Eh guys...

No stranger to forums but brand new in here as you can undoubtedly see from my non-existant (until now) post count. I'm brand new to the DCS community and the sim... and believe me when I say the community AND the sim have astounded me. I'm slugging through the training sessions and doing my best to do some research before asking the questions that have likely been asked a million times. I've got my TIR5 on order... and I'm hoping my portable will run the game fast enough that I can at least sit through some of the orientations while I'm away at work.

I have followed the development of a lot of the weapons employed in the sim from a distance since I was about 11 (mid-80s or so) and thought I even knew something about them.

I read the forums for about 10 minutes and realized I knew nothing at all... Zero.

I've spotted a few guys in here who know "the business" and I have an incredible amount of respect for you.

I've also seen a number of community members who excel in the realm between the reality and the sim and are extremely helpful in helping guys like me get the most out of the sim experience.

Anyway guys- one of the things I've noticed an absence of in here is that late night chat thread... That random collection of late night, game orientated scramble... Maybe that's because it isn't acceptable in which case I'm sure I'll be promptly schooled.

OR

It's a good idea and give guys a chance to come in and chat with jovial late-night banter.

For example- I keep seeing that the GAU-8 is the most powerful gun in service in the USAF. Is there a more powerful gun employed by an aircraft in another air force? Is there anything that even comes close anywhere else?

I suppose we'd need to classify it in such a way that we can eliminate the Spectre with it's 105mm and the 40mm Bofors...

Thoughts? Facts? Opinions?

Hi Eno, welcome to SimHQ and DCS A-10C. I've had it since it was in beta but only recently started getting into it since I bought a WH HOTAS and you are correct it's an amazing sim, the best I have flown. You will make it come alive when you get your TrackIR 5 though

Welcome eno. Your decision to get the TIR was a very good decision. Once you've flown with it, there is no going back.
Now that you're flying the A-10C, say goodbye to your spare time.

Welcome eno! Late night chatter approved!

The GAU-8A gets its reputation for being the biggest and baddest for couple of good reasons: it's the biggest and it's the baddest.



Large high-density rounds delivered with a tight dispersion from a solid, reliable cannon system at an incredible rate of fire is a great way to bring fire and excitement to a party (e.g., a bad guy's tank).



The history of the gun is almost as fascinating as the gun itself: very few aircraft (none other that I know of) have been specifically designed around a gun. The gun even has cool support equipment: the "Dragon" ammunition loader.



Personally, I'd rather be behind a 3,900 round per minute GAU-8 with mavericks on the wings than behind a 10 round per minute 105 mm in a modified transport plane!

(I love the AC-130A/E/H/U gunship and would feel privileged to fly in it, even in a sim: but I wouldn't be able help thinking about my Hog during the flight)

Welcome aboard Eno75!


When you are ready, pop into the SimHQ Teamspeak server in the evenings. A few nights per week will have pilots in the DCS rooms. Come on in and ask what server is being used. You will be able to ask all the questions you want to - and there is no shortage of stuff to learn.

The pilots who have been in lately are gearing toward flying together rather than just jumping in by oneself and blowing stuff up - coordinated flying is a new aspect for me and really is enjoyable.


source


Wrecking Crew

Welcome to the forums, eno!

You will find that we banter enough on the forums that we don't need a chat room... also this means that people can join in regardless of when the come online since the forums is open 24/7 rather than a chat room where things turn off when the chatters go offline. So don't worry and post away. And yes, even your "random collection of late night, game orientated scramble" is alright. We do have a few resident and and so don't worry about it, we're used to it.

If you do want to fly with us, just hop on to the TS3 server and try to catch someone online. Lately we had some SimHQ fly-ins so a lot more people are online during those events. I am online usually around 8-10pm GMT and have a few tinkers around the game, though I just pop in TS3 to see who's online and usually log back out. Maybe we should start keeping a SimHQ TS3 presence so that people can "connect" better?

Eh guys... thanks again for the welcome. Many of the names I've seen around being the most helpful have already chimed in. I'd still like to see Eddie wander through at some point but regardless- it does look like a pretty open group. I like the rambling

I have put the Hog above most others, keeping it about par with other twin tailed favourites like the Tomcat. Specialized platforms designed (and built) around specific weapon systems have always intrigued me. Now then, if only the Phoenix missle could be used as effectively on terrorist threats as it was on high speed anti-ship missles the Tomcat would likely have survived a bit longer. Sadly, the Bombcat did not last. (I prefer the F-15's original mantra- Not a POUND for air to GROUND... I guess nobody passed that on to the F-15E boys.)

ANYWAY...

I am wrestling with a few minor issues in trying to get pre-fetched profiles loaded into the program but I think I have about 9/10ths of that sorted out. Who am I kidding- that's a work in progress and probably will be FOREVER. Another minor glitch is I cheaped out and bought an X52 (not pro) on craigslist for cheap(ish) as a way of being able to figure out if I was going to be addicted to the sim enough to make a more serious investment. The Pro at least seems to have the most common HOTAS switches while the non-pro requires significant adjustment. Okay... so I figured that part out pretty quickly as I started flipping through the 650 page instruction manual. Pretty soon they're going to have to shoot an "INTERVENTION" episode on me because dropping that on me was like dropping a pound of heroine at the doorstep of the local methadone clinic.

And guess what? Thanks to you trolls dangling your glorious Warthog HOTAS systems ( ), I'm not sure I'll ever be happy with my meagre setup. Funny though, because the boss (girlfriend) is intrigued by the prospect of flight and isn't even all that upset at the prospect of me spending an additional 500 bucks on the WH HOTAS. (She thinks she'll get to use that one... but as the MAN of the house I'll ORDER her to give me permission to use the HOTAS).

I do have the Saitek pro-flight pedals and am still getting used to them since all my old days I had an integrated rudder, throttle and stick arrangement.

Anyway= back on night shift again...

Once I get my head around some of the finer aspects of flight (in THIS sim) I'll take you up on that opportunity to fly with you guys. I love the idea of simple formation / coordinated flying and think there's loads to learn in that. Like hockey players taking up figure skating... I think a TS3 channel is a great idea to figure out what's up and where everyone is. I won't be able to participate for awhile until I get back from work but if you see "Eno" log in then you'll know to expect the occasional mid-air.

I'm also hunting around about more information regarding the profile curves some of you have been reading about for refuelling and the TIR.

See you around the forums!

Point of advice: don't feel like you have to pass some proficiency check before it's ok to go online with folks. You'll find that 99.9% of the guys online don't care what skill level you're at and are only too happy to share what they know with you. The rest are all off in locked servers anyways.

Hop on SimHQ TS3 sometime and I'm sure you'll find plenty of folks to go shoot it up with.

As for your controller, I used my X52 Pro when I first got A-10C and was able to get enough buttons/switches on it to do quite well. I did plunk down the cash for a Warthog HOTAS and am extremely glad I did, but the X52 setup should do you just fine.

Eh Einstein... thanks again. It's only a matter of time!

And the Pro version of the X52 is good but I'm seeing it's a pretty long stretch from the base model. The buttons are there, they're just not as easy to follow is all.

On another note, is it just me who has so many troubles getting logged in after checking the "remember me" option? Each time I try it logs me out when I get into the forum...

This a common problem or just something I'm dealing with?

The immersion with the WH is fantastic, I had an X52Pro and couldn't get the long and short button presses to work as my pinkie switch stopped working. Never again a Saitek stick!

I stopped trying to learn the sim until recently getting a WH and it's great.

