AhSoul Posted September 29, 2013 Posted September 29, 2013 Obviously not very exciting for all you vets, but I finally completed one of the instant action A-10C missions and with the labels turned off :) Was the second easy one in the Fall, and was trickier than the first one as en route to the 2nd target you near enough overfly the SAM from one of the later target groups. Caught me by surprise the first time! Basically strafed the first 2 target groups with cannon and rockets (including that pesky SAM), GBU-38 on the bridge from 10000' to avoid AAA then onto the tanks. First group was pretty easy, since I'd nailed the SAM earlier, but the 2nd group (moving convoy) was a bit of a challenge! Got tasking from JTAC but that just gave me a load of info I couldn't interpret, so took to scanning the road for movement. Much harder with no labels! Finally found them and managed to nail the first tank with an AGM to halt the convoy. Another AGM and 2 GBU-12s to finish the job. Such a great feeling to make it all the way, but just gives a glimpse of all the other things to learn (proper CMS, JTAC etc etc) [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
ENO Posted September 29, 2013 Posted September 29, 2013 Such a great feeling to make it all the way, but just gives a glimpse of all the other things to learn (proper CMS, JTAC etc etc) Most exciting thing you said in the whole post- means you're still anxious to dig in and learn more... and more... and MORE! You'll learn 10x more in the MP environment, mind you- seems you've got the basics down. What will accelerate your learning is to have someone walk you through it. Don't be afraid! This community is full of people who want to help. "ENO" Type in anger and you will make the greatest post you will ever regret. "Sweetest's" Military Aviation Art
AhSoul Posted September 29, 2013 Author Posted September 29, 2013 Thanks Eno. I do wonder if I should just take the plunge and try some MP, but it's pretty daunting! Looked at the server list and had no idea who was noob-friendly or even what happens once I get in the server. Any suggestions with where to start? [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
AtaliaA1 Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 Thanks Eno. I do wonder if I should just take the plunge and try some MP, but it's pretty daunting! Looked at the server list and had no idea who was noob-friendly or even what happens once I get in the server. Any suggestions with where to start? Any Team Speak3 server you see is good, you'll need the software of course. It's free. Don't forget YouTube for the JTAC info. Garry Abbott and ExcessiveHeadSpace have great Tutorials on not just JTAC but a lot of info. to cut down on the learning curve. Some have gone back to 1.2.5 for multi-playing 1.2.6 has some bugs needing to be worked out first. This was a Boutique Builder iBuypower rig. Until I got the tinker bug again i7 920 @3.6Mhz 12Gig Corsair XMS3 ram 1600 Nvidia 760 SLi w/4Gig DDR5 Ram Intel 310 SSD HDD 160 Gb + Western Digital 4Terabyte HDD Creative SB X-Fi HD Audio Logitech X-530 5.1 Surround Speaker System Dual Acer 32"Monitors. PSU 1200 w Thermaltake Win10 64Bit.
Evil.Bonsai Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 Got tasking from JTAC but that just gave me a load of info I couldn't interpre Next step, learn to use the CDU and MGRS/LL data entry. Makes finding those moving targets much easier :)
AhSoul Posted September 30, 2013 Author Posted September 30, 2013 Ahhhh so I can enter those coordinates from JTAC and it will create a SPI for me or something? [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
AhSoul Posted September 30, 2013 Author Posted September 30, 2013 Just read this in the manual: With the read back complete, the JTAC will message "Standby for data". Soon after you will receive a text message digital 9-line on your MSG page and a small, red triangle will appear on the TAD at the target location. You can then use the TAD cursor to make this new symbol your SPI. To accept the tasking, press the WILCO OSB. So when I got my JTAC tasking I should have looked at the TAD for the red triangle? That would have made things a lot easier :D If that's the case, what do I need to do with the CDU? [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
Bexx0r Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 Not every JTAC is able to establish a datalink with your A-10. Often enough, you will still need to input coordinates into the CDU, so it's definitely worth learning how to do that. Always have a sheet of paper lying next to you, so you can note down the coords. Cheers! Bexx0r ......................................................... ASUS P8P67 Deluxe --- Win8.1 Pro 64Bit ---i7-2600K @ 3,4GHz --- 12GB RAM --- NVidia GFX670 --- TM HOTAS WARTHOG --- Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals --- PS3 Eye Cam (modified) --- 3-point Track Clip --- FacetrackNoIR 1.72
AhSoul Posted September 30, 2013 Author Posted September 30, 2013 Jeez it's getting to the stage where I need a kneeboard like I do when I fly for real ;) [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
ENO Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 AhSoul- I frequently get feedback about the Firehouse / Hollo Pointe regulars being extremely forthcoming with assistance for those who have the basics. Only stipulation there is a free registration with SimHQ to use the TS3. The servers are open (unlocked) but enforced by admin and with SLMOD- we're lucky that we've been proactive in filtering out a lot of the hammerheads so the experience is pretty smooth. "ENO" Type in anger and you will make the greatest post you will ever regret. "Sweetest's" Military Aviation Art
JG-1_Vogel Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 I'm in the same boat as the OP. I just got back into DCS and was determined to learn how to fly the Warthog. Managed to get the startup from cold nailed and have now managed to go through all the campaigns to learn about mavs and guided munitions. Got the DSMS profiles nailed too now trying to figure out the CDU to input custom waypoints etc. So much to learn, really really good fun. My main issue is my PC just isn't up to the job for MP, only running an i3 with a 460gtx and 4gb of RAM so it's sooooo slooowwwww to load stuff. Limited to SP basic missions atm.
