General frequency?

[moggel]

Hi all,

 

Back after some non-simming years and still learning the A-10C. I was just about to try out "Operation Bactri" when I realized there's a few things I'm pretty clueless about.

 

1. How do I know which frequency to use to hear other units? The UHF radio is usually set to 251MHz but it's silent so I'm guessing I need to know which frequency to use for that.

2. What is the name for the above "general frequency"? What term do you guys use for it?

3. Pertaining to Op. Bactri: How do I learn which frequency to use for the AWACS (Chalice 3)? There's nothing in the briefing and I can't find the AWACS by opening the mission in the ME. I'm very inexperienced with building missions though, but I assumed there should be an actual AWACS unit somewhere? Either I'm too blind to find it or the AWACS tasking has been implemented in some different way.

 

(B t w I'm set up to use realistic radios)

 

Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks

[baltic_dragon]

Hey!

 

As.1. Briefing. If there is no info in briefing, there is no way to find these, unless you open the mission in the editor.

 

Ad. 2. You can have a 'guard' frequency, but that is not the same thing. There is no "general" frequency, unless set up in ME for number of flights, but with high number of planes on one, it becomes really cluttered with comms. IRL each flight has its own "wing" and "element" freq plus others attributed to different tasks or packages. In game it can only be set up via the ME. Plus on the side note the game by default uses UHF radio as element radio, while in real life the Fam usually serves for that.

 

Plus, I am not sure if ability to constantly listen to "guard" channel on UHF is implemented in game.

 

Ad. 3. I don't think there is one, as Bactria recreates situations in Afghanistan, and Talibans had no planes, hence no need for AWACS.

 

All that doesn't matter if you plan to play Bactria in MP, where it shines the brightest. It is one of the best missions for A-10C IMHO.

[moggel]

Thanks for clarifications. As for Bactria I'll make sure I get to try it out in MP when I feel ready and is less sure I'll make an a$$ out of myself! :-)

 

Also, I need to find some more people that would be willing to go MP I guess. Currently I don't really know anyone else that's into DCS World.

[moggel]

Ad. 2. You can have a 'guard' frequency, but that is not the same thing. ...

 

Is it possible to set up a guard freq. in the ME?

[baltic_dragon]

Is it possible to set up a guard freq. in the ME?

 

Not per se, as no AI flights would use it - they will stick to the assigned one. Though you can say that the guard will be 244.300 and then set up radio transmission on that frequency when some condition is met, for instance a plane is shot down etc. Actually it is an intriguing idea, I will have to explore it further.

 

As for MP, that is the best way to learn flying, and community here is really welcoming and would much rather help then make fun of anyone. Actually, never heard of the latter happening.

[moggel]

Thanks, sound reassuring. :-)

 

Just a quick question, after having tried a task in Op. Bactria. Are there any good tips/tricks to how to locate ground vehicles using the TGP?

 

I was tasked with assisting in a CSAR mission but I spent more than an hour trying to locate the enemy vehicles approaching and failed. I found it virtually impossible to distinguish vehicles from the ground itself.

[Yurgon]

Just a quick question, after having tried a task in Op. Bactria. Are there any good tips/tricks to how to locate ground vehicles using the TGP?

 

Yup. In DCS 1.5 this is currently much more difficult than it used to be.

 

I use this workaround and find that it works really well. Others have also reported good results. I'm hoping ED will soon fix the issue, but let's not get into any more detail on that right here.

[moggel]

Yup. In DCS 1.5 this is currently much more difficult than it used to be.

 

I use this workaround and find that it works really well. Others have also reported good results. I'm hoping ED will soon fix the issue, but let's not get into any more detail on that right here.

 

Thanks a million Yurgon!

[RightStuff]

Though you can say that the guard will be 244.300 and then set up radio transmission on that frequency when some condition is met, for instance a plane is shot down etc.

 

Sorry 'bout my nitpicking:

Just like to mention that the guard freq in R/L is 243.0 UHF (AFIK 121.5 VHF is used as an emergency freq for the 'civil world' - pls correct me if I'm wrong).

 

I don't know if the UHF radio in DCS is able to monitor guard freq in the background, but if yes, it would shift the immersion by another step, if an emergency call can be transferred (and heard) that way via guard freq.

[NeilWillis]

You can monitor the guard freq in the A-10C - there is a switch setting to allow you to do so on the UHF radio. When it is monitored, you will hear a distress beacon in multiplayer when a fellow pilot ejects.

 

Using some radio mods, you can also transmit messages on guard.

 

Moggel, as far as multiplayer participation is concerned, we at RAF Air are always happy to welcome new fliers. We're close enough to you that ping times should be perfectly good, and we have a dedicated server (also available to the public the majority of the time) with a good stable high speed connection. We're friendly and relaxed as a bunch too, so there is no pressure to comply to too many rules. Hope to see you there soon?

[moggel]

Moggel, as far as multiplayer participation is concerned, we at RAF Air are always happy to welcome new fliers. We're close enough to you that ping times should be perfectly good, and we have a dedicated server (also available to the public the majority of the time) with a good stable high speed connection. We're friendly and relaxed as a bunch too, so there is no pressure to comply to too many rules. Hope to see you there soon?

