New DCS user

[rafale_lascar]

Hi there,

apologizes if subject not in the right section. I am Nicolas, aviation enthusiast and spotter.

I am a new user of DCS as I was offered a stick and throttle late 2021. Using it for SW squadron and Ace Combat, I now would like to get into a real simulator such as DCS. I really would like to invest time on DCS but I don't know what path to take to evolve and improve rapidly.

I ask you because I wonder what is the best strategy to learn basics : starting an aircraft, basic manoeuvers, radar system, weapon system... and what is better to learn strategy and improve skills easily and regularly.

I know that I will meet some difficulties, spend hours reading the manual, and have to deal with "no motivation" days, but what is the best way to progress ?

Is it better to begin with DCS free aircrafts such as P-51 or Su-25 ? Or better get into DCS with the aircraft I dream to fly on ? (M-2000 or F/A-18)

What is your advice ?

Again I know it will take some time, I am really okay to invest in this simulator.

Last enquiry : is it a good idea to begin with VR ? (my config. is 32 Go RAM, SSD 1 To, and MSI GeForce GTX 1660 8 Go.)

Thanks and greatings.

N

[draconus]

3 hours ago, rafale_lascar said:

Last enquiry : is it a good idea to begin with VR ? (my config. is 32 Go RAM, SSD 1 To, and MSI GeForce GTX 1660 8 Go.)

Even with older headset this card is on the low end and you'll struggle to get any decent fps and image quality unless you have really low expectations. Not advisable for starting out. You need to read your cockpit clearly.

You surely can start with free aircraft. You can also test any aircraft for free.

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/personal/licensing/trial/

It is very individual thing how to start. You can simulate real life by starting with simple prop, then training jet, then your big fighter jet. You can start right in your final aircraft. Just have fun and take it slow, one thing at a time. Don't jump into combat missions too soon.

Edited February 8, 2022 by draconus

[rafale_lascar]

Thanks Draconus.

I will wait for VR so. I am thinking of new GC in a near future though.

[Dscross]

rafale, 

I'm running a similar set up except 64g of ram. I haven't yet upgraded by GC and it's a 1660 Ti. I use Track IR and it works fine, but VR HOGS your graphics card. I'd say get one of the headtracking systems, Toby, TrackIR, etc. They work well. 

As Draconus said, you can do the free trails sure. 

That being said... if you love an airplane, get it and start learning it. You'll buy it eventually and learning in a jet you love makes the whole experience better, in my opinion. Yes, it will take some dedication to get it, but most people who can read the manuals and have someone to fly with can become fairly capable of the F/A-18 or M2000 in a few weeks of flying. (Depending on how much you fly during those weeks...) I've found that at about 40 hours in a jet I have a good basic grasp of the systems and perform most tasks. However, getting to the point of knowing everything from navigation, air to ground, air to air, landings, take off's, spin recovery, carrier landings, PvP combat, well that takes time. spend the time and you'll get good, it's as simple as that. 

If you have questions or need help, feel free to drop by the AIN discord, we'll help you out in way we can. Here's the link. https://discord.gg/WyJWTnhTkB

[Grennymaster]

Am 8.2.2022 um 19:37 schrieb rafale_lascar:

Hi there,

apologizes if subject not in the right section. I am Nicolas, aviation enthusiast and spotter.

I am a new user of DCS as I was offered a stick and throttle late 2021. Using it for SW squadron and Ace Combat, I now would like to get into a real simulator such as DCS. I really would like to invest time on DCS but I don't know what path to take to evolve and improve rapidly.

I ask you because I wonder what is the best strategy to learn basics : starting an aircraft, basic manoeuvers, radar system, weapon system... and what is better to learn strategy and improve skills easily and regularly.

I know that I will meet some difficulties, spend hours reading the manual, and have to deal with "no motivation" days, but what is the best way to progress ?

Is it better to begin with DCS free aircrafts such as P-51 or Su-25 ? Or better get into DCS with the aircraft I dream to fly on ? (M-2000 or F/A-18)

What is your advice ?

Again I know it will take some time, I am really okay to invest in this simulator.

Last enquiry : is it a good idea to begin with VR ? (my config. is 32 Go RAM, SSD 1 To, and MSI GeForce GTX 1660 8 Go.)

Thanks and greatings.

N

hey there and welcome

Well if you are completly new to flying in generell, i would first du the 14 day free trail, so you can get a feeling for eacht bird.

I have the M2000C and fly it now an then. Its realtiv easy to learn an to fly, but it has almost no Air to ground capabilitys. The Hornet is a beast, but you have to learn a lot more in thermes of using the systems.

im also loving the A10cII, still a Monster and fun to fly.

With you current GC i would not go to VR, im on a 3060ti and boy, even this card is hard on limit in therm of spottin ground targets. But as soon you have a good card VR is so much more immersive. I cant fly without it anymore

feel free to ask whatever you whant to know

[CBStu]

I would jump right to the FA-18. I have the P-51 and wow is it a bitch to fly. Takeoff and landing is very difficult because that huge engine blocks you view. I have never tried VR but I expect it would be really great. However I read here that VR does not have as fine resolution as a standard screen. I have Track IR5 and am really satisfied w/ it. One thing that has helped me is the pause button and easily accessed web. I often pause my flight and go to either Chucks guide for the FA-18 or to youtube to find a tutorial. Then I come back to my flight. Trying to get something set up may take 4-5 swaps back and forth web to DCS to web etc. Oh, there is full pause and active pause. Active pause stops you plane in mid air but keeps all the buttons functional.