Dscross

Of course. We're all learning it too and having a great time doing it. Just hop on the discord whenever. The Arrorian Imperial Navy [AIN] Squadron page has all the links. (there is an AH64 cold start walk through on the squadron page. )

One of the guys in my squadron has spend lots, and lots of time learning the AH64. He walks me through a cold start on the AH64 as it is at initial release.

THANK YOU!

I personally haven't seen any A4 focused squadrons, but there are lots of squadrons out there. If you ever want to come and fly the A4 with us at AIN, you're welcome. A bit more than half of us have and LOVE the A4. The A4 was the aircraft that got me into DCS. I was actually lucky enough to get a few lessons on the module from one of the guys on the development team. We had a pretty good time. Anyway, we always welcome new players to DCS and we will be more than willing to help you (or anyone) with instruction or tips and tricks. Here's a link to the AIN (Arrorian Imperial Navy) discord server. Drop by anytime. Someone is almost always up for flying the scooter. (Though to be fair, the just released AH64 has a bit of our attention at this very moment.) https://discord.gg/JuBydbsfDn

You got the CPG multiplayer to work? The desync is causing us all sorts of problems. A guy in my squadron just LOVES to CPG. Personally, I prefer to fly, but hey to each their own. Anyway, we've had massive trouble getting the multiplayer CPG Hellfire to work. We've spent a few hours on it, on several occasions, and we just can't make it work. Anyway, you paid for that Apache, play it how you want. It's not like there are Army regulations mandating what loadout you carry, or budget restrictions. It's the same with the Tomcat. No one IRL really used the 6x AIM-54 loadout, but the jet can carry it, and all that. Personally, I don't like that loadout either as I prefer again, a more mixed load of 2 x AIM-9, 2X AIM-7, and 4X AIM-54, but that's just me. And since I paid for it, I'll play it how I want, you play it how you want, and hopefully we'll both have tons of fun. I know I'm very much enjoying learning the Ah64. There are bugs, and it's very early. But honestly I didn't expect it to be as good as it is in early release. And it ONLY GOING TO GET BETTER! I personally think it's the best early access release ED has made, and I think it's one of the best modules out there. And again, I can only imagine how much better it will get as they add features and work out bugs. Right now if someone asked the top three aircraft modules to buy, in my opinion I'd say the Hornet, just cause it can do so much, the Ah64, because it's so good, and probably the F14 or A10 because those are such specialized jets that they do their jobs very, very well. But again, this is all just my opinion. When (if, lol) the F15 comes out the Ah64, the F14, and the F15 are what I'll be flying most of the time. Still love the rest of my planes and helicopters, but some are certainly better than others. Anyway, let me know how you figured out that multiplayer thing, cause we're having all sorts of trouble with it in my squadron.

