Hawkeye_UK

I was an original owner of the rift and recently upgraded to the rift s after much consideration of the other options and competition. Wasn't expecting much given the spec etc but i thought any bump in visuals for the low price is worthwhile. Let me say i was pleasantly shocked! Everything is clear in the cockpit, target aquisition is much better especially combined with the VR spyglass zoom feature released on the OB this week for A2G - A2A. People slate the sound, i have used it when i first got it but to be fair even with the original rift i still used my steel series 7. I don't understand people discounting the rift for the sound when it comes with a input jack on the actual headpiece anyway for those that don't have wireless. For me the Rift purchase came down to one thing - software and smoothness, its fully supported with ED DCS. For that reason alone and hearing some horror stories of WMR and other hardware i stayed with oculus, i've not been dissapointed. I don't understand people that say they are waiting for next gen headsets - the immersion, 1 to 1 tracking and visuals are amazing now (i have a 55inch 4k high end screen that never gets used for DCS anymore). Run my rift on a RTX2080 - brilliant performance. So for £400 what more is there to think about - in visuals alone i fail to see any difference in the Vive Pro etc and certainly not £700 worth.

lol this made me laugh, the fact this has had 55 replies in less than 24 hours and is a busy post i think people do care some of which like myself have been in the online sphere since 98 with Janes F15 and falcon 4 etc. I never said i was a spokesman and it is a fair assessment that we as a community are patient, i stand by what i said. This was a discussion i raised to actually assist ED in their approach - you know 360 feedback. If you think their is not a growing resentment i advise you to go and discuss across various leading pvp MP servers and their communities either in voicecomms or their discord general chat these last few months.

As in 2 seat aircraft the RIO's normally complete most of the radio traffic. Or in Civ's pilot not in command would have radio's in his workflow.

Comm 2 generally.

Disappointing. Anybody else feel that the Viper release has really hampered F18 development despite ED saying it wouldn't earlier in the summer ? I know it got briefly acknowledged 2 weeks ago that they had to pull resource over but surely the priority should be on an existing product not rushing new ones out the door at the expense of existing projects that are already customer facing. It's been 2 months since the lightening pod was released and with the exception of a very limited Harpoon and a few fixes its difficult to see 8 weeks of coding in today's OB unless we are due a huge release in the next OB that missed the cut? Oh i forgot we've been told the walleye is coming, which in fairness hasn't much relevance in today's MP environment, i'd say the most important is TWS at present. Anybody else concerned that things are sliding and ED concentrating on new modules/cashflow whilst older modules get slowed down. It amazes me even on the loading screen how many of the modules still have EA or beta years after release. Reference the hornet I mean were do we start, TWS, Ground Radar, Flight Model broken allowing the jet to pull 30g, SLAM-ER, Mark points in HSI, Data cartridge, TGP pod that actually shows its position in the HUD (note the viper has this on release) to name a few and no real milestone timeline that has been communicated to the customers. When was Wag's last F18 video, Harpoon 7 weeks ago. The Multiplayer code / CA and various issues that have been reported - enough said. ED not catering for VR in Combined Arms which is vital for some servers. How years later we still haven't fixed the simple view bind's that go in opposite directions amazes me given how many of us now play solely in VR. I know VR is listed as not supported however common guys, move where the customer base and technology is going. Don't get me wrong i'm a huge DCS fan however i do think detailed communication is sometimes very, very poor and they get away with it because of our enthusiasm to the sector and a lack of a direct competitor. I mean how hard can it be to have a simple Gantt chart with the major release features along with an approximate timeline - it would stop disappointment and probably 15-20% of all forum posts with customers asking / chasing. We are patient as a community - but i can sense a growing resentment in ED rushing out new products (with no IFF???) with so many ongoing projects / problems. I know many committed players that this time around didn't jump in on the Viper EA pre launch for this very reason out of principle. Hoping we get a professional and detailed roadmap on the status of the Hornet in the near future. Given the community members i've spoken with recently its fair to say were not bothered about things taking time to develop if accurately released it's the poor communication of that information along with no approximation of timeline that causes disappointment / concern of direction.

I also should have said works plug and play with every module so tend to use it for most TGP systems now also - its added alot to the Warthog.

For the Rio pit i also bought and use a Logitek Side Panel - meant for some farming sim game originally however excellent for TGP also in the back seat. Its like a huge button box that comes kindly with an analogue joystick complete with top buttons! Its ideal for having everything to hand quickly re radar scales, TID scales , Lantirn control, radio , countermeasures etc etc!

As for going for Rift S - i was the same as you in some ways on whether to go for the index. I went of the Rift S more because of software integration and heard some horror stories of other systems. I was really pleased with the jump in visual quality - it is night and day compared to the CV1 in terms of reading txt / dials etc. I find myself not having to VR zoom now to read the cockpit / MFD's. The screen door is much much less, thus also increasing immersion further. Visual acquisition of targets both ground and air also big improvement. I play on a very competitive server and this has helped no end in terms of being able to ID earlier. I also prefer the fit of the Rift S , obviously personal choice but i like the fact can release pressure easily or use to the button to bring it right in. Inside out view also helpful if want to reach for a drink without taking off the rift etc. Its a no brainer, especially at the price point. My friend brought a Vive Pro for £1000 UK only a few months ago and to be honest i cannot tell the difference in resolution, if anything i prefer the rift fit, visuals parity. Lastly i was also dubious despite having a decent system of FPS hit with the Index, with the rift its hardly made a difference (iv'e not had to alter or reduce my graphics to still be getting 40FPS -which is smooth).

Steel Series Arctic 7 - Absolutely brilliant sound quality for games, clear microphone that neatly pushes away and also multi use - can be used with phone / etc on flights - earphones phone flat.

Just a quick note, for anyone that is looking for a side panel to expand button bindings and functionality i would recommend the Saitek Side Panel. This was originally meant for a farming sim but its also super useful for DCS. It has a 28 buttons (that can also be combine with shift keys from Hotas for unlimited) and a 2 way joystick with mode selector. It is brilliant for F14 /A10 / F18 - I use it for radar hooks, radar model selection, DDD, TCS, Stores etc oh and lantirn control is amazing! Its also useful for start up and many other system controls such as TGP and maverick control. I play only in VR and the buttons are well laid out for feel. Would recommend.

Dont Wait! Having played DCS mostly on the original rift CV1 (i really like the immersion, 1-1 head tracking has it's benefits for close in SA over flat monitors) i have upgraded to the Rift S 4 days ago, rather than write a knee jerk impression i wanted to test it out properly first. For those that are doubting the jump and or waiting for the next level, your missing out - the txt is super clear now on all MFD's, no more VR zoom or leaning in, the screen door effect is also greatly reduced. I can now visually ID aircraft and ground targets, and the best bit is whilst i have a pretty decent PC spec it hasn't killed my FPS - infact i haven't noticed a difference! Wags was correct its a pleasant surprise and those that have never flown VR, prepare to fall in love with DCS all over again! All i will say is for those that currently fly non VR / or those already that already do, either way upgrade now as you will not be disappointed.

IF GR1 then definitely JP233....however thankfully i don't think ED would map the reduced impact on desert runways / PG map.

Is there even anything to discuss here - definitely not the ADV F2 standard - they came with blue circle radar (concrete ballast - not joking for the first few years). The stage 1 radar was appalling and struggled to track anything that turned. It was only marginal post stage 2+ radar, so even in the Gulf war 91 it didn't even have NCTR so couldn't even operate at the front. Even in the late 90's it had TWS but in order to engage it had to lock STT target and provide terminal guidance to skyflash - thus losing the TWS picture, stored on screen but effectively outdated and a guessing game for the crew. Only in the very late F3 with Stage 3 was it up to a standard. Best British radar at the time was in the Sea Harrier - Blue Vixon - however i doubt this would be modelled or source data available due to it going on to form the CAPTOR (Eurofighter). Please lets not have the ADV, the tomcats AWG9 would chew it up - however the IDS.....GR4 would be a dream, and a blast especially given Heatblur's amazing multicrew experience like the 14! I would also like to see the F-111 if the Tornado cannot be done!

The worst is in multiplayer when allied friendly's don't fence in and switch off strobe lights / position / formation! It's like a sitting duck especially for those that fly the F15 (i don't) the tail-fin lights on them are so so bright!

Ok so my tactics being employed with some levels of success whilst in the Hornet..... For me the key is trying to pick them up sooner, easier with E3 present on SA datalink however even with for me its working the radar on Barcap missions, constantly scanning and using the different azimuths of the radar to analyse the battle space. Any contact interrogate with sensor depress to attain status hostile/friendly/unknown and build the picture in your head of what's where. As soon as i get spiked by an F14 from hostile airspace i start to go defensive, do not wait for the solid lock time on RWR as they launch TWS. The majority of players i've come up against are using them from altitude and long stand off ranges with generally a ripple shot of 2 or even 3 missiles (outside our Aim120 engagement zone). The Aim54 encase some people don't know has or rather had its own active radar that switches on circa half the launch distance from the host aircarft. On being spiked on RWR by an F14 I generally visually look out to the 60 degree port / starboard and make a quick judgement call on which has better topography. If this lasts for longer than 5 seconds i switch radar to silent and if E2/E3 keep reviewing SA page. Immediately make the aggressive beam and don't waste chaff initially, get down to the deck asap in a steep dive (changing your aspect whilst doing so) and notch on the beam track to ensure radar lock is broke asap. When i mean low, you need to put mountain ridges, or any topography above your cockpit window and get close to the valley wall nearest the attacking aircraft! This will break the lock. If flat below then increase the beam to 90 and get down to literally tree level and look for any sign of relief. As your beaming the F14 distance will be closing (which is what we want). If you hear the missile warning go off then increase the beam to 90 and full afterburner and start to chaff after about 15 seconds. Hopefully by this stage your in the mountains and if radar lock is broke the key then is to start weaving back to the F14 origin point, reference your position from a fixed point (bullseye/waypoint - i do wish DCS would code and make the mark button work on HSI) and then calculate the contact distance point, work on a third to 40% of the distance from your original engagement zone on the basis the F14 is still hostile and seeking. Keep notching through the topography at deck level, rolling inverted as you go over ridges to get the nose back down quickly to avoid the powerful F14 radar (i find this really helps cut down on the spikes and should be used as a key tactic on any defensive approach). At this point you might be getting random spikes from the F14 which is good as it gives you a reference point that your still on course. However if its more than literally a bleep then beam again from that point. There are then 2 options when travelled around 40% of the distance, you can switch radar back on, shifting the radar azimuth upwards and look for a fox 3 shot from low down, or continue to near merge and use the Aim9x seeker head to search for targets using the eye reticle in the HMS. If you get a lock for fox 3, even if the parameters are not ideal then still launch - it will give him something to think about and force him defensive beam which will allow you to come up if he's a single and get a better fox 3 solution. If they have retained their altitude and not come down to the mud I've actually managed to fly near enough directly under the F14 with my nose cold, pull vertical, full burner and fox 2 up the tailpipes, handy if the AIM9x is not allowed. What i would say is ground clutter and breaking radar is the key. Do not attempt to stay at altitude with chaff, you will be toast. There is a reason why in the RW pilots train for fast low altitude mountain flight, especially bomber crews because the ground is your best, and worst friend. During the red flag expertises in the late 1970's and 1980's much to the frustration of the F15/F14 crews found it almost impossible to achieve and maintain a missile lock for launch on much older RAF strike Buccaneers due to the low level penetration flights utilising the ground and hard notching. Granted in doing so we lost 2 aircrew (Pilot and WSO) due to CFIT. Tornado crews employed the same tactics re ground clutter, you only have to look at the Gulf War and whilst defending a missile (Some dispute whether Sam or A2A) sadly another crew had a CFIT incident. Lastly i must add, its been an absolute pleasure to see the new F14 module in DCS, i've not purchased it myself as yet as not sure on how i would enjoy the jester AI and keep having to navigate it but i am enjoying the challenge of going against these great aircraft. Hats off to Heatblur the visuals of them look amazing when flying alongside them, also from the carrier launch with the pilot details etc if alongside in the CAT.

Well all i will say on this, the current state of VR,and its not 20/20 and not good enough re your earlier comments - with Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are as we speak, and since 2016 been utilised in part to train US and UK airforces (and Navy), out of the box albeit at the time running on Nvidia Quadro GPU's. So perhaps maybe consider why it's used by the military? I go back to my original statement, head movement 1-1 tracking, it gets you mimicking body/neck movements from the start and provides unparalleled immersion and situation awareness that helps assist and develop your Brain reactions to ACM and A2G training especially low level fast flight in a way that a projection or monitor cannot replicate or show. For example invert rolling over the crest of a hill for NOE flight profiles to maintain low level ingress/egress again on a monitor does nothing, in VR it gives a better training experience of distance to side of vally/deck. I can't imagine monitors continuing to have any use for anything other than ME/Planning. Again like you would in real life re monitors/touchscreen tablets/Maps. Or, as i said the Monitor super zoom function that some players have no doubt got overly reliant on for ground and air acquisition. Personally i would love to see VR only multiplayer rooms.

advancement in ......1998 and Falcon 4....got to be the biggest leap compared to Janes F15/F18!

HI Svsmokey - I'm running on a EVGA RTX2080 ultra, ran the standard software that came with the card (Precision X1) as know nothing about overclocking manually and set the overclock to 2100mhz, think its 1915mhz without o'clock. But in fairness i had it running fine on MSAAx4 before that anyway. Also running i7- 9700k o'clocked to 5Ghz on all cores but only 16GB memory at 3200 Mhz. Yea i don't get shimmering, i also set distance view to extreme, pre load distance to max,shadows flat, heat blur and lens off.

Yes i guess it also depends on settings, however i find with everything set to high, MSAA x4 and Anti set to x16 its perfectly readable in the F18. The immediate situational awareness with 1 to 1 head tracking and immersion is second to none.

Hey if in any doubt read my thread i left yesterday in the VR titled, If your thinking of getting into VR! In short nothing compares to VR if you can afford the investment and there is little point in waiting.

Hi, no i didnt mean the VR zoom i meant the super zoom on the monitor....

I just just thought i would post a message for those thinking about making the jump to VR. I have played flight sims on and off for over 25 years and have always relied on monitor setups (mainly Falcon & BMS, still the best large scale campaign) however stopped around 2013 due to work commitments / hardware requirements. I bought a new PC in November (RTX2080 i7 SSD etc) along with an oculus rift and have to say it's been an absolute game changer. This week the lead in my rift broke (rather dog chewed through it ) so awaiting a new one and have just tried to play F18 in DCS on a monitor for the first time. The difference is absolutely shocking, i can honestly say having played one mission i will not be loading it up again until the lead arrives - having only played DCS VR going back to 2D loses the entire feeling of the simulation, everything is harder having to paddle view on HOTAS, carrier landings, A2G, A2A dog fighting just becomes harder, down in the cherubs it just doesn't give the same feeling of reality. The situation awareness, offsets, ACM in visual range just becomes horrendous and so much harder to immediately assess. I'll normally fly around and only RTB on nothing on the dial but smiths however after under half an hour was back on the boat (just) after pancaking it! I hear people talk about resolution and being on a monitor is better so i have just played it on a 55inch 4k screen. However, the total loss of immediate situational awareness in close is just not worth the eye candy. I rather suspect the people that go on about this have an over reliance on using the zoom function for target recognition / acquisition and intercept selection course which in reality i think is almost like a cheat mode, sure pilots have historically and do continue to use binoculars in the pit and carried sometimes as back ups however in the split second this is not possible. I've wrote this for anyone thinking and is capable about making the investment into VR, if you want the most realistic feel, actual benefits in close, especially close ACM and immersion then nothing compares to VR. Sure technology will continue to get better however VR is so good now it doesn't warrant waiting if you have the budget to invest.

Hi Wags Just to clarify i can confirm that indeed the sam batteries do engage the incoming Harm's, generally at close range sub 3km. I noticed this as was using missile view post launch to see just how the missile profile flew as was interested in the terminal stage of flight. Of the 4 Harm's launched all where engaged and destroyed, clearly beyond the capabilities of the actual SA6 system.