New to DCS, got some questions.

[lokitexas]

So first off, I am loving this game (have BS2 and just grabbed A10). Hard to grasp, and it seems I will keep learning new things everytime I fly. I am using TrackIR4, MSFF2, x52 throttle, and saitek rudder pedals. I have only been flying the training and free flight stuff so far.

 

I have the basics down now. I can work the weapons system basics. I can set my counter measures. 2 out 5 times I can do a cold start (but love the win/home start). Still learning the ABRIS system.

 

I had MAJOR issues with the trim until I saw a post about swaping the axis on the Force Feedback (using a MSFF2), that pretty much saved me from strictly using "game" flight mode. I can actually fly now in sim mode.

 

So....now on the questions. If anyone can help me answer some I would appreciate it much!

 

1. Rudder. Seriously...WTH does it do on the helo? I am a fixed wing gamer and know how to use it just fine on a plane...but on this thing, I cant seem to get it. Any tips here would be great.

 

2. When starting to target ground units is there a faster way than just using the helmet aim then fine tuning with my throttle hat switch? (x52 throttle). It seems like I am taking way to long to target one unit and move to the next. Again tips would be awesome.

 

3. When attacking ground units, do I just go into a hover? It seems flying and targeting isnt the best way....refer to question number 2 lol.

 

4. Skins. I saw some here on this site, but dont see many skins like say IL2, or Rise of Flight. I take it you cant just DL them, pop them in a folder and pick one to use in the game? I love custom skins.

 

5. Can anyone suggest some good "not too hard" missions to add to my game? Something noob friendly. I already have Bigfoots training ones.

 

6. Online. How noob friendly is it? I never play sims online but I really want to in this one. Can anyone suggest a good place to start here? I am not great right now, but follow directions just fine.

 

Again thanks in advance for any tips. Sorry for the length and amount of Q's, but sadly...this is probably only the begining of them :) :joystick:

[ARM505]

1 (Rudder): IMHO, one of THE major points of contention that somebody new to the Shark has. Simply, it just yaws the helo, BUT (this is IMHO what people get stuck on) if the yaw channel of the stab/ap is engaged, the autopilot will constantly attempt to yaw the helo to the last 'trimmed' (ie when you released the trim button) heading. Get this clear in your head by turning off the yaw channel and/or using flight director mode and seeing the difference. There have been a lot of discussions about that topic here.

 

2 (Targeting): Is slow in the Shark. Or I suck. It's just one of those things. It helps to have a good idea of where they are before you start looking. Searching the whole area with the TV system sucks. Getting good with your HOTAS helps a lot in switching between individual targets in a group.

 

3 Whatever works - But yeah, concentrating on flying properly while targeting is hard. I like to find a solid bit of cover and hide behind it, so that means hovering. Again, I'm not a master at all though.

 

4 (Skins) Cumbersome IMHO - addon managers will help a lot here, indeed will make it perfectly easy (ie MODMAN, no idea on DCS compatibility though, sorry). But it's not as simple as IL2 (awesomely easy) or ROF (also easy). Skins need to have a custom place made in some or other files, it's not just as simple as adding a texture. Something like that.

 

5 (Missions) I just make my own in the editor. It's very easy to use and you can focus on just learning one particular thing at a time.

 

6 (Online) Very limited experience here, so I'll just mention that most people are friendly and willing to help. Teamspeak will help.

[TurboHog]

My version:

 

1. You can't fly without rudder. Rudder is used in every turn in combination with cyclic (bank and pitch). If you don't have or don't use rudder you can only fly straight forward. Read the manual to learn about helicopter basics. This link is also usefull

 

2. HMS (helmet mounted sight) in combination with a good headtracker can actually be very usefull to lock targets quickly. If you see tracers or a muzzle flash you can quickly lock the target, save the datalink or gun down your attacker or target immediately.

 

3. Hovering makes you a very easy target for Anti Tank Guided Missiles. When in a hostile area I use the 30 seconds or 1 position 1 shot rule. Like a sniper. I conduct most of my attacks in forward flight. If you plan your attack well and use datalinks to remember target positions it is very easy to fly and attack targets.

 

4. I don't have any skins. But Modman is the obvious answer.

 

5. The deployment campaign is not too hard in the beginning. Also, try DRAGONS's weapons training. There are easy, medium and hard target area's. Practise a lot with the easy area.

 

6. Multiplayer is beginner friendly. Just join a teamspeak channel and start flying. :thumbup:

 

And finally: the manual is a good read.

[PeterP]

So here comes my "standard Ka-50 newbie reply" :

 

 

First download this interactive training missions:

>>> KA-50 Black Shark 2 Training missions

 

 

 

Read also besides the manual this:

DCS: Black Shark...

Technical, Simplified

-Coaxial Rotor Aerodynamics

-Trimming the Ka-50 Black Shark <<<!!!! very important to understand this fully!

-Part 1 - Autopilot <<<this too!

-Part 2 - Autopilot

 

 

And when you still have time , read this too:

A Stick and Rudder Man's Guide

to DCS: Black Shark

 

Here is a useful tweak if you using real rudders:

How to unchain the rudder from trim - solution

 

Things you maybe want to have some day too :P:

 

KA-50 collective: another picture-tale

 

Two MS FFB2 with Cougar Grip

 

Welcome aboard!

Edited July 19, 2012 by PeterP

[Dejjvid]

There's a million ways to fly the shark. I press the trim button and keep it down before I move cyclic and rudder. When I'm done with the turn I release the trim and the helo fly where I want it to. Check my short vid in the datalink thread in this subsection for a quick look.

 

Regarding targeting, the shark is super fast at engaging targets if you have a track ir and know the direction of the enemy. Just place the sight over the enemies and hold down "uncage shkval". Fine tune with your hotas and lock.

 

Most of the time I make an attack run coming in at around 200km/h.

But if I need to be sneaky, I hover behind building and slide out to either side and shoot.

 

Try multiplayer, find a server with a TS3 server and join up. There's loads of people who are willing to help of they have the time.

 

Edit: iPhone autocorrect don't know shit about simulators....

Edited July 19, 2012 by Dejjvid

[lokitexas]

Thanks much guys. Good to see different takes on the questions. Seems I am targeting targets the right way, just slow at it.

 

PeterP, thanks for the links, I have read many of them, but missed the unchain rudder one. I think that might my issue.

 

I guess this weekend I will try some MP. :thumbup: