Diary of a Newb
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Played Falcon starting back in the Amiga days before playing 4.0 on early PCs and loving the game. Been away raising 6 kids with no time to devote to the game in 10 years and am now just coming back. I’m going to start a log here of thing’s I’ve learned, in many cases the hard way, for new players to reference as they begin their journey.
1. Day one, RTFMS! Notice the “S” at the end of that as there are MANY manuals that require reading just to be even basically proficient. With that said, there is a cost/benefit to reading too much, but not getting to enjoy the payoff by playing. I highly recommend all new players first read/follow the training manual and do the training missions. If you try and do them on the same PC as the manuals, you’ll have to alt-tab out, which will wear you out as you’ll have to do a cntl-alt-del every time to get your mouse pointer working again. One player recommending using my ipad for the documents, which was a really “Doh!” moment for me and has worked like a charm. I highly recommend you download ALL of the manuals Red Dog/Dark Man put together, as well as those included in the documents folder inside of BMS to an ipad into ibooks, which allows for quick word/page searching when you get stumped. Use icloud so you can do a little reading at work too lol! Don’t get down by all of the acronyms used. Once I got started using ibooks, I was able to search every time I couldn’t remember one pretty easy. I cannot emphasize how important it is to have the manuals at the ready and in a searchable format.
2. Hardware…yes you really need some to play the game, especially input devices. First, you should have Track IR if you are even halfway serious about this game. Second, you will need a HOTAS system. Lots of people use the Warthog system eventually, doling out about $450. I have the CH Products stick/throttle/pedals, which suits me fine. If you’re not sure about investing that much, there are other alternatives like the T-flight HOTAS that can be had for as little as $40. You may want/need to invest in a powered USB hub to plug these peripherals into. Be careful, I’m told some only are compatible with USB 2.0 vs. the new 3.0, so check with your peripheral maker before you buy. If you aren’t a programming wiz, there are some pre-made maps to joysticks in the documents file in the game, or you can find one on the forums in the joystick section (EDIT: turns out I was way wrong on this. See my 1/16/18 post for details). Pay close attention to the section in the forums where members are selling gear as you may find a real bargain there.
With that as a background, here’s my path to discovery, which I hope to update daily or as I find out helpful things for new players.
1/14/18 Learn how to stay within the time constraints of a mission. Being on time will make sure support elements have had time to clean up enemy air or AD. On your ICP, click on the CRUS button to see if you’re on time. Also, if you highlight the TOS and hit MSL SEL (or zero) in the ICP, it will cause the caret to appear on the left side of your HUD to let you know if you are ahead/behind schedule.
1/14/18 Downloaded the awesome Weapon Delivery Planner and have it up on my second monitor at all times for reference. Lots of cool stuff here to help you remember Time on Station for each waypoint, tower/tacan/ILS frequencies, a supporting element’s call sign, etc. Must have!
1/15/18 Found out the hard way that you must be in NAV mode to get ILS to activate. To enter NAV mode, simply hit AA or AG on your ICP twice and it will switch back. If you are in MRM or DF mode, you may have to hit “c” to cancel out of that. Spent an hour trying to figure this one out, thinking I put something in wrong in the ICP or didn’t understand Navaids.
1/15/18 Found a nice tutorial series on youtube by supanova that helped explain AA combat to me since the current training missions don’t go into that yet. It is my understanding that Red Dog is working on them, but until then, I found this series extremely helpful and bookmarked it.
1/15/18 Start a campaign as soon as you get the basics down. This is a good way to learn may lessons. Last night, I was on a DEAD mission and saw an A-50 like 40 miles away. I really wanted to bag an A-50 high value AWACS, so I took off after it, thinking I could bag it before his escorts, which I didn’t see anywhere, could get to me. Well, I got the A-50 but he was smart enough to turn back deeper into NK airspace and I died from Mig29s about the same time he did. A good trade if you don’t mind dying lol. Lesson learned…stay on target and let the escorts or another air superiority mission take it.
1/15/18 Took the time to really learn how to use TACANs today. Up until now, I’d just let the tower vector me in to the runway, but after getting caught up in the pattern forever, it was time to learn. Now I just request autonomous and vector myself in with TACANs.
1/15/18 (yeah, I had MLK day off lol) My ultimate goal is to find a EST based squadron and get into multiplayer, which I never had the chance to do years ago. However, I’m waiting to learn enough to not be a pain in the ass asking basic questions before I do so. A major part of the joy of Falcon BMS is trying to figure out stuff yourself. I can’t tell you how good it felt when I figured out I wasn’t in NAV mode, which is why the ILS wasn’t working.
