Scope:
The purpose of this guide is to help new players download the needed files, Launch a new game, and connect to the server for on-line play.

Requirements:
First you will need a computer capable of running Java. Java can be downloaded here: http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp Follow the directions for installing Java on your system.

Downloading VDP:
As of the time of this writing, the most current version of VDP is v1.2. It is available for download on the Vassal web site. (www.vassalengine.org) Use the navigation menu on the left side of the page to go to the Modules section. Here you will find a list of all Vassal modules.

Find Dawn Patrol v1.2 on the list and click it to go to the VDP v1.2 page.

Click on the "Download Version 1.2" link to download the VDP v1.2 module.

Save the file to your local disk, and remember where you saved it. You will need that information when you launch Vassal.

Note: Sometimes IE will save the File with a .zip Extension.  If this happens, just rename the file with .mod extension (ie. DawnPatrolv12.mod) and follow the instructions below. All Vassal modules are actually zip files. If you want to take a look at what files are inside the module that is fine. However, save the .mod file intact so that you can launch it once you start vassal. 

Launching Vassal:
Installing and launching the Vassal engine are very easy. You can use the Quick launch button on the Vassal home page (see Fig 1 just below the Modules link). This open a Dialog box. (see Fig 2). Select "Open with" the Java web start launcher.

Select "Open with" the Java web start launcher. This will install the latest version of the Vassal engine and when it is done it will prompt you to add an Icon to your computer. You can use this Icon to launch Vassal in the future or you can use the quick launch on the Vassal Home page.

Vassal will then Start, and you will be presented with the Vassal start menu.

Select Play Module and point it to the directory where you saved the .mod file.

This will bring up the Dawn Patrol controls window and the Server window and you will be connected to the server automatically.

NOTE: Games cannot be started from the main room.  If you are starting a new game, you need to open a new room for that game using the new game box in the server window.

You will be in the main room and will see a list of games. Double click on a game folder to join that game.

Then you can chat with the other players in the room you are in. Once you are ready to play one player will need to start a new game.

Once the map is loaded everyone else who wishes to enter the game will need to right click on that players name in the current game section of the server window and select synchronize. The map will load and you will be able to place counters and see counters that other players are placing and moving. Congratulations, you are now playing Vassal Dawn patrol.