Maximo

For open discussion: [feel free to correct any comments and I will update this posting accordingly] June 26, 2024. I'm going to make a prediction and we will see how it plays out: With Enigma no longer managing the Server in his fair and balanced play due to a well earned 'retirement' for what he has done for the MP/DCS community, the ECW Server will suffer a decline in fairness and balance now because: 1. HeatBlur will be running the Server as of July 1, 2024. 2. HeatBlur makes the F-4E module so there may not be any restrictions on the airframe, weapons, AI Jester help to pilot, etc. Reason: Money - module sales of the F-4E may suffer if the F-4 is restricted on the ECW server in anyway. The Red Force will always be at a deep disadvantage with 30+ F-4Es on the Server. Today I counted 18 F-4Es (plus several other fighters) with 13 Red force pilots including their helicopters. Without balance, there is no reason to continue working with the few team mates that may show up and hope that F-4 pilots fly Red aircraft to balance out the sides. Also, I don't think HeatBlur is going to allow full use of the eight weapons stations on the SU-25 and two missiles for loadout. Today, I was again restricted to four total weapons stations and no wingtip R60missiles. Pilots will always gravitate to the winning side and the more full-options fighter aircraft (i.e. F-4) - unless you like losing. Do you really think that in the future, HeatBlur will reduce missile and weapons stations on the F-4 like they do on the SU-25 and A-10 thereby affecting modules sales? Are there any other aircraft that have weapons and wing station restrictions on the Red (and Blue) side. I think we have lived through the Golden Age of ECW MP Server and that things will decline on the Server with no adjustment to cap the number of aircraft such as the F-4 so that other pilots can fly their modules. The days of a balanced aircraft Blue/Red force are probably over for the foreseeable future. For those of you that have never flown with less than your aircraft's full weapons loadout - try it. Or try the SU-25 with only four weapons stations available, no missiles, on the current ECW Syrian Map. Remember that the opposing force knows your SU-25 (and A-10) don't have any missiles! (but the F-86 keeps there missiles for some reason and we get to keep the Mig-15 with no missiles obviously) Thanks again Enigma. I can appreciate how hard you tried to keep both sides fair and balanced so that we could work as a team to achieve victory and plain and simple to just have fun. Max. The F-4 is a great, beautiful module, extremely well made - for the SPS Contention-like servers.

