Newbie help

[grimgard]

Ok I am a total newb to Helicopter flight sims and I fear this might be to complicated for me to learn. I can't seem to figure out how to get my weapons to even fire. I can fly around but can't seem to figure out to go lower or higher in altitude. The manuel is like 500 pages plus :eek: and I tried binding some of teh keys to my Saitek EVO but still no luck with the weapons.

[Lemming]

You get lower and higher with the "+" and "-" keys of the Numerical pad, by default.

As for the weapons, enable usage of weapons with the main weapon switch on the low, front panel first.

You also have to select the weapons you want to use. "i" for inner weapon rack, "y" for outer. "u" is used for air to air missiles, if I recall well (not sure anymore;check your Options => controls). You can also select/disable your cannon with "c".

The rest of the process is, in summary, as follow:
- enable your helmet target reticle ("h" key)
- enable the laser (laser standby switch; lower left panel)
- uncage the Shkval ("o" key); when pressing "o", the Shkval will automatically set to target the area you aim at with your helmet sight.
- lock the target (ENTER key, if I recall.. I use my joystick)
- for laser-guided missles, align the larger circle in the hud on the small circle that represent what is targeted by the Shkval
- press the "fire weapon" button for 2 seconds.

The process is similar for rockets, except that aiming is different, since rockets are not guided.
The Shkval can be manually controlled, it has a zoom, but I can't tell you what keys to use because I don't have a US keyboard. All te controls of the Shkval are close to the ENTER key, though, and require that you press the target lock key (which is ENTER) continuously to allow that manual control.

The following link gives you a better introduction with pics:
http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2626185/STICKY_Tutorial_How_to_take_of.html

Don't be afraind by teh thikness of the book. You'll learn much faster, and you don't need to know teh meaning of each and every single tool in the cockpit to enjoy the sim already and blow tanks.

[Lemming]

You also have a keyboard shortcut map here:
http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=37827&highlight=keyguide

Check this ressource page:
http://en.wiki.eagle.ru/wiki/Resources_for_New_Pilots

Finally, a good introduction of some systems, including for weapons usage, here:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=170158

[Lio]

Grimgard, the weapons have a very small launch parameters. You can disable these on the switch below the marster arm, set it to manual and you can fire your weapons without computer autherization.

you will see a C on your HUD or Shkval when you can launch weapons, set it to manual and it will be on all the time.

Just remember that if your to ´close etc the laser or vikhir wont track etc. this is what the computer helps you with in auto mode so you dont get a bad launch. But sometimes it can be a bit restrictive.

[grimgard]

You guys are amazing! Thank you so much!

[grimgard]

I have one more quick question, When I have a lock on a moving target it does not stay with the target. I have the laser set to moving ground target. Thanks.

[Lio]

Try and adjust the Shkval target box on the TV. I dont know they keys for it you have to look it up in the manual. If the box is to small or to big compared to the target it can have trouble tracking.

Having the laser set to moving target only provides lead it dosent affect the shkvals tracking ability.

[grimgard]

Try and adjust the Shkval target box on the TV. I dont know they keys for it you have to look it up in the manual. If the box is to small or to big compared to the target it can have trouble tracking.

Having the laser set to moving target only provides lead it dosent affect the shkvals tracking ability.

Got it sorted thanks! Do you know how to Mouse look in the cockpit? I googled it and saw you can edit a file to mouselook=true but mine was already set to true. Trying to use the helmet sight with the joystick hat is a pain and it does not look like you can bind it to a mouse.

[ShalashakaDS]

alt+c by default cicles trough mouse look/clickable cockpit modes

[Lio]

One word "TrackIR"
I just got mine with the mail today, i cant describe how awesome it is.
Looking around is so natural.

Oh and targeting with the HMS is easy now.

[grimgard]

Well after hours of practice and playing the "quick start" mission over and over, I have gotten the basics mastered! I even got a medal for blowing everything up! I can now use the weapons, Take off and land, Use the trim function, and the most important have fun doing it! So thanks to everyone who has helped me.

[Lio]

Im have good succes myself, but dammit i need to work the HUD better. alot of times it seems like im getting less and less information shown on it.

Suddenly my speed disapears then my vertical velocity disapers etc. its very annoying.

But i think the hud is the last thing i need to read up on, from then on its just practice, got every single system worked out on the chopper.

I also think a new joystick will help me alot, having to enable switches and buttons using the keyboard and mouse is just to hard while also having to fly.

[Nate--IRL--]

Suddenly my speed disapears then my vertical velocity disapers etc. its very annoying.


In combat modes the Ground speed is removed from the HUD, I don't know why. However it would be prudent to get used to using the IAS (Indicated Air Speed) Dial and the IAS Digits on the top left of the SHKVAL screen.

Generally is better to use IAS when over 100kph and Ground Speed below this value.

Again for the Vertical Velocity, get used to using the Dial, it is much easier to read TBH.

Nate

[Lio]

Yeah Nate i just been practiceing for a few hours just flying around going from full speed to hover and working the trim. Ive tried paying much closer attention to the vertical velocity dial and its working great. Getting the aircraft to fly itself now with all 4 auto options on and FD off is easy now. I found out that if i have to do alot of manouvering ie. rocket or cannon attacks or close to earth i like it alot better with the FD on it just feels more like the chopper sims im used to. Disadvantage is you have to pay attention unlike if you use the trim with FD off. But thats ok in said situations. But flying from A to B its good with FD off so you can look at all the pretty scenary xD

But it do annoy me i dont have ground speed while in attack mode. Is there a way i can get that without resorting to looking at the ABRIS which is kinda small. the IAS on the shkval is kinda annoying since it dosent really give a true representation of your hover.

[Nate--IRL--]

But it do annoy me i dont have ground speed while in attack mode. Is there a way i can get that without resorting to looking at the ABRIS which is kinda small. the IAS on the shkval is kinda annoying since it dosent really give a true representation of your hover.

Sounds like you have the flying skills basically mastered now. As for GS in attack mode you will have to make do with the ABRIS I'm afraid. However while in hover mode if you look at the HSI it has cross-hairs that will show any Drift you may have, you can then re-trim to correct any motion.

Nate

[Lio]

ah yes good point Nate i have been making good use of those. But its more when you come in from a foward motion and then going into the hover. If you do this with weapons armed you only have ground reference for GS and that can be tricky since your manuvering the chopper quite a bit.

But ill just have to make due. It will only get easier with practice.

[Lemming]

Out of curiosity, did you go for the TrackIR 4 or the 5? TrackClip Pro, or the normal one?

One word "TrackIR"
I just got mine with the mail today, i cant describe how awesome it is.
Looking around is so natural.

Oh and targeting with the HMS is easy now.

[Lio]

Hallo lemming i got the TrackIR 5 with the "vector expansion" whatever that is but its the normal trackclip that followed with it, not the pro one.

It works great, only problem i have is the sun comming in my window during the evning(mostly because its summer time) so it can mess it up a bit. Ofc i could just install some proper curtains xD

But it works really great. Just remember to get a baseball cap, luckly i could borrow one from my roommate.

oh and you need to place your monitor on a stand if you havent already. Since the TrackIR cant tilt so unless you sit low or have your screen high you will have problems. I just tiltet my screen atm but will properly try and get a stand for it. Will properly also be better for my neck in the long run :P

[rainn24]

I've got trackIR 4, I bought it in a bundle with the regular track clip and the track clip pro. I never liked the track clip pro much, also it's an active unit which needs power which means it can break (which mine did, but only after accidentally stepping on it). I think baseball cap + the regular track clip is the way to go.

I too have had problems with stray IR interfering with it. Curtains do help, hehe. I've actually got a wall length mirror behind me and a single lamp that reflects quite brightly in it. I ended up hanging a mousepad over just the one spot it's needed on the mirror to block it out. When a buddy who also uses trackIR stops over for gaming we have to hang a sheet over the mirror to remove the reflection from his angle as well :-)

[Lio]

Just remember you can adust the IR treshold on the TIR this can help reducing back ground noise.

[Lemming]

I had ordered the bundle TrackIR 5 + TrackClip Pro, a while ago.

Unfortunately, I had to send the TrackClip Pro back. That thing is quite fragile, and the box arrived quite damaged (crushed by other boxes during transport, probably). The TrackClip Pro had a fixation pin broken on delivery. Hopefully, the rest was perfectly fine.

I just wish that they would put a plastic foil on the TrackIR screen to avoid scratches before usage. Mine has its screen slightly scratched (all have, most likely). Nothing that prevent proper functioning, but still, for the price of the thing, I'd prefer to receive something in perfect conditions.

Same as you, Lio: I can have some IR noise coming from the nearby window in the evening, and solved it by changing the TrackIR direction slightly.

Rainn, I don't find it confortable to play with the baseball cap, so I'm looking forward to get the TrackClip Pro :-)
Indeed, it's "active" and need power. The active components may break, but that holds true also for the TrackIR. When you use the normal (passive) TrackClip, it's the TrackIR itself that use IR lightning. When using the TrackClip Pro, the TrackIR set itself in "receive only" mode, and does not emit IR anymore.

[fearlessfrog]

Yep, track clip pro is the way to go. It fiits ok on my headphones and Ive had no trouble with daylight etc. Expensive for what it is, plus the clip does seem fragile.

[Lemming]

You didn't have a protective plastic foil on the TrackIR screen on delivery, did you? Nothing to remove on its screen before usage?

Oh yes, it's fragile. Just look at the fixation pin.

[fearlessfrog]

It was a while ago I got it, not sure. It did come in one of those vacuum sealed plastic cases that you need scissors to open, ie like kids toys do. I don't think it had a plastic film, but if I was you I'd just RMA it if not completely happy (or post in the trackir forums - they seem keen to help)

[rainn24]

I've routinely thrown my trackIR 4 in a big bag with a bunch of other peripherals when I've taken my PC places. It's got a fair amount of surface scratches, some superficial and some that are really pretty deep. Also a couple gouges and abrasions are present on it as well. It hasn't seemed to effect it at all, still works just as well as the day I got it as far as I can tell.