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DCS: Black Shark User FAQ


EvilBivol-1

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Q: This chopper is insane! It turns every which way except my way!

 

A: The chopper is not insane. You are probably fighting with the flight control system instead of allowing it to help you fly the helicopter. Here are a few suggestions:

 

1) Remember that helicopters are inherently unstable and generally require continuous and smooth control input from the pilot. The Ka-50 is not an exception, although the coaxial design does provide increased general stability. More importantly, the Ka-50 is equipped with an advanced flight control system to help the pilot control the machine. When used properly, the FCS is capable of nearly flying the helicopter on its own, from a rock-steady hover to automatically flying the route and returning to base. Be prepared to spend some time learning how to fly the helicopter and how to best use the flight control system as intended.

 

2) To be procedurally accurate and fly realistically, always keep the autopilot channels on (blue buttons for Pitch, Bank, Heading). Some people find that turning the Heading channel off provides better yaw response and seems more natural, but this will likely build bad habits and disrupt the proper learning process. In real life, turning off the autopilot channels is not permitted under normal circumstances.

 

3) To get a better understanding of how the flight control system functions, try flying the helicopter on keyboard only. This will minimize your own input and "purify" your observations. Make sure you activate the controls display (RCTRL + ENTER). You should find that once you push the cyclic forward and add enough collective for take-off, the helicopter will stabilize and keep itself steady and on course. Try making a few easy turns and watch the behavior. Try trimming. Hopefully, you will see that the FCS is really there to keep the helicopter where the pilot points it with his controls, but it sometimes takes a few moments to catch up with control input and stabilize. Learn to work with it, instead of against it.

 

Also, remember that the FCS has only 20% authority. It cannot move the controls more than 20% of their full motion.

 

4) Use the trimmer - a lot. No, use it more than a lot. Ideally, trimming should be done in increments and every time the flight parameters change. However, trimming should also only be done when the helicopter controls and the helicopter itself are steady. In other words, maneuver by hand and once you've got it where you want it, trim. Make this a habit.

 

For more details on the trimmer mechanism and how/when to use it, see the dedicated trimmer FAQ entry:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=572028&postcount=34

 

5) Once you feel comfortable, you can begin to experiment more. Try the Flight Director mode (single blue button to the right of the four channel buttons). The Pitch/Bank/Yaw channels should remain on. In Flight Director mode, the FCS will no longer stabilize the helicopter, but will still dampen the controls. To some, this may feel more natural, as the man-helicopter connection will be more direct without the FCS trying to do what it needs to stabilize the chopper. The helicopter will also be more responsive. This mode may be useful when active maneuvering is required, such as flying NOE, positioning for a cannon/rocket attack, evasive maneuvering or airshow performance. You will notice additional symbology on the HUD in this mode, which is designed to guide the pilot along the flight route, since the FCS will no longer follow it automatically.

 

Note, the same FCS functionality can be temporarily engaged with the Emergency Autopilot Off button on the cyclic (LALT+A). Note the word, "emergency."


Edited by EvilBivol-1
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Q: Is there a way to select the payload in MP games, other than what is already preloaded in the mission?

 

A: The payload can be chosen "live" in the mission by connecting with the ground maintenance crew. Make sure you are in a serviceable area (airbase apron or FARP). When stationed on a FARP, appropriate resources, such as a weapons depot, will need to be present in your proximity. Communication with the ground crew is possible by "voice" if the cockpit door is open and the APU/engines are off or by radio when the cockpit door is closed and/or the APU/engines are running. To link up with the ground crew by radio, you need to configure the radio accordingly (turn on the intercom, switch the radio to ground link ("НОП")).


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Q: Where can I view/download the Producer's Notes videos for Black Shark?

 

A: All of the Producer's Notes videos are available on the DCS website (you will need to register to download):

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=133&scr=products&lang=en

 

You can also view these and other Black Shark videos on the Producer's YouTube page:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=wagmatt&view=videos

 

[url=http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=133&scr=products&lang=en][/url]


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Q: What’s the easiest way to initiate a hover?

 

A: Although there are many different methods to do this, one of the most simple is to increase pitch to 10-15 degrees, while simultaneously lowering the collective to maintain altitude. Pay close attention to the VVI to minimize altitude changes and use pedal input to maintain heading. When you are in a stable deceleration, you can trim the helicopter in this position while you bleed off the airspeed. Keep watching the VVI and provide collective input as needed to keep the needle as close to '0' as possible. Generally, as you approach a low airspeed, you will need to increase the collective back up to prevent the helicopter from falling into a vortex ring state (uncontrollable vertical descent). When your speed falls to around 10 kph, press the auto-hover button and set trim again when the nose falls to the horizon.

