FSDreamTeam forum

General Category => Unofficial F/A-18 Acceleration Pack board => Topic started by: Orion on December 28, 2009, 07:00:21 pm

Title: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on December 28, 2009, 07:00:21 pm
After months of anticipation, and days of working, testing and having fun, I present to you, the one and only SF Carrier 2 - Multiplayer Carrier Ops Nimitz multiplayer mission for Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration!

Now you can finally use Javier’s Nimitz for FSX Acceleration in multiplayer and fly carrier ops with your friends.  From using the IFLOLS “meatball” or the ILS on Jivko Rusev’s HUD series to guide you into a landing, to trapping and launching on the deck of the carrier, you can do it all.

If you don't yet have Javier's Nimitz, we have included a lite version of it in this package, which only includes the clean deck configuration.

Features:

- Features Javier's Nimitz for FSX Acceleration (2.0)
- Support for up to 15 players
- Aerial refueling from AI aircraft
- Multiple custom cameras
- PLAT Camera information, courtesy Jivko Rusev
- Reward for landing on carrier
- Hidden reward Easter egg
- Compatible with Jivko Rusev's HUD ILS feature

For further information, please refer to the included documentation, post below or post at either of the forums mentioned in the aforementioned documentation.

Download from Striking Software (http://www.strikingsoftware.com/ccount/click.php?id=9)
Download from Vectors Flight Community (http://vectorsflightcommunity.com/downloads.php?id=14)
Download from AVSIM (http://library.avsim.net/esearch.php?DLID=142250)
Download from FlightSim.Com (http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/content.php?98-Basic-Search&cm=SEARCH1&fname=sfcarrier2.zip)
Download from Simviation (http://www.simviation.com/1/find-file?fileId=5106)

You will also be able to find the package available at most of the major FS addon libraries.

Note: A manual install version of the package is also available upon request.

Enjoy the mission, have a good flight and happy holidays :D!

Orion

Screenshots:

(http://i45.tinypic.com/2j18vwh.jpg)
Colin landing on the PLAT camera

(http://i49.tinypic.com/al4yfm.jpg)
Done refueling and heading off

(http://i50.tinypic.com/2en13mg.jpg)
Launch from the Tower camera, with Dan following me

(http://i46.tinypic.com/2zrl5ox.jpg)
J.R. landing on the PLAT camera

(http://i45.tinypic.com/29ur1qq.jpg)
On parallel cats with J.R.

(http://i47.tinypic.com/259jq0w.jpg)
On the side cat with J.R. landing

(http://i50.tinypic.com/f3t2iq.jpg)
Side cats with tower in background, ready to launch

(http://i47.tinypic.com/16gcys7.jpg)
Dan taking off

Edit: For the record and easier access, here's the old thread with development updates and other random information: http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=2224.0.

Edit 2 (26 May 2010): Updated Striking Software link to reflect download on new domain.

Edit 3 (7 June 2010): Click here (http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=2525.msg24980#msg24980) for discussion on the upcoming update, SF Carrier 2.2. http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=2525.msg24980#msg24980

Edit 4 (11 Dec 2011): Forgot to update this thread to reflect the availability of the SF Carrier 2.5 update.  You can read more about it and get it here: http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=3892.0.

Edit 5 (3 Sept 2012): A new alternative, Multiplayer Carriers, is available as a public preview.  You can read more and get it here: http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=7005.0.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Voodoo on December 28, 2009, 07:04:19 pm
Congratulations and well done, Orion!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on December 28, 2009, 07:56:56 pm
Here is some footage from a couple of Multiplayer sessions we had just prior to the release ;D

Make sure you watch in full-screen HD 8)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Tony360 on December 28, 2009, 08:07:27 pm
Congratulations Orion! A job very well done!  ;D

Now we need to organise a session/times and put this badboy to the test.  ;)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Voodoo on December 28, 2009, 09:34:00 pm
Quote
OK, here is some cool footage from a couple of Multiplayer sessions


Spectacular, Neutrino!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on December 29, 2009, 12:04:57 am
Thanks everyone :D!

Voodoo: You're pretty darn fast ;D!
Jivko: Great video and it was a pleasure to fly with you :).
Tony360: Got a suggestion for the time ;)?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SUBS17 on December 29, 2009, 12:59:26 am
Awesome work Orion just a few things one is it comes up with player aircraft mismatch from other player and it keeps coming up. The other thing is not flying the default aircraft skin or type causes the mission to crash. I'm absolutely amazed though to see the carrier moving with working ILS. I wonder is TACN possible for the tanker now since as the carrier can now broadcast it?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on December 29, 2009, 01:39:24 am
Awesome work Orion just a few things one is it comes up with player aircraft mismatch from other player and it keeps coming up. The other thing is not flying the default aircraft skin or type causes the mission to crash. I'm absolutely amazed though to see the carrier moving with working ILS. I wonder is TACN possible for the tanker now since as the carrier can now broadcast it?
Thanks, but really?  That shouldn't be happening.

I believe that the aircraft mismatch error can be thrown in any session (well that bit's a fact, I've seen it happen, just the following part is what I'm not quite sure about) if the offending player's aircraft files differ from the host's aircraft files when the aircraft.cfg reports the same title (e.g. if the host has the current version of Dino Cattaneo's T-45 and a player has an older version), FSX will throw that error at you.  If you use the same two aircraft variants in a standard multiplayer free flight session, you should get thrown the same error.

And for the latter, "not flying the default aircraft skin", meaning what?  Using a 3rd party repaint for a default aircraft crashes the mission?  Crash as in what?  FSX restarts, gives you an error, GameSpy dies?

Or do you mean both together and that if a player uses a 3rd party repaint for a default aircraft (a repaint that the host doesn't have) it gives them the aircraft mismatched error?  If you mean that, yeah, that should happen.  Just select no when it asks you if you want to eject the player from the session and continue flying.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SUBS17 on December 29, 2009, 04:21:41 am
Thats with stock FSX acceleration skins I wanted to fly with a USNavy skin instead of Blue angels and each time it crashed back to MP lobby. Yes its happening and I also tried the T45 and again it booted me back to MP lobby. The other problem is gamespy which is the worlds worst MP program and a major contributing factor as it dropped me after 5mins(and I'm the Host whats up with that?).
Quote
Or do you mean both together and that if a player uses a 3rd party repaint for a default aircraft (a repaint that the host doesn't have) it gives them the aircraft mismatched error?  If you mean that, yeah, that should happen.  Just select no when it asks you if you want to eject the player from the session and continue flying.

Thats with default FSX acceleration skins I wonder is there a way to overide that feature or maybe in the lobby prior to takeoff it shows a picture of the aircraft for each player(like other FSX MP race missions) so that its no longer an issue. BTW regarding the tanker I wonder if its possible to get a free ware tanker with drogue pods like an S3 or something. Although the issues I have which might also be because of my slow PC and internet connection(Falcon 4 works good as does Arma but FSX is not good eventhough its a broadband connection)that mission still is far better than previous versions made especially the fact its a moving carrier.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Pop on December 29, 2009, 04:53:07 am
looks great! however do u have the "map" blocked? Is there a setting to unblock it? Or did I just miss a post!!! ;D ;D
Where can I get the GTACAn/ILSW/RBN freq
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on December 29, 2009, 07:56:37 am
SUBS17: "crashed back to MP lobby" without any warnings or errors at all?  From what stage would it crash back to the lobby?  To see if we can narrow the problem down, can you check if the same symptoms occur when you are using your LAN to host a session?

And override what feature?  When FSX tells you there's a mismatched aircraft, it gives you an option to eject the offending player from the session or allow you to keep them.

Also, what do you mean by show "a picture of the aircraft for each player(like other FSX MP race missions)"?  My multiplayer mission works exactly the same as the default ones that come with Acceleration, just I've provided less limitations on what you do - I just have one simple goal: land on the carrier.

If you'd like to change the tanker, in a word, no, you can't.  See a full list of reasons and their explanations here: http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=2224.msg20405#msg20405.

Pop: Map?  What map?  As in the map page in the briefing?  I just decided not to go find an image of the Bay Area and draw the route the carrier takes, since it's easily tracked with the Mission Compass :P.  And to be honest, I have no idea what you're talking about in the last bit of your post :P.  I just do carrier ops for the fun of it and not really to be realistic about it :P.  As realistic as I get is occasionally a simple attempt to get the right AOA, speed and glideslope on my way to the carrier (and setting the ILS on J.R.'s HUD) :P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Tony360 on December 29, 2009, 08:34:36 am
Pop - the TACAN is 112.000 for Javier's carriers.

Also, if you mean the world map in the game, press alt to bring up that little bar at the top, then click World, then Map.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Pop on December 29, 2009, 01:00:10 pm
Orion, it must ahve been late when I posted the msg! The fingers didn't go where they shouid have! I ment TACAN/ILS/RAdio bcn freqs, where do I find them! Tony gave me the answ to the freq.  U did a great job! ;D ;D ;D
The "map" is the pull down from the top tool bar in "world".  Mine is non selectable??? I have noticed this in several MP missions, but cant find what to "uncheck" or "Check
 to allow this??? In fact none of the options are available in "world"???

Thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SUBS17 on December 29, 2009, 06:59:00 pm
TACAN Freq 57X(ILS 112.00) for IKE and Nimitz, 47X(ILS 111.00) for default.

Quote
SUBS17: "crashed back to MP lobby" without any warnings or errors at all?  From what stage would it crash back to the lobby?  To see if we can narrow the problem down, can you check if the same symptoms occur when you are using your LAN to host a session?

And override what feature?  When FSX tells you there's a mismatched aircraft, it gives you an option to eject the offending player from the session or allow you to keep them.

Also, what do you mean by show "a picture of the aircraft for each player(like other FSX MP race missions)"?  My multiplayer mission works exactly the same as the default ones that come with Acceleration, just I've provided less limitations on what you do - I just have one simple goal: land on the carrier.

If you'd like to change the tanker, in a word, no, you can't.  See a full list of reasons and their explanations here: http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=2224.msg20405#msg20405

I'll take it for another spin today and see if I can recreate the problem.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on December 29, 2009, 09:36:01 pm
Pop: I believe that the fact you can't open the map and do other things (such as changing settings or changing aircraft in session) is a limitation of the multiplayer mission system.  They designed it with racing in mind and I suppose they thought that using the map would give a player an unfair advantage or something.

SUBS17: Thanks for checking again.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Pop on December 29, 2009, 09:43:11 pm
OK not map!!! Tony, tried 112.0 and did not get any thing in the mission as far as TACAN/ILS??
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SUBS17 on December 30, 2009, 12:40:02 am
Push TACAN on ICP then 57 then enter.(for 57X - x is already set)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Pop on December 30, 2009, 03:27:27 am
did that , but will try again!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: ITSMELKL on December 30, 2009, 10:22:39 pm
IN RESPONSE TO REPLY #10

If you'd like to change the tanker, in a word, YES, you can:
           *******JUST REMEMBER TO BACKUP THE FILE BEFORE YOU EDIT IT********
REMOVED:
I'M SEVENTY PLUS AND HAVE BAD EYESIGHT.  WHAT I WROTE WORKS FOR ME, AND I NEVER IMPLIED THAT IT WAS TO BE USED IN 'YOUR'
MULTIPLAYER MISSION. 
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on December 30, 2009, 10:51:06 pm
ITSMELKL: First off, please don't use all caps, as it's considered impolite.  With that over, I'd like to mention I've already explained that you can't and the reasons why in the post I linked to in that post you mentioned (http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=2224.msg20405#msg20405).

Since you don't seem to get the message, I'll rephrase it and state it again.  If you try the method you've mentioned, you won't necessarily be able to refuel properly.  There's a predefined area built into the mission telling the simulator where you'll automatically be refueled from, and the area is designed specifically for the default 737 model.  If you use a larger model, the refueling area will still be in the same location relative to the center of the aircraft, so it could be much further towards the center of the aircraft then you expect, instead of below the tail.

If you want to change the refueling zone, first, it'd be against the license & legal terms you agreed to when you installed the mission, and if you did break them, you'd need to be able to decompile a SPB (Sim-Prop Binary) file, edit it to match your new model and recompile it.  If you do that, you may as well have just changed the original AI aircraft title in the mission itself instead, and not have gone through editing the aircraft.cfg, but aside that, once you try to join a session, you won't be allowed to since your mission file no longer matches the host's file.  If you host the session, then other players would not be able to connect to your session.  If you redistribute your edited file, that again breaks the license in two parts (decompiling the mission and redistributing without permission).

Edit: Okay, if you missed it, that's fine with me, as long as we're on the same page.  I'd think saying "IN RESPONSE TO REPLY #10" would imply you're referring to my mission, because I was referring to it in that post.  Also, just curious, why did you put your in quotes?  And one last thing - if you're trying to start an argument or get me mad, don't bother.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SUBS17 on January 01, 2010, 06:37:34 am
Heres an idea in the VRS Superhornet on FS9 you can inflight refuel and the probe connects to the basket now I wonder if the same can be achieved in FSX by using the same program I think its FSUIPC. I think there is alot of potential for your mission to continue evolving Orion even a small thing like switching the tanker for something like a KC10 or S3 would be cool you have done an awesome job getting this to work in MP.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 01, 2010, 07:01:55 am
SUBS17: Sounds like a good idea, but as you said, it would most likely require a 3rd party tool such as FSUIPC or an application which utilizes SimConnect.  Even then, it'd have to be synchronized between all users (external of Flight Sim), which would make things a LOT harder.  Doing a "small" thing like using a different aircraft would add more size to the mission, require permission from more developer(s) and in general would make things more complicated (for the aforementioned reasons, then there's support and what not).  And also, did you ever try to replicate that problem?  Or has it resolved itself or something?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 09, 2010, 12:05:26 am
Not to double post, but this has nothing to do with the previous post, so I'll stick it in here :P.

Anyways, I've got a multiplayer session planned and so far there are 3 confirmed people joining (4 if you include me).  The session will be sometime tomorrow (January 9th 2010, GMT -08:00).

If anyone would like to join us, feel free to post here or send me a PM ;D.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 09, 2010, 12:57:55 am
- Who's up there?

- Cougar, Merlin, Maverick and Goose.

- Great. Maverick and Goose!


 ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 09, 2010, 02:57:13 am
It looks like we'll be starting the session at about 1 PM on January 9th 2010 (GMT -08:00, Pacific Time).

So far we've got 7 people (Don, Chris, Jivko (neutrino), Josh, Orion (me), Sonofabeech and Steve), possibly 10 (if Adam, Jonathan and Peter join).

Let's see if it's even possible to get to the theoretical maximum limit of my mission (15) ;D!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 09, 2010, 08:15:07 pm
So that everyone?  The previous post has been updated with the final time and everyone who's planning on joining.  If you want to join, post below and/or contact me via PM for further contact information.

See you in the virtual skies :)!

