How to start the F-14 up (Beginners Questions)

[AIXtreme2K]

Guys,

 

I need some help starting up the F-14 in DCS. I ain't completely new to the F-14, I flew this bird in P3D (F-14X by aerosoft).

The Heatblur Version seems to be quite more complex. 

I am truly new to DCS. And I need some help. Perhaps some of you could help me out.

First I want to work through the checklists by the use of jester. 

 

I know how to bring up the radial contextual menu, but I cannot click the options. Neighter the keystroke as mentioned in the menu works. How can I use the contextual menu options with the keyboard?

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Edit: I am running DCS with a joystick, mouse and keyboard. I do not have TrackIR e.g.

 

 

[MAXsenna]

Guys,
 
I need some help starting up the F-14 in DCS. I ain't completely new to the F-14, I flew this bird in P3D (F-14X by aerosoft).
The Heatblur Version seems to be quite more complex. 
I am truly new to DCS. And I need some help. Perhaps some of you could help me out.
First I want to work through the checklists by the use of jester. 
 
I know how to bring up the radial contextual menu, but I cannot click the options. Neighter the keystroke as mentioned in the menu works. How can I use the contextual menu options with the keyboard?
 
Thanks for your help.
 
Edit: I am running DCS with a joystick, mouse and keyboard. I do not have TrackIR e.g.
 
 

Well, for starters you have the startup training mission. Did you try it?

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[Eagle7907]

Check the advanced settings for HB F-14. I think there is an option for “Track IR used for Jester” or something of that nature. In your case, make sure it’s not checked or off.

Also, double check the key bindings for the Jester menu. Sometimes they get deleted and you may have to create or reassign them as well.

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[IronMike]

Generally regardless of your use headview for Jester options or not, left ctrl + 1 or left ctrl + 2, etc etc will let you hit the menu option displayed to you, you will see a number with each option, which corresponds to your keyboard number + left ctrl (make sure not right ctrl).

Indeed, we recommend doing the startup training mission and then use Jester Assisted Startup for a while till you get firm. If you want a quicker way to start it, ofc you can forego all the necessary tests.

One way to get it started extremely quickly, is shown in this video, although certain steps are out of order, but without impact, I just turn on SAS switches after engines are spooled, as well as air to both, plus you have to tell ground crew to turn off elec power and disconnect the air supply. You can do it just as quickly if you bring up the menu first and engage with Jester using normal startup, however him being a clever boy, he will catch up even if you do not when turning on your first (right) engine. Note: this is not the "right" way to do it, but for frequent flying on the server sufficial for everything to work as needed and to get you in the air quick, especially where mission designers used stored heading align for Jester, which merely takes 2 minutes vs a full align that takes 8 minutes. Enjoy.
 

 

[AIXtreme2K]

Thank you very much for your help. I did not notice the startup training mission on first sight. I will check this out!

[MAXsenna]

Thank you very much for your help. I did not notice the startup training mission on first sight. I will check this out!

You're welcome!
Tip, when you now get hooked into DCS. Every module have a set of training missions.
Cheers!

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[JetCat]

If you are completely new to DCS, I recommend using YouTube to learn the basics of your new plane (cockpit, starting procedures etc.)

Start the training missions in DCS and try to fly them just as shown on YouTube.

You should spend some weeks enjoy learning to start up, handle and fly these jets, learn how to land. Study the cockpits to exactly know where all the electric switches, lights engine switches are and what values and data the gauges show (ignore all the ATC stuff - ATC this is not necessary I don´t use anything related to ATC in Flight Simulator 20 neither).

If you know how to start fly and land your favorite jet with ease, you could read the manual just for pure interest and to get some background infos and find more detailed cockpit informations - and you can use YouTube to learn the weapon systems. Also you can start modding your planes - there are dozens of beautyful liveries available for all tastes

 

[Uxi]

FWIW, I spend most of the tutorial on a new plane doing my HOTAS mappings. Since the defaults are usually keyboard bindings I'm rarely going to use.