Thoughts on the NVG simulation in A-10C

[Tyro-AWG]

Hey guys,

 

Just thought I'd post my thoughts on the NVG simulation in the sim, and see what everyone thinks.

 

Something really nice about the modelling of NVGs in DCS A-10C is that you look at the instruments under the goggles, and the NVG lighting in the cockpit - both very representative.

 

Also, in terms of the NVG image, its pretty representative of the kind of image you'd get in low-moderate light levels, i.e. 2-20 millilux; particularly with the halo effect around lights.

 

Things that I feel could be improved are firstly, the focus of in-cockpit items such as the HUD, instruments and cockpit coaming through the goggles. Through NVGs you just can't see them, they're out of focus as the goggles are focussed way beyond them, thus giving a view similar to looking through a lens; the cockpit appears slightly disjointed at the through/under goggles boundary.

 

Also, the ground resolution drops dramatically through goggles, visual accuity comes down to the extent that it's impossible to make out individual trees at altitude, and in light levels under about 10 mlx, its bloody hard to make out fields above about 500' agl.

 

Finally, when you first activate the goggles, there should be no gradual switch on/fade in effect, the goggles are either on or off. The focus/alignment is done prior to crewing up.

 

Anyone else got any thoughts/observations? So far, the NVG modelling is one thing of many that has really impressed me with this sim.

[EtherealN]

The thing with seeing instruments through the goggles is known, but AFAIK there is unfortunately some technical issues in implementing that properly.

[Tyro-AWG]

I can imagine it'd be difficult. The solution might be build a cockpit, get NVGs, enjoy 100% realism - but unfortunately that also has...downsides!

[EtherealN]

Yeah, I can imagine ways it might be implemented relatively easily actually (but I'm not a graphics programmer) - but the "easy" in this case is as far as code goes; trying to make it not murder the computer trying to run it... That's the hard part. :P

 

But I do agree that it would be neat to manage to get that right, and I'm not losing hope. After all, there's so many things being done in and with DCS:A-10C that 5-6 years ago would have been considered impossible due to hardware limitations.

[Tyro-AWG]

Yeah tell me about it! Sad fact: I was in the sim here at work and we've recently had a big (multi million GBP) update to it's graphics package, somebody commented that the new sea effects were awesome and I just though "well, actually DCS is probably better!"

 

In terms of what's achievable on the average home PC, I think ED and Co are pushing the envelope in flight sims, and thank goodness they are! Just need them to do some UK fixed wing stuff now!

[EtherealN]

Talk to your government and show them what can be done on the desktop. ED is an equal opportunity contractor for the world's militaries after all, and a contract there might make something like DCS:Typhoon a lot more likely. ;)

[asparagin]

I can imagine it'd be difficult. The solution might be build a cockpit, get NVGs, enjoy 100% realism - but unfortunately that also has...downsides!

 

The downside is that it wouldn't work.

[-NFlight-]

The hud isn't out of focus, it's just saturating the CCD. Just turn down the intensity of the HUD and it is perfectly in focus.

[Rusty_M]

Talk to your government and show them what can be done on the desktop. ED is an equal opportunity contractor for the world's militaries after all, and a contract there might make something like DCS:Typhoon a lot more likely. ;)

 

Argh! Don't tease us. Would love a Typhoon, Harrier or Tornado. Although I guess the latter two aren't particularly likely.

[PhoenixBvo]

The hud isn't out of focus, it's just saturating the CCD. Just turn down the intensity of the HUD and it is perfectly in focus.

 

Yes and that's correct. The HUD is focussed at infinity, so it should be in focus through the NVG.

[Tyro-AWG]

OK, wasn't really expecting such curt replies really, but to deal with the last two points

 

asparagin - my reference to building your own sim was meant to be humourous, I suspect you might have taken it a little literally - I am aware that building a cockpit is impractical, expensive and would pose its own problems! And NFlight, I agree, it is just saturation, but my point was that the HUD frame/cockpit etc should be out of focus, as the goggles are focussed to give maximum clarity to the outside world.

[Avilator]

The downside is that it wouldn't work.

 

Protip: Now that's one thing you should never tell a group of engineers, myself included.:thumbup:

[asparagin]

asparagin - my reference to building your own sim was meant to be humourous, I suspect you might have taken it a little literally - I am aware that building a cockpit is impractical, expensive and would pose its own problems!

 

Ahh..I thought you want to look at your screen with NVG :D

[asparagin]

Now that's one thing you should never tell a group of engineers, myself included.:thumbup:

 

That's really not gonna work!

[Avilator]

Of course 100% realism isn't going to come out of it, but I have some ideas already.:book:

[AlphaOneSix]

Well I've got the goggles...someone come build me a 'pit. ;)