 

Smooth collective input is key to a successfull hover entry. Begin with gentler and longer decelerations (lower pitch angles). As you get better, you can become more aggressive and increase the pitch angles. Be careful, however, hot-shot pitch-ups can not only throw you into the vortex ring, but also break the helicopter!

 

To adjust your hover position, move the controls smoothly and re-trim to set the FCS to maintain the new position. Do not resume normal flight while in auto-hover.


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Q: How does the trimmer work and how am I supposed to use it?

 

A: Like in most other helicopters, the trimmer mechanism on the Ka-50 is activated by the trimmer button (cyclic). The trimmer mechanism then neutralizes the forces on the cyclic and pedals, which maintains the helicopter controls in their trimmed position. In the Ka-50, the trimmer is also used to command the Flight Control System to maintain aircraft flight parameters when the Pitch, Bank, Yaw FCS channels are on (as they should normally be). However, it's important to understand that the FCS is commanded by the trimmer when the button is released, not when it's pressed. The FCS stabilization functions are temporarily disabled while the trim button is held down. Once the button is released, the stabilization functions are reactivated under the newly commanded flight parameters.

 

It's also important to remember that the FCS in the Ka-50 has 20% authority over the motion range of the flight controls. In some cases, it may be unable to maintain commanded trim settings because of this limitation.

 

The best way to simulate proper trim mechanics in the simulation is through a Force Feedback joystick. However, because many flight simmers use non-FF sticks, the solution implemented is to introduce a short pause in control input when the trim button is released, to give the player a moment to recenter his joystick. The player's physical joystick and the virtual forces on the helicopter controls are then both neutral.

 

In reality, the trim button is used very often and you would be advised to do the same. Trim the helicopter whenever your flight parameters change, but be sure to only trim when the helicopter flight path is stable. Trimming in increments may help you avoid undesired control input when trimming.

 

You may trim in either discreet presses/releases of the button or by holding the button down while you maneuver the helicopter into the desired position. Once the helicopter is stable, you can release the trim button to command the FCS to stabilize the current flight parameters. In reality, the second method is not advised or typically used by Ka-50 pilots, because holding down the trimmer button while maneuvering the helicopter can easily lead to oversteering.


Edited by EvilBivol-1

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Q: Can I tweak the graphics beyond what is available in the GUI options and maybe boost my FPS?

 

A: The configuration files do allow significant tweaking. However, altering configuration settings may result in unintended consequences and negatively impact the simulation to the point of rendering it unusable. Any such alterations will be done at your own risk and you should back-up any files you intend to alter. Do not use the Windows Notepad to edit DCS configuration files. We recommend using Notepad++ or other code editing software.

 

Some graphics options can be set in the options.lua file found in the \...\BlackShark\data\scripts folder. Specifically, you can change water to either '1' (low setting) or '0' (texture only). If you experience a frame hit when inside a dust cloud, setting the effects parameter to '2' will disable the visual effect.

 

Also, you can set a maximum FPS limit in the graphics.cfg file found in the \...\Config folder. The parameter can be found toward the bottom of the file. It is set to '0' by default (unlimited FPS). On some machines, setting an FPS limit may improve performance by allocating more free resources to the system. On other machines, it may have the opposite effect. If you have vertical synchronisation enabled in your video card driver, you may want to set the FPS limit to the refresh rate of your screen.


Edited by EvilBivol-1

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Q: Is it just me or are the yellow throttle levers and the cockpit door not clickable?

 

A: Yes, it's just you. Just kidding - the throttles are not clickable. They can be manipulated with the keyboard commands (Page-Up/Page-Down) or mapped as axes. The door is not clickable either, the key command to open/close it is RCTRL + C.


Edited by Acedy

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Q: What's wrong with the back-up ADI? It's either not functioning at all or goes completely haywire in roll.

 

A: If the back-up ADI is not functioning, you either failed to provide it power (switch by your right elbow) or to uncage it. To uncage the back-up ADI, simply roll the ADI knob to the left (mouse wheel) and it will "unlock" the safety. To cage it back up, press and hold the right mouse button to pull the knob back while rolling the mouse wheel to roll the knob to the right and "lock" it in place.

 

The back-up ADI accumulates significant errors in flight. To avoid this, you can simply re-cage it while in level flight to allow it to recenter.


Edited by EvilBivol-1

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Q: ED/DCS/TFC/TFCSE/1C - who is who?

 

A: Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) is the product title, with "Black Shark" added for the current module.

