Carrier Ops (continuation) from MSFS

[rvn817j]

John - I attempted a search in the DCS Forums (using "velocity vector" as the search term). Many pages were returned by that search (and I only looked at the first 2) and nothing really jumped out at me (except the "uncage" step you've already taken). I've had some weird things happen to me with my computer over the years and many times it was equipment related (power supply not powerful enough or RAM chip issue or under-powered graphics). I'm not saying any of these things are your issue.

Everyone else (like Jan), DCS is having a SALE! Flaming Cliffs 3 is 50% off at about $25. Other items are 30% to 50% off. Now is the time to add.

P.S. John - Just found this in DCS forums..."thanks guys. I've identified the issue. Resting my hand on the joystick causes a very slight yaw. When using TM analyzer the yaw axis moves around on its own." Victory103 may be on to something.

 

[Victory103]

That sounds like a binding or axis issue especially if ATC can't keep 8.1 degrees AOA. I generally start with Chuck's settings on my TM Warthog and adjust from there.

https://www.mudspike.com/chucks-guides-dcs-f-a-18c-hornet/

 

[Javis]

Bingo! Made it off the deck for the first time! Great fun!

Thanks mucho much for all the great tips, gentlemen ! Nosewheel steering and camera's A Okay ! Thanks again !

Camera options need a lot of practise but the nosewheel steering works wonderful now (after i noticed i need to *hold* the button down..;-) Dunno if it's the T-45 or my fault but i sorta got stuck a bit on the shuttle (launch bar down) only with full power would the launch bar go over the end of the shuttle. Is that normal ?...

Not tried a trap of course, want to learn a bit about the T-45 first. For that matter, is it possible to fly the Goshawk from a landbase ? I see it only turn up in Instant Action, not in any of the other Mission options.... Can i fly it off the deck and then head for land in the distance and find an airfield there, land and then save and load next time ?

If i buy one or more sceneries, will i be able to fly the T-45 around there ?....

And thanks for the Sale Tip, Jay ! Alas i can't make use of it cause i bought my DCS copy via Steam. There's no DCS Sale to see there (yet ?...). I'd love to buy the F-14 and F-18 of course, pretty mucho expensive indeed but the Sale at DCS site says 'not compatible with Steam version'.... Bummer..

Thanks very much again, guys, i feel a big step forward with my first launch off the carrier deck !

Oh, yeah, i haven't been able to find a way to play DCS in Windowed mode ?... Not possible ??....

Thanks!

 

[rvn817j]

Jan - I have to hold NWS button also when you want it engaged. Using rudder pedals get you some steering, but NWS allows you to steer nose wheel almost 90 degrees.

To move into launch shuttle, full power on T-45 is needed, so not unusual that you need it.

I don't know how much you paid on Steam for "DCS", but the whole DCS basic software package is FREE from DCS. You could start over with DCS standalone (that is NO Steam) for no charge (that would include the Caucasus map and the Mariannas map is free once DCS is installed). But do, at a minimum, add Flaming Cliffs 3 for $25 as it has more than $25 worth of aircraft. From the DCS Website -

"
Key features of DCS World 2.7:

• The most realistic Free-to-Play digital battlefield ever.
• One-of-a-kind, internally developed graphics engine that looks amazing from 0 to 80,000 feet.
• Includes a beautiful, free, and highly detailed map of the Caucasus region that includes south western Russia and Georgia.
• Includes 20 fully-equipped operational airbases, millions of buildings and trees, and thousands of kilometers of usable roads and railway.
• Includes 156 free and fully operational weapons systems, 105 ground vehicles, 19 ships and 84 AI-controlled aircraft.
• Fly the TF-51 Mustang and Su-25T attack jet for free!
• Play all DCS World modules from one DCS World version.
• State-of-the-art graphics with amazing lighting, shadows, and performance.
• New breathtaking effects for explosions, clouds, fog, fire, and smoke.
• Hundreds of land, air and seaborne AI vehicles. The world is your sandbox.
• Create your own missions and campaigns for unlimited gameplay!
• Mission generator included allowing rapid mission creation.
• Enjoy multiplayer with friends, and even fly together in the same aircraft for multi-crew missions!
• Purchase and fly the most iconic airplanes and helicopters from WWII up to the modern day.
• Mouse interactive 6 degrees of freedom cockpits for most aircraft and the most accurate flight models, cockpit systems, sensors, targeting systems and sounds available.
• Purchase and fly the most authentic simulations of the A-10C Warthog, UH-1H Huey, F-86F Sabre, Spitfire, and many others now.
• Exciting new aircraft coming to DCS World like Mi-24P Hind, Mosquito and AH-64D Apache, and many more!
• Purchase additional high-quality maps such as Normandy 1944, the Nevada Test and Training Range, Persian Gulf, The Channel and Syria.
• Play hundreds of missions and campaigns with new campaigns continually created.
• Both hardcore realistic and casual gameplay modes and options available.
• Virtual reality support."
  
  Go to https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/index.php and then go to "Downloads".

 

[jmig]

Bingo! Made it off the deck for the first time! Great fun!

Thanks mucho much for all the great tips, gentlemen ! Nosewheel steering and camera's A Okay ! Thanks again !

Camera options need a lot of practise but the nosewheel steering works wonderful now (after i noticed i need to *hold* the button down..;-) Dunno if it's the T-45 or my fault but i sorta got stuck a bit on the shuttle (launch bar down) only with full power would the launch bar go over the end of the shuttle. Is that normal ?...

Not tried a trap of course, want to learn a bit about the T-45 first. For that matter, is it possible to fly the Goshawk from a landbase ? I see it only turn up in Instant Action, not in any of the other Mission options.... Can i fly it off the deck and then head for land in the distance and find an airfield there, land and then save and load next time ?

If i buy one or more sceneries, will i be able to fly the T-45 around there ?....

And thanks for the Sale Tip, Jay ! Alas i can't make use of it cause i bought my DCS copy via Steam. There's no DCS Sale to see there (yet ?...). I'd love to buy the F-14 and F-18 of course, pretty mucho expensive indeed but the Sale at DCS site says 'not compatible with Steam version'.... Bummer..

Thanks very much again, guys, i feel a big step forward with my first launch off the carrier deck !

Oh, yeah, i haven't been able to find a way to play DCS in Windowed mode ?... Not possible ??....

Thanks!

Jan, There are a couple of T-45 missions out there. One has you taking off from and flying to a couple different airbases. You can create your own with the mission creator. It is not that hard to get the basics down. I don't think any of the other Maps have T-45 missions. Remember it is not a DCS supported aircraft.

I don't use and don't recommend the Steam version. I use the Reverb G2 VR headset. Steam VR will automatically load and then load DCS when the goggles are active. If I want to see the screen without using VR, I unplug the power on the VR goggles before starting DCS. I find it easier to set controllers and test stuff on the flat screen. later, I will fly it in VR.

 

[Dimus]

Jan, try the mission editor, it is really simple. For a simple flight you select a map, put a plane on an airbase and save it. You can select the starting state, i.e. cold and dark or running, on the apron or at the runway etc. set up weather, time, season and all that.

Once you get the hang of it you can add other stuff like adversaries or AI friendly flights, the lots.

 

[Javis]

I don't know how much you paid on Steam for "DCS", but the whole DCS basic software package is FREE from DCS. You could start over with DCS standalone (that is NO Steam) for no charge (that would include the Caucasus map and the Mariannas map is free once DCS is installed). But do, at a minimum, add Flaming Cliffs 3 for $25 as it has more than $25 worth of aircraft. From the DCS Website -

Thanks, Jay !

Yes, i wrote 'bought' re my Steam DCS copy, my fault because it actually is free too at Steam. Sorry. And all the other stuff you mention is included too. That's quite a great deal ! But the F-14 and F-18 a.o. are of course quite a bit of expensive snakes in the grass...( it's like getting a printer for next to nothing but Low and Behold once you run out of ink... ;-) I do find your suggestion to start-over via DCS itself a great idea and food for thought. I do have everything running pretty much to my content now though, so that's the only reason that withholds me from throwing everything overboard and start over. I will think about it. Thanks again!

Jan, There are a couple of T-45 missions out there. One has you taking off from and flying to a couple different airbases.

Thanks John ! That's exactly what i'm looking for ! Do you have a link maybe ? I went searching for T-45 missions but only found carrier missions. Did try them just so i know where to put them. Works fine so that's Ok.

You can create your own with the mission creator. It is not that hard to get the basics down. I don't think any of the other Maps have T-45 missions. Remember it is not a DCS supported aircraft.

Indeed! Found out a bit about the Mission Creator and got my first 'Mission' going : Parked hot at the ramp in the T-45, take-off, circuit and land. Bingo ! Ended up in a bowl of fire in between the trees because i kept pushing the wrong brakes button... Also flew above the UK during WWII but not the time to split hairs, right ? Hehe.. Got the picture of it a little bit now ( looks to be quite amazing what you can do with it! Wow!!) so the DCS world is about to be my oyster ! ( still would love a link to these base to base missions ! ;-)

I don't use and don't recommend the Steam version.

Why is that, John ?..

I've been using Steam for all my game stuff since i was born. Never ever a problem. Got a new computer ? Never ever a problem. Invoke Steam, enjoy a copious dinner et voila all my stuff back without so much as a how do you do. All the trials and tribulations i've read about MSFS simmers almost constantly in trouble with MSFS updates and the marketplace. I honestly don't know anything about that.

Next to MSFS a few of my fav games, ETS2, Transport Fever2, Asetto Corsa, PlanetZoo, i can't even begin to think about the tuckloads of mods i would have to reinstall myself if something happend to my computer or bought a new one (just last year, particularly for MSFS..;-) It's all taken care of by Steam. I'd easily say the best thing next to sliced bread. But that's only my opinion and experience of course.

Jan, try the mission editor, it is really simple. For a simple flight you select a map, put a plane on an airbase and save it. You can select the starting state, i.e. cold and dark or running, on the apron or at the runway etc. set up weather, time, season and all that.

Thanks, Dimus ! See above

 

[jmig]

...

Why is that, John ?..

I've been using Steam for all my game stuff since i was born. Never ever a problem. Got a new computer ? Never ever a problem. Invoke Steam, enjoy a copious dinner et voila all my stuff back without so much as a how do you do. All the trials and tribulations i've read about MSFS simmers almost constantly in trouble with MSFS updates and the marketplace. I honestly don't know anything about that.

Next to MSFS a few of my fav games, ETS2, Transport Fever2, Asetto Corsa, PlanetZoo, i can't even begin to think about the tuckloads of mods i would have to reinstall myself if something happend to my computer or bought a new one (just last year, particularly for MSFS..;-) It's all taken care of by Steam. I'd easily say the best thing next to sliced bread. But that's only my opinion and experience of course.



Thanks, Dimus ! See above

Probably because I am not much of a gamer. I have played games in the past. When my children were young, I would play FPS with them. Later I got into the Elder Scrolls series, especially Skyrim. all of these were purchased by CD or DVD. Then came Witcher I had to get Steam for it. I found it less convenient than a CD/DVD.

I had to use Steam VR to use my Reverb G2 in DCS. When loading DCS with the G2 active, I have to open VR Steam, which means hitting F4 a time or two to get the cursor out of DCS, then while looking at the flat screen put the cursor on Reset Position, drop the headset back on and hit the left mouse button. All the while, hoping the cursor hasn't moved off the Reset Position button. Finally, I am ready to go with DCS.

With MSFS, I have a button set to in/out VR. I put the headset on and hit that button, Volia I am in-game. MSFS allows me to set another button to reset my position. So, I do not need to take my headset off.

Christmas a year ago, in a weak moment, I purchased on sale Disnonnored2 and another famous game that takes place in ancient Grease. Over a year later, I haven't played either.

 

[jmig]

Links to some T-45 missions.

T-45C Goshawk 4v4 ACM MP with Virtual Mission Training System (VMTS) (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

T-45 VIP Taxi Caucasus with random destinations, weather and time (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

VNAO T-45C All-in-one Bombing Practice - with helper gates (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

The following are actually for the BAE Hawk, which is no longer available. However, using the Mission Editor you can change the aircraft to the T-45.

DCS World BAE Hawk - Mach Loop Revisited (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

Sea Hawk (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

 

[Mach3DS]

@javis, mission editor is simple and can be used to create VERY complex missions. It can utilize scripts, and do some amazing things. Anywhere from creating a mobile VORTAC station to creating AI Red Air that will actually execute a tactical BVR presentation with randomized tactics. Not just shoot and follow on until they die. Human Voice over Scripts can be added, and you can even create scripts to auto generate aircraft or ground units simply by clicking on the F10 map and then pasting the code into the scratch pad, all live in session. You can spawn altitude airspeed and heading. And simply place them at whatever distance you want via your mouse on the map. It's quite amazing actually. With the upcoming full implementation of the TrueSky and dynamic weather, it will look at lot more like MSFS. I saw rainbows in the latest 2022 video presentation from ED. In fact I know a guy who is able to inject live weather into the sim via code in discord using a bot. It's quite impressive.