Guys, The following is for a healthy discussion on the future of ECW Server and professional military trained pilots - 'flown F-15 and the F-35' pilots who will only be flying as a squadron of F-4s. This Server has many guys who are not pilots, trying to learn to fly some of the older modules of jets and the new helos and work and fly on both sides of the ECW family of Blue/Red pilots. I do not know Lead_Sled and I am sure he is a great military professional pilot anxious to form a team comprised (for now) of highly trained real military pilots that will only be flying the F-4 against the Red team on ECW. Right now, I have seen on the Server up to 25 F-4 pilots vs 13 or so Red pilots (including helos), hence his comment about kill ratio of five to one against the Red team. I think 'Lead Sled' is a nickname for a Navy fighter? Not sure. Problem: Too many F-4s allowed on the ECW Server (my opinion) Solution: Make the F-4 a 'trophy airplane' on the ECW Server-similar to access requirements of other special jets, for the following reasons: 1. To preserve the balance on both sides of Blue/Red teams with both sides enjoying a relatively even competition with each other's aircraft whereby pilot skills and proficiency can make the difference of winning or losing. I see about 90% F-4s and very few F-5s, Viggens, A-10s, etc. flying. 2. Many pilots have already spent a small fortune for the existing modules they fly on the ECW Server, having expended a relatively large amount of money and also may not be able to fly them with a full Server of F-4s on the Blue side. 3. The F-4 is still very much in development to fit it onto the ECW Server in a balanced 'modified' version that is realistic for the principles of what the ECW Server was originated for - simplicity in using the modules that already are in use - and purchased, by new and experienced DCS pilots. 4. Twenty five plus F-4s on the Server at one time does not give the other modules a chance to participate in a team environment with their current 'older' modules. 5. Let them fly all the F-4s they want to fly on the SPS Contention Server. The ECW Server enjoys a great aircraft and helo team balance on both sides right now so either buy the F-4 or fly your older modules on another Server (?). I have no intention of buying the F-4 and appreciate all the hard work and videos that were put out to help us learn the existing selection of flying modules. His comment about the kill ratio that The Den has racked up here in the early stages of the F-4 implementation are interesting. (see below) I believe the following post by Lead_Sled was Sunday, June 16th, 2024: [bold print added by me for clarity] For those who serve or have served in the military, thank you for your service. M. __________________________________________________________________________________ By LEAD_SLED Sunday at 03:06 PM in Jets Squadrons Share Follow0 Reply to this topic Start new topic LEAD_SLED Members 1 Posted Sunday at 03:06 PM (edited) The Den is looking for Blufor Pilots, RIOs, and WSOs! We are a small (20 Active Pilots), tight knit group of DCS Cold War Pilots, mainly operating during US East Timeslots (2000-0400EST), on Enigmas Cold War Server and SPS Contention. We are primarily focused on the F-4E , but ALL Blufor pilots and Modules are welcome! There are no fixed schedules or trainings, however we have several SMEs, including real F-15 and F-35 Pilots. We are primarily made up of current, and former active duty US military, as well as PvP SIM Pilots with many years of experience from WW2 through Modern contexts. As a group we are generally focused on 1960-1990, roughly speaking. Our expectations are high, we want people who are committed to being the best at what they do, but we will provide individual and group training as needed. If you are interested, and this sounds like a group for you, please DM (LEAD_SLED on Discord) me and we can talk about details. As it stand now, less than one month after release - The DEN is maintaining a 5:1 Kill ratio in the F-4E over Redfor Aircraft in the PvP environment. [end of his post]

