Open Conflict - Server Information

[acdelta57]

 

Hosting a DCS server is very rewarding but also not really self sustaining.

I also need to divert some OC times to more lucrative activities to feed the kids, wives, cats and dogs :megalol:

!

 

Glad to know im not the only one with this problem! :D:joystick:

[Fleezus]

Just wanted to say that I really enjoy this server. Ignore my post count and lack of profile, I've had DCS since the LOMAC days and have recently dove back in after a long hiatus (Witcher 3 and real life got in the way). With the F-5E and F/A-18 on the horizon, I've gotten back into things with the L-39 and Mirage and have been having a great time online. This is my go to server for the last few weeks and it's been really nice to see the number of people grow, the variety of players and roles, and the little surprises that pop up occasionally (those SAM's are my biggest enemy).

 

I've avoided TS for the moment since I play in a shared room with headphones and need to be quiet, but listening in occasionally has also been really cool to watch/hear the team work. I tend to be a lone wolf player, but am happy to fly with anyone who is around. I'm almost always on the red team using the Greek M2K. Say hi if you see me online (same screenname)!

[PeroperoDokkiri]

Dammit. I just wrote a long ass post, and it dissapeared because of token expire :/ I will write a shorter post then:

 

Could we get some message popup when getting close to pickup zone? I believe it could be really simple trigger working at the same moment smoke pops up- "6 KM to the LZ, Sir", or something. Those little things help with immersion IMHO.

 

Now for more complex topic- I was wondering if we could give some more love to Mi-8. It is a quicker and more capable helicopter out of two med helicopters on Open Conflict with 7 personel slots and higher cruise speed, also it performs very well on hight altitutes. Yesterday I was picking up a pilot after a pilot in mountains (about 4000 ft and up, all pickups on slopes so I had to do hover pickups) and I was regreting not choosing Mi-8, especially when other wrecks started to appear nearby and I was already full with Huey. What I mean by more love for Mi-8 are channels preset setups for both NAV and COMMS radios:

Mi-8 has couple radios with ARK-UD used in real life for SAR missions (useless ATM on Open Conflict), but even ARK-9 which is pretty much the only nav radio used on Open Conflict because it can use individual frequences can also rely on preset channels. We could get for example 127.500 and 134.000 on top of couple more for R- 863's presets, and some NDB's and VOR's for other NAV radios. I could help you with figuring this out, all you had to do is to simply enter frequences I would provide into Mi-8 tabs in editor.

 

Another thing is navigation itself- I would really appreciate if we could get more radio beacons, especially for Kutasi Medical Center (I have to use Kutasi Airport's radio beacons to navigate to my home base, wchich is about 10 km W off it I believe). I really like how FM homing works, I wish we could use onboard NAV equipement some more!

[Mirknir]

Could we get some message popup when getting close to pickup zone? I believe it could be really simple trigger working at the same moment smoke pops up- "6 KM to the LZ, Sir", or something. Those little things help with immersion IMHO.

 

It could be a good idea even if I don't want to overload the mission size with too much sounds but yea.

Noted.

 

I was wondering if we could give some more love to Mi-8.

 

It's funny cause I feel like I only give love to helicopters recently and maybe attackers and fighters should get some too :)

 

It is a quicker and more capable helicopter out of two med helicopters on Open Conflict with 7 personel slots and higher cruise speed

 

Yea I wanted to reflect the transport capability of the helicopter.

 

What I mean by more love for Mi-8 are channels preset setups for both NAV and COMMS radios:

Mi-8 has couple radios with ARK-UD used in real life for SAR missions (useless ATM on Open Conflict), but even ARK-9 which is pretty much the only nav radio used on Open Conflict because it can use individual frequences can also rely on preset channels. We could get for example 127.500 and 134.000 on top of couple more for R- 863's presets, and some NDB's and VOR's for other NAV radios. I could help you with figuring this out, all you had to do is to simply enter frequences I would provide into Mi-8 tabs in editor.

 

Yea I pretty much fly the su27 and that's it ; I sometimes miss some detailed knowledge about some aircrafts.

It's not because I don't wanna give love, it's because I just don't know it would be helpful or it even exists.

For example, I had to do a lot of research to do the heli mission and radio beacons.

 

For anything super dedicated to an aircraft like the MI8, provide me with the information and I'll do my best to put it in the mission.

 

Another thing is navigation itself- I would really appreciate if we could get more radio beacons, especially for Kutasi Medical Center (I have to use Kutasi Airport's radio beacons to navigate to my home base, wchich is about 10 km W off it I believe). I really like how FM homing works, I wish we could use onboard NAV equipement some more!

