FastCargo

How did you test that if you don't mind me asking? I haven't installed DCS World under Steam, and right now it only shows the FC3 key. If I were to install DCS World under Steam, would my other keys show up? FC

That's pretty... FC

For those who wonder about purchasing from other sources than Eagle Dynamics directly, what I have noticed so far is that you only are purchasing an activation key. I bought A-10C and BS2 from GetGames, and just bought FC3 from Steam. I downloaded the modules directly from Eagle Dynamics, then activated them with the keys provided by GetGames and Steam. No muss, no fuss. GetGames sent me the keys via email, and Steam showed me the key once I put FC3 in my inventory (without installing it there). And they all played happily together in the native DCS World client. From what I understand (and I'm not an expert), ED actually gives keys to various retailers from its database, and so when those retailers have a sale, the keys should already be available to activate as soon as you get them. FC

I also want to thank folks for keeping us honest here at CA. We're human too, and sometimes things fall through the cracks. We want folks to know when something like this happens, it is not for any reason other than pure error...we want folks to be confident that our promotions are legitimate and that we do not intentionally cause problems for our members. FC

To be honest, what did you expect? TK himself has said there is not going to be a SF3....which sounds like to me that there won't be another major engine upgrade of any sort. As far as I can tell, TK has no interest in bringing in outside content or funding for his games. People have gone around and around on this and have always ended up in the same place with the same answer: "What is done is what can be afforded to do." Does everyone remember wanting a mission editor? TK said that they blew a bunch of time and money to make one, and hardly anyone bought it. Or how about SF2:NA with the new terrain, water effects, new damage rules for carriers and cruise missiles, new avionics, and new content? Remember the state it came out in and how buggy it was? I suspect he simply ran out of money and put it out just to pay the bills. Considering that TK has also given tacit approval to modify core files (exe, dll, etc) without distribution of stock files, I would postulate he's done with any major edits to the game engine. Unless he has something major up his sleeve, I suspect you'll only see new content, not any new engine changes. So, what are the options? 1) Make any future content compatible with the engine as it stands. 2) Modify the core engine yourself. 3) Move on to something like DCS. And before anyone makes the dumb statement of 'How hard can making core engine changes be?', you'll note I've asked several times here for anyone who programs core to pipe up...no one has. Making content is one thing...programming core is quite another. Now, I've been surprised before (TK's attitude toward core file modification was not what I expected), so I could be reading this wrong, but I think he's done with core changes. FC

Man, I still remember when the F-16 first came online all those years ago. All the model kits that came out in the prototype colors, and the pics of it with the black nose (Block 1). One of the funniest stories about the F-16 is being a fresh faced 19 year old getting a tour of the (then) GD factory in Fort Worth. And having grown up 2 miles away from MacDill, I knew a lot about the Viper, and most of it's variants, including things like the AFTI and CCV test beds. So it puzzled me why there were several 2 seater F-16s I saw on the assembly line that had 'spines' similar to the AFTI model. I was told by our annoyed GD representative in no uncertain terms that information on those birds was classified. I only found out MUCH later that they were F-16D 'Barak' models destined for Israel under the Peace Marble II program and that the extra avionics are still technically classified (though most suspect it is specialized Wild Weasel equipment). FC

For those curious about American pilots flying US marked recon Spitfires in WWII. FC

There was also legal precedent set during the early 90s when Novalogic and LockMart tried to make the F-22 exclusive to them for computer games. The USAF and the USG basically said you can't do that with a taxpayer funded aircraft and squashed the effort. American companies aren't the only ones guilty of this...if you look in some of the AC series, you'll see in the credits licensing notes from Dassault, EADS, etc. So, someone, somewhere had to contact those companies to work out an agreement. This also happened on the civilian side with a few airlines who tried the same thing for MSFS. Apparently, that went away when someone figured out it was basically free advertising for the airlines. It seems like this is one of those things that could easily be solved. A company has to know that what's more of a benefit...free advertising and good will, or no exposure and ill will. If they are worried about copyright, just have them insert a 'not an official licensed product' or 'not endorsed' or some such language. I can understand enforcement of copyright (use it or lose it principle), but someone has to know that a small developer in a niche market isn't going to fork over a large licensing fee vs just dropping the aircraft instead. FC

