BMS Training Script with Voice Instructions
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UPDATE: 4.37-U2
New Version - 4.37-U2 - Training Script 4.37-U2 Ramp Start
This 4.37-U2 Ramp Start script updates to the “latest” -U2 Ramp Start mission.
It changed from using the Pause & Freeze keyboard keys to using the Trigger button on the stick (listen closely for the Trigger prompts!), as well as updating the dialog and timing for the longer taxi and extra packages now.
Let me know how it works for you.Thanks!
UPDATE: 4.37-U1
New Version - 4.37-U1 - Training Script 4.37-U1 Ramp Start
This 4.37-U1 Ramp Start script is new version, to allow the full interaction and operation of the switches, knobs, dials, etc., by you, the pilot!You’ll still be voice-guided through the entire startup, taxi and takeoff process, (per the current 4.37-U1 Training manual), but this time, YOU will be ‘actively’ doing all of the steps (There are still a few volume, radio setting, SEC & visor steps that are still performed by the IP, but those are minimal).
I purposely didn’t mention the new checklist, since it sounds like they might be slightly modifying the training mission and integrating those changes into the next U2 version of the Training manual . When U2 arrives, maybe I can update a U2 version for the script, too.
---- Enjoy and share what you think with the community, to make it even better! ---------------------
As a part-time user of Falcon BMS, I’ve always wondered why I’ve never seen any training scripts in the forum or included with the Training Missions.
Now I know why the devs (or anyone else, for that matter) have not included any kind of training scripts with the training missions! This is VERY time consuming and tedious work. Linked below is nearly 1700 lines of fairly basic, linear, step-by-step instructions, with literally hundreds of ‘write, test, write again, test again, change timing, test again’ moments. (1-3 free time hours at a time, over about 2 months!)
I figured out how to write a training script by reading the Technical Manual (section 14), since I’ve always thought that a brand new BMS pilot could always use a little more help starting out! (Including me). And this would be simple, basic training, actually running inside BMS!
I created the manual script file for use with the first 4.37 training mission, “Mission 1: Ground Ops”, Ramp Start & Takeoff. It guides you through the whole training mission from cold and dark to takeoff and gear up. I followed the Training Manual as closely as possible, with very few variations. I also used the FREEZE and PAUSE keyboard commands frequently, to start and stop the training flow and timing. If you follow the instructions exactly, it keeps you in the right place, at the right time, so you take off exactly on-time.
I quickly discovered that the ‘SetFont’ function really doesn’t work that good (the text is too small to read and it really slows down the learning process), so I decided to record the instructions with voice commands instead of text, using the ‘Sound’ function.
I found the free, Any Text To Voice app in the Microsoft Store and used two standard voices (Microsoft Zira and Microsoft David) to convert my written text instructions to 179 voice .wav files. I put these .wav files in a new, separate folder (TR_BMS_01_GroundOPS_Voice - 25mb) - in my [C:\Falcon BMS 4.37\Data\Campaign] Campaign folder, so they would be accessible to the training script ‘Sound’ functions. Even though they sound a little artificial, they certainly get the message across, but more importantly, the voice files can be converted to ANY language or accent, simply by changing the stock, international Microsoft voices in the ‘Any Text’ app and re-recording the files to the new language! Multi-lingual BMS voice training, anyone? Prefer an instructor with a British accent? Want it in Spanish or French? This can be done.
I hope that sharing this script and the voice files will prompt others to give it a try (as long as you have a lot of patience!) During the process I discovered a few tips, testing methods and sample code sections that really helped out a lot. For example, I created a temporary screen grid to more closely identify the coordinate locations for screen items that I couldn’t use with the ‘HiLite3DButton’ function (drawing objects, circles and lines). And whenever you’re highlighting a button for the user, make sure you’re in 2D Cockpit Mode. Include a 1 second ‘Wait’ function before or after moving a view, etc.
Please feel free to modify, borrow, rearrange or copy any part of these files for your own personal use.
Or use it to learn the BMS scripting language yourself, to create even more Training missions to share!If you have any tips to improve the script, please post them, but be aware that I’m nowhere close to having the technical knowledge of the devs or most of you out there.
Your honest and fair feedback may help me or somebody else out there with a future, sticky script problem.Maybe someday this training script (or others) can eventually be included with the sim. Maybe you can create one too. Give it a try. You never know!
I hope it helps all of us to become better F-16 pilots!
Link to 18.8Mb .zip file - Training Script 4.37 - 01 Ramp Start.zip -(1st Edition)
Included in the .zip file are:
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TR_BMS_01_GroundOPS.txt [training script - goes in Campaign folder (base Korea)] - 54kb
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TR_BMS_01_GroundOPS_Voice folder [folder of .wav file instructions - 179 .wav files - goes in Campaign folder (base Korea)] - 25Mb
Both go in the (base Korea) Campaign folder - C:\Falcon BMS 4.37\Data\Campaign -
TR_BMS_01_GroundOPS Text File.pdf [26 pages - commented and printed listing of the complete training script - using Notepad++] - 451kb
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Readme.pdf [1 page - Install instructions, basic UI settings, tips, etc.] - 646kb
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Wow, that sounds like a lot of work! I will download and share. I thought when I started out that something to supplement the training manual would be helpful - especially since I didn’t understand the acronyms and jargon. In hindsight I’ve found the struggle to learn has actually been a really enjoyable part of the journey.