 

I added more radio beacons a long time ago when I merged them with the green smoke to create 'Navigation Beacon'.

If it has a green smoke, it has a radio beacon.

 

Try '-re MED' and you will get the information

Edited June 15, 2016 by Mirknir

[PeroperoDokkiri]

Thank you for that answer, good news then :)

 

I will try -re MED command, didn't know about that one! I will try to prepare a list of freqs you could setup in the mission after I take appropate notes. Thanks once again!

 

EDIT: After a quick glimpse into DCS it will be really easy to set up appropate frequencies, So R-863 could be used for COMMS with ATC and traffic, it uses 20 channels (!) so it is more than enough for each side. As for R-828 it can be used for homing easily when coupled with ARK UD, and that's pretty much how it works in real life! This way we don't need to keep tuning our ARK-9 which we can use for Airport/ FARP/ Hospitals homing (remember it let's you swich between 2 frequencies, so you could have your home airport on one, and then keep changing second frequency channel when needed!).

 

Long story short we can make it really realistic, the only problem I see is the limitation of 10 preset channels that R-828 uses, I am not sure how many FM frequencies does wreck script use at the time, but if it is more than 10 we might need to keep using ARK-9 from time to time. I don't know if CAP shares the same frequencies "poll" as PIL events do, but if they don't we can stick to 10 PIL events and preset them for R-828. Also ATM I don't know how to set FM presets, only MHz works, but events trigger both FM and MHz, so we are fine ;

 

So my question is:

 

How do FM homing frequencies work for PIL and CAP events? Do RED and BLUE share the same frequencies (I bet they don't), what is the frequency range for those FM poll? Here is a simple Editor screenshot showing how easy it is to modifty channels presets:

 

 

UH-1H's UHF AN/ARC-51 also can be setup easily:

Not sure if that's usefull, I pretty much never used that radio LOL (Dustoff- what do you think?).

Edited June 15, 2016 by Samek

[Mirknir]

So my question is:

How do FM homing frequencies work for PIL and CAP events? Do RED and BLUE share the same frequencies (I bet they don't), what is the frequency range for those FM poll? Here is a simple Editor screenshot showing how easy it is to modifty channels presets:

 

Sadly, the way radio system doesn't work well in DCS and I had to work around a lot of bugs to make beacon works.

Long story short, I can't re-use a frequency once it had been used for a beacon.

 

I have a list of frequencies for each mode and this list limits the number of beacon I can use in a session.

Each time a new beacon starts, I take a new set of frequencies (VHF, UHF, FM)

 

 

117 Free VHF Frequencies - Max Beacon Count: 117
358 Free UHF Frequencies - Max Beacon Count: 117
300 Free FM Frequencies - Max Beacon Count: 117

[PeroperoDokkiri]

I see. That's a bummer, because even if 10 of those could be used as priority all we could get is 10 presets for first 10 calls- not worth implementing. Maybe using R-863 presets makes sence, but that was not my main goal. Anyways, thanks!

[Mirknir]

Objective System Rework

 

Hello guys

 

Recently, you might have noticed that I've done a lot of new things and experiments in the objective system.

New objective types, radio beacon, LZ smokes, spawning static units, dynamic rescues and extractions...

Seeing what works and what doesn't and considering all your ideas, I am currently reworking this system.

 

Without entering to much into code details, I am switching the objective system from a specialization model to an aggregation model.

What it means is that I am isolating and extracting the different objective features into lego block.

 

Once it's done, it will be easier to combine the existing blocks, add new ones in order make more complex objectives and cross-coalition objectives.

Right now, extracted blocks are rescue drop off ; rescue pick up ; delivery drop off ; delivery pick up ; stuff to destroy ; dynamic spawning.

 

I would also like to involve more directly attackers and fighters in these missions, not just helicopters :)

 

An example could be:

 

• An AI bomber downed behind enemy lines
  
  • The enemy coalition, closer from the wreck, would have to send helicopters to:
    
    • Loot and extract secret materials/documents
      
    • Extract captured pilots
      
    • Short distance for helicopter
      

     

   

  • The bomber coalition, further from the wreck, would have to send attacker and fighters
    
    • Destroy the looting helicopters
      
    • Destroyed the wreck and its secret
      

     

   

New block examples could be:

 

• Spawning more complex stuff like active units
  
  • Infantries defending a wreck
    
  • SAMs to be deployed
    
  • Escaping helicopters to shot down
    

   

 

So yea, lot's of foundation work but after, it should be easier to create more complex scenario. :thumbup:

 

As usual for big reworks, the first step is not really exciting for you guys since it consists of having the mission working like before but with the reworked system.

