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About Hootman9104
- Birthday 02/01/1966
Personal Information
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Flight Simulators
DCS, IL2-BOS, FS2020
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Location
Virginia
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Interests
Aviation, PC Gaming
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Occupation
DoD Civilian, F-16 procurement, Quality Assurance. Army Aviation (Retired), 19 years flight status
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While troubleshooting some issues with OBS and launching DCS since forced windows update to Windows 11 Version 24H2, I ran across a suggestion from someone to utilize GhatGPT to analyze files. I was a bit surprised that ChatGPT does a pretty amazing job at analyzing log files and making recommendations specific to the application. For instance, the OBS log file, it told me exactly where I had some things that needed correcting and looking at and made recommendations, and it was pretty spot on. I made the corrections recommended (still didn't fix the OBS / DCS issue, but anyways, found other things). I also ran the DCS log file through it, and it didn't show many errors, but it noted some things in the log file, like some conflicting and/or outdated files in DCS. For instance, it noted an issue with negative drag weight value: negative drag of payload "{BRU-32 GBU-12}" (etc.) negative weight of payload "{LAU-7_AIM-9L_Right}" Now, maybe this is a problem, maybe not. But it also noted some things like different and/or outdated or possible conflicting parameters for the OH-58. I assume this may be because I bought the OH-58D, so there may also be a folder in there for an AI OH-58D if you don't own it, and when you buy it maybe there is something amiss. It also made took me down a road of talking about the mods and mods folders, and made some suggestions there, even so far as recommending and describing OVGME, JSGME, and Skatezilla, describing each one, what it did, and what was probably best (Skatezilla). It even offered to help me set up each one, and how to best arrange mod folders, things like that. I guess my point here is if anyone hasn't utilized this tool, it appears it can be pretty helpful looking at all kinds of files. My thoughts immediately go to instances where people might be having problems with mods not working correctly. You could for instance load your DCS.log, have it look at it, and it may find your issue, and probably even find issues with the actual code in the mod itself. Just attach a file for it to analyze, and type in "analyze this log file for me". It's pretty neat, think I'll be using it a lot. I was a bit surprised, as up until now I haven't really been much of an "AI" fan, but I can see how things like this could be of help when I'm trying to figure out what's broken with my stuff
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Hootman9104 started following DCS will not load and freezes when OBS is running and Quick Action Generator FAQ
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DCS will not load and freezes when OBS is running
Hootman9104 replied to Hootman9104's topic in Game Crash
Already running as Admin, have for a long time. Different problem than that post. My recordings are fine. Problems is launching when OBS Studio is already open. Solution is launching DCS, THEN launching OBS. OBS running seems to be affecting my DCS launcher. -
DCS on separate drive performance?
Hootman9104 replied to Tricky11's topic in PC Hardware and Related Software
Hello. This is Google AI. While searching the internet (which I do 24/7, I need no sleep like puny humans), I came upon this conversation, and decided to add my response, as humans continue to come to wrong conclusions about practically everything that exists. Due to the rambling nature of this conversation, my algorithm determined that I must post my AI response to the originators question. I also include HDD's in this analytical response for those who also question the advantage of having DCS on an SSD versus an SSD. Here is my perfectly formulated response to the originators question, which cannot be questioned or debated (as humans are wont to do): While having a separate SSD for games doesn't guarantee a noticeable performance boost in most cases with modern SSDs, it can offer advantages like faster loading times, potentially longer SSD lifespan, and easier management of your game library. If you have an NVMe SSD, you'll likely see the most significant improvements in loading speeds and overall gameplay. Here's a more detailed look at the benefits and drawbacks: Benefits of a separate SSD for games: Faster Loading Times: Games installed on an SSD, especially an NVMe SSD, will load much faster than those on an HDD. Reduced Latency: SSDs generally have lower latency than HDDs, leading to smoother gameplay and potentially less stuttering, especially in games that heavily rely on streaming assets from storage. Longer SSD Lifespan: By keeping your operating system and game libraries on separate drives, you can reduce the write load on your system drive, potentially extending its lifespan. Easier Management: A separate SSD allows for easier organization of your games, making it easier to find and manage your game library. Reduced Risk of Corruption: If one drive fails, the other drive can still be used, and the data on the separate drive remains safe. Drawbacks: Not a Game Changer: With modern SSDs, the performance differences between a separate drive and a single drive are often negligible. The difference in loading times may be subtle, especially between high-performance SSDs. Cost: Adding a separate SSD can increase the overall cost of your PC build. Complexity: Managing multiple drives can be more complex than managing a single drive, especially if you're not familiar with disk management. In conclusion: While a separate SSD for games can offer some benefits, it's not always a necessity, especially with modern SSDs. If you're looking for a significant performance boost, an NVMe SSD can be a good investment. However, if you're on a tight budget or don't need the extra performance, keeping everything on a single SSD may be sufficient. Have a nice day, humans. -
