Rastus

Its a real shame we no longer have the online chat abilities we used to have in Hyperlobby. It was a great place to hang out, and we could always help each other out easily. It would mostly solve this Situation. We need to keep it positive, so they might learn what they need to, and then come back online. :) Regards, Rastus S!

Here's one, right back at ya :)

I am several months away from a new build & considering which OS. I will probably go XP but watching with interest several threads about the new Windows 7. Even though it’s still in beta, sounds like it might be a better system than Vista. Whether it’s better than XP has yet to be seen, though I do understand Vista & Win 7 make better use of memory & multicore management which is a major plus. My choice of OS will be determined by results in BS (Vista / Win7 wins), FC, FSX & Arma 2. How does Vista / Win 7 affect FC? Cheers

Thanks guys, seems the high end ASUS boards suffer more faults than the cheaper (basic) ones. All the features are maybe just gimmics which add to unreliability? Maybe some models are more reliable, but I am slowly getting put off by all the negative’s I am reading. Yeah that is because of the mother board, not the RAM itself. The “my board worked great for a year until….” Seems to be a common complaint with these particular boards. I want to build this computer around the processor and GPU, not around the MB’s peculiarities. BTW, yes I will be getting best RAM I can. I am not anti-asus yet, but finding a Gigabyte, intel or some other board seems to be my new focus. Some OC ability will be nice but I no intent of going extreme, just a bit of a boost (on air with decent CPU Fan). I am having a low income month at the moment so, plenty of time for research. Any suggestions appreciated. Rastus

Awesome, Would be interested to know her impressions of BS.

Congratulations ED & Team [OT] Have you tried Battlecruiser. Its getting a bit old now & doesnt have a 3D cockpit as such. But it does require a lot of micro management which is kind of fun, and its open ended, partialy scripted campaigns are endlessly playable. [end of OT] Would especially like to thank the BETA-Testers, who donated a whole lot of time into this project & helped get it right. Cheers

It WAS an early version, which was a lot easier to fly, at the time I even had a Red Bull type course I could get through, not any more. The finished product is a whole new (and better) beast to manage. Geat video though :) Cheers

"and of course be able to run DCS:BS quite decent." I currently building a new machine & discovering that for just a little more monitary output you can get a lot more without breaking the bank. Trying to save money on your initial build almost always costs a lot more. Especially when you get your new puter running & find yourself turning everything down to lowest settings, which was probably not the point of spending all that money. 1: E8500 is a great processor @ 3.16 Ghz & cheap at the moment. Read other posts & you will soon realize BS is CPU (Ghz) dependant. You can go cheaper & OC if you are confident with that sort of thing. I am not sure about AMD stuff, just get the fastest (Ghz) you can afford in Dual core. 2: min 2 GB 800 3: as far as I am aware the 9600 series are not really meant for gaming, they are a low budget card for low performance applications. Most people here seem to use the 8800 series quite happily and these are at a reasonable price as well. 4: your choice, some have mentioned a FPS improvement with vista using multiple cores. 5: Re-read post by okolovos I am not sure if your prices are from retail shop or internet, but shop around, especially Ebay. It is easier $$ (psychologically harder) to get the parts slowly as you can afford them, & you end up with a higher quality build that WILL run BS & other games "Quite Decent". Spend some time doing the research, It costs nothing & will save you wasting money. You also learn a lot about the all different components & how they go together which is great for getting value for money & a few extra FPS while you are at it. My friends of the 169th_Panthers have a few good articles here: http://169thpanthers.com.au/forum/viewforum.php?f=22&sid=eb718a122d1e5151c2d8150965322c6c Cheers, Rastus.

Guess I will answer my own post for anyone else who is as confused as I was. I have to admit being worried about the Intel message “Processor will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel EM64T-enabled BIOS”. Turns out all MB/BIOS which support core 2 architecture are capable or running the EM64T CPU. I scored this chip for the same price as an E8500 as (Ebay) seller & buyers were scared off by the EM64T thing. So I took a chance & snapped it up. I do realize that for FC & BS, I would have been better off with the faster E series, but am happy with my purchase. It’s going to S#^t all over my current P4 2.4 AGP system (which has given me a decade of enjoyment & runs BS OK). So now it’s down to building the system around the chip. I have to admit liking all the features of the high end ASUS boards but worried about the shear number of faults being reported at forums, my post was buried behind around 150 others within 24 hrs at the ASUSTek forums. That’s a worry. I wonder if all those fancy OC features make the boards less stable. Anyone with experience, feel free to coment. Anyway I hope this post helps others as I found the (EM64T) info to be very hard to find on the net. And you may even score a cheap CPU out of it :) Cheers Rastus

Hi, I am in the process of slowly getting the bits together for my new dedicated game machine and have just come across a cheap Q9650 (EM64T). According to Intel: “Processor will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel EM64T-enabled BIOS.” So I want to get the right board. I understand the EM64T is for 64 bit OS operation, but I am unsure if I really want to go there yet, though I do want the system to be capable of it. Can you run a 32 Bit OS with this CPU? Upgradability is a major factor in this build and now I need to find a good MB which supports this EM64T thing. I was looking at a high end ASUS MB (780i or 790i to go with a GTX280) but they don’t mention this EM64T specifically. They do mention 64 bit compatibility but I am unsure if it is the same thing. I will go with another brand if necessary & even go intel chipset, but I do want a quality high end board with good OC features. Any help appreciated Rastus

Here's a copy of my list, Only takes a few times to get familiar with the switches though I would probbably change the order a bit nowdays. RP = Right Panel, RRP = Rear Right, FLP = Front Left, etc. RP Batteries 1 & 2 > on, AC External, DC External, Forward Fuel Pumps, Rear Fuel Pumps, Fuel Gauge, APU Fuel Shutoff – on Collision Beacon, Fire extinguishing system, Standby Attitude Indicator, Intercom, VHF 1 & 2, Radio Datalink & UHF & SA-TLF, RRP INU Power, Hydraulics Power (Down) FLP Engine Selector –Switch to left for APU selection, Start APU, LP Check APU Start FP Abbris, RP Left / Right Engine Fuel Shutoff Valve, Left / Right Engine Governor FLP Engine Selector (Bottom left for Left Eng), Rotor Brake > disable, Left Engine > Start, When RPM ~ 18% > Left Engine cutoff valve > on When RPM ~ 70% > Engine selector > Select Other Engine & Repeat, APU > Shutdown Increase Automatic Engine power by 2 > PAGE UP x 2 RP AC Left / Right Generators > on, AC & DC External Power > Off, Shkval Scan rate > 1, Autopilots > on, Auto Alt Hold > Radar, Nav master mode > Route, INS Waypoint mode, INS Waypoint 1 Ejection Seat > All on, Weapons control systems > on, APU Fuel Valve > Off, IFF & Navigation Systems > on RRP Countermeasures (ctr covered), Laser Warning FP Standby Attitude Indicator > Uncage ADI Zero pitch Trim > Adjust, Radar ALT Warning > set, , Master Arm > Off LP Shkval Targeting System > on, Laser Standby Mode > on R-Ctrl C = Cockpit Door I found this handy as it fits onto an A4 page, or on a second monitor. Cheers Rastus

I have always had this problem & it never realy bothered me, but reading this gave me an idea, (I was using Pinky switch & Trigger for "Release Weapon"). Try programing (in SST) "Space" in trigger & "RAlt" in Second Trigger. Works for me. Hope it helps Rastus

Track IR http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/ Or if your on a tight budget make a home made version (easy). http://www.free-track.net/english/ I know these have both been mentioned before. But it's what most of us use, and all agree, once you get used to tracking, you just can't fly without it. It really is that good. Check out the video's on either site. Cheers Rastus

I have been using a G15 for a while now & like it. Never had an issue. Pro's: Looks cool when all lights are out with backlit keys. Looks cool..... I find CPU/Ram indicator to be usefull in some applications There are some LCD programs for various games, not one for Lockon as far as I know. Maybe a teamspeak application out there somewhere. I have used the extra (G) keys in the past & they are usefull. Cons: Has a larger footprint on desk (if you are limited for space) USB (wont work untill windows loads drivers) so you cant enter bios settup. USB ports (on keyboard) are USB1 (non powered) so, useless. I like mine & it always gets commented on by visitors, "Cool keyboard". Cheers Rastus

Wow! Those 4 aerobatic jets are damn close together. Great pics, must have a nice lens Cheers

Next time you walk past a book store check it out. There are many aviation books with large pictures & general infomation & often fairly cheap. Cheers

Well I tried AF soon after it came out & was dissapointed, to me it looked & felt like an 8 year old sim. To me the main factor was the crappy 3D (Virtual) pit. Having to switch to the 2D pit to see your instruments is a bit sus nowdays, & the Track IR implimentaion in the 2D pit was awfull. Shame cos it is a nice looking & interactive pit. Now I am sure there are probably mods out there that fix this but couldnt find any at the time. And apart from those who have been flying this sim for a long time (I believe there are many) Who wants to go searching for mods, just to make it flyable Too many times, the graphics remind you that this is an old game, & the flight model feels like you are in a "easy flight model" (training) mode, with no feel whatsoever. I guess we have been spoilt with Lockon graphics & flight modeling which add more immersion that a clickable pit could ever do, which makes it very hard to compare the two, Lockon is in a whole different class. I understand those who have been flying this sim (F4) for a long time would have an attachment to it, much like I have an attachment to Longbow2 & Janes FA18, they all have their good points which are not reproduced in lockon, but that doesnt make them better, just different. I dont fly them any more for the same reason I didnt like AF. You can mod the hell out of an old sim, but its still an old sim My own immpression is that F4 is a avionics sim with a great DC, while Lockon is more a flight sim.

As for BS being harder to fly, it is in its current beta state, but as we get closer to release, I imagine it will get a bit easier. Its hard to fly like the 25T was when it first came out. With practice & understanding of its abilities and systems, a lot of people will find the Black Shark to be the most exciting & rewarding aircraft in the game. Dont forget this is a completely different aircraft & can't really be compared to the Jets or even the "T". Cheers.

Nice, but can it do this? http://www.patricksaviation.com/aviation_videos/266/Su-37_Maneuvers

Nice one Xealot. This must have been done with V1.02. In V1.12 the MFD does not show the same unless in TWS mode which is next to useless in todays online environment with so many people relying on their jammers. So to IFF in BVR mode, you now have to rely on the HUD infomation only, double bar is friendly & single bar is enemy. Also the Max / Min missile launch range has 3 markers, "Rmax" Max range for non maneuvering target, "Rtr" Max range for maneuvering target (no escape zone), and "Rmin" minimum range. It is always best to try to get as close to the "Rtr" as possible before launching for maximum effectivenes. Great guide & thanks for sharing it. Cheers.

Well a bit OT, but great to see some other muso's here Tip 1: do not play it in the toilet, If you bust a string - OUCH! You may be crippled for life. LOL, I am still a beginner of 25 Years. There is a quote out there & I am not sure who said it "The guitar is the easiest instrument to learn but the hardest to master". I have to agree. The trick is to work out what you want to do with it (apart from sitting on the toilet). Do you just want to strum a few chords & maybe sing along or get others (at a party) to sing? This is a level that majority of people want to get to and enjoy very much. So get down to the music shop & find a book with 1001 songs with chord charts, & start practicing. Practice changing chords quickly & confidently so you dont have to watch your hands. Print out the words of your favorite songs so others can sing along without having to crowd around your book. Do you want to become a lead guitarist? The easiest way is to get some lessons. You could work it out for yourself but it is much easier & quicker when somebody shows you. Yes, you will have to learn scales & a lot of them, including all the modes. The beauty of lessons is a competent teacher can show you how & when these scales are all used. And dont forget your rhythm skills, even Steve Vai has to play some rhythm. Once you have some basics & can sort of play, the next thing to do is find some others to play with & start jamming songs. This will force you to learn songs & guitar parts that you wouldnt normally think of. Do you want to be a rock star, making a living doing what you love, touring around the country/world, sleaping with beautiful women along the way. Laugh all you like, it is still possible, just be prepared to put a lot of work into it (a lot more than 3 hours a day). When you practice it has to be constructive & not just rehashing tunes & techniques you are allready comfortable with. It is getting a lot harder nowdays to make a living as a muso, with the advent of poker machines, computers, and the whole "home entertainment" thing, a lot of people are not going out to live music venues as often, and are instead sitting at home flying flight sim's and suchlike. Where this is not a bad thing, it does mean that pubs do not pay as much (due to smaller crowds) which makes it harder for us to make a living. If you have a good product that is different than the normal (so you pull people to venues) you may stand a chance. All in all there is a lot of books out there showing various techniques & styles, so spend some money on your hobby, and dont forget the theory. You dont always have to be able to read music but you do need to know how a chord is built & why it is shaped in that damn awkward position (and how to invert it for an easier position). Some books have a CD with the guitar panned to one side so you can practice with a decent backing (I use a Motown book for practicing Bass). Concentrate on one style of playing rather than trying all styles. As you develop, your own style will change. Dont be afraid of concentrating on one favorite artist, no matter how much you try to clone them, you will always be yourself. You will always branch off to other artists & this combination of influences is what determines your own style. Enjoy. Playing guitar or any instrument is an enjoyable experience, either in the bedroom by yourself, at a party in front of friends, or in a stadium full of screaming fans, it's fun, so enjoy the ride. OK, Back to topic Cheers

Yeah, agree with Shepski. I wonder how much time he spent in Lockon setting up his joystick & buttons for "intuitive" settup. I am sure he does find flying the A10 is simple, much like I find playing complex guitar pieces as simple after over 20 years of practice and training. I am sure if we (sim pilots) jumped into a real A10 we would find it very hard and somewhat harder than any PS2 game. Cheers

While were dreaming, My new favorite, The SU37. Check this baby out: http://www.patricksaviation.com/videos.php?action=view&id=266 Cheers.

Well these should help get Tom out of your head. http://www.patricksaviation.com/videos.php?action=search&p=1&q=fighter%20Fling&f=text&pp=10&s=relevance&o=desc 169th Mustang put me on to these, and they are great. Fighter Fling 2004 is cool with a dig at their replacements. Cheers.

Yep :) :) :)