UPDATE June 20th, 2024 to Enigma Cold War (ECW) Server Optimization & Balance Suggestions Enigma, thanks for all that you have done regarding this ECW Server - extremely well done and thoughtful! You and the ECW Team have made a world of difference in the Multiplayer Server world! Update: Recommend capping the number of slots to each side to one half of the slots available for modules. Example: If 60 total modules can fly on the Server, then split the cap to 30 Blue modules (helos and planes) and 30 Red modules (helos and planes). Reason is for optimization and balance for both red/blue teams. Have been on the Server a few times where it is about 38 Blue to 13 Red modules. Why not cap each side to the 30 modules max for each side? This may help pilots just checking in on the Server to join the side with the lower number if the other side is capped/maxed out at 30. Won't have to rely on pilots switching sides to help out. In theory, I guess the 13 Red modules could switch to the Blue side making it 60 Blue to 0 Red modules? How about 60 helos logging on to fly helos only? The F-4 Phantom is still overwhelming the Server - other Blue players are not flying their modules and have not purchased the F-4. I realize that this may be due to Beta testing of the aircraft on the ECW Server. - Jester/backseater - stop and remove access to Jester. Unless all modules are allowed a Jester/backseater GCI controller. For balance. Do all two seat helos - especially the Apache, have an AI Jester? - AIM7F Sparrow is a 'dogfighter radar missile' - too perfect and accurate in the current modeling of the missile. Reduce F model version to an earlier model that is more closely aligned with ECW radar missile limitations for both playability and for balance. - AIM9 missile has head on capability? Then give Red the R60M. Also, missile seeker head on AIM9 - cage the seeker head so that it is similar to other air-to-air missiles on the Server - for balance. - Once the F-4 modeling is stabilized on the ECW Server - restrict the number of slots/users and make it more of a 'trophy' reward aircraft like some of the other jets. - Keep SU-25 and A-10 on all ECW maps with missiles and a full loadout - they are the 'meat and potatoes' of CAS along with the combat helicopters. The A10 and SU25 need to carry air-to-air missiles for all missions but primarily for those Server situations were it is 13 Red to 38 Blue modules or13 Blue to 38 Red - the lowest side has to fly to target, attack target, and defend itself to and from the target with probably no air cover when the lower team side has only a couple of fighters. - Keep the R60 missiles on all appropriate helicopters - this is especially for the times when there are very few friendly fighters on the Server to cover them. - Move Viggen to Red side (great idea by Ramius007) - Remove all non-essential aircraft that are not in the spirit of this great ECW Cold War Server - it will free up slots and ensure balance on the Server. Remove the following aircraft: -- F-86 (carries two missiles, out dated damage modeling, insanely low heat signature - great to fly though! ) -- Mig 15 (carries NO missiles) -- All training aircraft - AWACS/EWR - keep - EWR works great! - Live GCI. A great bunch of guys who only want to help - their help is really great! However: eliminate live GCI because the exceptional new EWR auto display, BRAA notifications, are now available on our PC gaming screen. Besides, the live GCI is ‘over-the-top too helpful.’ Have watched many of the Y.T. uploaded dogfights using live GCI and they are micro-managing the pilot's dogfight down to a couple of hundred feet from their aircraft. They make it so that the pilot doesn’t even have to turn his head to even ‘check six’ because a live GCI Controller is telling them everything right down to who is flying off of his/her wingtip. Is that balanced? Realistic? EWR bot callouts are excellent! Note: A great expert opinion on how effective the GCI really was during the time frame (1980s?) that the ECW Server is trying to depict is Tactical Pascale – who was a real-world GCI controller (in England I think) and has put out many YT videos. - The following ideas/suggestions came from flying on the RotorHeads helicopter Server that might provide some ideas for our ECW Server: [disclaimer: I am not part of the RotorHeads Server team and have not communicated with them; I am not compensated in any way by them. ] -- Server resets every FIVE hours vs four hours. -- You have only three pilot lives during those five hours. Those lives can be 'recovered' by a helicopter rescue - similar to ECW. Changes the dynamics on a balanced level. Also, knowing that I can't fly more than three deaths on the ECW Server (without helo rescue during the five hour Server time) would make everyone more careful. Also, if pilots can no longer fly after three deaths, they could (somehow) be made to leave the Server thereby freeing up valuable slots for pilots who have been waiting to get on the Server. When Server resets, you get your three lives back. Check out the RotorHeads map to see its layout. -- Have enemy units progress at random across the front line to attack other ground units (i.e. dynamic, nonstatic defenses). Could post a Emergency combat notice on the EWR similar to when bomber strikes are ordered. On the RotorHeads Server, they often get some enemy BTR, track Strelas, or columns of tanks crossing the front lines to attack ground units or move into positions on our side of the line. There are some random enemy AI jets and helicopters that are pretty dang good at keeping you on your toes! -- Team/friendly killing. If you accidentally shoot down another friendly or destroy friendly ground structures, buildings, etc., you get a notice: "you have destroyed a friendly; your weapons are no longer operational; you must return to base to re-activate your weapons.' Once you land back at base, you get another notice: "you may now return to the front line and use your weapons." This ECW Server is one of the very finest, exceptional Servers out there -- well done by all of the Enigma/ECW Team! I'm trying to keep suggestions that keep the Server fair and balanced for the time period that the ECW Staff appear to be depicting... 1980s i think. Just looking for ideas and suggestions to help improve the ECW Server for all of us - especially if we want to bring newer players onto this Server. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome here. As Dr. Jebus says in his YT DCS World videos: "Be kind to yourself and to others." Peace. Maximo