AhSoul Posted September 30, 2013 Author Posted September 30, 2013 So if I join a server what happens next? If a mission is already running do you have to wait till it restarts? Or are there always A-10s on the tarmac waiting? If the latter how do you catch up with all the guys down-range? I'm wondering if I need to jump into a server where it's more a free flight / free targeting format initially.... [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
Fishbreath Posted September 30, 2013 Posted September 30, 2013 So if I join a server what happens next? If a mission is already running do you have to wait till it restarts? Or are there always A-10s on the tarmac waiting? If the latter how do you catch up with all the guys down-range? I'm wondering if I need to jump into a server where it's more a free flight / free targeting format initially.... Multiplayer missions have aircraft slots—you select it and start on the ramp, on the runway, or in the air, however the mission designer set it up. Whenever someone gets shot down or leaves from a slot, the slot goes back to its original location. Multiplayer's definitely a riot, especially if you have a friend or two to fly your wing. Black Shark, Harrier, and Hornet pilot Many Words - Serial Fiction | Ka-50 Employment Guide | Ka-50 Avionics Cheat Sheet | Multiplayer Shooting Range Mission
Evil.Bonsai Posted October 1, 2013 Posted October 1, 2013 So if I join a server what happens next? If a mission is already running do you have to wait till it restarts? Or are there always A-10s on the tarmac waiting? If the latter how do you catch up with all the guys down-range? I'm wondering if I need to jump into a server where it's more a free flight / free targeting format initially.... I stayed away from MP until I knew exactly how to 1. start from ramp. 2. taxi. No, really. Not sure how bad it is now, but it would SUCK spending minutes getting started up, start taxiing out of hangar (on servers where that's where the mission designer put you) and hit a wing on a corner, or get a wheel stuck in the dirt on the narrow path. Do you realize just how much grief you feel sitting there looking at a broken wing and and your MASTER CAUTION blaring at you and all you can think is "I hope NO ONE saw that"? 3. Find the correct runway/direction Once airborne, you should be ok as long as you know how to use your systems. But the startup-takeoff routine gets MUCH use when you're just starting out in MP.
