vLSO Beta release

[Paddles]

Well guys...
The Beta 0.7.0.2 is here (full package)

To install the program unzip this archive (keeping its internal folder structure) to a temp folder and read the manual.

ATTENTION - This beta version IS compatible with 0.7.0.0 and 0.7.0.1 versions only, so remove your old Logbook.dat file if you have other version!
What's new?

0.1b
More grades. All the grades, actually.
Totally new approach data acquisition and evaluation system.
More eyecandies and user interface improvements (handwritten logbook for example)
Manual ball call option for you, hardcore simmers.
Additional views in the CarrierTrials mission (PLAT, paddles and Air boss)
No more areas and triggers in missions. I encourage you to test the program with any FSX carrier missions available.

0.2b
The LSO talking control has been replaced with two separate controls:

• Communication mode - Normal and Zip-Lip
• LSO level - Nugget, Fleet and CAG

Less annoying LSO speed calls (now at least 1.5 sec for continuous speed deviation).
Following aircraft now fully supported:

• F/A-18A Hornet (both Acceleration and Sludge)
• F/A-18E Rhino (VRS)
• F-14D Tomcat (Dino Cattaneo)
• T-45C Goshawk (Dino Cattaneo)
• A-4K Skyhawk KAHU

The abeam issue has been addressed

0.3b
A PDF manual added (at last), just read it.  

0.4b

• GPA and Boarding Rate stats
• CASE I/II/III support (very basic, though)
• Some marshal/tower calls during CASE III approach
• Minor grading system improvements (now not that easy to get an Ok)

0.5b

• Logbook font can now be changed
• An updated PDF manual

0.6b

• Support for multiple monitors
• Support for multiple soundcards

0.6.3.7b

• New version numbering scheme
• Some little improvements

0.6.4.0b

• A silly bug, caused by mistyping, has been removed

0.6.5.0b

• New weather acquisition system
• Air-to-air refueling (organic tanking) support

0.7.0.0b

• New internal sound system
• Some GUI changes
• Auto extendable drogue on the S-3B tanker
• F-35C support
• Two separate logbooks for CV and FCLP, stored in one file
• Multiple carriers support (up to 7)
• AoA, VSI and KIAS debriefing informer
• Added CVN65 and HMS Ark Royal support (both with FSX FLOLS)
• FCLP sceneries support

0.7.0.2b

• 9 more carriers supported (the Nimitz repaints by Gary Taylor)

Happy landings!  

[Ost]

Thanks a lot !

Ost

[Johan]

Serge,

Great improvements from the Alpha version, thanks a lot, it has made a happy Saturday morning for me. I really like the new logbook. I also appreciate that after a "Wave Off" signal, you can still land and look at the analysis of your flight.
I don't get the "Abeam" signal, maybe I have been flying too high after taking off.
One question though, and it might not be possible in the mission environment, but is there a possibility to control the clock and reset the time back, so that using FS Recorder I can replay a flight?
Thanks again, beautiful job.

Johan

[GOONIE]

Serge,

Awesome bud! Really looking forward to trying out the beta this weekend. Can you explain more how the manual ball call works? Or how it is implemented? Thanks for all your efforts!

-Capt

[MikeB54]

Excellent!  Now I just have to hope my power stays on long enough to go flying.  Can someone remind me why I moved back to the Northeast?  LOL

Mike

[Paddles]

Can you explain more how the manual ball call works? Or how it is implemented?

It's pretty simple (I guess) 
If you take a look at the vLSO.ini file, you'll notice that a new section has been added. Particularly there's a new parameter - ManualBallKey. By default it's commented out, that's why the manual ball button on the vLSO main window is disabled.
First, you have to have an unassigned FSX function/key. Or you can reassign an already used function/key. It's up to you. Well, in my case I use the 'water rudder' command, because I don't use any water rudders in the Hornet. So, the ManualBallKey is set to TOGGLE_WATER_RUDDER. I took this string from the http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc526980.aspx table under the 'Aircraft Miscellaneous Systems'. If you choose other function, you'll need to locate it on that page, copy its SimConnect name from the 'String Name' column and replace the ManualBallKey value. Don't forget to uncomment this parameter.
Now, when you start the vLSO, you'll see that the manual ball button now is enabled and you can push it to toggle this mode on/off.
You can use this function if your aircraft is at 3/4 NM or closer from the ramp.

[Sludge]

Serge...

Installed and flew a few times. Looks good so far... will try to fly alot tonight and get you more detailed feedback. I'll try the MANUAL "ball call" and see how it works.

Later
Sludge

[Johan]

The program seems to work outside of a mission context, just in free flight, with Javier's AC even at a stop in the bay...
Great!
Thanks again Serge,

Johan

[GOONIE]

Serge,

Really enjoy the new beta release! The additional grades and the ability to manually call the ball are great! I've assigned the manual call button to my throttle (comm thumb button) and can call the ball when rolling into the groove which adds to the realism. I also like the wave off debrief graphics, and extra eye candy like where you call the ball and get waved off. I also noticed my hookup passes were correctly labeled as T/Gs and not bolters, awesome.

Couple questions, can you clarify what is the difference is between the moderate and meduim vLSO calls? Not sure what calls drop off at each level. I think I understand full and zip lip. Also when does the clock start for groove time? When you manually call the ball? I got 13 seconds, with a tight turn and calling the ball IM. Are all the LSO calls implemented from the Sound's folder? How do you get a "very nice" call?   Finally what is the difference between a wave off and wave off pattern? Is one worse?

Two things I noticed which might need tweaking, first is the speed sensitivity and grading. I understand you have to be on speed, but some of my passes I am getting a little fast in the LSO write up grade, but the debrief visualization line is yellow. Not sure what is going on here, maybe I had a yellow dougnut and red chevron at the same time. Second is the PLAT camera is slightly off from the PLAT cross hair guage, or at least it looks that way on my display.

Well I will keep testing and flying, these were just some of my initial feedback and thoughts, really awesome job!!!  

-CAPT

[SUBS17]

Tested vLSO it works good except is there going to be a setting for the T45 and the F/A-18E?

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDRSUBSVFA3" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDRSUBSVFA3</a>


http://www.youtube.com/user/CDRSUBSVFA35#p/a/u/0/1Ebeg6MDMlc

[SUBS17]

Yes its me landing and no I'm not perfect, but I've made worse approaches.

[Paddles]

The program seems to work outside of a mission context, just in free flight, with Javier's AC even at a stop in the bay...

Suitability for any carrier missions, with Javier's or FSX carrier, either moving or stationary, is one of my goals.
You can test the vLSO with one of the FSX carrier missions, or with the TGS missions. Just rename their Sound folders to something like Sound.bak, or you'll hear the vLSO and those missions' voice calls overlapped... 

[micro]

Serge, while I do appreciate the freeware you are kind enough to give us, you have the potential to make a LOT of money with your skills. I just tried it out and it is phenomenal. Amazing work.

[SUBS17]

I agree I've tested it with the Sludge and also T45 works with both but not VRS SH. Is there plans to add support to SH and F-14 etc in the future?

[Paddles]

SUBS17,
Currently the vLSO supports both the default and Sludge F-18A Hornets, Dino's T-45C Goshawk, Dino's F-14D Tomcat and KAHU A-4G Skyhawk. It also should support VRS Super Hornet... Please, can you tell me what's the value of ATC_MODEL parameter under [General] section in your VRS SH's Aircraft.cfg file? AFAIK it should read F18E.