Difference between revisions of "PDA"

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{{Other uses|this=the Engineer's Build and Demolish tools|PDA (disambiguation)}}
 
{{Item infobox
 
{{Item infobox
 
| type          = weapon
 
| type          = weapon
 
| image          = EngineerPDA.png
 
| image          = EngineerPDA.png
| 3d-alt        = yes
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| 3d-image-1    = PDA
| view1name      = Build Tool
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| 3d-image-2    = PDA Alt
| view2name      = Demolish Tool
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| 3d-image-3    = Toolbox
 +
| 3d-button-1    = default_half
 +
| 3d-button-2    = default_half
 +
| 3d-button-3    = colored_pair
 +
| 3d-viewname-1  = Construction PDA
 +
| 3d-viewname-2  = Destruction PDA
 +
| 3d-viewname-3  = Toolbox
 
| hide-kill-icon = yes
 
| hide-kill-icon = yes
| used-by        = [[Engineer]]
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| used-by        = {{used by|Engineer}}
| slot          = [[Weapons#PDA items|PDA1]] <small>(Build Tool)</small><br>[[Weapons#PDA items|PDA2]] <small>(Demolish Tool)</small>
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| slot          = [[Weapons#PDA|PDA 1]] <small>(Construction PDA)</small><br>[[Weapons#PDA|PDA 2]] <small>(Destruction PDA)</small>
| availability  = {{avail|Stock}}
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| custom-slot    = yes
 +
| availability  = {{avail|stock|crate50-strange}}
 
| trade          = no
 
| trade          = no
 
| gift          = no
 
| gift          = no
| rename        = yes
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| marketable    = yes
 +
| rename        = Construction PDA only
 
| numbered      = no
 
| numbered      = no
 
| show-ammo      = none
 
| show-ammo      = none
| loadout     = yes
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| loadout       = yes
   | quality   = Normal
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   | quality      = normal
  | level     = Level 1 Construction Tool
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   | item-kind   = {{item kind|PDA}}
| loadout      = yes
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   | item-level   = 1
   | quality   = Normal
 
   | level     = Level 1 Demolish Tool
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{hatnote|This article is about the Engineer's Build and Demolish tools. For the weapon type, see the [[Weapons]] page.}}
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{{Quotation|'''The Engineer''' explaining how the PDA functions|This button here, builds Teleporters. This button, builds Dispensers. And this little button makes them enemy sum-bitches wish they'd never even been born!|sound=Cm engie pregamefirst rare 07.mp3}}
  
{{Quotation|'''The Engineer'''|I built that.|sound=Engineer_specialcompleted06.wav}}
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The '''PDAs''' are default [[Weapons#engiepda|weapons]] for the [[Engineer]], consisting of the '''Construction PDA''' and '''Destruction PDA''', which the Engineer uses to respectively construct or destroy his various [[buildings]]. The Construction PDA is a calculator-style device, whereas the Destruction PDA looks similar to a stereotypical hand-held detonation device.
  
The '''PDAs''' are default [[Weapons#engiepda|weapons]] for the [[Engineer]], consisting of the '''Build Tool''' and '''Demolish Tool''', which he uses to construct and destroy his various [[building]]s respectively. The Build Tool is a calculator-type device, whereas the Demolish Tool looks similar to a typical hand-held detonation device with a miniature screen and large red button.
+
These gadgets are not regular weapons, as they cannot be used to attack, mainly serving as a visual cue to players. Upon selecting one of the PDAs, a superimposed HUD appears in the middle of the player's view, allowing the player to either build or destroy buildings. Though it lists all four available buildings, only the highlighted choices can be selected. Selection of the buildings is done through the preset numbered keys.
  
These gadgets are not regular weapons as they cannot be used to attack; they mainly serve as a visual cue to the player and those that see the player's character. Therefore, switching between PDAs and the last weapon active does not result in the usual delay caused by weapon switching. While the player is using the PDA, a unique menu appears on-screen to allow the player to build or destroy available buildings.
+
The selection keys only function on the appropriate PDA under the right conditions. Should the player have insufficient [[Metal]] to construct a building or have already deployed it, they are denied access to that slot on the Construction PDA. Conversely, the Destruction PDA destroys buildings owned by the player that have already been deployed, including buildings that are still under construction or performing an upgrade. The Destruction PDA cannot, however, be used to destroy buildings currently being sapped by a [[Sapper]] of any kind.
  