Enigma Cold War (ECW) Server Optimization & Balance Suggestions - June 11th, 2024. The F-4 Phantom is overwhelming the Server - other Blue players are not flying their modules. I realize that this may be due to Beta testing of the aircraft on the ECW Server. - Jester/backseater - stop and remove access to Jester. Unless all modules are allowed a Jester/backseater GCI controller. For balance. - AIM7F Sparrow is a 'dogfighter radar missile' - too perfect and accurate in the current modeling of the missile. Reduce F model version to a D or E model for balance. - AIM9 missile has head on capability? Then give Red the R60M. Also, missile seeker head on AIM9 - cage the seeker head so that it is similar to other air-to-air missiles on the Server - for balance. - Once the F-4 modeling is stabilized on the ECW Server - restrict the number of slots/users and make it more of a 'trophy' reward aircraft like some of the other jets. - Keep SU-25 and A-10 on all ECW maps with missiles and a full loadout - are the 'meat and potatoes' of CAS along with the combat helicopters. - Keep the R60 missiles on all appropriate helicopters. - Move Viggen to Red side (great idea by Ramius007) - Remove all non-essential aircraft that are not in the spirit of this great Cold War Server - it will free up slots and ensure balance on the Server. Remove the following aircraft: -- F-86 (carries two missiles, out dated damage modeling, insanely low heat signature - great to fly though! ) -- Mig 15 (carries NO missiles) -- All training aircraft - AWACS/EWR - keep - EWR works great! - Cap the maximum number of Blue/Red slots to one half of those available on the Server. The other day we had 38 Blue aircraft (22 F-4s) and 13 Red aircraft including helicopters. Maybe restricts slots with caps on the number of helos and types of aircraft. In theory, you could have 30 F-86 aircraft vs 30 Mig15 aircraft (or all training aircraft on both sides.) i.e., a Korean War ECW Server... - Live GCI. Eliminate live GCI because the exceptional new EWR auto display, BRAA notifications, are now available on our PC gaming screen. Besides, the live GCI is ‘over-the-top too helpful.’ Have watched many of the Y.T. uploaded dogfights using live GCI and they are micro-managing the pilot's dogfight down to a couple of hundred feet from their aircraft. They make it so that the pilot doesn’t even have to turn his head to even ‘check six’ because a live GCI Controller is telling them everything right down to who is flying off of his/her wingtip. Is that balanced? Realistic? EWR bot callouts are excellent! Note: A great expert opinion on how effective the GCI really was during the time frame (1980s?) that the ECW Server is trying to depict is Tactical Pascale – who was a real-world GCI controller (in England I think) and has put out many YT videos. - The following ideas/suggestions came from flying on the RotorHeads helicopter Server that might provide some ideas for 'our' ECW Server: [disclaimer: I am not part of the RotorHeads Server team and do not communicate with them and I am not compensated in any way by them. ] -- Server resets every FIVE hours vs four hours. -- You have only three pilot lives during those five hours. Those lives can be 'recovered' by a helicopter rescue - similar to ECW. Changes the dynamics on a balanced level. Also, knowing that I can't fly more than three deaths on the ECW Server (without helo rescue) would make everyone more careful. Also, if pilots can no longer fly after three deaths, they could (somehow) be made to leave the Server thereby freeing up valuable slots for pilots waiting to get on the Server. When Server resets, you get your three lives back. Check out the RotorHeads map to see its layout. -- Have enemy units progress at random across the front line to attack other ground units (i.e. dynamic, nonstatic defenses). On the RotorHeads Server, they often get some enemy BTR, track Strelas, or columns of tanks crossing the front lines to attack ground units or move into positions on our side of the line. There are some random enemy AI jets and helicopters that are pretty dang good at keeping you on your toes! -- Team/friendly killing. If you accidentally shoot down another friendly or destroy friendly ground structures, buildings, etc., you get a notice: "you have destroyed a friendly; your weapons are no longer operational; you must return to base to re-activate your weapons.' This ECW Server is one of the very finest, exceptional Servers out there -- well done by all of the Enigma/ECW Team! I'm trying to keep suggestions that keep the Server fair and balanced for the time period that the ECW Staff appear to be depicting... 1980s i think. Not trolling here, really. Just looking for ideas and suggestions to help improve the ECW Server for all of us - especially if we want to bring newer players onto this Server. Maximo

