Unable to use any weapons
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I’m using a 12 function control stick which allows me to fully control the aircraft. However, I’m unable to use any weapons. I can’t fire the gun nor can I release bombs. In the config. page of Falcon BMS, the system clearly recognizes the controls because each button I press is highlighted. When I’m flying weapon training missions I’m unable to use any.
I’ve followed the directions in the manual and read similar posts online but nothing seems to be working for me.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank you.
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Master Arm?
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Yes. That is the first item I verify to ensure is activated.
In my Right MFD, once the Gun is selected, I clearly see “RDY 51Gun”.
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Different weapons have different ways they are selected and enable to fire. Apart from the cannon there is a way to press the weapon release button that doesn’t rely on any joystick binds. The red “alt rel” button on the left dash panel can be mouse clicked directly.
I’d start with the AIM-9 to test since it has minimal release requirements and doesn’t require holding down the button for any length of time. It’s really obvious when selected and a tap of the WR button equals shoot.
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Fair enough but I’m flying a simulator which means I expect my control stick to do the firing. Something obvious is lacking and I’m trying to troubleshoot to understand what that is. Perhaps I need to configure my control stick to the launch command. I’m stril trying to figure out if that is the problem.
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Out of curiosity. Do you have second trigger detent bound. This is used to fire the gun. As this is what you stated above that isn’t working
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Quasi_stellar
I think I figured it out. I was looking in the DOCS directory > Input devices > key files. I loaded the preset key file in the BMS config page and suddenly the gun works. The bombs didn’t release (over water) so I’m guessing I haven’t activated the correct AG settings. I’ll play more with this key file tomorrow. -
Fair enough but I’m flying a simulator which means I expect my control stick to do the firing. Something obvious is lacking and I’m trying to troubleshoot to understand what that is. Perhaps I need to configure my control stick to the launch command. I’m stril trying to figure out if that is the problem.
You’re flying a simulator, hence weapons have required switchology and release parameters you have to follow and observe.
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I finally figured out what the problem was. My control stick is not one of the “official” models that BMS has prepared KEY files for. I had to figure out through trial and error that I can change the command settings for my control stick by replacing their default settings with the switches on my control stick. This is information that is NOT presented in the manuals but is should be.
Your statement of “switchology and release parameters” does not seem to make much sense. As an example, how can a pilot release weapons when the very tool (control stick) that is required to do so does not work? That’s like trying to steer a car without a steering wheel. -
I finally figured out what the problem was. My control stick is not one of the “official” models that BMS has prepared KEY files for. I had to figure out through trial and error that I can change the command settings for my control stick by replacing their default settings with the switches on my control stick. This is information that is NOT presented in the manuals but is should be.
Your statement of “switchology and release parameters” does not seem to make much sense. As an example, how can a pilot release weapons when the very tool (control stick) that is required to do so does not work? That’s like trying to steer a car without a steering wheel.You might benefit from this Blog post that Jeffu wrote - “Falcon BMS Keybindings for New Players” - covers the important bindings that should be quickly accessible via flight stick/throttle:
veterans-gaming.com/blogs/…/falcon-bms-keybindings-for-new-playersIt can be best to try to mimic the controls that an actual F-16 pilot would have at their fingertips on the flight stick and throttle. IIRC, you have the X52 (non-Pro) and this can be set up to match all HAT controls, the Radar Cursor in the MFD’s (using the ‘mouse ministick’), and all standard buttons from Pickle Release to NWS/MSL STEP to TRIM Reset and more. While BMS may not have direct keyfiles for each joystick variant, you may check out the forums here for Joysticks (Saitek or Logitech, whichever has a non-Pro X52 entry, haven’t checked) to save you from having to do this work to setup controls in an intuitive or 1:1 model after the actual F-16 stick/throttle (which may be difficult if you are new and not familiar with what a 1:1 setup that matches a real F-16 stick/throttle would be).
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Why don`t use Alternative Launcher?
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SemlerPDX
I would love to get an updated flight stick but for now I have to rely on what I have.
I do have 10 additional buttons I can program along with a throttle built in but all of that is on one single unit. I will program the 4 buttons I have for the thumb but beyond that I’m very limited. I did have my eye on the HOTAS system but for now, that has to be put on hold.Thanks again for your note.
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SemlerPDX
I would love to get an updated flight stick but for now I have to rely on what I have.
I do have 10 additional buttons I can program along with a throttle built in but all of that is on one single unit. I will program the 4 buttons I have for the thumb but beyond that I’m very limited. I did have my eye on the HOTAS system but for now, that has to be put on hold.Thanks again for your note.
Apologies, I get new names confused - thought you had a non-pro X52 HOTAS. My bad. Jeffu also has an entry-to-mid level stick/throttle with limited buttons, which is why he wrote his blog - to help others with less than optimal flight sim gear.
It was a pain in the neck for me when I was first getting controls set up as well so many years ago. It’s the first hurdle to properly getting into a combat flight sim like this, especially difficult at a stage when we know very little about what is needed, useful, crucial, or negligible. It is definitely worth it, don’t let yourself get discouraged. Knowledge builds upon knowledge as you go, with time and effort. It will get easier eventually.
Anyway, best wishes and good luck to you!!
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No worries. I’m doing well now. I finally figured out the start up procedure without my plane catching fire and I’m taking off and landing. Now that my control stick is working and I can fire weapons I can complete my training missions. I’m looking forward to starting a campaign and moving forward from there.
Thanks again.
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The alternative launcher might be your friend here - you can easily map whatever you want to whatever you want. Google for chirobelmo bms launcher.
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… Google for chirobelmo bms launcher.
redundant extra steps - this website has a search bar and it’s literally in this same sub-forum, in the top 10 lol
benchmarksims.org/…/Falcon-BMS-Alternative-Launcher-(Easy-Setup-Keep-Joystick-Assignments) -
redundant extra steps - this website has a search bar and it’s literally in this same sub-forum, in the top 10 lol
benchmarksims.org/…/Falcon-BMS-Alternative-Launcher-(Easy-Setup-Keep-Joystick-Assignments)Forum Search is pain in the a… ever tried to search for config variables in 90 % of the cases no search result even so they clearly appear in multiple threads
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redundant extra steps - this website has a search bar and it’s literally in this same sub-forum, in the top 10 lol
benchmarksims.org/…/Falcon-BMS-Alternative-Launcher-(Easy-Setup-Keep-Joystick-Assignments)Assuming of course that someone knows where to look and that the launcher exists.
Forum search is pretty poor too.
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Forum Search is pain in the a… ever tried to search for config variables in 90 % of the cases no search result even so they clearly appear in multiple threads
Oh wow - I take it back. You are right! Just played around with it, though I had used it successfully before, pretty bad with the single keyword searches.
Was just joking around with my reply anyway, cuz I thought it was funny to recommend an external site to search for a top-10 post in this same sub-forum - just teasing. :nosep: