F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications
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@FoxBMS said in F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications:
Anyway as WhiteFang saying, 100% stick to that because this guy has great knowledge about falcon bms structure). Cheers.
P.S. Did u tried to edit the mask in that recommended dds file? I don’t see any difference in game…Hello FoxBMS,
I just got around to trying what @white_fang recommended - thanks @white_fang for the file and recommendation.
It worked, mostly. 3993.dds is still the correct file for the HUD mask (for F-18 E/F at any rate - did not test with any other aircraft). I was able to clearly see the steerpoint info now in the lower right. However, I can only see the first line of DED info unless I lean in using TrackIR (not optimal when refueling to see the fuel onboard). Here’s the view from the F-18F cockpit…From the pic, you can see the first line of the DED, partially blocked. 2nd and 3rd lines of the DED have a line space in between them, and are well-below the canopy front, unless you lean in with TrackIR.
Nevertheless, this is still better than it was. Much appreciation to @white_fang for the file and the recommended instructions.
Here’s a pic of the front of the carrier island, looking aft, now bearing the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) moniker. I altered 1757.dds in the …\TerrData\Objects\KoreaObj\ folder to switch the placement of the ENTERPRISE and the VINSON decals (had to redo the alpha channel, also). However, I still do not know how to change the location of the lights on the island’s port side (the side facing the deck). I suspect it is in the 3D model, but I haven’t the skill to go there.
Regards,
Tomcattwo
(VoiceClone) -
There is an old trick in the Hornet if you’re using head tracking. When you enter the cockpit lean back as far as you can then F12. When you return to you normal position more data will be displayed.
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@drtbkj
Naaaahhhh.I was expecting from you, Fra’, that you were suggesting “Made her returned to the manifacturer and pick another one presto!, before CAG notices it.” instead.
This one would be a noticeable improvement indeed.With best regards.
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@drtbkj
Thanks, Joe! That’s a great trick!
Regards,
TC2 -
are there any f/a-18 online
squadrons ??? -
There will be . . .
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@TGW i hope so that is why i came to bms for the hornet and because DCS is too big on file storage killing my space.
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@bkaposta2 You must buy 1TB SSD extra for DCS and your problems will be solved. Regarding BMS Hornet, all aircrafts coming out from F-16 avionics here. It’s highly discutable if and why support other aircrafts in this game. You will face many issues related due to updating F-16 family. That means everytime when new version of BMS released and F-16 systems updated, then everytime you have to solve some issues how to rebind some keys and mirror these changes to F-18 (If even possible). That’s not the case in DCS. There have each aircraft its own avionics, but extreme all the hardware difficult. And on the other hand that’s NOT the case in BMS. 4.37 version runs fantastically smooth. Just in case if u wouldn’t know, In BMS is great possibilities to edit the stuff and make the campaign even smoother! So choice is yours. But if we will develope some extra activity, BMS has still really good potential.
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@Tomcattwo Well, @white_fang is familiarized very well, glad your issues has been solved. According to your issue on VINSON carrier, i’m sorry, i don’t see any issues there (except non-rotating radar), probably you have to circle in the picture what exactly you mean. Thx.
P.S. Btw, i see your cockpit instrument lights on UFC panel are really messy, is that stock textures?
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@Chuckles So far what i found the best option for me:
Use these fonts for each F-18 plane, replace (backup first)
https://www.mediafire.com/file/aukw196drv71xxj/rwr_ded_font.zip/file
Not sure what is your monitor and further setup but for me it’s much more readable. You can try to replace even other fonts, for example hud. Try some variations what is best fits for you. Cheers. -
@Fox_518 said in F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications:
@Tomcattwo Well, @white_fang is familiarized very well, glad your issues has been solved. According to your issue on VINSON carrier, i’m sorry, i don’t see any issues there (except non-rotating radar), probably you have to circle in the picture what exactly you mean. Thx.
P.S. Btw, i see your cockpit instrument lights on UFC panel are really messy, is that stock textures?
@Fox_518 , I will post a picture of the side of the island on VINSON at night to better shiw you what I mean.
Cockpit textures and UFC are stock from OMFKTO Version 1.5.0, before 4.37 release.
Regards,
Tomcattwo
(VoiceClone) -
@Tomcattwo Ok.
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New version 4.37 brings new things, for example new ECM functions. Not sure how to mirror the changes around new ECM functions to CF-188 aircraft. So i decided to look for someone here who is faced to similar issues like me. So far i can share some personal workarounds. New hotspot added for switching XMIT modes (1,2,3), (Btw new callbacks SimXMitInc and SimXMitDec seems works reversal, SimXMitDec is increasing degree/power of transmitting instead of Decreasing).
Back to hotspot, i’m not sure how is the setup in real jet, but in CF-188 is the place (unused switch) seems to be directly as created for this function.