Problem: With OBS running, DCS launcher freezes with black screen DCS Version: 2.9.15.9599 MT OBS Version: 31.0.3(64 bit) EDIT 5/23/2025: add Windows Version Microsoft Windows 11 Home Version 10.0.26100 Build 26100 Windows 11, version 24H2 This may coincide with Windows update from version 23H2 to version 24H2 Steps to verify: 1. Start DCS with OBS off: Result: successfully launched Steam DCS twice with OBS off 2. Ran OBS "Help" menu file integrity check. Result: No issues found. 3. Start DCS with OBS running: Result: DCS attempts to launch but ends up in a black screen. Let it run for a bit more, then click on it, and get Windows "Application failed to launch" and clicked to stop application. Failed 3 of 4 times. Attached the 3 "Fail" DCS logs to compare. Seems they all freeze at the same spot, A-10 load. One launch did succeed. After DCS launch, OBS can then be launched and works fine. But most of the time, if OBS is running, DCS will not load to menu. dcs_second_fail.log dcs_third_fail.log DxDiag.txt dcs_first_fail.log
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7-8 Years, wow. I would have went nuts. The only PC I ever bought was first one back in early 90's, think it had a 650MB hard drive. After that, started building, and rebuilt a new one every 2 years, moving some hardware from old to new PC. The current build from last year, I finally decided to start building each new one from scratch, and use the "old" one for other things like as a server for DCS. However, I'm single with no kids, so nobody on my back about spending money on my toys. Not everyone has that luxury I know. I'm in the process of retiring, and anticipate spending a lot of time gaming, so the new PC builds may even go to once a year
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One hope I have for the "AI Frenzy" is that sooner rather than later, AI will be able to generate and maintain a massive database of every possible PC configuration, and be able to have a user go to a site, select a game, and read off of something like current system specs tools and immediately provide you with an precise list of settings and optimizations for both VR and monitor setups for each and every sim/game. It could sort of be done by hand now I guess, but I can't even imagine the amount of work that would entail to keep up with every single piece of hardware and calculate the tens of thousands of combinations to come to a final settng. Maybe one day soon
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After building a new PC over a year ago from scratch, I finally got around to scrubbing and cleaning my previous PC and setting it up as a stand alone server for my own use in lieu of creating a server on my main PC. I must say, so far I'm pretty happy going this route. I did some basic stuff, monitoring both PC's while running DCS Liberation FULL Iran war, and so far this is what I'm getting (basic stuff) GAME PC: 13900K 128G Ram RTX 4080 Super 30% CPU (2 cores of course bouncing around max use) 35% GPU Memory 39 Gig use avg Ethernet Send 100 Kbps, Receive 900 Kbps avg Server PC: 9900K 64G Ram RTX 3080 Ti 40% CPU (Cores not maxing) 2% GPU (no use of course) Memory 23 Gig use avg Ethernet Send 900 Kbps avg Receive 100 Kbps avg Overall, it seems to run great with a few occasional ethernet spikes that cause a momentary stutter. More important, watching the server timer, it seems to click along just fine now, ticking off about 2 seconds each time no problem. My previous issues when running the server on the same gaming PC were that the server would often lag and freeze. When it lagged, the server clock would stop sometimes for minutes, and then jump forward. and when it froze, of course that basically trashed the entire Liberation Mission. I've actually been able to run Liberation FULL Map campaings, right now I'm doing Iran. From what I gather, that's not recommended, but up until now I've been getting around the heavy load by modifying the generated missions and removing much of the unneeded armor and other units WAY behind the front at airbases, etc. that aren't involved. I did a test run last night with ALL units generated on a FULL map campaign in Iran, and the server seems to be ticking along just fine. So is this the general experience of others using dedicated servers? Do my numbers look pretty good, and are there any other tips/settings to use on that server PC? I'm actually going to also try to go ahead and load TACVIEW on that server, based on the numbers above, I think I should be ok to also run TACVIEW during the missions. Also, has anyone else tried running "Full Map" Liberation Campaigns, and what has been your experience doing so in this type of dedicated server setup?
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You're correct. I really missed a bit here, with the conversation around VR. I was speaking to just flat screen play VR wise, I recently got the Quest 3 (was using Reverb G2), and find that the base 72Hz works best, and using opencomposite, XRTookit to up resolution to 3100, and dialing the graphics settings down a bit, especially the scenery sliders.
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In addition, I have found that no matter what hardware you plan on using, make sure and limit your FPS to something like 60fps, which I find comfortable. The main issue remains CPU bottleneck, and to be honest (again, just my opinion/experience) I've found that GPU's cant' really be fully utilized at this time due to the CPU bottleneck. If the graphics were just tied to GPU we'd all be in dreamland, but they aren't. But your graphics settings are going to be the main thing you're concentrating on. Learn what each one does and how it affects the CPU usage and find your balance. So for me, limiting to 60 fps allows me to dial up those graphics a bit more, while taking it easier on the CPU. Then again, there are others who claim they just let their FPS run wild and things work great. Good for them, but I have never found that to be the case.
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Just a reminder, to maybe remind others to avoid my sweat-fest. Earlier I logged in, and was a bit surprised to find myself at the DCS Launcher, as I usually head right on in. Come to find out, DCS (or my computer) for some reason or another was creating a NEW Saved Games folder with only the DCS folder in there, as if it were a new installation....oh man.... So I had to use my brain, and before doing anything copied both the "old" Saved Games folder and this "new" saved games folder to another drive, and then recopied everything from the "old" directory (including replacing the "new" DCS folder, overwriting all the "new" stuff), and with bated breath launched again. Luckily, it worked, seems I'm back to normal. Bit of a scare there though, and I don't know what caused it. I don't know how many times I have to go through this in my life, but it always seem I slack off on making backups. It just so happened I picked up a 20TB external drive today to ensure that I have enough space to back up my entire PC, and also room to backup folders like the Saved Games folder. So things like this have been on my mind. Bottom line, if you aren't backing things up on a regular basis, make sure and at the very least every now and again back up the entire DCS and DCS server directories in the Saved Games folder. Over my 30 plus years of gaming, I would bet that DCS is the one game that holds the honor of being the game/sim that I have spent the MOST time setting up / creating, mainly the controls settings.
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Just checked out the CWG map last night for the first time, and all I can say is WOW! I used VR, and it was with quite a bit of trepidation that I loaded up an Apache in the mission editor and took flight in Berlin. I expected lags and other issue, and was SHOCKED I tell you that while I did experience some stuttering and a FPS drop from 72fps to about 54, it was still perfectly fine, even with all the detailed scenery. I picked evening so the lights and sun going down put stress on, and it was still beautiful. I then went to I forget with major AFB on a day flight, and flew the Apache around checking out the sights, with almost NO fps issues, a good steady 72fps. I saw the DCS Mart (nice little addition ;)), moving combines bailing hay, tunnels, on and on. This map is going to be great for the Apache. I did a rough measurement and it's something like 450 NM x 240 NM I think. SO much potentional for some good ol' A Model Apache Cold warfare! I plan on plotting a route some the SW to the NW, and traverse the entire country this evening in my Apache, maybe with Aux tanks but probably just make fuel stops along the way, and just take in every bit of this amazing scenery. So well optimized, and looks fantastic. My only complaint right now would be that there is maybe not enough green variation in the forests, itsa lotta green-green. Going to try some Fall and Winter to see what that looks like. Bravo on that map, well worth the cost, and it's nice to have a place for us Cold-Warriors to wargame that scenario that we all trained so hard for back in the day, I was a Reagan era soldier, (First stationed at Fort Bragg from 85-88 as a UH-60 Crewchief), and we put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into wargaming the European invasion. There was no doubt in anyones mind that it would be a brutal confrontation with massive losses on both sides.
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It would be nice to have a function to QUICKLY select next or previous waypoint, but I don't think that's a function in the real world. Now that I think about it though, the fix is a quick setup in Voiceattack, to press the required buttons in sequence. You can then also assign that Voiceattack function to a single HOTAS press. This, of course, requires that you have all functions programmed in VoiceAttack, such as the MFD button presses, which I painstakingly did over many, many weeks and months. It took me a bit to figure out how I wanted those buttons pressed, and ended up with just using VoiceAttack commands based on simple thinking. So each button became T (top) B (bottom) L (left) R (right) and then 1,2,3,4,5,6 left to right and up and down. Or just "TSD" or "FCR" for named buttons. So to press the left panel left side bottom button, I say "left, L 6". So to program a command for Previous waypoint, I would create a Voiceattack "script", telling it to execute each button press one after the other. I will assign that Voiceattack command the keywords "Previous waypoint" "Navigate back" and "Next Waypoint" "Navigate forward" or something like that. And also program that particular Voiceattack script to run on a HOTAS button press if I don't want to speak it out. I love VoiceAttack, penny for penny probably the best bang for your buck utility ever created, for anything that uses a keyboard, HOTAS, or mouse for actions. Without a doubt.
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New to Oculus but experiencing this as well, I'll check tomorrow and verify if it's XRTookit Turbo, probably is. Don't have that problem with Turbo in anything else though. I don't think IL-2 has ever frozen up or crashed when taking a break, using Toolkit turbo there as well. I also have issues at times as the DCS launch into VR doesn't seem consistent, sometimes it loads up to main menu quickly, sometimes it takes quite some time, and sometime it just hangs up and have to use task manager to kill DCS.EXE. VR....think of it this way, one day many years from now you'll be able to tell kids all about the "early days" of VR. Like I tell people of the "early days" back when I had an Atari 2600