AhSoul Posted October 1, 2013 Author Posted October 1, 2013 Ahh ok - I guess I need to spend some time on my ramp start then as I've mostly been concentrating on in-flight systems use. I really would like to get into the MP side as I think it would really push the gameplay to a new level. Just need to find somewhere they'll be gentle on me ;) [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
ENO Posted October 1, 2013 Posted October 1, 2013 (edited) AhSoul. Typical experience you might expect from the firehouse server as an example. Log into SimHQs TS3 (free reg required) and head down to the SimHQ Firehouse room- choosing red or blue. There may be guys in there... there may not be. Get any track IR / view equipment started up. Log into MP server lobby and go to "Eno's Firehouse." Once you're in there, you're put in the "spectators" section where you will see an array of available aircraft to choose from. Remember- there are some very similar aircraft available now including the A10A and C, SU25 and SU25T... etc. Make sure you choose an aircraft slot that suits the modules you own. You won't be able to read the "red" or "blue" briefing until you choose your slot- but you will be able to see the "Situation." READ THE BRIEFING! Most of them can appear long now that we have so many different mission capable aircraft onboard. I can't speak for others but I split the briefing up on a "per aircraft type" basis to keep things reasonable. Good to read the "Situation" so you can begin to get an understanding as to the "feel" of the mission. Read your particular aircraft type... and if you're interested in what the others are doing- read theirs. It makes a bit more sense of things later on. You can always refer to it throughout the mission while flying... but sometimes it helps to figure out what you want to bring with you if the default loadout is either empty or not suitable to your skills / expertise / task. If there is anyone in there, undoubtedly you'll have started to have a conversation about where the mission is at and what the folks are working on. It helps to mention that you're new to MP... it allows the guys to anticipate questions and gives them an idea what your abilities are for tasks later on. It helps to have a normal Warthog HOTAS but it is by no means a requirement. Because of the wide variety of control interfaces available, it IS helpful to know your equivalent inputs. For example: You ask "How do I set SPI on the TGP?" I would answer "It'll be the equivalent of TMS up long." Some guys have the key lists in front of them but it's much, much easier just to give you the actual control interface. We have cold and warm starts available so if you're not feeling up to a cold start, often we have warm pits to get into (if they're not already occupied). Go through your startup- whatever it is- and check your loadout. Doesn't hurt to ask the guys if there is any particular weapon type you should be bringing with you to help them out... Some servers are more regimented with their radio procedure with ATC and some guys enhance their sense of emersion by being quite formal with their TS3 speak. We're "Semi-formal," in that courtesy notification of approach or runway occupation. "I'm taking the active 08 at Kutaisi" or "Inbound long / short (no prescribed distance necessarily) 08 Kutaisi." These are examples only- as much as to say that we talk a little more conversationally. Some guys go in there and are REALLY formal about it- but they don't hold anyone to a standard. That's how THEY do it- and generally they are expected to acknowledge that not everyone on an open server is going to hold themselves to the same standard. ATC radio inputs are a bit clunky but where they help out is in defining what the active runway is. SOME servers are VERY strict about taking the active- but if the active is on the other side of the map and you're in there by yourself or with 2 or 3 other guys on TS3 and nobody declares that they're inbound or in the area... I won't tell if you don't! Taxiway takeoffs, however, are VERBOTTEN and a VERY bad habit to get into. Once you're in the air, again... in our particular instance we're not formal but we do communicate well as a group. Generally we've found that visitors merge well with the regulars and get into the groove quickly just because the comms are more conversational. Tell people what you're doing so they can look at their TAD and make a mental note of where you are and figure out if what you're doing is going to affect them. If they have a question or a conflict... they'll tell you... and all is hunkie dorie. When you're running low on gas then you just say so... if you're out of ammo then tell the guys... Quite often guys still like the formation flying aspect and will join up with you if they're close to being out of ammo or already on their way back. We don't fly really close (yes, it can still glitch a bit) but some attention to detail is observed. If you're wondering how to line up properly- just ask... typically whatever your distance you line up the outside edge of your pertinent side rearview mirror with his wingtip and the ejection seat triangle... whatever your distance if you adhere to that you're in the proper orientation. Landing- again... it helps to "sign in" with the radio ATC because if there are other people (not on TS3) at the airbase you're approaching they won't be cleared to access the runway... It also helps to just communicate it out loud to those on TS3 as they may be operating on another channel. If you think you're going to cream in- try to stick one side of the runway so it doesn't block others from taking off or landing. Typically your wreckage disappears if it's so bad that your plane explodes and you get in another plane... but if you need to repair your aircraft (takes 170 seconds plus actual repair time)- sticking to the side helps the others around you (if possible). It's not hard for ANYONE to understand if you've attempted an approach on manual reversion on one engine and missing half (or all ) of your rudder surfaces that you end up on a collapsed gear in the middle of the runway... We'll get it ;) Anyway- that's a bit of a description of what you might expect. Sorry if it's a little longer than I expected! Edited October 1, 2013 by ENO 1 "ENO" Type in anger and you will make the greatest post you will ever regret. "Sweetest's" Military Aviation Art