 

Eagle Dynamics (ED) is the developer company in Moscow, where the coding is done.

 

The Fighter Collection (TFC) is a British company in a partnership with Eagle Dynamics. ED/TFC is often used together, because they have been close partners in developing simulation software since the mid 1990s, including the Flanker series and Lock-On: Modern Air Combat.

 

The Figher Collection Simulation Engine (TFCSE) is the title of the core proprietary software engine currently used in various simulation products developed by ED/TFC.

 

1C is a Russian company that is currently publishing ED/TFC products in the CIS territories.


Edited by EvilBivol-1

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Q: Got any tips to more easily populate units on the map, especially FARPS?

 

A: Firstly, take as much advantage of the built-in Template function as possible. Besides that, using the map ruler helps. The FARP is 180 m. across. When placed due north, approximately 1/3 of the left side is the empty area where you can place units. Here is an example:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=575170&postcount=9

 

Also, it may be helpful to add a 90 m. (radius) trigger zone over the center of the FARP to give you a better visual landmark (see attached screenshot).

 

Finally, keep two instances of Black Shark open - one singleplayer and one multiplayer. Edit the map units in the singleplayer and save, then Alt-Tab into multiplayer and launch the mission to check. Given the continuous Alt-Tab'ing, it may be desirable to run the simulation at a lower resolution and not in full screen mode when doing this.

FARP.thumb.jpg.ec043d32a8bb16ea88ca5f166d03dc63.jpg


Edited by EvilBivol-1

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Q: Is it safe to clear my \...\Temp folder?

 

A: Yes, you can delete all of the contents in the Temp folder when you feel it is getting too large. Remember however, multiplayer tracks are currently stored in this folder, so be sure to review the contents before deleting. Do not delete the folder itself, but only the files inside.

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Q: How do I use the Ka-50's Data Link?

 

A: The Data Link can be used to store target positions or other points of interest (POI) that were sent to you by your wingman or that you locked up with the Shkval. You can also send these information to your wingman if you want them to move to or recon a certain location, or to attack a designated target. The following assumes that you have set up your targeting system, data link, frequency and ID according to the manual.

 

How to store targets/POI in the ABRIS:

  1. If your wingmen send you data that you want to store, just click the send/mem (ПРД/ПАМ) button after you received the EKRAN message and the target type and wingman number buttons started to flash. You will then see the target/POI on the ABRIS map.
  2. If you want to store targets/POI using the Shkval, first lock them up, then press the corresponding target type button and after that the send/mem button. Do not press any of the wingman buttons, as you do not want to send data.

Important note: after you have stored new targets/POI, reset the targeting system.

 

Sending targets/POI to your wingmen:

  1. You can datalink targets/POI that are stored in the ABRIS. To do that, select the desired target by pressing the corresponding target type button, then press the button for the wingman number. When both buttons and ABRIS icons flash, press the send/mem button to send the data.
  2. You can also send target points (TP) stored in the PVI navigation computer. To do that press the TP (ОТ) button on the PVI and the number of the target point. The target point will be shown as a flashing square on the ABRIS. Select the wingman and press the send/mem button.
  3. Finally you can send a location although it has not been stored in the ABRIS/PVI. To do that, lock it up with the Shkval, press the respective wingman number button and then send/mem. Do not press any target type button as you do not want to select an already stored target.

Important notes: In case 1 and 2 the Shkval has to be caged. When storing or selecting a target in the ABRIS, be sure that you do not have a taget point selected from the PVI and vice versa, otherwise you will get problems because the computer does not know if you want to use the PVI or the ABRIS.

 

After sending the target location/POI, you have to tell your wingman via radio what you expect him to do, i.e, fly to the datalinked position, recon the position or attack the datalink-designated target(s).

 

Ingress Points (IP): If you want your wingman to use an ingress point for attacking a datalinked target or flying to a POI, first transmit the ingress point, then the target position/POI and finally send your orders via radio. The wingman will then fly to the ingress point and turn to the target/POI once he reaches it. Note that ingress points can only be used in conjunction with other target points, otherwise wingmen ignore them.


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Q: I was editing a configuration file and it seems to have broken something big (the file got corrupted/the sim will not start/an error appears/textures are missing, etc).

 

A: Do not use the Windows Notepad to edit configuration files as it will corrupt them. We recommend using Notepad++ or similar code editing software.

 

Note, lua file errors are logged in \...\Temp\error.log


Edited by EvilBivol-1

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Q: Why does the helicopter pitch up?