 

[Javis]

Probably because I am not much of a gamer. I have played games in the past. When my children were young, I would play FPS with them. Later I got into the Elder Scrolls series, especially Skyrim. all of these were purchased by CD or DVD. Then came Witcher I had to get Steam for it. I found it less convenient than a CD/DVD.

I had to use Steam VR to use my Reverb G2 in DCS. When loading DCS with the G2 active, I have to open VR Steam, which means hitting F4 a time or two to get the cursor out of DCS, then while looking at the flat screen put the cursor on Reset Position, drop the headset back on and hit the left mouse button. All the while, hoping the cursor hasn't moved off the Reset Position button. Finally, I am ready to go with DCS.

With MSFS, I have a button set to in/out VR. I put the headset on and hit that button, Volia I am in-game. MSFS allows me to set another button to reset my position. So, I do not need to take my headset off.

Aha, Ok, i understand. Well, i have been holding off VR and still do. I am extremely interested in VR but, reading about it, i still have the feeling it's not really the time yet to be able to fully enjoy it without restrictions and possible frustration. I'm sitting on the fence, watching and still holding back.. ( in 2D ;-)

Christmas a year ago, in a weak moment, I purchased on sale Disnonnored2 and another famous game that takes place in ancient Grease.

Might have been Assassin's Creed Odyssey Ancient Creece ?....

I saw a video of that and was completely and totally blown away by the graphics ! Truth is that i don't care for all these blood guts and gore games. So, extremely very much surprised and utterly pleased i stumbled across the fact that Ubisoft, in its great wisdom, decided to get rid of all the violance, blood and gore and released a new version called "Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour Ancient Greece". Holy Moly!!!

It's just like they heared my wish when i was watching that video ! To be able to just walk around in 500 BC Athens in such breathtaking detail without having to hack someone's arm or head off. And not only walk, fly along with an eagle too or ride a horse ! Totally in love with this, well....'ungamed game' ! ( as is a US lady archeologist specialized in ancient Greece who is watching it together with the director of a US historical museum)

And that's not all, they did exactly the same with Assassin's Creed Odyssey Ancient Egypt ! (been walking around at the exact same spots for real many years ago !) Most wonderful and exiting time i spend in front of my monitor since loading up MSFS for the first time (and, not to forget, standing on the deck of the DCS Nimitz for the first time just recently ! ;-)

Links to some T-45 missions.

Thanks much, John !

 

[Javis]

@javis, mission editor is simple and can be used to create VERY complex missions. It can utilize scripts, and do some amazing things. Anywhere from creating a mobile VORTAC station to creating AI Red Air that will actually execute a tactical BVR presentation with randomized tactics. Not just shoot and follow on until they die. Human Voice over Scripts can be added, and you can even create scripts to auto generate aircraft or ground units simply by clicking on the F10 map and then pasting the code into the scratch pad, all live in session. You can spawn altitude airspeed and heading. And simply place them at whatever distance you want via your mouse on the map. It's quite amazing actually. With the upcoming full implementation of the TrueSky and dynamic weather, it will look at lot more like MSFS. I saw rainbows in the latest 2022 video presentation from ED. In fact I know a guy who is able to inject live weather into the sim via code in discord using a bot. It's quite impressive.

Thanks Rick ! Yes, already at initial investigation i noticed the incredible usability of the DCS Mission Editor. I have a feeling i might have just as much fun playing around with it as i'll have flying this incredible sim. That it is simple and easy to use i found out quickly by placing my T-45 on an airfield apron somewhere in the UK ready to taxi without knowing next to nothing about it yet. Very intuitive indeed.

Saving a mission, alter it after reloading, and then playing it also works great. Fantastic really !

Once i feel comfortable with trapping my fav Tomcat i'll be all over it !

 

[Javis]

NOR Platform ??

First and fore most, i certainly do not mean to start another OT thread (i know, i'm good at that..), just think this is the place to ask. Just curious...

What do you guys think of 'The NOR Platform' ?