P.S. Yay, 100th post :).
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 10, 2010, 01:20:05 am
Session was great :D!  Turned out that Adam, Don, Josh, Jivko (neutrino), Peter, Simon (Sonofabeech) and me (duh :P) were all able to make it :)!  We had some great fun flying about, flying carrier ops and doing stunts around the Golden Gate Bridge (sorry, no screenshots of the stunts, but I believe Jivko got some video footage with Fraps).  Quite a crowded deck at times ;D!

Here are some screenshots that I took:

(http://i47.tinypic.com/334rhxz.jpg)
J.R. landing

(http://i49.tinypic.com/28ul0mp.jpg)
Two people trying to land at the same time :P

(http://i47.tinypic.com/2h3bu3d.jpg)
Me and J.R. landing (we both actually made it :P)

(http://i49.tinypic.com/25zmszd.jpg)
Peter landing the T-45
__________________________________________________

And here are some Peter took, sent to me and asked me to upload for him:

(http://i45.tinypic.com/14loigj.jpg)
F-14 over water

(http://i49.tinypic.com/qsustk.jpg)
On final

(http://i46.tinypic.com/2hn8dc1.jpg)
Me (Orion) heading off

(http://i47.tinypic.com/2uqbud1.jpg)
Flying the T-45

(http://i45.tinypic.com/2n0innc.jpg)
Tower
__________________________________________________

Orion

P.S. Anyone up for a flight tomorrow or next weekend?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 10, 2010, 05:57:53 am
Peter's shots are amazing ;D I went through the footage - there is good stuff (like Orion driving 400 kts on Golden Gate Bridge), so if I have time I will make a short vid  ;)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on January 10, 2010, 07:40:02 pm
Just installed all the stuff...  Its been fun and a learning experience.

Would definately be up for a flight tonite, if you guys are up for it?

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 10, 2010, 07:58:00 pm
I'll be around, dunno if anyone else is going to be though.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Tony360 on January 11, 2010, 10:57:36 am
I'll be around, give me a time/date and i'll be there!  :)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 11, 2010, 09:52:30 pm
I'm thinking next Saturday (January 16 2010) at around 1 PM my time (GMT -08:00, Pacific Time), possibly earlier if people request so.  First fourteen people make it, but I doubt we'll get that many :P.  If we do, we'll try for a session on Sunday :P.

(Will post this on other forums this time, so be quick- only the first fourteen :P)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: legomanjcg on January 11, 2010, 10:10:12 pm
First post on this forum for me!  Of course I'll be ready then, next Saturday (16th) at 4:00EST ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Afterburn93 on January 11, 2010, 10:11:03 pm
I'm thinking next Saturday (January 16 2010) at around 1 PM my time (GMT -08:00, Pacific Time), possibly earlier if people request so.  First fourteen people make it, but I doubt we'll get that many :P.  If we do, we'll try for a session on Sunday :P.

(Will post this on other forums this time, so be quick- only the first fourteen :P)

Hey Orion. I will be able to make the session at 1 PM (your time). See you there! Also first post for me.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on January 11, 2010, 10:50:49 pm
Hey Guys,

   I'm in for Saturday 1600 EST.

Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Pop on January 12, 2010, 01:19:09 am
DUH! all I get for the Plat is a black square?  Instructions plz!!!
 :'(
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 12, 2010, 05:17:03 am
Okay, so far everyone I've got are:

1. Me :P
2. Sludge
3. Tony360
4. legomanjcg
5. Afterburn93
6. Paco
7. Sonofabeech

From that count, there are only 9 spots left.  If you would like to join, post below and send me a PM with contact information so I can contact you before I start the flight with session information and what not.

Pop: DUH!  Instructions on how to replicate plz!!!
:P
Haha, sorry, but in all seriousness, what did you do to get the black square?  Did you install the PLAT Camera gauge correctly?  Did you press Shift+8 to enable it?  OH- I think I know.  Did you copy the PLAT camera CAB file to the Panel folder of the aircraft you're trying to use it on?  If you did copy it, did you happen to rename the CAB file or something?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on January 12, 2010, 08:42:52 am
Hey Orion

I'm in for Saturday (GMT+2)
See you in the lobby

Sonofabeech out
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 12, 2010, 08:51:57 am
Sounds good to me :).  Only 8 spots left now - I'll probably announce this on other forums tomorrow :P.

If we get more than 15 people, I'm planning on asking the host to allow more players, and the excess can be observers.  When players in the group of the first 15 start to leave, we can restart the session and start to let the others who were observers into the session as players.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 12, 2010, 11:10:54 am
I'm in too, see you guys up there  ;D

J.R.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on January 12, 2010, 11:59:32 am
we should make it communication via skype instead of the licking fsx multiplayer chat what do you think?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 12, 2010, 02:16:48 pm
Skype all the way ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on January 12, 2010, 07:47:58 pm
FYI,

  Paco has skype and TS vers 2 or 3.  Just let us know.

/r,
Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 13, 2010, 01:19:30 am
Skype sounds good to me ;D.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: mikpen14 on January 15, 2010, 02:34:28 am
Noob question, but can someone tell me what the frequencies are for landing on the carriers?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Razgriz on January 15, 2010, 02:59:37 am
Noob question, but can someone tell me what the frequencies are for landing on the carriers?

57X for the Nimitz.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 16, 2010, 06:52:43 pm
So here's the final list:

1. Me :P
2. Sludge
3. Tony360 (still need Skype/contact information from you)
4. legomanjcg
5. Afterburn93
6. Paco
7. Sonofabeech
8. Jivko (2 PM)
9. Raul
10. Don
11. Adam

Still 4 more spots if anyone wants to take them ;).  If more than 4 people want to join, you can join as observers and get into the session as players as other players leave.

See you in the skies :).

Orion
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on January 17, 2010, 04:19:55 am
Guys,

   Enjoyed the multiplayer.  Amazed at the work gamers do for free.  Imagine if Microsoft had released FSX with all the tricks you guys have made.

/r,
Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: mikpen14 on January 17, 2010, 05:52:45 am
57X for the Nimitz.

Thanks! ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on January 17, 2010, 08:32:55 am
Sorry I dropped out fellas... had to take off early, a friend needed me and didnt have time to explain.

Anyway, once I got Javier's carrier running, was one of the best times EVER!!  Lots of laughs and we should have some great pics from some of the form flights.

I recommend we do this alot more.  Thanks to everyone involved and all the people who joined up!  Guess we found out Paco is a pretty good sim Hornet driver, eh?  Just gotta remember to drop the hook, LIKE ME!!  HAHA!!!

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on January 17, 2010, 10:40:43 am
Probably the most fun in a multiplayer session Ive ever experienced thanks to all who made it happen
great to finally chat to some of you guys who Ive only communicated via the forums .... soo many aircraft on one carrier lol
Looking forward to the next one !! Interested to see what aircraft j.r. is going to try next , ;D
Nice flying everone and remember dont drink and fly ..you might spill it

Sonofabeech out
 
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Tony360 on January 17, 2010, 12:44:01 pm
Damnit, I missed it due to real world flying commitments. It sounds like it was a hell of a lot of a fun though, so next time we do it i'll be there. :)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on January 17, 2010, 01:17:42 pm
Sorry I dropped out fellas... had to take off early, a friend needed me and didnt have time to explain.

Anyway, once I got Javier's carrier running, was one of the best times EVER!!  Lots of laughs and we should have some great pics from some of the form flights.

I recommend we do this alot more.  Thanks to everyone involved and all the people who joined up!  Guess we found out Paco is a pretty good sim Hornet driver, eh?  Just gotta remember to drop the hook, LIKE ME!!  HAHA!!!

Later
Sludge

Sludge,

   Thanks for the compliment.  Yes, that hook thing is kinda important.  Anyway, send me an email and I'll send pics.  I might put a few up here as well.

Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on January 17, 2010, 04:51:57 pm
Just a few pics for everyone to enjoy from yesterday's festivities.  I had lead and Paco was #2, doing some easy VFR form flying around the Golden Gate.

Laterz
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on January 17, 2010, 07:59:15 pm
Guys,

   Got a bunch of photos from last night, but they are too large to post.  How do you trim them down?

Thanks,
Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 17, 2010, 10:00:05 pm
I use a free program called IrfanView (http://download.cnet.com/IrfanView/3000-2192_4-10021962.html?tag=mncol) for viewing images, it's probably the most popular. When you open up an image you just click Save and save it as a jpeg with 90% quality.

An laternative would be to use Paintbrush, but there are more steps and you don't get to choose the quality.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 17, 2010, 10:25:04 pm
Sorry I didn't really get any, but I did get these two from when we started and took off.

(http://i47.tinypic.com/10y2g5x.jpg)
Session had just started and we were all lined up :).

(http://i49.tinypic.com/4huts6.jpg)
An attempted formation takeoff, but we weren't really being that coordinated :P.

Paco: Yep, as I said over Skype and as Jivko said, you can use the freeware program Irfanview (http://www.irfanview.com/) to resize and change the format of your screenshots.  There's even a function to do in batches :).  For uploading, I save them as JPG files at 100% quality and resize/resample it to 1024 to what's proportional (640 for me).  If you don't want to use Irfanview, there's always the Paint tool included with Windows :P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on January 18, 2010, 01:32:23 am
All,


   Some screenshots from last night.  Enjoy.

Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 18, 2010, 03:42:55 am
Woah, nice ones, and a bit of a tanker formation we got going there :P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SUBS17 on January 18, 2010, 04:19:10 am
SUBS17: you ever try to replicate that problem?  Or has it resolved itself or something?

Yes the problem continues:
Whilst loading the mission I get:
"You appear to have lost connection to the Host"  Strange because I was the host at the time.
"Your connection to the game has been lost" This happens about 20s after mission has loaded and again I was the host I suspect gamespy is the problem or its FSX somewhere. Anyone else ever come accross this problem?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 18, 2010, 06:03:21 am
This happens about 20s after mission has loaded and again I was the host I suspect gamespy is the problem or its FSX somewhere. Anyone else ever come accross this problem?
This has never come up for anyone across the beta testing or public flights I've done.  I've never heard of that error happening like that with or without my mission.  Not to jump to conclusions, but I'd guess that it's either your FSX installation that's messed up or GameSpy's servers being stupid.

P.S. Anyone up for a flight tomorrow or next Saturday?  Maybe we can make this a weekly thing :P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: fael097 on January 18, 2010, 01:04:44 pm
orion... thats just plain awesomeness!  ;D

i sold my comp so i gotta wait for the new one to play :(
but when it arrives i wanna join your session !

only thing, i think that tanker plane should have the hose extended... i would do it if i could edit fsx models... but apparently thats impossible, unless you make a whole new one ehhe

cheers!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SUBS17 on January 18, 2010, 08:50:47 pm
This happens about 20s after mission has loaded and again I was the host I suspect gamespy is the problem or its FSX somewhere. Anyone else ever come accross this problem?
This has never come up for anyone across the beta testing or public flights I've done.  I've never heard of that error happening like that with or without my mission.  Not to jump to conclusions, but I'd guess that it's either your FSX installation that's messed up or GameSpy's servers being stupid.

P.S. Anyone up for a flight tomorrow or next Saturday?  Maybe we can make this a weekly thing :P.

Most other MP missions are ok its just your mission that I have these errors.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: mikpen14 on January 19, 2010, 05:42:35 pm
Alrighty, I must be doing something wrong.  When I press TACAN 57 with the "X" select I do not get any indication on the HUD to help me establish on the localizer and glideslope.  The same goes for if I press ILS 57, or simply use 112.00 as the inserted freq.

Any ideas on how to correct this?

Thanks
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on January 19, 2010, 07:31:16 pm
BTW, JR...

Did you get any pics of me doing a trap just ahead of you while you were parked with your JetRanger on the 1 wire?  You are a crazy man and that made the session a whole lot of fun.  Plus, I really liked your approach with the JetRanger.  Kinda bumpy but very funny!

I think Im gonna stick to calling you JR.  Ji-FFFFFF-ko just doesnt sound well when I say it, so hope you dont mind JR.  I mean a "JR, break left" call sounds better.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 19, 2010, 10:37:45 pm
orion... thats just plain awesomeness!  ;D

i sold my comp so i gotta wait for the new one to play :(
but when it arrives i wanna join your session !

only thing, i think that tanker plane should have the hose extended... i would do it if i could edit fsx models... but apparently thats impossible, unless you make a whole new one ehhe

cheers!
Sounds good to me :).  And yeah, I'd need to install a whole different model if I were to use a proper tanker, and I didn't want to make the package any larger :P.

Most other MP missions are ok its just your mission that I have these errors.
Most?  Anyways, under the Multiplayer Network Settings (on the multiplayer tab of FSX), try changing the timeout and keep alive to 300.

Alrighty, I must be doing something wrong.  When I press TACAN 57 with the "X" select I do not get any indication on the HUD to help me establish on the localizer and glideslope.  The same goes for if I press ILS 57, or simply use 112.00 as the inserted freq.

Any ideas on how to correct this?

Thanks
Might want to ask the author of the HUD, Jivko Rusev.  I use ILS 57 :X and it works fine for me, but I don't know much about using the Acceleration FA-18 avionics beyond that :P.

I think Im gonna stick to calling you JR.  Ji-FFFFFF-ko just doesnt sound well when I say it
I can't say Jivko either :P.  Supposed to have the s/j sound from pleasure or treasure in the beginning, but I still can't do it right :P.

And a couple screenshots from a not-as-large session we had yesterday :).

(http://i50.tinypic.com/2aj1hc1.jpg)
This time we managed to be in formation on the runway, but didn't work as well once we got in the air :P.

(http://i50.tinypic.com/205wbno.jpg)
On the catapults testing what may be a solution to the carrier location discrepancy ;D.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Voodoo on January 19, 2010, 10:44:05 pm
@mikpen14
Make sure you bring up the HUD Controller (Shift+2) and select NAV1 on the "Steer" switch. You won't get your steering cues unless you do.
(Also make sure you have the ILS switched "on" too or you wont get your glide slope markers.)
(Also, also, you gotta be within range of the carriers for both systems to be active...check the documentation for precise details)

TACAN:
57x for Javiers carriers
47x for default carrier
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 20, 2010, 12:13:16 am
Alrighty, I must be doing something wrong.  When I press TACAN 57 with the "X" select I do not get any indication on the HUD to help me establish on the localizer and glideslope.  The same goes for if I press ILS 57, or simply use 112.00 as the inserted freq.

Any ideas on how to correct this?

Thanks
If you get the distance to the carrier followed by 'TCN' in the lower right corner of the HUD - then you are tuned in. The ILS needles will appear if you are within 35 degrees left or right from the runway centerline, just like a normal land-based runway ILS. Now if you press TCN-5-7-X (for Nimitz) and you still don't get the 'TCN' indication on the HUD, there is something else, and I will need to see a screenshot to find out what.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 20, 2010, 12:18:22 am
BTW, JR...

Did you get any pics of me doing a trap just ahead of you while you were parked with your JetRanger on the 1 wire?  You are a crazy man and that made the session a whole lot of fun.  Plus, I really liked your approach with the JetRanger.  Kinda bumpy but very funny!

I think Im gonna stick to calling you JR.  Ji-FFFFFF-ko just doesnt sound well when I say it, so hope you dont mind JR.  I mean a "JR, break left" call sounds better.

Later
Sludge
Unfortunately I don't have that shot... Usually if I don't have FRAPS on, I forget to press the 'V' key for screenshot ;) Indeed I prefer JR, much easier to say than Jivko ;D I had a very cool idea what to fly for the next weekend session, but I might not be able to attend cause I will be out of town.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: mikpen14 on January 20, 2010, 04:20:10 pm
If you get the distance to the carrier followed by 'TCN' in the lower right corner of the HUD - then you are tuned in. The ILS needles will appear if you are within 35 degrees left or right from the runway centerline, just like a normal land-based runway ILS. Now if you press TCN-5-7-X (for Nimitz) and you still don't get the 'TCN' indication on the HUD, there is something else, and I will need to see a screenshot to find out what.

I tried out what you typed and I still have no TCN indication, or ILS information.  I do however get the TCN/ILS info when I tune into KNPA.  So something is a-miss somewhere with my installation.  I'll post some piccies also.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on January 20, 2010, 06:13:29 pm
hey mikpen 14

Does this happen when you add a carrier using the AICARRIER2 to manually place a carrier 5 or ten miles ahead in other words can you see the carrier but the tacan heading doesnt show up on your HUD or are you not able to find the carrier itself. Carriers need to be manually placed in the flight before you can find them or you need to install the carrier tracks .bgl file which places carriers in the virtual world automatically or use Orions multiplayer mission. If you can see the carrier but no HUD tacan info sometimes (with KNPA specifically) the info only registers once you get closer to the carrier if you are two miles behind the ship and the ils needles and tacan symbology are not showing yet then there definitely is a problem with your install if you cant find the carrier itself then try adding one using the aicarrier manually in flight and see if the tacan info pops up. If you can give me more info relating to the things I have mentioned Im sure I can get you sorted...hope this helps
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: mikpen14 on January 20, 2010, 07:59:34 pm
Sonofabeech;

As of right now I am taking off from KNPA and then having the carrier group placed a couple miles ahead of me.  I then am not able to have the Tacan/ILS appear what-so-ever but I do have a visual of the fleet and I can land on it and catapault from it no problem.  I have also tried uninstalling it and then reinstalling it with the same affect.

I will now try and install the .bgl files with the carrier tracks and report back.

Thanks for the help!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: mikpen14 on January 20, 2010, 09:05:54 pm
I installed the carrier tracks .bgl and have the same problem.  

This time I loaded up the flight from the "load" screen and started from Hawaii and no difference!

on the ICP it never turns from "OF" to "ON"

The piccies below show it working for land based airports.
(http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/1291/michaelpc2010jan20001.jpg)
By null (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/null) at 2010-01-20

(http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3424/michaelpc2010jan20002.jpg)
Shot at 2010-01-20

(http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3299/michaelpc2010jan20003.jpg)
By null (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/null) at 2010-01-20

(http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/8800/michaelpc2010jan20004.jpg)
By null (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/null) at 2010-01-20
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on January 20, 2010, 10:11:01 pm
hey mikpen14

check out this link http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=2342.0
you will need this download to enable the new realistic HUD by Jivko Rusev to get tacan for the carriers ..
I also sent you an personal message explaining a bit more, check your inbox
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: mikpen14 on January 20, 2010, 10:23:59 pm
That sounds great!

Im just off to work, but I will take a look at it for sure tomorrow!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 20, 2010, 10:36:16 pm
Yes, you need to use the realistic HUD from the link sonofabeech provided. It has the carrier ILS/TCN capability that you need.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 21, 2010, 07:48:28 am
Great, now that the HUD is sorted, back to carrier ops :P.

Who's up for a session next Saturday?  Maybe we should make this a weekly thing (well, it has been, at least based on the data for the past two weeks :P)...
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on January 21, 2010, 10:44:31 am
Sonofabeech will be there who else is gonna join us? you dont know what your'e missing out on especially if you havent been neutrino'd yet... oh yes and theres that little matter of Orions easter egg in his mission, Paco's no hook carrier landings  ;D and drunken pilots declaring their undying affection for Orion and his new multiplayer carrier mission :o ..its a 3 ring circus come on in the waters fine and if this all sounds greek to you then you will be right at home in these sessions cos most of what these guys say sounds like greek to me ...10-4 Orion???? you flying a truck ???!!??  :P
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on January 22, 2010, 02:12:51 am
   I'll show up, if we start on time.  Let me explain.  I'm 41, work lots of hours a week and have a 2.5 year old son.  What little gaming time I have is precious, so I don't want to waste it by waiting for someone who might have said they'll be on or have to delay to beta test some views or whatever.  Hate to be a party pooper, but I'm being honest.   I can't spend four hours on the computer for a one hour flight. 
   May I suggest that if we say start time is 1600, the we hit the play button at 1600.  That means you should log on ten minutes prior and be ready to fly at 1600.  Then the host runs the session for say 30 minutes, stops, reloads and flies again, this cycle continues and we can accomodate everyone's schedule.
   I for one enjoy multiplayer, but one should also be considerate of other people's time. 

Let the name calling begin.
Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 22, 2010, 03:07:57 am
Paco has a point - some NAVY discipline for the carrier ops is welcome  ;D

That said, I am still unsure of my participation this Saturday ::)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: mikpen14 on January 22, 2010, 03:45:20 am
sonofabeech;

All is now good, the TACAN/ILS stuff is working like a charm.

Thanks for the help!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 22, 2010, 05:33:42 am
Brian has a very good point - we need to start on time.  A lot, probably too much of the time is wasted just waiting around.

So here's a new rule for the next session(s): if you want to fly, be here early.  Get on Skype about 10 minutes prior (even earlier if you'd like) for session information.  If you're not in the session prior to 1 PM GMT -08:00, we're starting without you.  If you come late, you can join as an observer and get in the session as a player when everyone who's currently in the session agrees to restart (generally after everyone's landed a couple times).
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on January 22, 2010, 10:07:21 am
Very good points raised here ...I too have a 2.75 year old daughter and my flying time is precious especially on the weekend. I like the idea of joining up 10 minutes before the session and I especially like the part of restarting the session every 30 minutes ...due to my time zone (1:00 pacific time equates to 11:00 at night here) I am often out at the time of the session starting , this way I could join one of the later starts if I dont make it back in time...Also by restarting after 30 minutes the turns made by the carrier will be reduced and the line up issues that some people still have will be greatly reduced  :) Just my two cents worth

Sonofabeech out
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on January 22, 2010, 01:41:56 pm
All,

   Thanks for the support.  I'm available Saturday afternoon/evening CST, just pick a time. 

/r,
Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 22, 2010, 04:59:51 pm
OK, I will be here too  8)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on January 22, 2010, 09:09:26 pm
Paco...

No need for anyone to call you names when you are right on point.  Although I cant be there this Saturday, would definately like the ideas floated here about being ready in Skype 10 mins PRIOR and launching ON TIME to become standard.  Youre right, other's family situations need to be taken into account.  Just a little bit of common decency goes a long way! 

Have fun fellers, look forward to flying with ya next weekend.  Cant wait to hit another round of carrier patterns and as Paco and I now should know VERBATIM when starting the 180 turn... "abeam, gear down, HOOK DOWN"!!  Haha!!!

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: mikpen14 on January 29, 2010, 06:35:17 am
What is the confirmed time for the flight on Saturday?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on January 29, 2010, 06:58:49 am
It'll always start at 1 PM my time (GMT -08:00 Pacific Time) unless otherwise noted.  P.M. me your Skype username to get added to the call on Saturday.  Haven't had anyone contact me about it specifically, so it looks like it'll just be whoever is online - can't be more than 15 people :P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on January 30, 2010, 09:54:42 pm
Session is up at 1300 Pacific.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on January 31, 2010, 12:04:56 am
Here are 4 videos I recorded from last weeks session.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3D04667984A8107C (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3D04667984A8107C)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on January 31, 2010, 03:14:46 am
All,

  Some pics from this afternoon's session.  Enjoy

Paco

Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on January 31, 2010, 04:00:38 am
Great shots Paco...

We let the sim run 'til dark and had some fun times running "night carrier ops", with a right to left crosswind.  Not the norm or realistic but alot of fun, there were plenty of COME RIGHT calls out there!!

Getting "neutrino'd" alot along with the kids bouncing around in Hornets on the deck was pretty funny.  Plus, I forgot my hook down, gear down twice again!!  Haha...

Ill have to remember that 1pm is 3pm for me, not 4pm, otherwise I woulda been out there at the right time.  Glad to fly with all the fellers is great.

Well, take care and talk to ya later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Intrepid on January 31, 2010, 06:50:01 pm
Looked like a lot of fun ;) ;D
Randy
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on January 31, 2010, 11:07:42 pm
Video from yesterday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnM8r0dQE_Q (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnM8r0dQE_Q)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 01, 2010, 01:49:33 am
Thanks for posting that video... great time was had especially the night ops and getting Neutrino'd soo many times I lost count.

Definately alot of fun!!  BTW, that was ME AGAIN doing a no-hook defacto touch-n-go cause I dont know how to call "abeam, gear down, hook down" and do what I just called out.  I woulda been debriefed, de-winged, and put on the short bus as many times as Ive done that.  Dont worry Paco, Ive taken the lead on no-hook landings now.

Need to do more, its alot of fun once we get it all synced up.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 01, 2010, 03:11:30 am
Ugh...  Now I feel obliged to post my footage too, but it isn't all that interesting and I don't really have any music for it :P.

P.S. Nice video Don!  Truncated my landing, though? :P

Edit: Video is now up ;D!  YouTube says it's still being processed, so be patient - should eventually be available in 1080p.  Didn't get much, but next time I'll try and get more creative views, our Skype call (I used a laptop) and possibly some music too.

Weekly Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Jan 30


Edit 2: Appears that it's all uploaded and processed.  Enjoy ;)!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 01, 2010, 08:29:40 pm
Although the quality of the landings was not the highest possible, this was true carrier night ops, and one of the very few FSX videos on youtube with such content 8) What is not well seen in the video is that there was a very nasty cross wind on approach, which placed the velocity vector almost outside the visible part of the HUD. This made the landings very difficult and it was very helpful to have an LSO.

Thanks for shooting this Don, and good choice of music ;)
 
Video from yesterday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnM8r0dQE_Q (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnM8r0dQE_Q)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 03, 2010, 06:22:37 am
Hahaha, nice one Sludge!  I see you quoted yourself for the under avatar text thing :P.

"Aaaaohhh my goodness...  Oh my God.  You call it, DO it.  Not me, er not you guys, me...  I keep saying "Abeam, gear down, HOOK DOWN"..."
(From Don's video (
) at 1:36 :P)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 03, 2010, 08:19:53 pm
Orion...

Yeah, figured this way, I should start remembering to put my hook down in light of several really good approaches that turned into de-facto no-hook touch-n-go's cause I cant remember to put my hook down.

Still really funny watching that video!!  Plus, the massive crosswind we had made landing on center 3 wire really tough.  Alot of crabbing and aiming FAR RIGHT, then drifting into left.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 03, 2010, 08:38:18 pm
Can everyone who I've given the newer beta version of the mission to rerun the mission installer (or manually revert to the currently available version)?  I'm working on a newer version with more fixes, but it'll be available as a whole separate mission to maintain compatibility with my previous one.  The beta of this newer version should be ready for next Saturday's flights.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 04, 2010, 08:14:03 am
1 of 2 posts for Orion.

First is how my Hornet looks with the dark engine smoke I have, pulling G's with the HiGWingVapor effect.  I realized that after watching some of this past weekend's videos that you dont see this, you only see a thick "contrail-looking" smoke trail.  Nor do you see my WingVapor.  Dont worry, Ill disable the smoke before I get online this weekend, so we can do a takeoff without my contrail smoke blocking any good screenies.

Enjoy
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 04, 2010, 08:34:26 am
2 of 2 post for Orion.

Posting several pics, detailing the carrier pattern and how I setup to hit all the points of a carrier pattern.  First pic is my initial setup, the last pic is a default overland practice carrier pattern guide.  Starting w/1st pic, Im hooked up, Full flaps, HUD control is HUD Cage = On, Altimeter=Radar, Steer=Nav1.  As you can see in the 2nd pic my cockpit setup, I have the Left MFD for HSI for overall S/A (situational awareness).  The Right MFD is on the CHK page so I can see my trim settings.  The center MFD has the Basic (not FPAS) Fuel page, so when I get to .9 the last thing I look at is my fuel state, make the ball call at 3/4 mile and switch to Full Screen HUD for landing.  Keep in mind, from starting on the cat and hooking up, to flying the full pattern to the 3/4 mile call, I fly in VC at .6 zoom.  Once at ball call, I switch to Full Screen, so I can see the meatball (the vc physical HUD brackets/Indexer partially obstruct the meatball close in), my indexer, and the HUD without obstruction.  I know its not as realistic, but you can only be soo realistic with a computer monitor's field of view, even if it is setup as viewwideaspect=true setting.  I took the screenies mostly using Fullscreen so you could read the HUD data better.

As you can see, all of the pics are named with certain guidelines that I use (ie, 7degclimb_Point9TCN, or at180_30AoBTurn) to hit required points in the carrier pattern.  If you use these, practice these points, you will be killing carrier patterns by Saturday.  I put this out there for you cause its easier to do it this way and you visually get what Im talking about... since I remember you had questions like this from the night carrier ops we did.  Plus, on your video, I remember your approach speed was 200+ KIAS.  Even 160+ KIAS is super high.  Granted its fun to land like a wild man, but you seem like you really wanted to nail this the right way, so Im just offering this as a guideline.

And you never know, some newbies might come along and find this very useful?  As always, feel free to ask me questions here or PM me.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 04, 2010, 01:15:37 pm
Holy smoke, Sludge - your high-G effect looks really awesome :) I hope the FSX Blue Angels have it as well - they have quite a lot high-G maneuvers.

You points on the carrier pattern are very helpful. I would add that when you are at abeam, you need to wait a couple of seconds before you start your downwind turn to final. This helps to get on the glideslope at 0.8 to 1.0 nm. Turning too soon, you will end up too close (0.5 nm is already too close) and may be too high to the carrier, and if you wait too long you are going to be too long in the groove which real LSOs don't like 8)

Also the most important thing to remember in the groove is that if you are on-speed (velocity vector centered in the AOA-bracket or about 130-140 kts depending on weight) - you always have to add power when you want to climb, and reduce power when you want to increase your descent rate. If you don't do that, as soon as you pull back on the stick to climb - your angle of attack will increase (the velocity vector will move down on the HUD) and as a result your speed will drop and you will lose altitude and speed. Of course if you are both low and fast, you don't need to add power when you pull back on the stick to climb - in this case you do need to lose some speed.  