Upon selecting one of the PDAs, a superimposed HUD appears in the middle of your view. Though it lists all four available buildings, only the highlighted choices will be selectable. Selection of the buildings is done through the preset numbered keys. Pressing the last weapon used key or primary fire key will cancel the PDA and return to the previous weapon. The [[Pip-Boy]] changes the look of the Build and Destroy Tools.
+
If a player chooses to construct an available building from the Construction PDA, the player model then appears to hold a Toolbox, and the player sees a template on the ground in front of them. This template shows the orientation of the chosen building. While the template is visible, secondary fire adjusts the building's orientation by 90 degrees counter-clockwise, and primary fire starts the build process.
  
The selection keys will only function on the appropriate PDA under the right conditions. Should the player have insufficient [[Metal]], they will be denied access to certain buildings on the Build Tool, yet gathering Metal will re-enable the choices with the cost met. Conversely, the Demolish Tool will only destroy builds that have already been constructed. The Demolish Tool cannot be used to destroy buildings currently being sapped by the [[Electro Sapper]].
+
Pressing the last weapon used key or primary fire key cancels either PDA menu, and returns the player to their previous weapon.
  
If a player chooses to construct an available building from the Build Tool, the player model will then hold a Toolbox and the player will see a template on the ground in front of them showing the orientation of the chosen building. While the template is visible, secondary fire adjusts the building's orientation by 90 degrees counter-clockwise, whilst primary fire starts the build. The last weapon used button cancels the build.
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{{Weapon Demonstration}}
  
Note: The console versions do not have a separate Demolish Tool. Instead, both are handled by the Build Tool, serving as a single PDA. After choosing the proper weapon slot to activate the PDA, the player uses the right trigger or ''''R2'''' to construct the selected building if enough Metal is available, and the left trigger or ''''L2'''' to demolish the selected building if it has already been built.
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== Strange variant ==
 
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{{Strange item info
{{Weapon Demonstration}}
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| item-name = {{item name|Construction PDA}}
 +
| custom-icon = Backpack_PDA_builder.png
 +
| item-type = {{item kind|PDA}}
 +
| rankson = sentry kills
 +
| rankson2 = health dispensed to teammates
 +
| rankson3 = teammates teleported
 +
| can deal damage = no
 +
| can deal gib damage = no
 +
| can headshot = no
 +
| can reflect projectiles = no
 +
| can deal posthumous damage = no
 +
| can extinguish = no
 +
}}
  
 
== Update history ==
 
== Update history ==
 
{{Update history|
 
{{Update history|
'''[[September 26, 2007 Patch]]'''
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'''{{Patch name|9|26|2007}}'''
* Fixed some truncated strings in the destroy menu
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* Fixed some truncated strings in the destroy menu.
  
'''[[February 28, 2008 Patch]]'''
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'''{{Patch name|2|28|2008}}'''
* Changed PDA menus to accept keys bound to "slot1", "slot2", etc., and "slot10" cancels
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* Changed PDA menus to accept keys bound to "slot1", "slot2", etc., and "slot10" cancels.
 
* Fixed Engineer being able to detonate buildings that are being sapped.
 
* Fixed Engineer being able to detonate buildings that are being sapped.
  
'''[[January 19, 2011 Patch]]'''
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'''{{Patch name|1|19|2011}}'''
*Fixed the Engineer PDA view models (build/destroy) having [[RED]] skins while on the [[BLU]] team.
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* Fixed the Engineer PDA view models (build/destroy) having [[RED]] skins while on the [[BLU]] team.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|3|22|2012}}'''
 +
* {{Undocumented}} Added Construction PDA slot to the Engineer's loadout screen.
 +
* {{Undocumented}} Made the Construction PDA [[Name Tag|nameable]].
 +
* {{Undocumented}} Construction PDA and Demolish PDA now appear in [[backpack]] when viewing stock items.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|9|4|2012}}'''
 +
* {{Undocumented}} Fixed PDAs using the wrong animations.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|3|12|2013}}'''
 +
* Added [[Strange]] quality for the Construction PDA.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|6|11|2014}} #1'''
 +
* {{undocumented}} Added a white line above the names of the buildings on the PDA menus.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|6|11|2014|no-link=yes}} #2'''
 +
* Fixed the Engineer's build menu staying open after changing class.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|6|18|2014}}''' ([[Love & War Update]])
 +
* Converted the PDA models to use the <code>c_models</code> system.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|12|10|2014}}'''
 +
* Fixed the Engineer PDA being stored as the last weapon used.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|3|28|2018}} #1'''
 +
* Fixed the Engineer's PDA not always honoring the "Use minimized viewmodels" option.
 +
 
 +
'''{{Patch name|12|15|2023}}'''
 +
* Fixed the Engineer's Destruction PDA using the wrong animation in the 3D [[Heads-up display|HUD]] player model (community fix from gidi30).
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''[[March 22, 2012 Patch]]'''
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== Unused content ==
* {{Undocumented}}
+
* The [[item schema]] contains a list of ranks related to 'Health Dispensed', intended to be used by the PDA's strange variant. However, it instead simply ranks up based on Sentry kills and uses generic names and values.
* Added Construction PDA slot to the Engineer's loadout screen.
+
* A texture for a generic PDA exists, as v_pda, this file dates back to <tt>PatchVersion 1.0.0.0</tt>, making it an old leftover.
 +
 
 +
== Bugs ==
 +
* If a Strange Construction PDA is equipped in [[Mann vs. Machine]], the Engineer can lose upgrades and the money spent on them if they are using the [[Upgrade Station]] at the same time as another player using the Engineer's Dispenser or Teleporter.
 +
* If a Construction PDA is in use when hit by a object or projectile, the options to build disappear.
 +
* The Destruction PDA does not always play the draw animation.
  
== Unused content ==
+
== Notes ==
* Both PDAs, along with the [[Electro Sapper]], have unused backpack icons.
+
* Switching between PDAs and the last weapon active does not result in the usual delay caused by weapon switching.
 +
* The [[Pip-Boy]] cosmetic changes the look of the Construction and Destruction PDAs' superimposed HUD.
 +
* The console versions of ''Team Fortress 2'' do not have a separate Destruction PDA. Both are instead are handled by the Construction PDA, which serves as a single PDA for both functions. After choosing the proper weapon slot to activate the PDA, the player uses the right trigger or ''''R2'''' to construct the selected building if enough Metal is available, and the left trigger or ''''L2'''' to demolish the selected building if it has already been built.
  
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
* There is a PDA Token in <code>items_game.txt</code>, but it is unused. Internally, the Engineer's Build Tool and the Spy's Disguise Kit fall under this slot.
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* The Construction PDA is based off the Texas Instrument's TI-2500 Series Datamath Calculators, which first appeared in 1971.
** The PDA2 token is used for crafting the [[Spy]]'s unlockable watches, which fall into the PDA2 slot, and can be made by crafting together 3 Spy watches. This is the only use for the token.
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* Enabling the {{cvar|tf_build_menu_controller_mode}} console variable can make the PDA act as both a build and demolish tool, like on consoles.
* When <code>exec 360controller</code> is enabled through the console, the PDA acts as both a build and demolish tool.
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* The {{cvar|pda_click}} console command plays the animation of the Engineer pressing a button on the PDA, but it is only visible to other players. Using this command neither constructs nor destroys a building, and it is presumably a left-over debug command. The animation is not played if the user is crouched when the command is used.
  
