FastCargo

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

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

Pretty sweet setup those kids have now.  Was bittersweet seeing them flying when I visited Dyess in Dec 2013.

Though I can't imagine what the avionics are like...it's been darn near 17 years since I flew one.

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

DCS FC 3 is now showing up on Steam for 49.99.  No LOMAC required.

FC

This is a disquieting development.  I guarantee the initial MiG-21 announcement and updates spurred more than a few purchases of DCS back some time ago.

As we have talked about before, it is my opinion that we are on the downhill side of the bell curve formed by the intersection of cost of development verses return on investment over time.  Because computing power has increased IAW Moore's law, we want stuff to take full advantage of those continually expanding capabilities.  Which means increased time, effort, and cost.  A great analogy is the transition from clear acetate sheets with marker on a screen projector to using PowerPoint slides...yea, the slides look lots nicer with more info, but it takes 10 times as long to make.

The problem is that there has not been a proportional increase in the number of flight simmers needed to sustain the increasing cost.

In addition, combat flight sims past about the Korean War era have one huge factor they have to take in for a serious flight sim...the EW environment.  Radar, ECM, missiles and the associated AI.

The reason WWII and to a lessor extent WWI sims tend to do better and attract more people is 1) There is a sort of romanticism involved with those time periods and 2) There is a perception that combat is significantly simpler to do...weapons employment is pretty easy (shoot a gun).  This is a double benefit to developers...less AI problems, no EW modeling needed and more overall interest.

I will say the trend I am seeing in the DCS world is not filling me with confidence.  I really do hope to be proven wrong.

FC

Assuming you're talking about the antennas located at the very bottom of the aircraft at the tail, I can tell you that the 'bladed' configuration you see in the lower right photo is the old design. Most, if not all, were superceded by the aerodynamic 'semi flush' mount you see in the upper left photo.

FC

Gotta be careful patching reality...it may fix one bug, but then you find out PI doesn't equal 3 anymore....

Oh, wait...

FC

Very sad.

We flew together on a few trips back when we were both in the DC-10. Later on we both upgraded to the Airbus...even ran into him outside of FedEx when we both flew in the same airshow...him in a B-25 and me in my T-38.

Good dude and a good pilot.

RIP Keith.

FC

Wrench's way is preferable because:

1. It closely mimics actual procedures (canopy position not related to speed but is manually closed and opened).

2. If you get in a slow speed situation in the aircraft while airborne, your canopy won't open with the manual method. The speed method will result in the canopy opening.

FC

Amazon gave me some free coins (basically Amazon credit) since I've been a customer for a long time...used them to 'buy' the Raptor and Fulcrum-C.

Fun stuff...can't beat the price to play during those small slivers of time during the day where you're stuck waiting around.

Of course, you could go really meta and install BlueStacks on your PC and play SFA that way...

FC

Hmmm...Harriers included in this update.

FC

Cockpit should be more flat and the shape of the air intakes is not great. Maybe a matter of taste but i.m.h.o. an otherwise great model can give a bad overall impression when the shape of the cockpit is wrong. ....

The original builder of the MAX file is dead.

The files were lost when the server he was hosting on shut down.

The alternative is a total rebuild. There is a MAX file available of a F-5E that is very good, but it requires modification to be brought into game.

Along with the billion other projects people want.

FC

Here is the original F-5E:

And another:

And here is a 'sharknose':

And another 'sharknose':

And one more 'sharknose':

If the 'sharknose' is any different in length by anything other than a few inches, I would be surprised. The contour of the nose is changed all around, giving the illusion of being significantly different in length other than straight from the side. In addition, you'll note the painted part of the nose is different...again, giving the illusion the nose is different in length.

FC

Moved to the proper forum.

Start right here: http://combatace.com/forum/99-thirdwire-strike-fighters-1-series-knowledge-base/

This will tell you everything you want to know.

FC

I'd agree with Bullethead for the most part. There are human factors issues with 'twisty sticks' for rudders as well.

I'd also agree that rudder pedals are a must to maximize your immersion...even the most modern aircraft still use them, mainly because that's one less thing your hands/fingers have to do and you can be quite precise because of the wide range of motion.

The only thing I might add would be for aircraft newer than Korean War vintage, to have something like a touch screen or a tablet tied in. Especially for modern MFD fighters, it can really add to the experience and allows you to keep HOTAS for the more critical, time sensitive functions.

FC

Do you reckon that these are the models from TK's USAF recruitment game updated for the new platforms?

Well, TK does like to reuse assets...it certainly would be a cheap way to get those aircraft in game.

FC

The thing we are hearing from my end is a load shift. Basically, if the locks in the empty positions were not raised, and the load got loose...it would slide back, throwing the CG out of the aft limit.

The resulting crash would look pretty much like you see it in the video.

Condolences to all the families affected by the crash.

FC