The steering arrow shows the direction of the carrier relative to your present course. So if you are flying on a course parallel to the ship's course - the arrow will point straight up, and if you are flying on the reciprocal course (as in the abeam position) - it will point straight down. When the arrow crosses your velocity vector - this means that you are crossing the ship's wake (that is if you are behind the carrier).
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 04, 2010, 02:13:07 pm
from abeam position at the 180 I usually count about 5 seconds dirtied up before making the turn..puts me just before the ball call with a little bit of time to correct from the turn if necessary without being too long in the groove.....3 seconds with two big pulls to the left usually leads to the LSO leaping into the safety nets screaming wave off WAVE OFF!!!... ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 04, 2010, 04:46:28 pm
Neutrino...

Thanks.  Ive had it for a while, since early Fall 09.  I think it is the same effect they use, but mine is with different settings that let it activate more.  Additionally, I really like the darker jet exhaust at N2>88%, as even the "smokeless" tactical jets still do this.  LSOs use this to visually confirm positive power changes they call out to landing pilots.  When they call "power", and a Hornet is in the backend of the "power bucket" curve, N2 will usually be around 85-89 percent, so they see the power add as a quick spurt of darker exhaust.  Just sucks you guys dont see it on the Multi.  You just see a white contrail when I get above 88 percent on N2.  Bummer.

And, sonofabeech/neutrino...
In my pics, youll see that I have the pic named, "at the 180, wait 4 secs".  That puts me at 0.9/1.0 TCN on final rollout, with time to correct glideslope and course.  Of course, my scenario is the first carrier practice mission, w/a WindOverDeck at 017 deg at 17 kts.  So along with the carrier's speed, I have a total WindOverDeck of 34 kts.  Thats why 4 secs works for ME.  I think for others that want to find the best delay, start with 8 secs after the 180, make a continuous 30 AoB, and see where that leaves you.  1.6 TCN is too far, so do another approach and try 6 secs, til you get to about 1.0 TCN on rollout.  I think you get the point?!  Also, my practice scenario is saved with me just behind Cat2, so I can get my cockpit/HUD setup, do a quick wipeout, hook up and Im off to practice touch and go's.  Also, one thing Ive found out, that you may or may not know, is to wipe out (run each control surface to its corners/stops, including the rudder and throttle) when you first start FSX, in mission.  This will ensure that you get the full and correct response from every control input you are giving.  If you dont, you can get overpowered situation when only in half throttle cause FSX doesnt know where the afterburner stop is and the full idle stop is.  And, it adds to the "realism" factor, since real jets do this on startup to ensure "free and clear" flight controls during engine startup/pre-taxi.

Thanks for the input fellers
Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Pop on February 04, 2010, 07:17:12 pm
My 2 cents!
Most RW pilots (after being approved by CO) use Auto throttle approaches, then  all u have to do is "work the nose" cause the AOA(on speed) will be maintained.  I agree totally with the statement "power controls altitude-nose controls airspeed" w/o auto throttle- That is it way to fly (the way the USN instructs-- been therer done that)!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 04, 2010, 08:29:37 pm
Hey Sludge

I did see your 4 sec but only after I had already posted ..was wondering about those 4 seconds seemed to be a little close in but then I realised after your last post that you had a 17knt tailwind on your downwind leg and then an additional 17knt headwind on finals which obviously makes up the difference ..all of a sudden my 5 seconds on Orion's multiplayer mission seems a little reckless eh!!  :o
great pics ..are you flying with turbulence and thermal effect turned on ? i seriously recommend it for the sense of immersion its not too bumpy but really gets you to focus on finals.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 05, 2010, 01:46:01 am
Pop...

Can autothrottle be used on FSX carriers?  From what Ive seen, real world use depends on the situation for autothrottle right?  Especially once you get a pitching deck involved, I dont know many pilots that would want autothottle possibly dropping them on the boat and getting slammed with an 800-900 fpm decent rate hard landing.  Mostly, Im talking "as real as we can get WITHIN FSX".  If you know how to use ATC (autothrottlecontrol) within FSX carrier landings, let me know, so I can try it out.  Otherwise, its a valid but moot point.

Son-of-a...
I know what youre saying and thats why I left alot of trial-n-error for people with different carrier speeds (I altered mine), and different actual wind speeds.  My main idea being there should be an ideal starting point (8 secs, my best guess) where everyone can start from and work backwards to get a decent carrier track going and to practice with.  I think this started to help Orion from our previous multiplayer session, but as I wrote it, it evolved to being a general help guide for anyone.  Plus, I welcome any additional input, as we have some virtual Hornet flyers who are winged Naval Aviators (big deal, in my book).  As far as turbulence, I have it turned on, but in my scenario, I simply have wind with lite/mild gusts and no turbulence.  I think a previous thread discussed this, and it was agreed that turbulence is not a big player in Case I day landings?  Thats not to say I might just turn it on and fly around tonite, to see what youre talking about... as I always love to tinker.

Thanks for the input fellers.
Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 05, 2010, 02:45:07 am
I don't know what I've started, but I was just asking for guidance since it was night and there was a crosswind :P.

Anyone else specifically planning on joining the session next Saturday besides me and Sludge?

P.S. Looks like Don uploaded another video:
:P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 05, 2010, 07:50:26 am
Im in
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on February 05, 2010, 02:23:09 pm
Orion,

  Paco will be unable. Sorry. You guys have fun.

Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 05, 2010, 05:23:06 pm
Paco...

Sorry to hear that.  Catch ya next time.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 05, 2010, 05:41:15 pm
I'll fly :)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on February 05, 2010, 06:13:30 pm
I found this tutorial on YouTube and most of you guys don't need it. I, on the other hand, well you know I need it. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrkuWnYFGJU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrkuWnYFGJU)

DJ Don
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SpazSinbad on February 05, 2010, 10:00:29 pm
dfiler, thanks for link to video. If you are unsure about 'how to carrier land' there are other, better videos out there but the one you mention was good for the TACAN info for sure. The Virtual Blue Angels video about carrier landing is excellent. Link is on other threads. Here it is again "OK,3": http://vimeo.com/2950519

Several things about the video under discussion would be the talk about airspeed and other details which are for practical purposes irrelevant and make it seem that figuring those details out for evey approach appear impossible.

Naval aircraft use the Angle of Attack Indexer and the HUD bracket to show the aircraft 'on speed' at the Optimum Angle of Attack. There are plenty of threads on this forum that explain this actual and practical method of carrier landing - therefore no need to know or calculate airspeed. For sure there is a maximum AUW All Up Weight which the Hornet must be below to carrier land successfully. There are many other good points in the video about being on centreline etc.

I was smiling when at the end the fuel state is revealed to be 600lbs! Wow - this guy should be on deck somewhere with fuel below the BINGO fuel (minimum fuel to be on deck / runway). I don't know what a Hornet BINGO fuel is but considering A-4 Skyhawk minimum fuel to be on deck/runway was 500lbs you can see what I'm suggesting I hope. Looks like there are other videos related to carrier landings from that page also.

BTW I'm cannot be certain that the outside views are the same as the first inside view. Anyway looking at the first inside view of the carrier landing again please note that 'in close' and 'at the ramp' the aircraft goes low. Having crossed the ramp the ball goes RED! Maybe some 'deck spotting' was happening at the last few seconds of approach - or the power was reduced too much - difficult to say but have a look at the video again. I watched the highest quality video which became a 155Mb .MP4 file in the Internet Explorer Cache, where it is saveable to the file system. Other lesser quality versions of video will be smaller and probably .FLV videos.

Have a look around on this forum for good advice on carrier landing technique - it is a precision approach requiring proper technique. Just now looking for the FSX Blue Angels excellent tutorial video I see one thread on their forum which will add to all the excellent info on this 'dream' forum. FSX Blues: http://fsxproblueangels.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=224
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on February 06, 2010, 01:02:16 am
Thanks for that.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 08, 2010, 07:14:36 pm
'Nother great time at the Multi...  Did several tutorials for some of the flyers w/HUD control switch actions, TACAN usage around the boat, required carrier calls, and general flying tips.  Also, had a good tag-along session w/Orion shadowing me doing ATC Tulsa (KTUL) in the Multi. afterwards.  He got a real kick from an Okie redneck flying a P51 AT NIGHT, who had no idea how to operate in an ATC environment.  Overall a great weekend of virtual flying and ATC.  And I know Don got a couple more videos up and running.  Again, great work on the vids, Don!  You and JR can put together some hella videos.

BTW, I talked with Orion and we will work to get everyone the "Sludge Hornet" this week as best we can.  Orion already has it in a sendable package (w/required gauges and effects) and we will try to find a way to make an installer, available to everyone with the popular "skins" (paint schemes).  So if you are interested, tell us what Hornet skins you want, and we will get those included.  Right now, we will do a plain white, the Jarhead bird (my fav, VMFA-314), the NASA bird (Orion's fav), the Navy bird.. and then probly 3-4 more, depending on requests.

The Sludge Hornet is the default Hornet I use, that we are making into the multiplayer template.  For those people that want a Hornet with higher engine realism, more realistic landing gear look and feel, manual flaps, darker engine smoke effects, hi-G wing vapor, the Sludge Hornet is for you.

Later
Sludge

Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on February 08, 2010, 07:45:54 pm
We're all getting better! I can't wait for the new Sludge-Bird!

Here's a link to the videos from Feb. 7th, 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D48716D6669682C8 (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D48716D6669682C8)


Don
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: GOONIE on February 08, 2010, 11:35:46 pm
In the video I hear you guys talking about a guage that indicates which wire was caught, speed, and AoA at touchdown. Can you tell me what is being used?

Hope to join the next session, anyone interested in a Sunday session as well?

-Capt
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 09, 2010, 12:08:55 am
It's a gauge that I modified from an original gauge by Skippy Bing. Unfortunately I can't point where you can download Skippy's gauge, and I can't publish my gauge, because it's pretty much the same as Skippy's. I think Orion has found a download link for Skippy's gauge. It shows you which wire you trapped (1,2,3 or 4), what was you speed, angle of attack and vsi at the moment you touch down. It provides a pretty useful feedback for your landings. The only difference between my gauge and Skippy's is that mine takes a smaller part of the screen and is transparent. I'll try to contact Skippy and see if there is a more efficient way to distribute it.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 09, 2010, 01:52:57 am
It's a gauge that I modified from an original gauge by Skippy Bing. Unfortunately I can't point where you can download Skippy's gauge, and I can't publish my gauge, because it's pretty much the same as Skippy's. I think Orion has found a download link for Skippy's gauge. It shows you which wire you trapped (1,2,3 or 4), what was you speed, angle of attack and vsi at the moment you touch down. It provides a pretty useful feedback for your landings. The only difference between my gauge and Skippy's is that mine takes a smaller part of the screen and is transparent. I'll try to contact Skippy and see if there is a more efficient way to distribute it.
Yep.  Looks like you can grab SkippyBing's carrier landing gauge here: http://z13.invisionfree.com/Flying_Stations/index.php?showtopic=19.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 09, 2010, 02:08:44 am
Hey, thanks Orion, that's the original gauge by Skippy, I got it from there too. You guys can download it from there, it is really a good one ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 09, 2010, 08:46:52 am
I should have my video up sometime soon, once I have some music figured out.  Here's some funny dialogue from Saturday:

*Ben is LSO*
Ben: Aahhhh
Ben: Aahhhh
Ben: Aahhhh
*Sludge laughing*
Ben: Ehhhh
*Sludge laughing*
Sludge: That not very good paddles "Aahhhh, aahhh, eeh"
*laughter*

*Don is WAY above glideslope*
Jivko: Go straight down.
Simon: Straight down?
Sludge: Add power, add power, add power, add power
Sludge: Come right
Sludge: Add power, add power
Don: I'm at three hundred and fifty knots.
Orion: Less pow--*Don zooms by, followed by Jivko*-- woah...
*laughter*

I won't give it all away now, so :P.

Also, some random dialog Adam made up before he had left (revised today):

"Three quarter step, call the bed.  Pillow contact, Adam bed, nine point six.  Little more power...  Right to correct.  On centre, on glideslope...  Trap, three sheet. Three sheet, 1.7 knots, Alpha 8.1, -1930.44 ft/m...  That's an Okay 3. Welcome to the USS Bed".

Hope that made some of you laugh :P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 09, 2010, 02:37:38 pm
 ;D thanks Orion that made my day ..."straight down ??!!!"  :o
and even funnier .."add power add power "...." im at 350kts"  ..less pow..ROFL
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: GOONIE on February 09, 2010, 06:08:18 pm
Thanks Orion and Neutrino!

Neutrino, what numbers did you use to make the guage smaller but still usable? Do you change the size or the ratio or both? Also how do you make it transparent?

[Window04]
size_mm=170,64
windowsize_ratio=1.0

Thanks,
Capt
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 10, 2010, 06:52:51 pm
Hey fellers....

In light of all the funny Multi. videos that have come out, here's a good one that you guys might really like?  Its my old job with AWACS (formally Airborne Warning and Control System, but actually known as America's War Against Common Sense) as a mission crewmember.

Paco, you might get a few chuckles out of this, especially if you had to be around any airforce weapons school patch wearers or navy fighter weapons school guys?  Enjoy.

Later
Sludge

Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SpazSinbad on February 10, 2010, 08:33:29 pm
Thanks Sludge, Yep the pilots aren't listening. That is why you have to:

Tell them what you are going to tell them
Tell them
Remind them what you have just told them

The PERFECT Briefing!  ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 10, 2010, 09:29:43 pm
Spaz...

That would be a good analysis, 'cept those AWAC'ers are mission crew NOT pilots.  They are mostly wanna-be pilots that didnt get a UPT slot and got sent to AWACS as in-the-backseat-of-a-737 controllers.

Just love how airforce weapons school grads (the guys with the pointy patch on left arm) can talk til the cows come home and keep going.  Thats mostly what the video is making fun of...  It starts in training and never ends.  Go to a Red Flag and the worst thing are the mass briefings.  The USAF LOVES ITS BRIEFS and DEBRIEFS, especially AWACS.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 11, 2010, 08:01:12 am
And finally, here's my video :P:


Link:


Enjoy ;D!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: GOONIE on February 11, 2010, 08:38:41 pm

I thought CASE I recoveries are supposed to be "zip lip"  :-X

ZIP LIP (wiki ref)
Maintaining radio silence, or “zip lip”, during Case I launches and recoveries is the norm, breaking radio silence only for safety-of-flight issues.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_United_States_Navy_carrier_air_operations

There is definitely a lot of breaking of radio silence, but then again there is also a lot of safety of flight issues (i.e. 350kt passes, two guys landing at once) ;) I guess it wouldn't be much fun if it was only zip lip. Looking forward to joining the next multiplayer mission, looks fun!

