Explain function insufficient feedback

[virgo47]

I was watching a video where the Explain function was demonstrated, but I couldn't quite reproduce the result exactly. I guess this is fluid right now and while the video creator got into RWR Handoff section directly, it only opens RWR to me. Messing around with the function I was a bit confused, but after a while I (hope I) figured out why:

• There is no indication whether the explanation is available or not - this could be improved with custom cursors, that is, if DCS supports such a function. It would be great to know if it makes sense to even try to click on the knob while holding the explain function.
• The Explain function works also as a manual toggle, which is mostly neat, but does not do what I expect every time - especially in combination with the point above. E.g.:
  • If there is manual section linked to the feature, it will work as advertised - the manual opens on the section, or shows the section if open already. This is great.
  • If I click and don't get anything, releasing the "Explain" button will toggle the manual - which is not what I wanted.
  • The case when it opens the manual without showing what I want is most confusing. Why is it so laggy and doesn't open it on click? Why does open it after the release? And why doesn't it show the section? (These are the questions that came to me, of course, I know how it behaves after a few minutes.)
• Some controls HAVE the right link but don't show it as expected - it seems like the area for the explain function is decoupled from the cursor change on the controls, e.g.:
  

In the picture above, I previously clicked on the OPR ERS/Contrast button, then moved to the Brightness/Horizon Line Knob - and I clicked it with the knob cursor obviously active. It did not do anything (or toggled manual when I released the Explain key).

But that knob HAS a section - you just have to find it, I accidentally did, and it reminded me old-style pixel hunting in old 2D RPGs.

So when the feature works, it really is a great thing - this pushes the DCS boundaries!

But it would be great if I knew if the section is available or not, e.g. via cursor. And when I click already (successfully or not), perhaps don't make it work as a toggle?

[Zabuzard]

This is mostly due to technical limitations.
Thirdparties dont have much control over how the cursor works or looks.

The way the explain feature works is by setting a flag in the code (while holding down M) and if that flag is set the code will intercept any input/bind that DCS feeds it with, ignore its normal function and instead open the manual at a dedicated page.

So its technically not only "click at something", the code cant differentiate that from someone pressing a HOTAS command or any other bind.

The linkage from command/bind to manual is setup in a file called explain_table.csv, you can find it in DCS/Mods/aircraft/F-4E/Input.

Your suggestions are welcome and make sense. But I doubt they can be implemented currently.

Cheers

[virgo47]

2 hours ago, Zabuzard said:

Your suggestions are welcome and make sense. But I doubt they can be implemented currently.

Thanks, man, I appreciate the explanation. I thought some of the stuff would be beyond HB control. I just summed up my fresh confusing experience - while it was fresh - without feedback there is no progress. Obviously, I write more about problems, not about the good stuff, but I'm really enjoying my baby steps with the module and all the features. HB modules are like DCS on steroids.