Golgotha

Thanks Igormk, Downloading now and looking forward to installing it and trying another campaign in the Black Shark. I will of course report any gremlins that might arise. :)

Thank you a very helpful addition to all of the help. Golgotha

Happy Pilot here Thanks for all of the hard work that you guys at ED and the beta testing team, have spent getting this ready for us all to have our enjoyment enhanced. I look forward to the download finishing and then seeing how well the Shark flies then....... :pilotfly::thumbup::joystick::pilotfly::smartass::joystick: Golgotha:thumbup:

My very sincere thanks to the guys at ED, for allowing this as a download, which will allow a little breathing space to save up for the printed version as I am sadly living on disability benefits. This can only help make a fabulous game even more immersive and understandable. I shall of course buy directly from yourselves as the Fighter Collection is really important in keeping historic aircraft flying. I guess I am lucky as Duxford is only a 30 mile hop for me. John :)

I am intrigued as to why there are no physical indications, such as a -[minus] symbol in front of the airspeed indication on the HUD. This would be helpful as unlike in a real helicopter, where you have a sensation of flying in reverse, it is very difficult to be aware of in Black Shark as the forward and reverse airspeed indications are exactly the same in the HUD. The only way to really notice the difference is by looking out of the open crew access hatch at the ground. Whilst this might not be realistic in the real KA-50, I think that in Black Shark, especially in low light conditions that a minus symbol, or even the airspeed number being a different colour, such as red, would assist no end. However am I missing something? John - Golgotha :pilotfly::joystick:

The old fashioned saying is that 'Patience is a virtue' and a 'watched kettle never boils'. When it is properly ready, then it will be released to us to download.

Having read some of the posts, I will echo what has been said by some that we have been given a superlative product. A product that would seem to be far closer to proper function, than many projects that get released, seemingly just to grab your money, then needing patch after patch, just to make the software deliver acceptable function. In this software developer we have something that I consider special. They listen to our comments and take the time to work on the patch, so that although we all will not be satisfied with everything, at least it will add to the overall usability of the sim, whilst promising to continue to support us, in the future. I was really pleased to hear of the intention to improve Lomac FC, as well as delivering new modules for Black Shark. Look at how many software producers, release the project, then reduce the team to a minimum to work on patches, whilst they look towards the next piece of software in the production line. I think that ED is exceptional in their objectives, of continuing to support their customers by planning patches, upgrades and new modules. Sure it would be great if a single patch could cater to every customers desire, but I think we should all be grateful, that ED listens and communicates with us. So personally I say, Thanks ED, for looking after us, the customer. Golgotha

Looks like the wait is well worth the anticipation. The updates and the new skins, will most certainly add a whole new definition to this excellent simulator. Thanks, I just have to wait now

Thanks very much for all those who worked hard on giving us this aircarft, which was such an important part of the cold war days, across the world. John

I think that grabbing the vodka bottle, should be the first thing on the list, just to steady the nerves.........:joystick:

I wonder if any of the wizards that you find on these type of forums can help with a small mod? NIght missions are fun and really challenging right from the start as it would be a great idea for the pilot to be able to use a small flashlight, so as to start the cockpit preparation. I know you can use the approprite key control, but I do admit to liking opening the guard covers and clicking the switches, but it is damned hard to find the battery controls, so as to be able to use the cockpit illumination, so as to get started bringing this magnificent beast to life. The NVG's that are worn by many aircrew have a battery system, so as to use them with no power. Can anybody help? John :pilotfly:

Thanks mate, That really is a little naughty and you might think sharp trading, as it seems like the intention is to force customers to buy a manual, beside the one that is supplied. I think that things like this can harm the excellent reputation that a company has, which can damage future custom. This is the kind of thing that the pirate community loves to see as justification for scanning manuals and then putting them on the web, for all to download, with the result that companies lose profits. I rreally cannot see how it is justifiable to gather feedback from a loyal user base, then charge for just updating a manual to offer pilots the opportunity, to get maximum enjoyment out of their product. It makes it look like all they want to do is relieve you of as much money as possible. John

