Patch Notes Discussion October 2024

[plott1964]

How much disk space will this last update use up? I have 159 GB free and it says that is not enough.

[Hawkeye_UK]

2 hours ago, BIGNEWY said:

Heatblur change log added to forum post 

 

DCS: F-4E Phantom II by Heatblur Simulations

• NEW: Added WSO Startup Procedure Training Lesson

• NEW: Added depression tables for cannon and rockets to the kneeboard

• NEW: JESTER-AI: Jester Nav Improvements Part 2:

  • Added VIP_SILENT waypoint for ME (like VIP but without distance callouts)

  • Fixed a bug where JESTER would switch flyover waypoints assigned as HOLD (now holding properly)

  • You can now assign any WPT type as a holding waypoint in the ME by typing HOLD in the waypoint name field

  • JESTER will now report the new steering after it's physically in on the Nav Comp (previously he was saying it in the meantime)

  • When applicable, the waypoint name will appear instead of coordinates in the Jester Nav Menu

  • Waypoint coordinates latitide and longitude precision limited to 3 digits after comma (implementation change not to make strings unnecessarily long, no gameplay impact)

  • INS alignment state is now shown in the JESTER Nav menu wheel info

• NEW: JESTER-AI: Added 20 new set commands for the JESTER-AI:

  • PROXY_Jester_tune_ARC_164_channel = 20015  

  • PROXY_Jester_tune_TACAN_channel = 20016  

  • PROXY_Jester_deviate_to_tgt_zone = 20017  

  • PROXY_Jester_add_wpt_after = 20018  

  • PROXY_Jester_resume_flightplan = 20020  

  • PROXY_Jester_designate_wpt = 20021  

  • PROXY_Jester_set_cap_time = 20022  

  • PROXY_Jester_eject_WSO = 20023  

  • PROXY_last_command_sentinel = 20099  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_power = 20098  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_polar = 20097  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_range = 20096  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_maneuver = 20095  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_scan = 20094  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_aspect = 20093  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_rcvr_fine = 20092  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_rcvr_coarse = 20091  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_track = 20090  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_display = 20089  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_man_vc = 20088  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_pulse = 20087  

  • PROXY_Jester_radar_mode = 20086  

  • PROXY_Jester_dispense = 20085  

  • PROXY_Jester_air_to_air = 20084  

  • PROXY_Jester_video_select = 20083  

  • PROXY_Jester_laser_code = 20082  

  • PROXY_Jester_context_short = 20081  

  • PROXY_Jester_context_long = 20080  

  • PROXY_Jester_context_double = 20079  

  • PROXY_Jester_unlock_tgt = 20078  

  • PROXY_Jester_set_laser_code = 20024  

  • PROXY_Jester_set_wrcs_drag = 20025  

  • PROXY_Jester_set_wrcs_alt_range = 20026  

  • PROXY_Jester_set_wrcs_ew_dist = 20027  

  • PROXY_Jester_set_wrcs_ns_dist = 20028  

  • PROXY_Jester_set_wrcs_advance = 20029  

  • PROXY_Jester_set_wrcs_range = 20030

  • We will pin an in depth guide on the ED F-4 Forums within the next couple days 

 

• JESTER-AI: Fixed JESTER asking for alignment type on hotstart 

• JESTER-AI: Fixed JESTER asking for alignment type too often 

 

• Systems: Fixed an issue with the RWR TGT SEP function

• Systems: Tuned INS errors

• Systems: Changed default position of ext-fuel switch, now prefers OUTBOARD over CENTER 

• Systems: Adjusted autostart to incorporate the new alignment types

 

• Weapons: Corrected CL Interlock for Gunpod and 1xMk-84 (lit but launch allowed)

  • BRU-5/A with single store allows launch, despite light on (applies to "1xMk-84" and gunpod)

• Weapons: Fixed SUU-23 Gunpod having 639 instead of 1234 rounds

 

• Visual: Adjusted WRCS lamp range

• Visual: Made WRCS lamps dimmable

• Visual: Fixed UHF repeater brightness dropping too low

• Visual: Improved HUD shutter animation

• Visual: Improved TGT INSERT/FREEZE lamp art

• Visual: Reverted previous attempt for a better throttle AB detent animation, will be reattempted later

 

• Sound: Reverted the J-79 and canopies sound updates due to a severe bug - will be re-added as soon as possible.

