Idea on DOT Neutral

[Kadin]

I have created a labels. Lua that has a potential to keep all different resolution users fairly happy.  Obviously, the real credit goes to the DCS team for adding the "Dot Neutral" script.

I have modified a labels. Lua file to allow the user to cycle through 4 settings of DOTs to allow VR and Monitor  users to enjoy a similar "realistic" view of Aircrafts, Ground and Naval assets when they are past their assigned LOD.

The main issue I have encountered in the past was that when the DOT size was decent enough in my VR Rift S resolution, it was very difficult to see on a 4K resolution.  When I would increase the size to be viewable on a 4K, it would look very blocky on a VR setting.

Now,  users can use Lshf+F10 to cycle through the best dot view for them while flying in the same mission.

So far the only negative outcomes are:

-No other label settings exist except DOTs

-On the Server Multiplay listing, the mission is reported using FULL labels, which could be confusing to some.

The label.lua file is very customizable and I used the resolutions available to me to gauge the outcome and I have only tested it on WWII era setups,  so feedback is welcome.

If you need any further information on how to use the file, please let me know.

The file below is different than the one posted on the General Forum.  This one is ONLY Dots, the other one is a modification of the Standard DCS one that allows all originally designed functions.

Labels.lua

Edited June 20, 2021 by Kadin

[Kadin]

Here is a fine tuned version with no shadows or Blur.  Best for resolutions smaller than 1920x1080, while still good for up to 4k.

Rename to labels.lua before using.

Labels-NoShadows.lua

Edited June 26, 2021 by Kadin

[Kadin]

Instructions on how to install a custom label.lua file

 

Single Player Flying: (Amended due to incompatibility discovered-Use file: Labels_forSinglePlay.lua )
Copy the file named Labels_forSinglePlay.lua from the post below. Rename it to labels.lua.
Go to X:\Users\YOURNAME\Saved Games\DCS\Config\View.  If there is a labels.lua file there, back it up.
Copy the new labels.lua file in the above folder
Start DCS-->Options-->Gameplay-->set "labels" to FULL
Play any mission and LShf+F10 to cycle through the different Settings:
Full labels, Partial Labels, Dot Large, Dot Small, No Dot
It is possible a mission played in Single Player environment to have a labels.lua file already inside. In that case, that file will override the new custom file you just placed in the Saved Games Folder. 

 

Multiplayer Flying: (Use file: Labels.lua or Labels-NoShadows.lua)
As a user you don't have to do anything.
As a Mission Designer/Server owner you need to do the following:
Open the mission you want to host in the Mission Editor and go "Customize"-->"Mission Options"-->Check the labels box and set it to "FULL"
Save the mission and exit.
Right click on the YourMission.miz  and Open it using any zip application.
Navigate to config\View folder and open it.  If it does not exist, create them and keep the file open to that folder.
Left mouse click on the new labels.lua file, click on the .miz file if it got minimized and drag the labels.lua file in the "View" subfolder.  Overwrite if asked.

For good measure, open the labels.lua file now inside the mission package and confirm its existence
Close the .miz file and place it on the Server

What setting you select in DCS-->Options-->Gameplay-->set "labels" to ..., this will be the "Dot" size you will first see when you are inside the mission.  Use LShift+F10 to cycle through the other options.

Edited September 3, 2021 by Kadin

[Davee]

Are you the Kadin from way back in the FB days?

[Kadin]

Indeed!

[Kadin]

IMPORTANT AMMENDMENT FOR SINGLE PLAYER FLYING:

I have just found out that my custom labels.lua files do not work well with the missions that come with DCS.  That includes (Single player missions, Campaigns and Training missions).  Trying to access any of those missions leads to a lock up.  If you don't have this problem, disregard this post.  If you do, then replace the following file with the one attached. (After renaming it to labels.lua, of course)

Replace the labels.lua file in: C:\Users\YOURNAME\Saved Games\DCS\Config\View.

This file is compatible with DCS missions and can be customized, however it includes the traditional labels settings as well.  If you need any assistance in customizing it, let me know.  The code is already embedded but is commented out.

The previous files work fine, if they are embedded in the anymission.miz file.  So, no issue on Multiplayer Server missions or Custom missions played anywhere

Apologies if I have caused any frustrating moments.

Labels_ForSinglePlay.lua

Edited September 3, 2021 by Kadin

[Aigle2]

Thanks for your work !