All that is happening here is validating the computer model...and how quickly the computers can get out of a situation. The fact that the F-35C can stay relatively stable even outside the envelope is note worthy. Also, something no one mentioned, is the shot where the F-35C is in a sustained negative 40-45 degree AOA flight. That's extremely impressive for an aircraft with no thrust vectoring. This more than likely means the AOA envelope is going to be very large. And realistically, the F-35 series is not an air superiority fighter...it is meant as a bomb truck, with some air to air capability. Just like an F-16. FC

You don't understand the system, otherwise you wouldn't be saying that. FC

You do realize that is moot considering the pilot can see through the aircraft in all directions? FC

That Space Invaders video was awesome! Just heard these guys the other day for the first time when I saw this video: And the original version: And the Beer song: FC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5VXmI74JFE FC

I'd watch the hell out of that movie.... FC

JM, sure, except TK mentions mods that change the core binary files (ie hacks). Those weren't mentioned before. The email reads to me that he expects editing of those files...which pretty much opens up the game. FC

Stratos, I think that's fine. Honestly, my major objection to the whole thing at the time was erring on the conversative side of legalities hacking. Now that TK has made his thoughts more clear on the matter, I don't have that objection anymore. I would say we are putting the cart before the horse here...worry about what you want to have done, how it needs to work, then worry about what can and can't be redistributed. For right now, keep that email posted, use your best judgment, you have the same view to the email that I do. FC

Stary, honestly, TK's response is pretty open to me...seems like everything is up for modification. Redistribution of 'original files' could be interpreted as 'non altered, stock files'. Again, in theory, that could be interpreted that we can distribute altered files that have the original names. I'm hesitant to go that far (redistribution verses patching) or ask for clarification (at least initially) since his current response is more than I expected. FC

Well, depending on how you read TK's response, you could, in theory, even distribute a hacked exe file (because it's not the original exe file). Now, my preference would be a distributed 'patcher' ... this requires you to have the original files on hand. Plus the 'patcher' would probably be smaller than an altered exe, dll, etc. FC

Okay, that's pretty definitive. Don't redistribute any original files in what you create. Now, why don't you see if mlracing wants to do more than rub his junk in your face. FC

