Newbie Show continues. AA radar questions and a mouse cursor gone mad!

[Scotters]

A few more questions from Scott the newbie as I learn AA radar. I’m using the video tutorial on FCR by Krause. 9 minutes in, and I’m confused.

I have all the manuals printed, so if there is a certain section of a manual I should look at, let me know. Don’t just say rtfm, just ignore me if newbie questions bug ya and you have flown for 20 years… The manuals are hard to read with all the acronyms for a newer guy like myself, but bit by bit I’m learning. I really appreciate help, and if there is a thread I should look at, or a specific part of a specific manual that would be helpful for a newbie in acronym hell, tell me.

1. When using my X52 mouse stick to move the radar cursor, I can’t move down, and when I try it stops my track ir. I move it down again and my track ir is restored. Any clues?

2. Is there another way to move the radar cursor?

3. When adjusting my antenna to scan for contacts, what do those numbers mean? Is it in thousands of feet? Why is it red sometimes, is that for below my aircraft?

4. Is there a way to automatically set up TWS, instead of having to cycle it through. Should I start with TWS or is it smarter to start with RWS? I just have problems trying to switch to it, adjust alt range and all of that while flying and going after targets. Its doable against slow bombers, but against fighters I don’t think I would have time for all of that.

5. What is the difference between HOTAS Dogfight Override Mode and HOTAS MRM/DF Override Cancel and HOTAS MRM Overide Mode. What do all of these things mean? (Just point me to the right part of the manual.

6. Am I asking the right questions. Looking at the right videos? Any other suggestions.

Just wait till I start the air to ground radar modes, that looks really nuts! And as always, thanks to the BMS community for such a great mod and such an awesome community. Sorry for all the dumb newbie questions.

[LorikEolmin]

@Scotters:

A few more questions from Scott the newbie as I learn AA radar. I’m using the video tutorial on FCR by Krause. 9 minutes in, and I’m confused.

I have all the manuals printed, so if there is a certain section of a manual I should look at, let me know. Don’t just say rtfm, just ignore me if newbie questions bug ya and you have flown for 20 years… The manuals are hard to read with all the acronyms for a newer guy like myself, but bit by bit I’m learning. I really appreciate help, and if there is a thread I should look at, or a specific part of a specific manual that would be helpful for a newbie in acronym hell, tell me.

1. When using my X52 mouse stick to move the radar cursor, I can’t move down, and when I try it stops my track ir. I move it down again and my track ir is restored. Any clues?

2. Is there another way to move the radar cursor?

3. When adjusting my antenna to scan for contacts, what do those numbers mean? Is it in thousands of feet? Why is it red sometimes, is that for below my aircraft?

4. Is there a way to automatically set up TWS, instead of having to cycle it through. Should I start with TWS or is it smarter to start with RWS? I just have problems trying to switch to it, adjust alt range and all of that while flying and going after targets. Its doable against slow bombers, but against fighters I don’t think I would have time for all of that.

5. What is the difference between HOTAS Dogfight Override Mode and HOTAS MRM/DF Override Cancel and HOTAS MRM Overide Mode. What do all of these things mean? (Just point me to the right part of the manual.

6. Am I asking the right questions. Looking at the right videos? Any other suggestions.

Just wait till I start the air to ground radar modes, that looks really nuts! And as always, thanks to the BMS community for such a great mod and such an awesome community. Sorry for all the dumb newbie questions.

6. Are you following BMS-Training.pdf in the first place? If so, then yes, you do. Krause’s videos apply to 4.32. They can be useful to illustrate things, but can’t be taken for absolute truth.

1. & 2. I gave up the mouse stick on my X52 HOTAS. I’m using the lower hat on the stick instead.

3. -03 23 means you’re scanning from - 3,000 feet (which actually means zero) to 23,000 feet of altitude.

4. It is not very likely that you would come to use this form of target acquisition at short ranges, you’ll rather use the dogfight override mode to enable ACM and point at your target with your nose or with your HCMS (helmet sight), for example. BMS-Training explains the ACM modes as well. I binded the mouse button 3 from my throttle to dogfight override mode, to be able to switch quickly and acquire a target when I need to. I do that at 2:30 approximately on that video, the lock happens by itself when I point the target:

5. The difference between switching straight to cannon or medium range missiles, I guess, never really got into it, since only dogfight is binded on my throttle. You’re supposed to be able to switch to missiles if you maintain MSL STEP button on your stick.

Happy to be corrected by older members. Hope it helps.

[Agave_Blue]

1.) Probably a key conflict. Change the default key that pauses TIR to something not used by the Sim.

2.) Should be some keyboard command, but if it’s a key conflict between your X52 SST key emulation software and TIR, you’ll still have the same issue …. pushing ‘F11’ (or whatever) will still try to move the radar cursor down AND pause TIR.

