Hi and a few newbie questions

[Mik75]

Hi everybody!

Coming from MSFS (flying the fantastic VRS F18 Superbug and the A2A Simulations WW II Birds in there most of the time), I just bought and installed DCS Warthog yesterday.

I only gave it a first short try and already have a few questions:

Are there any news on the TrackIR 64 bit support? If not, is there a way to install the 32 bit Version of DCS Warthog afterwards without having to do a complete reinstall of the software?

Is there a assignment for using the mouse to change the viewpoint in the cockpit?

And, where can I find the manuals? And generally, what is the best I can do in order to get started properly? It's kind of hard if you are used to a different sim for years... ;-)

Thanks for your help in advance!

[EtherealN]

For TrackIR 64-bit, download the beta set from Naturalpoint. Directions are on their site.

 

Manuals are in the Doc folder.

 

Best order to get started properly is a different question though. I'd do it like this:

 

1) Learn to start the plane and it's systems.

2) Takeoffs and landings.

3) Navigation systems.

4) Communication systems.

5) Basic weapons use.

6) Smart weapons use.

7) Datalinks.

 

Something like that.

[Atomic978]

Hello and welcome to the forum. First of all track ir works in beta 4 for 64bit. You will need to download the 64bit trackir client from natural point.

 

Second if you go to your install directory you will find a folder that says docs. In there you should see the manual in PDF format.

 

If you have further questions feel free to ask.

[Atomic978]

Ahh you beat me to it EthereaIN.. I was typing reply from my iphone. LOL. Anyways what he said I feel is the best way to learn as well. You can also check youtube and the training section of the sim. Its still not complete but it will help get you started.

[Squid_DK]

What EtherealN stated, as a very brief addition to that, get comfortable with the plane, do a bunch of touch and go's the plane will fly more like the A2A spitfire or T-bolt than the SuperBug. another thing trim, trim, trim and then for good measure trim some more, this is a mechanically flown plane and you have to keep the Hog steady at all times and CG continually changes.

 

Staffan

[Mik75]

Wow! Now I know what they mean with "very active community".

So many answers in such a short time! Thank you so much guys, I'll definitely will give the TrackIR beta a try!

Do you have any hint for me how to set up the assignments for using the mouse to move in the cockpit by pressing and holding the middle mouse button fir instance? (accordingly to using the space bar in FSX for those of you who are familiar with that sim! ;-) )

[docehrenhoefer]

Normally the mouse should show up as cursor in the cockpit.

If it is gone, take a look into the Options: It is something like LAlt+C oder LStrg+C to toggle mouse view / cursor.

[Conure]

Hi and welcome,

 

It's a great sim with a great community, just don't take Mower too seriously!

 

EtherealN is spot on on the order to do things in, in my opinion, and don't underestimate the quick start manual. It gives you a quick introduction into each of the weapons systems and how to utilise them. It helped me loads when I started out.

 

My advice would be not to do a full manual read through prior to playing (some people recommend this) as it over saturates you with information and leaves you even more clueless. It's best to start off flying the aircraft and getting used to its handling (which won't take long given how easy this thing is to fly). Work through the aircraft section by section, consulting the manual as you fly. The active pause button can be used (left shift + left windows + pause/break) and will allow you to configure your systems whilst "paused". It's great for getting proficient with various weapon/systems employment.

 

A good mission to practise on is "weapons training" which you can load from the missions selector on the main menu - this will allow you to engage a number of ground targets or just practise touch and goes. It also has some waypoints to follow and you can practise using the TGP (Camera/optics system for selecting targets).

 

Some other advice regarding performance if you're not on a super powered rig is, turn water to low! It is rendered everywhere under the land and gives a huge performance hit. Even those with the good PCs tend to set it to low.

 

Anyway, I think that's pretty much the stuff I was told when I started...The game has a fair few bugs at the moment for some of us, but worry not as Beta 6 release is imminent and the game is improving by great leaps beta by beta.

 

May I also ask what your joystick/hotas setup is? There is an absolute wealth of experience here regarding profiles and the A10 has a huge number of buttons/hats to be mapped, so I'm sure we can help you out.

 

Best of luck with the sim, any more questions and just ask :-)

 

Con

[Mik75]

Hi!

Thanks again for the answers!

I already performed the training lessons regarding the a/c startup, the navigation systems and the landings. I also flew a few patterns and touch and goes and I have to say that (with the working TrackIR) this aircraft is a pleasure to fly!

The navigational systems will still get my complete attention over the next few sessions to learn them as good as possible.

Maybe on the forthcoming weekend I´ll take the time to give the weapon system a first try with the according training flight. I´ll also check the quick start manual.

I´m using a Saitek X 52 including the rudder paddles, but to be honest, I never used the HOTAS feature. But I could take the switching to that sim as an oportunity to use this feature. Are there any existing profiles you could recommend me for the use with the X 52?

Thanks in andvance!

[Bubb]

Hey there Mik75 and welcome aboard.

 

Before getting my TM Warthog, using an X-52Pro I found SF-JackBauers profile very intuitive and after a few days of practicing you'll memorize everything.

 

Here's Jack's profile:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=58484

 

You can also try StrongHarm's excellent profile for the X52Pro (You might need to convert it if you have the standard X52):

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=59208

 

I like Jack's profile due to the fact it completely nullifies the use of "Modes" and tries to mimic the real A-10 HOTAS to the max of its capabilities using the X52 available buttons, sliders and axis.

 

Hope this helps! :D

Edited February 9, 2011 by Bubb

[Greb]

Hi and welcome,

 

It's a great sim with a great community, just don't take Mower too seriously!

 

...........

 

Mower has that Canadian sense of humor. My wife is the same way! Always states the obvious.......never fails to point out the big pimple on your ass. LOL!!!

 

Typical Canadian! :megalol:

[Mik75]

Super!

I will try the profiles tonight!

I didnt´t know that the X 52 and the pro version of it are that different.

I am really thinking about buying a Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog in the nearer future.

But for now, my main concern is learning the systems of the A 10.

Thanks again!

Now I´ll go flying! :pilotfly:

[DocSigma]

Welcome. I second what everybody else has suggested. Since the sim is still in beta i think the best way to get started is learning the startup procedure and gradually learning where everything is in the cockpit and just flying. I think the finer points of navigation weapons deployment etc... can be learned as you go by referencing the manual, this board, and what you tube vids are currently out there. Again.. welcome.

[Sarge55]

Welcome Mik75. Your timing is impecable, everyone is hovering around in the forums waiting for the release of Beta 6 so the second someone askes a question you'll have some excellent answers in a short time as you've seen.

 

However, had you asked your first questions after the release the silence would have been deafening, you'd still be waiting.

 

So if you have anymore questions better get them in soon.

[Bubb]

Welcome Mik75. Your timing is impecable, everyone is hovering around in the forums waiting for the release of Beta 6 so the second someone askes a question you'll have some excellent answers in a short time as you've seen.

 

However, had you asked your first questions after the release the silence would have been deafening, you'd still be waiting.

 

So if you have anymore questions better get them in soon.

 

I strongly disagree. You always get quick answers at any time.

[Sarge55]

Sorry, my bad and I know better. I should have stayed away from humor in the forums as there is always someone who doesn't see it.

 

Mik75 as correctly pointed out you will get answers to your questions in a timely manner.

[Bubb]

Sorry, my bad and I know better. I should have stayed away from humor in the forums as there is always someone who doesn't see it.

 

Mik75 as correctly pointed out you will get answers to your questions in a timely manner.

 

You are too sensitive, honey :joystick:

[636_Castle]

You are too sensitive, honey :joystick:

 

I'm not laughing either.

 

@Mik75: Everyone here is welcomed by fellow pilots warmly. However....if you get the TM Warthog this early into your DCS journey, and I'm still using my crappy ol' X52 Pro after all this time, I'm seriously going to be jealous! :mad:

Edited February 9, 2011 by 636_Castle

[Mik75]

Just came back from flying!

I tried out the profiles for the X 52 and it really works like a charm!

I finished the first training lessons concerning the weapon system, and I really have to say that this is serious fun! The HOTAS is still a challenge to me, but I am pretty sure that I will get used to it quite rapidly.

I'm already looking forward to my next session tomorrow and as soon as I have any question, I'll get back to you guys!

Thanks again!

[EtherealN]

Glad you are enjoying it. :)

And remember, better to ask a question and sound stupid than to stay silent and be stupid. (Another word of wisdom from my old flight instructor. :D )

[WynnTTr]

Just came back from flying!

I tried out the profiles for the X 52 and it really works like a charm!

I finished the first training lessons concerning the weapon system, and I really have to say that this is serious fun! The HOTAS is still a challenge to me, but I am pretty sure that I will get used to it quite rapidly.

I'm already looking forward to my next session tomorrow and as soon as I have any question, I'll get back to you guys!

Thanks again!

Not to fan the flames (maybe a little bit :music_whistling:) but now you know why we play this and other well done combat sims. Doubt the tacpack will ever reach this level of detail and accuracy regarding weapon systems.

[Mik75]

Hi again!

Now I am finished with lesson 3 of the weapon system. Therefore I´d like to know, what is the best way to practice those skills? I´d like to have or create a scenario (maybe comparable to the one used in the training lessons where the static and moving targets are marked with red smoke) where I can train the use of the cannon, the unguided rockets and the CCIP and CCRP mode of the bombs over and over again.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[nomdeplume]

Now I am finished with lesson 3 of the weapon system. Therefore I´d like to know, what is the best way to practice those skills? I´d like to have or create a scenario (maybe comparable to the one used in the training lessons where the static and moving targets are marked with red smoke) where I can train the use of the cannon, the unguided rockets and the CCIP and CCRP mode of the bombs over and over again.

 

Have you had a look at the 'shooting gallery' single mission?

[Mik75]

No, not yet.

But that sounds promising!

Are the targets in there firing?

For the start, I´d prefer if I was the only one shooting! ;-)

[Mik75]

Hi!

For some reason, my joystick configuration is messed up. The only thing I did, was assigning the "A" key to the LAAP on (autopilot engagement). Since then, the precision slider on my X 52 isn´t deploying the speedbrake anymore but engaging the autopilot also...

I wonder how that could happen.

I am using the HOTAS profile for the X 52 that was suggested by one of you in this thread.