Oh great... well I guess that settles it. Hello overtime!

Noooooooooo! Now I feel guilty!

Go for the TM Warthog. Seeing as you'll be spending the next few months/years flying this sim, it'll be a good investment.

And +1 to Einstein's statement about proficiency. So long as you know which way is up, you're welcome to join and we'll be happy to teach you what little we know. If we could only siphon the knowledge off the minds of the likes of Eddie and paulrkii...

Sounds good... I have a little extra coming in this month so I think I'll just pull the trigger on the WH HOTAS. Then again, this late at night I get a bit impulsive with things!

Anyone else up tonight? In on a saturday just browsing the forums or at work surfing? Anyone just wrap up a game?

I am on about the 200th page of the manual trying to get my head around exactly how much of that stuff I need to know how to use... I just started reading on the MFDs... Stumbled onto the section where it says you can't modify weapon profiles through the manual mode- except for the active profile. Sounds like it's temporary and as soon as you move away from that profile it changes back to the original.

I was glad that I picked that out because I read that thread about the weapon profile problem and realized... hey! I learned something!

So maybe it's been beaten to death- maybe not... if so then please just drop a link.

But in order of priority- between radio, navigation, weapons, profiles, actual flying, decoys, ECM, is there a certain order a person should learn this stuff. For example- something where "skimming" the manual simply isn't practical versus some of the things that are more automated?

Any suggestions on what I should be focussing on?

(EDIT: OOOPS.... found the newbies guide to A10C essentials!)

Glad to see you've learned something straight away! Good job! Nice to know that my stickied post has helped too.

The TM Warthog should not be an impulsive buy. It is a good piece of kit but an expensive kit if you aren't using it. If you are going to play with DCS A10C however, there simply isn't anything better.

Regarding you question of what to learn, I believe you should learn about your aircraft first, then the weapons. Personally, I learn about 20% by reading, maybe 60% by doing, and the rest by experimenting. I am more of a do-er, I learn things by doing. In fact, I prefer to fiddle with stuff first, THEN read about it Anyway, start off with my A10C newbie guide, make sure you are more-or-less familiar with the cockpit. Even if it takes you a minute or so just to locate a particular switch or button, the important thing is you know which side of the cockpit it is located, and the general place where it should be.

Then take a clean aircraft (no weapons, 25-50% fuel) up for a spin. Take off, follow waypoints (even if it's just one or two), have fun in the air, try a few maneuvers and observe the aircraft why doing so. Then come back in and land. After that, take a fully-loaded aircraft, doesn't matter what you have on your wings as long as the MAX % on the Payload screen is at or close to 100%, adjust the fuel to add the weight. Do the same thing you did the first time, and note how the aircraft handles differently, more sluggish. Take it in for a landing too, and note the change in your landing parameters. The idea of this exercise is to gain appreciation of the aircraft's limitations.

Once you can take off and land confidently well, it's time for the fun bits --- the weapons! Sim has made an excellent guide here and again, I would suggest you make a "weapons exercise" mission that starts you in the air, facing the targets, about 15-20nm out. I would suggest the targets be at the range north of Bantumi, makes it easier to spot them. Pick a weapon of your choice and practice using it. As I get most of my "fun" by blowing things up, I feel it is important to get to the "bad-ass" bits early. This is also a chance to play with the weapon profiles and get to know the DSMS and how to change stuff via the Profile scree or the Inventory screen.

By this time, you know how to fly the aircraft, navigate, and blow stuff up. Good. Now the icing on the cake. Radios are mostly useful if you want to interact with Tower/ATC but since they're usually more trouble than immersive, I don't bother. Most use for radios is JTAC and Tanker calls, and the radio intercom for refuel/rearm from the ground crew.

If you want a bit more of a challenge, change the targets in your weapons exercise mission and put in some SAMs or AAAs. Time to practice ECM and defensive maneuvers!


But always remember, at any time you are confused or lost, the forums is here for help and amusement, and drop by the TS server and you might catch one of the regulars online. Any of them/us will be happy to show you what little they/we know

Welcome to Warthog crack!

Proper mans way of learning



As the kids say 'true dat!'

Eh boys... I'm back in action again! Been away for awhile and unable to get much stick time but when I arrived back home I had a large box waiting for me. The tools of the trade arrived.

I'm busy going through some of the threads here that talk about new control profiles for the trackir... trying to sort out the way it is straight out of the box so that I can appreciate some of the changes guys are making. Was having a little trouble with it originally because something behind me was causing reflections that the monitor was picking up and causing a bunch of issues. Anyway, I caught it doing the same thing while I was looking at the actual program and could see the image the camera was tracking. When the door behind me was opened, I could see a ghostly red blotch over my shoulder that would turn green every now and then- making the monitor think that was part of the reflector on my head and of course causing major issues. Tried it again while the door was closed and it works perfectly. VERY smooth.

So I do promise I'll search as much as I can for the noob questions and answers but if I get backed into a corner I may come and ask for a little guidance.

AWESOME!

Looking forward to seeing you in the virtual skies!

Here are some late night A-10s

Nice!

Just coming back from some training missions... Trying to get used to some things but I have to say that setting up profiles etc is still confusing the heck out of me. It's getting better- but geesh.

I need to get a decent headset next to get on TS3... then you can bet I'll be in hanging out!

Congrats on the new setup, eno! I hope you forked out for the TrackClip Pro as well as the active IR LEDs on the clip may be better than the reflector ones. And did you get some rudder pedals?

In any case, don't worry about posting "newbie" questions, we're all here to help and this community would rather post the actual answer than make snotty comments about using the search function and such. That's what I like about SimHQ.

Eh Ice... thanks. I do have the pedals- got the pro flight ones from before so they're a good addition. I'm just hunting around for a headset now- seen a few A40s on Craigslist for a reasonable amount. A bunch of PC 350s as well. I looked at the Senn 360 and it just doesn't look worth the extra.

As soon as I get that locked in I'll be logging in to do some flying.

I got me a GameCom 377 headset... nothing to write home about, but gets the job done. Mainly for holding the TrackClip Pro, but also makes for better TS3.

Well I'm looking at the A40- there are a few around for cheap (ish)... but I have the Xonar DX2 soundcard and I'm hovering on whether I need the Mixamp pro or not.

Anyone got an opinion on that? I have been searching on google but everyone who asks gets diverted to other products.

I have access to one that has no mixamp- and one that's a bit further that has mixamp that I need to ship.


Thoughts?

Hmmm... IIRC, one of the other guys here has a Xonar too, but said that the sound engine of DCS A10 doesn't really make use of it. Sure, the gun probably sounds more bad-ass, but nothing more. Probably being in a cockpit is to blame as well.

Okay... well I guess they say the A40 is tailored more for the gaming environment. I have a couple days to decide so if anyone has any thoughts on the Mixamp + Xonar DX2 and whether it's necessary- let me know!

Not exactly late night but night all the same. I'm just over in the DCS: A-10C Warthog channel on TS3 mincing around for a couple folks. I'll have it on in the background as I go flying... the whole multiplayer thing on here is brand new to me.

Also- I chose my throttle 1 button (basically pressing down the slew button) for the PTT... anyone have a different / better selection?

Hope to see some of you out today! And I apologize in advance for anything I screw up or anyone I shoot down by accident.

Mic Up for me.

Fun times, Eno! And we didn't blow each other up even once!

I also prefer Mic Up for my PTT switch. Some folks use Mic In as well.

Mic Up for PTT / TS, here, too.

