solved Can't Open Comms Menu

[drspankle]

I've just reinstalled 2.9 OB on a brand new PC and, having installed all my maps and the Viper, loaded my key bindings, I can't get the comms menu to open!  The keybind shows '\' and all the other HOTAS binds work fine.

Help!

Dr Spankle

[rob10]

Unless you're using EASY COMM's you need to open the specific radio: i.e. for F-18 - "COMM Switch - COMM 1 (call radio menu)".  Generic "\" does not work without EASY COMM's enabled except for ground comm's.

[Tom Kazansky]

Yeah, lots of threads with this "issue".

I wish ED renamed the "\" key to "ground comms/easy comms" or something similar to end this confusion.

[rob10]

Ya, I'm not sure why this has come up so much in the last week because AFAIK it's been like that for a long time.  I wonder if peoples options got messed with or something and they are no longer on Easy Comm whereas they used to be (even if they didn't realize it).

Makes me wonder if they inadvertently fixed a bug where Easy Comm wasn't show as on but a setting was stuck on or something and allowing all these people to use the "\" binding.

Edited October 29, 2023 by rob10

[drspankle]

The issue is on the ground when I try to Rearm/Refuel in MP servers. As I couldn't do this I didn't bother getting airborne, so don't know if it's present in the air too. I have easy radio unchecked for the Viper Weasels campaign, and my HOTAS bind for \ still brought up the comms menu on my last pc (yesterday). 

Not sure what I'm doing wrong ...

Dr Spankle

[drspankle]

nullHere's my settings:null

nullHelp me Obi Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope ...

[Tom Kazansky]

thanks. are you aware that MP srever admins determine whether or not easy comms can be used, and most of the servers I saw have easy comms set to off.

But I don't know of any settings that prohibit the use of "\" on the ground.

[drspankle]

Yeah happy with that thanks Tom - I just changed this to see if I can get it to work at all, which I can't! The only thing I changed is the PC hardware which I've upgraded.  I've set up the same VR headset, same controllers, same keybinds and the same version of DCS (the latest OB).  Just a couple of days ago with Easy Comms selected I could play happily in the 4YA servers.  When I got the Weasels Over Syria campaign I had to uncheck Easy Comms, but could still play as before in the 4YA servers with regards to bringing up the comms menu for Rearm/Refuel etc.  Now, no matter if I chech Easy Comms or not I can't bring up the menu.  WTF am I doing wrong?!

Dr Spankle

[Tom Kazansky]

8 minutes ago, drspankle said:

Yeah happy with that thanks Tom - I just changed this to see if I can get it to work at all, which I can't! The only thing I changed is the PC hardware which I've upgraded.  I've set up the same VR headset, same controllers, same keybinds and the same version of DCS (the latest OB).  Just a couple of days ago with Easy Comms selected I could play happily in the 4YA servers.  When I got the Weasels Over Syria campaign I had to uncheck Easy Comms, but could still play as before in the 4YA servers with regards to bringing up the comms menu for Rearm/Refuel etc.  Now, no matter if I chech Easy Comms or not I can't bring up the menu.  WTF am I doing wrong?!

Dr Spankle

ok, the comms menue and the rearm/refuel menue have two different key bindings. You need the "\" e.g. for repairs, wheel chocks, ext. power... You know that, I guess.

You can't open the rearm/refuel window on airports that are not the same coalition as yours.

That's all what comes to my mind regarding that issue. Sorry.

Maybe a short track replay could be of help!?

Edited October 30, 2023 by Tom Kazansky

[Ramsay]

2 hours ago, drspankle said:

WTF am I doing wrong?!

I think this is something new/WIP with the F-16C and in game VOIP changes (ATC transmissions, etc. now have radio crackle/static in the F-16C).

It took me a couple of attempts to rebind my throttle buttons to
• Transmit Switch - UHF (call radio menu) - ("RAlt+#" UK Keyboard)
• Transmit Switch - VHF (call radio menu) - ("RCtrl+#" UK Keyboard)

I also went into the Options>Audio>Voice Chat Radio Options and viewed the F-16C settings, I'm not sure if it changed anything i.e. wrote a config file, as I didn't change the defaults.

Note: When using the HOTAS transmit buttons the Radio/ATC menu won't appear until the radio is powered i.e. Battery Switch is on.

If you want to call ATC prior to startup, you'll want to tune UHF panel as the UFC/DED doesn't function until the engine is running.

Tested using DCS Open Beta Multi-thread 2.9.0.47168

Edited October 30, 2023 by Ramsay

[drspankle]

Dear all,

Thank you so much for the help - this forum really is full of people willing to help dullards like me.  Would you believe that somewhere along the line my keyboard defaulted to Eng US (I'm in the UK), which moved a couple of very important buttons!  I have now deleted that as an option so it can't somehow default back again, and all is good!

Phew.

Thanks again,

Dr Spankle

[silverdevil]

1 hour ago, drspankle said:

my keyboard defaulted to Eng US (I'm in the UK)

doh! that would not occurred to me. it is going on my list of things to suggest.

[rob10]

6 hours ago, drspankle said:

Dear all,

Thank you so much for the help - this forum really is full of people willing to help dullards like me.  Would you believe that somewhere along the line my keyboard defaulted to Eng US (I'm in the UK), which moved a couple of very important buttons!  I have now deleted that as an option so it can't somehow default back again, and all is good!

Phew.

Thanks again,

Dr Spankle

Thanks for coming back with the solution!  Very often it's some stupid small thing that's not obvious that causes issues.