Radio - how the frack do I use it

[GunSlingerAUS]

Notice a theme going on? ;)

 

So, campaign mission 1. Returning to carrier. Trying to radio it on 265.00 AM, but getting no reply. I set the radio via Jester, and manually, but neither works. Once I've set the radio, I use the \ comms menu, then navigate to the required callout. No response from carrier.

 

Here's a video so you can tell me what I'm stuffing up:

 

HALP!

[QuiGon]

Don't use the \ comms menu, as it just opens a generic comms menu and doesn't use the radios! You need to actually key the respective radio, using the comms switch on the throttle (Button 6), which you have to map first. When you key the radio the comms menu opens and it should display the name of the radio above it.

[Fuerte]

/ key may be suitable only for communications with ground personnel via Intercom. All full fidelity modules have radio select switches, which should be depressed to choose specific radio and transmit through it.

 

For F-14 it is UHF/VHF/ICS switch on the Throttle Grip. Make sure you bind these commands wherever it suits and use them instead of /

 

Also check out Chuck's tutorials. A lot of answers will be found there

[jmarso]

This is going to sound really lazy, but the way I figure it, the radios are the RIO's job.

 

So I just use easy comms, and in my head that's just Jester "doin' his thang." :music_whistling:

[draconus]

Many times in the missions you need both radios tuned to different frequencies like one for AWACS and the other for your flight. As a pilot you have full control of your radio but the RIO's radio is more functional (more freq. range, ADF, AM/FM) and if you ask Jester he'll set everything as you want. Then you just use proper mic button (push-to-talk) to transmit. The ICS (intercom) you use only for Ground Crew interaction (and... Jester in fact but it's usually set to hot-mic for free buttonless transmition). Pay attention to briefing freq./channels and kneeboard to set your radios right and you'll be fine.

[GunSlingerAUS]

Ahh, I thought so, thanks guys. Quicky then on what to bind - I use SRS as well, so what are the commands I should bind to my Warthog Throttle's radio hat?

[draconus]

You have to bind 3 PTT buttons (best to use the thumb hat on the throttle):

1. ICS (intercom)

2. AN/ARC-159 (Pilot's UHF radio)

3. AN/ARC-182 (RIO's VHF/UHF radio)

 

#6:

http://www.heatblur.se/F-14Manual/_images/throttle.png

Since "both" is not available in DCS - I use it for Jester menu.

 

Afair you can have same button set for SRS as PTT but since the comms menu will pop up you can change its behavior in Options > Special > F-14.

Edited July 17, 2020 by draconus

[GunSlingerAUS]

Thanks y'all, now whispering sweet nothings to the carrier, moments before I plunge into the end of the boat. Legends!