Possible to create markpoint from coordinates?

[Jeff]

Only got the A10 about a week ago still learning the plane for my first module. Looked around youtube and the fourms to see if I can create a markpoint from coordinates but all the sources i've looked at so far only includes how to create waypoints from coordinates. Wondering if creating a waypoint will also mark the markpoint so I can just slew my TGP quickly to the target. Instead of trying to locate the enemy before I get shot down.Thanks in advance

Edited February 1, 2020 by vdcroka

[Yurgon]

It's important to understand that markpoints and waypoints are basically the same - they're coordinates in 3D space, given a name ("Markpoint A", "Waypoint Target" or whatever). The only real difference is that they're stored in different sections of the waypoint database.

 

The A-10C has 3 such sections: flight plan points, markpoints, mission points.

 

You can cycle the navigation system to use either of these sections using the "STEER PT" dial on the Auxiliary Avionics Panel, just above the CDU.

 

So the idea is that you can easily create a new markpoint using the sensor of interest and the appropriate HOTAS command.

 

It's also possible to create new waypoints and/or edit existing waypoints using the CDU.

 

And then, all you need to do is set the STEER PT dial to the proper position, and you'll have access to all the waypoints or markpoints you desire.

 

In other words, when you're given a set of coordinates, the "proper" way is to enter them into the CDU as a new waypoint, just like you've seen in the tutorials, then switch the STEER PT dial to "MISSION", and the newly created waypoint will be available by cycling the waypoints, for example using DMS Fwd Short/Aft Short while the HUD is SOI, until you hit your new waypoint. Then use "Slave TGP to Steerpoint" (China Hat Aft Long) and the TGP should be looking right at the target.

 

Easy peasy, right? :smartass:

[Frederf]

If you have coordinate figures written on paper and you absolutely have to have them as a mark point the only way I can think of is to first make that a waypoint and then mark that waypoint through the TAD.

 

But in general I would argue the better way is to operate tactically with waypoints. Any mark points that you wish to attack can be directly converted into waypoints, given a name, etc. You can even go so far as to pool waypoints into a separate flight plan.

[Ziptie]

Only got the A10 about a week ago still learning the plane for my first module. Looked around youtube and the fourms to see if I can create a markpoint from coordinates but all the sources i've looked at so far only includes how to create waypoints from coordinates. Wondering if creating a waypoint will also mark the markpoint so I can just slew my TGP quickly to the target. Instead of trying to locate the enemy before I get shot down.Thanks in advance

 

Welcome to the forums.

 

Learning the A10C can seem like a daunting task, as there are many systems to be learned, then the integration of those systems with one another can sometimes be frustrating for some - especially early on. As another stated, "stick with it" as it is an incredibly rewarding airframe to use properly.

 

 

As others have stated, creating a "mark point" from specific coordinates (like a 9 line) is technically creating a waypoint, that can be accessible by selecting the FLT PLN mode via the rotary selector on the CDU (right console panel by your hip, aft of the CDU display screen and keyboard).

 

TMS right (starboard) will create a mark point via the TAD, TGP, HUD - and is an incredibly useful tool when used properly.

 

You CAN create a mark point from a waypoint, if you were to select the desired steer point and then follow the appropriate steps of procedure.

 

 

Example, lets say waypoint 1 is your target (enemy bunker):

 

Select waypoint/steer point 1 via the UFC or CDU.

China HAT forward long (china hat aft long also has a function but not really worth explaining the difference for this instance).

Make TAD SOI.

TMS forward long (makes TAD SPI).

TMS right (creates mark point which will be the same as waypoint/steer point 1).

 

That will make waypoint / steer point 1 the same as your initial mark point (mark point A).

 

You can also perform this with HUD as SOI.

 

But this is really an unnecessary step, it is simply a redundancy as those coordinates are already accessible to use as a SPI (Sensor Point of Interest).

 

 

There are many good MP servers that have training programs, people willing to assist in real time learning - and you might find it of benefit for the A10C, or other air frames. Some people are turned off by MP, or feel that they are "too new" to an aircraft or DCS in general - but I assure you, it can really be one of the best tools that you have available to you. That being said, the A10C has arguably the best training missions that come "stock" with the purchase of the module, as they cover nearly all of the systems in great detail and provide 1 on 1 learning at a manageable speed/curve for all types.

 

Again, welcome to the DCS community!

 

 

Cheers,

 

Don