cannot repoduce and missing track file Canopy won't lock if I open it and close.

[BlueSkies989]

I'm testing out my bindings for the F-16.  I notice that once I'm in the cockpit with engine running if I unlock the spider I can relock it, unless I open the canopy.  Then after closing the canopy the spider won't relock, the cockpit eyebrow light stays lit and WARN flashes in the HUD.  I can fly the mission fine.  Is this something I just shouldn't be doing (opening and closing cockpit after engine start) or what.  I searched the F-16 forum and found nothing on this particular issue.  Happens on the Instant Action: Ready on Ramp, and Takeoff missions.  Thanks.

[Iron Sights]

Not sure here, but try using the switch to open and close the canopy. It’s on the left where the spider is. You should be able to lock the spider after. Make sure the canopy moves all the way forward first, before trying to lock it.

Edited September 17, 2023 by Iron Sights

[Furiz]

9 hours ago, BlueSkies989 said:

I searched the F-16 forum and found nothing on this particular issue.

Hi,

probably because it happens only to you .

I did a test and it works fine, here is my track: Caopy spider lock.trk

 

It is probably user error, check your binding again, remove all mods and do repair.

[Falconeer]

As mentioned above, make sure the canopy is fully down by holding down the switch. If you have the engine still off, you can hear the actuator stop and thats when you release the switch

In RL after the canopy closes, the hooks need to rotate to ensure a positive lock (i think thats DCS way of needing to hold the switch)

[Namco51]

The Canopy OPEN/CLOSE command is bugged and it didn't occur to the original poster due to the user error of not fuly closing the canopy:

• If you use Canopy OPEN/CLOSE (default is LCtrl+C) to close the canopy, the canopy switch is held in the down position indefinitely by the sim. 
• While the canopy switch is stuck down, the canopy handle (lock/spider) CANNOT be closed.
• To get the canopy switch unstuck, you must left-click the canopy switch to return it to neutral again. Only then can you actually lock the canopy by clicking on the canopy handle.
• In every other position of the canopy switch, and regardless if the canopy is actually open or closed, the canopy handle can always be interacted with.

Because this switch is a momentary switch in the down position, but a toggle in the up position (aka, a (ON)-OFF-ON switch) , it looks like the same behavior of the canopy switch being stuck does occur when using Canopy OPEN/CLOSE to OPEN the canopy, except you actually CAN interact with the canopy handle while the canopy switch is stuck in the up position. And this looks to be by design by looking at the shape of the dark gray part of that handle--it actually can't fully close with that canopy switch stuck in the down position.

You can also duplicate the behavior of the swtich getting stuck down without using Canopy OPEN/CLOSE.

• If you click and hold the canopy switch, and with it held mouse over to any other switch (such as CAT I/CAT II) and click it with the other mouse button, the canopy switch will also be stuck in that position indefinitely. 
• The same rules then apply. If stuck down, you cannot interact with the canopy lock. If stuck up, you can interact with the canopy lock

I think everyone would be happy if the Canopy OPEN/CLOSE command would let go of the switch after the canopy closes. That way, (when using the Canopy OPEN/CLOSE command, the canopy handle can be closed without locating and clicking the canopy switch first.

EDIT:
P.S. I'm sure that if someone reads my post, they'll tell me what I already know, that if you click the canopy switch down to close the canopy, then let go of the mouse button, then the switch will return to neutral and the handle will work again. Yes, we all get that. This is specifically about the behavior of the Canopy OPEN/CLOSE command holding the canopy switch down like some kind of trickster so you can flounder around with the locking handle not knowing why it's not working.
 

F-16 Canopy OPEN-CLOSE bug.trk

Edited May 26, 2024 by Namco51