Left click decrease transmitting, that means XMIT mode 3 -> 2 -> 1. Right click increase modes, so 1 -> 2 -> 3. You don’t have visual feedback but if you click just 2 times on single button, you can be sure where you are, if it’s mode 1 or 3.
Similar like at F-16 xmit mode switch, just in F-18 switch is not animated.add to 3dckpit.dat file (for clicking in cockpit by mouse)
For CF-188 (Data\Art\CkptArt\CF-188A Folder)SimXMitInc -2.00467 0.260000 -2.430547 20 311 1
SimXMitDec -2.00467 0.260000 -2.430547 20 311 2https://i.postimg.cc/sgwfyDxp/xmit1.png
For F-18C it is different situation because different switches layout, so one of my idea how to “implement” xmit modes is this as example and simply increment or decrement modes in this way:
https://i.postimg.cc/cLs1V8xx/xmit2.png
If you look closer to the BMS - Full.key file, you will find part 2.11 ECM PANEL. Some new callbacks added here. Unfortunately this plays against F-18 because you have not so much chances how to do equivalent control over this in BMS Hornet cockpit. There is no individual callbacks for each XMIT mode, only increase or decrease, so this limits your options how to make the solution. Also for ECM modes 1-5 is only Toggle functions, not on/off state available. And without visual feedback of the state is not much possible how to use it, just fortune the state by touch the hotspots you have created.
About SimEcmMode1-5 buttons. You can imaginary bind these buttons to keyboard (shift 1-5 in my case), but it’s useful only at ramp start (good sound chosen to hear good the click). If you start with all systems on, don’t press it anymore since there is no any feedback to know if it’s ON or OFF. Possible workaround might be with helios software, if they already updated it there too.
At the end, just classic using with SimCMSDown and SimCMSRight - consent/standby, and switching XMIT modes if needed. This you can OPTIONALLY add to your custom .key file which you using. Make sure no double keys used and prevent interferee with other keys.
SimXMitInc 311 0 0XD2 2 0 0 1 “ECM: XMT Switch - DECREASE TRANSMITTING !!! Ctrl+Insert”
SimXMitDec 311 0 0XD3 2 0 0 1 “ECM: XMT Switch - INCREASE TRANSMITTING !!! Ctrl+Delete”
#SimECMBit 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: Bit Test - Test Not used in F-18 and commented it out”
SimEcmMode1 312 0 0X02 1 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 1 - Toggle Shift+1”
SimEcmMode2 312 0 0X03 1 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 2 - Toggle Shift+2”
SimEcmMode3 312 0 0X04 1 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 3 - Toggle Shift+3”
SimEcmMode4 312 0 0X05 1 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 4 - Toggle Shift+4”
SimEcmMode5 312 0 0X06 1 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 5 - Toggle Shift+5”To be added, both aircrafts tested and all three xmit modes seems working good and as they should, when emitting active, it can be really seen that systems are detecting worse.
May this will be helpful someone or someone might get better solution. Considering F-18 has ECM (jammer) built in, then it needs these hotspots. -
@Fox_518
For the F-18C/D/E, how about adding ECM 1/2/3 or ECM Mode 1/2/3/4/5 to unused buttons on the MPCD (Multipurpose Color Display) ? Those buttons can do increase/decrease (for example MPCD OSB 20 does Countermeasures programs Off/Stby/Man/Semi/Auto.@drtbkj For your info…
Regards,
Tomcattwo
(VoiceClone) -
@Tomcattwo @Tomcattwo About ECM modes, actually it does not matter where are buttons are, there is still no visual feedback, so can’t see if it’s in ON or OFF state…
Btw In general, i think everytime some updates released with new functions, the other jets should be updated too in the same way. Otherwise it does not make any sense to have other jets in this game when it’s unusable or half usable. You know what mean…
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Fox_518 4 days ago
@Tomcattwo @Fox_518 Hi, Everybody. After swimming my dirtbike through the swamp the local desert currently is, I’m baaack, and glad to see this thread have current activity.
ECM is toward the top of our to-do list right now. We are considering IDIAS for a couple of reasons. One is exactly what old buddy Fox mentioned, how to tell when the function is working. We took a look at modeling that 8 button switch panel and our eyes crossed .We call find a callback for, hopefully and as an example, the XMIT 1-3 ECM Priority function. We can make a hotspot, and T2 you are exactly right about putting them around the MPCD is a very good choice. The thing is to get it to visualize like the Off/Stby/Man/Semi/Auto you mention. The Mafia would love a good cockpit modeler to join the Gang ( an oh so subtle hunt, Fox ).
We ran into this issue with the Fifth Gen Cockpit, too. We did a fairly good, though not perfect, job of getting around it. We tried to work with what visualized on the warning/caution panel. Or, for something like AVTR we found a setting that would put “Recording” on the top of your monitor display.