Mic In for the '\' key to turn off the Radio Menu.


Unfortunately, the Mic Up for TS is not recognized by Fraps for Audio capture... I need to write them about it. I wonder if the way Fraps works if it will be able to see joystick buttons.

WC

I used to use Mic In but sometimes would "accidentally" press Mic Fwd/Dwn as well so changed to Mic Up.

Einstein... had a great time flying last night. Like I was telling him- I haven't flown MP since LOMAC first came out and I thought THAT was a learning curve. I asked (begged) for a ramp start (because I really haven't been practicing my cold starts) and got my wish... and we took off in formation. I discovered during my solo flight JUST before we left that my wheel brake activation was reversed (if you can imagine every prior air start landing I'd ever done put me in the spinnach each and every time as a result). That and I'd mixed up my wheel steering engaged button... Fortunately I stumbled onto those two lessons before our cooperative flight. I had a chance to ask about the seat height adjust button which I'd seen in a youtube video somewhere but could never find again...


We decided on a combination of formation flying to and from the target and a couple of target runs. I'm big into the formation flying now that I have the track IR and proper control devices to make the most of the occasion. I was very happy to see that the pilot's head moves along with your own- which looks pretty awesome when the track IR is on. Only reason I mention it at all is because it REALLY helped with the suspension of disbelief. I looked over my shoulder and there he was- doing exactly what I'd expect a guy to be doing... looking right at me.

Unfortunately one of the other things that has taken me some time to configure properly is the trim control switch. Apparently it's defaulted (even on the Warthog HOTAS) to view control. I do remember seeing somewhere that you only trim a couple times per flight while you might view control more often (with and without TIR). I appreciate that advice but I think I'll go about changing it. Can a person change it so that it's view control while you're outside of the cockpit or do you need to set a modifier?

We did a little formation flying but really I was working full time just trying to keep steady on his side. He had his aircrafted trimmed out all nice and purdy like while I'm banging around like donkeykong with no trim settings. (He did mention the default keys to me at one point but I didn't mess with it for this flight). He taught me about hooking targets through TAD once we were properly configured so I got to do that for the first time.

I soon learned why you're not supposed to use the "Slew button push" as a PTT button because each time I tried to capture a target I would wander off almost every time I tried to talk. This makes that mic up button suggestion even more clear to me.

I made the pretty common rookie mistake of going through DSMS to set up a profile for GBU-12s and then selected them manually. When I dropped on target of course most of you will assume correctly that the bombs stayed stupid and ostensibly "dug up the rose garden." I immediately knew my error and got another shot at it... Einstein took the next run in at a row of large bunkers and dropped a pair of 10s on one of them. To both our amazement, it was as if he'd hit the structure with a water balloon. I set up my own 10s (but forgot to change the drop to pairs) but we quickly found that one was enough.

We did a quick experiment with TACAN and got it working in the ranging function with the (63?) proper number of channels difference as is required. We were pretty close at that point so the range number wasn't even 001 when we tried it out. Point is that it worked as advertised. I think used in combination with TAD it would help to give you some perspective on distances. I was having a bit of trouble interpreting distance on the TAD- perhaps there's a number figure there somewhere that I wasn't seeing.

We both had other commitments to attend to so agreed that we'd do a formation landing. I got to take the lead in and overall it wasn't TOO bad. I touched down a tad on the hard side resulting in a blown L side tire. On reflection I probably should have dropped off the remainder of my groceries before I landed. I had a 10 and maybe a couple more 12s all on that side.



So after that a couple things I'll sort out is the mic switch (mic up is probably the best option), the trim settings... and get a bit more familiar with the cockpit.


Thanks again Einstein! Had a great time. See you in a week!

Great times here too, Eno. Looking forward to flying with you again when you get back.

Lies. All lies. Sim pilots may only trim infrequently but, in real aircraft, the strain of holding pressure against the controls can get pretty tiring pretty quickly.

The groceries were fine - I'm wondering if you blew the tire on takeoff: a takeoff roll with full brakes applied will do bad things to tires in real life - wonder if it's modeled in the sim?


I'll be here!

Seems like you guys had a fun time! Nice to see a new pilot being "welcomed" properly.

Eno, I do advise to re-map that trim hat back to trim (instead of view control) if you have TrackIR and a TM Warthog. I trim a lot during flight, at take-off to get the nose level, after ordnance release to compensate for decreased drag on one side, and so on. External views can easily be controlled with the mouse, ie when you move the mouse the view moves too.

You shouldn't have to adjust your seat height each time you fly -- just re-center your TrackIR. Unless you've edited your FOV settings in the .lua file?

Thanks Ice... I think that sounds like the right way to go. I do occasional recenters as well but for some reason I find I tend to drift downwards in the seat. Perhaps it's just bad posture?

And Einstein- Fortunately for another one of my many oversites (not activating steering in the first place) I think I was able to avoid the "take-off" blowout because the steering needed to be activated to (reversely) apply the brakes. In truth, I may have understated my "...a tad on the hard side." What I probably should have said was "I rolled in like a $#%#'n meteor and my left rear ate most of it."

All I can say is if this is the way the community welcomes all of its new members... Wow. Awesome.

Glad you have that sentiment. Hope to be able to fly with you guys sometime. I wonder when the next Fly-In is going to be...

I'm ready, too... But we don't have a server to invade. The 104th hasn't run theirs because of the 'stopped working' issues in mp, and I haven't heard from stallturn in a few weeks, he's prolly have too much summer fun down under in Kiwi land. But I'm ready to take a Friday vacation day - we could try to shoot for the last weekend of March...?

I'm running a small server on occasion - but still up to my eyeballs in mission design flag logic. I started my server last night before retiring but, once again, the puter had rebooted during the night, there's something in the sim that is causing this, I'm afraid. I did not have time this morning to check the Event Logs.

I will have my server up tonight, Friday, after work. It is on a DSL connection and so far it's limited to 4 A-10C slots.

If there is another squadron with a great internet connection and a DCS server and you want to help with a Fly In, please let us know!

Hope to catch some of you guys on SimHQ TS tonight - in about 7-8 hours.

Wrecking Crew

What time are you on, WC?

I have a huge connection, 980x machine with 6gigs that could probably host games with ease. If all that needs to happen is configuring it as a server with certain settings I could probably act as a hub? Is it that easy or is there more to it? What all is required?

Well, the server needs to run a big-ass mission (lots of targets for the many pilots) and needs to be online for two days to allow those on the other side of the globe to visit and blow stuff up. Aside from that, I'm not sure.

What's "huge", eno? I regularly get 20+ mbps down and 5-8 mbps up. It's the "up" pipe that can be limiting for most. For example, at 256 kbs, I could theoretically host 20 folks, but the truth is that network inefficiencies would cause significant lag long before then.



I can't remember the specific numbers, but rack-serves have huge upload rates, which is what makes them ideal servers. If only we could get a dedicated DCS server app!

I'm gone right now so I can't test it right this second- and it's plummed through a more restricted wireless... but if I had a reason I'd upgrade it I'd make it happen for sure.

My stats with the existing wireless are similar to what you're showing but I'm pretty sure with the proper connection to my existing connection we could make magic happen.

Also- is 6 gigs enough or would I need 12? Never hurts to have an excuse to spend a little money on RAM.

If someone provides the mission/s, I have no problem making a commitment to run a server. I had 4 i7 machines folding 24 hours a day for over a year, maxing the procs out in the meantime and gobbling up electricity. This should be a BREEZE!

