F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications
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@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
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@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
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@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. -
@white_fang Hi all, very good found Fang. But sorry, i can’t find any folder ef-2000 in ckptart, only in sim\acdata and did you say 3dckpit.dat, right?
@drtbkj About MPCD new buttons assignment…i think it’s up to you guys where you put your hotspots, because i think everyone does his own custom layout, same as his own custom cockpit texture mod )) or whatever else custom mod. I just recommended what best suits for me in this case. Because i’m not so hot to other aircrafts, i can’t help you much with other jets. Actually i don’t like switching too many aircrafts and still i have to get used to that back to another plane. I don’t like it. Even switching between two planes is annoying sometimes hehe, btw, the real pilots probably don’t switching planes as well in real life, is that right or not?
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@drtbkj
M8, will not work. Didn’t listen, - XMTASPIS(IDIAS) only rwrtype 3 acdata. period, hardcoded. - you can add “Buttons” to any jet, but it won’t work if jet not specific rwr-type. (0 - 6) … (type 3 specific)btw “HasRwr” = handoff rwr threat on HMD - irrelevant
!! BUT - Jamming NOT active if “chevrons” - flash!!! Must be solid…
Need ECMpower with ECM1-5 “Stby->Active” with CMS-DWN consent - solid chevrons around rwr threat -> jam.
Also XMIT in 1-3 position - different behavior, read 1-1.I don’t like (HAF/EAF) rwr type on F18…
Want using type 5 - hud rwr, …but hmm… strange behavior. seems a bit buggy, was exploring,…
- if TAXI - everything peachy., cms-down, select xmt1-3 (ecm1-5 already applied… powered plane)
- but, if RAMP - better to turn on jammer after take off- “on air”…, strange things, can apply Ecm1-5 on deck, but then when in air don’t want to “budge” from STBY to ACTIVE … bug probably
- so, for now this procedure… don’t touch ECM controls to after take-off (you can turn on rwr and handoff, chaff , flare - but lower 3 buttons (below rwr power/handoff ) don’t touch if still on deck - till after takeoff - in air (gear up) position those 3 buttons as normally would, also “blindly enable” ECM1-5 , blindly select XMIT1-3 … cms down - working - solid chevrons
It is probably bug with ECM in BMS - when geardown/ WOW flag - when flag reset (in air) ECM becomes stuck - won’t budge from standby to active with cms-down
But!!! No such bug/behavior on ALR-56M - so all (Usaf) F16 work as intended… so observed!!! only type 5 rwr has this WOW bug. - also type 3 (idias) work normally.
Huh, still following? that is good carry on
Cheers
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@Fox_518 said in F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications:
Hi all, very good found Fang. But sorry, i can’t find any folder ef-2000 in ckptart, only in sim\acdata and did you say 3dckpit.dat, right?
Aha!!.. what theater m8 ? … yes, need 3dckcpit.dat in ckpitart\ NOT acdata.
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@white_fang I have default korea kto and emf and none of them has this folder in ckptart. About me and ECM, all is clear for me how to use it etc…and i modified it this way (the pictures in previous post). Seems all works correctly so far.
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@Fox_518 said in F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications:
@white_fang I have default korea kto and emf and none of them has this folder in ckptart.
Ha… good catch. My bad , sorry. It is = MIRAGE2000 ¬ EF2k/ bah … idiot
cockpithudmodel 1557; // HUD combiner glass model
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@white_fang No problem mate, btw if i may claim here just for the moment when i mentioned EMF…
EMF tiles elevations…oh my dear gosh, mainly around water…sorry sorry guys (( that didn’t work… but that didn’t work at all. I had to switch that theater off after 10 mins playing because it was like welcome pushkick straight to my face when i see some “water peaks” right beside my airbase. The game spoiled in 10 mins like i said. No matter, not a big deal, i came off the track in this thread a bit. Default korea (terrain elevations corrected) is good enough at the moment. -
@Fox_518 said in F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications:
@drtbkj About MPCD new buttons assignment…i think it’s up to you guys where you put your hotspots, because i think everyone does his own custom layout, same as his own custom cockpit texture mod )) or whatever else custom mod. I just recommended what best suits for me in this case. Because i’m not so hot to other aircrafts, i can’t help you much with other jets. Actually i don’t like switching too many aircrafts and still i have to get used to that back to another plane. I don’t like it. Even switching between two planes is annoying sometimes hehe, btw, the real pilots probably don’t switching planes as well in real life, is that right or not?
I agree , Fox, and we try to be as uniform between jets as possible. What I’ve done from testing is copy
SimDoNothing -1 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 -1 “======== 2.11 ECM PANEL ========”
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”
SimEcmPowerOn 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: Power Knob - On”
SimEcmPowerOff 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: Power Knob - On”
SimXMitInc 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: XMT Knob - Increase”
SimXMitDec 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: XMT Knob - Decrease”
SimECMBit 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: Bit Test - Test”
SimEcmMode1 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 1 - Toggle”
SimEcmMode2 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 2 - Toggle”
SimEcmMode3 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 3 - Toggle”
SimEcmMode4 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 4 - Toggle”
SimEcmMode5 116 0 0XFFFFFFFF 0 0 0 1 “ECM: Mode 5 - Toggle”
from BMS-Full keyfile to BMS-Auto. Then you can set your HOTAS. What I did for testing is map XMTASPIS -OPER AND STBY to a HOTAS switch. -
@Fox_518 Agreed… I also get a hardon when see water himalaya (not EMF spec but anywhere).
Just copy coords and report … better them to fix then don’t know.
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Hi, Fang, What particular “HAS Code” or whatever do you think “tells” a jet it has IDIAS?Brother Eddie is wondering if something like type ac and type rwr having to match , or something like that, could be involved
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@drtbkj
As… in previous post … rwrtype 3 … but not sure bout typeac, probably NOT. -
@white_fang said in F/A-18 Improvements/Modifications:
@drtbkj
As… in previous post … rwrtype 3 … but not sure bout typeac, probably NOT.Thx, will test…
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@white_fang , @drtbkj
Guys, if i can tell you, i have been “messing” with sim\acdata long ago, but since i had still some problems on some servers i decided really no more messing with sim\acdata folders. I’m just taking what RWR is in offer, and relying on devs guys they do it as real as it should be. The one thing why i’m missing acdata is the smoke from missiles which i set before. But in real there is no any smoke trail, for example from amraams.