Capt

p.s. Do you guys give LSO debriefs or grades?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 11, 2010, 08:57:23 pm
Capt, the reason the LSOs in our sessions do a lot of talking is that we are still not that good at carrier landings ;D Paco, for example, is really good and there is usually no need to say anything 8) But even if the guy who is approaching is looking good, it is still a lot of fun to hear the LSO's voice... Also we try to keep quiet when the LSO is talking ::) I would say the level is much more professional than similar free flight sessions where everyone is just flying around, but still we try to have a little fun - I like for example making high-speed passes around landing aircraft or the tower  ;D Yet when I have the paddles, I do my best to give short brief commands when necessary  8)

As to LSO debriefs, we sometimes discuss what went wrong with a landing and how to improve it. For example how to use the AOA bracket or the steering arrow on the HUD, what is a good approach speed, or when to start the abeam turn.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: skimmer on February 12, 2010, 04:03:41 am
You guys are having waaaay to much fun!!!!! Great job on all. :)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on February 12, 2010, 02:47:08 pm
Neutrino,

   Thanks for the kind words.  By the way, I'll be up this weekend.  I might have to get the newest version of the multiplayer though if you all changed.  Seeya there!, thanks again.

/r,
Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 12, 2010, 06:46:20 pm
Paco...

Glad to see youre gonna make it.  Do you have the "Sludge Hornet"?  If not, and you want it, be there a little early on Skype and we will get it to ya.

Hopefully some of the fellas will show you some of their improved landing skillz?

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Razgriz on February 12, 2010, 08:53:09 pm
Yeah I'm also coming this weekend.  Orion, PM me the details on skype.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 12, 2010, 10:02:48 pm
I'll be flying too  8)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 13, 2010, 12:28:40 am
Just a FYI- We'll be using the currently available version, not the beta.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 13, 2010, 07:58:40 am
Will be there... what time are you starting the session? and which version are you running? sf carrier 2.0? or 2.2
seeya later
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 13, 2010, 08:58:05 am
Will be there... what time are you starting the session? and which version are you running? sf carrier 2.0? or 2.2
seeya later
1 PM my time, as usual and 2.0 since some of the people who don't (or rather shouldn't *cough cough*) have the beta are joining.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on February 15, 2010, 02:42:20 am
Guys,

    Here's a few screen shots of Saturday's multiplayer session with Legoman, Afterburn and myself.  Legoman and I ran the session long after the sun went down....it gets harder to land believe you me.  What was really interesting was that I was playing in my office and the sun outside set at about the same rate as it did in the mission.  I had no lights on in the office so it was dark in real life and the virtual world.  I crashed twice, night adds a layer of difficulty.  I really wish the lights in FSX did blow-up like they do.  And yes I have light bloom off.  If anyone has a fix to the halo around the lights let me know.  Anyway enjoy the pics.  The pics are from yesterday's session and some from previous. Also I tried out a new utility called "Formation AI".  It's in the latest edition of PC Pilot.  It's freeware and it allows formation flying.  The pic with the Canadian F/A-18's is from that.
   Nice job to Afterburn and Legoman for some good formation flying.  I really miss formation flying and FSX is the closest I can get.  Thanks.

   As a side note.  Let's watch the language please.  My kid is 2.5 years old and he's a parrot when it comes to repeating stuff that comes out of my speakers.  If you want to land a 737 on the deck, I don't care.  If you want to fly a helo out to the boat, I don't care.  One small request, my son will learn the "F-bomb" from me no doubt, don't rob me of teaching him that.

Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on February 15, 2010, 06:28:13 pm
I completely agree Paco, Kids will pick up undesirable habits too soon, no sense making it easier for them and harder for their parents. Here is a video from last weekend. My only regret is that we didn't have Paco, Legoman and Afterburner in our session. Sludge was trying to improve his golf game.  ;D

Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 15, 2010, 07:33:13 pm
Paco, I tried this "Formation AI" utility - everything works fine, but the AI planes, although they maintain speed and altitude perfectly, they are constantly pitching up and down - making small oscillations around their CG. It is more visible when it is a big plane. Did you observe something like this when you tried it ?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on February 15, 2010, 08:37:05 pm
Neutrino,

  Yes, I got the oscillations as well, although not too bad the slower you flew.  I also noticed that if I just did one plane instead of four, there were no oscillations, so that might be a factor. 
   A better way to practice formation is to use FS recorder.  I have several FS recorder flights that I fly form on.  I'm able to do a full training sequence like we did in the military.  I fly the flight as lead, record it, then fly as the wingman.  I find power setting are better.  Ideally the best eay is to fly online/multiplayer.

/r,
Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 15, 2010, 08:49:41 pm
Paco, unfortunately I had the osciallation problem even with one plane. I first tried a KC-135 for refueling at 250 kts, then I tested with the F/A-18 - they may be a little smaller with the Hornet.

I agree about FSRecorder, especially the new 2.0 version, where you can record at 1/32 second intervals and even 1 frame intervals. This smooths out any jitters you may have experienced with the previous 1.3 version (the smaller the interval - the less interpolation it has to do between data points).

MP is really fun too - I sucked at formation flying initially, but I am getting much better now thanks to Orion's mission and me chasing other planes as they land ;D But I still can't "fly paint" properly and rely too much on instruments.

JR
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 15, 2010, 10:03:35 pm
Hey fellas...

After talking with several people on Skype, Im starting to come up with a plan for the weekend Multiplayer missions.  Even tho I wasnt there, Ive heard legit complaints about not being able to fly because for whatever reason (wrong SFMission2 version, no Sludge Hornet, previous AICarrier/Javier's carrier interference), which caused the "unable to connect" error.  To remedy this, what I propose is a timeline to fly w/required "observer" check prior to showtime.  It will work like this...

If you want to fly, show up in Skype 30 mins prior to agreed flight time.  Join in the main chat (usually hosted by Orion).  No later than 15 minutes prior to launch, get FSX up and try to join in a hosted multiplayer SFmission2 session as an "observer".  If you have the required files (SFCarrier2, Sludge Hornet) and you are able to connect, you can stay in the chat room and be ready to launch on time.

If you get the error and cannot launch and are one of the unfortunate few who have GLITCHES and cannot connect, you must disconnect from the main "flying" Skype conference hosted by Orion.  I will host a Skype "Help Line" conference and will do everything in my power to get you to a baseline setup to get you flying.  We will completely uninstall the SFCarrier2 mission then reinstall to ensure a baseline setup, then making sure you dont have the 2.2 beta, along with checking that you have the basic Sludge Hornet files.  If we have tried everything possible and you still cannot connect, you wont be able to join the multiplayer session w/the group but only fly your own sessions.  At that point, IF you still wanna fly w/us in the multiplayer, I suggest you NUKE your FSX and start from scratch.

Now some might consider my proposal harsh, however, in light of the last few multiplayer sessions and the need to be respectful to others who have families and tight windows in which they can fly, this needs to happen.  Remember, I dont have a family of my own, so I fly ALOT in the multiplayer during the week.  Thats why Im offering the "help line" conference.  My goal is to get everyone who wants a chance to fly in the multiplayer weekend session.  It really is a lot of fun, w/a bit of actual carrier operations going on.  You learn some, fly alot, and generally have a great time!!

If anyone has any other ideas shoot them my way.  Im just putting this up as a starter and am very open to new ideas.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 15, 2010, 10:27:27 pm
I think once we all have the same version of the mission, almost all problems will be eliminated. I really want to see a session with 10 people or more ;D The help line call is also a very good idea !
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 15, 2010, 10:58:28 pm
Additionally...

I see people still flying a nose down ("waterline" below the HUD artificial horizon) landing profile when 3/4 mile in.  Remember, a navy carrier landing is flown with the "waterline" at 5 deg up (as shown in the picture), while the velocity vector is between 2-4 deg (3 deg optimum) down.  The function of putting the "waterline" on the 5 deg up ensures that once you call the ball and fly the ball, along with a "donut" indexer, you will be "on-glideslope" AND "on-speed" no matter your a/c weight.

The picture I used is from KBT Superhornet, and there are some discrepancies with JR's newer correct HUD, such as the AoA being displayed w/an Amber donut on the Indexer.  Also, we dont have an "ACLS tadpole", no big deal.  However, the flight profile in the picture is accurate.  The Waterline shows the wing chord line in relation to the pitch ladder.  In the picture it is at 5 deg. nose up.  The Velocity Vector/Flight Path Marker shows the plane's instantanous predicted line of flight, it is 3.0 deg down.  The angle that separates the Waterline and Velocity Vector is your Angle of Attack, which is denoted by the "Alpha" symbol and 8.0 in the HUD, as seen on the picture.

This is the heart of flying a Navy Carrier landing.  Practice this over land, intercepting an ILS and flying the "bullseye'd" (as shown in the picture) ILS to the PAPI lights, and then flying the PAPI lights (2 white left side, 2 red right side =  on-glideslope, visual) to touchdown.  Once you can do this instinctually, take it to the boat and simply change the details.  Meatball instead of PAPI lights.  ICLS/TACAN instead of land-based ILS.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 15, 2010, 11:04:13 pm
Neutrino...

Id like to think so, but remember, in the beginning I had problems when I first got on the multi SFCarriers2 mission.  Simply getting everyone to the same mission version may not be the cure-all it seems.  I think it will cure most of the problems, but others, like me, who had conflicts with AICarriers2 AND/OR Javier's Carriers BEFORE version 2.2 beta was ever out, need to get a uninstall/reinstall done to wipe their systems.

More to the point, IF a person cant launch, I will be there to help.  Whereas people that can launch can "go play" and not have to wait around in a lobby for hours.  Thats the biggest point Im trying to make.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 15, 2010, 11:47:33 pm
sounds like a great idea to me  :)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on February 15, 2010, 11:59:06 pm
Hey fellas...

After talking with several people on Skype, Im starting to come up with a plan for the weekend Multiplayer missions.  Even tho I wasnt there, Ive heard legit complaints about not being able to fly because for whatever reason (wrong SFMission2 version, no Sludge Hornet, previous AICarrier/Javier's carrier interference), which caused the "unable to connect" error.  To remedy this, what I propose is a timeline to fly w/required "observer" check prior to showtime.  It will work like this...

If you want to fly, show up in Skype 30 mins prior to agreed flight time.  Join in the main chat (usually hosted by Orion).  No later than 15 minutes prior to launch, get FSX up and try to join in a hosted multiplayer SFmission2 session as an "observer".  If you have the required files (SFCarrier2, Sludge Hornet) and you are able to connect, you can stay in the chat room and be ready to launch on time.

If you get the error and cannot launch and are one of the unfortunate few who have GLITCHES and cannot connect, you must disconnect from the main "flying" Skype conference hosted by Orion.  I will host a Skype "Help Line" conference and will do everything in my power to get you to a baseline setup to get you flying.  We will completely uninstall the SFCarrier2 mission then reinstall to ensure a baseline setup, then making sure you dont have the 2.2 beta, along with checking that you have the basic Sludge Hornet files.  If we have tried everything possible and you still cannot connect, you wont be able to join the multiplayer session w/the group but only fly your own sessions.  At that point, IF you still wanna fly w/us in the multiplayer, I suggest you NUKE your FSX and start from scratch.

Now some might consider my proposal harsh, however, in light of the last few multiplayer sessions and the need to be respectful to others who have families and tight windows in which they can fly, this needs to happen.  Remember, I dont have a family of my own, so I fly ALOT in the multiplayer during the week.  Thats why Im offering the "help line" conference.  My goal is to get everyone who wants a chance to fly in the multiplayer weekend session.  It really is a lot of fun, w/a bit of actual carrier operations going on.  You learn some, fly alot, and generally have a great time!!

If anyone has any other ideas shoot them my way.  Im just putting this up as a starter and am very open to new ideas.

Later
Sludge

Sludge,

  Works for me.  I'll be the on Saturday.
/r,
Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: skimmer on February 16, 2010, 01:05:03 am
SFCarrier2, Sludge Hornet and Skype? I'm thinking about getting involved but need 4 ? answered if you would please.
1.Is SFCarrier2, AICarrier2 ? I have AICarriers installed now with FSX:ACCELERATION USS NIMITZ & USS EISENHOWER VERSION 2.0
2.Is the Sludge Hornet the FSX hornet with the modifications I have already made from the info collected here on forum.
                                           (if I'm incorrect about these 2 where can I find them?)
3.Is Skype a dwnld program for communicating ? Need to read about this somewhere.
4.Will you make a list of needed addons and scorce for partisipation ?
                                                                       Looks like a lot of fun ;D      PS. I also have Java 1.6.0 _17      Fifth ?= is that good enough?                                                     THANK YOU,Skimmer                                                               
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 16, 2010, 01:51:08 am
3. Skype is a freeware messenger (like ICQ) we are using to communicate before and during the session. Download here: http://www.skype.com/ (http://www.skype.com/)

We need to have your Skype username in order to add you to the call (we use voice communication, so you need to have a headset). You can post it here on Friday, when everyone posts if they are going to fly on Saturday ;)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 16, 2010, 03:14:58 am
Skimmer...

1.  SFCarrier2 mission is NOT AICarriers2.  There have been some compatibility issues and before coming to the multiplayer, I recommend UNINSTALLING AICarriers and Javiers, then installing the SFCarrier2 mission by Orion.
2.  Yes, the "Sludge Hornet" is a compilation of all the changes Ive made to my Hornet that Im putting into two easy install .zip packages.  One that is a "basic", without the Engine Smoke and Hi-G effects.  The other, "effects" version, with all effects included and enabled.  You will be able to install both and simply choose either one from within FSX depending upon the agreed upon "Sludge Hornet" to be used.
3.  Skype is a separate VoIP chat program, where you can use your headset for full duplex communications.
4.  Yes, working on that now.  Will get a list out later this week for all interested.

Its alot of fun and shouldnt require the use of Java.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: skimmer on February 16, 2010, 04:30:09 am
Thanks neutrino and Sludge,I'll wait untill you have that list ready so I have full compatability with all . I'll have to uninstall ut2 no doubt and a few other fps hungry addons so I can fly like top gun. ::) ::)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 16, 2010, 08:35:31 am
Nice screenshots Brian and nice video, as always Don :)!

What is the Formation AI utility?  I've used FS Recorder in other cases, but I'd think it'd be pretty good for creating formations and what not.

Sludge: Having two calls sounds good to me.

Skimmer:
1. No, SF Carrier 2 is also known as Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz, the addon I developed which is featured in this thread.  It is a multiplayer mission which lets you use Javier's Nimitz in FSX Acceleration multiplayer.  AICarriers2r2 is an addon by Larmont Clark which uses a Java implementation of SimConnect which lets you place AI boats at user specified locations.
2. Not exactly, but it is possible.  The Sludge Hornet is the default FA-18 Hornet with the modifications that Sludge had made.  Depending on which mods you and Sludge used, it is possible that they could be pretty much the same.  Although, one major difference would be that I've re-packaged Sludge's FA-18 into a new SimObject entry so people wouldn't get the flight dynamics mismatch when they used Sludge's modified AIR file.
3. Yes, Skype is an instant messaging client which we use for voice communications.  As described earlier, you give me your Skype username prior to the session so I can add you to the conference call so we can all talk together when flying.
4. All you need is my mission (SF Carrier 2) and Skype.

Java is a good thing to have, especially if you'd like to use AICarriers2r2, but isn't required for my mission.  Oh, and you mention Ultimate Traffic II, is it any good?  I was thinking of getting it, but it costs quite a bit just for traffic.  And it'd be interesting to see what happens if you keep it on during the flight.  Since it injects the traffic through SimConnect and as I've learned, FSX syncs all aircraft in multiplayer, would all players get your AI too?  Don't think you'd need to uninstall anything, though, as long as they're not enabled or being used.

Okay, that's all the replies to posts, now to get onto what I really meant to say today:

I'm in the middle of writing a very small automated program which will get us all on one version of my mission, which should eliminate any "internal errors" trying to get into my mission.  I'll give it to you all next Saturday to run and we should all be able to get into the same session.  Problem should be solved, and I promise I won't get carried away with any impromptu test versions :P.

And haha at Sludge and Simon using quotes as their under avatar text :P.

You know you've flown too many multiplayer sessions when you hear "Son of a b----" you think of Simon's call sign :P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 16, 2010, 07:46:09 pm
lol know what you mean by too much flying Orion ...the other day was watching a rerun of the movie Titanic and just before the ship hits the iceberg there is an aerial shot of Titanic steaming at full speed kicking up a massive wake presumably to impress upon the viewer how fast she was going and I said to my self ..man I am way above glideslope here .. Sonofabeech hornet ball... correcting....errr wait a minute..;D   Wife looked at me pretty strangely hehe
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 16, 2010, 08:19:18 pm
... And I thought I was crazy about carrier landings ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 16, 2010, 08:21:57 pm
Simon...

That "Titanic, Ball Call" is an instant classic right there!

Hope the Minister of Homeland Affairs doesnt embargo you from FSX.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: skimmer on February 16, 2010, 10:41:23 pm
Orion,UT2 is good product and it's gotten even better with last update but if you have woai you're just as well off. UT2 takes up more disk space than woai but it uses 2009 scheduals per flight.I have had woai with 60 pacs but I like UT2 better. I dont know if the ai traffic from one comp will transfer to others in multi player or not but we may find out. Before I get involved I have to dwnld and install all multi player files and go get headset. If I do and LSO tells me to add speed when I'm at 325+knts I'll crash from laughing to much. And I mean that in a very good way cause you guys are having a lot of fun. ;D ;D So anyway when I get all setup I will request joining cause I have and always will love cats and traps.
                                                                  Thanks,     Skimmer   
                                                                                                     PS. I have removed,but saved,the Mission folder and all it's content from FSX main. Do you think I should replace it?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 16, 2010, 11:20:56 pm
WOAI? what is that ....it kind of reminds me of the sound orion made when Don "Sucotash " Filer attempted to land his hornet at 350kts on the Nimitz ...  ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 17, 2010, 12:33:21 am
Skimmer: Err, you shouldn't have to mess with any files or folders.  You should probably put the missions folder back if you want any of your missions to work (including mine).  I'll think of getting UT2 and I'm looking forward to flying with you and seeing what happens if you have UT2 and multiplayer running at the same time :P.

Simon: WOAI is an abbreviation for World of AI, which is a freeware set of AI packages.  You can find their website here: http://www.world-of-ai.com/.

On another note, I've completed my program and it's ready for use.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 17, 2010, 08:03:52 pm
I'll have to work on a Madadog repaint for the Sludge Hornet for this week's flight.

Simon, just to make sure you're on glideslope when approaching the Titanic....

(http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww314/AdamJohnson285/Titanicball.png)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 17, 2010, 09:40:01 pm
Mada...

Once you get the repaint done, send me the texture folder and the aircraft.cfg lines and Ill include it.  By tomorrow, I'll have a standard single person download ready to send out for the Sludge Hornet.  I say single person, cause I dont have wide release permissions still, so it will be sent out as a person-to-person download only.
Also, there are two versions, the Sludge Basic Hornet (w/out smoke and vapor), that we can use in the mass multiplayer flights without frame rate loss a bunch of "smoke generators" will cause.  And, the Sludge FX Hornet, that has both effects included so if you get together in a smaller (4 or less) group, you can simply select the FX version from the FSX aircraft selection screen and everyone can use it without the need for a separate installation.  The engine smoke effect is an effective visual confirmation of LSO "power" calls.

Simon...

Try for a OK observation deck landing and take out the life rafts.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: skimmer on February 17, 2010, 10:09:06 pm
rodger that on the mission files. I'm glad I asked. I removed them long time ago to save disk space and glad I'm saved them. One ? , I have neutino hud and at a full stop airspeed reads 48 knts. If this is the way it is do I subtract that when in flight ?
                                                                                  Thank you,     Skimmer       
               
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Razgriz on February 17, 2010, 10:43:03 pm
rodger that on the mission files. I'm glad I asked. I removed them long time ago to save disk space and glad I'm saved them. One ? , I have neutino hud and at a full stop airspeed reads 48 knts. If this is the way it is do I subtract that when in flight ?
                                                                                  Thank you,     Skimmer       
               

The minimum speed of the real hornet's hud (as read from the Pito) is 48.  You do not subtract that from airspeed in flight or ever, its just the minimum speed it reads at.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 18, 2010, 12:17:44 am
Madadog that is brilliant now there is no reason to not be able to land on the big "T"

Sludge the lifeboats are the least of my problems.... whose bright idea was it to put 4 massive steel funnels in the middle of my runway  :o
WAVE OFF WAVEOFF!!  ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 18, 2010, 12:30:17 am
Yep, as Duncan described, that is normal.  The minimum speed that the FA-18's HUD will display is 48, so that's what Jivko set in the improved HUD.  You shouldn't subtract 48 or anything.  If you want to know how fast you're going under 48 knots, you can use the Shift+Z information :P.

Simon: It would help if you lowered your gear :P.  "Wave off, bolter, pull up!... oh no..." :P
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 18, 2010, 01:43:33 am
and have it ripped off by one of the funnells ..not a chance  ::)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 18, 2010, 04:47:36 am
Here's an interesting fact about the Titanic's funnels; the fourth funnel (closest to the stern) was not operative, but was included to make the ship appear more powerful. It was actually used as the ship's dog kennel.

Sludge, I'll send you the repaint files once I do them. I'm not much of a repainter (hence why I'm known as Madadog), but I'll try and whip something up.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: skimmer on February 18, 2010, 05:30:33 am
Thank you razgriz :)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SpazSinbad on February 18, 2010, 06:31:16 am
godadam madadog  ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 18, 2010, 07:22:50 am
Here's an interesting fact about the Titanic's funnels; the fourth funnel (closest to the stern) was not operative, but was included to make the ship appear more powerful. It was actually used as the ship's dog kennel.
Really?  I looked around a bit and haven't found anything :P.

But I have found this image at Wikipedia:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/En_size_titanic.svg/800px-En_size_titanic.svg.png)

godadam madadog  ;D
;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 18, 2010, 12:17:29 pm
Quote
Really?  I looked around a bit and haven't found anything :P.

Really? I found several links.  ;)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 19, 2010, 07:54:59 pm
I won't be present for tomorrow's carrier ops fun (Feb 20), so Don and Adam will be available to help set the Skype call and the flight up.  So in place of me, wait for a Skype call from either Don or Adam and I'm pretty confident they can lead it from there.

Have a good flight everyone :).

Edit: Oh, right, almost forgot to add this: they should give you my little mission compatibility program to run and you should be set from there - no more internal errors.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 19, 2010, 08:05:54 pm
Yep, Don and I (Adam) will be on Skype and FSX to make sure everything goes down without a hitch. Orion has sent me everyone's contacts (that I didn't already have added), so Don and I will create a conference call to get things rolling. Orion has sent Don and I an application that will ensure everyone is running the same version of the carrier mission, so we'll provide that once people are in the Skype call. If you want to be added to the call/flight, and you haven't received a Skype contacts request from Don or I, add us to your contacts list (my username's below, and Don will post his here soon) and we'll add you to the fun.
 
My Skype username: adam.johnson285
My FSX GameSpy I.D: Madadog
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on February 19, 2010, 08:15:44 pm
Hoping for a good turnout in Orion's absence. He will get a tardy slip.

Skype User ID: Don.Filer
Game Spy User Name: Sucotash

I will push a "compatability" fix from Orion that will get all the mission differences eliminated.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 19, 2010, 09:33:33 pm
Ill be there around 1pm...

Along with getting people Orion's compatibility program, I will send out two versions of the Sludge Hornet, on Skype.  That way, once installed, we can simply agree to select the FX Hornet for 4 or less players (causes too much frame rate loss w/more than 4), and players can choose it in the FSX aircraft selection screen.  Or if we get a big turnout, we can select the Basic version w/out the smoke and Hi-G effects...

Also, will be there to help anybody who still get the multiplayer errors, after running the compatibility program.... if needed.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 19, 2010, 09:38:09 pm
Good to have you onboard, Sludge. That's a good idea, having two Sludge Hornet versions.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Razgriz on February 19, 2010, 09:47:26 pm
I'm also gonna try it again around 1pm PST.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 20, 2010, 08:05:07 am
Hopefully I will be there ...if not on time then maybe a bit later  8)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 20, 2010, 11:13:07 am
You won't be watching Titanic again will you, Simon?  :D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on February 20, 2010, 01:21:22 pm
Guys,

   Paco will be up today.  Brianscott.filler is my skype address.  Seeya there.

Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: GOONIE on February 20, 2010, 02:30:31 pm
count me in!

skype ID; brennan.haltli
FSX Gamespy; Nugget32
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 20, 2010, 02:42:13 pm
Glad you fellas can make it.

Brennan, I'll add you to my Skype list.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on February 20, 2010, 02:51:13 pm
Hey Adam - you have me on your skype, please add me to the call.

J.R.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 20, 2010, 04:34:02 pm
Roger that, J.R. Looking forward to being Neutrino'd.  8)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Razgriz on February 20, 2010, 07:00:49 pm
Yeah, I'll be coming in.  Skype- duncan.l
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 20, 2010, 08:27:14 pm
Yep, I got your request Duncan. Don's trying to figure out how to add you to the conference.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on February 22, 2010, 09:32:30 pm
Videos coming soon. I am uploading part 4 of 7 parts.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5A7583B7878099BC (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5A7583B7878099BC)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 22, 2010, 09:53:08 pm
Thanks Don...

Cant wait to see. 

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on February 23, 2010, 04:42:01 pm
I'd like to "grade" the videos. They are long, long, long, I captured way more than I could digest and tried anyway. You know what that usually results in. I learned a lesson from this experience which is never produce the video as one movie and then try to chop it into pieces that will fit on YouTube. The "soundtrack" is an issue also. YouTube has a pretty tight policy about protecting copywriten material. So it was a battle having to re upload several clips when they shut the sound off. In the future, I will eliminate the soundtrack and that should force me to keep the clips much shorter. While the "banter" between players/pilots can be very entertaining, I think you'll just have to be there to get that experience. Final grade D+

 8)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Razgriz on February 23, 2010, 10:03:11 pm
I'd like to "grade" the videos. They are long, long, long, I captured way more than I could digest and tried anyway. You know what that usually results in. I learned a lesson from this experience which is never produce the video as one movie and then try to chop it into pieces that will fit on YouTube. The "soundtrack" is an issue also. YouTube has a pretty tight policy about protecting copywriten material. So it was a battle having to re upload several clips when they shut the sound off. In the future, I will eliminate the soundtrack and that should force me to keep the clips much shorter. While the "banter" between players/pilots can be very entertaining, I think you'll just have to be there to get that experience. Final grade D+

 8)

You should post them on Vimeo.  I think that has unlimited time restrictions and no soundtrack removal stuff.

Also: to enable sound back that cannot be denied:
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 23, 2010, 10:35:45 pm
Although not as good as your other video sessions, would hardly go to rate it a D+ ?!  Still fun to watch and entertaining....

Thanks for the effort.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on February 26, 2010, 04:26:19 pm
Thanks for the advice. Even Vimeo has a 500 MB limit and this sucker is over 800 MB.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on February 27, 2010, 03:18:26 pm
who is that falling out the sky like a leaf??  ;D.... not sure which video ..think its Don"Sucotash"Filer's first or second from last week, but in the background, behind somebody on finals right near the ramp this hornet just falls into the drink ..really funny to watch.... are Sucotash and I the only ones who spotted it??  :)

Looking forward to seeing you all at the multi tonight
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: DoyleChris on February 27, 2010, 07:09:37 pm
I was wondering When you Guys fly and What i need to fly with you.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Razgriz on February 27, 2010, 07:41:34 pm
Skype, FSX Acceleration, and the mission that is in the first post of this topic.  Also a working microphone is needed.  We're flying at 9 pm GMT (London), 4 pm EST, 3 pm Cent, 2 pm Mountain, and 1 pm Pacific.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on February 27, 2010, 08:04:46 pm
who is that falling out the sky like a leaf??  ;D.... not sure which video ..think its Don"Sucotash"Filer's first or second from last week, but in the background, behind somebody on finals right near the ramp this hornet just falls into the drink ..really funny to watch.... are Sucotash and I the only ones who spotted it??  :)

It was probably me.  ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: DoyleChris on February 27, 2010, 10:59:46 pm
thats hard for me i work till 3:30 EST and i have a few things to do after work so how long do you guys fly. and i signed up for skype how do i get it setup to talk to you guys.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on February 28, 2010, 12:21:05 am
We're still flying as I type, so just send me your Skype username and we'll add you to the call.  We can explain it from there.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on February 28, 2010, 06:36:18 pm
Hey fellers...

Overall, great time in the multi yesterday.  Had a couple glitches w/the new tanker but was a welcome new addition for all involved.  Much thanks to JR for his refueling gauge!

Also, after seeing his new user name, I gave Orion his callsign "ice cream".  BTW, thanks to IceCream's great computer skillz, the Sludge Hornets are now down to a VERY MANAGEABLE download size, w/some added instructions, if you still like the "clear canopy glass".

Like I said, it was a great day, and Don had several crack up on-liners throughout the session as usual.

Later
Sludge

PS:  Great day for USA and all former Huskers.  The 4-man bobsled team won the gold, and Curt Tomasevicz (a Husker walk-on) was the brake man.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on February 28, 2010, 07:15:55 pm
Ice Cream and Sludge are coming to ma ma.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_zFEE3x7mQ4s/S4qyW2oM51I/AAAAAAAAB7g/MI3fPsZVNig/s800/2010-2-27_17-31-54-926.jpg)

Don
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on February 28, 2010, 11:20:12 pm
All,

   Great multiplayer session yesterday.  Things are really working well.  The new tanker is awesome.  Thanks Sludge.  Few pics from this weekend.

Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on March 01, 2010, 12:11:41 am
First video of the session.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYFfYs8h7nE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYFfYs8h7nE)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on March 01, 2010, 05:56:51 am
Second video session

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWlvCWkdDKw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWlvCWkdDKw)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on March 01, 2010, 05:26:08 pm
More Screenshots from Saturday.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on March 01, 2010, 05:30:31 pm
There are limits to everything.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on March 02, 2010, 05:37:36 am
Nice ones Don- what's up in this one, though?  http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2525.0;attach=6608;image

Shouldn't the scenery (e.g. custom buildings in SF and Golden Gate Bridge) be visible any any distance?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on March 02, 2010, 04:31:50 pm
Like I said, it was a great day, and Don had several crack up on-liners throughout the session as usual.

I'll never look at a tanker's boom the same way again!  :D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on March 02, 2010, 05:22:43 pm
Visibility 5 miles with haze.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on March 03, 2010, 12:29:07 am
I thought I set the weather to visibility 50 miles with 3/8 cirrus clouds :P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on March 04, 2010, 06:34:44 pm
Gents,

Not sure if I'll be able to join you for this week's flight, as I have some business to take care of (hmm...that sounds a little too shady and mob-like  8)). Rather, some people are coming over to help my dad and I shift some furniture around, so I want to get an early night the night before (which is when the flight will be). I may be able to join, but I'm still not sure yet. So there may be no ball call for Madadog. I'll have to compensate by watching a movie about elite F-14 pilots...
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 04, 2010, 10:17:56 pm
Sorry to hear that Mada, will look for you later in the week.

On another note, here is a teaching tutorial for the carrier approach along with some of the verbiage that is required.  You dont HAVE to do it to get "paddles" from me, but if you are a stickler for realism, its a good starting point.  Including most people who respond in the "Maverick has the ball" style.  Makes me laugh, every time!!!  ;D

http://everything2.com/title/How+to+land+a+jet+plane+on+an+aircraft+carrier

For those of you that have received actual "grades" from me, read the lower paragraphs and dont feel bad when I give you a "fair" approach.  In real life, its a very common grade.  I know everyone wants to read their Trap Gauge and get an OK 2/3, but the only time you earn an OK is when you are flying an approach, and hear TWO OR LESS correction calls from me.  If I ask you to read your ENTIRE Gauge to me (not just the wire), its because you got the prerequisite 2 or less corrections but At The Ramp you were a hair hi/low and I want to know your readings.  At that point, Im about to give you an OK, unless the gauge tells me something really off and that you massively overcorrected high/low At The Ramp.  Isnt that right, Simon... nice OK 2! 8)

For hardcore FSX Naval Aviators, using the PLAT Cam crosshairs, here are my correction call standards:
Course (lateral) = Jet is halfway (or more) to the side crosshair point for two or more seconds w/no attempted self-correction.
GlideSlope (Alt) = Jet is on/above/below vertical crosshair point for two or more seconds w/no attempted self-correction.

If you maintain inside these standards, I wont say jack, and thats the goal.  There is a caveat, that if you are off-course/glideslope for too long or too close to the ship to correct in time, you will get a wave/off. :-[

The BEST you can do is after I call "Roger, ball", you hear nothing from me til you are spooling down, at which point Im probly thinking of why you cant get an OK Underlined?  Which I will give if you kept the jet centered in the crosshairs from The Start (3/4 mile) to the Wire.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on March 04, 2010, 11:27:45 pm
Thanks Sludge OK 2 is a great way to start off my greenie board campaign  ;D methinks you were a bit generous but hey I will take it and run like the wind before you change your mind lol.

Wanted to take the opportunity to thank you publicly on the boards on behalf of myself and the rest of the Multi crew for your selfless efforts to make this the most realistic enjoyable multiplayer carrier ops for those of you that dont know Sludge is more often than not the guy piloting the refueling tanker or acting as the Air Boss and LSO simultaneously while the rest of us tear up the skies in the hornets. Sludge is also the guy who hangs back from joining in the session immediately to help people with connection issues/incompatible files etc..and who does individual flight training with guys during the week.

Seriously dude you are the most unselfish pilot I have ever known.

Sonofabeech out
   
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on March 05, 2010, 01:57:55 pm
All,

  I concur, great job Sludge and thank you for your efforts........(actually I'm just smacking up, so he gives me good landing grades).  No seriously, thanks.

Paco
Title: plat cam
Post by: Pop on March 05, 2010, 02:21:54 pm
Where is the link to the plat cam?  Had it once, but its is "gone" now??
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on March 05, 2010, 04:35:10 pm
The PLAT Camera gauge comes with the mission.  If you have the mission installed, look for the PLAT Camera directory within the mission folder (Microsoft Flight Simulator X\Missions\Just for Fun\SFCarrier2).  If you still can't find it, I believe Jivko has a separate upload somewhere at SimV.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 05, 2010, 06:13:04 pm
Thanks fellas for the good words...

And seriously, its rewarding to see what this has become since I started virtual flying in August '09 and learned the ins/outs of FSX Naval Aviation.  My only regret being, why did it take soo long to get this going?  Was very surprised at the "state of the Hornet" when I first started.  I thought with all the paints, modifications, and such, that someone woulda already created a "Sludge Hornet" before the Sludge Hornet was a twinkle in my eye.  If you laughed at that, you are definately an "older person".

In implementing all the changes we have done (new HUD, carrier missions, Sludge Hornet), I try to remember when I first started and how intimidating it was...  and thats where I start from, to make the learning curve from expert FSX flyer (paco) to newbie (tregarth) as painless and enjoyable as possible.  Plus, Im a believer that no matter your level of seriousness, you are welcome here and can ask my help anytime.

While we are reflecting, I would like to give much thanks to Neutrino for the HUD and many additions, IceCream for THE MISSION, and definately DonDon for his selflessness and pretty much making a working archive of all our weekend multiplayer flights.  Plus, DonDon always lightens up the mood with his well-timed and funny one-liners.  If you guys were closer (and older for a few of ya), would take you out and buy you all a round of drinks!

Cant wait to fly this weekend, the bursitis in my shoulder is lightening up!

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: plat cam
Post by: neutrino on March 05, 2010, 06:45:47 pm
Where is the link to the plat cam?  Had it once, but its is "gone" now??

You can download the PLAT gauge separately from here: http://www.simviation.com/simviation/?ID=7255 (http://www.simviation.com/simviation/?ID=7255)

J.R.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 05, 2010, 10:24:17 pm
Go check out the Saitek X-65F Combat Control System.

IF this is considered advertising and goes against forum policy, feel free to delete.  I was simply putting it out there for information purposes, since we are alot of sim Hornet FSXer's, and just wanted everyone to see the new Saitek flight controller that I for one would love to have.  Kinda reminds me of the Suncom F-15E Strike Eagle stick thats more based on the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing stick but with the modern flexibility of USB and a better Saitek look to it.

Dont get me wrong, I like the x52, but this would be the king of all controllers for me, considering it is based on the F-15/F-18 style and not the F-16 style like most (and mine, specifically) are now.  And with the VRS SuperBug coming out, IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY, this would be the perfect compliment for that Add-On.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on March 06, 2010, 01:48:57 pm
Guys,

   I won't make it this weekend.  Drill weekend, but I'll be there next week.  Have fun.

Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on March 06, 2010, 04:34:59 pm
Either Paco has military obligations, or he's spending a suspicious amount of time out in the garage with his power drills over the weekend.  :P

Have a good flight guys. Hopefully Don will create a multi-part cinematic masterpiece as usual.  ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Razgriz on March 06, 2010, 06:36:00 pm
Go check out the Saitek X-65F Combat Control System.

IF this is considered advertising and goes against forum policy, feel free to delete.  I was simply putting it out there for information purposes, since we are alot of sim Hornet FSXer's, and just wanted everyone to see the new Saitek flight controller that I for one would love to have.  Kinda reminds me of the Suncom F-15E Strike Eagle stick thats more based on the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing stick but with the modern flexibility of USB and a better Saitek look to it.

Dont get me wrong, I like the x52, but this would be the king of all controllers for me, considering it is based on the F-15/F-18 style and not the F-16 style like most (and mine, specifically) are now.  And with the VRS SuperBug coming out, IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY, this would be the perfect compliment for that Add-On.

Later
Sludge

Just a heads up, this is a rival to the HOTAS Cougar with FSSB mod.  The stick does NOT move.  It is a pressure sensitive stick.  It takes a while to get used to, but it is amazing once you're used to it.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on March 07, 2010, 02:46:34 pm
Either Paco has military obligations, or he's spending a suspicious amount of time out in the garage with his power drills over the weekend.  :P

Have a good flight guys. Hopefully Don will create a multi-part cinematic masterpiece as usual.  ;D


  Military obligations, but I do have an assortment of power tools in my workshop.  Hope you guys had a good flight.
r/,
BF
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on March 08, 2010, 03:12:57 pm
Video from March 6, 2010

Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on March 08, 2010, 09:37:47 pm
Artilce from FlightSim.com

http://www.flightsim.com/main/review/carrops.htm (http://www.flightsim.com/main/review/carrops.htm)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on March 08, 2010, 11:01:23 pm
Artilce from FlightSim.com

http://www.flightsim.com/main/review/carrops.htm (http://www.flightsim.com/main/review/carrops.htm)

   I suspect we are going to have more additions to the multiplayer session.  Nice job Don.

/r,
Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on March 09, 2010, 12:49:30 am
Great article, Don ! Easy and fun to read, yet very informative :)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on March 11, 2010, 04:14:20 pm
My fellow naval aviators,

Unfortuantely, my headset conked out for good a few days ago. My laptop speakers work fine, but I'm not sure how the in-built mic will go. It's worked well in the past, so I'm hoping that you guys should be able to hear me clearly on the weekend. I plan on buying the Saitek Pro Flight Headset this weekend, so it should be shipped out ready for the flight the weekend after this.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on March 13, 2010, 01:53:42 pm
Paco will be up today.

Seeya there.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on March 14, 2010, 07:58:33 am
Here are some of today's session highlights:

http://i41.tinypic.com/zwarkx.jpg (http://i41.tinypic.com/zwarkx.jpg)

http://i43.tinypic.com/9rrin8.jpg (http://i43.tinypic.com/9rrin8.jpg)

http://i43.tinypic.com/2euijix.jpg (http://i43.tinypic.com/2euijix.jpg)

And a little bonus:

http://i39.tinypic.com/o9hlxj.jpg (http://i39.tinypic.com/o9hlxj.jpg)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on March 14, 2010, 09:24:17 am
I like the red one  ;)
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on March 14, 2010, 11:37:27 am
A fleet of those and it really would be a red deck.  :P

I just flew the Carrier Tutorial mission in the stock Hornet, and oh boy, did I mess up. I flew the pattern well (2000ft MSL/200 KIAS), I flew the donut on the 90. The approach was good (the LSO told me I was too slow, then too fast at points, but I had the IAS worked out in the end). But then, as I crossed the stern of the carrier, I shallowed my V/S from -900ft/m to -600ft/m, and trapped the one wire while still airborne, sending my Hornet nose-first into the deck.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on March 15, 2010, 08:23:26 am
Thats what happens when you let a dog loose in an f18 cockpit  ..bad dog madadog bad dog... ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on March 15, 2010, 03:34:27 pm
Yeah, I think it was the fleas.  :P
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on March 15, 2010, 10:16:55 pm
no more kibbles for you then... now fetch my newspaper and make it snappy  ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on March 16, 2010, 06:19:27 pm
Okay master, but I'm gonna take a whizz on the sports section first.  ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on March 17, 2010, 02:14:31 am
Let's leave Adam alone and get back to carrier ops :P.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Afterburn93 on March 17, 2010, 04:16:17 pm
Roger, Roger. What's our vector, Victor? ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on March 17, 2010, 04:48:29 pm
"Paddles contact, 10-4."
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 17, 2010, 07:09:13 pm
Fellas...

For those of you that like to fly realistic carrier patterns on the weekends, when I have AirBoss/Paddles, I wont do "extensions" anymore.  Meaning, I wont space you out by keeping you "long" in the downwind, then having you turn at 1.6/1.7 TCN.  This error was pointed out by Paco and the correct way makes alot of sense.  It will also prevent people running into one another on their final rollouts and with others who are on a "long" final crashing into each other.  Luckily, nobody runs with enforce host realism and crash detection ON otherwise our sessions wouldnt last for squat.

To explain, when you hit the "180, Abeam" call, I wont say "cleared to extend".  Instead, I will clear the #1 jet to land, and request the others to go around.  Here's how that works.
If you are #1 in line, you will be cleared to land.  Start your turn at the normal time and use your pattern procedures to land.
If you are #2 in line and the #1 jet has already called the 90, you will be cleared to start your turn and land.  However, if you are #2 and the jet in front of you hasnt called the 90, you will be requested to go around.  At which point, make your level left turn from the 180 AS IF you were gonna land but stay at 600' AGL through the whole turn.  Keep your turn to BRC (if you dont know what that is, I cant help you during the session, will have to give you a side seat tutorial) and roll out, all the while maintaining 600 AGL.  Once you pass over the carrier, wait til youre 1.0 TCN in front before starting your 30 AoB turn back to downwind.  Fly the downwind and setup for the 180, Abeam. Make the call, youll be #1 for landing.
IF you are #3 to land and I tell you to "go around", do the same thing #2 did, except once I say "go around", you climb to 1000' AGL.  Fly the entire pattern the same as #2, except at 1000' AGL.  Then when re-established on the downwind, look below and if no traffic or you see #2 safely ahead of you, descend to 600 AGL and fly the downwind to the Abeam, 180.  Make the 180, Abeam call and if #1 is past the 90, youll be cleared to land.

Im just putting this up there cause there is alot of confusion in the pattern and Im just trying to get it organized so the people who want realistic pattern work/AirBoss/Paddles from me can get it and enjoy the experience more.  I know some people dont give a flying rat's %$$ bout it, and thats not a problem.  If you are one of those people, try to be considerate of others.  Have some SA (situational awareness) of whats happening in and around the carrier.
Things to remember to help me out.  If you want to do "touch and go's", when launching off the cats, or setting up a carrier break, space yourselves out by at least 30 secs.  This way, you give the #1 jet (and #2, so on) plenty of time to get past the 90, and you will be cleared to land.  And keep SA about where others are, so you can keep your spacing and have min comms if youre not on final for landing.

Thanks
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sucotash on March 18, 2010, 03:38:06 pm
Nice  :D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Afterburn93 on March 18, 2010, 04:03:00 pm
Fellas...

For those of you that like to fly realistic carrier patterns on the weekends, when I have AirBoss/Paddles, I wont do "extensions" anymore.  Meaning, I wont space you out by keeping you "long" in the downwind, then having you turn at 1.6/1.7 TCN.  This error was pointed out by Paco and the correct way makes alot of sense.  It will also prevent people running into one another on their final rollouts and with others who are on a "long" final crashing into each other.  Luckily, nobody runs with enforce host realism and crash detection ON otherwise our sessions wouldnt last for squat.

To explain, when you hit the "180, Abeam" call, I wont say "cleared to extend".  Instead, I will clear the #1 jet to land, and request the others to go around.  Here's how that works.
If you are #1 in line, you will be cleared to land.  Start your turn at the normal time and use your pattern procedures to land.
If you are #2 in line and the #1 jet has already called the 90, you will be cleared to start your turn and land.  However, if you are #2 and the jet in front of you hasnt called the 90, you will be requested to go around.  At which point, make your level left turn from the 180 AS IF you were gonna land but stay at 600' AGL through the whole turn.  Keep your turn to BRC (if you dont know what that is, I cant help you during the session, will have to give you a side seat tutorial) and roll out, all the while maintaining 600 AGL.  Once you pass over the carrier, wait til youre 1.0 TCN in front before starting your 30 AoB turn back to downwind.  Fly the downwind and setup for the 180, Abeam. Make the call, youll be #1 for landing.
IF you are #3 to land and I tell you to "go around", do the same thing #2 did, except once I say "go around", you climb to 1000' AGL.  Fly the entire pattern the same as #2, except at 1000' AGL.  Then when re-established on the downwind, look below and if no traffic or you see #2 safely ahead of you, descend to 600 AGL and fly the downwind to the Abeam, 180.  Make the 180, Abeam call and if #1 is past the 90, youll be cleared to land.

Im just putting this up there cause there is alot of confusion in the pattern and Im just trying to get it organized so the people who want realistic pattern work/AirBoss/Paddles from me can get it and enjoy the experience more.  I know some people dont give a flying rat's %$$ bout it, and thats not a problem.  If you are one of those people, try to be considerate of others.  Have some SA (situation awareness) of whats happening.
Things to remember to help me out.  If you want to do "touch and go's", when launching off the cats, or setting up a carrier break, space yourselves out by at least 30 secs.  This way, you give the #1 jet (and #2, so on) plenty of time to get past the 90, and you will be cleared to land.  And keep SA about where others are, so you can keep your spacing and have min comms if youre not on final for landing.

Thanks
Sludge

I see we have a more organized approach pattern going on for this weekend; I understand it, but I hope that the other members in the session are knowledgeable of it by Saturday. I still say we should have a pre-determined line of approach, where we determine ahead of time who will land when, or at least something a bit more organized, instead of everyone trying to land at the same time. I can see why everyone would want to land all at once, not worth it to go around again and having to wait;) The difference is, in real life, you have no choice of when you can land in most cases, it is based obviously on the pattern. Some are still going to land when they want, but I don't concern over that much anyhow.

"A/B"
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 18, 2010, 07:05:33 pm
Dont know if the initial pattern entry will be more organized, as we have some people who just wanna "get there first".  No big deal.  Im just not of that crowd and would rather do a carrier break w/others.

However, if some of you wanna join up and do legit pattern breaks w/intervals, then let me know and we can coordinate beforehand.  If I dont take the first Tanker/LSO/AirBoss run, Id be more than happy to lead a two/four ship out to the carrier and do a standard break pattern.

PM me to discuss or we can meet up on Skype beforehand.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 18, 2010, 07:33:55 pm
BTW, not to toot my own horn, but good god, the FSXBA v1.1 IS BAD.  It has those highly overpowered engines, no decent drag along w/autoflaps that dont fully deploy.  Plus, the gear isnt done right.  You cant taxi above 10 kts w/out feeling like youre gonna tip over as it leans heavily.  I was only able to land ONCE on the carrier and TWICE on land.  Its soo hard to control a plane that literally FLOATS on idle power.

The reason I installed this was twofold.  First, I was doing a rework of the Sludge Hornet gear last night, because after watching the youtube of the SOUNDPACK and fsxnavypilot said he used some of my tweaks I wondered if the Sludge Hornet was just a bit nose high on taxi, just like his videos.  Sure enough, it is.  So I was reworking that.  I figured I might as well try out the FSXBA Hornet and see what all the hub-bub was about and if they came up with a better solution than mine, as far as landing gear specs.  NOPE.  It actually goes backwards and is worse in several ways.  Their "nose strut fix" (where the nose gear doesnt compress on carrier landings) actually puts the nose gear about halfway into the tarmac during low (4k and below) fuel states.  And, like I said, the trike doesnt balance well and youll almost tip over if you do a hard turn at 10+ kts.

So, the good news is that I came up with new gear contact points numbers in the aircraft.cfg file.  For the most part, once Im done with final testing tonite, and I feel satisfied the new numbers are clearly better, I will have those available for download to all.  I will download the file on Skype before the multiplayer and you can simply cut-paste into your existing Sludge Hornet folder for the install.  Easy.  Anybody who doesnt have the Sludge Hornet, the newer numbers will be integrated into that package, so all you have to do is unzip, cut and paste, and its already part of the jet.

This will give the Sludge Hornet a more even look to it.  Initially, I think I went too "low rider" with the MLG a tad low and the nose gear a tad high.  When taxiing, the visual looks like the Sludge Hornet is a tad tail low and nose high.  This fixes that and gives a much more even-keeled look, and should maintain the same great feel and taxiing capability (ie, doing "big wheel" spinouts on the taxiway without tipping over or crashing, you know who you are) that weve all grown accustomed to enjoying.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Paco on March 18, 2010, 08:36:56 pm
Dont know if the initial pattern entry will be more organized, as we have some people who just wanna "get there first".  No big deal.  Im just not of that crowd and would rather do a carrier break w/others.

However, if some of you wanna join up and do legit pattern breaks w/intervals, then let me know and we can coordinate beforehand.  If I dont take the first Tanker/LSO/AirBoss run, Id be more than happy to lead a two/four ship out to the carrier and do a standard break pattern.

PM me to discuss or we can meet up on Skype beforehand.

Later
Sludge
I'm up for a little pattern work for those who want it.   I'll even get in the tower and control the pattern for a few circuits. 

Paco
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Afterburn93 on March 18, 2010, 08:40:13 pm
Yeah I'm always up for a little practice, give me a Skype message and I'll be around...
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 18, 2010, 09:33:23 pm
Im at work now, ill get off and be at home around 4:30 central time.

Will look for you on Skype for some pattern work.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on March 18, 2010, 10:32:00 pm
Hey Sludge

Great signature ..from hot shots right? Great movie far more realistic than Top gun eh..  ;D sorry j.r. couldnt resist  :P
"stop calling me shirley" LOL
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 19, 2010, 01:30:04 am
Just got done with testing and I like the new numbers and the new look.  It also retains good taxi/takeoff/ramp handling and spin-out capability.  Ill send out the aircraft.cfg file here, so you can simply cut and paste the new aircraft.cfg file into the already installed Sludge Hornet Basic.  For the FX version, cut and paste the [Gear] contact points numbers and put them into the aircraft.cfg file in your Sludge Hornet FX folder.  As you can see, I rem'd out (//) the old numbers underneath the current ones, so you can revert back if you dont like the new numbers.

For those of you who dont have and would like the Sludge Hornets (Basic and FX), PM me and I can get them sent to ya!

Later
Sludge

Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on March 19, 2010, 12:50:29 pm
Thanks Sludge !!
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 19, 2010, 03:54:43 pm
No worries Sonova...

And the quotes are from "Airplane!".  One of the first, best airline comedy movies of all time.  Nothing was safe from spoofing in that flick.

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on March 19, 2010, 04:23:01 pm
aaaahhh!!!! my bad... you are right hot shots was topper harley!!!! Stryker was the airline pilot with the drinking problem hehehe
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on March 19, 2010, 05:33:24 pm
Stryker was the airline pilot with the drinking problem hehehe
Isn't that ...JET with drinking problems? :P
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Sludge on March 19, 2010, 07:46:59 pm
Quote
aaaahhh!!!! my bad... you are right hot shots was topper harley!!!! Stryker was the airline pilot with the drinking problem hehehe

Yeah, that was it.  Now I just changed it to one of my favorite Topper Harley lines.  Hope you like?

BTW, what technique did you use to throw the x45?  Hammerthrow?  Discus?  Shotput?

Later
Sludge
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on March 19, 2010, 10:52:21 pm
LOL ... @your status..
technique used for throwing of the x45 is commonly referred to as the blind rage technique  ;D
swinging it by the usb cord also gives it a few extra yards... hehe
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on March 31, 2010, 08:06:35 am
Well, I figure it's about time to post a mission update ;D.  The upcoming update, collectively known as SF Carrier 2.2, will feature the following:

- SF Carrier 2.2 (mission itself)
- Improved installer
- Mission updater

The updated mission will help decrease the carrier location discrepancy, have refinements to the refueling capability, slow down carrier turn rate, feature an updated LSO viewpoint, and include a little in flight Easter egg.

More on the improved installer and new updater soon ;).

Going back to the first couple pages of the thread, in regards to SUBS17's crash, I've recently gotten a report of a similar error.  If you're still around and reading this SUBS, could you try disabling addons using SimConnect or FSUIPC (such as 3rd party weather engines (e.g. Active Sky, REX) or Ultimate Traffic II)?  Also, does the previous original of my mission work (one with stationary Acceleration carrier)?  Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: sonofabeech on March 31, 2010, 11:42:59 am
Hey Orion

Great news about the update to the mission. I really like some of those proposed changes..your'e a legend!!
Why dont you give it to me and then I will distribute to everyone I know  :o.. hehe just kidding, I know how much you love
unauthorised distribution....

So when do you think it will be officially released. Really looking forward to flying it. This month will be a great month for me and FSX,
new faster broadband connection, new x52 hotas, new FSX Superhornet, and new multiplayer mission (hopefully)

Sonofabeech out
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on March 31, 2010, 02:01:27 pm
Sounding good Orion.  ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Afterburn93 on March 31, 2010, 05:24:23 pm
Looks good Orion, keep me posted!

Glad the good computer is working for you, hope to see you flying.

A/B
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on April 01, 2010, 01:19:56 am
Simon, I was hoping nobody would ask for an estimated release date :P.

I wouldn't start expecting it too soon, though.  The mission itself is done and ready, but, without going into too much detail, the new installer is being completely rewritten and the updater still needs to be programmed.  Steve's on a holiday until next week, so progress is sort of halted.  On the positive side, once the installer is done, installers for future updates should be really simple to create :D.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Madadog on May 11, 2010, 09:30:22 am
Sorry guys, I've spent more time flying under the radar than a B-2.

My Saitek Pro Flight Headset arrived this afternoon, so I'm ready to hit the deck again.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: markturner on May 19, 2010, 05:45:49 pm
Hows progress with version 2 of the mission Orion?

Cheers, Mark
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on May 20, 2010, 12:01:22 am
Err, sort of on hold.

Both Steve and I are in school, and it's that time of year where everyone takes their end of school year exams/tests/finals, so we're both pretty busy with our real jobs.  Steve's taking his exams now, and I've got them coming up in a couple weeks.

I had thought I was done with the mission, but I had a change of mind and decided that I'd like to further extend the tanker refueling zone, to make it easier for people to refuel.  And after that, I still have to update the documentation and license.

Oh, and my development computer decided it doesn't want to boot consistently (well, consistently isn't really a good word for it.  Like, it doesn't boot most all the time.  It just occasionally boots.), so that's a problem too.  Next time it lets me turn it on, I'll try setting my RAM to DDR3 1333 at 6-6-6-18-1T (8 GB of Mushkin 996657).  I've heard the memory controller on the Phenom II's don't like DDR3 1600 so much, and with it not working, I'm open to ideas and suggestions.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: SUBS17 on May 20, 2010, 02:41:15 am
Hi Orion since I got the VRS Superhornet for FSX I've been testing it in your mission and it works very well. The problems I have now are related to FSXs MP stability which is quite bad. Some good points is that the ILS for the carrier works for the VRS Superhornet. BTW we have to use FSUIPC for the VRS Superhornet to work.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: markturner on May 20, 2010, 09:46:04 am
OK, thx for the update! and good luck with the exams and stuff. All of that is a dim and distant memory for me.... !! Old git!!

Cheers, Mark
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on May 21, 2010, 05:10:00 am
SUBS: Glad the mission works well with the VRS plane.  I hear they're planning on issuing an update so they'll be able to track the carrier and provide ILS/TACAN in multiplayer missions, similar to how JR's improved HUD works.

Mark: No problem, and thanks :).

And everyone: Anyone up for carrier ops this coming Saturday (May 22 2010)?
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: markturner on May 21, 2010, 09:07:56 am
I would not mind having a go,, have not tried any carrier stuff in multiplayer yet, so if you dont mind showing me the ropes? I am in england, so what time are you guys on?

Cheers, Mark
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on May 21, 2010, 05:35:33 pm
Sure :).

All you need prior is my mission (SF Carrier 2, grab it in the first post in this thread if you haven't already), and Skype along with a mic (optional, but preferred - just so everyone can talk while flying).  Once you get Skype (or if you already have it), either PM me your Skype username or reply here with it (if you're comfortable posting it on the forum) so I can add you to my contacts.

The time the sessions have started previously was 1 PM GMT -08 (Pacific) or 9 PM your time.  I'd be happy to start up to about three hours earlier if that's any better.  Usually most people get on Skype 15-30 minutes prior the the flight so we can all get FSX set up.
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: neutrino on May 21, 2010, 05:39:09 pm
Mark, you should jump in if the time is convenient - when we get more than 5 people it's very interesting, and if Sludge is not golfing he provides LSO calls and grades the landings in his black book  while flying a tanker ;D
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on May 21, 2010, 05:59:15 pm
Are you also planning on coming JR? :P
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: markturner on May 22, 2010, 01:28:41 pm
Hey Orion, my Skype user name is: FSXFTurner. just set it up, but not sure how to use it in multiplayer...

Out of interest, why do you use skype? I thought it was for phone calls. i have TS3 if thats easier to use

later
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on May 22, 2010, 03:28:01 pm
I just started using it since I had it handy prior to the large group flights and I've never had a real reason to use TS, so I've stuck with Skype :P.  And yeah, Skype does VOIP as well as calls to real phones (the latter of which costs money).
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: markturner on May 28, 2010, 02:57:01 pm
Hey Orion, did you have any joy with identifying the connection issue?

May be able to try again this Saturday if you fancy?

Cheers, Mark
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Orion on May 28, 2010, 03:25:31 pm
No, but I'd be happy to try again next Saturday if you're up for it.

If anyone would like to fly tomorrow, feel free to chime in and let us know :).
Title: Re: Released: Multiplayer Carrier Ops - Nimitz
Post by: Afterburn93 on May 28, 2010, 09:02:00 pm
I'm good for Saturday Orion :)