June 9th 2024. The AIM 7 sparrow missile presently used by the F-4 and on the ECW server is definitely over engineered -- unrealistic in its current user form and is a perfect 4th or 5th generation missile with its fantastic shoot down/look down at targets at tree top level while the F-4 is flying at medium altitudes. The F-4 never had this 'arcade style' of perfect missile kill. Try some low altitude F-4 AIM7 missile shots at a low fly target on mission editor and you will see that this missile needs a lot of tweeking to make its missile parameters viable with the F-4 on the ECW. In fact, please spread the word to collect data on the use of this AIM 7 missile and forward all data to ECW Server Enigma for analysis. The AIM 7 missile is 'too perfect' - unrealistic when used by the F-4 to simulate a 1970s AIM7 missile. I've been shot through trees and once through a hilltop. This is opinion only until I can upload the video. Seriously, the F-4 is a great addition to the ECW Server (although having 30 F-4s on the server at a time is not real-world realistic) - it is the current use of the AIM7 and its missile parameters that are in question and not the F-4 module. The F-4 with the AIM7 is like an AIM 120 on the ECW Server...nothing defeats the missile - not chaff, beaming the missile, or flying at tree top level. Try it-conduct flight tests and I think what I am saying will bear true. The AIM 7 should be restricted from use - at least with the F-4 - until the missile parameter anomalies are corrected. Otherwise the ECW Server will be turned into just another 'arcade game'. The ECW Server is the best, but is de-evolving with so many odd aircraft with non-updated modeling currently available on the server. Example: The F-86, Mig -15, training aircraft, etc.

Paco, Thanks for your reply and your attempt to help me. It is much appreciated. Sure enough, after an hour or two after posting, I think I solved the problem. (if not, I'll re-post here). Apparently the 'Lock Target' key bind would not take or stay in the saved OK mode on the Adjust Controls. I know how to key bind but thought this was pretty weird that after I close out the Mission Editor (where I was testing the key binds and practicing flying the KA50) and then come back in to practice there was the Lock Target and a few other key binds that were not working or were not saved. I do click OK on the requested key bind, and then click the overall Adjust Control 'OK' key click at the bottom right page too to ensure I don't just X out of the Adjust Controls page. Bottom line is I think it was me not completing some key bind action. After Lock Target now with the Laser on, I do get a range in KMs the way it should operate now. Thanks again for trying to help. Hope to see you and the other Helo guys on the Multiplayer servers flying KA50 2s/3s once I am up to speed on flying the KA50 BS 3 again. One other possible problem that I may have self-inflicted on my key binding is to ensure that I have selected KA50 BS version 3 vs Version 2 if I'm setting up my key binds for Black Shark 3. We can close out this message now. Hope my mistakes help newer DCS pilots. Max.

Have previously flown the BS 2 with many flight hours with no Laser problems; upgraded to BS3. Use DCS Multi-thread. Unable to get a range to target from my Laser Stby/on switch, tv camera up and running, etc. All switches from Laser on to weapons panel powered up including side laser arm panel switch, etc. Have reset the laser both on the side panel and the front panel (switch near left knee cap on front panel). Everything tracks and zooms good with the laser switch on and off - just no range in KM to target indicated and there is no lock-up on the target either. Laser 'inop' on both the Black Shark 2 and 3. Yet there was no problem with the Black Shark two in the past (now Laser is inoperative also on BS 2) . Have checked all pages of this forum and others, checked the BS 3 manual, etc. but nothing related to the when the range to target should be indicated on the HUD and TV screen. Possible bug? (in Multi thread maybe?). Hopefully, it is me and some switch I have not turned on around the cockpit somewhere... Thanks in advance for any help provided. Will post the solution in order to help others when someone is able to help. If not, I'll post a ticket and let everyone know here. I also deleted, then re-installed Black Shark 3. Same problems. Frustrated. Max