AhSoul Posted October 1, 2013 Author Posted October 1, 2013 Wow thanks for that post Eno (Rep added :)) I guess my biggest concern is being looked down upon by those playing, or messing up their game experience. I didn't really want to get so into it that I can only speak as if I was a military pilot or get abuse for crashing or whatever. Sounds like the Firehouse would be accommodating, so perhaps that's where I'll start. I've got an IR clip coming and once I've got that zero'd in I'll try and come say hi :) [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
ENO Posted October 1, 2013 Posted October 1, 2013 The Firehouse and Hollo Pointe servers are "cousin" servers- If you click on the link in my sig it will give you a run down of where they're located (ping wise) and some losely enforced ground rules. I know for a FACT that the bulk of regulars in there are EXTREMELY accommodating when it comes to helping folks out- sometimes a guy might be concentrating on something, but generally they'll tell you so. Hope it helps! Maybe we'll see you up there! "ENO" Type in anger and you will make the greatest post you will ever regret. "Sweetest's" Military Aviation Art
AhSoul Posted October 14, 2013 Author Posted October 14, 2013 Been working on using JTAC and the CDU during campaign missions to set up target points and it's working out really well! Adds a lot of immersion to the mission to communicate, get the 9-line, set it all up etc. I tend to do it while on the runway doing my final checks. Still struggle to have any clue where the AA threats are though :( [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
ENO Posted October 14, 2013 Posted October 14, 2013 (edited) I don't work with the AI JTAC that often, but it would seem to me if you have them dialed up and they're responding to you that if there are any AA threats, they should call them out. In fact, depending on your altitude- I could see them getting priority. Perhaps an assignment for a wingman. Again- I don't fly SP... never have. But as you migrate into MP you'll find guys who like to keep it light with realistic payloads (generally TGP, a couple / foursome of mavs and 4 GBU38s) and 60-70% fuel loads- and other guys are real dump trucks who don't mind hauling the extra weight around provided they have an opportunity to satiate their thirst for destruction on a biblical scale. A lot of guys kitted out light tend to spend a little more time hunting down SAM / AA threats... AAA can be lured into the fight and engaged by a "spotter" in orbit- again not something you want to get too involved with if you have half a dozen tires wrapped around your neck. Again, if you tend to stand off at 15-20 klicks and scan the general area with your TGP while maintaining an orbit for 5-10 minutes, you can get a pretty good sense of what's going on. Generally upwards of 13000 feet your main threat is going to be radar guided weapons which should give you some warning- but let's face it... sometimes the "other" guy / AI does something right. Sometimes there's just no getting away from it. Many people recommend picking up airspeed by cashing in altitude while hovering the cursor over the "emergency jettison" which for any other aircraft would practically be a "mission" kill. Fortunately, we don't dump the 1150 gun ammo in such a maneuver so we're still in the fight. But when you cash advance on your altitude, you pay heavy interest rates in the sense that you then enter the engagement envelopes of a variety of otherwise undetectable threats (IR). Depending on distance, 13s will tickle your toes at around 13000 feet, while 9s and 18s will bedazzle your buttocks between 11-12k. Drop below 7000 and you're going to need to start keeping an eye open for the dreaded "Zeus." Further below that, of course you'll start feasting on vehicle mounted weapons from BMPs and BTRs- So you'll be flying nice and fast- but you'll be restricted to gun ammo (if you EJ) and it'll take you about 20 minutes to get your altitude back. There are a few good videos on how to deal with the SAM threat- and no... I don't think ANY of them use the ECM pod. I don't even carry one anymore. As many will say once you get that launch, beam the missile at 3-9 o'clock (easier to do when you're not hauling the armageddon scenario loadout (a classic is the 4 CBU105/97s with 6 mavs and 100% fuel) and try to get an eye on it. One of the tricks I learned from reading the A-10 books (Warthog and A-10s over Kosovo) is if I have the missile in view (unfortunately not that often with the restrictions of the virtual world) and it sticks to the same spot on my canopy through my turn... I know it's time to choose a religion. If it falls off, then I know I've eluded it. What is REAL fun- and I'm hoping to get together with him this week, is to have a human JTAC who knows the business working in the server. Gordo Viper is our resident specialist in the Firehouse / Hollo Pointe and he is GOOOOOOOOOD. You think AI 9 line is immersive? Wow man... you are in for a treat! Anyway, sorry for blabbing- I'm practically delusional at this point coming to the end of another night shift. Edited October 15, 2013 by ENO "ENO" Type in anger and you will make the greatest post you will ever regret. "Sweetest's" Military Aviation Art
AhSoul Posted October 14, 2013 Author Posted October 14, 2013 Hehe thanks Eno. I tend to be sitting between 7000 and 10000', so I'm guessing this isn't doing me any favours :) The JTAC is telling me the SA threats, but still not figured out how to find them relative to my target so I end up just going in anyway and hoping my wingman takes all the heat :D [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Soul's pit thread
snafup Posted October 15, 2013 Posted October 15, 2013 Jeez it's getting to the stage where I need a kneeboard like I do when I fly for real ;) Speaking of which: here's peter p's mod for kneeboard. http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1872190#post1872190 if you like it let him know.
