HARM target selection
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Here is the video I’ve been watching. To begin, how accurate is version 4.34 vs 4.35 when it comes to HARM targeting? I’m asking because it seems that not much has changed between these two versions.
At time frame 10:40, there are two targets in his Left MFD. He selects the SA-3 by moving the target cage (not certain of the correct term) over the “3” and selecting it. He uses the term “TMS it up”. How did he do that? This is the part I can’t understand. Perhaps it’s because I’m using BMS 4.35 and he is using 4.34? In any case I’m scratching my head so anything you can share to clear this up will be appreciated.
Lastly, the video below is a tutorial using BMS 4.35 but I must admit I’m having some trouble understanding this guy when he’s speaking. At frame: 12:10 you can see in his Right MFD he’s controlling the targeting box over the emitters.
Now, how different are version 4.34 & 4.35? Can I rely on both or just the latest, 4.35?Thanks.
Hi, Persius,
Let’s answer your last question first-HAS is not too different in 4.35 but HAD sure is( see below)
TMS is the HOTAS command given to select a target, just like if you’re designating something or radar, etc. I believe it’s shift+home on BMS-Full and is easily set, especially with the Alternate Launcher.
I mentioned HAD is different(very) in 4.35. Highpoints for me is the whole PGM thing and that a red square on the 4.35 HAD Display mean HTS has handed off to the HARM and not that the SAm is tracking
May I recommend you look in the 4.35 Dash-34 Manual, pp.199-221( especially p.209[HAS],p.211[HAD], and 221[TMS up and other switchology). See if that answers your questions, and let us know if not -
Here is the video I’ve been watching. To begin, how accurate is version 4.34 vs 4.35 when it comes to HARM targeting? I’m asking because it seems that not much has changed between these two versions.
At time frame 10:40, there are two targets in his Left MFD. He selects the SA-3 by moving the target cage (not certain of the correct term) over the “3” and selecting it. He uses the term “TMS it up”. How did he do that? This is the part I can’t understand. Perhaps it’s because I’m using BMS 4.35 and he is using 4.34? In any case I’m scratching my head so anything you can share to clear this up will be appreciated.
Lastly, the video below is a tutorial using BMS 4.35 but I must admit I’m having some trouble understanding this guy when he’s speaking. At frame: 12:10 you can see in his Right MFD he’s controlling the targeting box over the emitters.
Now, how different are version 4.34 & 4.35? Can I rely on both or just the latest, 4.35?Thanks.
dear peraius.
As I told earlier.
1. video 1 MFD shows HAS mode. take it like an advanced RWR. threats popup. you slew the cursor and bug and then bang…
2. video 2 MFD is displaying HAD. which is only possible via HTS.Advice.
pls read manuals and go through all TE one by one before watching any video. many guys making YouTube videos are much more advanced than you and me… the advanced employment tactics they use will rather confuse than help.
So Read the manuals and do the trick… once you have mastered then watch videos to compare not learn.feel free to comeback anytime…
happy landings. -
I think the HARM training is a pretty good first “live fire” training mission … it’s a modern smart-weapon that is a little more user-friendly than mavericks or sidewinders or bombs. But it still has a few different modes to manage, and explore.
TMS up
If you have an ordinary joystick, this is where realistic sims like BMS become difficult… the real HOTAS controls have a variety of 4-way switches and hats, that we don’t have. TMS, DMS, CMS, the Comms switch … cursor-slew … I forget what else.
I think TMS-up is [shift+Home] on the default keyboard layout. Think of it as the “lock this target” command. But TMS is probably the most complex, overloaded switch on the stick … different weapons have very different modes and behaviors. There is a big flowchart diagram in the docs, outlining all the functions in various master-modes…
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The training manual associated with its HARM TE mission should answer your question, it did for me.
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Hi guys.
I think I’m starting to get the hang of things but a few questions remain.
