DCS (Digital Combat Simulator) Catch-All

Just trying to get my HOTAS set up, and remember how to fly this thing. NO training is included at this time.

F15 pit sure looks nice!
IMAGE(http://i.imgur.com/EbErz.jpg)

Guess I haven't forgotten everything. Landed first try.
IMAGE(http://i.imgur.com/risub.jpg)

Is FC3 the same kind of study sim that the DCS series has been?

No, it's a survey sim.

Man looks like fun. It's out of the budget for this month but perhaps i'll check it out at Christmas

Not a bad idea.. pretty rough right now.

Do not go into the official forums.. the rivet counters have their panties in knots!

El-Producto wrote:

Not a bad idea.. pretty rough right now.

Do not go into the official forums.. the rivet counters have their panties in knots!

Oh no doubt. Yeah Flaming Cliffs has never been anywhere near the fidelity that the DCS products has. To be honest it's a bizarre business move to integrate FCS into DCS world. It's lowering the fidelity of the overall simulation.

Giant Fly-In this weekend over at the Sim-HQ forums. I realize it's a bit late for this announcement, but if you have any desire to fly with a lot of people at once (experience level doesn't matter) this will be a good time going on for the next 48 hours.

Here's a link to their Fly-In announcement over at Sim-HQ.
http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3724475/SimHQ_s_DCS_World_Fly_In_Febru#Post3724475

I'll be in their teamspeak3 server and bouncing between the 2 flight servers as the desire strikes me.

Most likely in the Ka-50, but some time will be put in for the A-10C's and P-51's as well.

Hope to see y'all there.

1.2.3 is out. Major patch.

Get it via your autoupdater.

New Features:

DCS World
Added new Su-27 model. More skins will be added later.
Added new Mission Editor trigger rule - Bomb in Zone.
New mission editor skin. Incomplete work in progress.
Helicopters will better maneuver against AAA maneuvering when in the threat area.
Added new Mission Editor trigger rule - Expression.
Scripting Engine: Fixed outText and outSound for Coalition and Group.
Scripting Engine: Added "Mission" Task for ground groups.
Scripting Engine: Added Unit.getFuel function.
Mission Editor UI for group variation placement tool added, not functional yet.
New skins for F-15C and MiG-31.
Model LODs have been better optimized.

Combined Arms
Life-bar for ground units in the F10 Command Map view. This can be toggled on and off with button on Command Map.
AI units will resupply ammunition from a warehouse or cargo truck at ranges less than 100 meters, periodicity - once a minute. Player's can do this with the LALT + ' key combination.
Command Map control of air units. You can now route them, set speed and altitude, and set targets.
Ground units in group now stay in formation with user when in first person control mode. User can set formation and ROE when in 1st person mode.
Updated, higher resolution ground unit HUDs.
Added min and max range rings for all indirect fire systems.
Added countdown timer for indirect fire missions.
Mission designer can now determine which ground units can and cannot be controlled by players (1st person and Command Map).
Platform Shake is better implemented and provides basic "weapon stabilization" option when the vehicle is on the move.
Added hot keys for hull / turret alignments, turret lock, and gun lock on azimuth.
Changing round type loading delay added.
Added military icons for Command Map.
Provided NVG gain.
New compass orientation options.
Signal flare options.
Added tracer effect to armor piercing rounds.

Flaming Cliffs 3 (FC3)
New Su-27 campaign.
Added new multiplayer missions.
Dual engagement, Track While Scan (TWS) for the MiG-29S.

Bug Fixes and Adjustments:

DCS World
Network code improved for greater stability.

