ATTENTION! All HORNET TACAN geniuses

[Akula]

I’d like to request something from someone who’s an absolute genius with TACAN and knows it inside and out.

 

Can you please post a YouTube video clearly showing the following:

 

- How to get TACAN info while in a mission

- Why TACAN info is sometimes not available and how you can navigate without it

- How to assign TACAN information to carriers and airfields in a mission.

- how to correctly align your course heading on a carrier for a proper approach when using TACAN

 

Yes I know a lot of you are going to say; “there are countless videos out there”

 

Honestly, there isn’t a SINGLE video that shows this. All the TACAN tutorials have never demonstrated how we can get the info, why sometimes it’s not available and what we can use when it isn’t.

 

AND THE BIGGEST ISSUE. Actually showing what needs to be clicked on in the cockpit. Even WAG’s vids don’t show this.

 

If anyone can do this I think it would really help a lot of people understand TACAN better.

 

PS. Saying something like RTFM is just douchy. Let’s move forward and help each other.

Edited June 28, 2018 by Akula

[HawkDCS]

1. Press F11 look at map for Tacan stations. They are black triangular icons with dot in middle with 2 digit code. Take note of X or Y band. Some times they dont say X or Y these are always X band.

 

2. Tacan is Line Of Sight if you are to low or there is any obstruction you wont receive a signal. Also make sure to be on T/R mode for Transmit and Receive for range. They also have a maximum transmit range you wont pick one up 300 miles away. Use your compass and landmarks if no TACAN is available...

 

3.In mission editor under Advanced waypoint options you can add a command to turn on TACAN to a unit and assign a 2 digit freq make note of X or Y band. There seems to be a bug right now where refueling planes have the x and y band swapped sometimes.

 

4. Carrier ILS etc is still in BETA. When you fly over carrier in pattern make note of runway heading. Then hold CRS switch for few seconds to set heading bug to runway heading. Or after holding CRS switch for few seconds click CSEL on UFC to type in the exact heading and hit enter. This will give you a course line. THIS IS NOT AN ILS but merely a line through the TACAN at this heading.

 

For F18 Tacan just hit TCN on UFC then hit ON/OFF button. Once default channel comes up hit CLR and type in two digit channel you want then hit enter. On map screen behind stick hit TCN on top left to display the info and bearing on your hud. To switch back to pre programmed way points hit the WPT on top right. The 18 also has a list of all TCN stations on map under DATA page on HSI.

Edited June 28, 2018 by HawkDCS

[fitness88]

I’d like to request something from someone who’s an absolute genius with TACAN and knows it inside and out.

 

Can you please post a YouTube video clearly showing the following:

 

- How to get TACAN info while in a mission

- Why TACAN info is sometimes not available and how you can navigate without it

- How to assign TACAN information to carriers and airfields in a mission.

- how to correctly align your course heading on a carrier for a proper approach when using TACAN

 

Yes I know a lot of you are going to say; “there are countless videos out there”

 

Honestly, there isn’t a SINGLE video that shows this. All the TACAN tutorials have never demonstrated how we can get the info, why sometimes it’s not available and what we can use when it isn’t.

 

AND THE BIGGEST ISSUE. Actually showing what needs to be clicked on in the cockpit. Even WAG’s vids don’t show this.

 

If anyone can do this I think it would really help a lot of people understand TACAN better.

 

PS. Saying something like RTFM is just douchy. Let’s move forward and help each other.

 

 

 

Interesting as I posted elsewhere trying to figure out how to place static TACANs at all airfields that don't have one for IFR navigation then I could set a course arrow through the TACAN lining up with the runway.

The F18 is great for IFR but not if airfields are missing the ground navigation aids for IFR.

Waypoints can also be used by making a map template with WP on each runway. The HSI holds 3 separate series of waypoints so that could be dedicated leaving 2 more series for missions.

 

 

Of course in a pinch you can always nav using your MPCD map.

Edited June 28, 2018 by fitness88

[HawkDCS]

Interesting as I posted elsewhere trying to figure out how to place a static TACAN at an airfield for IFR navigation then I could set a course arrow through the TACAN lining up with the runway.

The F18 is great for IFR but there isn't that much ground navigation aids for IFR.

Waypoints can also be used by making a map template with WP on each runway. The HSI holds 3 separate series of waypoints so that could be dedicated leaving 2 more series for missions

 

The thing is that the US Mil doesn't use the same VOR/NDB/ILS etc navigation like civilians do. There are stations that give both VOR and TACAN on the ground in real life but not in DCS that I am aware of. Many military A/C cant even tune VOR stations and rely on other methods.

 

The nice thing is in these A/C we have a moving aeronautical map so navigation is a cinch if you can read the map.

Edited June 28, 2018 by HawkDCS

[ThorHammer]

GPS???

 

SOme MP servers have the freqs in the briefing, as well as the Carrier courses on each leg, take note of them before you get in the jet. Literally write them down on a piece of paper if you have to. You can also enter waypoints into the system and fly to them.

[fitness88]

1. Press F11 look at map for Tacan stations. They are black triangular icons with dot in middle with 2 digit code. Take note of X or Y band. Some times they dont say X or Y these are always X band.

 

2. Tacan is Line Of Sight if you are to low or there is any obstruction you wont receive a signal. Also make sure to be on T/R mode for Transmit and Receive for range. They also have a maximum transmit range you wont pick one up 300 miles away. Use your compass and landmarks if no TACAN is available...

 

3.In mission editor under Advanced waypoint options you can add a command to turn on TACAN to a unit and assign a 2 digit freq make note of X or Y band. There seems to be a bug right now where refueling planes have the x and y band swapped sometimes.

 

4. Carrier ILS etc is still in BETA. When you fly over carrier in pattern make note of runway heading. Then hold CRS switch for few seconds to set heading bug to runway heading. Or after holding CRS switch for few seconds click CSEL on UFC to type in the exact heading and hit enter. This will give you a course line. THIS IS NOT AN ILS but merely a line through the TACAN at this heading.

 

For F18 Tacan just hit TCN on UFC then hit ON/OFF button. Once default channel comes up hit CLR and type in two digit channel you want then hit enter. On map screen behind stick hit TCN on top right to display the info and bearing on your hud. To switch back to pre programmed way points hit the WPT on top left. The 18 also has a list of all TCN stations on map under DATA page on HSI.

 

 

 

Yes with co-ordinates only, no airfield names.

Thanks I'm going to check out what you've written.

Edited June 28, 2018 by fitness88

[fitness88]

GPS???

 

SOme MP servers have the freqs in the briefing, as well as the Carrier courses on each leg, take note of them before you get in the jet. Literally write them down on a piece of paper if you have to. You can also enter waypoints into the system and fly to them.[/QUOTE]

 

 

Are you referring to entering GPS map co-ordinates?

 

 

There is a yet to be activated feature that allows you to mark waypoints as you fly.

[Akula]

GPS???

 

SOme MP servers have the freqs in the briefing, as well as the Carrier courses on each leg, take note of them before you get in the jet. Literally write them down on a piece of paper if you have to. You can also enter waypoints into the system and fly to them.

 

Let’s stay on topic here. We’re not talking about multi player servers or GPS navigation or waypoints. Those are all separate lessons and when you mention them the reader immediately starts to wonder how that gets done so let’s stay on the topic of TACAN and as I’ve said before, the steps in the replies are helpful, yes and thanks but no one says; “click on this or right click on that.” This is where confusion and further follow up questions are asked making this thread endless. This is why I’m saying a YouTube video would be more complete provided the creator shows how he does absolutely everything. I know it’s a tall order but if anyone is up for it I’m sure the praise and likes will swarm in.

[Jabbers_]

I cover it here (for the carrier) the airfields are static, cannot be changed or added to, if they exist you will see it when you click on the airfield in the F10 map, otherwise it doesnt have it.

cW5R32Q6xC8

[fitness88]

I cover it here (for the carrier) the airfields are static, cannot be changed or added to, if they exist you will see it when you click on the airfield in the F10 map, otherwise it doesnt have it.

cW5R32Q6xC8

 

 

 

Thanks this is what I've been wondering about. I was hoping we could place a TACAN anywhere we wanted.

I'll check out the video...will need to do it tomorrow.

Edited June 28, 2018 by fitness88

[Frederf]

- How to get TACAN info while in a mission

F10 map shows all static TACAN stations. For mission-specific you have to rely on it in the briefing or otherwise given info.

- Why TACAN info is sometimes not available and how you can navigate without it

Sometimes info isn't given to you. TACAN from non-mission sources should not fail except maybe a bomb dropped on the emitter. Mission sources like planes and ships can fail if the unit is destroyed, offline, or there is a programming bug. Many ways to navigate without TACAN from looking out window and comparing to known terrain to dead reckoning to using INS.

- How to assign TACAN information to carriers and airfields in a mission.

Can't assign to airfield but units can be given commands to turn on/off TACAN or change channel in waypoint tasks.

- how to correctly align your course heading on a carrier for a proper approach when using TACAN

If you know ship BRC then you can set this equal in your course selection and fly as normal same as using a fixed ground station. I don't know about instrument approach to carrier but presumably you transition from ship TACAN to ICLS equipment for terminal approach. ICLS signal is not available yet.

 

I think with experience interacting with the front controls setting up TACAN should be as familiar as clicking icons in Windows. But I'll see if I can find a step by step.

[arkroyale048]

Is it possible to add a tacan station on an airfield that doesn't have one; via mission editor ?

[Majinbot]

I think the only way is to put a tanker in the airField with 0 fuel or putting something in the way so it doesn't take off. You have to try.

[Akula]

I cover it here (for the carrier) the airfields are static, cannot be changed or added to, if they exist you will see it when you click on the airfield in the F10 map, otherwise it doesnt have it.

cW5R32Q6xC8

 

 

Guess what Jabbers, you just won the tip o' the hat award!!!!

 

 

 

Ill admit it's not complete to the point where we know where to click what and when but it's far more helpful and complete than any of the other vids I've seen. LIKED AND SUBSCRIBED!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks!! :thumbup:

[Goa]

dude I cant get your post, if you have to click TACAN button on the UFC, then click ON (again on UFC) , clear, enter the tac frequency and you're done.

Set HSI to central MPCD of let/right DDI , and click on TACAN again....

[ThorHammer]

GPS???

 

SOme MP servers have the freqs in the briefing, as well as the Carrier courses on each leg, take note of them before you get in the jet. Literally write them down on a piece of paper if you have to. You can also enter waypoints into the system and fly to them.[/QUOTE]

 

 

Are you referring to entering GPS map co-ordinates?

 

 

There is a yet to be activated feature that allows you to mark waypoints as you fly.

 

Really? Cuz I've been doing it now for a while... You can enter them before taking off, but you can also enter new ones while you're flying.

[BSS_Sniper]

A bit demanding...you could’ve found this on YouTube or TS faster than it took to demand it here. lol

[RightStuff]

- Why TACAN info is sometimes not available and how you can navigate without it

 

Concerning the latter part:

If no TACAN is available you‘ll have to use navigation by ADF/DME.

That‘s quite an interesting and challeging method.

Unfortunately I can currently not support with a good video on tnat theme.

 

Good news:

As this is normal aerial navigation you do not have to rely only on DCS for this.