Friday, Feb 16th, 2024 Update to previous posting. The following ideas and suggestions are suggestions/opinion/ideas for the next ECW patch (2.5) or sooner. Current patch is ECW 2.4 at the time of this writing. - Still no A-10 or SU-25 aircraft to select on the Caucus Split Map today. Instead, we are left with the Mig 15 (no missile capability - bad for Red Force) opposite to the Blue Forces F-86 that carries two missiles. Not a balanced trade. Also, keep SU-25 and A-10 on all ECW maps. - MI-24 Hind R60s. Keep the R60s for the MI-24 on all ECW maps. - Create an all-in-one standalone guide for the ECW Server that is all inclusive – single source for everything including future updates. Shouldn’t have to go to Discord !FAQ to learn piecemeal about what to do. Some pilots complain that they cannot access Enigma Discord for one reason or another. Include the most important updates on the Server Mission Briefing page. Something like: ‘Chuck’s ECW Dynamic Cold War Server Guide' would help greatly. - Remove the F-86 (and Mig 15) from the ECW Server. The F-86 carries two AIM 9 missiles while the Mig 15 carries no missiles – not an even trade out. Remove all training aircraft as well – of no value on this server. Trade these aircraft Server slots for the F-4E and other aircraft/helicopters in the future. Only so many slots on the Server. - KA50 Helicopter. Time for the KA50 Black Shark 2/3 to be introduced on the Server? Time frame now is allowing F-14 and Mig 29s now onto this Server with the F-4E and Mig 23 to soon show up on the Server. The KA50 would make a great Hunter/Killer team with the MI-24 and other Red Helicopters - not sure what could be added to the Blue side helicopter choices. - Ramming other aircraft. If ramming is ok to do, then please put it on the Mission Briefing page. Whether deliberate or not, having no ammo/low on fuel/’cornered like a rat’ where you can’t get away due to multiple enemy aircraft should be prohibited -- you wouldn't do it in the real world... this is a simulation and not W.T. An aircraft ramming was deliberately done recently by a very well respected Server pilot who admitted in the tab chat to the following reasons for ramming a Mig-21 -” I was out of ammo so I rammed you...” I know this is difficult to enforce. - Keep AWACS aircraft invulnerable. No need to pay credit or request spawn of AWACS - keep it simple. Invulnerable AWACs simplifies things. - Communications. Everyone should at least monitor the primary comms frequencies for jets and helicopters. Just practice good comms. Keep conversations short and simple. Pilots concerned about not being able to talk to anyone on SRS because it was explained to them that many of the pilots have gone over to their private Discord comms - this comes across as 'elitist' by doing this and not a team effort to win. Exception: Helicopters. - Live GCI. Eliminate live GCI because the exceptional new EWR auto display, BRAA notifications, are now available on our PC gaming screen. Besides, the live GCI is ‘over-the-top too helpful.’ Have watched many of the Y.T. uploaded dogfights using live GCI and they are micro-managing the pilot's dogfight down to a couple of hundred feet from their aircraft. They make it so that the pilot doesn’t even have to turn his head to even ‘check six’ because GCI is telling them everything right down to who is flying off of his/her wingtip. Is that balanced? Realistic? EWR bot callouts are excellent! (no live GCI required) Should continue across the whole hex-based map and not just on your side. Note: A great expert opinion on how effective the GCI really was during the time frame (1980s?) that the ECW Server is trying to depict is Tactical Pascale – who was a real-world GCI controller (in England I think) and has put out many YT videos. This ECW Server is one of the very finest, exceptional Servers out there -- well done by all of the Enigma/ECW Team! I'm trying to keep suggestions that keep the Server fair and balanced for the time period that the ECW Staff appear to be depicting... 1980s i think. Not trolling here, really. Just looking for ideas and suggestions to help improve the ECW Server for all of us - especially if we want to bring newer players onto this Server. Maximo

Deleted and updated in the Feb 16, 2024 posting.

Edit update

If you have a Nvidia graphics card, make sure you are using the first option in the Nvidia Control Panel titled 'Image Scaling'. I use 50% but many use 20 to 30%. Make sure to checkmark "Overlay Indicator" too. I swear I can now see the bombers twice as far away now; especially looking down when they are flying below contrail level. It sharpens the edges. See YT videos for 'Nvidia Image Scaling" often referred to as NIS. Salut! I think this server would benefit from the blue dot/red dot labeling but that is considered a 'crutch'. It would cut down on the expensive use of every time people call Overlord bot for guidance, etc. fyi.

Check out the Texas 149th Helicopter Training Server on the Multiplayer Server section of DCS. [ If you can't locate it, then you may need to update your current DCS to the Open Beta version of DCS - there are over 1200 Servers listed in DCS 2.7.9 Open Beta !] You don't have to read below this line - for newer DCS helicopter pilots that are new to DCS Multiplayer (MP) Servers. Feel free to comment and critique/correct anything. We'll always go with the better suggestion and comments. S! I fly as: Pistol 9-9 I Mikey ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I got tired of going onto so many great Servers with fast-movers/jets that sped over to the targets that I had selected and flown to for 10 or 15 minutes in my KA-50 Black Shark 2 only to have the target destroyed just before I get to it. So I went looking for a Helicopter Only Training Server with the right mix of nearby targets to your FARP/launch point for the most fun and no jets flying around. My choice is the Texas 149th Helicopter Training Server and here's why: 1. Many ground targets surround your takeoff point and are a short flight of about 4 or 5 minutes in any direction. 2. No jets on the site that I know of so your target will still be there. 3. Very well managed and run. A solid Server - have flown on it solo for a few weeks with no problems. 4. The targets are pretty cool and varied - they 'scatter like rats' when attacked and hide to some degree. They shoot back-from the small missiles on Hummer-like vehicles to AK47 soldiers firing. They use some of the bigger AA guns/tanks - 57mm I think, as well as the 23mm guns. 5. Labels: Dot Only. (enemy targets are a red dot) 6. F10 map key is available. All friendly helos can be seen. There are no enemy helicopters on the Server. They also use smoke in the distance to help you orientate where there may be some targets. 7. Starts with your helo hot/engine running. New players-make sure to load weapons/missiles, etc. Helicopter is clean on startup. - I think the Server resets every 4 hours? not sure. - l'd recommend that you download DCS Simple Radio Standalone (DCS SRS) here: http://dcssimpleradio.com/ . [ I use the latest version which is 1.9.9 ] If you download DCS SRS, just make sure to assign a transmitter key either on your joystick, HOTAS, or keyboard. Select 'autoconnect' is a good idea too. You don't have to talk on the radio but you can learn a lot by listening to other pilots talk and coordinate their attacks on a specific target. It adds a fun immersion when you can hear others talking. Start DCS SRS before logging into DCS World is a good idea too. - Let's have fun on this Server! We could 'flashmob' the Server with helicopter new guys flying and training, etc., on the hour or half hour and text or talk about what everyone wants to do. For example, prior to takeoff, if you don't want to talk, just text: " heading for convoy north of my position. See you there." Or: " working the south end of the convoy, you guys work the north end of the convoy - we'll meet in the middle for join-up formation back to FARP/base." Or: 'gonna fly solo today guys - I'm new.' (i.e, leave me alone). You get the idea. - You don't have to chat or talk on the Server, but it would be fun to see other helicopters attacking targets just for the fun of it. Tag along and have fun, take nothing personal, ask questions if you're having trouble with your helicopter flying. After all, it is a training server. ps. I am not affiliated with this Server or its staff in any way. For those that are, Well done! This is the ideal helicopter training Server! Pistol 9-9 I Mikey

Check Aux Inverter Switch is set to OFF. Do not turn this switch on. Located on right lower side of switches - has a red border around it. fyi. Credit goes to a Reddit Forum community poster. They had the same problem.