Note: Although many improvements and optimizations have been made, we still highly recommend 16 player limit when hosting complex missions. Depending on the exact composition of the mission, the bandwidth and number of players that a host may accommodate will vary. As always though, clients must be aware of their ping times (often influenced by connection distance to host) as this can cause warping and other connection issues.
Fixed multiplayer data link for Russian aircraft.
Fixed Force Feedback joystick trim problems.
Tuned aircraft gun smoke.
Fixed Set Path to Column formation.
Fixed Georgian soldier animation.
Fixed long range radar break-lock for Russian aircraft.
AIM-120 and R-77 maximum load factor increased to 40g.
R-77 data adjust. Thrust, lift and drag.
AIM-120 data adjusted. Lift and drag.
AIM-9M maximum load factor increased to 35g.
AIM-9M thrust changed 12000 N.
Adjusted AIM-9P drag.
AIM-7M thrust and drag adjustments were made.
Increased load factor to R-27 family to 24g.
Increased R-27ER initial delay to 1.5 sec.
AIM-54 data adjustment. Thrust, drag, lift, initial delay of guidance.
R-33 data adjusted. Thrust, drag and lift, initial delay of guidance.
R-60 data adjusted.
R-73 data adjusted.
Multi-channel missile guidance is fixed.
Decreased the damage value of modern AA missiles warheads from directional to enhanced. Earlier AIM-120 and R-77 had a warheads with large multiplier factor termed "directional". These missiles were very lethal, more so than even an S-300. It was not realistic and we decided replace "directional" warhead with the less power "enhanced" warhead.
Number of simultaneously guided AIM-120s is 4 for F-15, F-16 and F-18.
Number of simultaneously guided AIM-54 is 4 for F-14.
Fixed AI planes unable to engage SA-8 with Anti-Radiation Missiles.
Fixed situation where AI sometimes launch AGM-65 Mavericks from too far away; AGM-65 would self-destructs before reaching target.
Added S-8TsM and S-8OFP2 rockets to inventory of MiG-29A/G/S and Su-33.
Renamed S-8KOM to S-8TsM in the one AFAC Su-25 payloads.
The F-15C and Su-27 will now use their RWR systems when the Mission Editor RADAR USING option is not applied.
Adjustments to the air combat maneuvering of all aircraft.
"Transmit Message" command parameters indication is now in the action list
Fixed infantry not moving when route is changed.
Fixed client crash in MP.
Fixed pilot models with K36 ejection seat.
Debris of a killed soldier has been removed.
Adjusted AWACS action time.
Fixed switch waypoint triggered action.
Changed setting of mission start time (day, month).
Default damage parameters tuned for old aircraft models.
Fixed Mission Editor error when trying to change aircraft country.
Fixed Mission Editor that pressing File\Create in the drop menu did nothing.
Aircraft will reset landing airdrome each time landing procedures is initiated.
Changed color of missile flame and smoke from blue to yellow.
"REACTION ON THREAT" option will now affect active ECM systems.
Problem with random uncontrollable rotation of the tower in some circumstances has been resolved.
Night vision staying switch to on after exit from the previous server has been fixed.
Incoming missiles warning messages has been corrected.
Helicopters will better maneuver against anti AAA when in the threat area.
Fixed scrollbar in debriefing.
Any hidden aircraft, helicopter, static object, and ships no longer break Fog of War.
Helicopters no longer sink when they takeoff from aircraft carrier.
Fixed some missions freezing every five seconds.
Fixed multiple problems in JTAC code.
Resource Manager message grammar adjusted.
Payload localization is now displayed.
A destroyed / burning aircraft burning can no longer auto lock other aircraft.
Fixed the AI formations after switching waypoints.
Wingmen will try to maintain absolute position in formation, they will maintain altitude when the leader turns.
HAWK SAM would not attack Su-25T if kh-25MPU attacks HAWK.
Fixed view problems for unarmed vehicles, infantry and fortifications.
Fixed crash changing wallpapers in Options dialog.
Fixed taking control of an AI aircraft that took off from the ground resulting in crashing into ground.
Corrected AI rolling during a dogfight.

DCS Modules
A-10C. A-10C TGP IR operation is fixed.
A-10C. Wingman will now engage target at Player's SPI if A.I. is not aware of/in range of the target.
FC3. SPO not reacting to launch of an I-HAWK or S300 is partially resolved.
FC3. Fixed F-15C ADI operation reversed.
FC3. Fixed A-10A ADI operation reversed.
FC3. F-15C/A-10A. Fixed autopilot not allowing refueling during tanker orbit.
FC3. Corrected and adjusted Russian A-10 campaign by Dzen.
FC3. Fixed some errors in F-15C campaign.
FC3. The MiG-29 HUD diamond on the target will now only appear when it is locked by radar.
FC3. Updated SEAD payloads and air defense deployments in some missions.
FC3. Missiles DLZ has been partially corrected.
FC3. Stations display on Su-27 and MiG-29 HUDs was made more realistic - just an 'underscore' is displayed if a weapon present, and station number is additionally displayed if weapon is ready to launch.
1) Fixed stations display on Russian HUD - only stations for currently selected weapon are displayed.
2) Implemented MiG-29S style of stations display on HUD.
FC3. Fixed the IRRAD mark for the Russian aircraft. This would overlap with range tape.
FC3 - Wingmen will now turn off radar when commanded to.
FC3. Fixed data link for clients in multiplayer - MiG-29S and Su-27/33.
FC3. Simulator hang after ALT J jumping into an Su-27.
FC3. Fixed Su-33 sinking to the Kuznetsov deck near the superstructure.
FC3. Fixed simulator hang after ALT J jumping into an Su-33.
Combined Arms. Instant fire on ammunition switching has been fixed.
Combined Arms. Switched the reverse gear after the vehicle has stopped.
Combined Arms: Transition to alarm state GREEN for ground units has been fixed.
Combined Arms. Unarmed vehicles will use their sensors when acting as a JTAC.
Combined Arms. Corrected weapon aiming range grid for Russian and NATO tanks.
Combined Arms. Fixed the properties of the 2A46M-125 AP shell.
Combined Arms. Edit textures ground unit HUD when in zoomed in view.

I'm going to call out Mateofalcone as he said he picked up A-10. I'm still waiting for the Warthog-specific mounts for my new cockpit rig but I can set up a makeshift mount for a quick fix. I need to start over completely with learning A-10 though. I didn't put much time in it when I first got it and I've totally forgotten it now.

Well I'm game anytime. I certainly can do enough damage in both the Shark and the Hog to have some fun anyway.

