Oh my.. New Core i5 +8gigs memory makes a world a difference in control…

[Murphy]

Just reinstalled the game on my upgraded system. I put an Asus motherboard in with an i5-2500K and 8 gigs of ram. Just flying instant action but the control is way smoother… My old system had jerky video that was probably around 10 frames per second… this one is smooth enough that I can’t see any stuttering of the frames during normal play… I did see a bit when I was in close proximity to other objects moving fast but it wasn’t bad.

The control of the plane is much smoother… now, when I give it input from the stick, its buttery smooth. Oh, and my bing-boing and bouncy rudder problem is more like a smooth and even motion now… feels more like a plane than a rubberband…

I have to admit, I’m amazed at how much faster this Core i5 is than a PentiumD… what a difference, its not even the same game.

My Asus MOBO has built in video (Vga, dvi, hdmi out) and since I don’t have the new graphics card yet, I’m stuck with it until at least Wednesday… But its still 100 times better than my old system.

So now I have to figure out how to get my Saitek x36f/x35t set up because its going to be a while before a pick up a new stick and a trackir. For now, I just want to keep it simple… Guns, missiles, padlock, cockpit view, hud view, switch targets, etc. just the basics so I can dog fight.

I’m having a bit of an issue trying to figure out what views listed in the key file does what. There’s like 8 different padlock views… huh? I thought padlock just locked your view onto your target and followed it around as if you were turning your head… Apparently there are some other options I’m not aware of… LOL… ya… just a few.

I know what you’re going to say… Shut up and RTFM right? There’s like 500+ pages spread out over a dozen or so pdf files and I would like to point out that in the real f16, there’s no need to read a manual to learn to “turn your head”… …

Did I mention how awesome the graphics are? I’ve been told that my asus on-board video is garbage compared to a real graphics card… Seriously? It gets better?? Yikes!

[Frederf]

Glad you see the night and day difference of a real PC. Games on inadequate hardware really are a whole different experience.

I don’t have too much experience with padlock. All the old salts have TrackIR (yay gear acquisition syndrome). I would skip padlock entirely for a while for simple panning views. Looking around is a fairly large part of flying the F-16 but I think one could have a very successful career without head tracking nor padlock. Padlock is such a weird artificial thing.

Have fun.

[Metalhead]

I also had an Pentium D back some years, and flew many mission with that…. God knows how much I’ve been doing it in pain…
Falcon ran between 5 to 10 FPS, at dogfights… Ask 801st Shadow, if you do not believe me… he knows those days of pain…
I have now a better processor in a new computer, but I am still needing a good monitor and also a new GPU…
I did not want to make any comment regarded to your rig before, but now I am glad you have this all good.
Enjoy Falcon, and its community, which is amazing and very funny…
Regards Metalhead

[Nigel]

Murphy,
There is a huge difference between asking for help as above and the way you framed your other post. Everyone is happy to help with problems like these. I agree that the manual is daunting on this subject and you are dead on about Padlock not existing in RL. I agree with Frederf that simple panning will work for awhile, but I disagree in that IMHO a headtracker should be your next purchase. Which is more natural, moving your head to look at something or moving your thumb? You will be a happy boy with a TRACKIR or equivalent. Check the Viperpits.org forum for alternatives. I dont use padlock so I cant help with that but I do have another suggestion. Join a squadron online and find a guy that is willing to walk you through the setup for your stick. I took a look the X36 and it is usable but lacking some things that you need to duplicate the F-16 HOTAS. It is totally do-able but you will need a custom keyfile for that stick. Unless you find someone here that has one, of course. I remember when I first started flying BMS it wasnt until I got this right that let me enjoy the sim, and I know that’s where you are now. Once you learn how to edit the keyfile and set up your own, you’ll be fine.
4.32 comes with keyfile generator that lists all the key commands and what they do, its in the Docs folder. Look for Callback Reference tab. Read this it will help:
http://forums.unitedoperations.net/index.php/topic/9226-important-setup-info-for-bms/

[Murphy]

@Nigel:

Murphy,
There is a huge difference between asking for help as above and the way you framed your other post.

I understand… In the future, I will be sure to wrap my postings inside a bright pink frame and apply some glossy coatings! :mrgreen:
Note To Self: Must dilute each problem or criticism with at least at least four bright and positive remarks to avoid possible strong reactions and detonations. Handle with care, wear safety goggles.