 

That, my friend, would be awesome. I've recently gotten back to the sim and I've learned most of what I need to know to fly missions with realism maxed out but I have yet to learn to "behave" in the air. If you guys are up with a rookie then I'd love to go flying with you. Do I PM you or something?

[moggel]

I've now tried out a couple of tasks in Op. Bactria, for training purposes mainly, and gotten my butt handed to me by enemy air defences (I have yet to land while still being inside my A-10C) :-)

 

I've been flying as a "Hawg" out of Mozdok and I'm not carrying a jammer ...

 

A few questions for you veterans:

1. The CMSC chaff component say "AN/L" (or maybe NA/L?) instead of presenting the number of chaffs carried. What's that about?

2. Is it possible to configure how much countermeasure to be carried from, like, the ME or something?

3. Absolutely nothing happens when I try deploy countermeasures (I've set it to a button on the stick + CMS FWD, as per the manual). The CMSP is set to Semi-automatic. Are there any circumstances where this can happen? I was thinking, as I'm not carrying a Jammer, could it be that Semi-automatic is useless and I need to go full manual, selecting a program myself?

4. The last missile that knocked out of the sky was a SA-3 (according to the debrief), a radar guided missile. And yet the RWR remained silent until I suddenly got knocked out. Could I have missed something? All four switches on the CMSP where in the ON position.

Edited January 7, 2016 by moggel

[Oznerol256]

1. The CMSC chaff component say "AN/L" (or maybe NA/L?) instead of presenting the number of chaffs carried. What's that about?

N/L means that there are no chaff or flares left. You have two displays for chaff and flare so you know which one it is. This information is also easily found in the A-10C flight manual.

2. Is it possible to configure how much countermeasure to be carried from, like, the ME or something?

The countermeasure loadout is part of your weapons loadout. As such it can be changed in ME or in the actual mission by rearming (call the ground crew using any radio while the canopy is not closed)

3. Absolutely nothing happens when I try deploy countermeasures (I've set it to a button on the stick + CMS FWD, as per the manual). The CMSP is set to Semi-automatic. Are there any circumstances where this can happen? I was thinking, as I'm not carrying a Jammer, could it be that Semi-automatic is useless and I need to go full manual, selecting a program myself?

The Jammer should not have an impact on the automatic modes. Maybe you didn't have any countermeasures left? I personally always use the manual mode. For more in-depth information take a look at this video by ralfidude:

4. The last missile that knocked out of the sky was a SA-3 (according to the debrief), a radar guided missile. And yet the RWR remained silent until I suddenly got knocked out. Could I have missed something? All four switches on the CMSP where in the ON position.

Make sure your RWR is actually on (it should have been with the switches on ON as you wrote). The RWR also has some dead angles, but they are pretty insiginificant. I guess we would need a track to find out why it didnt show anything.

Edited January 7, 2016 by Oznerol256

[Yurgon]

1. The CMSC chaff component say "AN/L" (or maybe NA/L?) instead of presenting the number of chaffs carried. What's that about?

 

No chaffs carried/chaff empty. I think in OP Bactria you only carry flares.

 

I don't recall any radar guided threats in that mission.

 

2. Is it possible to configure how much countermeasure to be carried from, like, the ME or something?

 

Yes, this can be configured in the ME.

 

Inside of a mission, you can always use the Rearming window as well. Make sure you're on a friendly airbase, your canopy is open (unless you know how to set your radio to ground comms), and then use Comms -> F8 (Ground Crew) -> F1 (Rearm and Refuel) IIRC.

 

Or use this shortcut: Controls -> General -> Rearming and Refueling Window, default: LALT+'

 

3. Absolutely nothing happens when I try deploy countermeasures (I've set it to a button on the stick + CMS FWD, as per the manual). The CMSP is set to Semi-automatic. Are there any circumstances where this can happen? I was thinking, as I'm not carrying a Jammer, could it be that Semi-automatic is useless and I need to go full manual, selecting a program myself?

 

What was your CM program? If it is set to chaffs only, and chaffs are empty... :music_whistling:

 

Personally, I always set CM to manual, but this remark might well start another 10-page discussion of AUTO-vs-SEMI-vs-MAN. In most situations, semi should be fine as well, I'll leave it at that. :smartass:

 

4. The last missile that knocked out of the sky was a SA-3 (according to the debrief), a radar guided missile. And yet the RWR remained silent until I suddenly got knocked out. Could I have missed something? All four switches on the CMSP where in the ON position.

 

Huh, weird, I don't think I ever encountered any radar guided threats in OP Bactria.

 

The Missile Warning System (MWS) might miss a launch, but with a radar guided missile, the RWR should scream like a kitten that you accidentally step on while you're painted. No clue what happened there. Sure it wasn't an SA-18 Igla or something?

 

Edit: Sniped ;)

Edited January 7, 2016 by Yurgon

[moggel]

Thanks for the clarifications guys, and sorry for asking stuff I could've figured out myself. I think I've figured out what was going on now.