El-Producto wrote:

1.2.3 is out. Major patch.

Most of that applies to DCS World, which I haven't and am not particularly interested in installing. Are they still and have they just updated DCS A-10C itself?

I don't believe they are updating the individual sims anymore.. it's World or nothing.

I still have old installs of the original sims for training, etc.

LiquidMantis wrote:

I'm going to call out Mateofalcone as he said he picked up A-10. I'm still waiting for the Warthog-specific mounts for my new cockpit rig but I can set up a makeshift mount for a quick fix. I need to start over completely with learning A-10 though. I didn't put much time in it when I first got it and I've totally forgotten it now.

I pulled my TrackIR & Cougar out of retirement this weekend and flew a quick mission - so far so good!

El-Producto wrote:

I don't believe they are updating the individual sims anymore.. it's World or nothing.

I still have old installs of the original sims for training, etc.

Hmm. So will my Steam Key for A-10 activate the DCS World module? How about my physical DVD for Blackshark? And is FC3 part of World? Or, a different package? How confusing.

Yep. I suspect that Eagle Dynamics has placed marketing in the hands of programmers. In my experience, programmers tend towards an affection for complexity, and routinely overestimate that affection in others.

Yeah, MisterStatic, I have no bloody idea what to do with my DCS key anymore. I didn't pay very much for it, so I'm not especially annoyed, but good freaking luck figuring out what they're even selling, or how to plug your older programs into it.

It's actually really easy. World is a great solution to the many "modules".

DCS World is free.

Download it, and the modules for the sims you own. It will ask you for serial numbers when installing the individual modules, and voila you are in business.
They also have an auto-updater now for patches.

Couldn't be easier really.

To quote the site:

Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World) is a free, unified interface for all DCS products; you can think of DCS World as a simulation operating system. DCS modules that can plug into DCS World can include aircraft, maps, ground units, campaigns, etc. Not only can DCS World include modules developed internally by Eagle Dynamics, but it can also include those by certified third party developers.

DCS World not only includes the Graphical User Interface (GUI) that ties all DCS products together in a single installation, but it also includes the global aspects of the simulation world that pertains to all modules. This includes such items such as the Artificial Intelligence (AI), rendering system, mission editor, effects, AI units, semi-dynamic campaign system, and audio environment.

When a user purchases a DCS module, the module only includes content specific to that module. Thus, it requires DCS World to run.

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...

Can't find DCS World on Steam. Oh well, I'll stick with A-10C only.

All the sims are on sale right now. Tempted by Combined Arms, but with Arma 3 not sure I'll get any time.

DCS Spring Sale!

The entire range of DCS products will be on sale between 21 and 27 March.
DCS: A-10C Warthog – $19.99 USD
DCS: P-51D Mustang – $9.99 USD
DCS: Combined Arms – $20.99 USD
DCS: Black Shark 2 (Full) – $19.99 USD
DCS: Black Shark 2 (Update) – $9.99 USD

El-Producto wrote:

All the sims are on sale right now. Tempted by Combined Arms, but with Arma 3 not sure I'll get any time.

DCS Spring Sale!

The entire range of DCS products will be on sale between 21 and 27 March.
DCS: A-10C Warthog – $19.99 USD
DCS: P-51D Mustang – $9.99 USD
DCS: Combined Arms – $20.99 USD
DCS: Black Shark 2 (Full) – $19.99 USD
DCS: Black Shark 2 (Update) – $9.99 USD

How would it work for me if I have A-10 and BS1 in Steam? Would I need to rebuy them?

The product key from Steam can be used to activate the direct downloaded versions.

ChrisLTD wrote:

How would it work for me if I have A-10 and BS1 in Steam? Would I need to rebuy them?

The A-10 module should just activate, as Liquidmantis notes although there are reports of having touble getting Steam keys to work properly in multiplayer. (By all reports though, DCS customer service will sort you out eventually.)

I remember having to jump through some hoops to get the BS2 Upgrade Key to work with my third party (Direct2Drive) BS key, but it did eventually work out. It's been too long to remember exactly what I had to do and why.

Thanks, I think I'll be picking up BS2 then.

IIRC you have to have BS1 installed before you can install the upgrade.

Also remember, everything plugs into DCS World now.

Except bs1

I think I'll be picking up the bs2 upgrade out of this sale. I'll wait and see if a-10 comes up for $10 in a steam sale again.

A friend of mine and I have been playing the crap out of both Warthog and Black Shark 2. They're absolutely incredible sims. Is there a GWJ coop DCS multiplayer scene out there?

Pretty excited about DCS Huey! They just released a start-up video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...!

copy_paper wrote:

A friend of mine and I have been playing the crap out of both Warthog and Black Shark 2. They're absolutely incredible sims. Is there a GWJ coop DCS multiplayer scene out there?

We have a Steam group which isn't very active.. but if we are playing it will be posted there.

pm me your steam id and I will float you an invite.

Can I get an invite to that group?

http://steamcommunity.com/id/Nyxs

Muchas Gracias!

Me too, if this is different from the Mud Movers group.