DCS: Black Shark radio systems modeling

[EvilBivol-1]

To accompany the new ABRIS video, here's a summary of radio systems modeling in the sim.

 

DCS: Black Shark features authentic radio systems modeling. The DCS world includes various radio navigation aids available in the theater of operations modeled in the simulation, including:

 

Non-Directional Beacon (NDB)

Airfield Outer Locator NDB

Airfield Inner Locator NDB

NDB Marker

Broadcast station

 

Although not used by the Ka-50, the simulation code supports various other types of radio navaids for future flyable aircraft, theatres of operation and campaign scenarios, including:

 

RSBN

VOR

TACAN

VOR/TAC

DME

VOR/DME

ILS

ILS Marker

 

The DCS Ka-50 model includes the following radio equipment:

 

ARK-22 Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)

Beacon ID Receiver

R-800L1 VHF radio

R-828 VHF radio

SPU-9 intercom

ABRIS Advanced Moving Map System (AMMS)

 

In general, airfields are equipped with outer and inner NDB locator beacons for each end of every runway at 4000 m. and 1300 m. respectively. Some airfields are configured differently according to local conditions, such as sea or mountain proximity. Each beacon in the simulation is assigned its realistic frequency in the 150-1750 kHz range and Morse code ID. Additionally, each NDB locator beacon includes a co-located marker beacon operating at 75 mHz. The map also includes realistically placed independent NDBs with individual frequencies and IDs.

 

To conduct radio navigation, the Ka-50 pilot can use the ARK-22 ADF and the ABRIS AMMS.

 

The ARK-22 ADF controls the Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI) needle on the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI), pointing it in the direction of the transmitting signal. Using the ADF, the pilot can select one of eight preset channels, each of which stores two radio frequencies. Upon reaching the transmitter of the currently selected frequency, the ADF automatically begins homing on the second and vice versa. Alternatively, the pilot can manually select which of the two frequencies on the selected channel to home on. For example, the first frequency in a given ADF channel may be set to home on the airfield outer locator beacon and the second on the inner locator beacon, etc. The pilot can verify selection of the correct beacon by configuring the ADF to provide an audio transmission of the beacon’s ID. While in real life the frequencies for each ADF channel are set by ground personnel, the DCS player can edit these in the ADF configuration files outside the simulation.

 

The ARK-22 ADF can also be slaved to the R-800L1 VHF radio. In this case, the RMI needle on the HSI is directed toward the transmitter on the frequency currently selected for the R-800L1 radio. For example, the flight leader can maintain bearing to his wingman when the wingman is transmitting a radio call. The R-800L1 radio can also be used to tune the ADF to any broadcast station, such as the commercial “Radio Mayak” in Maykop city. The DCS player can load audio files into specially assigned folders to be played when he tunes the radio to the frequency and modulation setting of the broadcast station.

 

Using the ABRIS AMMS, the pilot can select any radio station in the database to guide to or obtain more information on, including its code and ID. Using the ABRIS Options page, the player can assign the ABRIS RMI 1 and/or 2 needles on the ARC and HSI pages to display the radio beacon azimuth.

 

The SPU-9 intercom system provides audio and microphone transmission for the pilot. It can be set to VHF1 (R-828 ), VHF2 (R-800L1), KV (ADF and Marker Beacon), and NOP (ground link).

 

The R-828 radio is used for communication with combat ground units and is not part of the navigation equipment.

 

DCS: Black Shark features an expanded ground personnel and airfield tower radio communications menu. Having provided power to and properly configured the radios, the player can communicate with the ground crew to request payload changes, fuel loads, sighting devices (HMS or NVG), electric power to the aircraft, etc. The player can communicate with the tower to request permission for engine start, taxi, test hover, etc.

 

The DCS radio physics model calculates every transmission in real time and determines the local signal strength according to numerous variables, including time of day (ionosphere effect), surface type (rough terrain, paved surface, water, etc.), wavelength, range, transmitter power, etc. Because radio traffic is carried “live,” reception can be interrupted at any point by either natural or artificial interference, such as terrain topology or radio configuration. For example, if the player changes his radio frequency, reception will cease, but can resume at its actual point upon reconfiguring the radio back to the transmitter’s frequency. AI units react to radio calls only if transmission is successful.

 

The frequency configuration files allow the DCS player to configure the various frequencies used by in-game units, including own flight, tower, AWACS, etc.

 

Attached are screenshots of in-game RSBN and NDB 3D models:

[Weta43]

Thanks

[Office Casual]

It's as if you read my mind with this post.