 

The missile that took me down was a SA-13, which, apparently, doesn't trigger the RWR, at least not until it's too late: http://wiki.hoggit.us/view/SA-13_Gopher

 

About the flares not being deployed it seems that's because I was in Semi-automatic mode and I guess the AI simply didn't see a threat or something? Also, the program, I had (not) selected was "A", which only used chaffs, which I didn't have any. I tried it again, set the mode to Manual, programmed the use of flares and had a go. It now popped flares as expected. My bad ...

 

Gah! There is so much to learn with this bird (and sim)! Guess that's why I can't let it go? :music_whistling:

[moggel]

Ok, so I figured out the rearm/refuel thing and learned I can, indeed, set the desired amount of CM as well.

 

Now, as I whas bossing around the cround crew I discovered that they most often "forgot" to load the full inventory! For example, when I selected a loadout of rockets, a couple of CBU-97, a TGP, ECM and 2xAIM-9, I got everything but the CBU's. Is there something I need to consider when requesting new loadouts?

 

Sorry if I've missed something but there wasn't much in the manual to go with. :huh:

 

(The screenies below is showing what I ordered (leftmost) and then what I actually got loaded.)

[Oznerol256]

Did you just select one of the pre-defined loadouts? Some missions don't allow the full weapon arsenal or limit the amount of a weapons that are available. If you manually select every weapon by (right?)-clicking on the stations in the rearming menu you will only be able to select available weapons.

 

Edit: I also recommend not taking more than 50-60% fuel unless you know you need more. Most missions don't require more fuel and the saved weight makes a real difference in handling and available power. Unlike most other jets the A-10 is quite fuel efficient and has large fuel tanks.

Edited January 7, 2016 by Oznerol256

[moggel]

Did you just select one of the pre-defined loadouts? Some missions don't allow the full weapon arsenal or limit the amount of a weapons that are available. If you manually select every weapon by (right?)-clicking on the stations in the rearming menu you will only be able to select available weapons.

 

Edit: I also recommend not taking more than 50-60% fuel unless you know you need more. Most missions don't require more fuel and the saved weight makes a real difference in handling and available power. Unlike most other jets the A-10 is quite fuel efficient and has large fuel tanks.

 

I selected a pre-configured loadout. I had no idea you could "hand pick" via the right mouse button. When I did I could not find any CBU's at all to hand anywhere. Is that a limitation imposed by the mission creators, the airfield or some other mechanic?

[Oznerol256]

I selected a pre-configured loadout. I had no idea you could "hand pick" via the right mouse button. When I did I could not find any CBU's at all to hand anywhere. Is that a limitation imposed by the mission creators, the airfield or some other mechanic?

 

If you can't see it anywhere then that means it is not available. The limitation is imposed by the mission creators. Note that every airfield can have its own limitations and they can even be restocked while the mission is running. I have never flown a mission that actually used that though. Usually the airfields that are used in the mission have the all weapons in stock unless the mission creators have removed a few (like the CBUs in this case).

 

I think the A-10C cold start mission (you will find it under MISSIONS in the main menu) has all weapons available. Also most multiplayer servers give you the full arsenal.

Edited January 7, 2016 by Oznerol256

[Yurgon]

Edit: I also recommend not taking more than 50-60% fuel unless you know you need more.

 

With 3 consecutive taskings, the A-10Cs in Bactria can easily reach Bingo fuel. On the way to the tanker (or back to base) I almost dropped out of the sky a few times. In this mission I'd definitely keep at least 90% when the mission starts! ;)

 

I selected a pre-configured loadout. I had no idea you could "hand pick" via the right mouse button. When I did I could not find any CBU's at all to hand anywhere. Is that a limitation imposed by the mission creators, the airfield or some other mechanic?

 

Like Oznerol said, the mission designer can set these limits for each airport individually.

 

I just checked, OP Bactria limits dumb bombs to Mk-82, Mk-82 Air and Mk-84 at Mozdok (probably the same for all coalition airfields). Most rockets, missiles and guided bombs should be available in large quantities, though.

 

I guess with all the danger close that's going on, Habu23 wanted to make sure we don't commit massive blue-on-blue-atrocities. :D

[moggel]

Well, obviously, it's for the mission creators to answer but could it also be that, driving for realism, and the fact that cluster munitions is prohibited by the Oslo agreement (not signed by the US but by its allies in Bactria) and frowned upon by human rights organizations, it was avoided in Operation Enduring Freedom that's the basis for this mission? Maybe it's just realism? (Habu23 ?)

 

While I love dropping virtual CBU's and admire the devastating affect, I do realize that this appetite for destruction is best kept in the virtual world. But I also love realism so if that's the deal it's fully understandable. :hehe:

Edited January 8, 2016 by moggel

[NeilWillis]

Unavailable munitions can also mean the airfield doesn't have any remaining - that doesn't apply here of course, but it is something to be aware of.

 

I see you have joined RAF Air moggel, so welcome aboard. Hope to fly with you soon.

[Yurgon]

[...] it was avoided in Operation Enduring Freedom that's the basis for this mission? Maybe it's just realism? (Habu23 ?)

 

Good point, sounds very plausible! :thumbup: