AvgWhiteGuy

Background: Been flying the A-10C for some time with the following controllers: TrackIR5 TM HOTAS Stick & Throttle TM Cougar MFCD Saitek ProFlight Cessna Footpedals Razer Orbweaver keypad I'm trying out the P-51 and perhaps other WWII planes with Normandy and was wondering whether my TH HOTAS (stick & throttle combo) could be effective in this environment. Don't really know if the throttle is useful. First of all does someone have a basic binding profile for these so can just experience the flight from runway hot and be able to enjoy the modeling and get a basic grasp of flying it? If Yes, can you tell me where to place these profiles. Would it be a massive overkill using a TM HOTAS compared to a less complex stick & throttle? What would be a decent stick & throttle to buy if I decided I wanted to continue down this path of WWII aircraft? I can't imagine another stick & throttle combo model being more expensive so price isn't relative. I appreciate comments and suggestions, Thanks in advance

@boarder2, All's not lost, we'll take this one step at a time :) a) what is the status of the iPad latest version? I'm really looking for the UFC, Control Display Unit (CDU) and Auxiliary Avionics Panel (AAP)? Was that 'product' put on the shelf for the Andriod version. No problemo. b) what's your recommended size for an Android tablet? They seem pretty cheap these days and I guess I could always use one. I have NO loyalty to Apple :) I could just grab an Andriod and we're back to a clean start. Done...I can have one delivered in a day. What else do I need?

@boarder2, Been very curious about this for some time, had a copy of 'A-10 VC Free' but struggled to get it connected. Would love to start fresh if you just let me know what I need besides my current iPad (MC770CH/A), 32GB and updated installation instructions. If I need to purchase the program(s), just tell me what, where I need to get it. Money is not an issue (within reason), I just want to eliminate as much of the mouse & keyboard as possible.. Please advise, TrackIR5 - TM HOTAS Stick & Throttle - TM Cougar MFCDs - Saitek Cessena Footpedals - Razer Orbweaver

Baltic Dragon.....great article, thanks very much

So am I correct to say that you can't create a mission that includes a non-combatant A/C in the environment?

This happens to me all the time, for a long time when I start hot on the runway. Like VZ_342 said, I just quickly throttle up (TM Warthog) and then back to idle and the A/C goes nowhere. A minor irritant that goes away after a shot whiskey :smilewink:

I'd be very curious to know how many Active participants there are, if only a round number. I'm working on a new USB input controller that, by design, could be configured for any aircraft in the DCS fleet. In reality if could be configured for virtually any SIM (trains, planes, automobiles, ship, or even sci-fi space craft) that support the addition of an USB input controller like DCS (with DCSBios). I currently don't use a keyboard for anything with DCS A-10C and I won't go back. Obviously, manufacturing cost is dependent on the scale of opportunity; can't afford a $90k controller but certainly could deal with $90,000 spread over 1,000+ units. Not looking for trade secrets or specifics; just round numbers on enthusiast that appreciate a more immersive environment.

@sthompson, First of all, thanks for your response....appreciate your suggestions on working with all 3 programs together; it clarified some of the confusion. I haven't gone extensively into the MS Voice Recognition to fine tune that (or add words) but I did get more success by simply going through the Hollywood's VAICOM User Manual COMMANDS REFERENCE section and reading all those words and phrases out loud with VA and VAICOM running. It was even more beneficial and entertaining by having the Chatter On/Off and repeating a lot of that dialog. At least I know that VAICOM is working as it responds to 'Voice Test, Chatter, Wilco, Roger, Negative...etc.'. In DCS, I got Engine Start, Taxi and Takeoff Clearance working after going back through this thread and realizing I was NOT holding the MIC key long enough. We're moving forward !!!! I'm still considering going back to basic Keyboard Comms and tearing out everything. But only to put it back together and document the whole process again. I note the last paragraph of your post where you strongly suggest 'clean install of VAICOM and then test it using the default keys. Do not try mapping to HOTAS until you get it working from the keyboard.' I fully understand and agree but I'm not sure how to do that now. I don't use my keyboard at all in game since I have the Orbweaver mapped for virtually all keyboard activity, and I have always had the Throttle MIC Switch set for COMMS across all channels. But I'm still at a loss over what happened to my TM HOTAS Throttle TGP slew...it isn't doing anything. I get no response from it now. It seems something new is interfering with that. That's still more important to me as I fly solo and want to Pound Ground!!! Any clues what may have happened there or where I should start looking? EDIT: Here's a clue on the Slew issue although I'm not sure what it means. I cannot slew left,right,up,down BUT if I hold that slew button down in center position it does go down (ONLY). It's appears it is only acting as a button right now and that only began when I introduced VA/VAICOM. Again, I appreciate your help & suggestions

Hollywood, I really appreciate you responding; this is your baby and it's an awesome addition to the community. If you can get me through this I would be thrilled to help update this process to get more on board with the VA/VIACOM guide...under your guidance/sanction. If more could appreciate the SIM experience via the this it would add dramatically to the community and the experience. The more people engaged, the better for all of us; DCS, you & I , and everyone that enjoys an equality in being a 'part of a unit' and flying. More casual guys like me would seriously benefit (as well as the community) to have this updated; this really is a big deal from what I see in the various videos. As an 'older guy', I want to get engaged and take advantage of all this, and I (we) need to get it updated so it is a little easier to other can join in. I think there is a simple method to build a 'batch' file to accomplish much of this, and I would be happy to assist. I'm sure others would be as enthralled to assist because this is what makes us a community. Thanks so very much.

I think I'm at my wits end and might want to remove ALL of this voice software from my system and go back to the last working state. I spent 12 hours yesterday trying to get this working with no joy, and now I just want to fly again. I've read through 68 pages of this thread and perhaps because it covers several years of continuous changes, updates, work-arounds and such, it has just confused the sh#t out of me. Finally, this morning I had it recognizing about 2 commands ('reset profile' and 'atc startup') and somehow I lost my TM Throttle Slew controls for the TGP. I've seen various videos on it working and while several are quite impressive, I can't seem to find a 'moron's guide' to getting it all set up as most are several years old. The Process: I d/l'd and paid for, and installed VoiceAttack (v1.6.2). It seemed to recognize my 'American' voice with no problem; quite impressive. I d/l'd and followed instruction on VAICOM (2.0), 'installing' it by simply copying to the correct VA\Apps subdir. I d/l'd and loaded the obligatory MOD (Static ATC) with JSMGE. I imported the 2 profiles, no problems I struggled to get the setting correct on my TM HOTAS Throttle, not sure that went so well. Part of that problem is that some instructions are obviously for a previous version so it wasn't as clear as my tiny brain had hoped. I must have done something here right since it did recognize the 2 phrases less than 50% before FUBARing my Slew (and whatever else). But I found it quite weird that it would not recognize phrases as specific as'ATC requesting startup, or Taxi, or Takeoff', or anything else!!! So now I'm left with several choices to save any sanity left; 1) remove everything and get back to keyboard commands (which aren't so bad since I use a Orbweaver for almost all commands outside of my TH HOTAS and MFCDs). But that would signal defeat and is NOT my best option. 2) Find an updated installation guide that puts it all together in a step by step comprehensive manner, designed for a 9 year old, and then hire a 9 year old. Almost as defeating. 3) Find an updated YouTube video that doesn't introduce other programs or steps that are no longer needed; I'm still confused about the AutoHotKey. I would really like to continue on with this adventure and would appreciate any help in getting this sorted out. The immersive experience VA and VAICOM seem to add bring a whole to new level to this SIM. I just purchased BlackShark, Huey, Normandy and Combined Arms, so I'm in for the long run. You folks have done a great job developing all this for the community; I really hope you can help. Cheers & Thanks,

This case is CLOSED, 'the_soupdragon' was kind enough to inform me that these are NOT Windows icons, but from Nvidia. Admin...please delete at your leisure

and you Sir, are a genius Case closed, get a beer on me!!!!!

Folks, this isn't a DCS issue (I think) but it only appears in DCS; I don't know what forum to ask so I'll have to start here. There are 2 icons on the bottom right corner of my screen ONLY when I'm in DCS, including ME. They don't do anything, aren't selectable (left or right click), but they block the DCS game clock. This is a Win10 machine running on a LG UltraWide screen, if that matters. Appreciate any insight so I can rid myself of this. See attached.

Does anyone know how to get these 2 Windows10 icons from showing on my screen? They are blocking the view of clock info in the mission editor when in full screen but do not show up on my regular desktop. I can't select either or do anything with them. See below

Damn Holton, that's quite a rig!!! Not sure I'm up for that expense right now, not to mention the required renovation of my playroom Anything for the thrifty shopper you know of?

Thanks for your feedback, appreciate the various opinions. Perhaps you might enlighten me on what may be a good decent setup for collective and cyclic controls for helos (brands) if I were to be in a spending mood. A couple hundred $$, ¥¥, €€, ₽₽ spent on controls that keep me out of the pub....priceless :thumbup: Another question regarding multiplayer missions; are there missions where a helo is required to do a pickup/dropoff like SAR to move the mission forward while friendly force do overwatch?

Out of curiosity, I fly the A10-C but was looking for a little change of pace. It might be fun to get even lower & slower. It might also give me a different perspective of CAS that helpes my A-10 role. My current SIM hardware/software is listed below; does this meet requirements to fly this aircraft or will I be Jonesin' for more controls? Is there sufficient documentation available in English? Love to read this stuff. When can I find some? Please advise, this might be a new career since my A-10 piloting needs a break. USB Hardware: TrackIR5 TM HOTAS Stick & Throttle (mapping keys) TM Cougar MFCD Saitek Cessena Footpedals Razer Orbweaver keypad (more mapping) DCS Software: DCS World DCS World 2 (NTTR)

Out of curiosity, I fly the A10-C but was looking for a little change of pace. It might be fun to get even lower & slower and not need to pilot. What would I need to do to serve as a gunner. Is this something (a role) I can offer to others in a multiplayer server environment? Is there demand for that service....seriously? You mean I can sit at home while manning someone's weapons systems....assuming they are competent enough to fly? What software do I need to be able to do this? Can you tell me where I can find out where/how/when to get into the virtual environment. I played America's Army online but never a Flight SIM. My current SIM hardware/software is listed below; does this meet requirements to 'play this role'? Please advise, this might be a new career since my A-10 piloting needs a break. I need to diversify my skill sets. USB Hardware: TrackIR5 TM HOTAS Stick & Throttle (mapping keys) TM Cougar MFCD Saitek Cessena Footpedals Razer Orbweaver keypad (more mapping) DCS Software: DCS World DCS World 2 (NTTR)

@Andy1966......re: vote for Viggen What do you mean when you wrote 'the only thing is the cockpit is not "clickable"' @Habu_69...re:Falcon BMS 4.33 I don't see that listed in the available airframe with DCS. If it doesn't run on DCS i"m not interested right now. I see too much potential in what can be done with the whole series with the airframes available and the capabilities of the Mission Editor. Don't want to change horses in the middle of the race and I really want to learn to build missions (since I think I suck as a pilot). There is so much untapped knowledge in DCS A-10C alone it could keep me busy for a while. But thanks for the suggestion...all are valid.

It appears that my issue with CBUs has been resolved. f.Lux definitely was the major contributing culprit here. After a fresh PC restart, and Cleanup & Repair there were no longer any stuttering during the CBU explosions. I happily destroyed a 36 tank parking lot with 2 CBU-105's from 14,000ft. I even dove down to about 6,000 to see the action take place, a painfully beautiful thing. Thanks to you to for the help, especially BIGNEWY for the Cleanup & Repair. Case Closed!

Guys, I really appreciate your input here and believe I have narrowed my acquisition down to 2 planes; the F-5 or the M-2000C. I do need the ability to strike ground targets, whether or not it is a primary role is less significant. Must pound the ground!!!! Since a very recent eye surgery has left me with less than optimal eyes for A2A, I would be a fat double cheeseburger for any hungry, half competent, tactical A2A fighter:chair: But I'm not hearing much on one of my primary interests/concerns; can you comment on this statement below. Most importantly, I'm looking for something that will utilize some/most/all of my current hardware as below: USB Hardware: TrackIR5 TM HOTAS Stick & Throttle (mapping keys) TM Cougar MFCD Saitek Cessena Footpedals Razer Orbweaver keypad (more mapping) DCS Software: DCS World DCS World 2 (NTTR) A friend gave me DCS A-10C as a sort of gag gift a couple years ago, I just drank the Kool-aid and I'm happy to report my $3,000 addiction :helpsmilie:

I just posted the info below on the A-10C forum but having stubbled upon a recently closed thread in this forum I'd appreciate you F5 fans reading and commenting. --------------------- From: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=185470 I've been flying the A-10C for a while now and I'm interested in a new plane to get that jet jockey 'turn & burn' feeling. I still love the A-10C and will continue flying it; I think flying something new will give me a new perspective on the whole battle space. I was hoping some of you that may have expanded your inventory might make suggestions as to which A/C to try out now. I really only fly solo mission for now; my skill set isn't up to squadron level yet and I'm not sure I'm mentally ready for the top of the line 4th Gen fighters and dogfights (age & recent eye surgery). Also want something that has decent documentation and English cockpit layout. Most importantly, I'm looking for something that will utilize some/most/all of my current hardware as below: USB Hardware: TrackIR5 TM HOTAS Stick & Throttle (mapping keys) TM Cougar MFCD Saitek Cessena Footpedals Razer Orbweaver keypad (more mapping) DCS Software: DCS World DCS World 2 (NTTR) Budget: under $85 million, delivered with a bunch of bombs!!! Appreciate your suggestions and opinions, don't hesitate to comment on your experiences, or any other tidbits of information. Thanks in advance

I've been troubleshooting and determined that an unrelated software program (f.Lux) was somewhat responsible for the crashes. f.Lux is a video program that changes the amount of blue emitted by a monitor based on natural sunlight. Blue light at night is not really good for the eyes and brain when it comes to sleeping patterns. You late night flyers know what I'm talking about. So...Note to self: check all apps running that interact with video resources. However, the problem is not totally resolved because there is still a shuttering or freezing of the video as the bomblets hit targets, it may be a 2-4 seconds. I'll take your suggestions and get the logs together after a clean system startup and Clean and Repair. Then fly a very short mission with only CBU attacks and collect those same logs again. I'll relate the results if there is still a problem. Thanks for your assistance

Thanks Mike, that was what I was afraid of....not much with Eng cockpit. Are you familiar with hardware requirements for any of the helos? I could definitely do that if I don't need to spend more for cockpit controls. Can someone tell me (others) where we can find the info & details of the various A/C cockpit languages & documentation?

I've been flying the A-10C for a while now and I'm interested in a new plane to get that jet jockey 'turn & burn' feeling. I still love the A-10C and will continue flying it; I think flying something new will give me a new perspective on the whole battle space. I was hoping some of you that may have expanded your inventory might make suggestions as to which A/C to try out now. I only fly solo mission for now; my skill set isn't up to squadron level yet and I'm not sure I'm mentally ready for the top of the line fighters and dogfights (bad eyes). Also want something that has decent documentation and English cockpit layout. Most importantly, I'm looking for something that will utilize some/most/all of my current hardware as below: USB Hardware: TrackIR5 TM HOTAS Stick & THrottle TM Cougar MFCD Saitek Cessena Footpedals Razer Orbweaver keypad DCS Software: DCS World DCS World 2 (NTTR) Budget: under $85 million, delivered with a bunch of bombs!!! Appreciate your suggestions and opinions, don't hesitate to comment on your experiences, or any other tidbits of information. Thanks in advance