3.) Scanning min and max elevation in thousands of feet. Red means negative … the cone of the radar sweep is below AGL, either in min (bottom number red, top number blue) or both min and max (both numbers red).

4.) Hold TMS Right (familiarize yourself with the various functions and multi-functionality of the HOTAS commands by reviewing the -1 document, approx page 26 & 55). RWS is better for contact search and holding weaker contacts.

5.) Dogfight override optimizes AA selections for close in fights, MRM Override optimizes AA selections for BVR engagement. Cancel drops you out of either override mode to the previous Master Mode. 5 Master Modes … NAV, AG, AA, MRM, DF. Suggest for AG missions you set the initial master mode to AG and set it up for your AG engagement. Fly most of your mission in MRM Override. At ground engagement time, drop to AG Master Mode with the Override cancel. After AG go back to MRM mode. If there is no AG mission, set the Master Mode to NAV, then fly in MRM Override and ‘cancel’ back to NAV as needed. On the X52/X52 Pro using the mode knob for this is brilliant … DF Override in the up position, MRM override in the down position and AG/NAV (override cancel) in the middle position.

Krause’s videos are OK. Like most there are imperfections, but they cover a lot of ground and do an overall good job. Biggest ‘flaw’ with them at present is they were made for v4.32 and there quite a number of differences between v4.32 and v4.33.1. That of course is not Krause’s fault. Tim Morgan (Stretch) has done some good YouTube tutorials for 4.33/4.33.1.

[drtbkj]

@LorikEolmin:

6.

1. & 2. I gave up the mouse stick on my X52 HOTAS. I’m using the lower hat on the stick instead.

.

Scotters, plus 1 on what Lorik wrote, although I use a 4way on my throttle. May I also suggest, while you’re at it, to change the keycommand to a single key(ie:non combo key). If you have problems with that, drop me a pm

[nomis]

@drtbkj:

Scotters, plus 1 on what Lorik wrote, although I use a 4way on my throttle. May I also suggest, while you’re at it, to change the keycommand to a single key(ie:non combo key). If you have problems with that, drop me a pm

No, don´t give up on the ministick for the X52 non-pro guys. It works just fine with or without a key combo. Read THIS

[Scotters]

Thanks guys for the tips. I did not know that track ir paused, I think I fixed this and will test this in a bit. For now I don’t have pedals, so I like the twist function of my stick to steer the plane on the ground.

I also didn’t realize that the video was old.

I do have the training manual printed, but unfortunately they don’t have the training missions for AA missiles and guns ready yet. I wanted to shoot down enemy planes and then learn how to bomb. I will wait on the other things like refueling tankers and flame out landings. I learned how to start the plane, take off, follow way points, and now its time to blow stuff up. So I guess I’m not following everything in order. Videos do help a lot, though the manuals are a fantastic reference, and they become more and more useful as I learn the acronyms and other basics.

Thanks for the tips, I will use them and learn.

[drtbkj]

BMS is definitely something where there’s always something to learn, so keep up the good work and keep having fun.

[BlueRaven]

@LorikEolmin:

3. -03 23 means you’re scanning from - 3,000 feet (which actually means zero) to 23,000 feet of altitude.

Just a little addendum for the sake of precision: the numbers show the minimum and maximum height you are scanning at that particular cursor position: it means that if your cursor is in the middle of your FCR MFD screen and your current radar range is set i.e. to 40 nm you’ll see anything that is between 3.000 and 23.000 feet at about 20 nm… so if you have an enemy aircraft that is flying at 3.000 feet at 10 nm or at 24.000 feet at 20 nm you won’t catch it up on your radar (unless you tilt your antenna down/up accordingly).
In other words, don’t think you’ll see anything between the two numbers at every distance but remember that you have a radar scan cone that, as such, is narrow at the beginning and quite large at the end and you’ll have to orientate it correctly in order to be able to see targets.
It might seem detail, but helps you avoiding an headache when you wonder where the hell did that enemy fighter you suddenly spot on your six come from…

[mpdugas]

I have all the manuals printed, so if there is a certain section of a manual I should look at, let me know. Don’t just say rtfm, just ignore me if newbie questions bug ya and you have flown for 20 years… The manuals are hard to read with all the acronyms for a newer guy like myself, but bit by bit I’m learning. I really appreciate help, and if there is a thread I should look at, or a specific part of a specific manual that would be helpful for a newbie in acronym hell, tell me.

Take a look at this, and add to it what you learn in your ‘studies’:

https://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/showthread.php?24057-Community-effort-requested&p=343818#post343818

[Scotters]

Thanks guys.

How about HOB? I get this when switching between missiles. I know that srm is a short range missile, and MRM is a medieum range missile, so is HOB a long range missile? I didn’t see that in the acronym list. Does is mean Heading off boresight?

Also I did not see what “spread” means. I hear this a lot when flying in 2 on 2 or 4 on 4 team furballs.

[Scotters]

Thanks to you guys I’m making real progress.

