No can do boss

[ebabil]

When it comes to BVR, is there anything that Jester knows? same height, head on, but can't see targets

[Midair]

Same problem for me with Jester...

[Zabuzard]

Dont want to be that guy but from reviewing around 30 user reported tracks on that matter, it usually turns out to be user error.
Mostly due to not understanding how the radar works, what its limitations are and sometimes also misunderstanding Jester.

If you can share some details, ideally even a track file, I am sure we can get you on track asap 

As it stands currently there is not much in your thread we can work with to identify the problem and improve your experience.

Edited May 30 by Zabuzard

[ebabil]

I am generally playing at online servers like 4YA etc.

I can see the enemy planes on the map and with their labels on. So I can approach them easily with no surprise. I get to the same height, enemy is not notching, not facing away but come to me head on without avoiding anything.

50nm..40nm..30nm..20nm..10nm nothing, jester action command ends up with "no can do boss" "unable" 

I try to use jester wheel and choose a target but it says "no target".

enemy gets close and fires his missile..splash

 

That's the story.

As a user, I only give lock command. So I would be grateful  if you can help me get rid of these user errors.

I am having smilar problem with the tomcat but phantom's is severe. 

Thanks

[Zabuzard]

I am generally playing at online servers like 4YA etc.
I can see the enemy planes on the map and with their labels on. So I can approach them easily with no surprise. I get to the same height, enemy is not notching, not facing away but come to me head on without avoiding anything.
50nm..40nm..30nm..20nm..10nm nothing, jester action command ends up with "no can do boss" "unable" 
I try to use jester wheel and choose a target but it says "no target".
enemy gets close and fires his missile..splash
 
That's the story.
As a user, I only give lock command. So I would be grateful  if you can help me get rid of these user errors.
I am having smilar problem with the tomcat but phantom's is severe. 
Thanks

Jester cant lock a target that is not showing up on the screen yet. The command will work as soon as there is a target on the screen - Jester then also announces it and moves her cursor on it.

Approaching a fighter head-on at co-alt is a very bad position to be in.
And possibly with mountains or ground at the same distance, adding clutter around the expected target and making it hard to pick a proper gain setting that could differentiate the target from the rest only makes it worse.
For fighters specifically, you can expect to spot them at around 15-25nm if you are doing it right, for big targets like bombers perhaps 30-40nm.

If you do not see the target on the screen yourself then its usually the pilot to blame, Jester cant do much then.

Try approaching them sideways and from below, be mindful about where mountains and ground clutter are and also your own altitude, make sure all of them are at a different distance than the target.

If you can't get the target on the radar screen so Jester could work with it, hit the CAGE button on your throttle to enter the pilot commanded dogfight radar modes CAGE/BST and CAGE/CAA. Especially former allows you to lock a target by simply putting your nose on it (5nm).
You can also enter the regular boresight mode through the Jester Wheel to do the same for up to 10nm (realistically rather 7nm).

If you can produce a quick singleplayer track we could give more specific guidance

[ebabil]

I tried it in Syria, Caucasus, over sea, over flat land, everywhere. I can see and lock these targets with other planes like viper buy this one can’t find anything. 
ı believe head on is the best position for tadar to pick up the tracks rather than notch or chase (yet most dangerous or even suicidal) 

Close combat is less problematic, at least it can lock. But it can’t justify lack of bvr 

[Griefhard]

Maybe you want to look at this video from Spudknocker:

 

He's showing radar capabilites at higher, lower and coaltitude. I found it very informative.

[Zabuzard]

I tried it in Syria, Caucasus, over sea, over flat land, everywhere. I can see and lock these targets with other planes like viper buy this one can’t find anything. 
ı believe head on is the best position for tadar to pick up the tracks rather than notch or chase (yet most dangerous or even suicidal) 
Close combat is less problematic, at least it can lock. But it can’t justify lack of bvr 

The F4 does not have a pulse-doppler radar. It cant be "notched".

Maximize the targets RCS by approaching it from the side. Reduce clutter by looking at it from below or move the entire fight over sea.

Theres a lot of things to look out for and learn. I am afraid there isnt much more assistance that can be provided without a concrete track or at least a video.

I understand your frustration. But this can be solved by learning and gaining more experience

[ebabil]

20 hours ago, Griefhard said:

Maybe you want to look at this video from Spudknocker:

 

He's showing radar capabilites at higher, lower and coaltitude. I found it very informative.

This video basically says that, don't bother if you are above or at same altitude which I might not know whether if I am, if the f10 map is disabled.

[Dragon1-1]

The Phantom really needs AWACS or GCI, and if that's not available, the F10 map. Its radar is not a search radar, it's an FCR. It's not suitable for building SA by scanning the airspace, this is realistic. That capability only came with the F-14 and the Eaglejet.

[Griefhard]

On 5/31/2025 at 1:39 PM, ebabil said:

This video basically says that, don't bother if you are above or at same altitude which I might not know whether if I am, if the f10 map is disabled.

Yes and no. The video says, you don't see bandits if you are above or at co altitude. It might explain, why you could not lock a target.

[Karon]

Which is incorrect, as it depends on where the mainlobe is. So, if you have a general idea of where the target is azm-wise (e.g. from the RWR), you can acquire a lock whilst looking down. You need a human, though, as it requires a bit of work on the radar. Once the lock is achieved, it is very hard to break.

null