 

Still, I thought I would keep you posted!

I still, of course, take suggestions and ideas of what block could be interesting to do ; the more reusable, the better :)

 

I don't have an ETA for this as I work on it when I can, let's say between F5 and F18 release :P

Edited June 16, 2016 by Mirknir

[PeroperoDokkiri]

Sounds incredible, but I hope those more complex scenarios won't mean killing current objectives for helicopters. I mean it sounds like a lot of fun, but I am not 100% convinced there will be enough cooperation to pull it off every time- fighters to defend, attack helicopter to supress and medic helicopters to extract. I am biased since I am the last one in food chain, but I hope to be busy with other pickups (please, please, please let us have some AI wrecks back, at least just after server reset because there is not much to do for first 20- 30 minutes apart from routine flights involving safehouses/ field hospitals) when waiting for a complex objective to be ready for slicks to approach and finish the job :)

 

It just occured to me- why haven't we came up with randomized troop insertions before? It could be small scout/ infiltration units for now, but if those more sophisticated objectives come to live, we could have some infantry units fighting within the objective area on the ground. Anyways it's up to you Mirknir!

 

BTW- right now server resets every 3,5h, right? Any chances to have that time increased?

Edited June 16, 2016 by Samek

[Mirknir]

but I hope those more complex scenarios won't mean killing current objectives for helicopters

 

Have a little faith ; I am not going to kill anything ; just trying to create more opportunities, not replace the one we already have.

 

we could have some infantry units fighting within the objective area on the ground.

 

This seems to be a recurring fantasy of having AI fighting over an objective and player coming to help and stuff but I find it very difficult to execute.

I tried to do this with convoy attacking a base but usually, a clear winner emerge very quickly in AI fights, not a lot of time for players to intervene.

 

If I spawn 5 versus 5 infantries fighting over a wreck, the fight will be resolved before an helicopter have the time to arrive.

AI waits for no players!

I am not sure how to solve this tbh.

 

why haven't we came up with randomized troop insertions before?

 

I found out that creating scenario on papers and executing them on the server is 2 different things.

Especially when you try to make it accessible, easy to understand, easy to communicate to the player, repeatable and not dropping performance too much.

When you add 'random' into the mix, you also want to control it somehow and not spawn impossible objective like a wreck 350km away in the enemy protected zone.

I would and could do crazier scenario if I was doing a single player campaign or even a server dedicated to helicopters.

 

Adding features in OC is a crazy balancing act and an interesting challenge :lol:

Edited June 16, 2016 by Mirknir

[acdelta57]

Wow lots of cool stuff on the works it looks like! Excited I am :) F18 release...:megalol:

 

I haven't seen you play for fun in a while Mirk! You are not still being held captive in the prison are you?!:smilewink:

[decipher]

lots of great things on the horizon, so many possibilities to play with. looking forward to the future of open conflict; but as it is now it already is brilliant and super fun to play on.

 

as mr. dustydustoff mentioned, don'T forget to enjoy playing yourself and have some fun on the server :)

[PeroperoDokkiri]

Thanks Mirknir!

I love to hear how things look like from your perspective!

 

That -re AIRPORTID command is so cool! I can ADF to airports and track FM to pickup zones, great!

Edited June 16, 2016 by Samek

[Rammit]

Wonder if anyone can help, I just got banned from the server I think for apparently team killing ground units, but I was flying the slick medevac Huey at the time, is there anyway to dispute the ban as I really liked the server

 

Many thanks

[PeroperoDokkiri]

If you meant today, I remember you being surprised that your huey is slick and then there was a bunch of teamkill messages appearing. I dunno what happened, but it seemed strange indeed.

[St3v3f]

Wonder if anyone can help, I just got banned from the server I think for apparently team killing ground units, but I was flying the slick medevac Huey at the time, is there anyway to dispute the ban as I really liked the server

 

Many thanks

 

I can confirm that. Teamkill messages came up and when I cycled F2 onto him, he was flying unarmed and straight, no smoke anywhere nearby

 

If you meant today, I remember you being surprised that your huey is slick and then there was a bunch of teamkill messages appearing. I dunno what happened, but it seemed strange indeed.

