DigitAL
Newbie
Posts: 17
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« Reply #435 on: May 02, 2012, 12:13:44 AM » |
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Sweet!
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Sludge
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« Reply #436 on: May 02, 2012, 08:09:09 PM » |
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Fellas...
Here's the good news. I was able to tweak/mod most of the general handling characteristics of the Hornet in the lower speed regime. Such as being on-speed in the 140 kts range (~115 kts GS; 140 MINUS 27-25 WoD), or the <150 kts "squirrelly" handling feeling of the Hornet. All the while, keeping the things that work (ie. Hornet at ~85% on PA) as advertised. Also, I was able to play with and match some of JIMIs afterburner scales/mach numbers (AIR file) to get our clean Hornet to Mach 1.8 @ =/> 20k' w/80% fuel. This will get tweaked more when I get more time, as this solves the BURNER/Top End Speed problem at mid/higher altitudes but doesn't solve the =/< MIL power inadequacies.
Now the bad news. I haven't fully fixed the lower speed regime handing, nor implemented 8.1 AoA/auto-trim @ flaps full, gear down, below 200 kts. Also, some of the PA FM/FCS stuff I wanted to changed isn't implemented yet, the pilot still has to manually trim (past the 5.5 XML "ballpark setting") to maintain AoA in PA. Some of it due to lack of programming ability/creativity, as well as lack of time from self-imposed curfew of 1am, and taking care of personal responsibilities due to my upcoming move.
I've reached a stopping point, and want feedback, especially on the new look and layout.
Couple things to remember:
1. Let me know the GOOD in one paragraph and the BAD in another paragraph. This will make it much easier for me to keep a running tally on who likes what and how I can change things to fit the MAJORITY. Such things like the placement of the gauges, 2D HUD alpha brightness, or the layout of the TWF block. I can make one-time changes for a few but those will be on a VERY LIMITED, case-by-case basis (yes, Herb... this means I will make a VERY BRIGHT 2D HUD version for you... no worries, friend).
2. Finally, keep in mind that once I release this (hopefully before Friday), I will NOT make tweak/mod changes, ONLY fixes to get it running in the event something doesn't work. Again, this is due to personal time constraints from my upcoming move and I have to stop 'til I'm completely settled in the new place.
3. I have EXTREMELY tough skin, so no need for platitudes to soothe any feelings you think might get hurt, they wont... HAMMER AWAY with criticisms! This will give me motivation during my upcoming break when I'm moving into the new duplex to get setup and get back to modding/tweaking as quickly as possible.
Later
Sludge
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Sludge
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« Reply #437 on: May 06, 2012, 02:49:23 AM » |
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Fellas...
Sorry for the delay but now gonna try for Sunday night. I had to fix a few oversights with the new headset sound volumes and moved the "OverG" sound from the default to Serge's BlackBox Betty. The HUD is looking good and will be finishing up the Manual Install procedures.
Later
Sludge
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Sludge
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« Reply #438 on: May 07, 2012, 06:27:10 AM » |
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Fellas... The SludgeTestBird 2 is ready for download/install and testing. Test her out and tell me what you like and dont like. Just remember, I wont be available to address criticisms 'til after the 16th, unless its a pure functionality (wont work in FSX at all; install problem) issue. www.sludgehornet.com/downloads/SludgeTestBird 2.zipEnjoy. Sludge |
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Johan
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« Reply #439 on: May 08, 2012, 05:49:43 AM » |
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Hi Sludge,
Just downloaded the TestBird2 and I am resetting the panel a little to accommodate some other addons I have, like CSWeapons. I also had to rework my FA18_HUD_Init to show the features I want on the HUD2d. So far the bird works great. Much faster it seems and reactive as the previous one. I also like the steady stop on the AC Carrier. Vapor effects work great. I would like a little more luminosity on the HUD and on the IFLOLS/TrapGauge...is it the alpha_blend value to increase?
So far very good, I will continue the testing. Thanks so much and have a smooth move...