1/15/18 Took a barcap mission and was Winchester along with my wingman, so went home. Forgot to let AWACS know, which is a bad thing. Next barcap also Winchester, but requested and was granted relief from AWACS. Shot down 4 EA (recruits like me!), so was proud, but still failed mission for not remaining on station. Guessing that’s a campaign AI limitation??
1/16/18 Like a kid on Christmas day, I eagerly awaited the arrival of my CH Pro Throttle (and 10 port powered USB hub which I needed now), which completed my set of Fighter Stick and Pro Pedals that I pulled out of the closet from days gone by. However, I first had 400 miles of road time giving two presentations yesterday before I could get at it. After getting home at 5pm (left at 5am), I was tired, but excited. First thing to do was load up CH control manager and import Kolbe’s button mapping. All was well until I unchecked the POV box on the throttle as Kolbe instructed. Oddly, my POV hat on the throttle was off exactly 90 degrees in direction. After scouring the internet, I saw others have had this problem and that this was a design function by CH and even one of CH’s tech support guys posted that it was a stupid, engineering decision. Luckily, CH added a box that rotates the POV 90 degrees…or so I thought. Turns out, it does in fact rotate it 90 degrees, but to 180 not zero!!! After reinstalling the CH CM, I still had the problem. Thinking maybe something was wrong with Kolbe’s settings, I made my own map but the same thing happened. Oddly, if you leave POV throttle box checked, the POV is exactly as you’d expect (up is up, down is down), but when you uncheck the box, it rotates 90 degress. By now, I’d been fooling with this issue for 2 hours and it was going on 7pm, severely cutting into what I’d hoped was a fun night of flying. Frustrated, I call CH support and their tech guy was no help but said he’d look into it and call me back (not holding my breath).
Anyhow, I worked around it by simply re-mapping the buttons so they matched Kolbe’s settings. A road bump, but not insurmountable. Second thing to do was get a profile mapped, which I thought would be a piece of cake of merely copying the provided CM BMS map in the documents folder and loading up the basic.key file from the same. Boy was I wrong! It turns out that those two files don’t go together (in fact, I’m not sure what function the map file provides as it certainly isn’t the default one in Kolbe’s spreadsheet). Speaking of which, I had NO IDEA that the picture of the spreadsheet in Kolbe’s PDF instruction document was actually the excel file in the document folder. I kept wondering “where is this supposed excel file at?” It took me another three hours to figure out that I had to use that spreadsheet and import the basic.key file into the spreadsheet, use the tabs along the bottom of the spreadsheet to set DX settings, and then export that combined file as my new keymap. I must have read Kolbe’s instructions 40 times before it sunk in that I simply couldn’t copy/paste the map file from the documents folder for CH products and that it would somehow magically marry up to my joystick!
Anyway, it was now going on 11pm (I am at work by 6:15am) and I’m thinking, yes, I finally figured it out, now all I have to do is go in BMS, make upload the new key file, assign a few controls and I can finally go to sleep. So I load it up, make the assignments and go to test it. Everything appears to work perfectly except for the pinkyswitch. When I depress it, all it does is say input 4, which is correct. However, I incorrectly assumed that it would say pinkyswitch when I pressed it and that after pressing it, it would indicate the shifted keystroke. Thinking maybe I had to manually assign it, I did so with the “v” key, which now at least meant when I pressed the pinkyswitch, it actually was tied to that key. However, when pressing pinkyswitch and another button, again, it didn’t show the shifted key being pressed. Shortly after this, I went back to the BMS CH subindex and noticed that Blue Agave linked me a video on using Kolbe’s method. I got almost 1/2 way through it and my internet went down in what turned out to be an act of mercy as it was 1:20am. Next thing I know, it’s 5:30am and the alarm is going off. Exhausted, it’s off to work I go and immediately pull up the video Blue Agave linked me. It turns out I was doing everything right, but still couldn’t get my PS to work. Since I only live 1/2 mile from work, I decided to “run home real quick and check on something,” wanting to give it one last try. Repeating all of my steps and then entering BMS, once again, when I press the pinkyswitch, all I get is input 4 with no key tied to it as a response. Pulling what little hair I have left, I decide to fire up the game and see what happens if I use the pinkyswitch in game. DOH!!! It seems the pinkyswitch worked fine all along in game, but I was fooled because it didn’t seem to be working in the setup when testing buttons vs. key responses. Happy and headed back to work, I decided to reboot my computer and are you kidding me…it won’t boot. After trying multiple times, I unplug all of my USB cables and it boots fine. At this point, I strongly suspect the new USB hub is the issue so I unplug it and yes, it boots fine. Back to the internet I go, searching “powered USB hub, computer won’t start” and first thing on Google suggest that the hub power may be interfering with an already powered USB port. I unplug the power and voila, all is fine. I haven’t had a chance to fly yet, but I know all 3 controllers are working for now, although I’m not sure if it’s ok to use a powered USB hub without power and what impact it may have on my controllers in game. Guess I’ll find out tonight.