I’ve been trying to do HARM training in “Instant Action”. I set up myself as a “recruit” so I’m invulnerable. Each time I power up the HARMS there are no threats circles on the map and this was causing tremendous confusion. I was looking for the SAM sites but nothing showed up yet at the same time a dozen missiles were launching at me. When I started the HARM tutorial then the circle threats appeared as they were supposed to. Interestingly the manual does not mention this.Ok. I managed to launch the HARM and hit my first SAM-2. but questions surfaced so I’m hoping you’ll be able to assist once again. This time I’m on the right track finally.
To begin, I printed out the keyboard shortcuts for BMS 4.35 so I’m relying on them for all that I do.First question.
TMS? What exactly does that do for me with target selection? I found the keyboard keys for it but I’m still not 100% certain what that command does. I have the option for: TMS up/down/left/right. With that being said, I also noticed DMS & CMS. What do those do? I know, somebody is going to say “read up on it in the manual”. Ok, but I have 4 various manuals in my DOCS directory and I have no idea where I’m looking. Reading those manuals causes more frustration than good. I’ve picked up more from training videos than the manuals.Second question.
I’m able to slew my curser over the designated targets i.e. SAM-2, SAM-3 etc. However, I don’t know what key I need to press in order to lock it up with? My only option right now is to run through all the waypoints until the SAM I need locks and highlights in the MFD, clearly this takes too long. I’ve attached a screenshot to illustrate the icon I’m looking for. This icon is positioned over the target and then there is a way to lock the target but I don’t know which key is required or better yet what the command for that is so I can look it up on the keyboard shortcuts.As a side note, I understand the purpose of the TBL OSB. Each number down the left column represents the various SAM’s. This part is clear and I’m good with it.
Ok. That’s it for now. I’m confident that once I understand the above I’ll be able to apply it to the Mavericks and other weapons.
Thanks again.
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Hi persius,
I think the big-picture concept you’re missing is that TMS, DMS, CMS etc are the names of the actual switches on the actual F-16 stick.
https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-5161b1c0063669bf9fa47b9ad1708197
Without spending ~$300 to get one of those, pilots like you and me have to get by with awkward keyboard combos or clever dx-shifted button bindings, to simulate the operation of those switches.
TMS (target-mgmt switch) does a lot of different things for different weapons and modes… but in the abstract, you can think of TMS-up as “lock this target” and TMS-down as “unlock the current target”.
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Hi guys.
I think I’m starting to get the hang of things but a few questions remain.
I’ve been trying to do HARM training in “Instant Action”. I set up myself as a “recruit” so I’m invulnerable. Each time I power up the HARMS there are no threats circles on the map and this was causing tremendous confusion. I was looking for the SAM sites but nothing showed up yet at the same time a dozen missiles were launching at me. When I started the HARM tutorial then the circle threats appeared as they were supposed to. Interestingly the manual does not mention this.Ok. I managed to launch the HARM and hit my first SAM-2. but questions surfaced so I’m hoping you’ll be able to assist once again. This time I’m on the right track finally.
To begin, I printed out the keyboard shortcuts for BMS 4.35 so I’m relying on them for all that I do.First question.
TMS? What exactly does that do for me with target selection? I found the keyboard keys for it but I’m still not 100% certain what that command does. I have the option for: TMS up/down/left/right. With that being said, I also noticed DMS & CMS. What do those do? I know, somebody is going to say “read up on it in the manual”. Ok, but I have 4 various manuals in my DOCS directory and I have no idea where I’m looking. Reading those manuals causes more frustration than good. I’ve picked up more from training videos than the manuals.Second question.
I’m able to slew my curser over the designated targets i.e. SAM-2, SAM-3 etc. However, I don’t know what key I need to press in order to lock it up with? My only option right now is to run through all the waypoints until the SAM I need locks and highlights in the MFD, clearly this takes too long. I’ve attached a screenshot to illustrate the icon I’m looking for. This icon is positioned over the target and then there is a way to lock the target but I don’t know which key is required or better yet what the command for that is so I can look it up on the keyboard shortcuts.As a side note, I understand the purpose of the TBL OSB. Each number down the left column represents the various SAM’s. This part is clear and I’m good with it.
Ok. That’s it for now. I’m confident that once I understand the above I’ll be able to apply it to the Mavericks and other weapons.
Thanks again.
Threat rings these are setup manually in the BMS UI by right clicking on the map and select “Set Preplanned Threat Stpt” you then get a little green rectangle shape on the map right clicking that again you can select Status and than select from the dropdown list which will add the ring to that PPT acording to your selction. Once you click DTC and save this will be saved into a mission.ini file named the same as your campaign or TE save name in your campaign folder.
Training TE already have an ini file that comes with them therefore you have the Treat rings on your HSD.
Instant Action doesn’t have an ini file therefore you can’t have a threat ring. Better to create your own TE for additional traning than to use Instant ActionGood intro tutorial on how to use the TE Editor
TMS DMS have multiple functions depending on the Mode A-G/A-A, Current SOI MFD/TGP/WPN page and current selected weapon. You find a full overview off all function of TMS DMS in Docs Folder TO-BMS1F-F16CM-34-1-1 pages 18-22 and/or TO-BMS1F-F16CM-1 page 56.
In Addition a full switchology for Harms is found in TO-BMS1F-F16CM-34-1-1 page 222Cursor enable – Toggles between POS and HAS modes (WPN page needs to be SOI).
• Cursors: Move captain bars in HAS/HAD display.
• TMS Up – Handoff the threat in HAS/HAD.
• TMS Up LONG - POS/HAD: cycles HARM Sub Modes
• TMS down – Deselects the currently selected threat in HAS/HAD.
• TMS Right- HAS: Selects first valid threat; a 2nd TMS Right steps to the next threat.
- POS: Cycles threats from the selected Threat Table
• TMS Left – Toggles between threat tables.
• Pinky Switch - POS: Cycles the HARM Sub Modes
- HAS: Cycles the FOV.
The training manual should always be cross read with both Dash-1 and Dash-34 where Dash -34 mainly is for how to use stuff
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For the obligatory “rtfm” response: review pages 55-56 of Docs/TO-BMS1F-16CM-1.pdf
I remember when I was new, I printed pg 56 (I see Oak screenshotted it above) to keep on my desk… I’d often hit ‘pause’ and review.
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And BTW the image you have attached shows the FCR (Radar in Air-to Air) Mode. No SAM’s will show up there
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Thanks for all the information. Yes, it’s a little overwhelming but I’m moving ahead step by step. By the way, I’m aware that the attachment is FCR, I simply wanted to illustrate the icon I’m looking for in order to select & lock my targets with.
I’ve copied the list you provided:
Cursor enable – Toggles between POS and HAS modes (WPN page needs to be SOI).
• Cursors: Move captain bars in HAS/HAD display.
• TMS Up – Handoff the threat in HAS/HAD.
• TMS Up LONG - POS/HAD: cycles HARM Sub Modes
• TMS down – Deselects the currently selected threat in HAS/HAD.
• TMS Right- HAS: Selects first valid threat; a 2nd TMS Right steps to the next threat.
- POS: Cycles threats from the selected Threat Table
• TMS Left – Toggles between threat tables.
• Pinky Switch - POS: Cycles the HARM Sub Modes
- HAS: Cycles the FOV.
So, if I understand you correctly, the TMS option is what selects the various SAM targets on the MFD? If that is the case then I’m going to program them into my control stick. Does anybody have any idea where in the Setup > Keyfile will I find the TMS options? That is a very long list.
Thank you.
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And BTW the image you have attached shows the FCR (Radar in Air-to Air) Mode. No SAM’s will show up there
If I may it’s the radar (FCR) in CRM (one of two air to air main mode).
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What are you using for assigning Callbacks to your Stick? BMS setup UI, Alternative Launcher, Excel Keyfile Editor.
But anything that should be on your stick in BMS UI is under 5.11 Flight Stick all throttle fucntions under 2.19 Throttle Quadrant System
If you are new to BMS I highly recommend to use the alternative Laucher makes it easier to bind your stick
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I currently use this:
Sector A 7 Rapid Fire Joystick 2614513
Not the highest quality but it has to do. I rely on programming some of the buttons and then using the keyboard for the rest. It would be nice to get a HOTAS but for now I improvise.