Johan
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Victory103
Jr. Member
Posts: 81
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« Reply #440 on: May 08, 2012, 08:24:30 AM » |
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About to test, looking over the read-me (yes I actually read these) looks like with these changes I should only test in the stock config and not add to the CS Delta. I typically fly the Delta more as I like having drop tank options on a short legged airframe like the Hornet. Anything I need to look out for if/when I do move the updates over to the D?
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DUSTOFF
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GOONIE
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« Reply #441 on: May 08, 2012, 02:48:31 PM » |
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Hey Sludge, nice work!
Took the bird for a spin, need to do some more testing but here is some initial feedback
GOOD:
Like the new eye point and HUD perspective (seems smaller) in the VC
Like the sharper HUD graphics in the 2D view
Like the separate trim/fuel and IFLOLS/Trap gauges
Like the handling off the cat and behind the ship, but need to get more traps
Like the new wing tip vortices
BAD:
The hook tip disappears into the carrier deck when down
Cannot get the ILS to show up on the HUD in the VC, only in the 2D HUD, am I doing something wrong?
Like the new long carrier wake, but the color of the wake is a Caribbean blue (looks funny in the Atlantic Ocean), is there a way to make it darker?
2D HUD seems a little too dim for day ops for my setup, so I upped the value in the panel file
Also the 2D HUD FPS seems slower, anyone else notice this?
I'll keep testing.
CAPT
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 "You've got to land here, son. This is where the food is." |
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Sludge
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« Reply #442 on: May 08, 2012, 06:45:01 PM » |
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Fellas...
At work and took a peek at the forum today. Good to see people are testing out to what they like and dont like. Let me know if you are testing the new Betty that comes thru the headsets and having any problems with it or if it works. I forgot to add, that if you do test it, you have to setup the separate USB headset as the "default communications" device in Windows and the Voice device FSX sound settings. This will ensure Doug Dawson's sound gauge sends the Betty sounds to the headset (voice device) and the rest to the speaker system. The Betty "Over G" can be tested very easily, as well as the RLAW (radar low alt warning) Tone, preset to 400 (I think), or the Altitude, preset to 10k'.
Johan...
Thanks, working on packing the living room this week. As for the 2D HUD, you can change the luminosity by opening the Panel.CFG file and changing the 2D panel [Window00] alpha blend to a higher percentage. Good to see you tweaking some things on your own, thats what I hope everyone tries at some point.
CAPT...
Good = noted for reference.
Bad = will get back to you on the fixes upcoming, especially the ILS not showing up. Might get that confirmed/fixed/tested tonight, as I dont like it when something doesnt work.
later
Sludge
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Sludge
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« Reply #443 on: May 08, 2012, 06:53:28 PM » |
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CAPT...
For the BAD
1- This is a graphical "mismatch" that had to be done to stop the "pee pee dance". The Hornet was essentially doing a 1' IFE, so any off-center or mis-aligned hook catches were really overexaggerated in the landing, hence the dance. The hook now catches the micro-second after your wheels actually "touch" the carrier deck (closer to real life), the problem is that the hook now drags INTO the physical model of the carrier.
2- Will work on fixing this problem with the ILS.
3- You can play with the effect itself. Go into it and change the alpha to HALF of what they are... at "COLOR START=255, 255, 255, 200", change the last number to 100 for the top 3 entries. I cant change the Blue color of the texture, but you can tone down the starting alpha to see if that "blends" a little better for your taste.
4- Just change [Window00] alpha blend to a higher number that suits your preferences.
5- Interesting, will have to check out, once I get moved.
Later
Sludge
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GOONIE
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« Reply #444 on: May 08, 2012, 09:16:14 PM » |
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Thanks, Sludge for the quick feedback!
Good luck with the move.
-CAPT
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"You've got to land here, son. This is where the food is." |
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Johan
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« Reply #445 on: May 09, 2012, 02:40:07 AM » |
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I forgot to add, that if you do test it, you have to setup the separate USB headset as the "default communications" device in Windows and the Voice device FSX sound settings. This will ensure Doug Dawson's sound gauge sends the Betty sounds to the headset (voice device) and the rest to the speaker system.