 

Nah his "but i am unarmed" was a response to the teamkill messages

Edited June 17, 2016 by St3v3f

[Mirknir]

Wonder if anyone can help, I just got banned from the server I think for apparently team killing ground units, but I was flying the slick medevac Huey at the time, is there anyway to dispute the ban as I really liked the server

 

Many thanks

 

You didn't get perma ban, you got kicked with a cool off period.

You should be able to play np.

 

I don't auto perma ban because of situation like this where something seems to go wrong in the events I received.

 

Seems like you were attached to 2 aircrafts, a blue medic and a red ka50.

I will investigate further when I have the time to know if the events were wrong or my interpretation of them.

Thanks for reporting the bug.

 

If someone has the tacview of this part of the session and can share it to me, it would help immensely.

Edited June 17, 2016 by Mirknir

[St3v3f]

If someone has the tacview of this part of the session and can share it to me, it would help immensely.

 

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/58290896/Tacview-20160617-142434-DCS.txt.acmi.7z

He gets kicked at 11:27:27

[Mirknir]

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/58290896/Tacview-20160617-142434-DCS.txt.acmi.7z

He gets kicked at 11:27:27

 

Ok thanks!

That confirms the logs, somehow, blue Rammit got 'credited' the kills made by a red ka50 attacking blue Khashuri.

Tacview tells me that 2 red players were attacking blue Khashuri in ka50 at this moment.

I will debug the DCS and Skynet tracking of these 3 players ; will be way more easier that checking everyone. :thumbup:

 

Thanks

[acdelta57]

Another reason to love open conflict, get a little tired of start up shoot down get shot down and start all over again? Took a little break, departed flew south, dropped 4 mk82s on weapons factory, continued south to airport with practice ILS landing then depart north up the coast to hook up with tanker, was joined by a friendly F15 who then continued with me on a cross country up past the mountains to a small field on the edge of of the mountain range..:pilotfly: there is literally NOTHING you cant do in Open Conflict!:thumbup:

[doodenkoff]

Public Service Announcement: Please check the F10 map before taxiing onto the runway and starting a takeoff run. If there is an aircraft within a couple of nm's you should pause in case they are on approach. Keep in mind, it is a multi-player server.

 

This message presented in the memory of "Killed On the Runway When Landing....Again."

 

Thanks.

[PeroperoDokkiri]

I also have to ask fighter pilots not to show off their low level high speed flying just above Kutasi Medical Center and especially our helipads- not only you can cause a collision, but also the showoff smoke you deployed makes helicopter pilot blind, especially those who try to land after CSAR mission. I know you are cool and all, and helicopters don't deserve to be respected at all, but please. Thank you!

[NahkaSukka]

I love flying rescue missions in this server. I rescued 1 enemy downed pilot and friendly commando with him, no problem.

 

But when i tried to rescue friendly pilot, it just said "you are not too far from pick up zone of blablabla" or something like that. And i was right next to the damn pilot i was about to rescue. I changed place few times and i got the same message every time. I did this couple times.

 

So im asking, how do i rescue friendly pilots in this server? What do i have to do?

Edited June 18, 2016 by NahkaSukka

[acdelta57]

I had a thought since you said you wanted to show some love to fighters, and I just started getting a taste of them myself, I was thinking about the air refuel routes the tankers fly. The way they are set up right now it only makes sense to return to a base for fuel, but what if the tankers actually flew north and south of the combat zones, they could be "destructible" as well. Maybe have a cap F16/su27 flying with them so they are not totally undefended as also would provide a mission for user players to protect tankers as well. This way if your deep in the zone you could stay on station a little longer but have the pressure of using the air to air refuel or flame out. Just a thought, curious as to what you think!

[Mirknir]

I love flying rescue missions in this server. I rescued 1 enemy downed pilot and friendly commando with him, no problem.

 

But when i tried to rescue friendly pilot, it just said "you are not too far from pick up zone of blablabla" or something like that. And i was right next to the damn pilot i was about to rescue. I changed place few times and i got the same message every time. I did this couple times.

 

So im asking, how do i rescue friendly pilots in this server? What do i have to do?

 

Rescuing friendly pilots or extracting enemy pilots are done the same way.

 

There have been a lot of rescues completed on the server but there's still can be obscure uncommon bugs. If you find one, please:

 

• Use the '-report' chat command. This will mark the moment in my logs and dump a lot of information about reporting players.
  -report Rescue is failing while I am on the pilot
  
• Post the tacview or a screenshot. It would be super helpful.
  

 

 

Thanks for reporting, I ll put it on my list.