 

• AI: Mitigating Pave Spike issues by giving the plane a Laser Designator:

  • (this allows the AI to also lase bombs without Pave Spike equipped, but that is better than not being able to lase at all)

• AI: F-4 AI learned how to use the trigger. Fixes most weapon issues. Remaining:

  • CBU-1/2 "pods" (AI thinks its a normal CBU, not a dispenser)

  • If the AI goes for a DIVE attack it tends to overshoot slightly

• AI: Fixed incorrect definition of Pave Spike Sensor

 

• Missions: Updated several training missions:

  • Lesson 05:

    • Removed 2x external tanks from aircraft (according to lesson plan)

    • Set internal fuel to 80% (according to lesson plan)

  • Lesson 06:

    • Re-armed the 4x AIM-9L to the aircraft, which became missing after a previous DCS Update

• Missions: Updated Red Flag mission 1, and 2 by Sedlo

• Missions: Updated Afghanistan IA BFM mission by Sedlo

• Missions: Updated Afghanistan IA missions by Activity

• Missions: Updated missions by Reflected

• Missions: Updated Frog-7 mini campaign mission 1 and 2:

  • Fixed AI issues with takeoff runway and target attack (M1)

  • Removed single unit which required High Digit Sams (M2)

 

• Inputs: Added hardware micro-interruption protection for Jester Context Command

• Inputs: Added direct binds for Jester Context Action (SHORT, HOLD, DOUBLE)

  • Workaround for those who experience issues with the “smart bind”

• Manual: Updated in game manual

• Localization: Updated Chinese localization

• Liveries: IAF Toad Livery updated to use better Camo Colors - Thank you Fish!

 

DCS: F-14 Tomcat by Heatblur Simulations

• NEW: Added IA Caucasus Speed & Angels Practice mission by Reflected (thank you!)

• Fixed a potential CTD with JESTER-AI

• Fixed the STT TWS track extrapolation issue

• Updated ECM to work with the new ECM API from DCS

• Removed VR-specific bindings, as requested by ED

• ALQ-167 is now mounted on BRU-32 adapter

• Fixed not allowing Mk-82, Mk-83, GBU-12, GBU-16 with TARPS

• Add CBU-99 to the available weapons arsenal

• Added support for launching chaff from Expanded Chaff Adapter

  • Uses pilot bomb release button in A/G mode with interval timer

• Replaced the Hand Drawn TARPS Icon 

• Updated the AN/APQ-167 Textures (removed Airforce Stencils, added Navy Stencil and painted it in Medium Gray) 

• Converted the MAK79 Textures to be “.dds” instead of “.png”

• Updated “Watching the Devildog” mission

• Updated IA Caucasus Fear the Bones by Reflected

• Updated IA NTTR Zone 5 - 1v1 DACT vs F-5 mission by Reflected

• Updated Chinese Localization (thank you, Alphabet Ghost!)

 

DCS: AJS37 Viggen by Heatblur Simulations

• Fix for AI dropping BK90s out of parameters

• Fix for dynamic TacNo showing on liveries that should not have them

• Update the Manual RC2.1

Apologies for stating the obvious, but as its not been done i guess it needs saying.  Would it not be an idea to have these included in the actual change logs? I note as at 21:30 GMT they are still missing (and it is a PITA having to jump all over to round up the missing patch notes, be it these or Polychop and the debarcle with the patch.

 

EDIT -FAO  @BIGNEWY / @NineLine

Edited October 30, 2024 by Hawkeye_UK

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

7 minutes ago, plott1964 said:

How much disk space will this last update use up? I have 159 GB free and it says that is not enough.

Depends on which modules you have installed. Have a look at my earlier post here in this thread to look at how large it was for me.

[TheFreshPrince]

vor 3 Stunden schrieb MAXsenna:

Eh... No, Because we can have 2.9.11 too. Current version is actually 2.9.9.2280, which could give us Hotfix 2.9.9.5893 and Campaign patch 2.9.9.8125 even before we get 2.9.10

 

You're all right, I didn't look at the DCS logic. Usually version numbers go by the first digit, but DCS uses double digits as well. So 3.0 will have to wait... 

[corbu1]

Wow! Beautiful and huge Patch today! Apache Campaign. Apache new FCR mode and 4 map updates.

[MAXsenna]

You're all right, I didn't look at the DCS logic. Usually version numbers go by the first digit, but DCS uses double digits as well. So 3.0 will have to wait... 