Bottom line: if any new players with FS/PT combos want a keyfile that matches Kolbe’s without going through what I went through, give me a shout and I’ll send it to you! TBH, this is part of the reason I like Falcon…it’s not for those seeking instant gratification, whether playing/learning the game or setting up peripherals. I felt a lot of satisfaction finally figuring it out (thanks Blue Agave for the video) myself.
1/17/18 Today I spent the bulk of my time testing/learning my CH Products FS/PT profile. The only thing that threw me off was the MAN RNG knob, which I thought increased/decreased FCR radar range, only to find out that it didn’t have anything to do with that. While learning all of those buttons appears challenging, I’m finding out that once you start playing, it slowly becomes second nature so don’t be afraid to tackle what appears to be a complex setup. The other thing I learned is that when setting up your joystick in the setup section of BMS, all settings are made through your joystick device. If you even make your throttle or pedals your primary, it tends to reset ALL of your bindings regarding throttle, rudder and the advanced options setting. ANY changes to mapping you make MUST be made through device #1’s advanced settings. Finally, I downloaded and used Ahmed’s weather program…stunning work and really increases the immersion. I highly recommend it to everyone and it can be found in the mods section of the forums.
1/19/18 First multiplayer experience today with excellent instructor MorteSil at the helm. Great guy with the patience of a saint who was a real A-10 pilot/instructor in the past. Joined up with two others he is instructing. First, for your first experience, plan for at LEAST 2-3 hours as just going over any mods you may need (Balkans for me) and getting everything set up and going over how comms work can take an hour. I can’t tell you how much fun it was ramp starting, taxiing, going over the various checklists and most of all, listening to a real instructor. His radio chatter really adds to the immersion and having a resource who can answer ANY question you may have is unbelievable. Sure, myself and the other trainees made lots of mistakes, but learned a lot too. Highly recommend! Anyway, we started around 8:30pm and I had to go at 3am, this coming from an old guy who normally is tired and in bed on Friday after a long work week by 11pm :). Up today with two words on my mind: ramp start!
1/20/18 Really, really working hard on AAR, but man is it tough! About the time I’m almost ready, tanker turns lol. Also, found out one of the more interesting things I didn’t know that I didn’t know. Kept getting missions that said so shoot unless visual ID, which I thought meant eyeball and usually got me killed. Found out how to use the TGP for air/air…now can vis ID at 20 miles plus!
1/22/18 Found out today that I have a zoom function on the TGP, which made a HUGE difference is being able to ID targets. Also learned how to use the Data Link system, which is a great tool for sorting targets.
More to follow…
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Pssst!! Might want to look into TacView as well. You will learn A LOT with that program! Just failed a mission? Load it up on TacView to see how you messed up. Can’t recommend enough!
Manuals – different people learn differently. Some can tackle the manuals, absorb a good deal of info, then fly with confidence. Others prefer experience first, then read the manuals and figure out why X went Y. Either way, expect to read the manuals at some point. Also don’t expect to read them like a book, front-to-back… you may do your best learning by reading, doing, reading, doing… that way, you’ll understand as you go along. Expect to be referring back to the manuals CONSTANTLY, now and in the future.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but phrase the question properly and mention what you’ve done on your end as far as researching and reading goes. It shows the community you’re pro-active in your learning and the community loves to help people who help themselves. It also eliminates a few of the initial steps/questions that can delay getting you the correct answer. Never be offended by RTFM responses… the best response is to give you an idea of what you want to look for, then refers you to the appropriate page/section in the appropriate manual. Go and read that and don’t be afraid to come back to ask more questions or ask for clarifications.
Hardware – I would argue that you’d want a HOTAS first, TrackIR second, the maybe some Cougar MFDs or rudder pedals third. You can learn the sim with a good HOTAS, do the tutorials, etc. The TrackIR is just to build SA which you can’t really do as you’re just starting out, but it’s the next purchase you want to do. Skip the TrackClip Pro, look for the UTC MkII (click here) as a more solid device. Cougar MFDs help a lot with your cockpit work…. and you may want to look at getting a 2nd screen or touchscreen after that.
