Couple of clarifications from the VIACOM manual please

[ShaunX]

I'm seriously considering buying this utility, particularly as I already use Voiceattack and find it really useful.

 

I've just downloaded and read (most) of the manual and I have a couple of questions which I don't see explained there..

 

1. How does the kneeboard extension integrate with the existing kneeboard ? Would I for example use my existing keyboard binds to bring up and browse through the regular DCS kneeboard, or is the extension just a page within the DCS kneeboard ?

 

2. The SRS integration with SRS PTT mapping sounds great but I don't understand the alternatives described for switching to and from VOIP when integrated..

 

"

• [PRO] Use Switch Command: allows manual switching to VoIP. Keep holding PTT (e.g. after you’ve sent a message to an AI unit) and say ‘Switch’: VoIP transmission will be switched on and you can now speak to human player using VC/SRS until you release your PTT key.

• [PRO] Auto Switch: Keep holding the PTT key after the AI command is recognized. VoIP transmission will be automatically switched on; you can speak with human players on the frequency until PTT key is released.

"

 

..implies that everytime I want VOIP I have to either say SWITCH in manual mode, after sending an AI message, or in auto mode, keep holding the PTT key AFTER an AI command has been recognised, and that VOIP mode is only then maintained until I release the PTT key.

 

Why only AFTER an AI command ? what if I want to speak on VOIP without issuing a command to AI first, and perhaps have an extended 2 way conversation? Isn't there a command to switch to and remain switched to VOIP mode until switched again?

 

[hornblower793]

I can't answer your second question because I don't use SRS but the answer to the first one is that it comes up as a bookmarked page within the existing kneeboard so your existing commands will work as well

[ShaunX]

1. Perfect thank you, I was hoping that was the case.

 

2. Any VIACOM with SRS users out there ?

 

 

[ZBoT]

I just started using VIACOM with SRS and found it easier to have separate bindings for PTT for VIACOM and SRS. Just couldn't get them to work the way I wanted with the same PTT binding.

[ShaunX]

Thanks, yeah, reading through forum issues I'm starting to think that might be the way to go. I was just hoping to save a couple of binds on my throttle ;)

[ZBoT]

Thanks, yeah, reading through forum issues I'm starting to think that might be the way to go. I was just hoping to save a couple of binds on my throttle ;)

 

Same. I've found getting VIACOM/SRS/Discord all working together is difficult. I'm still working on a perfect solution myself but not there yet.

[sthompson]

I just started using VIACOM with SRS and found it easier to have separate bindings for PTT for VIACOM and SRS. Just couldn't get them to work the way I wanted with the same PTT binding.

 

I gave up on the VOIP integration also because I didn't like the need to issue an AI command (or "Switch") prior to talking on SRS. However rather than have separate bindings you can just use the same PTT for both, and have whatever you say to the AI go out over the SRS channel. This is not entirely unrealistic because in RL you would be broadcasting calls to ATC, your flight, etc., and anyone on the same frequencies would hear them. (Your team mates on SRS will wonder what you are up to, however, since they aren't used to hearing a player talk to the AI.) It gets unrealistic when you start using VAICOM specific commands such as "Select" or use the radio channels to talk to ground crew. (The latter can be avoided by using a separate keybind for TX6.)

 

 

[Weegie]

Yup same for me totally in agreement with ZBot and sthompson. I use the same button with Vaicom and SRS to select a radio, which is also the PTT for Vaicom but a different PTT for SRS to actually talk. I could never get Vaicom auto select to work reliably and didn't want to sound a complete dork screaming AI commands down an open radio

[ZBoT]

 

I gave up on the VOIP integration also because I didn't like the need to issue an AI command (or "Switch") prior to talking on SRS. However rather than have separate bindings you can just use the same PTT for both, and have whatever you say to the AI go out over the SRS channel. This is not entirely unrealistic because in RL you would be broadcasting calls to ATC, your flight, etc., and anyone on the same frequencies would hear them. (Your team mates on SRS will wonder what you are up to, however, since they aren't used to hearing a player talk to the AI.) It gets unrealistic when you start using VAICOM specific commands such as "Select" or use the radio channels to talk to ground crew. (The latter can be avoided by using a separate keybind for TX6.)

 

 

Thanks for this info, I really like this idea. Question though, do you have any problems with VIACOM listening when you're talking over SRS and "recognizing" unwanted AI commands?

[sthompson]

Yup same for me totally in agreement with ZBot and sthompson. I use the same button with Vaicom and SRS to select a radio, which is also the PTT for Vaicom but a different PTT for SRS to actually talk. I could never get Vaicom auto select to work reliably and didn't want to sound a complete dork screaming AI commands down an open radio

 

@Weegie: Using a separate PTT to actually talk on SRS is brilliant. Never thought of that. Thanks.

 

@ZBoT: I have not had the trouble you mentioned with VAICOM recognizing "commands" during SRS speech to other players. But then I don't use SRS all that much. Furthermore, using Weegie's approach you would use a different key to talk on SRS even though you are using the same keys to select the radio. That would completely avoid the problem.

[Weegie]

Even on an open Mic I can't recall having trouble with Vaicom triggering although it would only trigger commands in my profile appended to Vaicom, but in short the answer in no does not appear to be a problem

 

On a separate PTT for SRS and Vaicom the two programs are isolated from each other. It's not ideal I suppose but it works well enough for me and @sthompson you are very welcome and thank you for the kind words

[ShaunX]

Yup same for me totally in agreement with ZBot and sthompson. I use the same button with Vaicom and SRS to select a radio, which is also the PTT for Vaicom but a different PTT for SRS to actually talk. I could never get Vaicom auto select to work reliably and didn't want to sound a complete dork screaming AI commands down an open radio

 

That is a good idea, thank you.

 

This means I no longer need the SRS option "Radio switch works as PTT" set and only need a single SRS PTT button, so it's freed up a button on the hat I can use for another VIACOM TX. Nice one.