I don't know if I can get thru training

[trackday]

Love the concept, but I'm trying to get thru training, and this is just getting to be no fun. For example, there is no explanation on how to control the plane with the nosewheel button engaged, my rudders don't seem to be working, there is no repeat/scroll back/repeat button, and if I want to start the training mission over, why is that not a menu item?

 

I get that this is going to take some serious time to learn, but the interface, incomplete explanations, and long load times seem to create an unnecessary hurdle. Flame away, I'm sure I deserve it.

[Irregular programming]

Just use tutorials on youtube, and start with cool things like shooting mavericks, the rest will come later.

 

This one for example is really good, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1IoF2xKBCI

 

Don't do the training missions, they are boring.

[trackday]

Thanks. I got the pedals working and see that they control nosewheel.

 

Is he using TrackIR?

Edited August 18, 2013 by trackday

[ENO]

It does take a bit of patience to absorb the many various commands given during the training missions.

 

"Then if you want to switch your SOI to the TGP to generate a SPI, then you need to first hit right coolie hat short command until the TGP is on the right MFCD, then use the coolie hat right long command to make it SOI. Then all you need to do is aim the TGP and press TMS up long to generate a SPI. Use TMS up short to switch between area and point mode. To broadcast that SPI to other members of your flight, use the DMS left long command but first..."

 

WTF?!

 

I get it man... it is frustrating but most of the tutorials will only help if you are familiar with the different buttons on the HOTAS. If you're going to spend any time learning anything, take a look at the manual on the various pages covering the different HOTAS buttons and their general functions. At least that way even if you're watching the youtube tutorials you will have a better understanding of what the narrator is talking about.

 

 

On a side note- the pedals do control the nosewheel until you disengage it using the joystick pinkie switch... (recommended about speeds of 80 or so knots indicated during takeoff to prevent damaging the nosewheel / hydraulics controlling it). Remember to reactivate it when you land otherwise you won't be able to steer (or brake!)

 

Also, be aware that quite often pedals are set in reverse- so you need to "activate" or push down on the pedal to deactivate the brakes. This can be adjusted in the controls section by "inverting" those inputs. It may or may not be a problem for you- but that's the solution.

Edited August 18, 2013 by ENO

[Irregular programming]

It does take a bit of patience to absorb the many various commands given during the training missions.

 

"Then if you want to switch your SOI to the TGP to generate a SPI, then you need to first hit right coolie hat short command until the TGP is on the right MFCD, then use the coolie hat right long command to make it SOI. Then all you need to do is aim the TGP and press TMS up long to generate a SPI. Use TMS up short to switch between area and point mode. To broadcast that SPI to other members of your flight, use the DMS left long command but first..."

 

WTF?!

 

I get it man... it is frustrating but most of the tutorials will only help if you are familiar with the different buttons on the HOTAS. If you're going to spend any time learning anything, take a look at the manual on the various pages covering the different HOTAS buttons and their general functions. At least that way even if you're watching the youtube tutorials you will have a better understanding of what the narrator is talking about.

 

 

The tutorial I linked gives both HOTAS and keyboard commands.

 

I did fine learning only from youtube videos, it's not at all as difficult concept, just muscle memory.

[ENO]

I didn't look at it but I sort of figured it would-

 

I guess I'm thinking more as tutorials or aid applies to the MP environment where guys come into the server really wanting to give the sim a fair shake and we want to try to help him out. We know the HOTAS references but not a lot of us know the keyboard shortcuts.

 

Typically I'll say something like "The equivalent to coolie hat left long command" as some people have these mapped with various combinations- either on a keyboard or on a different joystick. But if he remembers the actual reference to the HOTAS function- it's easier to make the connection between the two.

 

I started with the tutorials but as the OP mentions there is no way to rewind or repeat... so if you miss that last message and don't see what you're supposed to do, you get trapped in an endless abyss and unable to move forward.

 

I managed to get through them eventually- but I agree that to really dial in my knowledge of the sim I needed to watch a number of videos to help tie everything together.

[westr]

Flight sims are a different breed to computer games. Especially ones like falcon 4 and dcs blackshark and A-10. Eventually you'll decide if its for you I guess and it can be a daunting but personally once you start to learn enough systems to fly missions it is more rewarding than any computer game on a console. I download the pfds on a book reader and read a bit now and then and just work up to learning the aircraft don't make the mistake of thinking you will learn it within a week or something it won't happen. Stick with it.

[Jetkar]

I too and learning and their a lot to know and as Eno need patience...best to start with good check list which gives you the command/buttons to use.

 

I am still trying to master landing its not easy before moving on to other nifty stuff until I have a full understanding of it

 

If you interested maybe fly together

[Exorcet]

I think it's good to take short breaks from time to time. Stop training, load up some weapons you understand, and blow stuff up. This will let you repeat things you already know and hopefully reinforce your memory of them. Then when you run into a road block or feel like learning more, go back to training.

 

I bought the Ka-50 just to fly a helicopter with good AFM. I haven't really touched the training and learned mostly by trial and error. I certainly don't know everything. In fact I can't even start it. But I can fly my way to a bunch of Humvees and M2's and set them all on fire.

[Hamblue]

Agree

Once you can fly pick a weapon and learn it. Then start flying multiplayer using that weapon for a while. When everything is second nature learn one or two more things and practice with missions again. In a few months you'll have a large chunk committed to memory and have fun doing it.:thumbup:

[XtraChrisP]

Wait until you try AAR!

Truly not for the faint of heart :joystick:

[ZoomBoy27]

To get tuned into A10C, I use the "River Raider" Mission

You start mid-air and all you have to do is use the weapons.

I usually start flying and anything I don't understand, I write down on a list to search in the forums or Youtube.

I also use the auto-startup cheat RWin + Home

[tferrell]

I am not yet to the point where I would consider myself proficient in any sense of the word but the tutorials are extremely helpful but be forewarned- you will probably have to go through them multiple times. I would say I went through the weapon lessons a minimum of 10 times (probably more.) My goal is to get to the point where I could switch to and deliver weapons on target almost without thinking about it. I would suggest pausing and taking notes as you go. The process of writing things down should help with retention. As I said I'm still not to the point where I can fly a fully developed mission with air and ground threats but it seems to help my learning curve.

Also keep in mind the HOTAS commands can be re-assigned which might help depending on how sophisticated your controller is.

In order to keep things moving along I also recommend using the mission editor to create simple training missions. They needn't be too advanced at first. Just create a simple flight plan with basic ground units and buildings to put some ordinance on. As you progress, add ground to air defenses to increase the challenge and adjust your weapons load-out accordingly. This will also get you feet wet with mission building, as well as gaining you familiarity with various weapons systems.

[-Pv-]

I got through all the game tutorials one at a time in order when I first started. I friend started a short time later. I advised hin on my technique which worked for both of us:

1) Do not move to the next toot until very comfortable with the current one. I would often fly it at least one more times after nailing it.

2) On the more complex ones, I paused the sim at each lengthy or complex instruction and took the time to really absorb it before unpausing. The text will stay on the screen until you unpause.

 

I suspect I'm one of those rare ones where video tutorials don't work well for me because more often than not, the presenter rambles, repeats needlessly or has a bad presentation technique. I learn faster and get the muscle memory down sooner by doing it myself rather than watching someone else do it.

-Pv-