphics again. How can I stop this?

First check if you have enabled "Save Changes" when exiting the game. If yes, go to your Grand Prix 3 folder and look for a file called "cards.txt". Open it with a normal text editor and have a look at the graphic card listed there twice. If this is the case delete the second entry and save the file.

4.7 Sometimes the cars at the back or way in front start to look weird.

At a given distance Gp3 / Gp3 2k changes from 3D to 2D shapes to save system resources. In order to prevent this you need to change the "RCR distance" values. The higher the value, the longer the 3D shapes are being used. The maximum value is . On slower machines this can lead to slowdowns. is 2 to the power of 31 or 2 gb.

4.7.1 I use add-on car shapes. In the game the cars seem to change between the original shape and the new one.

See above.

4.7.2 How do I change the RCR values?

There are a few editors who do this. I would, however, advice you to use GpxPatch, since these values overwrite all others. Go to the GpxLap tab and click on "RCR distances".

If you are not using GpxPatch you can also use Car Editor or GP3 Master (Gp3 only) to change the settings.

4.8 When I use add-on tracks the game crashes back to the desktop.

Not all tracks run in the all slots. Look at the "readme" to see in which slot the track should go.

If you are using GpxPatch, try starting the game in "debug modus". This will make the game ignore errors rather than crash. If it still crashes GpxPatch will provide you at least with a log file.

4.9 How do I read the GpxPatch log file?

If you are not an expert the log file will not tell you a lot. You can, however, go to the gpx forum, currently hosted at [www.realgpx.com]

Please do the following:
1. Carefully search the forum to see if your problem has been described and possibly solved before
2. If not, post your log file and ask for help. Be POLITE as possible.
3. Have patience Do not post ten times in the row asking why nobody has answered your question yet. This will be regarded as spam and you will most likely never get an answer. If they can help you, they will. As much as you want to race, do not rush things.
4. If you think the community could benefit from the solution they found for you, post it here to let us all know.

4.10 When I use different car shapes the game crashes.

1. Load the crashing car shape into Car Editor.
2. Go to Go to "File --> Export CTF" and save the file as "custom.ctf".
3. Load a car shape that does not crash.
4. Go to "File --> Import CTF" and import the "custom.ctf" to the shape.
5. Go to File --> Save As and choose a name for the new car shape.

Now it should work without crashing.

4.11 When I stop the car it still keeps on rolling even if I do not accelerate.

This is not a bug, this is a feature. If you are in first gear the car will go up to 30 km/h (20mph) even in idle running.

4.12 How can I change the speed display from mph to km/h?
In the main menu click on "Workshop --> Utilities --> Menu Setup" and enable Use Metric Units.

4.13 How can I change the menu language?

In the main menu click on "Workshop --> Utilities --> Menu Setup" and use Change Language To.

4.14 Steering Setup

4.14.1 How can I setup my wheel for split axis?

First be sure that you have enabled split axis in the setup of your gaming device in the windows control panel or in the driver software of your wheel.
In the main menu got to "Options --> Controls --> Advanced". Under "Choose Control Method" click on "Not Used. A window will pop up, asking you to "Please choose a type for this controller". Click on "Wheel". In the next window under Accelerate/Brake set "Acceleration Device" to "Controller A (Z)" and "Brake Device" to "Controller A (IRZ)".

4.14.2 I have disabled "Steering Help (F8)" under "Driving Aids". Still it feels as if I do not have full control over the car.

If you have a wheel go to "Options --> Controls --> Advanced" and put the slider for "Steering Help" towards "0". If you use your keyboard as steering device this option will be greyed out. A keyboard is a digital device, that means a button is either pressed or not. There is no gradual steering, you either apply full lock or do not steer at all. Since this is very unrealistic the "Steering Help" options in the controller setup does help you to even out this disadvantage of digital input devices.

4.15 I have downloaded a file that has the extension "rar". What do I do with that?

Rar-files are packed archives, similar to Zip-files. In order to un-rar them you should download the trial version of Winrar.

4.16 I try to watch hotlaps under XP but the game keeps crashing back to the desktop.

Watching hotlaps doesn't work under XP. Unfortunately there is no fix for that.

4.17 Can I play Gp3 / Gp3 2k over the internet?

Technically yes, realistically no. Gp3 / Gp3 2k does not really support internet play. Apparently this was not part of the license Infogrames/Microprose acquired. Obviously the developers forgot to remove the internet play entries in the multiplayer menu. Even if GpxPatch does support internet play you would need an ultra fast internet connection and even then it will only run slowly.



Edited 15 time(s). Last edit at 01/26/2009 03:06AM by mortal.

Uploading Files

So here is the new procedure to get an access to upload your files on GrandPrixGames again (or a new access for any newcomer) :
- First you need to be registered. It's free and will only take you one minute, clicking on "log in" text at top right of the forum and following the steps.
- Once you're registered, log in and go to "My Control center"
- Select the left line "View and Join a group", choose "Software" in the list and hit Join button.
- To speed up the approval step, just send me (Lo2k) a pm explaining briefly what kind of file you are wishing to upload.
- Once I will receive the message, I will decide to approve or unapprove it. This could take a couple of days, depending on my free time but at the end, you will have an answer and get an access to file upload (or not).

Thanks for your comprehension,

Laurent aka Lo2k

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[www.mediafire.com] Some say you should click it, you know you want to. [www.gp4central.com] <----GP4 Central



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/05/2009 09:24AM by mortal.

All Carsets 1969 to 2010

Carsets '69 to '10

Compilation upped by eosduffy.

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[www.mediafire.com] Some say you should click it, you know you want to. [www.gp4central.com] <----GP4 Central