Anyone knows more about ? If we believe META (i had a girlfriend called Meta ;-) it's 'The future of Simulation' i.e. DCS meets MSFS....

https://youtu.be/xrL-uGGwgtg

What do you think ?...

 

[Javis]

Forrestal

I don't want to sound greedy but what's up with Heatblur Forrestal for DCS ?

There's nothing about it on the Heatblur website and just another video at their Facebook page.

I absolutely love the DCS Super Carrier but i wouldn't mind having the Forrestal next to that ( he says without even having performed a succesfull trap once...LOL) Made that big plastic model of the Forrestal when i was in my teens.

So do i understand correctly it is not available yet ?.... I read words like 'freeware' too, that can't be right, can it ?

I also understand now that the DCS F-14 is made by Heatblur ? Do i buy it from their website or from the DCS store ?

Thanks gents !

 

[Mach3DS]

It's at the stock DCS level of carrier features. I believe that they are trying to get it integrated into the Super Carrier level. More to come.

NOR is a break off of Heatblur. Heatblur merged with them a while back but broke it off almost as fast. A few people from the Heatblur team stuck around to produce it for META. I believe it's a Military Contract sim only.

 

[rvn817j]

Jan - My understanding is that the USS Forrestal is part of the F-14 module (from Heatblur in DCS store for $$$). According to the DCS "changelog" the USS Forrestal was added in OPENBETA update 2.7.7.14727. I am running DCS openbeta (it works fine), have the F-14 module, but have never checked to see if I can land on the USS Forrestal. Perhaps if you go to F-14 missions there may be a USS Forrestal mission available for the F-14. I will check that in the future and post.

 

[Dimus]

The Forrestal is already available to all in the mission editor. Just put it in a mission and start a flight on her deck. Not sure if it is the stable or open beta version only though (I use open beta).

You can check in the mission editor if you have the ability place it as a ship. currently it does not have the Supercarrier features, i.e. no interactive crew, but it is nicely modeled, plus you also have a smokestack blenching black smoke!

 

[Mach3DS]

The Forrestal was added as AI Carrier. Originally it was part of the Payware F-14 package. I believe there's enough community uproar that it will eventually get the Super Carrier treatment. But my guess is that only if you own the Supercarrier.

 

[Essex]

Jan - My understanding is that the USS Forrestal is part of the F-14 module (from Heatblur in DCS store for $$$). According to the DCS "changelog" the USS Forrestal was added in OPENBETA update 2.7.7.14727.

I don't use the openbeta, the Forrestal got added with the free trial of the F-14. It's still available after the end of the trial.

 

[Javis]

Thanks guys !

Two burning questions arise.... :

#1. How will i be able to find the time to actually fly an airplane here in DCS ?...

#2. How on earth will i ever be able to enjoy Carrier Ops in MSFS again ?...

That's it for the time being. Hehe

With each further DCS session another pair of socks blown away and for the umpteens time have to pick up my mouth from the floor. This is coming very very close to what i have always dreamed of re virtual carrier operations. Wow!! I say again Wow!!!

One of the truckload of things i would like to specifically thank the DCS dev team for is the water/sea animation around the ships. To me very important to make sailing ships come alive and look realistic. (and i have only seen it with calm weather sofar ! ;-). F.i. something totally lacking in MSFS.(I wonder what floatplanes will be like in DCS landing and taking off from water...) Particularly the bow wave is very well done. Love it!

Soooo, i've got my first Carrier Group going ! Sailing along at 25 knots with the Forrestal as the Leading ship. How about that !

Forrestal appeared right there on the Ships listing so i presume i have the Open Beta too (via Steam). And what wonderful model it is !! I dressed it up with static aircraft and carrier vehicles (i particular LOVE the Mules, i would've loved to create those myself, just for fun. I have a 1/48 carrier diorama featuring the F-14 and lots of carrier vehicles and crew, all by Verlinden. Made the deck myself which was great fun. Can't discribe how much fun i have now reliving that in glorious digital capacity ! ;-) (this F-14 diorama is about 25 years old but always kept it dustfree along with a bunch of others. Because of my back i can't do plastic modeling anymore, long live computers ! )

Next endeavour will be to get some action going on the deck. Going well sofar, thanks to you guys, but still LOTS to learn.

Thanks again, gentlemen !

P.S. I continue to be totally flabbergasted by everything that's possible with the Mission Editor and i suppose i have seen only about 5% sofar..;-)