Okay, so I've been playing the Ah64 basically since it came out. And by that, I mean I have given up sleeping, eating, and have rigged a relief tube to my simpit. The calming voice of George and the RWR, "Missile, Missile", plus three IV lines of energy drinks have kept my Apache flying. (lol) I've played it in multiplayer for about 8-10 hours, plus at least as much on my own. The 16 Hellfire Loadout is pointless currently for my use. I have only once managed to use 16 Hellfires, and I only used them because I was wishing for more gun ammo or rockets. Unless you have a really squared away CPG buddy in the front seat, you just won't have time to shoot 16 Hellfires using George at this stage of release. You'll run out of fuel, get shot down, or screw up your hover and hit a tree or mountain long before you use all those missiles. In the multiplayer servers I've played on, there isn't exactly a shortage of Apache players. So if there are 16 targets at an objective, and you load 16 hellfire's, and take off, and fly there without getting shot down or hitting a tree, Some other guy who is flying faster because they only loaded 8 hellfires will have gotten there first and wiped out half the targets. Oh, and then there are still a few A10 drivers in this game who like to remind everyone who flies a hornet what a real cluster bomb can do. Oh, and Hind pilots still are out and about, and Then a Harrier comes in and does a 10 JDAM ripple and wipes out all the targets in one pass. Someone mentioned IRL. Well IRL a JTAC will make some semblance of function from the numerous aviation assets looking to put warheads on foreheads. But... this isn't RL, this is online (or single player, I know) gaming with super complicated modules (which I love, just saying, people...) And any multiplayer environment unless highly regulated, is going to be missile and bomb spam as everyone fights to be the first to kill the targets. No one fakes a tummy ache and mission aborts in DCS. The ground crew doesn't abort your mission and disconnect you when they find a leak in your tire. It is everyone trying with reckless abandon to kill a very targets before everyone else. I don't know any DCS players who quit because they got PTSD from watching their bombs impact. You don't have time to use 16 hellfire's at the current stage of AH64 development in most multiplayer servers. In single player you could, but I personally think the Ah64 handles terribly with that loadout. To me it would be like loading a Gazelle with 4 Hot's, an IR shroud, a dust filter and 100% fuel. Sure, you can, but why would you want to? Personally at least some of the enjoyment I get from DCS is from actually flying the module, and 16 Hellfire Ah64 just isn't as much fun to fly. I feel the same way about a Viper with 6 CBU97's and 6 Mavericks. It's just not enjoyable for me. But hey, you paid for that Ah64, and if it makes you happy to fly it with 16 Hellfire's, laying waste to enemy tanks, go for it. Personally, I'll pass.

I made a mission for my Squadron (Arrorian Imperial Navy) and I made some neutral aircraft client. When the mission loaded no one could select neutral, only red or blue. It's not a big deal, as it was our server so we could just fight one another if we wanted. (It's was a private dogfight practice) But I wondered if there was a way around this. If not, I'd like to request that ED make it possible to fly as neutral in multi-player. (No, I have have no idea how complicated or simple this might be, I'm just making the request.) Thanks, and see you in the skies

Swaps. There are other factors as well. Sometimes people don't read the designer notes and try and make the mod work when they didn't install it right, or they don't have the required other mods. As an example when I was newer to dcs I saw the F22 mod. Looks great, right? Free? So I downloaded it, followed the install instructions and then... didn't work. At the time I didn't own FC3 or the F15C. Many mods require other aircraft to function. The mod developer will use existing ED code, or an instrument panel on the mod aircraft. The F22 requires the F15c or the FC3 mod to work because it borrows components. There are few, very few aircraft mods which are completely standalone and do not require other mods. The 2 I can think of off the top of my head are the excellent community A4 Skyhawk and the UH60L. Most other mods are going to require you to own one of the aircraft from fc3, sometimes multiple. The Su57 mod uses the Su33, the F22 uses the F15C, and so on. Here is a list of the best mods that I use, other people will have different opinions. But these mods almost never get broken when a patch drops. (In my experince) Community A4 EC UH60L Blackhawk. (Still a little beta, but very good. And it'll only get better.) Military Aircraft Mod. This mod adds the B2, C5 and a bunch of other military aircraft for THE AI. you can't fly in them, but it really makes missions look better in my opinion. The Civil Aviation mod. Just what it says. It puts airliners into AI so you can have them do stuff in mission maker. Simple standalone radio. (SRS) this is one you'll want. It sorta replicates real radios in your aircraft, allowing you to talk to other players on that frequency while in multi-player. It's super cool. The SRS developers drop a patch every time there is an DCS update. Echo19 sound mod. OMG... you won't know until you use it. But I love it. I use the core sound mod, just because I have yet taken the time to get the other one, which I will, I just to forget to go and do it. This is a free mod, but they will politely as you for a donation. Anyway, try those mods and enjoy flying in dcs. Edit: forgot to add, anyone is welcome to come and fly with us at AIN. Link to the AIN discord is on our squadron page here on the forums.

