Multiplayer mode questions

[etarm]

I was playing in MP mode yesterday with a friend, and several questions came up, as follows:

1) He was hosting through the game (not using the separate server program), and I was getting dropped every 10 minutes or so and had to log back in. I don't think it was my internet connection, because we were running Xfire for voice, which never dropped out. Could Xfire have been interfering with the game? Has anyone else experienced frequent drops when playing computer to computer? Would running a separate server help?

2) Where do we get a Reference ID to download the server program? Would this help our MP experience? I tried inputting my registration code, which didn't work. I bought the game through Impulse.

3) Is there a way to automatically follow a wingman through a jump (an in-system jump, not using a gate)? The formation function drops as soon as the ship you're in formation with does the jump. Sychronized jumping would greatly enhance our ability to respond to combat situations.

4) What does the "-" key on the keypad do in the default configuration? I don't have the description in front of me, but the key configuration menus seem to indicate it's some sort of multiplayer clan configuration.

TIA!

Ed

[Ravenfeeder]

Questions 3, & 4: No to 3, 4 the minus key makes a red human player green (friendly).

I only play MP on the Rem1 server, so, sorry can't answer 1 & 2.

[Maarschalk]

You could do sychronized jumping by mannually inputting your jump coordinates in the Nav Console to be 30 to 40 clicks apart and then hit the jump key at the same time as your wingman.

[Marvin]

As long as you and your wingman have the same class jump drive installed.

[etarm]

Thanks for the clarifications and tips!

I'd still like to know about the Reference ID needed to download the dedicated server program, since I'm hoping it will solve my connection problems. Vice or anyone else?

Ed

[Edited on 3-27-2011 by etarm]