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6 Kids man!! you really need a break.
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6 Kids man!! you really need a break.
4 through Purdue/IU, 2 still in HS…what I really need is a bank!
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Great initiative, thank you. I will follow with interest!
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Besides docs in general the iPad would be great for check lists. Like the ins nav mode lesson. Having the procedure at hand is what real pilots do, after a point u will do them by heart.
6 kids… Hero.
I have 2 and some times find it hard to cope with.Στάλθηκε από το MI 5 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
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Besides docs in general the iPad would be great for check lists.
and the interactive map to get all the charts on the fly …
that’s what I do -
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@Red:
and the interactive map to get all the charts on the fly …
that’s what I doAs Red said, there’s an android app called “BMS Kneeboard and Mission Planer” I find pretty helpful. Some features it brings are already present, in a better way, with WDP I believe, but this app has all the updated charts for Korea, together with the interactive map (the one you see on the 2D screen). Pretty helpful for instrumental flights.
There’s another app called “BMS Electronic Flightbag”, it seems to feature most, if not all, the checklists. The only problem is that it’s outdated, so you might not wanna rely on the charts too much and a couple of steps might differ a bit from 4.33 Checklists - Main Volume. -
the problem with all these apps is that they can be quickly outdated
The interactive map always had the latest version (public) and is my main repository for updating. So that one is always correct
Just use the URL from your ipad and you’re done. there is no application per se, but IMHO it’s not neededRed Dog
Reality if for ppl who can't handle simulation -
@Red:
the problem with all these apps is that they can be quickly outdated
The interactive map always had the latest version (public) and is my main repository for updating. So that one is always correct
Just use the URL from your ipad and you’re done. there is no application per se, but IMHO it’s not neededOh, I thought you were talking about the app.
I’ll have to try this out in my Android, thank you!
Ps. But this doesn’t give me TACAN/ILS Departure/Approach charts, right? -
Great write-up, thanks for sharing!
With regard to your “must have” list, may I kindly point out that there are alternatives to TrackIR which cost only a quarter of what TIR sets you short while at the same time being of higher build quality than TIR itself (in my most humble opinion TIR is way overpriced).
Check out the DelanClip for example, use FaceTrackNoIR or OpenTrack with a cheap ps eye cam or a spare webcam if you have one lying around.
All the best, Uwe
System specs: win10pro / Linux Mint 20.x, 32GB RAM, nv 1070ti, 2x1 TB SSD, 1x4TB SATA; HOTAS Warthog (DX), TM MFDs, G25Shifter, T500RS wheel / pedals; CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core; MoBo: X570-A PRO (MS-7C37); Display: 43" LG nano 779pa (2560x1440), 19" Fujitsu-Siemens (1280x1024) used for DE; StreamDeck XL (ICP)
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Depends on the airfield some are diagrams of the runway others have links to all the charts
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Ps. But this doesn’t give me TACAN/ILS Departure/Approach charts, right?
Click on any airport, a contextual menu will pop and the charts are linked. Click the chart and it will open in a new window.
Airstrips & DPRK airport (except major ones) only have the airport diagram
the rest have all that’s neededRed Dog
Reality if for ppl who can't handle simulation -
Oh to have a moving map display in the jet…
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…it would be nice to feed a theater map in a common car gps device…
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it’s possible in BMS
not easy and a bit heavy on implementation, but possible
Red Dog
Reality if for ppl who can't handle simulation -
@Red:
it’s possible in BMS
not easy and a bit heavy on implementation, but possible
http://www.ravico.com/ST/cockpit/viper2/789_CPD_ipad.pngWhere’s the jet on that map?
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center of the pink rings, F-16 icon in white whith a blue outline
it’s small but you can see it just in the middle of the altitude box - on the line between FL200 & GNDIt’s CPD on a IPAD with a app making the IPAD an external screen to a computer
Way too heavy to implement, a specific app would be much better and much easier -
Great write-up, thanks for sharing!
With regard to your “must have” list, may I kindly point out that there are alternatives to TrackIR which cost only a quarter of what TIR sets you short while at the same time being of higher build quality than TIR itself (in my most humble opinion TIR is way overpriced).
Check out the DelanClip for example, use FaceTrackNoIR or OpenTrack with a cheap ps eye cam or a spare webcam if you have one lying around.
All the best, Uwe
I’ve had Track IR 5 for a long time, but agree it is overpriced and there are other, much cheaper alternatives.
