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
-
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