(original story located here) 1/24/2014 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The first operational B-1B Lancer with the Integrated Battle Station upgrade, landed here Jan. 21 with a ceremony celebrating its arrival Jan. 24. The IBS is a combination of three different upgrades, which include a Fully Integrated Data Link, a Vertical Situation Display Upgrade and a Central Integrated System Upgrade. During the ceremony Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck, 7th Bomb Wing commander, spoke about the benefits of the newly upgraded systems. "This will be a platform that will take us to the next generation of long-range strike capability," said VanHerck. "Increased situational awareness for our pilots, a more reliable and supportable cockpit, user-friendly systems that will help our maintainers and the ability to conduct more effective training and testing in the future are just some of those impacts." The FIDL is a modern data link communication network that allows real-time communication with many other aircraft, ground stations and allied forces. The VSDU replaced the older VSDs with more reliable equipment that show more information faster and with more options to improve in-flight efficiency. The CITS modernized the old Light Emitting Diode display computers that are used by flight and ground support personnel to identify and troubleshoot B-1 system anomalies. "Integration into the data link environment and the increased maintainability, as well as the new computers and displays are capable of showing a better picture of the battlespace with more advanced graphics will enable the B-1 to be a force for decades to come," said Maj. Michael Jungquist, 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron software Block 16 project officer. These new upgrades to the B-1B will also allow the aircraft to work more effectively with other joint and coalition forces. "Real-time communication networks will allow for immediate mission planning and much quicker in-flight target changes. As the threat changes, so can the coordination with allied forces, which enables the B-1 to reach and target the new strike location," said Master Sgt. Eric Dassinger, 7th Maintenance Group wing avionics manager. "The Link-16 network we can connect to through FIDL is already being used on many other platforms, so integration with allied forces is nearly seamless. Full battlefield communication and information exchanges will greatly improve mission planning and provide real-time mission feedback." The three upgrades that comprise the IBS will potentially eliminate at least 30 minutes per ground test -diagnostic system checks that are similar to in-flight checks, and reducing the risk of human error from having to key in each test function. "Aircrew will get the new screens and updated instrumentation in the front and aft stations where they will be able to adjust the information shown to cater to the mission at hand," Dassinger said. "Maintainers will benefit from the CITS upgrade by being able to monitor more system diagnostics than before, which in turn, will shorten troubleshooting time. Also full complements of ground test functions are stored within the CITS; this means not having to punch in the entire test key for key. It also reduces human error from having to key in each test function since they are pre-built." Upgrades such as these enable the B-1 to grow and keep pace with newer platforms that the aircraft may be working with. "There are many growth capabilities already built into the system," Dassinger said. "As technology changes, this new system will be able to adapt more easily. More reliable parts mean the Air Force can save money and roll it into new programs and updates." With the new IBS upgrade to the B-1, the mission capabilities of the aircraft could evolve as new mission sets arise in the theater of operations. "Once the program is in full swing and we have a larger inventory of IBS equipped aircraft, I could see the operations tempo increasing," Dassinger said. "When you add up all that the aircraft is already capable of, and then add the reliability and new communication features; everyone is going to want the B-1 protecting their ground forces and providing directed firepower across the globe." Although Dyess is the first base to receive the first operational IBS upgraded B-1, the upgrade program is scheduled to continue on through 2019, with Ellsworth Air Force Base also receiving upgraded aircraft. by Senior Airman Kia Atkins 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Fine. I don't like mlracing. Happy? Thread closed...you want to continue, take it out of the public forum. FC

Stary, I realize of course that realistically, TK probably wouldn't be interested in a suite anyway....but still, a possibility to be avoided easily enough. And at some point, when the TW series enters that area of Abandonware, then the circumstances will be different. It's not there yet...folks today were reporting issues with their PC purchase confirmations....so somebody is still buying the PC games. FC

Guys, I just happened upon this thread. Between the site issues, the holidays, and health problems, I think this one fell through the cracks. Let me investigate and I will get an answer. FC

Let's make some things clear here. What mlracing does with his videos is the equivalent of him showing you a porno and getting off watching you masturbating. Now lets talk legality issues. I'm not a lawyer and don't even play one on the internet. That being said, if he's using some sort of external program to tweak some aspects of the rendering engine, that's one thing. On the other hand, if he is actively hacking the executable code, that is a violation of the EULA, and laws in several countries. Period. This isn't something like Falcon, F/A-18, or TAW where the IP holders are not selling their programs anymore (Abandonware). The SF series is still being offered for sale by the developer directly on the TW website. It still pays the bills, and therefore, is not in the grey area of abandonware. If this website is seen to be endorsing this behavior by any measure, that sets us up for legal action. Does everyone understand this? Does anyone think we can afford any sort of legal issues other than the normal ones that occur just running the site? And don't give me the weak 'Pffft...like he'd sue us'...it ain't your ass in a sling if you're proven wrong...just once. Also, when threads are edited, and/or members disciplined it is usually for the overall health of the community. Mlracing pics and videos tended to 'stir the hornet's nest'...causing more problems with no benefits (you'll note he hasn't given you dick at SimHQ either). So, in short, mlracing is 'persona non grata' in the public forum here. You want to search him out somewhere else? Knock yourselves out. If he wants to be forthcoming and aboveboard on his methodologies, and they are legal, then we will reconsider his admittance. FC

I am quite impressed by what you and sophocles have been doing...hard to believe any of my model parts were ever in those screenshots! I was going to ask, once you have completed this project, I know some folks (including myself) have been dying for proper T-38A / AT-38B cockpits. If you have the inclination and/or time, I'm sure folks would appreciate it. And, thanks for putting those MAX files to good use. FC