No, worries! I tried to make a joke the along same line a few years ago. Wasn't well received, and here we are, still.

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[Razorback]

A great big update, even if it seems to be a bit confusing for Polychop's OH-58.
The new sounds are ‘partly’ integrated even though the job isn't finished... even Polychop seems to be surprised by this.
Some key commands no longer work properly...
In short, we're making progress, but it's still a shame that there are some rather unpleasant surprises.
We still have doubts about running the update with the risk of new problems.
Let's stay positive, we're getting better with every update, so thank you for all your hard work!

[Weta43]

No E.D. terrain updates mentioned though?

(No Afghan map work made it through?)

[MAXsenna]

No E.D. terrain updates mentioned though?
(No Afghan map work made it through?)

Reading last Newsletter, I got the impression it will take a little more time. So I cross my fingers for the Christmas patch!

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[rob10]

1 hour ago, Razorback said:

A great big update, even if it seems to be a bit confusing for Polychop's OH-58.
The new sounds are ‘partly’ integrated even though the job isn't finished... even Polychop seems to be surprised by this.
Some key commands no longer work properly...
In short, we're making progress, but it's still a shame that there are some rather unpleasant surprises.
We still have doubts about running the update with the risk of new problems.
Let's stay positive, we're getting better with every update, so thank you for all your hard work!

In fairness to the "risk of new problems", Polychop have said NONE of their stuff was supposed to be in this update.  That's a very atypical situation to have happen.

[rob10]

Any ideas what this is (from patch notes): Weapons: Added the ability to restrict proximity fuze functioning to negative closure rates only.

What practically is this used for?  What missiles (I'm assuming missiles) does it apply to?  Where would you do it (cockpit, ground crew only)?  It was in the general section so not really obvious.

[Hotdognz]

Some great map updates in this patch, looking forward to checking them out, and also plenty of bug fixes.

No fix for the Air Boss station VR mouse not showing so it still renders that update useless for VR users, I would have thought that was an easy fix  ??

11 hours ago, virgo47 said:

Yak-52 changes! No toggle fixes, but hopes are getting higher.

1 more step to being out of EA, at this rate just another 5 years

 

[Slippa]

P-51s brakes are good enough for me .

They were too strong, or sharp to me. They’re now weaker or softer. Much better, so thanks for sorting those out.

The Kiowa thing, someone will have to take the oof amendment on. I flew it earlier, it’s ok for now.

Loads to check out, it’s a biggun, cheers.

[Flyboy_Steve]

It would appear that the latest patch, 2.9.9.2280 has broken the F-16 Weasels over Syria campaign. Is there a way, using the launcher, to roll back to the previous version?

[Dangerzone]

6 hours ago, plott1964 said:

How much disk space will this last update use up? I have 159 GB free and it says that is not enough.

The way the DCS updater works is that it downloads all the changed files first (caching them), and then copies them across into your DCS folder. It's done this way to ensure that if you cancel your download half way, it hasn't broken your DCS installation.

The downside to this is, if you have a 200GB DCS install, and there's 150GB of files that have been updated, the end result is that your DCS install might still be 200GB after the update, but DCS will occupy 350GB of HDD space during the update until the update is finished.

The quickest/easiest way to overcome this is to uninstall a couple of maps (preferably the maps that have been updated). This reduces the size of your install, and also the size of the download. Then when you reinstall the map(s) you uninstalled, they're not on the HDD, so they can download and copy across.  Uses more bandwidth, but gets around low space issues.

There are also ways where you could move these files to another storage and use dcs_local_source.txt and copy DCS somewhere else before uninstalling the modules (network location, portable HDD, etc) to maintain a local cache of the files that aren't needed to be changed to reduce bandwidth. (Search for dcs_local_source.txt for more information on this).

But honestly - depending on your internet connection - the easier option may be to uninstall a map or 2, update DCS, then re-install the maps and go to bed and let the downloads happen overnight. 

48 minutes ago, Flyboy_Steve said:

It would appear that the latest patch, 2.9.9.2280 has broken the F-16 Weasels over Syria campaign. Is there a way, using the launcher, to roll back to the previous version?

Not sure about using the launcher, but I believe using the command prompt you just need to go to the DCS BIN directory and type in:

DCS_updater.exe update 2.9.8.1214.1

 

[Mad_Shell]

4 hours ago, rob10 said:

Any ideas what this is (from patch notes): Weapons: Added the ability to restrict proximity fuze functioning to negative closure rates only.

What practically is this used for?  What missiles (I'm assuming missiles) does it apply to?  Where would you do it (cockpit, ground crew only)?  It was in the general section so not really obvious.

To me, it means that now, missiles won't explode as soon as they are less than X meters from the target (X meters being the radius of the proximity fuse), but they will explode if they are less than X meters AND the distance to the target is increasing. That means that the missiles will approach the target as much as possible before exploding.

That's way more realistic, and should lead to a better kill ratio.

Edited October 31, 2024 by Mad_Shell

[YoYo]

7 hours ago, Razorback said:

A great big update, even if it seems to be a bit confusing for Polychop's OH-58.
The new sounds are ‘partly’ integrated even though the job isn't finished... even Polychop seems to be surprised by this.
Some key commands no longer work properly...
In short, we're making progress, but it's still a shame that there are some rather unpleasant surprises.
We still have doubts about running the update with the risk of new problems.
Let's stay positive, we're getting better with every update, so thank you for all your hard work!

For this I hope it will be hotfix, mainly for the buttons, the rest is more or less ok and can be left until finished (w.i.p.).

[BIGNEWY]

10 hours ago, Hawkeye_UK said:

Apologies for stating the obvious, but as its not been done i guess it needs saying.  Would it not be an idea to have these included in the actual change logs? I note as at 21:30 GMT they are still missing (and it is a PITA having to jump all over to round up the missing patch notes, be it these or Polychop and the debarcle with the patch.

 

EDIT -FAO  @BIGNEWY / @NineLine

 

I did include them in the forum change logs before I went to sleep and a team member should update the main log if they havnt already. 

thank you 

8 hours ago, Weta43 said:

No E.D. terrain updates mentioned though?

(No Afghan map work made it through?)

We will have an Afghan dev update soon, and more work will be added in a future patch. 

[Tomcatter87]

Is it possible that the waves are bugged now? I set wind to 25 kts, no white caps to be seen.

[BIGNEWY]

1 minute ago, Tomcatter87 said:

Is it possible that the waves are bugged now? I set wind to 25 kts, no white caps to be seen.

best post a mission example in the bugs section, we tested this last night and it was working for us. 

thank you 

[jackd]

11 hours ago, plott1964 said:

How much disk space will this last update use up? I have 159 GB free and it says that is not enough.

On mine its 297 GB, and Saved Games 690 MB. DCS is why i bought a large M2 SSD recently.

All games installed on a separate drive.

==================================

Q: I read that DCS is only in MT version now, but i still have a bin and a bin-mt folder both filled about 570 MB ... How's that?

Edited October 31, 2024 by jackd

[draconus]

19 hours ago, BIGNEWY said:

• Weapons: SM missiles guidance and aerodynamics tweaked, decreased random distance error, adjusted DLZ.
• Weapons: FFG Oliver Hazard Perry class changed SAM SM-2MR missile with SM-1MR RIM-66.
• Weapons: SAM SM-1 cannot effectively engage KH-22.
• Weapons: Added new 3D models for SM family and booster jet effect.

Improvement: ME. DDG Arleigh Burke class weapon selection panel added.

Nice to see some naval combat progress and clear direction for ship (and ground AI) weapons control

[draconus]

18 minutes ago, jackd said:

Q: I read that DCS is only in MT version now, but i still have a bin and a bin-mt folder both filled about 570 MB ... How's that?

Both folders contain the same MT files for temporary compatibility sake (shortcuts).

Edited October 31, 2024 by draconus

[BIGNEWY]

38 minutes ago, jackd said:

Q: I read that DCS is only in MT version now, but i still have a bin and a bin-mt folder both filled about 570 MB ... How's that?

We left the bin and bin-mt both in so we did not initially break peoples shortcuts, both folders have MT now. In the future the bin-mt will be removed however. 

thank you  

[Tomcatter87]

1 hour ago, BIGNEWY said:

best post a mission example in the bugs section, we tested this last night and it was working for us. 

thank you 

Just double-checked it. There are white caps, but in my opinion the sea still seems calmer than it used to. Almost no waves at 25 kts, some waves at 80 knots. Ships are pitching quite a lot - far more than the waves. Here's some screenshots. One at 25 kts wind, one at 80 knots. In which section should I post my mission file? Weather Bugs?  

Here's 25 knots:

 

And 80 knots: 

Edited October 31, 2024 by Tomcatter87