Link 4A presence and frequency assignments request

[Northstar98]

Hi everyone,

With ED's new ACLS system for the Hornet, a new advanced waypoint action has been introduced under 'Perform Command': Activate/Deactivate Link 4, which includes the ability to set what the frequency should be.

Is there any possibility that HB's Link 4A implementation can use these assignments? Right now they're automatically generated with no ability to control presence or the frequency assigned.

[IronMike]

The one thing we want to avoid is to have two systems at the same time, as it would add to the confusion. So if the new Link4 gets added across the board and we can have it function with all carriers also in the future, in order to not take away existing gameplay for our customers, we will of course consider it.

For the time being we will leave the current system as is.

[Northstar98]

1 minute ago, IronMike said:

The one thing we want to avoid is to have two systems at the same time, as it would add to the confusion. So if the new Link4 gets added across the board and we can have it function with all carriers also in the future, in order to not take away existing gameplay for our customers, we will of course consider it.

For the time being we will leave the current system as is.

Awesome, thanks for answering IronMike, I appreciate it!

 

Though, just to be clear, I don't expect HB to abandon their Link 4A functionality, I'm mostly concerned about having consistent frequency assignments - so they can be controlled via the mission editor instead of automatically.

Of course this relies on ED providing those advanced waypoint actions available to all applicable Link 4A hosts.

Edited April 25, 2022 by Northstar98

[IronMike]

Right now it is best to wait to see how ED implements it. If it comes for all carriers, I am sure we can find a way to a) support it with the Forrestal and b) with the Tomcat in general. IMO it is best to have one solution for everything, so if the new system by ED is better than what we have, I see no reason why not to replace it. Please note that this is not a promise just yet, feasiblity, etc. will all play a factor as well ofc. 

[BreaKKer]

Datalink WPs Pog

[DSplayer]

Perhaps this could mean Link 4 communication between the F-14 and F-18 in the far future if the systems get merged.

I also asked NineLine about the possibility of Link-4 A2A DL between the F-18 and F-14 (I’m not too sure if this capability even exists).

Spoiler

 

[Northstar98]

14 hours ago, DSplayer said:

Perhaps this could mean Link 4 communication between the F-14 and F-18 in the far future if the systems get merged.

I also asked NineLine about the possibility of Link-4 A2A DL between the F-18 and F-14 (I’m not too sure if this capability even exists).

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Link 4 consists of 2 'modes' if you will.

There's Link 4A which can be used as a one-way tactical data link from a host unit (i.e ships or AEW&C platform) to other units under control of the host. This is also the mode that ACLS uses.

Then there's Link 4C, which is the fighter-to-fighter data link. This was exclusive to the Tomcat and only allows for 4 aircraft to interconnect with each other (so, more of an intraflight data link).

So no, the Hornet won't be able to be used with the Tomcat, even if they both share a common Link 4A system.

But it would be good if ED implements the tactical data link component of Link 4A for the Hornet, meaning that the Tomcat and Hornet can use common Link 4A hosts that are on the same frequency.

 

Right now HB has a separate system which automatically sets Link 4A presence on applicable units, and automatically assigns a frequency.

It would be good if the 2 systems are able to use the same advanced waypoint actions to govern Link 4A presence and frequency, even if the 2 use their own Link 4A systems.

Edited April 26, 2022 by Northstar98

[DSplayer]

10 minutes ago, Northstar98 said:

Link 4 consists of 2 'modes' if you will.

There's Link 4A which can be used as a one-way tactical data link from a host unit (i.e ships or AEW&C platform) to other units under control of the host.

Then there's Link 4C, which is the fighter-to-fighter data link. This was exclusive to the Tomcat and only allows for 4 aircraft to interconnect with each other (so, more of an intraflight data link).

So no, the Hornet won't be able to be used with the Tomcat, even if they both share a common Link 4A system.

But it would be good if ED implements the tactical data link component of Link 4A for the Hornet, meaning that the Tomcat and Hornet can use common Link 4A hosts that are on the same frequency.

 

Right now HB has a separate system which automatically sets Link 4A presence on applicable units, and automatically assigns a frequency.

It would be good if the 2 systems are able to use the same advanced waypoint actions to govern Link 4A presence and frequency, even if the 2 use their own Link 4A systems.

 

Damn I was hoping for possible Link-4C integration in the F-18.

[IronMike]

2 hours ago, DSplayer said:

Damn I was hoping for possible Link-4C integration in the F-18.

Not a thing unfortunately. If Link4 was to become server-side at one point, AWACS for example could communicate both vice versa if I am not mistaken. But as is now that would not work.

[Zooker]

Is there any update on this issue given new versions of DCS being pushed by ED or how the Link4  integration with ships has played out over the last year?

[Northstar98]

I think this functionality has come with DCS 2.9.0.46801 OB, in the changelog for the Tomcat, this was mentioned:

Quote

Fixed Tomcat Link 4 TDS frequency not aligned with DCS Mission Editor Link 4 frequency setting.

So presumably, the Tomcat's Link 4A frequency for aircraft carriers will use what's set in the mission editor. Unfortunately it's up to ED to add the same Link 4A task (or a data link using task) for the E-2 and other ships.

I haven't been able to test this yet though (new build isn't quite up to spec to really play DCS yet).

[QuiGon]

On 11/25/2023 at 12:06 PM, Northstar98 said:

I think this functionality has come with DCS 2.9.0.46801 OB, in the changelog for the Tomcat, this was mentioned:

So presumably, the Tomcat's Link 4A frequency for aircraft carriers will use what's set in the mission editor. Unfortunately it's up to ED to add the same Link 4A task (or a data link using task) for the E-2 and other ships.

I haven't been able to test this yet though (new build isn't quite up to spec to really play DCS yet).

I think it just sets the carrier's Link-4 frequency listed in the Tomcat's kneeboard to the same frequency that has been set up for the carrier in the ME. That's all.

[Northstar98]

3 hours ago, QuiGon said:

I think it just sets the carrier's Link-4 frequency listed in the Tomcat's kneeboard to the same frequency that has been set up for the carrier in the ME. That's all.

Ok - at least that is unified though.

If the frequency isn't set in the mission editor, does the Tomcat automatically generate one?

[QuiGon]

1 hour ago, Northstar98 said:

If the frequency isn't set in the mission editor, does the Tomcat automatically generate one?

Yeah, that's how it was before it was even possible to set Link-4 freqs in the mission editor, which is still a fairly new feature.

Edited November 27, 2023 by QuiGon