Thanks. It's always nice to be reassured a little when spending that sort of money. Honestly, I'm just super excited about the whole set up. Last I checked my stuff was in France.

Update. Yesterday my order left the shipping hub in Lithuania and was in Belgium about 12 hours ago. Total time from placing order until shipment was just a little over 3 weeks. I will update further when I know more, IE about U.S. Customs and such.

I am having same issue. The binding is set, has no effect on Helicopter.

I had this today. I think it's a range issue. Depending on range and alt George doesn't like some targets. I switch to LOAL mode and then he would only fire once in range. So I believe this is connected to ranging, but I'm behind the experts in the AH-64. However, I think that there is a work around. In LOBL, slave George to a target. Then don't let him fire, instead use your Pilot WAS switch --> Missile, then pull the trigger yourself, hold it, and the hellfire will shoot. George lases a target when you fire this way. I haven't tried it to do serious work, but I have used this method to shoot up buildings and such, and the missiles do track.

I said that once as well... lol

the first jets are always the hardest. Once you get how the game, and how the different jets sorta work. (like master modes, etc. you'll get it.) and like I said, any time you want a couple flight lessons, I can get you started and on your way.

I agree on the head tracking and good HOTAS. Makes all the difference.

I ordered my stuff just in time! (Febuary) I'm excited to get it all, but you don't get virpil stuff quick. Thankfully they've billed me, which should me a few more weeks.

Welcome to the community. Okay, I know it's all confusing at first. I can give you a few pieces of advice which helped me. First, learn how "sensor of Interest" works. "Not SOI" will be on your MFD, that means that display isn't the sensor of interest, IE the one you are working with. the F16, F/A-18, A-10 and AV8b all work by having a master mode I.E. air to air, air to ground, navigation, etc. Once you get a master mode, make sure your master arm is on, (left side of cockpit in F16) So AA master mode, Master Arm on, make your Fire Control Radar (FCR) the sensor of interest. (not mandatory in air to air, depends on what you're doing. (I.E. the dogfight modes.) To help there are a few buttons you'll need. First, "Data Management Switch." in the tutorials this is called "DMS" it's a 4 way switch on the stick. DMS down will cycle through your display's making one or the other sensor of interest. (forward makes the HUD SOI). Next you'll need "Target Management Switch" it's another 4 way found on the F16 stick. TMS forward will lock a target on your Fire Control radar. TMS Right will cycle through targets, left conducts an Identification Freind or Foe check, down unlocks a target. Holding TMS long (meaning a longer press than normal, I.E. press and hold.) does other things. Basicly each switch does different things if pressed and held, or just pressed short. It also does different things depending on the master mode. For example the nose wheel steering button turns your steering on/ off while on the ground. In the air cycles through missile stations and other things. Okay, So, i know it's confusing at first. We've all been there. But once you understand the concept behind how the jet works, you'll pick things up rapidly. You just need some of the basics down. Long post, sorry, just a bit more. Here is the link to the Chuck's Guide for the F-16. Chuck writes his own guides for sim aircraft, and he does and outstanding job. Chuck's guides are the go to for many DCS players, myself included. (it's handing having a reference up on my second screen when I haven't flow a jet in awhile and such.) Chuck also explains the controls and what they do. It should help. Chuck’s Guides – DCS F-16C Viper | Mudspike Lastly. It very much helped me when I had someone to fly with, some instructor support so to speak. Someone did it for me, so I'll pay it forward. We've got more than a few people in my discord who know the F16 very well. I wouldn't say I'm an expert at it, but I can certainly help get you off to a good start. Drop by anytime and just ask anyone you find for help. Or message me personally on discord. Here's the link to my discord. https://discord.gg/JuBydbsfDn Good luck, and let me know if there's anything I can help with.