There’s certainly something about BMS that makes it fun to share which is a really neat thing in this community. I’m sure the effort you put in will benefit others.
Regards!
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Champion.
Thanks, man.
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@Dan Oh wow, that is really fantastic work. Well done. I had no idea those sort of scripts existed. Using the voice files is really useful and a great idea.
I can see how much work is involved in creating that script. First is picking out the screen coordinates for the cockpit layout, adding the relevant elements and phrases and then matching the voice notes. Obviously for startup there is a lot more cockpit elements as you move around. So for doing a training script for, say, Mavericks it might be a bit easier! Might…!
Again, well done and thank you for sharing this. I am gonna have to have a look at this in more detail.
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@Dan KUDOS!!!
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Thank you all for your kind words!
Once you’ve had a chance to try it out, let me know how it actually works, for you.For example, since I don’t have a VR headset, I’d like to know if and how it works in the ‘VR’ environment.
It works good for me, using a 4k monitor, mouse, TrackIR, Voice Attack , Cougar HOTAS, rudder pedals and keyboard, but I’d like to know how it works with your individual setups.
Post your replies so we can all see how it’s working.
Thanks!
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Really well done! You’ve just added a wonderful option for BMS, I reckon, as being in VR can make normal YT tutorials or even kneeboard text-tutorials a little tricky. Well for me, at least.
A couple of bits that I really liked - your highlighting of the part of the cockpit the command referred to was really clever. Also liked the way you announced chapters - eg “end of pre-startup checklist”
You might also think about adding a little explanation - no more than a sentence or two. For example something like “this system checks to ensure that…” or " the INS alignment takes about x minutes"
Lastly, a stupid question: the script ‘does all the things’, right? As in, I just watch the actions take place like a video as opposed to BMS waiting for me to click the stuff it wants me too (EPU/chocks notwithstanding)
Again, this is brilliant work and you’ve added something wonderful to something already wonderful!
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Wow, just tried it out. Nice work!
The pacing/speed is perfect for someone like me whose been flying for years, but I could imagine someone new might think the steps are happening too quickly.
I really like your ‘Enable Training Script’ checkbox idea next to the ‘Commit’ button. Slick way of getting to your script.
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@Frugcam @Zeus_
In the Ramp Start, I was hoping to get the 20-minute timing of the script to match the assigned takeoff time of 1:32:00. While I was testing it, when I added more pauses and voice dialog to explain more things, the breaks started to become a little disruptive and choppy (to me), so I thought I’d keep things moving, to maintain the user’s attention.
I assumed (hoped) that the user would read the training mission in the Training Manual first, to get the basics, then use the script to see it all in action.Does the script do ‘all the things’? Not a stupid question at all. It does ‘almost’ everything. You still need to move the throttle and stick, when directed, since there are no BMS callback/commands to do those actions in the script (that I know of).
I can’t take credit for the ‘Enable Training Script’ checkbox idea. Believe it or not, it’s always been there, per the original program design, it just seems that nobody has ever actually written a fully completed training script until now, as far as I know!
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@Dan this is a great step forward, well done. As for VR sadely it will not work because 2D snap views don’t work in VR. I’ve tried it and all you get are some flashes that something has happened, thats about it. Good work though on the rest of it.
I was thinking of modifying it and replace lots of the SimCommand with WaitInput 30 so it would wait for the user to do the action.I learn from seeing and doing so this would be a big benefit to me personally.
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@Todd1215
Another script function combo you might want to try is the ‘WaitHilite3DButton’ with ‘SetDrawFlash’ in front of it. This should be similar to what you want, waiting for a period of time with the button highlighted and flashing until you press it.
It works really nice, but it would definitely require quick responses (<=2 sec.?) from the user, to keep the total timing within the 20-minute window to takeoff. (Unless you don’t mind being yelled at by the Tower! )Community,
What do you think is a good direction to go with a Ramp Start Training script?A) Rookie Version - Does everything for you, so you can see/learn how it’s supposed to work. [Current]
B) Veteran Version - Use voice and on-screen prompts, but YOU’LL be responsible for quickly clicking all the buttons and knobs in a timely manner, yourself. [Mods required]Let me know.
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Not possible to use Pauses and Freezes more to extend out that 20 game minutes to 40 RL minutes…?
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@Aragorn
I’m going to tweak it some more, to see if there are any significant problems that pop up.Sometimes the trickiest part is keeping it running smoothly and still doing what you expect it to do… but also with timing that ‘feels’ right! Not sure how long that will take, but I’ll give it a shot.
If there are no major issues, I’ll upload a newer version, ASAP.
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Well done! Cheers!
If you’re going the route of pre-recorded .wav files for the text-to-speech, you could use top-quality cognitive speech synthesis online, and just record the samples, then produce those for your application. The voices in my video about my AVCS SENS profile for VoiceAttack are from Microsoft’s Azure speech.
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Congratulations @Dan for this great project! Good job!
I tested your script.
One little improvement: It would be better to set the comms frequency later so ATC chatter doesn’t block the voices you created.
For U2 I changed the mission slightly so we will have more flights in front so ATC is very busy.In addition, I would recommend using UHF 2 instead of typing in the frequency so new guys get used to the comms ladder. I will check if training manual say to type in this frequency. If so, I will change it.
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@SemlerPDX
I asked for volunteers on this training mission and Microsoft Zira and David were the only ones to raise their hands, so I don’t want to upset my new IP or crew chief after they’ve already done the work .Maybe on future training missions, we can solicit other ‘IP’s’ or ‘crew chiefs’ with nicer voices, but for this first mission, I feel obligated to let them serve, for now!
@Micro_440th
I decided that the logical thing to do was also the simplest… to simply turn the Comm1 volume down or up (in the script), to speak to the ATC as necessary, so they wouldn’t disrupt the training session. (It’s working, so far.)Regarding the backup UHF and Comm2, see page 14, section 5 and page 20 of the training Manual. Later in the mission, in the Arming Area, the user is directed to change to the Tower frequency using channel 3 of the comms ladder (page 32), so maybe that will have to be enough of an intro to the ladder, for only this first training mission. As we know all too well, at some point, the pilot still has to read the manuals to get a complete understanding of this sim, aircraft and their capabilities.
FYI, I’m also re-writing the script to require the pilot trainee to push the buttons, switches, toggles, etc. so they can actually “do it” for themselves and not just watch the Ramp Start. It’s a lot more work, but better, in the end, I think. (Thanks for the feedback @Todd1215 !) They’ll be hard-pressed to get to the takeoff on time (1:32 comes awfully quick so the Tower probably won’t be happy…), but at least they’ll be able to “learn it by doing it”.
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@Dan looking forward to the next iteration. even my simple test training script were I pushed the buttons myself, yes it took a long time to get through the entire startup. Unless you know this process fluently you will be pushing the TO time to start the jet and get it all configured, but better to have a training aide that lets you do it over and over until you get it right than to have a faulty jet.
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@Dan said in BMS Training Script with Voice Instructions:
@SemlerPDX
I asked for volunteers on this training mission and Microsoft Zira and David were the only ones to raise their hands, so I don’t want to upset my new IP or crew chief after they’ve already done the work .Maybe on future training missions, we can solicit other ‘IP’s’ or ‘crew chiefs’ with nicer voices, but for this first mission, I feel obligated to let them serve, for now!
@Micro_440th
I decided that the logical thing to do was also the simplest… to simply turn the Comm1 volume down or up (in the script), to speak to the ATC as necessary, so they wouldn’t disrupt the training session. (It’s working, so far.)Regarding the backup UHF and Comm2, see page 14, section 5 and page 20 of the training Manual. Later in the mission, in the Arming Area, the user is directed to change to the Tower frequency using channel 3 of the comms ladder (page 32), so maybe that will have to be enough of an intro to the ladder, for only this first training mission. As we know all too well, at some point, the pilot still has to read the manuals to get a complete understanding of this sim, aircraft and their capabilities.
FYI, I’m also re-writing the script to require the pilot trainee to push the buttons, switches, toggles, etc. so they can actually “do it” for themselves and not just watch the Ramp Start. It’s a lot more work, but better, in the end, I think. (Thanks for the feedback @Todd1215 !) They’ll be hard-pressed to get to the takeoff on time (1:32 comes awfully quick so the Tower probably won’t be happy…), but at least they’ll be able to “learn it by doing it”.
Cool! Keep in mind that we will have in U2 all “Normal Procedures” from the new checklists. So maybe its also worth to mention in your script
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@Micro_440th
It sounds like U2 is making more changes to the first training mission than I thought, so I’ll set the script aside for now, until you’ve got the new mission 1 training instructions ready for distribution.Regarding these new mission and instruction changes, I had a few ‘checklist’ questions…
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Am I safe to assume the ‘pre-mission’ cockpit configuration won’t change, like page N-4?
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BEFORE STARTING ENGINE, N-7, item 1 lists the canopy and spider being closed BEFORE power is turned on. How does that work? Shouldn’t the canopy & spider be closed AFTER N-7, item 7, like the existing mission?
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Are you adding ‘set position lights to flash’ to the instructions for the EPU test (N-18, 7d)?
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After Engine start, if we set QNH before EGI-ALIGN NORM (N-20, item 8h), will an ATC call be added to the instructions, to get that info?
Thanks for the heads up!
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Hi Dan!
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Correct
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No, thats the correct procedure. BATT is not needed for canopy/spider like in RL
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I will check. Maybe typo.
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No thats no step/procedure which is the checklists.
Cheers and keep up the good work!
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