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Bourrinopathe

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    Glass reflections

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted · Edited by Bourrinopathe
    files updated

    Here's two variants, easy to install.

     

    >>> Russian version, no baked reflections <<<

     

    How to use:

    • extract the folder into:
      …\DCS World\Mods\aircraft\Ka-50\Liveries\Cockpit-Ka-50_3
    • use by selecting the No_ref_RU from the drop-down menu in Options\Special\Ka-50\Customized cockpit

     

     

    >>> English version, no baked reflections <<<

     

    How to use:

    • extract the folder into:
      …\DCS World\Mods\aircraft\Ka-50\Liveries\Cockpit-Ka-50_3
    • use by selecting the No_ref_EN from the drop-down menu in Options\Special\Ka-50\Customized cockpit

    (thanks to ams999 for the updated description.lua)

     

    Please keep in mind that's a quick modification. The glass texture replacement could be better and hopefully ED will provide a similar option in a future update.

     

    За здоро́вье!

    Glass reflections

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted · Edited by Bourrinopathe

    Thanks to users Asta, Flt. Lt Nigel Farage and soup from the DCS Modding Hub Discord server, the baked reflections can be history.

     

    unknown.png

     

    Here's the description.lua you need:

     

    livery = {
{"ka50_cpt_shkval"	,	SELF_ILLUMINATION	,	"ccSHKVAL_Bake_SRC" , true};
{"mir"				,	DIFFUSE				,	"mirrors"			, true};

{"ka50_cpt_glass",	DIFFUSE					,	"ka50_cpt_glass_alb_NREF", false};
{"ka50_cpt_glass_pribors",	DIFFUSE			,	"ka50_cpt_glass_alb_NREF", false};
}

    Glass reflections

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted · Edited by Bourrinopathe

    That's the alpha layer.

    What software are you using to view the texture?

     

    From my short test, it looks ok in DCS (except for the parts where it's not applied).

     

    ----

     

    Here's how it looks with the cockpit light ON:

     

    5410d363fc0ed3cfd3a06d5a728a2957.jpg

    57820cbb2153c4447d03290cd0da84dc.jpg

     

    Again, it should leave some texture and surface effect on the glass but it needs more testing (and those missing description.lua entries).

    I don't have the time to tweak the transparency/dirt atm.

     

    Also, ED could probably use the SSLR on the glass surfaces but they probably didn't do it because it might not look great with the current implementation, there might be performance concerns, and it has to be defined in the material properties (.edm model, probably).

    But it might be possible to get them in the future.

    Glass reflections

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted · Edited by Bourrinopathe

    GIMP and paint.net won't open it properly for me. Any chance you could do the alterations and upload a new file and i'll create a OVGME mod.

     

    I've quickly edited an alternate texture but it's been a while since I modified DCS files, so I have no idea where to find the default description.lua entries.

     

    Edited texture: https://file.io/BG4H2f

    Preview:

    35032d30b5bf1eb87a506192d11b9061.jpg

     

    I only have this:

     

    livery = {
{"ka50_cpt_shkval"	,	SELF_ILLUMINATION	,	"ccSHKVAL_Bake_SRC" , true};
{"mir"				,	DIFFUSE				,	"mirrors"			, true};

{"ka50_cpt_glass",	DIFFUSE				,	"ka50_cpt_glass_alb_NREF", false};
}

    The description.lua has to be included in the alternate cockpit folder.

    (…DCS World\Mods\aircraft\Ka-50\Liveries\Cockpit-Ka-50_3\no_baked_ref)

     

    The texture is not applied to the Shkval monitor, HUD and additional side armored glass panels.

    I don't know where to find the description.lua entries for these.

     

    If you know where to find the complete default description.lua, please let me know.

     

    I don't have time to test the texture so it might require some tweaking to look best in different lighting conditions (I've just left some tint and surface texture/dirt - might be too subtle).

    But the crisp baked reflections are gone.

     

    ----

     

    FWIW I don't see anything wrong with those default baked reflections.

    ED art team probably find it visually interesting in general. They might not have tested the rendering in VR and/or headtracking and they might consider it does not represent the majority of the player base.

    Those reflections have existed for a long time in multiple aircraft (at least since FC3). I'm sure the goal was to add some immersion despite the fact that it doesn't work well with head movement tracking and stereoscopy.

    That new cockpit has a fantastic level of details! I'm grateful we have the chance to enjoy such a neat rendition of the real Ka-50 ;)

    Happy flying and tank pounding!

    Glass reflections

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted · Edited by Bourrinopathe

    The main texture that should be edited to remove the baked reflections should be:

     

    ka50_cpt_glass_alb.dds

     

    Located in the …\DCS World\Mods\aircraft\Ka-50\Cockpit\Textures\Cockpit-Ka-50_3_Textures.zip

     

    f17bf9bb1d970cd33f079537ef570e74.jpg

     

    - keep the alpha layer/transparency data

    - select and fill the glass surfaces with a dark grey/black to remove the main baked reflections

    - optionally use the alpha layer as a mask/selection to add a slightly lighter grey to maintain some fake opacity/dirt

    - save it under …\DCS World\Mods\aircraft\Ka-50\Liveries\Cockpit-Ka-50_3\no_baked_ref

    - if you're using the EN cockpit, you'll have to copy the files from …\DCS World\Mods\aircraft\Ka-50\Liveries\Cockpit-Ka-50_3\english in your no_baked_ref folder (alternate cockpit)

     

    The labels for the reflections are in Russian ;)

     

    And you should obtain an alternate cockpit available in the options without altering the default cockpit.

    Baked reflections, gone.

    KA50 stores lamps

    in Wish List

    Posted

    That would be nice to have!

    I couldn't find where the lights might be by searching for photos but hopefully the exterior 3D model can still allow this option if it's not already included.

    Black Shark 3 upgrade content

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted · Edited by Bourrinopathe

    Probably this:

    d94b921130d515ce4aad2e28dea1acee.jpg

    (President-S is the name of the countermeasures system)

     

    And Igla A-A missiles (only four missiles 2+2 in BS3):

    90d08249112cfa16dd40af897b7eb5dd.jpg

     

    Later in 2020, we will release DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 3. This upgrade will build on the free cockpit update and add the following features:

     

    • Option for weathered cockpit textures.
    • Completely new external model with a much-improved 3D mesh detail and textures. It will also account for the new systems like the Missile Launch Warning Systems, Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) and the Igla air-to-air missiles.
    • Ability to carry up to four Igla air-to-air missiles.
    • Integrated Missile Launch Warning System (MLWS) system with display system.
    • Integrated Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system with integrated display system.

    In total, it will make the Ka-50 much more deadly and survivable on the DCS World battlefield.

    [source]

     

    [ Related thread with WIP pictures ]

     

    Shkval slew control with analog axes

    in Bugs and Problems

    Posted · Edited by Bourrinopathe

    Nature of the issue:

    Using an analog ministick to control the Shkval slew axes is defective.

     

    There's a noticeable default deadzone and the deadzone increases as the axes curvatures are increased.

    The resulting axes response does not provide a sufficient control and accuracy.

     

    Hardware used:

    VKB-Sim Gunfighter + MCG Pro, analog ministick, no deadzone.

    8408b05c17d5f43134eeb20e8bc0c07c.jpg

     

    Tests:

    Axes in the control options:

    - Absolute SHKVAL Horizontal Slew

    - Absolute SHKVAL Vertical Slew

     

    Increasing the curvature of the axes (tested 40 then 70) (trying to achieve slower and precise response for small movements) progressively increases the default deadzone.

    On the following picture the Shkval camera just starts to respond. Note the position of the axe (Rot Z) on the analog stick.

    The green dots are the center/neutral positions for the ministick axes.

     

    6a6632515a3a412b66336792748a0915.jpg

     

    Reducing the saturation (Y) for both axes to 20 increases accuracy (less jumpy) and makes the default deadzone less noticeable.