Everyone is happy to help with problems like these. I agree that the manual is daunting on this subject and you are dead on about Padlock not existing in RL. I agree with Frederf that simple panning will work for awhile, but I disagree in that IMHO a headtracker should be your next purchase. Which is more natural, moving your head to look at something or moving your thumb? You will be a happy boy with a TRACKIR or equivalent. Check the Viperpits.org forum for alternatives. I dont use padlock so I cant help with that but I do have another suggestion. Join a squadron online and find a guy that is willing to walk you through the setup for your stick. I took a look the X36 and it is usable but lacking some things that you need to duplicate the F-16 HOTAS. It is totally do-able but you will need a custom keyfile for that stick. Unless you find someone here that has one, of course. I remember when I first started flying BMS it wasnt until I got this right that let me enjoy the sim, and I know that’s where you are now. Once you learn how to edit the keyfile and set up your own, you’ll be fine.
4.32 comes with keyfile generator that lists all the key commands and what they do, its in the Docs folder. Look for Callback Reference tab. Read this it will help:
http://forums.unitedoperations.net/index.php/topic/9226-important-setup-info-for-bms/

Oh yes… I saw youtube video’s with that trackir and I was amazed. I fully understand the huge advantage that has… But, after spending $340 for new MOBO, i5, and gtx960, I think I need to wait for a while.

The thing is, when I played Falcon 3, I had my stick set up to allow fast switching between my hud view and padlock view… One hat swtich on my thumb… push forward and I get the hud, pull back and padlock, left and right were simply panning views. In fact, both of my hat switches on the stick were all views… and it worked fantastic… I had very few problems with spacial awareness… No, it wouldn’t hold a candle to a trackir obviously (that thing looks awesome), but it was good enough for me to know what I needed to do.

Oh ya… one thing f4bms has that the old falcon didn’t do is put a hud in the center of my screen when in padlock to display important info… How do I get that activated? I’ve also noticed that when I’m in padlock view in a close fight, when I go back to my hud view to make sure I’m not about to become worm food, it won’t padlock the target again… I’m doing something wrong on that yes?

Have any of you guys ever done a controlled test to see how far out a plane can be from you and still be able to see its wings roll? I would suppose this is going to be a function of processing power and will different for each computer system yes?

So here’s something interesting for ya… perhaps for future reference this might give you a hint at what my rudder problem was… I maxed out all my graphics settings… (remember I’m using onboard video)… my frame rate dropped to a point where I could see the stutter all the time (annoying!!)… and… wait for it!.. My rudder problem returned. Or at least partially returned as it wasn’t as bad.

I don’t know if the rudder problem is related to my senses (phsyical input to the control vs. what my eyes expect to see happen vs. slow frame rate) or if it has to do with the processing ability of my computer being saturated with graphics and the input of the control somehow has to stand in line to be processed. Then, when it gets processed, it’s not the same smooth action. Kind of like when you’re watching a recorded movie on tv and the audio stops being in sync with the video…
Strange…

I’m having a lot of fun… just cruising at 100 - 200 feet around buildings and over hills is so cool. Are there any maps with serious mountain ranges? Flying through the Grand Canyon or around Mt. Everest would be awesome.

[schnidrman]

Murphy,

Forget everything you know about old Falcon, and treat BMS like a new animal. You’ll figure out what the similarities are as you go along.

Be a little investigative in head tracking alternatives if TrackIR is more than you want to spend right now. If you own a PS eye, I’ve heard of some people who claim to get as-good-as TrackIR software running for as little as ten dollars. It is truly a game changer and recommend it before a HOTAS.

Just some friendly advise, take it or not.

[Murphy]

@schnidrman:

Murphy,

Forget everything you know about old Falcon, and treat BMS like a new animal. You’ll figure out what the similarities are as you go along.

Be a little investigative in head tracking alternatives if TrackIR is more than you want to spend right now. If you own a PS eye, I’ve heard of some people who claim to get as-good-as TrackIR software running for as little as ten dollars. It is truly a game changer and recommend it before a HOTAS.

Just some friendly advise, take it or not.