 

You mentioned that tower and ground communications have been reworked. Is adding services such as ATIS, clearance delivery, and approach control (or their Russian equivalent) being considered. I know military sims usually don't model such things, but it would add a whole new level of realism and make the world feel a little more "alive".

 

-Adam

[mvsgas]

wow good to know

[Sealpup]

Hmmm...personalized commercial radio station content... I predict Russia and Georgia will be getting a few new hard rock stations, at least on my install :D

[192nd_Erdem]

No communication with combat ground forces? :( Now we miss the fun part.

[EvilBivol-1]

You mentioned that tower and ground communications have been reworked. Is adding services such as ATIS, clearance delivery, and approach control (or their Russian equivalent) being considered. I know military sims usually don't model such things, but it would add a whole new level of realism and make the world feel a little more "alive".

Tower interaction is improving, though we're not quite ready to compete with MSFS yet in this department. On approach, the tower will now give you pressure, wind direction and speed, and check for your gear to be down as you approach.

Hmmm...personalized commercial radio station content... I predict Russia and Georgia will be getting a few new hard rock stations, at least on my install :D

Right now, "Radio Mayak" is the only broadcast station included on the map. I believe LUA files will allow you to make more or replace others if you wish, though I'd have to check to be sure.

No communication with combat ground forces? :( Now we miss the fun part.

All I said is the R-828 is not used for navigation... ;)

 

 

 

Though you're right, at this point there is no comms with ground forces. :D

[Sealpup]

Is it possible to have the broadcast content depend on the currently played mission or campaign?

 

Imagine the immersion value of being able to tune into Radio Mayak and hear about the goings on of whatever conflict you may be a part of.

[leafer]

I'm just curious as to what is the point of AI forces talking to each other beside fooling a player, for a week or so, he's not alone in the room? I'm guessing for ear-candy but what happens after you heard it all and the AI start to recycle the same thing over and over?

 

Is someone actually going to talk to AI ground forces because as far as I know, the lil' people are static. I bet their rifles are props, too. What on earth will you say to them?

 

Why not have an option where 'we' can record our own sound, voice, etc. That way we don't have to hear the same thing over and over and over if we don't want to. Be nice to hear random chatter. You know, Joe fighter pilot is talking to Joe the boom operator about banging Electra the crew chief's lapdancer. Heck, a burst of static here and there might be refreshing.

 

I downloaded X-plane 9 demo and after the novelty of radio chatter wore off, I stopped paying attention to it because after a while, they start to recycle the chatter.

 

just my .02

[Kusch]

Thanks!!!

[tacit_blue]

This is very promising...but on the other hand leafer is right the AI shouldn't start over and over again, if it's the case!! We'll see what comes on the DVD.

Thank's Evil-Bivol-1 for sharing the info.

[Esac_mirmidon]

Would be included in the BS manual a complete description of this radio-comms-navigation systems? ( including not only a description but also a detailed explication of how to operate this systems )

[amalahama]

I have a question

 

Can player introduce new NDB stations inside mision editor? For example for simulating a crash airplane's emergency emitter (Some interesting mission can be done with that!)

 

Regards!!

[Trident]

Another move in the right direction for Black Shark. Communications and navigation have been very primitive in ED's sims for a long time, good to see they are not only working on features that have been traditional strong points anyway.

 

Now that it is a stand-alone product, I as a hardcore fastmover (I tried to get into helos with EECH, but success was marginal - and not due to shortcomings in the sim but my rotary wing incompetence, lol) am no longer sure whether I'm going to buy BS, but I'll keep my eyes peeled. Don't get me wrong, I agree with the decision to go stand-alone, it should help keep fixed and rotary wing issues separate and prevents the former from diluting focus on the latter. But I'm a disgrace as a helo simmer, there's no way around that ;) If nothing else, I'll be sitting in the wings, waiting to pounce on the first fixed wing DCS module :D Proceed, ED!

[MBot]

Great article!

 

What I see here is the foundation of very complex and realistic communications. This is letting me looking forward very optimistic for the implementation of a realistic FAC-CAS environment in the A-10 module. Great things are to come!

 

It is great to see ED taking care of another aspect that has been wished by the community so much (and especially one of my pet issues).

[Avimimus]

Say, if these stations get destroyed will they start broadcasting...?

[JaNk0]

Damn, good news! And got to love those smal things such as ground radio station. Impressive!

[Ditch3r]

Thank you for all this information! :thumbup:

[Grimes]

Great info.

 

2 questions.

Can the player change loadout without having to leave the mission like the current format of LO?

You mentioned realistic communication times and such. Will VoIP be included with the game to communicate between wingmen on your current frequency?

[EvilBivol-1]

Is it possible to have the broadcast content depend on the currently played mission or campaign?

 

Imagine the immersion value of being able to tune into Radio Mayak and hear about the goings on of whatever conflict you may be a part of.

I don't think so - the audio files are just played from the samples folder. You can put whatever you want in there, but they aren't mission-dependent.

I'm just curious as to what is the point of AI forces talking to each other beside fooling a player, for a week or so, he's not alone in the room? I'm guessing for ear-candy but what happens after you heard it all and the AI start to recycle the same thing over and over?

I think there is a misunderstanding - what I meant was that AI units will react to the player's radio calls only if the transmission is successful. For example, if your wingman is on the other side of the mountain, you will probably lose radio and datalink contact with him. Similarly, the player will only receive radio calls when transmission from AI units is successful.

Would be included in the BS manual a complete description of this radio-comms-navigation systems? ( including not only a description but also a detailed explication of how to operate this systems )

Yes. The manual is coming along very nicely and I must say continues to impress me more with each new 'edition'. Very thorough.

Can player introduce new NDB stations inside mision editor? For example for simulating a crash airplane's emergency emitter (Some interesting mission can be done with that!)

That's a good question that has also been asked on the beta forum. The answer is no at the moment. I hope this will be something future additions will allow.

Now that it is a stand-alone product, I as a hardcore fastmover (I tried to get into helos with EECH, but success was marginal - and not due to shortcomings in the sim but my rotary wing incompetence, lol) am no longer sure whether I'm going to buy BS, but I'll keep my eyes peeled. Don't get me wrong, I agree with the decision to go stand-alone, it should help keep fixed and rotary wing issues separate and prevents the former from diluting focus on the latter. But I'm a disgrace as a helo simmer, there's no way around that ;) If nothing else, I'll be sitting in the wings, waiting to pounce on the first fixed wing DCS module :D

 

Repeat after me - I will buy Black Shark the day of release, I will buy Black Shark the day of release, I will buy Black Shark the day of release, I will buy Black Shark the day of release...

 

Say, if these stations get destroyed will they start broadcasting...?

You mean stop? Yes.

I just hope that you'll be able to implement internal voice comms for multiplayer in an update with all the physics calculations you mentioned.

Not sure what you mean, but the radio physics calculations apply in MP games just the same.

Can the player change loadout without having to leave the mission like the current format of LO?

Yes, you can land, link up with the ground crew at any point to change the loadout/fuel, etc.

You mentioned realistic communication times and such. Will VoIP be included with the game to communicate between wingmen on your current frequency?

No VoIP yet. In the wishlist.

[Weta43]

I don't think so - the audio files are just played from the samples folder. You can put whatever you want in there, but they aren't mission-dependent.

 

but presumably if you were that keen you could include some audio files with a mission to place in there specifically when you play that mission (if you fancy playing radio journalist)

 

Do the tracks in that folder get played in random order, or sequentially by name ?

If sequentially you could include a whole folder to get the timing right for a mission (Leave the task out of the briefing, play them mission music, mission music, mission music, news broadcast of an attack, radio call of new instructions)

 

Actually - what would be good - & I think it's been mentioned before - would be if the triggers could initiate the playing of pre-recorded sound files that would break in over the comms radio. Then you could have the above happen as events happened rather than at specific times.

Imagine your goal is to have a particular ground position survive & there's an enemy column travelling to attack it.

Your side has armour there to defend the site, but the armour is under attaack from enemy artillery.

You're tasked with taking out the artillery so the armour can take out the column.

If you succeed, all is good - mission over, go home.

If you don't get them in time & the position comes under attack this activates a trigger and you get a radio call asking for CAS for the position, at which point your mission changes...

[SUBS17]

I have an idea regarding real life radio stations why not just link it with the stream if the player is online then you don't have to waste space on the hard drive and you can have more actual stations in game just as in real life so long as they broadcast on the internet.:thumbup:

[Piffer]

Are there HF and VHF radio and VOR in real Ka-50?

[nemises]

Great info Bol , by god flying this sim is going to be a second job! (in a good way ;) )

[504Goon]

Not sure what you mean, but the radio physics calculations apply in MP games just the same.

 

Do you mean that we can have comms via DCS itself, and won't need external programs like TS? Or is this for the datalink only in MP?