    BUT, the max speed for the Shkval axes is greatly reduced.

     

    955ec75cb7f8e6a970b8d130c016e603.jpg

     

    In the current state binding analog axes to the Shkval slew makes it barely usable and, tracking and locking targets is very uncomfortable.

     

    Hopefully this is already fixed for the upcoming Black Shark 3 upgrade.

    A fix for the current version would be very welcome.

     

    If anyone has a solution, other than binding multiple controls and hats/buttons/mouse to make more precise movements, please do share your tricks ;)

    • Like 2

    New keybindings for the Ka-50.

    in Wish List

    Posted

    Yes please! We need more key bindings.

     

    As mentioned above, many essential controls are just toggle switches: landing gear, master arm, laser standby/active, etc.

     

    Additionally, brightness knobs axes could also be very useful (ABRIS, HUD, etc.).

    • Like 2

    Glass reflections

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted

    SSLR is implemented in the Ka-50 cockpit. It's subtle.

    As far as I can tell, it's not applied to the glass surfaces/Shkval/instruments.

    ED art team might still be experimenting with it.

     

    0cfc678918385d793d8321a9a98d4ee7.jpg

    (that's just an example - more elements are reflected and visible depending on the angle)

    Updated Black Shark Cockpit: Beautiful!

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted

    Unless I'm mistaken, it's most probably an erroneous assumption based on that information:

     

    Later in 2020, we will release DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 3. This upgrade will build on the free cockpit update and add the following features:

     

    […]

    Completely new external model with a much-improved 3D mesh detail and textures. It will also account for the new systems like the Missile Launch Warning Systems, Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) and the Igla air-to-air missiles.

    [source]

     

    I'm not really surprised a few people seem to forget that cockpit is a free update for a product sold years ago.

    So, yes, it's obviously to raise it to the level of the other modules so it stays reasonably usable (and more enjoyable), and to sell a newer/improved product in the process. It requires production cost, testing, etc. The usual. But it's there for us at no additional cost. I'd say it's a very nice update.

     

    The rendering engine has obvious limitations, partly explained by ED's COO recently.

    ED has to make it compatible with VR and standard monitors. For multiple systems some with poor CPU/GPU/memory some with much more power.

    We won't get 4k textures for each 3D object in that cockpit, and maybe there are engine limitations too.

    ED can't make it with full RTX (NVIDIA raytracing) rendering and details, realtime reflections (hence the fake ones), multiple overlaying shadows, and other advanced techniques.

     

    It's a world of compromises.

     

    Still… It might be obvious that the cockpit has been crafted with care and consideration.

    The New cockpit

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted

    @wasserfall: Did you try changing the brightness of the display?

     

    The "bloom" effect tends to make the contrasted elements glow, but the font and readability look fine on my end. (non-VR, 1440p, default Gamma)

     

    Slightly zoomed-in:

    5f5f4141be12153b6a865637c962762c.jpg

     

    My default zoom level, 1440p:

    6cbb1bacde04b782533c79a8c9cc3bad.jpg

     

    ABRIS brightness level lowered in both.

    Why is HUD so small? KA-50

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted · Edited by Bourrinopathe

    The ILS-31 (ИЛС-31) that equips our Ka-50 is actually not that big. It's also the same unit that equips the Su-27.

    You can try to compare/estimate the real size based on videos.

    But if you've got the chance to see a real HUD from that generation (or similar), you might remember that the glass reflector is roughly larger than your (large) hand.

     

    Although, it might be difficult to get it just right with the 3D representation in a simulation, even in VR.

    Glass reflections

    in DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark

    Posted

    Disable SSLR and they will dissapear.

     

    Clever use of SSLR would actually allow interesting (and subtle) dynamic cockpit reflections.

    But I'm also sure the performance cost would be a major concern (especially for VR users).

     

    You can see a nice example of Screen Space Reflections used in a popular but still unreleased flight simulator… (as an insider, I can confirm the reflections look great there)

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