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
<gallery perrow="4">
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<gallery>
File:Build Tool 1st person.png|Build Tool first-person view
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File:Build Tool 1st person.png|Construction PDA first-person view.
File:Build Tool with Gunslinger 1st person red.png|Build Tool RED first-person view with the [[Gunslinger]] equipped.
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File:Build Tool with Gunslinger 1st person red.png|Construction PDA RED first-person view with the [[Gunslinger]] equipped.
File:Build Tool with Gunslinger 1st person blu.png|Build Tool BLU first-person view with the [[Gunslinger]] equipped.
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File:Build Tool with Gunslinger 1st person blu.png|Construction PDA BLU first-person view with the Gunslinger equipped.
File:Demolish Tool 1st person.png|Demolish Tool first-person view
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File:Demolish Tool 1st person.png|Destruction PDA first-person view.
File:Demolish Tool with Gunslinger 1st person red.png|Demolish Tool RED first-person view with the [[Gunslinger]] equipped.
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File:Demolish Tool with Gunslinger 1st person red.png|Destruction PDA RED first-person view with the Gunslinger equipped.
File:Demolish Tool with Gunslinger 1st person blu.png|Demolish Tool BLU first-person view with the [[Gunslinger]] equipped.
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File:Demolish Tool with Gunslinger 1st person blu.png|Destruction PDA BLU first-person view with the Gunslinger equipped.
File:Toolbox 1st person red.png|Toolbox RED first-person view
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File:Toolbox 1st person red.png|Toolbox RED first-person view.
File:Toolbox with Gunslinger 1st person red.png|Toolbox RED first-person view with the [[Gunslinger]] equipped.
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File:Toolbox with Gunslinger 1st person red.png|Toolbox RED first-person view with the Gunslinger equipped.
File:Toolbox 1st person blu.png|Toolbox BLU first-person view
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File:Toolbox 1st person blu.png|Toolbox BLU first-person view.
File:Toolbox with Gunslinger 1st person blu.png|Toolbox BLU first-person view with the [[Gunslinger]] equipped.
+
File:Toolbox with Gunslinger 1st person blu.png|Toolbox BLU first-person view with the Gunslinger equipped.
File:Building PDA Display.png|Build Tool: Menu
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File:Building PDA Display.png|Construction PDA: Menu.
File:Build Menu - PipBoy.png|Build Tool: Menu with the [[Pip-Boy]] equipped.
+
File:Building PDA Display with Eureka Effect.png|Construction PDA: Menu with the [[Eureka Effect]] equipped.
File:Backpack PDA builder.png|Unused Backpack image
+
File:Building PDA Display with Gunslinger.png|Construction PDA: Menu with the [[Gunslinger]] equipped.
 +
File:Destruction PDA Display.png|Destruction PDA: Menu.
 +
File:Eureka effect PDA Display.png|Eureka Effect's unique PDA: Menu.
 +
File:Build Menu - PipBoy.png|Construction PDA: Menu with the [[Pip-Boy]] equipped.
 +
File:Building PDA Display with Gunslinger - PipBoy.png|Construction PDA: Menu with Pip-Boy and Gunslinger equipped.
 +
File:Demolish Menu - PipBoy.png|Destruction PDA: Menu with Pip-Boy equipped.
 +
File:Eureka effect PDA Display - PipBoy.png|Eureka Effect's PDA: Menu with Pip-Boy equipped.
 +
File:Backpack PDA builder.png|Backpack icon for the Construction PDA.
 +
File:Backpack PDA destroyer.png|Backpack icon for the Destruction PDA.
 +
File:Backpack Toolbox.png|An unused [[Backpack]] icon for the Toolbox found in the game's files.
 +
File:V_pda.png|An unused texture meant for a generic pda.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
* [[Buildings]]
 
* [[Buildings]]
 +
* [[Demoman PDA]], a [[Unused content|scrapped item]] for the Demoman
  
 +
{{Standard Weapons Nav}}
 
{{Allweapons Nav}}
 
{{Allweapons Nav}}
 
{{Engineer Nav}}
 
{{Engineer Nav}}
{{lang cat|PDA1 weapons}}
 
{{lang cat|PDA2 weapons}}
 

Latest revision as of 17:11, 12 September 2024

This article is about the Engineer's Build and Demolish tools. For other uses, see PDA (disambiguation).

The PDAs are default weapons for the Engineer, consisting of the Construction PDA and Destruction PDA, which the Engineer uses to respectively construct or destroy his various buildings. The Construction PDA is a calculator-style device, whereas the Destruction PDA looks similar to a stereotypical hand-held detonation device.

These gadgets are not regular weapons, as they cannot be used to attack, mainly serving as a visual cue to players. Upon selecting one of the PDAs, a superimposed HUD appears in the middle of the player's view, allowing the player to either build or destroy buildings. Though it lists all four available buildings, only the highlighted choices can be selected. Selection of the buildings is done through the preset numbered keys.

The selection keys only function on the appropriate PDA under the right conditions. Should the player have insufficient Metal to construct a building or have already deployed it, they are denied access to that slot on the Construction PDA. Conversely, the Destruction PDA destroys buildings owned by the player that have already been deployed, including buildings that are still under construction or performing an upgrade. The Destruction PDA cannot, however, be used to destroy buildings currently being sapped by a Sapper of any kind.

If a player chooses to construct an available building from the Construction PDA, the player model then appears to hold a Toolbox, and the player sees a template on the ground in front of them. This template shows the orientation of the chosen building. While the template is visible, secondary fire adjusts the building's orientation by 90 degrees counter-clockwise, and primary fire starts the build process.

Pressing the last weapon used key or primary fire key cancels either PDA menu, and returns the player to their previous weapon.

Demonstration

Strange variant


Update history

September 26, 2007 Patch
  • Fixed some truncated strings in the destroy menu.

February 28, 2008 Patch

  • Changed PDA menus to accept keys bound to "slot1", "slot2", etc., and "slot10" cancels.
  • Fixed Engineer being able to detonate buildings that are being sapped.

January 19, 2011 Patch

  • Fixed the Engineer PDA view models (build/destroy) having RED skins while on the BLU team.

March 22, 2012 Patch

  • [Undocumented] Added Construction PDA slot to the Engineer's loadout screen.
  • [Undocumented] Made the Construction PDA nameable.
  • [Undocumented] Construction PDA and Demolish PDA now appear in backpack when viewing stock items.

September 4, 2012 Patch

  • [Undocumented] Fixed PDAs using the wrong animations.

March 12, 2013 Patch

  • Added Strange quality for the Construction PDA.

June 11, 2014 Patch #1

  • [Undocumented] Added a white line above the names of the buildings on the PDA menus.

June 11, 2014 Patch #2

  • Fixed the Engineer's build menu staying open after changing class.

June 18, 2014 Patch (Love & War Update)

  • Converted the PDA models to use the c_models system.

December 10, 2014 Patch

  • Fixed the Engineer PDA being stored as the last weapon used.

March 28, 2018 Patch #1

  • Fixed the Engineer's PDA not always honoring the "Use minimized viewmodels" option.

December 15, 2023 Patch

  • Fixed the Engineer's Destruction PDA using the wrong animation in the 3D HUD player model (community fix from gidi30).

Unused content

  • The item schema contains a list of ranks related to 'Health Dispensed', intended to be used by the PDA's strange variant. However, it instead simply ranks up based on Sentry kills and uses generic names and values.
  • A texture for a generic PDA exists, as v_pda, this file dates back to PatchVersion 1.0.0.0, making it an old leftover.

Bugs

  • If a Strange Construction PDA is equipped in Mann vs. Machine, the Engineer can lose upgrades and the money spent on them if they are using the Upgrade Station at the same time as another player using the Engineer's Dispenser or Teleporter.
  • If a Construction PDA is in use when hit by a object or projectile, the options to build disappear.
  • The Destruction PDA does not always play the draw animation.

Notes

  • Switching between PDAs and the last weapon active does not result in the usual delay caused by weapon switching.
  • The Pip-Boy cosmetic changes the look of the Construction and Destruction PDAs' superimposed HUD.
  • The console versions of Team Fortress 2 do not have a separate Destruction PDA. Both are instead are handled by the Construction PDA, which serves as a single PDA for both functions. After choosing the proper weapon slot to activate the PDA, the player uses the right trigger or 'R2' to construct the selected building if enough Metal is available, and the left trigger or 'L2' to demolish the selected building if it has already been built.

Trivia

  • The Construction PDA is based off the Texas Instrument's TI-2500 Series Datamath Calculators, which first appeared in 1971.
  • Enabling the tf_build_menu_controller_mode console variable can make the PDA act as both a build and demolish tool, like on consoles.
  • The pda_click console command plays the animation of the Engineer pressing a button on the PDA, but it is only visible to other players. Using this command neither constructs nor destroys a building, and it is presumably a left-over debug command. The animation is not played if the user is crouched when the command is used.

Gallery

See also