 

A: As is the case with many other helicopters, the cyclic trim required to hold the Ka-50 still on the ground and the trim required to hover are not the same. Ground trim is somewhat aft of hover trim. In other words, if the pilot trims the helicopter to keep it standing still on the ground with the rotors spinning, he will have to push the stick forward when taking off to prevent the helicopter from pitching back. Because most flights in the simulation are started on the ground, the ground trim setting is used as the default neutral position of the virtual cyclic. This position is designed to prevent the helicopter from rolling on the ground, not to keep it level in flight. In flight, it pitches the nose up. To prevent this, simply re-trim the helicopter for take-off. This is a necessary procedure in real life.

 

Also note, canceling trim in flight will revert the virtual cyclic to its default neutral position and, once again, pitch the helicopter up. The real helicopter is not equipped with a "cancel trim" function. It was added for the benefit of flight simmers based on high demand, but should not be used as part of the Ka-50 simulation.


Edited by EvilBivol-1

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Q: I purchased the online version, now how do I install it?

 

A: Download both installation files (setup.exe and data1.cab) from the product website and save them in the same directory. Run setup.exe. If you are running a Vista OS, you may need to run the file with admin rights enabled. The files are only required for the installation process and can be discarded after, although you may want to create a back-up first.


Edited by EvilBivol-1

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Q: I'm getting a crash during installation!

 

A: First of all, make sure you've downloaded both of the installation files from the website. The files are setup.exe and data1.cab. Both files should be placed into the same folder. To initiate installation, run setup.exe. Note, Windows Vista users have to execute the file as the system administrator.

 

Some possible installation errors:

 

Code 2 - ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND

 

Most likely, one of the two installation files is missing. Either you didn't download it or it isn't in the same folder.

Code 3 - ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND

 

The installer directory path is too long and/or includes non-English characters. Try a shorter path with all English characters.

 

Code 13 - ERROR_INVALID_DATA

or

Code 23 - ERROR_CRC

 

Corrupted file(s). You will probably need to re-download one or both files.


Edited by EvilBivol-1

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Q: Is there a printed manual?

 

A: The currently available online (download) version of DCS features online (PDF) documentation, including a Ka-50 Flight Manual, GUI manual, Quick Start Guide, and Key Commands Lists. The upcoming retail (boxed DVD) version will include a printed Quick Start manual and all of the other manuals as PDF files.

 

However, a printed (black-white), spiral-bound extended version of the Ka-50 Flight Manual will be available for sale seperately. The printed version will include a number of additional chapters as compared to the online (PDF) version included in both the online (download) and retail versions of the product. More information about pricing and content can be found here:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=39994


Edited by Acedy

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Q: I have bought the Russian version of Black Shark. Can I download the 100-mission "Georgian Oil War" campaign that shipped with the English version?

 

A: Yes, you can download it for free from here:

 

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=2053&scr=products&lang=ru

 

(Registration/login required)

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Q: What if I run out of activations? Is there a serial numbers replacement?

 

A: One serial number is provided per license. It has enough activations to use it for years. Moreover, modern StarForce ProActive has a deactivation feature which allows to keep activation between hardware upgrades or OS reinstallations. So we don't see any reasons for lossing activations except malicious carelessness and catastrophic hardware or OS crashes. But notice that we are not responsible for somebody's irresponsibility. Consider receiving a new serial number as a free bonus for those license owners who did encounter serious problems.


Edited by Tez
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  • 2 weeks later...

Q: What are the system requirements to run DCS: Black Shark?

 

A: Minimum system requirements: OS: Windows XP, Vista; CPU: Pentium 4 2 GHz; RAM: 2 GB; Graphics card: 256 MB DirectX 9 compatible; Sound card; 5 GB of free space on HDD; DVD ROM (for boxed version); Keyboard; Mouse; Copy protected, requires internet activation.

 

Recommended system requirements: OS: Windows XP, Vista; CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD X2; RAM: 3 GB; Graphics card: 512+ MB DirectX 9 compatible (ATI HD 4850+ or nVidia 8800+); Sound card; 5 GB of free space on HDD; DVD ROM (for boxed version); Keyboard; Mouse; Joystick; Copy protected, requires internet activation.


Edited by Acedy
updated with specs from DVD cover
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  • 2 weeks later...

Q: I'm seeing a white/yellow line on the ground when viewing from inside the cockpit.

 

A: This is an LOD-related issue in the graphics engine and cannot be fixed. A "home remedy" is possible by changing the LOD distance values in the configuration files, but this will affect the entire graphics engine and is not a recommended solution.

To change the LOD values, open \...\Config\graphics.cfg and change the LOD lines as follows:

near_clip = 0.1;

middle_clip = 1;

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