So now when I see enemy planes I just get into dogfight mode or mrm mode and I hit TMS (threat management system) up and it locks on. I’m starting to feel like a fighter pilot, its fun as heck. I also know where to look to see if the missile is in range and stuff.

Also I simply disable the pause track ir option, and I can use my mouse cursor on the X52 throttle without an issue.

1. A question I have is when I’m in dogfight overide mode so that I can use my guns, I can’t see what missile I have ready to use. I can switch to MRM mode and then see the missiles, but in this mode I can’t use my guns. What am I doing wrong here?

2. Also, I’m still have trouble picking up targets from longer range when using RWS and making sure that I have the right altitude selected and distance. Usually in team furball matches I make sure that the range starts at 20 nm, and I have my radar set to 40 and I’m still not picking guys up. Plus how do you know that altitude to set RWS too when you are in a campaign and you don’t know the altitude of enemies.

3. Finally, how do I tell the difference between friendly and enemy aircraft at long distances. I had locked up an F-16, but I didn’t hear the radio call, “friendly spike” so I fired and got the message, watch what you are shooting at.

I’m still a little bit in the dark, but I’m learning thanks to the bms community.

[Agave_Blue]

1.) Use the SMS Page. Or, if you have AIM-9’s they should ‘buzz’ when selected and AIM-120’s do not. If you have mixed versions of the AIM-9 (-P, -M, -X) other than the SMS page, or know which type is on which station, it’s not easy to tell them apart.

2.) Scan expected altitudes …. normally, mid-altitudes, say 10 - 30 thousand. Against AI, low altitude threats are usually less dangerous (in general), but as they gain altitude and/or close distance, they become more lethal.

3.) Use the TGP and/or AWACS. If you hard-lock (double bug) an AI it should respond with ‘Buddy Spike’.

[Scotters]

Went 9 and 9 in my last fight against 2 rookie mig 23s with me and one other F-16. I sure don’t know any air combat maneuvers yet, except fire the chaff and flares and break when a warning goes off, lol, but I’m getting down what the controls do, how to lock, and when missiles are in range. Even though I think a good pilot in a P-51 Mustang could shoot me down, I’m really having a blast.:D

Agave, the advice on the expected altitudes helped a lot. Thank you.

Some more questions.

What is HOB? What kind of air to air missile is that? I’ve googled and looked at those acronym pages, no dice on those pages. I think it means High Angle off boresight or something. Is it a long range missile?

What is the best place to learn some real air to air combat maneuvers? I was thinking of watching that video called “Art of the kill” I think. I’m looking at the old original Falcon manual too. Or should I focus on learning how to use the Air to Ground weapons and systems, and then learn combat maneuvers? How did you guys learn?

Once I learn the A-G systems and autopilot, I can’t wait to get into a campaign. I bought this when it first came out, and now finally I’m learning to fly, its awesome!

[Agave_Blue]

High Off Bore Sight. Primarily AIM-9x and AA-11, though there are others. Like so:

As far as maneuvering, start BVR …. Notch, Crank, Drag. Missile defence & evasion … notching, beaming, turn & run. Learn the Baseline intercept and then apply that to run a Single-Side Offset or Bracket.

Check the Multi-Command Handbook in the Docs folder. Intercepts start around page 105.

[BlueRaven]

@Scotters:

What is the best place to learn some real air to air combat maneuvers? I was thinking of watching that video called “Art of the kill” I think. I’m looking at the old original Falcon manual too. Or should I focus on learning how to use the Air to Ground weapons and systems, and then learn combat maneuvers? How did you guys learn?

AOTK is a nice starting guide to learn about ACM basics and in addition to watching at the video I’d suggest reading the book, too.
There’s no recommended order in which to acquire A-A and A-G skills, they are completely different matters… my personal favorite is A-G because I find it more challenging and demanding due to the great variety of weapons and avionics employment modes you’ve got to get confident with, but both are great fun!

[Scotters]

First thing I want to learn is how to drop the Hades bomb, just like in Iron Eagle! Then I need to learn the air to air maneuvers so that I can deal with colonel Akir Nakesh since he is an ace, lol! Then I have to take on Maverick! Heck if it wasn’t for Iron Eagle and Top Gun I probably wouldn’t be here, but I am really enjoying this game, it is fantastic.

I didn’t know about the book, I will get it.

Thanks for all your help Blue Raven, I will keep learning.

[Scotters]

Happy 4th of July!

Just got the Art of the Kill book yesterday, and I have watched a bit of the movie too. Fantastic stuff. Also got the old Falcon 4 strategy guide, which has a lot of nice info too! Thanks for the advice Blue Raven. It helps.

Cool video here from the Air Force on Viper Pilots over Afghanistan, their heroic work, and how these gentlemen from Alabama are linked to the famous Tuskegee Airmen! I was fascinated by it, and if you haven’t seen it, it will give you a great sense of appreciation for everything these men do for us.