Sludge, My headset is just a plug-in, not a USB, and I can barely hear Betty...My Windows setting is on "Speakers", but I don't have any, just the headset. Is there anything I need to do in the sound.cfg? You can respond after your move, no hurry. Thanks, Johan |
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Sludge
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« Reply #446 on: May 09, 2012, 06:05:46 AM » |
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CAPT...
I wasn't able to reproduce the problem you had with the ILS on either the Basic or FX versions. If you are getting a TACAN arrow (have the right carrier TCN freq), you have to enable the ILS pushbutton AND be behind the carrier on approach. I forgot the exact numbers I asked JR to mod the ICLS needles to come up with, but doing a pattern, the GS needle comes up around the 90, and the Lineup needle comes up just before the 45.
So to test, I would say slew behind the boat (final bearing) about 3 miles, do a pass and see if the needles come up when you select the ILS button.
Later
Sludge
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sonofabeech
Jr. Member
Posts: 84
sonofabeech is in the slot
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« Reply #447 on: May 09, 2012, 09:15:11 AM » |
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Sludge!!  ..great update just a bit of feedback this may just be me but the power adjustments especially when low and slow seem to be more consistent.. ie easier to predict the delayed response of the throttles from throttle input to engine response have you fiddled with the response time perhaps ? The ILS is working as you said G.S. needle at the 90 followed by the L.U. needle (not sure at which point exactly but around the 45 seems to sound about right) Initially I had the same problem with no needles on your previous test model, but then realised the ILS button on the 2d arming panel (shift +2) needed to be toggled ..perhaps this is CAPT'S problem? Easy to confuse with the ILS button on the MFD in the virtual cockpit which doesnt seem to affect the needles at all. The only problem I have is on the cat once hooked up and bringing up the power if I don't fire the cat within about a second of advancing the throttle, the hornet works its way free of the locked position and starts to roll forward. Not sure if anyone else has had this problem. Could possible be due to the delayed hook/wheel mod that you spoke of ? Its not a major problem for me but I know you appreciate all feedback positive and negative and would want to know!! Thanks for all the hard work ,time and effort it is greatly appreciated. Sonofabeech out |
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Simon"Sonofa"Beech
If you have use full afterburner to taxi to your parking spot it means that you landed with your gear up!!
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DigitAL
Newbie
Posts: 17
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« Reply #448 on: May 09, 2012, 05:23:04 PM » |
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The only problem I have is on the cat once hooked up and bringing up the power if I don't fire the cat within about a second of advancing the throttle, the hornet
works its way free of the locked position and starts to roll forward. Not sure if anyone else has had this problem. Could possible be due to the delayed hook/wheel
mod that you spoke of ? Its not a major problem for me but I know you appreciate all feedback positive and negative and would want to know!!
I had this issue as well, other than that - it's fantastic. Bravo Zulu! |
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Tregarth
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« Reply #449 on: May 09, 2012, 06:01:01 PM » |
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Dear Sludge,
I have had a trial flight around El Centro using Serge's FCLP. That is a really fine looking aeroplane you have produced. Very nice work!
Comments
1. I have a 3 monitor, portrait orientation, display; I have not changed the WideAspect setting from TRUE - in this setting the VC view is perfect.
2. I had to turn on the ILS needles using the switch on the HUD control.
3. The aircraft is much more easy to fly, putting down full flap made the nose pitch up dramatically but the speed control was better.
4. Making the IFLOLS semitransparent is inspired.
5. The HUD heading digits etc are really crisp and very clear - Thank you. Putting the Trim value on the bottom of the screen is very helpful - a nice touch.
One request; Can you please make the numbers on the UFC number pad clearer? Since you have removed the Radio Stack the clarity of these numbers has become more important.
I will be using this aircraft much more now and may even try a deck landing.
Thank you for very good work,
Tregarth
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