I fly on you guy's conquest server. In fact, Fish I know you've shot me down! Conquest is one of the best multiplayer servers out there in DCS, hands down. You guys did a really great job on the mission and the whole play dynamic. All of us at AIN have Conquest saved to our favorites, and we usually have a flight or 2 on your server 2-4 times a week. Screen shot of a little AIN runway redecoration.

You are all welcome to come and try out AIN. We're casual, and we have a good group of people. There is almost always a wingman or 3 around. We've got one really good Hwag Driver, one Really knowledgeable Tomcat guy, A least 8 hornet pilots, including myself (sometimes). In fact, apart from a few warbirds, I can't think of a module that someone in our group doesn't know extremely well. Drop by the discord or send me a message on here or on discord. Here's a link to the Arrorian Imperial Navy discord. [AIN] https://discord.gg/JuBydbsfDn Edit: Currently I'm flying with the Winwing orion Hotas and stick as well, it's a nice stick. I love it for the hornet.

Catfish you're welcome to come and fly with AIN. We've got a pretty good group, including people who know just about all the jets in DCS. We've got Tomcat drivers, Heli pilots, most of us have the Hornet, and 90% of us know it pretty well. About half our group has the Ah-64 on preorder. We're mostly USA eastern Time, but we've got people in the UK, India, South Africa, U.S. Mountain Time, and probably other places. About 25% of our group has the A-10, and one of guys flies it 95% of the time he's flying anything. I have it, but I don't know it hardly at all. In addition to our regular flying (usually at 4-6 people are on every night, more on weekends and such) we also share open-source intel and have lively discussions on just about anything military. (And cars, most of us love fast cars, and Jeeps, we love Jeeps.) If you're interested in flying with us, just drop by the discord or send me a message in discord or the forums. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Happy flying. https://discord.gg/JuBydbsfDn

Yeah, like I said, I'm not worried as it's virpil and their stuff always takes time to arrive. But I know some people are, and as I have stuff on order I figured everyone would want to know what is going on. on the Virpil forms they are being very straight with people and there's lots of admin posts about reassuring people. (I'm really, really excited about this stuff...) Anyway, like I said, Ill keep everyone up to date. FYI, let me know how you like that collective. I'm considering one as well. But there was only so much my wife was willing to get me for my birthday, lol.

Hey everyone, I know the world is a mess right now. A couple days before the invasion of Ukraine my wife ordered me a full setup of controls from Virpil. Then war broke out... Anyway. I was wondering how badly I'm going to get screwed... Kidding, but we all know that Virpil is headquartered in Belarus, and ships from Lithuania. Of course, getting anything from Virpil is always a waiting game, so... Anyway, I went on their forums looking for answers, seeing what's going on, etc. My wife ordered me the following products. Alpha Conny Grip, right. Mongoose base Mongoose CM3 throttle VPC ace collection Rudder Pedals. and some mounts. (Free shipping!) It's been a week, and the order hasn't shipping, which of course is COMPLETLY normal for Virpil from what I understand. On the forums a company rep posted this... "Posted Saturday at 07:43 AM Hello everyone, I can confirm that we are still operating as expected per our usual order process. Orders are still being dispatched daily from our worldwide distribution center in Lithuania and successfully delivered! If you have any questions about an order please feel free to get in touch with our support team who will be more than happy to help with any questions." Here's the link to the post. Safe to order equiment - General Discussion - VIRPIL Controls So, that's the word from Virpil, and I'm not expecting anything to arrive at my house for at few more weeks, at the soonest. I will keep everyone updated as Virpil updates me and I encourage anyone to share how they are doing if they have controls on order from overseas. The world shipping market is taking a big hit as commercial carriers are seeing an increase in fuel prices and insurance rates. I currently have a Winwing Orion set, which I'm very happy with, but it did come from China. I know VKB also ships from China. So lets keep one another up to date. ~See you in the skies.

Gomez, I 100% agree on TrackIR. It completely changed the sim. I can glance left or right to see my wingman, down to look at a target as my bombs hit, and glance at gauges and instruments. Personally I use TrackIR5 pro, I know people who use trackIR regular, and I play with a guy who uses a system called TobII which tracks eye movement. Also one guy I fly with uses VR, and there are a few who don't use head tracking or anything. Headtracking is worth it. The people I know who dont' have it, want it and are going to get it. Makes a world of difference. My buddy gave me this link to his tobii. I haven't used it, but he insists it's the best head tracking he's ever used, and I trust his judgment. https://gaming.tobii.com/product/eye-tracker-5/ Here is the link to TrackIR, which I use, and I love it. Seriously, I wouldn't fly without it now. (or at least some headtracking.) https://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/ As to the A4 flying in a circle. As someone else said, check your trim. Second, and this is probably part of it. Check your axis tune and see if your stick is centering properly. If it's not you might need to put in a little bit of a dead zone. (Axis Commands/ Tune Axis, all under adjust controls tab) The stick you're using, and several others will develop that problem from time to time because of the internal design. It's no big deal, just a little axis tuning, and a dead zone should fix it. Oh and retrimming your jet as most airplanes won't fly perfectly level without any trim. If you change the power, fuel load, altitude...etc, you'll need to trim. (wind... etc)

rafale, I'm running a similar set up except 64g of ram. I haven't yet upgraded by GC and it's a 1660 Ti. I use Track IR and it works fine, but VR HOGS your graphics card. I'd say get one of the headtracking systems, Toby, TrackIR, etc. They work well. As Draconus said, you can do the free trails sure. That being said... if you love an airplane, get it and start learning it. You'll buy it eventually and learning in a jet you love makes the whole experience better, in my opinion. Yes, it will take some dedication to get it, but most people who can read the manuals and have someone to fly with can become fairly capable of the F/A-18 or M2000 in a few weeks of flying. (Depending on how much you fly during those weeks...) I've found that at about 40 hours in a jet I have a good basic grasp of the systems and perform most tasks. However, getting to the point of knowing everything from navigation, air to ground, air to air, landings, take off's, spin recovery, carrier landings, PvP combat, well that takes time. spend the time and you'll get good, it's as simple as that. If you have questions or need help, feel free to drop by the AIN discord, we'll help you out in way we can. Here's the link. https://discord.gg/WyJWTnhTkB

Sheepdog, You don't need rudder pedals if you have the Gladiator. (It's my spare stick, so I've got a bit of time with it.) For the F16 you can bind all sorts of stuff, or just the basics, it's up to you. Personally when i get a new plane/ helicopter in dcs or a new joystick or button box or whatever, I start with the basic bindings then I move on from there based on what i use most and what buttons, etc I have available for binding stuff. The Basics for the F-16 are probably the Data management switch ( a four way, put it on your stick). this tells the jet which screen you want to action, called SOI, or Sensor of interest. It does other stuff as well, but you've read the manual. You'll need it. Second, you'll need the Target Management Switch, or TMS. Put this on your stick as well. This locks targets, puts your targeting pod into point track, and controls the dogfight modes radar just for starters. IT's a mandatory. The front right button on your stick you should bind as "NWS/ Missile step" (Nose Wheel Steering). It will turn on/off the steering of the front landing gear, and once in the air and your gear is up, it changes between missiles and such. Again more in the manual. You'll need something to control the throttle, and the radar curser (look under axis commands I can't remember the exact name for the binding). Bind the "CAGE/ UNCAGE" and the FOV toggle. Of course you'll need the weapons release, and on your stick you can bind first and second stage triggers. There is loads more of course, but that should get you started. Good luck, and welcome to DCS. If there's anything we can help you with, stop by the AIN discord here. https://discord.gg/WyJWTnhTkB you might want to check out the chuck's guides on the F-16, they are a great resource. here's that link. Chuck’s Guides – DCS F-16C Viper | Mudspike