Einstein:


This was the video I was talking about while we were flying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rGcn2XGr48&feature=related

Probably posted before... but good quality video and some good commentary.

eno,
I should have 4-5 missions done this month. While I'm loading them with 4 A-10C Clients, adding more for a beefy server is easy. Hmm, I don't have Black Shark and have not tried inserting any of those...

I'd pick March 23-25 for a Fly In (Fri-Sun), because there are no SimHQ Motorsports events scheduled.

I'm putting in mission triggers to track successes and to load the next mission automatically. Maybe we could do some free flight stuff, too, and run some formation scenarios. Einstein - would this weekend, Mar 23-25, work for CINCHOUSE?

So, eno, do you want to host the flight server? We typically start Friday evening US time and let the missions run into Sunday early morning...


I can prolly get a big mission, too, I know somebody.

WC

I think we need to figure out when we'll be able to sort this out in terms of getting it on my system soonest. I'm home tomorrow but probably won't be able to do much (beyond maybe a flight if someone is interested.) I'm coming off nights and my sleep pattern will be a bit off the charts so any critical thinking may not work out so well but I wouldn't mind a flight.

WC- That sounds really good. If you're prepared to put the work in to make something work out- I'll do my very best to ensure we've got an adequate platform to host with. If I need to go out and get a boatload of RAM and a bulletproof pipeline to ensure there's loads of data... I will do it. I have a couple of i7 machines that are prepared for the task and I can leave them running 24/7. Like I said, I was folding full time for about 2 years and this will be much less tax on all my resources. And still for a really good cause!

So in terms of hardware I think maybe the internet connection and RAM would be the biggest issue. The 980X OC'd should have no problem with whatever we can throw at it.

Just let me know what I need to beef up and I'll make it happen for the community.

As for the dates- unfortunately because I'm working away from home half the month (a week in, week out) I won't be able to "manage" the server. In such a case, I'll ensure that someone from the community (or a couple of folks) have the information necessary to log into it and get things rolling again in my absence. I use logmein and am familiar with it... it works reall well so that would be an option.

Looks very promising here. I guess we have a possible host for more Fly-Ins now.

I'm starting to get in deeper this amazing sim... (Thanks to the expertise of 1st VFW!)

So, it is possible I'd be seen more around SimHQ servers!

And I could even be more helpful to MY side than the enemy's!

I guess what I'm looking for on my end, gentlemen, is confirmation on what I need to upgrade / buy to make the computer run the game in a server state smoothly for a large-ish number of people? More RAM? The game is already loaded on an SSD with lots of room on it... I don't know what else could possibly help?

If my system is already good to go then... awesome!

One way to find out, eno.

When's the Mass Server test?

Lol yeah! Let's schedule a Eno Server Test Fly In!

This weekend! Yeah!!

WC

Hee hee I have a few dates to throw out -

March 23, 24, 25 - Friday-Sunday
April 27, 28, 29 - Friday-Sunday
May 25, 26, 27, 28 - Friday-Monday (Monday is a US holiday)


I do have permission to use a couple of longer missions that we had in the previous two Fly Ins. These are already set to handle 20+ clients (32?). These larger missions can easily run for 6 hours. Plus I have 2 now for testing on your server, eno - one will cycle on mission completion - but these are 4-client versions right now (easily increased). eno, I will send you a PM.

ONE thing I want to throw out to everyone - don't modify someone else's missions w/o their written (email is fine) permission, pullleaseee.

WC

Well- it wouldn't hurt to test an AS IS version. I'm heading down to Seattle for a competition on Friday night and I'll be gone pretty much until Monday afternoon- then I leave again Tuesday... But there's no reason I can't leave the computer on. Tomorrow would be a good day to get it sorted out- even during the day. WC... you in? Let's get this sorted!

I'm in if anyone else is around tonight! Logging on to TS3 now!

On another note I've done a speed test and as Einstein predicted my upload speed is similar to his but my download speed is huge. I have no problem going to the next plan up for a bit of extra dough but I'm pretty sure I'm being limited by my wireless connection.

My ping was 24, upload was 5 and my download was 72... My max is supposed to be "up to 10 download and 100 upload..." but that'll likely be hard connected until I get the updated wireless.

Anyway- are those numbers big enough to get things started at least with 4-12?

We'll get a test going - maybe late today.

I have a little tweaking to do and I'll send you the test mission. Maybe we can get some flight time in tonight - I had to work yesterday...

WC

Sorry for crashing your party, WC! Hope I didn't disrupt you guys too much.

eno, Pmike, that formation flying stuff was FUN. Love to do it again sometime.

Pmike, next time, try to keep your wingtips on. It's hard to keep in formation with you when your plane is spouting fire and smoke...although it did make spotting you at 10 Nmi a snap.

Yes... rejoining was proving to be very easy until you went all sub-terrainian on us.

Were you guys formation flying over the SA-15 without any weps again?


WC

I read somewhere that the sim didn't generate frag patterns for the Mk82 and it seems Pmike was putting that theory to the test. I don't know that I ever heard exactly how low he was when he dropped but suffice to say I think he was being "a little bit too aggressive."

hehe.

So I'm going to be setting up a server that I'll leave running over the weekend. WC generated the mission and I'll leave it open for 7 people (with me being one of them.) I wanted to start on a somewhat small scale so we can see how the system performance is. It SHOULD be fine- but I guess this will be the test.

I don't have servman yet but I'm reading into it and it doesn't seem like there's much to it. I do see there are certain codes and things that members need to know so I'm going to leave the normal server up while I'm away. I know my system is stable so it should be fine that way. I'll roll the dice and see if it works... I'll be in there under Eno's Wrecking Crew server or something to that effect. I'll set up a password for it so that only guys in this community will head over. I think you're all okay... Right? RIGHT?

I've also read that it helps to turn down graphics etc- probably to improve system performance so I'll do all that as well. Any other suggestions?

On another note- I did get around to making a few adjustments that some of you may need to know about as well.

I was saying earlier that my wheel brakes were reversed on my rudder pedals and I was scratching my head a bit as to how to make it not work in reverse. Well, apparently it's as easy as going in to do the axis tune and "inverting" the input. It now works perfectly.

Additionally, was having some trouble getting the trim features back to the HOTAS. Mine kept view controlling instead. So with Einstein walking me through it it was simply a case of:

Once in the control options- go to the bottom of the free view section on the Warthog HOTAS joystick column and remove everything involved in controlling the camera's directional inputs.

Then go into A10 Sim section under HOTAS, and navigate down to the base of the Warthog Joystick column again and clear those inputs as well (because as I learned today they had the modifier in them. Once cleared, just put them back in without the modifier and it should work just fine!

A simple exercise, really- but if you're brand new to it it never hurts to have a couple of the subtleties pointed out.

Yeah I did indeed frag myself and lost both wings in the process. The bird did roll very well without them This is what happens when I don't set TAAF!

eno -
There are only 4 A-10C client slots in that mission, so for a dedicated server set it up for 5 when launching the server. You can use 7 but the other two folks who join won't be able to get out of the Spectators lounge.

The last line of the Triggers needs to be modified to specify the right path and file name to the .miz file for the Mission Reload to work.

I'll see if I can squeeze in some more clients and a couple of Black Shark 2 clients as well. If/when I get er done I'll send it - hopefully before you have to leave for the w/e.

For the server name I've been using 'WCrews Nest'. I will use 'WCrews Nest (SimHQ TS)' when I'm also in SimHQ Teamspeak so folks will know where to meet up to get the password. Whether you want a password or not is up to you... I generally don't assign one, unless I'm in dev mode.