A PS eye? My brain registers PS as “PhotoShop”…
Aha! PlayStation… I had to google it. Can’t the same thing be done with normal webcam and some software? I’m sure my wife would love to see me flying an F16 with some bright green ping pong balls glued to my cheeks…

Forget it… I see they already have the webcam/software with the led lights. Looking into the cheap alternative now… Thanks for the advice.

[Murphy]

Ok… After watching a few youtube videos demonstrating the freetrack/ps3 camera combo, it looks like I’m going to go buy a playstation camera and get that freetrack software. I light my home with LED lights that I build myself so putting that part together is a no-brainer for me.

Thanks for the really good advice…!!!

[x2hawk]

I can recommend the ps3eye alternative, it cost me less than $20 CAD off of amazon. I had a whole lot of fun making the LED array as well, and that was completely free - scavenged the LEDs and the battery compartment from old TV remotes. I did have to modify them so they had a larger viewing angle, but all that consisted of was filing down the rounded bits so it was completely flat.

But for what it is, it works very well. This was the first thing I did before I even started reading the documents for BMS, because of how heavily people were emphasizing the hands-free camera look. And those people were very right, I can’t imagine what it must be like to play without a head tracker.

[Reaper58th]

@Murphy:

Oh ya… one thing f4bms has that the old falcon didn’t do is put a hud in the center of my screen when in padlock to display important info… How do I get that activated?

Search in the manual for HMCS.

BTW: your rudder problem happens because you’re using it during flight. Stop that and the “problem” is gone.

[Mav-jp]

there is no rudder problem…please look at the real video vs bms video for rudder snap. exact same behavior

[Dee-Jay]

@Murphy:

I know what you’re going to say… Shut up and RTFM right? There’s like 500+ pages spread out over a dozen or so pdf files and I would like to point out that in the real f16, there’s no need to read a manual to learn to “turn your head”…

Yep … but this is a software, not the RL … you can also use the Search function of your favorite PDF reader.

[livrot]

http://www.free-track.net/english/

smooth Track IR

Price:
0.0 €

• one day of fiddling the LEDs on a cap and preparing an old webcam
• a week of adjusting freetrack to your cap design and preferences

there are other zero euro solutions around, too.

welcome.

[Murphy]

@livrot:

http://www.free-track.net/english/

smooth Track IR

Price:
0.0 €

• one day of fiddling the LEDs on a cap and preparing an old webcam
• a week of adjusting freetrack to your cap design and preferences

there are other zero euro solutions around, too.

welcome.

Yup… I downloaded that software, purchased some LED’s ($3) and a playstation webcam ($4.95) from ebay… I’ll just make my own setup… That was great suggestion and looks like its going to save me about $150 or more…

I make all my own high power LED lighting for my home and workshop using aluminum tubing and 10W chips so this should be a breeze to put together.

[l3crusader]

@Murphy:

Yup… I downloaded that software, purchased some LED’s ($3) and a playstation webcam ($4.95) from ebay… I’ll just make my own setup… That was great suggestion and looks like its going to save me about $150 or more…

I make all my own high power LED lighting for my home and workshop using aluminum tubing and 10W chips so this should be a breeze to put together.

Yes, its pretty easy and it is a cost saver

I did that too, and it work just fine for 3 Degrees of Freedom (ie : moving around your axis of vision). I found it not reliable with 6 DOFs (adding the possibility of moving the head itself in the pit), so I eventually bought a TIR4 & Traclip Pro, that was around 120 € IIRC.

As a power supply, I cannibalized an old phone (pre-smartphone) power supply that gave me exactly the voltage I needed. I thought it was a much better solution that to use a USB cable plugged into your PC, since if you mess up in any way (short circuit being the worst case scenario), the phone’s charger built-in transformer & fuse will take the damage, whereas with a USB cable, your motherboard does….

[livrot]

no problem with 6DOF freetrack here the finetuning took some time though …

[Murphy]

@livrot:

no problem with 6DOF freetrack here the finetuning took some time though …

Good to know, thanks!
Any tips available to achieving that? What kind of fine tuning?

[Mower]

Track IR: worth selling your First Born to acquire.

[Metalhead]

here my freetrack cap, which I have to rebuild because I damaged the last one, and now it is just perfect and with 6dof for sure (smooth)

[Icarus]

@Mower:

Track IR: worth selling your First Born to acquire.

+1

I sold first and last and got a DelanClip. So worth it.