doveman Posted February 2, 2014 Posted February 2, 2014 Some great advice here. I really should get up the courage to jump on a MP server one day but I'm slightly embarassed to admit I never can tell which way I'm meant to taxi to the runway (well unless I start in a corner with only one possible direction I can go!) In SP it's not such a problem as I can F2 cheat to get a bit of situational awareness and see where the runway is in relation to me and any other runways or roads I'll be crossing on the way that I need to take care around, so then I go back into the cockpit and I know where I'm going but I think most MP servers disable the external view don't they? Main rig: i5-4670k @4.4Ghz, Asus Z97-A, Scythe Kotetsu HSF, 32GB Kingston Savage 2400Mhz DDR3, 1070ti, Win 10 x64, Samsung Evo 256GB SSD (OS & Data), OCZ 480GB SSD (Games), WD 2TB and WD 3TB HDDs, 1920x1200 Dell U2412M, 1920x1080 Dell P2314T touchscreen
JayPee Posted February 3, 2014 Posted February 3, 2014 (edited) Completed My First Instant Action Mission! I'm slightly embarassed to admit I never can tell which way I'm meant to taxi to the runway [...] a bit of situational awareness and see where the runway is in relation to me Pro tip: be aure STP data is feeding the HSI via the NSMP and turn the needle in the direction of the runway number as per given ATC instructions. At the very least that will give you the heading of the rwy in relation to yourself so you'll know what to look for. If you spot a stretch in the distance which is at first sight more than 10 degrees off you can be sure it's not the rwy they want you to use. Also knowing the layout of the airports helps. If in doubt, see if you can cheat your way to F10. Lots of servers have it enabled. I have to admit, Microsoft had it covered. "Pilot is unfamiliar with airport, please provide taxi instructions". And poofffff, there was your magic purple TomTom line pointing it all out for you. Edited February 3, 2014 by JayPee i7 4790K: 4.8GHz, 1.328V (manual) MSI GTX 970: 1,504MHz core, 1.250V, 8GHz memory
doveman Posted February 3, 2014 Posted February 3, 2014 (edited) Pro tip: be aure STP data is feeding the HSI via the NSMP and turn the needle in the direction of the runway number as per given ATC instructions. At the very least that will give you the heading of the rwy in relation to yourself so you'll know what to look for. If you spot a stretch in the distance which is at first sight more than 10 degrees off you can be sure it's not the rwy they want you to use. Also knowing the layout of the airports helps. If in doubt, see if you can cheat your way to F10. Lots of servers have it enabled. I have to admit, Microsoft had it covered. "Pilot is unfamiliar with airport, please provide taxi instructions". And poofffff, there was your magic purple TomTom line pointing it all out for you. Thanks, that's useful advice. I should really print out the charts to refer to as well. I guess if there's a real person acting as ATC or other players nearby, they'll probably be able to help with directions as well if they're not too busy. EDIT: Maybe if the in-game airports/locations were exact replicas of real-world places, it might be possible one day to have some sort of utility that interfaces with Google Maps/Earth to show your current position and similar navigation assistance as with the Microsoft sim. I know that X-Plane has a utility for it to do this, with Google Earth running on a second monitor, although I think it was quite laggy in updating your current position when I tried it. Edited February 3, 2014 by doveman Main rig: i5-4670k @4.4Ghz, Asus Z97-A, Scythe Kotetsu HSF, 32GB Kingston Savage 2400Mhz DDR3, 1070ti, Win 10 x64, Samsung Evo 256GB SSD (OS & Data), OCZ 480GB SSD (Games), WD 2TB and WD 3TB HDDs, 1920x1200 Dell U2412M, 1920x1080 Dell P2314T touchscreen
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