G/l in your w/e activities - have fun, be safe!

WC

Eh WC... sounds good. I'm no good at modifying things but if I gave you the path would you be able to send me the updated version of the missions?

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\dcs a-10c warthog\Missions\Multiplayer (just in case you can).

Hmm, interesting, you gave me a good idea, I think...

I've been using this path in Windows 7, not I'm not on Steam, too -
C:\Users\(my name)\Saved Games\DCS Warthog\Missions

Using the install directory would make the location of the missions common on both of my machines, and for a lot of other folks as well -
C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS A-10C\Missions\Multiplayer


WC

@WC,

You could add "Recommend using SimHQ's Teamspeak 3 (http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3137414.html). Free registration with SimHQ required." to the mission description that shows up on the Master Server log.

Oh and WC... Originally I was thinking I'd leave the whole game on my SSD- which is what I thought back when I said it was on my SSD... but I forgot I moved it over to my STEAM folder because it's basically stored through my normal directory (C: etc) but then that folder is assigned to a larger hard drive. If I go about this completely I'll just grab another SSD and keep it on that for the massive read speeds!

So... Are you saying that if I keep the game where I currently have it stored I will be impeding other people's systems loading it up properly? Or does it not matter that mine are different than yours (provided I get it updated on my end).

No, eno,
In our case, that trigger command to reload mission will need to be modified for your server. But it's easy.

Look for an email.

WC

Okay... all sorted out. Turns out I had two versions installed. I think at some point I just said "AFI" and left it on the SSD without deleting the version I had stored on my bigger drive. Anyway, regardless.

WC and I got things squared away so my server will be up throughout the weekend with the 5 slots- one for me. Also, I'll be leaving enough info with WC and Einstein that if things go sideways they can come in and get the issues sorted out on my comp. If you can't trust these guys- who can you trust?!

Password to get into that server is simply: go

I'm not seeing eno's server, suspect the TCP and UDP posrts are not open.

The Nuke Plant mission now has 8 A-10C clients Air & Ramp Starts, and 2 Black Sharks Ramp Start. This is running on my server...

WC

Would that be my av affecting that?

Still looking for eno's server or something like 'WCrews Nest',
is there any update on availability?

No, it's port settings on your internet modem - assigned to the particular computer that is the A-10C server. But, your AV may *also* block the access - you may need to Alt-Tab out of A-10C to see a dialog box about allowing the program to go through to the internet.

---


Shadow -
Sorry about that... my whole house was down on Saturday as I was rearranging my systems and installing some new hardware. Then the wife goes and invites the neighbors for cocktails and my schedule went into a tumbler with ice.

WC

Well I showed up back home now and noticed my computer has restarted... probably due to a wind storm that has left evidence of itself all over town.

Anyway, I'm going to go into my router and see if I can ensure those ports are open.

Okay- so in my router I went and stated that "port 10308 to port 10308 be open on both TCP and UDP" / forwarded to the IP address for this computer. I'm going to put the server back up again in hopes that someone will be able to see it!

I'm up and in TS3 on blue if anyone wants to come in for a flight.

Okay folks... need some help.

Like I said above I've done multiple levels of intervention here and I'm still not able to broadcast a server as checked out by WC. What I have done:

1) on my sisco router, I've gone into the game area and port forwarded 10308 to the ip my computer is reading through IPCONFIG in the dos prompt. Actually it was "from" port "to" port... and I said 10308 for both. Both TCP and UDP sides.

2) Excluded DCS A-10 through my AV (Eset AV).

What more could there be that is inhibitting my ability to serve?!

eno -

lots of info here -
MP issues


I'm still going through this post...

I searched DCS A-10C Forum for 'cisco'

WC

--- edit ---
Well, the best I got from that was to upgrade the firmware on the Cisco internet router.

Panzertard makes some good comments about TCP & UDP -
another link

--- edit #2 ---
And in another post someone said their's worked after rebooting the *router*.

eno - if you can, put up your server asap and that will give it about an hour until I can get home to see if it shows up... WC

Won't be able to for a bit. I'm currently in transit from the west coast to northern Alberta. It'll be a couple hours yet.

Just so the rest of you are up to speed- if anyone is waiting on news of a dedicated server... the one hiccup we've run into is that we can't seem to project / display the image of the game through logmein. We've discovered UltraVNC- which apparently does project the images that the free version of logmein doesn't appear to. I do have the question in with logmein as to whether or not the pro version does reproduce the game / server graphics... still waiting. The Pro version can stream full HD content so I can't imagine that this is beyond the realm of possibility but I'm not sure that HD is the limitation here.

Anyway- other than that I think we're set. Logmein wouldn't be such a big deal except that I work away from home a week at a time and there is concern that if the server goes down we'll be unable to get it going for a week at a time.

Hope all is well for everyone... we'll keep you posted.

Had a Late Night last night!

All ten slots were filled on my server - 8 A-10Cs and 2 Ka-50s - that was a good test.

Tonight we will test out Eno's server. There will likely be some start/stops until we get it going, but I anticipate that it won't take too long to get it running.


Things are firming up for a short-notice Fly In this weekend. If you are thinking about joining us then please get your SimHQ account registered now so you can get to the SimHQ TeamSpeak settings. If you wait for the weekend it may be too late to get a registration response.

Hope to see a bunch of you on-line starting Friday evening.


Slowhand my old friend great to fly with you again after so many years since Hyperlobby and LOMAC!


Wrecking Crew

I'm hoping to join WC, I signed up for TS on SimHQ the other day when I first tried connecting to you, do I have to do anything further to be able to try the fly in? I'm gonna try and join you tonight if you're online. I'm on Atlantic time, I think that puts me +2 hrs past Colorado.

Hi tomcat,
That should do it - you have already been into the DCS Multiplayer Lobby so your account there is set up, too.

We'll see you soon!

WC

I see Eno's server on, with 3 guys in. Can someone PM me the password?

Get onto SimHQ TS.

WC

Wait for meeeee!

In TS3 now.

Sorry boys- I don't think that's mine. Funny there's another Eno in there though!

I ALSO have one up with the wrecking crew Nuke Plant mission mentioned- trying to figure out if I'm visible yet. I adjusted my router settings to open ports 38108-38109 I think it was... so that should be open.


See you guys in TS3 soonest. PW: go

lol

I'm at work and this thread is making me delegate stuff so I can get home early.

Yes please!


See you soon! The GF is painting so I have a green light to rock and roll.

...still working the issues... making some progress, I think...

WC

Ugh. Spent the night in the ER last night with the little guy. Nothing terribly serious, but may have his SECOND broken leg! And he's only 2-1/2!

I'm out for any Saturday flying, but may be free for periods of time on Sunday, if there is anything going on.

Holy Crap Einstein- cut the cord! He's 2... He can take care of himself. We need you out here!

Just kidding of course- hope the little guy is okay! He have milk sensitivity or calcium issues or is he always just full bore all over the place?


Heading in now for TS3... heard ICE, Tomcat, Slowhand and maybe WC might be in for some earlier flying. Maybe see you there.

Also, seems I had my IP for this rig wrong- so I'm trying the server thing out again. WC suggested it might be a wireless issue between my computer and the router. I'm getting another copy of DCS so I can install the server on a whole other computer in another room... it's still a beefy one with the huge-ish connection, an I7 950 @ >4Ghz and a decent amount of RAM... nice thing about that is I can downgrade all the settings to ensure quick service.

Hope to see some of you in tonight!

Got family in for dinner - will be there in a couple hours...


Einstein, hope the little Einstein is OK. At least at that age those breaks heal quick.

WC

Mannnn I can NOT connect to WCs server. No idea why. It sits at the loading mission screen and then says Server Ping Timeout after a minute or so. I've even tried directly connecting to my modem with it to ensure its not a router issue.. Is the mission still full of extra action WC?

That is strange... have you had issues going into other servers? You may need to exclude your A10 from your AV scans and integrated firewall if you have such a thing.

It does take awhile to load... but I just connected without issue.

I bought the second license for A10 from steam because they have a deal on it now... but it keeps telling me I already have it so I can't get the registration key... rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Anyway I'm over in WC server now... come on to TS3 if you get it sorted out or even if you don't. Maybe we can help each other out.

I only run MSIE, and it's off when I play A-10. I just added Dcs.exe (Launcher.exe was already there by default) to Windows firewall but it made no difference. And I connected to another game just fine after doing this tweaking. Hmm. I have a port set up in my router too, "A-10C" points to my rig at port 10308.

Just got back from dinner,,,

tc, the server is FULL, but you still should be able to get into the lobby. Maybe your ISP is blocking my ISP??? I'm on Century Link DSL (old Qwest). Only say that since you can access other mp servers.

hee hee I can't get into a slot! Nice to see all of the interest.

WC

Slots are open...

Eno looks stuck,,,

tc, no, this is not that suspect mission - it is the stable one. PM me and I'll give you my IP if you want to talk to your ISP about the connection.

WC

Thatd be great WC, even if I could ping your machince it might provide a hint. I'm 2, maybe 3 hours ahead of you but I'll be on this evening if you wanna make a quick attempt to see what's going on. Thanks in advance!

You do not need to open ports if you are just connecting, only if you're hosting.

Eno, there is something wrong with how internet traffic is "routed" to your server. Either it is a router problem (not forwarding it to your PC) or an ISP problem (I've heard of ISP blocking certain ports or certain types of traffic). I would hope that it is just a router problem. Can you post info of your router here? Name, model number, and maybe router software version?

Well I got my second registration key working and the other computer is running a server as well... but same problem. WC Suggested it is because the computers are on running wireless but I wanted to try a work around before I totally re-engineer the system I have configured now.

I am running two routers right now- both cisco. The one from the Cable to internet is a Cisco DPC3825 and the other, basically a dual band, is a Cisco E4200. The latter is running the latest software... have to double check on the former but it's no telling me there are any updates.

I'm also running ESET- which isn't allowing me to choose individual ports to leave open... or at least I'm unsure of how to do it so I'm looking into that.

Also worth mentioning may be the fact that I'm using the wireless Asus N13 USB dongle for the main comp from before... normal PCI wireless on the other. Not under the impression those have anything to do with it unless someone can tell me for certain that this game doesn't serve over wireless. At that point I'll make the move, but until then I'd like to get this sorted out some other way.


Thanks again for the help boys.



EDIT: Well- I can see it on the LAN side of things but it's not broadcasting out... Does that mean anything?

I got it working!!!!!! Had to reboot the routers and had a couple other considerations but all good now,

My PC connection to the router/internet is via wireless.

So you got it sorted now? When's the fly-in?

Well, I have two working missions. Had three but one is ship-centric and it's prone to frequent 'Stopped working' issues - waiting for the next patch to see if that is fixed.

Each mission has 4 A-10C Cold Starts, 4 Warm, and 4 Ka-50 Cold Starts. In one the Ka-50s are Blue, the other - Red. Let me know of any comments on the designs.

Eno, I need to modify the new mission and then I'll send them your way today - hope to check them out on your end.

Had good participation last night. There was stuttering at times of big explosions - don't know if that's from my DSL connection or Friday night Internet traffic - I'd not seen it like that before. At the end of the night, the new mission auto-flipped over to the other one, but then w/in 10 minutes we got a Stopped working hang and called it a night. That makes me suspicious that maybe I shouldn't call a different mission from one that is ending.


WC

Sounds good. I need a reminder on how to modify the mission to run into the next mission. I tried yesterday but forgot. Send it to me and I'll load it.

Hey Eno, if you ever get your server up and running I'd like to give it a try since I can't get on WC's. Mind PMing me when that happens?

Going to be doing some upgrades today. Got a new SSd for the monster rig and I'll move the existing SSd to the soon to be server rig. Hope to have that done today- but I won't have the server up for a bit as a result.

Okay TC... should be good to go. I'm on a 5ghz wireless connection... and running off a brand new Intel 520, 180GB SSD- Should have awesome performance across the spectrum.

With that being said- I don't think the game is configured to loop- unless WC adjusted that with the update he sent me the last time.

I'll be around back and forth to make sure it's running... but might not be able to actively get into it until later.


Password same as before! (go)

OK, sent the latest missions to Eno...

WC

Are we going to try and meet on his server or yours WC? I just got things up and running again, including that pesky Landing Gear Transition Horn Silence, but I didn't see your server.

Edit:
I just saw your server and after a new HDD and fresh install of both Win 7 AND subsequently A-10, I still get the ping timeout. Looks like it's a no go, which is unfortunate since yours is the one I want to connect to. Maybe Eno's will work.

Hey WC, great fun flying tonight, I learned a lot! I couldn't get back on after I installed the MS Security Essentials though, I'll try some more tomorrow though. Didn't see Enos server, guess there's still some kinks to work out but I hope I can connect easily to it once it's set up. Very dd that I was on for hours on yours, was a blast! Thanks again!!

Sorry boys. Found out later that my router from my ISP doesn't play well with others. I've called and they have fixed it on their end- but still having some issues. Just need to power cycle a few things I think. Now their router is no longer a router so I'm not trying to get two routers to do what I need. Still having some issues but I have tomorrow to work out the kinks.

God when this thing gets working we will be golden. The guy from my ISP suggested a business account here too to help upload speeds. Says it would cost the same as upgrading residential. Worth a look.

Sigh.

Every time I watch these missions play out I see something else to improve upon. Nuke Plant is pretty stable, though. I'm sending a newer Road Kill to Eno...

WC

I have a "test drive" server up- under the same name as before. I have one nagging issue and that is the wireless connection- I have never had any outages on it the way it's set up right now but if I find it to be problematic I'll address it.

Long story short on this issue in case others have it later as well with their own ISPs. Ice had hit it pretty close to the mark when he said that it may be the service provider. In this case it wasn't necessarily them blocking the traffic per se- but basically the cisco router they provide- the DPC3825- is, as the name suggest, a router. Because I already had purchased a rather handsome E4200 I was hesitant to dismiss it... so I simply plugged the DPC3825 into the wall and plugged the 4200 into that... port forwarded from the computer to the 4200, then the 4200 through to the 3825 (getting those addresses sorted out was tricky)... and then it seemed to work okay. But intermittently.

I was reading a bit about this problem and found out that the ISP tech support can quickly "push" an update to the router that essentially rips the "router" guts out of the 3825 and makes it what it's supposed to be for my application- something called Bridge Mode. The tech told me that both routers were having a bit of a territory dispute and that there was no wonder in his mind why I was having so much trouble. So he pushed that update to me in about 5 minutes and that problem was solved.

Or was it? I tried to get the server up last night and wasn't having any luck. Argh.

This morning I fiddled with my AV (ESET)- and getting in to open the port was a bit of an issue but now that I've done it I'm a bit embarassed. I disabled the firewall entirely and found the server was up and running with no hassle. Okay- so now I've figured out the problem. I then went in to the configuration table within ESET and was able to isolate the one port.

So I left the port open through the AV firewall- which I had done before but I had one oversight with regards to setting the exclusion and switching it back to auto mode. There is, in fact, a setting that allows for "auto mode with exclusions." Duh.

I hope I've nailed it this time, guys... honestly- I'm really excited to have a full time server up and I definitely have the machine to do it. If it's running well I'll upgrade my connection to a "business account" that allows for more upload speed. I already have about 10 times the download speed I could ever want to use- but the upload speed, if we're going to do this properly, is leaving a bit to be desired. The guy on the phone told me that to upgrade to the "broadband 250" would be a waste of money if all I wanted to do was increase upload speed. He said the business accounts are a lot easier to adjust to a person's needs and also gives priority support services- not going to lie up here their service support is cataclysimically slow... so in theory I'd be upgrading to accommodate larger servers- but really I'd just like the better support!

Take a look at the server and go in for a quick flight to try it out... I'd like to know about any instability or lagging issues.

Thanks guys.

Hey Eno, I just spent a few minutes on your server. No issues on my end, quickly joined it, no apparent lag, good FPS. I bullied a ZU-23/SA-8 group I found and disconnected. No issues at all, it's great!

I just got in and tested Eno's server. Nice! Ping's around 220+ for me though so that means a bit of stuttering. No worries, I've flown in 300+ ping servers before

IIRC some people over at ED forums suggested turning all eye candy down in the server so that it has less to worry about. And since you got two copies of the game, why not install one on the server machine, set it up accordingly (all on low!), then start up a server. Might help with reducing the bandwidth load or something.

Oh, and why not PW-protect the server? This one was open for all.

Eh Ice... I saw you visited. A couple of answers to your questions:

I do have the "server" machine dumbed down to all the lowest graphics. Unfortunately what I'm learning now is the signal strength tends to drop to 2 bars on me... suggesting instability. When I had it running earlier I was getting interruptions and people were being kicked from the game. So temporarilly I've switched the server over to my main machine. I'm leaving tomorrow and will dummy down all the settings before I leave but for now I'll leave them up so that I can game tonight if possible!

It should still be awesome- still running off an SSD- what I'm struck with now is the problem involving if I go wireless to the server machine, I'll crash. If I bring the hardline over to the server machine it will likely cause issues on my main machine so when I play it from the main machine on wireless (with the router farther away the wireless will be too) I may have instability. Argh.

Anyway- for now and at least the next 10 days I'll have it on my main machine and with a good, close, solid 5ghz wireless. Tonight if I'm not playing I'll switch the graphics down.

As for the PW protect issue- I will do that once I know I can run it stable. I'm just letting people play it right now so I can get more feedback. Every so often I go in and ask everyone if it's running alright. Seems to be so far all is good!

Hi Eno or anyone else, I'm DA while in A-10 - my real initials. I haven't figured out how to update my name yet, I think it's tied to my username at ED where I purchased the sim. Anyone know if that's possible? I've updated the name section at ED but it's had no effect.

Eno, put in a router or switch (not a hub) and wire both pcs. WiFi is great and all, but it isn't always very good for gaming, especially if high bandwidth is needed. For the most part, a lot of these routers aren't able to handle high throughput because their radios will overheat, and their processors just aren't all up to snuff for the load.

You name in-game? Go to 'options' in the MP interface, rather than clicking 'client'.

Thanks GG! I'll give it a whirl.

It's up- as usual pw is simply: go

Wc and I were in there earlier and gave plant 1 and 2 a run for it but I got tagged by someone as I was making a Mav run. Blew away a bunch of fligh control surfaces, mfd, etc... Wc joined up on me and lead me to the air base where I found out all my landing gear tires were shredded. I made it down but it was ugly.

Should have jettisoned my ordinance but forgot. Next time!

Awesome flight and great experience though. Very immersive.

Eh guys.

Well on the server side here's what is going down:

Turns out the server side of the program doesn't like it when you swtich users in windows- which is something I'm going to need to do while I'm not at home. So, to accommodate the needs of a full time server I've dropped down the settings on my monster machine and floated it out there with the normal password: go

I will look into doing what needs to be done with the cable to have it hard wired. Frankly I'd rather have it directly connected to the net for reliability... just not an option at this point- at least until I get back home. I can't check on it right now- but it should be running full.

Let me know if there are issues- at the very least I can walk the GF through the problem solving process and try to keep things running.

Just send me her number and I can contact her while you are away.

Jody




j/k ENO!

604-431-57.... Hey wait a minute! That's not the right number! It's 614...

Kidding aside- it should be maximum badness. The server, I mean!


On another note- just preordered my gtx 680... Those of you who recently purchased a 580 may want to engage the bump up program from evga- assuming you bought from them, it's actually cheaper or at least the same cost as the 580 and trounces it across the board!

Worth a look!

.

I'd rather that the server did not have a password. Comments?

I can add a repeating message - that says something like, "Register free at SimHQ.com to join the Teamspeak server."

WC

Lol, using the server as a recruiting tool? Well, works either way. Just wanted to fly in a "controlled environment," and have guys on TS. Nothing more annoying than coming in a server, noticed several targets have been worked on, and have to ask guys for updates via chat.

Doesn't bother me if there's a password, especially one as short as the one Eno came up with. I kinda like the idea of being more likely to fly with people I'm familiar with if I'm honest. You know, Internet familiar with. Also Ice, I know I still owe you a flight, we'll do that some time for sure!

So server with ts info? Thats fair... I can do that if that's what the community wants.

I guess we are not going to get too many comments from non-SimHQ members about whether to use a password or not


We need an event.

Eno will you be available for a weekend in the latter part of April? Say Friday evening through Saturday night - the 20th or 27th?


Wrecking Crew

A post older than 24 hours is considered stale on this forum, eh?


Server passwords protect players from jerkwads and griefers (like the guy that played demolition derby with me on the taxiway that one night). Put the Teamspeak info in the mission description and decent folks can hop on and ask for the password.

[edit: by "Teamspeak info" in the above paragraph, I meant to say that folks could put a comment like "Check on SimHQ's TS3 server" in their mission or server description, not the actual SimHQ TS3 login info. As Ice points out in his response below, and in my response below that, sharing SimHQ TS3 login information with folks not registered on SimHQ is a serious offense and will be punished. Sorry for any confusion!]

What makes you say that?

Much as I don't like being "elitist" in any way, I would strongly campaign a password-protected server for these same reasons. BTW, note that the SimHQ TS3 details being shared by posting it on the mission description is considered a "no-no," as I recall from conversations with WC during one of the Fly-Ins. Can't quite remember why, but it was how the SimHQ mods wanted it and WC respected that request. So the only way they can come it is to sign up on SimHQ, find the TS3 details, then hop on to the server. Or even just come onto this thread and discover the password.

<admin mode>
Sharing of SimHQ TS3 login information with users who are not registered SimHQ users is a violation of the SimHQ Forums Use Agreement. Users found violating this rule may be subject to punishment including permanent banishment from SimHQ forums and the TS3 server.

Providing a link to the SimHQ forum site with the TS3 connection information ( http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3137414.html ) is perfectly acceptable, as only registered users have access to this site.

Indicating that a server or mission or squadron recommends usage of the SimHQ TS3 site is also perfectly acceptable and requires no advance approval from SimHQ or its staff.
</admin mode>

My experience with unpassworded servers has been largely good, but it only takes one jerk to ruin everyone's night. Having active admins with the capability and willingness to quickly kick/ban griefers will greatly reduce the risk as well as keep the game open to "everyone". Auto-kick tools are nice, but never cover all the caes and seem to backfire more often than they help, IMHO.

Who runs the server can kick players.

If someone on my server gives out the SimHQ TS IP address they will get kicked if I see it, and I will report them to Einstein. Any advertisement of the SimHQ TS information in my missions will be to the Multiplayer Teamspeak thread as Einstein commented on above, and you must be a member to get to see the details.

Anyone know if the text chat is logged on the server or clients?

---

The comment I made about not hearing from non-SimHQ members is because they can't post!


When I first went into mp servers for A-10C I found that Moa's open stallturn server was a great place to fly. Many good people helped to answer my questions and also gave unsolicited advice that was much appreciated. I ran my server last night w/o a password and had three other folks in, too, all of us having a grand time (Eno's server was not available). If we run a 'SimHQ' passworded server then I suggest that it won't see four pilots in it together unless we schedule an event.


I'm sure that guy did not mean it EP. But, yes, every so often a jerk comes along.


WC

Valid points on both sides. So which one is it?

Thanks for the clarification re the comment, WC! Makes sense in hindsight!


Whether or not to use a password is completely up to the golden rule: "He who has the gold, makes the rules." In this case, whoever is ponying up the server can set whatever password scheme they'd like: no password, short/common password, 128-character password changed hourly, etc. I, for one, will fully support whichever way Wreck or Eno decide to go and will be very thankful for the service they're providing the community.

So, in advance, thanks guys! (psst...What's the password?)

I vote for passworded server for the majority of the time, then maybe have special events and make it an open server. The idea of having a SimHQ member configure a server should be so that SimHQ members have a server to fly in, not to have yet another free open server.

Granted it is easy enough to host a server for pickup flights, and having a dedicated server might mean it is empty most of the time.... hmmm... so maybe an open server most of the time, and lock it down whenever we have a SimHQ event?

Damn, this is confusing!

- Ice,
Anytime you want a private party let me know! And Eno can run my missions however he would like to. I can see the case where everyone needs to be on TARS, for instance.

---

On another note - designing missions is pretty durn fun because it involves a lot of logic: group naming, flags and zones and triggers, programming waypoints and WP actions and options, loadouts, WEATHER-just-wait!, and balance such that if the Clients don't do it right they lose.

So far I have two good working ones that are in final stages, one with ships that crashes (or sinks, whatever), and a couple up my sleeve. These have 12 slots - 4 Ka-50s (allied or opposing depending on the mission), and 8 A-10Cs in Cold Start and Warm / Air Start slots.

WC

Ewwww..... that sounded nasty.


Anyway, WC, no need for a private party, though I was referring to the Fly-In as one of those we should be locking down. Last time we flew, there were about 10-12 guys on the server, but only about 4 of us were on TS. Didn't do much for co-operation.

Would love to test out your mission though! How many pilots are you designing it for?

Uh-oh, you set Einstein into AD209 mode! 20 seconds to comply!!

I'll try to be more clear - I will gladly supply my missions to Eno to run on his server and will respect his desires to control the access to that server - it's his after all. If he's running a password and I want to run my server open then that's OK. I prefer open for reasons stated. Love and kisses all around.

---

I added repeating announcements to my missions about using the SimHQ TS server for voice comms.

There sure seems to be a reload problem. A number of times now I've looked at my server in the morning after letting it run through the night and found it to have a DCS Stopped Working message - happened again this morning. I've also seen this in person. Don't know if a better Internet connection will help, need to test it more on Eno's. We'll get a copy of the mission to DCS if it continues after the next patch release.

---

- Ice - 12 slots - 8 A-10Cs and 4 Ka-50s. I'm prolly pushing my connection with that many but the most I've had is about 6 Clients so far.


WC

It isn't a connection issue.

I'm going to try and join either of them tonight. I meant to tell you WC, that airfield defense mission is fun, in spite of the $&@% anti air. I just had the idea to toss a CBU over a hill using CCRP, can that be done? I'm gonna try it myself single player, might be a good tactic.. IE mark a target from a safe distance and alt and then decend into the grass and lob it from the safe side of a hill for masking?

If the hill is close enough to the target, yes. It's an A-10 though, you won't have much speed to play with.

EEeeeewwwww.... Brokeback mountain... lololol... just pulling your leg.

Regarding the reload problem, I used to fly with a bunch of guys and it seemed that reloading a new or different mission would cause a crash, but reloading the same mission didn't. It's probably that? WC, my main beef with large MP-oriented missions is that to deal with increased number of pilots, most mission builders simply increase the number of targets, but do not "expand" the storyline to cover it. In other words, it simply becomes a practice range with pilots seeking to get the most kills --- no attempt at tactics, formation flying, or any of the other stuff that makes this sim more than just "kill stuff while in an airplane." Anyway, looking forward to testing your mission. Heck, looking forward to simply flying again!


So what is it then?

Lofting CBUs is possible. Heck, lofting dumb bombs (MK82s) is possible, though you need to be really accurate with an -82 while a CBU pretty much gives you a "shotgun" approach. The main challenge with a CBU loft now is "resetting" the CBU as you climb. I've not done this for a while so my memory is hazy, but IIRC, if you are below your CBU burst height, you will get an invalid fuzing message. Why not lower the burst height? Because your CBU will be less effective. IME, any burst height below 800 suxx, I usually set mine to 1,200-1,500 feet. Obviously you are below this altitude on ingress, so you get the invalid fuzing message. Once you start your pop up climb, you have to "reset" this invalid fuzing somehow -- can't remember exactly, but I seem to recall having to cycle through the weapons again. Anyway, you have to reset quick because your release cue is fast approaching! Pickle, slice away, then back in the weeds.

Do-able, fun, exciting, and leaves you with a rush and a big sense of accomplishment.

One thing to remember though --- lofting does not increase your range. Well, it does, but negligible distance. So you are pretty close and pretty low to the target when you pickle. All the lofting does is allow you a low-alt ingress and egress.

Whatever else it might be, it isn't the connection. A poor connection should not be causing the server to CTD. Client disconnections, notifications of not being connected to Master Server, sure, but not crashes.

- Ice,
Of what you said I am suspicious.

GG, in Road Kill things get very busy as the RDR forces surround the air base and last night my Client machine hung up but my server kept chugging through, laggy as heck, but it did not disconnect.


There are victory conditions - for both Blue and Red - in the Road Kill mission. tomcat, if you don't kill the convoys they will capture the base.

There's this pilot - walker - who keeps killing all the convoys and thwarting my evil mission plans to re-capture the Sochi-Adler air base - arrrg! Stayed up till almost midnight to see the RDR victorious and then walker shows up and ruins my plans by defending the base for the BLF! walker - you are a *good* shot (but the active runway is 24!).


So I have this suspicion that reloading a different mission just might be an issue where reloading the same mission may not be.


I have a hot dinner date tonight (sushi yum yum) with a lovely lady but before I head out I'll start Road Kill. Eno is still out at work so it'll be on my server. Hope to see you on line when I get back.


WC

How many units in-game? What are the (enforced) scene settings?

How much area are these units spread over? (A lot of units occupying or traversing a lot of land may cause problems. I don't think the current terrain engine can handle that because it has to load terrain around any unit present, but that's just my educated guess). The same may apply to loading a different mission (resources loaded by previous mission may not be released). This is just edumacated speculation though.