=DROOPY=

When it comes to runway friction measurements taken during a winter weather event, you are venturing into the proverbial abyss. Not sure how military airports conduct friction testing, but at all FAA certified FAR Part 139 airports, they are mandated to conduct friction testing during winter weather events, and convey that information to the airport ATCT, and through what we call SNOTAMS. In my humble opinion, and considering that runway friction is one facet of my occupation, I would advise that if any runway friction related changes be made, that the changes be restricted to 'wet' runway conditions only. A 'wet' runway, as far as simulating runway surface friction, would be much more of a 'known' set of conditions, vs simulating Ice/Snow/Slush/Sleet/Freezing Rain/Graupel and, as if that wasn't enough, the surface depth of those types of winter precipitation present on the runway surface. For proper measurements, those depths also have to be entered into the database for a proper measurement to be correlated. (!) IRL, (where I am employed) if a runway measurement through friction testing is deemed unsafe, the runway is effectively closed to any and all air operations, and the runway surface treated and continually tested until it is deemed 'safe' for use. In those instances, friction measurements are taken continuously, during the time snow removal crews and equipment are working on the runway, and until the the amount of friction measured meets or exceeds what the (as far as US is concerned) FAA determines is required, with several variables at play, including the above, along with the consideration of the age of the runway, and what the runway itself is made of-Blacktop or Concrete. During warmer weather, when rain is the only thing to worry about, we issue what are called FICON NOTAMS for each active runway. They usually follow a format similar to: RWY 17L FICON 5/5/5 100% WET EFF 2408171812-2408181812 The 5/5/5 refers to Touchdown/Midpoint/Rollout sections of the runway respectively. 100% = Full length of Runway Wet= 1/4in or less of liquid surface moisture. 2408171812= Year/Month/Day/GMT Based on that, aircrews will adjust their braking action according to their aircraft landing weight and runway surface length available. My job is to just provide the information so they can plan accordingly. Fun fact: Most, if not all concrete runways, are 'crowned' in the center, and have grooves cut from the centerline to the shoulder to allow for efficient drainage to prevent the aircraft from hydroplaning.

@Calvin.Pimax AKAIK my Crystal didn't really get what I would perceive as 'hot'. Maybe just warm to the touch. I just don't want to take the chance of damaging it. My main issue was the inability to switch from 90 to 120, and stay at 120 after shutdown/restart.

PimaxXR/OXR/DFR In game: CTRL F2: Performance FCR Sharpness to 60+ or higher Turbo Mode : ON Bottom: TRK File Spotting Ex.trk

@jaydee Here's my settings. I'm reasonably happy with them. For ex: Last night I flew a setup where had to get visual and execute a daytime rendezvous on a -135. I started looking in the general area where he should have been while still at about 15mi out, and I was able get visual. He was faint enough against the clouds that I did lose him momentarily, while I switched the radar to STBY, but was able to reacquire shortly after. I've attached screenshots and my trackfile for the Hornet/Farmer Instant Action AFG. If you need additional info, let me know and I'll try to help best I can. Game:

@Nodak Wow...Thanks for the heads-up on the temps. I could tell it was getting a bit warm. No need to tempt fate.

I have a Crystal. Since Ive owned it, I have tried switching up to 120Mhz several times over the last few months. Most of the time it causes issues with freezing up. Tried it again today and flew 2+ hrs, beating up the RWY16 pattern at Beatty, and hitting the tanker. Was getting anywhere from 75-110fps. All was well until I had to take a break. I 'shut down' the headset in the program. When I came back to start it up again, I had alot of issues with it freezing up my computer. I had to go into Task MGR and end the program multiple times just to get things moving to start over. I can't provide any proof, but it felt like at least an hour before I could get into the Pimax Play settings and change it back to 90Mhz without it freezing up before I could do so. Now that I got it back to 90, it starts up and runs without issue. And it has been like this from day one. Anyone else have this problem? Just curious if anyone has, and if they have a solution? Thanks for your input!

Many places/businesses in the US have similar 'rewards' programs. You name it, gas stations, coffee houses, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. give you 'points' for every dollar you spend. The reality of it is, the exchange rate of the points are usually .01 or even less. It's up to you to participate in the program or not.

+1

Not complaining at all, but curious... Is the Crystal going to continue to receive updating to match new developments, or is it considered complete? Many thanks!

Very cool! Thank you!

@jaydee Thank you friend for bringing this up! I've had significant neck surgery due to an auto accident, and I find it difficult just to arm/safe the seat in the Tomcat, let alone check six. And Thank You @Koziolek for sharing the Necksafer link!

Will owners of the Crystal be able to install the Wide field of view lenses and the 60G Airlink when available? I'm very pleased with the Crystal currently, but those two items are what I would opt to upgrade if able.I find myself wishing I had more screen area, ( for periferal vision) and I'm beginning to find the headset cable bothersome during intense ACM moments.

PM inbound

What time zone?

+1

As of 29 July, I still haven't received mine. I've been waiting for 5 months.... This is ridiculous.

That's good to know. I downloaded a user file F-14 training sortie, mimicking Maverick/Goose first Topgun hop against Viper/Jester (complete with soundtrack!) I enjoy flying it, but man I really struggle trying to spot the Desert camo A-4E above the NTTR, and I often wondered if I was that blind, or Jester was calling visual on something that happened seconds ago.

LOL.. Mine as well.... Prior to watching, I was thinking to myself... "It's gotta be over Afghanistan, or someone bought the F-15E prior to the radar patch and just roasted DCS over it." Was relieved to find out it different.

Congratulations on being a full-time DCS staff member!

I'm interested as well, and desire a similar squadron. I reside in the CDT Zone. I'm unable to commit to a specific schedule due to my Fam/occupation. I prefer NAVAIR, but willing to learn other platforms. Most of my time is in the Hornet and Tomcat, but I'm not yet able to fully exploit them to their fullest.

The crazy thing is... I was cruising around Afghanistan last night at 2230hrs CST. I did install a Mod, but, chose to uninstall it without even starting up DCS. And actually did a slow repair just to make sure everything went smooth... googlephotos-6bfdf60f2ca63906b80fbb52eb952242bc6c3fb1.mp4

Same:

I believe the line between good constructive criticism and downright trash talking, for some forum members has gotten extremely blurred. I'm absolutely interested in hearing/reading good, well informed, well stated constructive criticism. The best criticism comments, should have you questioning your position, even if all is well on your end. Unfortunately though, a majority of those sharing their issues, for some reason, feel that it's necessary to include completely disrespectful and disparaging statements/remarks towards ED, and their staff, as well as anyone that has a different opinion. *That*... I'll never understand, nor do I feel inclined to do so.

I have a Pimax Crystal and in my humble opinion, I believe it's quite accurate now. For examples: I'm able to see the faint silhouette of a MiG-19 against the clouds from a head-on aspect at approx 4-5 miles, *if* I know where I need to be looking. The 'heavies' I can spot at 10-12 miles +/-, if I'm visually scanning diligently. "Flying" the Tomcat at 10k and trying to get visual on the maneuvering A-4E sporting the desert camo down low above the NTTR, is *very* challenging. Once I do get him in sight, I don't dare lose him, or I have to get way down low and *hope*I can spot his silhouette against the sky. The accuracy of Jester's Bandit callouts in the 2v2 fight are definitely in question for me. Either he's incorrect 1/2 the time, or I'm just that blind. Anyway....as they say at the real 'Topgun'... "Lose sight...Lose the fight" Comparing the same results to my daily occupational experience, I believe it's very accurate in its current state as of 07/24/24. I'm happy to post a screenshot of my VR settings upon request.