For something like ECM Priority and /or Mode, AFAIK you need one of 2 things. Either get a hotpot to visualize like the above example, or make a hotspot for each function. That would mean making 3, (0r 8 if you go with the USAF system) hotspots. So, you’d know what function your in by which button you press( assuming you push the right button!) Obviously, the first choice is the best one, IMHO.
Right before I went afk, someone gave me the tip of looking at the HAF jets. What I’m hoping to find is how IDIAS is modeled. Another reason we’re thinking of IDIAS is that CMS Left does the priority function with that system. That’s another reason we’re looking at IDIAS, but that raises another question. I set up my HOTAS from scratch but my CMS Left works the “old way”. I’m thinking there’s something hard coded somewhere, like HASRWR 1, that “tells” the jet it has IDIAS.
BTW, the third reason we’re considering IDIAS for the Hornet is we feel it’s closer in function to the ASPJ. -
When you RAMP start F-18’s , buttons ECM1-5 are OFF (Unpressed),… when starting in any other way, taxi, runw., air… those buttons are ALL in “Pressed” state., so only XMIT1-3 plays a significant role… (I use XMIT2, jam only when threat detected - 1 press on XMIT-DECREASE, as switch moves down to decerase)
But yeah, visual confirmation would be good anytime.@drtbkj said in F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications:
That’s another reason we’re looking at IDIAS, but that raises another question. I set up my HOTAS from scratch but my CMS Left works the “old way”. I’m thinking there’s something hard coded somewhere, like HASRWR 1, that “tells” the jet it has IDIAS.
Nope mate. Reason is RWR type in acdata. rwrtype 3 (RAYTHEON (LITTON) AN/ALR-93(V)1) uses idias, CMS-LEFT controls ecm-ecm , or ecm-avionics. - any other rwr is standard (new) type… well maybe not rwrtype 0 , haven’t tried that one.
Cheers
Btw, one goodie discovered, replace F18’s cockpit hud with Ef2000 hud model, … fits perfectly, and looks much better imho - 3dckpit.dat.
…yeah, maybe it will not in the future, as Ef2000 hud is totally different then typical hud… but in BMS for now is that… maybe even save that hud if EF2000 gang wants to replace it , as for our (F18) cause, seems ok -
@white_fang said in F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications:
When you RAMP start F-18’s , buttons ECM1-5 are OFF (Unpressed),… when starting in any other way, taxi, runw., air… those buttons are ALL in “Pressed” state., so only XMIT1-3 plays a significant role… (I use XMIT2, jam only when threat detected - 1 press on XMIT-DECREASE, as switch moves down to decerase)
But yeah, visual confirmation would be good anytime.@drtbkj said in F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications:
That’s another reason we’re looking at IDIAS, but that raises another question. I set up my HOTAS from scratch but my CMS Left works the “old way”. I’m thinking there’s something hard coded somewhere, like HASRWR 1, that “tells” the jet it has IDIAS.
Nope mate. Reason is RWR type in acdata. rwrtype 3 (RAYTHEON (LITTON) AN/ALR-93(V)1) uses idias, CMS-LEFT controls ecm-ecm , or ecm-avionics. - any other rwr is standard (new) type… well maybe not rwrtype 0 , haven’t tried that one.
Cheers
Btw, one goodie discovered, replace F18’s cockpit hud with Ef2000 hud model, … fits perfectly, and looks much better imho - 3dckpit.dat.
…yeah, maybe it will not in the future, as Ef2000 hud is totally different then typical hud… but in BMS for now is that… maybe even save that hud if EF2000 gang wants to replace it , as for our (F18) cause, seems okHi, Fang,
I agree with your first point. namely that the BMS Hornet, like RL jams all bands when it’s operating, so that XMIT 1-3 are the active controls needed. More on that below…
Thx, for the RWRTYPE tip. That does perhaps make more sense then my HASRWR 1 example. What I can tell you at present is that in my setting with the ALR-67 the F-18C and E (RWR type 5) and the F-35C (type 1) all all have the priority jamming “chevrons” on their RWR’s. The point is that we will be looking for whatever “HASxxx Codes” are needed to make this all work
I’m going to test your EF2000 HUD tip today
I mentioned above the controls needed. Well, thanks to Unkindled’s tip I found a jet that uses IDIAS, the F-16C-52+ HAF. And, I put it into a TE last night and solved the “mystery of CMS Left”. When the jammer is in OPER , CNS Left controls jamming priority, and when it’s in STBY CMS LEFT operates the “old way”. Which means some version of
SimXMTASPISOper 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: XMTASPIS Knob - Operate”
SimXMTASPISStdby 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: XMTASPIS Knob - Standby”
SimXMTASPISToggle 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: XMTASPIS Knob - Toggle”
will need to be incorporated into the pits.