I always read the threads that concern Black Shark with some interest as beside it being a fantastic and challenging simulator, which has already seen me spending less and less time, engaged with LOMAC FC, many of the questions and observations, help to clear up confusion and assist in the learning curve. I have read with interest the information regarding the printed manual, containing updated information, but still find myself wondering if the downloadable PDF version from the DCs Black Shark site, has been updated to the same standard and superceeding that which is installed as part of the process, when installing from DVD versions? I obviously want to be using the latest information in learning to fly and fight this deadly eggbeater. So hopefully DCS will keep us informed as to updated versions as I want to print my own manual, rather than buying one. John [Golgotha]

I did reply to another similar thread, so a short one here. The 30mm Rarden gun on the CVR[T] Scimitar, in my day used HE and Armour Piercing Secondary Effect [APSE], this was prior to the development of APDS rounds that were loaded succesfully. In my time they failed as the loading process inside the weapon, was quite complicated. The APSE round is an AP penetrator, with a phosphorus bursting charge, which was supposed to go off, inside the lightly armoured vehicles like the BMP series. The reason that this was selected was that often AP rounds will pass right through the light armour, with no noticable effect, except a tiny flash, unless it hit something like fuel or ammo, which would create the customery whoosh of flame. From reading reports on the use of the 105mm armed Centurion, by Isreal during the six day war, they experienced the same effect on MBT's when using AP and afterwardswelded the holes, hosed the crew remains out and then put the vehicle back into action. So the AP rounds act in Black Shark, exactly as they would, unless the developers have put in the areas of the fuel tanks and you hit them directly. 50 Cal HMG rounds will also slice through lighter armoured vehicles, without them bursting into flames. John

One of the things about AP rounds is that they can just punch neat holes through the target, which unless you hit something flammable, does not really give the best effect. In my experience using the 30mm Rarden, the best AP round to use, in many cases was the Armour Piercing Secondary Effect [APSE] round, which contained a secondary part, like phosphorus, that was designed to destroy things. The humble HE round, was useful against a great many targets though as the effect of being hit, caused severe damage or destroyed appropriate targets. John

As an ex-Scimitar [CVR-T] Gunner, firing the 30mm Rarden cannon in the late 1970's, before 'discarding sabot' rounds were developed, the only time when one would have used it against an MBT, would have been in desperation and even then mainly against the rear of the engine decks. However if any lucky bursts had managed to take out the Gunners or Commanders sights, it would have allowed the chance to escape. The weapon would however been excellent against vehicles like the BMP, BRDM, BTR and other light soft-skinned vehicles like trucks and jeep type transport. It was also to be used against helicopters at a push. 30mm against a modern MBT, the best option is to not be seen, or to run like hell. John

This is the first problem that I have ever encountered, since installing Black Shark on the 9th of May 2009. In my latest navigation and training flight, after some 80 minutes of successful flight, I suddenly found that none of the mapped buttons or POV hats were working. Each Axis Pitch, Roll and Yaw continued to function as normal. I was able to exit Black Shark by using the ESC key. I checked my control set using the latest CH Control Manager software and each axis, button and hat showed as working as expected. I restarted the Simulator and all was working exactly as I expected. Attachment: Crash Log. # -------------- 20090604-233143 -------------- C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\Ka-50\bin\stable\wRadio.dll # C0000005 ACCESS_VIOLATION at 028493FC 01:000183FC # # EAX = 37067B98 # EBX = 00000000 # ECX = 00000000 # EDX = 3915BB01 # ESI = 00000000 # EDI = 036DE578 # CS:EIP = 001B:028493FC # SS:ESP = 0023:0013FB34 EBP = 37067D44 # DS = 0023 ES = 0023 FS = 003B GS = 0000 # Flags = 00010202 028493FC 37067D44 0001:000183FC C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\Ka-50\bin\stable\wRadio.dll ?remove_communicator@wCommNetsManager@@QAEXPAVwCommunicator@@@Z()+C 028493FC 37067D44 0001:000183FC C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\Ka-50\bin\stable\wRadio.dll ?remove_communicator@wCommNetsManager@@QAEXPAVwCommunicator@@@Z()+C However I have to say that this has become my most used installed software, replacing LOMAC FC and F4 AF. I cannot wait for any patches and the other modules like the A10. Thanks, John :pilotfly:

Have you the Pitch, yaw and roll, augmentation switches engaged, lit blue on the autopilot panel by your right knee?

Thats very true, you can indeed do it with the helicopter sat on the pan, but not everybody wants or can afford to buy/print the manual, so having just the ABRIS as a module open on your desktop, means that you can rapidly switch back and forth. As I said, with not everybody having the fastest pc, using less resources, would be a good option. It woiuld also be good if you were using it somewhere that it is not acceptable to install the simulator. Its just a thought but for my part when I was able to do this with an FS add-on some time ago, I really managed to learn the FMS, really well; including some of the more obscure functions. I do remember that that module also allowed you to develop and upload flight plans into Flight Simulator. Golgotha:pilotfly:

I have to say that Black Shark has been well worth the wait as I am now feeling more confident in handling this 'sports car' of the helicopter world. As a long-term flight simmer, I wonder if the developers might consider a version of the ABRIS that can be run as a module, independantly of Black Shark. If this was produced, by running it without having to load the whole program, would make it a lot easier in learning how to best utilise its capabilities, outside of the cockpit and I do know there is the preparation phase that can be used, with another aspect where mission planning could be undertaken and uploaded to the actual simulator, much like I would assume primary planning takes place in the real world of the KA50. It would offer a great advantage of requiring less processor power for those without the often termed 'Ninja Machines' and could if run alone actually be larger, so as to allow greater vision. This was done in the past in a couple of FS Add-ons and I am sure would soon attract some excellent walkthrough tutorials, which would allow everybody to gain greater insight and make the practical applications, much easier to learn, in an environment outside of the pilot couch. Its just my view based upon my personal experience of trying to get to grips with this important part of the instrument panel. I just wonder what others, experienced and not so experienced think:robot: John aka Golgotha

I would recommend that you download and install the CH Control Manager utility as it allows a much finer process of calibration. The windows native one never seemed to define, proper centering of the CH Pedals. Search for CH Hanger and as a bonus you find lots of help in using the software and downloadable maps for many simulators. I hope this helps you. Golgotha

Hind:pilotfly:

Thanks for the help Thanks to all the guys that have offered help and advice to my question. Having created some simple navigation and flight training flights in the editor, I can now handle the 'shark' with a little more confidence, in the flight augmentation systems and trim. The flight director does seem to work like in some aircraft, where when flying manually it give control input guidence, to fly the helo. I have to say that it would be great if DCS would produce a module that allows the ABRIS, to be used independantly, without starting the whole simulation, so that you can spend time getting to grips with it, as it is quite a powerful piece of equipment, like some of the flight computers in Flight Simulator. Well now I can land, thanks to the advice on the wheelbrakes, in another thread, I shall start looking at the weapons system, before trying some action. John :thumbup::pilotfly:

Thanks Nate for such a quick reply and I shall wait to see if any others can go more into depth about the Augmentation system. I guess that having been a fixed wing virtual aviator, that I am looking at things like I have learned in LOMAC and of course my other favourite F4 Allied Force as well as the Flight Simulator series. John :)

Well last Saturday the day arrived when Black Shark was presented to me on my Birthday, after hinting for a couple of months to the wife and pointing out the correct Amazon page. I have to say well done to the developers as this has grabbed my interest from Lock-On Flaming Cliffs. Whilst the A10 sounds fun, I for one am hoping for a Hind later in the series. Sure there were issues with the one produced by DI in days gone by, but it was a fun simulator all the same. I am very much in training mode, practising powering up and getting airborne, before tipping over on landing, I have now read the contents of the appropriate thread and will practice, from here-on, using the tips that are given there, but I really would like to ask for somebody to explain the use of the Auto-Pilot, as I find the information in the PDF manual to be a little lacking.:helpsmilie: I understand the 'augmentation' operations, but for the life of me cannot understand, how to use the Auto-Pilot for navigating a route; something I believe it will do, using the flight director button, I assume that the height hold is part of this. If somebody can assist me I would be grateful, as I for one will have to buy or have printed a hardcopy of the manual, as I try to read the PDF, then remember what was written. The ABRIS is a bit of a beast to get to grips with, beside using it as a moving map. Thanks in advance, I am sure I shall be asking plenty of other questions, later. Regards, John [Golgotha]:helpsmilie::joystick::joystick: