New to DCS

[Tango777]

Hi All,

 

I am new to DCS and I just installed DCS World 2.0 Open Alpha. Will I have to buy the NTTR terrain module and the F-15C in order for me to fly in DCS World 2.0 Open Alpha?

 

But when I go to buy the F-15C in the URL below it says that I require DCS World version 2.0 and under the price it says that I Need another product. Is it saying this because I do not have NTTR terrain module?

 

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/special_offers/f-15c_bundle/

 

thanks, brandon

[Sabre-TLA]

Yes that's correct. DCS 2.0 is the Open Alpha and requires NTTR and the F-15C module to play.

 

DCS 1.5 is the current stable release and you only need that and the F-15C module to play. 1.5 comes with the Caucasus region map included in the download.

[Sryan]

you can download 1.5 and fly on the caucasus map for free. You can also fly the Su-25T and an unarmed P51 for free.

 

If you want to fly the F15 you'll have to buy it. You can get it as a standalone, bundled with the red flag campaign ( requires nevada ) or in the FC3 pack wich contains a large number of planes ( A10A, F15, Su25A, Su-27, Su-33, MiG29G,MiG29A,MiG29S )

[Tango777]

Thank you for the replies guys! Very helpful.

 

My other question since I am new to DCS is my old microsoft sidewinder joystick workable in DCS 1.5 and DCS 2.0 Open Alpha?

 

thanks, brandon

[SFC Tako]

Man, that joystick sure is workable. Hell it's so workable I bought a spare one on e-bay. It's just the best there is if you're into FLYING :)

And welcome to DCS, you'll never leave ;)

Edited March 6, 2016 by SFC Tako

[Tango777]

Thanks for the reply but I can't get my 17 year old microsoft sidewinder's throttle to be recognized in either DCS 1.5 or DCS 2.0 Alpha. I have read threads and have tried everything I've read but I cannot get the little throttle to control thrust.

 

The hat button on top of joystick controls the view movement just fine and the stick controls all control surfaces spot on too, but all other buttons on the joystick do not work. I have tried to reassign controls to the joystick but it does not work. I must be doing something wrong.

 

Is there a profile that someone has made that mirrors microsoft fsx default sidewinder button assignments that interact with DCS just as the buttons do in fsx?

 

What I mean is that fsx presets automatically for the old sidewinder have trim buttons on the top and every other button and little throttle on the left control every airplane the same.

[Combat Wombat]

win 7 win10? Have you tried devices and printers? right click on device (msff2) and follow prompts.

[Tango777]

Windows 10. I have gone into the properties of the sidewinder precision 2 joystick in devices and printers and everything there lights up when I push the buttons. The slider works just as well too.

[Vitesse2l]

Tango777 -

 

I assume your joystick has a usb connection. I'm not sure if it's a force feedback model but don't think that makes any difference.

 

I've just checked with my sidewinder. In the control options I select Axis commands from the dropdown menu and click the throttle/rudder/axis I want in the third column (which is labelled for my joystick). Then I use Clear to delete whatever is there and Assign which brings up a dialog box. Moving the throttle or whatever is instantly detected.

 

I'm not using W10, mind.

 

Good luck.

[Abburo]

@Tango777

1. have you set your controllers mapping in DCS for each module (aka aircraft) which might be found in options? It will not be enough to do this only for "general".

2. do you have a secondary joystick of any type connected to your system? If yes start by "clean up" all controllers bindings and then reassign by your convenience. To do this put your mouse cursor on each joystick column and hit the button "Clear Category" on the top menu.

 

Your joystick is one of the best ... so don't blame it ;)

[SFC Tako]

I have the standard Microsoft FFB2 and it's a USB-connection. Works well, no need for any setup or profiles. I really hope you can get yours working ASAP. If NOT, then maybe some other FFB-joystick? The thing is, when I was new to DCS and hadn't even tried my old MSFFB2 yet, I was looking at the Saitek X52 and X55. They seem pretty nice with LOADS of buttons and a general very slick look. But they haven't got FFB! I mean WHY NOT?! For me, FFB is of great help. Especially in "demanding" aircraft like the Mig-21, L-39 and then the helicopters of course. You get good usable feedback when you're really pushing the envelope. But maybe I'm exaggerating this, maybe I'm not helped THAT much really. As I haven't tried the Saiteks I can't be fair. If anyone has tried both FFB and the Saitek range, feel free to give a balanced view on things.

[Windsortheater]

I have the standard Microsoft FFB2 and it's a USB-connection. Works well, no need for any setup or profiles. I really hope you can get yours working ASAP. If NOT, then maybe some other FFB-joystick? The thing is, when I was new to DCS and hadn't even tried my old MSFFB2 yet, I was looking at the Saitek X52 and X55. They seem pretty nice with LOADS of buttons and a general very slick look. But they haven't got FFB! I mean WHY NOT?! For me, FFB is of great help. Especially in "demanding" aircraft like the Mig-21, L-39 and then the helicopters of course. You get good usable feedback when you're really pushing the envelope. But maybe I'm exaggerating this, maybe I'm not helped THAT much really. As I haven't tried the Saiteks I can't be fair. If anyone has tried both FFB and the Saitek range, feel free to give a balanced view on things.

 

I would like to try FFB in a flight sim. I use a FFB wheel for driving sims and the feedback is fantastic for limit handling for a vehicle. In a well done driving sim you can feel the difference between front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, mass transfer, etc etc. I wonder if the same effect could be had in a airframe... fly by wire vs cable (ie. WW2 vs modern era... Mirage vs A-10)... higher efforts during loss of hydraulics.. does DCS model this in terms of FFB tuning? if so I would consider purchase for sure.

 

Is there an existing FFB platform with the button options /inputs like a Warthog or HOTAS setup?

[Tango777]

Thanks guys, I will try your suggestions and report back soon.

[SFC Tako]

@Windsortheater

FFB-effects

For old props I get good feedback and warning in all kinds of maneuvers, for choppers...hard to describe but it certainly helps. For jets? You mention loss of hydraulics and YES, that really shines through in the F-86F Sabre as handling gets sluggy. As for fly-by-wire compared to cable, I don't know really. Using FFB for the Mig-21 helps a LOT though, you can really tell before you're about to mess up a tight turn. So it saves lives!

OR one can fly the Mig-21 according to the manual...and never learn how to fight in it ;)

To sum things up about the FFB-effects: They really help in making the danger zone a comfort zone.

FFB with Warthog or HOTAS?

None that I know of :mad: They'd get my money in a hurry if I found one :joystick:

[red777]

I have the MS FFB2 and a VKB Defender. I'd say both have their advantage and downside.

With the FFB2 the advantage and fun is huge with "old" aircrafts and helicopters.

But the FFB2 is not very precise. I'm not saying it's bad but compare to the VKB you can really notice the difference in precision, as VKB has longer range.

Aloso the problem with the FFB2 is the lack of button and the "notchy" feel when you pull the stick.

 

It would be great if we the best of both worlds. I know there's the logitech G940, but I heard it's not quite good as the FFB2 (althought I never tried one, so I can't say for sure).

[SFC Tako]

UPDATE: I just tried the Mig-21 with my FFB2 again. Strange thing but I didn't really get any feedback at all in tight turns. Maybe I've just imagined everything with the Mig-21?! But for what it's worth, I think you shouldn't really feel very much from the Mig-21's stick.

[Tango777]

Thank you all for your help! My throttle on the joystick works now!

 

If you guys ever need help on the big iron in another flight sim platform I will be happy to help.

 

But it looks like I will begin to really like DCS! All I need now is alot of practice in combat scenarios

[SFC Tako]

Good luck to you and welcome to the cult ;)