View Full Version : Zoom in external view and conditions for TOW launch?
tarball
03-02-2006, 03:37 PM
I am nearly without words over the last day as I've experienced a new beginning for my beloved Steel Beasts.
I plan on getting more familiar with SB Pro PE when I get home tonight, but I have a few questions based on last night's experiments.
Can I move farther back in external view? The current view is too close.
Also, the manual (both printed and electronic) lacks specifics for each vehicle like the SB manual had. Sometimes the TOW won't fire off the Bradley, even when I've lased the target.
Is there something that I'm missing in terms of documentation?
T-
Bluewings
03-02-2006, 04:38 PM
Sometimes the TOW won't fire off the Bradley, even when I've lased the target.
If I am correct , the Bradley must be on rather flat terrain and not "tilted" ~like on a slope~ to fire the TOW .
Cheers . :3starSK:
PS-SCUD
03-02-2006, 04:47 PM
Can I move farther back in external view? The current view is too close.
I hope not. IMHO the external view is almost cheating to begin with. There is no "external view" in real life. I think it should be disabled for multiplayer games. Ya, it is nice for screenshots, but that is not what it is used for in MP.
In MP you jump to external view, and you get an extra set of eyes. From external view, you can easily scan all directions in the woods, with no viewing obstructions (TC MG, GPS, hatch, etc.) while your TC and Gunner also scan for you.
Moving the view further back would allow you to see over ridges without even exposing the GPS (which you can already do to some extent.)
PS-SCUD
03-02-2006, 04:48 PM
Is there something that I'm missing in terms of documentation?
I'd check your docs folder. There is a crapload of information there. I haven't had a chance to read through it myself.
Shane
03-02-2006, 05:18 PM
I am nearly without words over the last day as I've experienced a new beginning for my beloved Steel Beasts.
I plan on getting more familiar with SB Pro PE when I get home tonight, but I have a few questions based on last night's experiments.
Can I move farther back in external view? The current view is too close.
Also, the manual (both printed and electronic) lacks specifics for each vehicle like the SB manual had. Sometimes the TOW won't fire off the Bradley, even when I've lased the target.
Is there something that I'm missing in terms of documentation?
T-
I wouldn't being able to zoom out a little more and move the camera up/down. It would be great for screenies. When you don't want to use it, you could just disable it for MP, etc..
That would be a pretty nice addition.
The external camera is where it is by design - it allowed too much of a view in SB1.
The brad won't fire the TOW unless you are on relatively level ground.
3Star
03-02-2006, 05:56 PM
I think it should be disabled for multiplayer games. Ya, it is nice for screenshots, but that is not what it is used for in MP.
In MP you jump to external view, and you get an extra set of eyes. From external view, you can easily scan all directions in the woods, with no viewing obstructions (TC MG, GPS, hatch, etc.) while your TC and Gunner also scan for you.
I would only support the removal of external view when SB supports concepts like standing on the turret roof to get a bit more height, or telling the loader to jump off and run forward 50 yards to look over/around an obstacle. That's notwithstanding the higher field of vision a real human has vs the TC's view and quicker 'snaps' to other viewpoints.
NTM
dejawolf
03-02-2006, 07:15 PM
you can use the hind for screenshots.
Kegel
03-02-2006, 07:52 PM
I am nearly without words over the last day as I've experienced a new beginning for my beloved Steel Beasts.
I plan on getting more familiar with SB Pro PE when I get home tonight, but I have a few questions based on last night's experiments.
Can I move farther back in external view? The current view is too close.
Also, the manual (both printed and electronic) lacks specifics for each vehicle like the SB manual had. Sometimes the TOW won't fire off the Bradley, even when I've lased the target.
Is there something that I'm missing in terms of documentation?
T-
Make sure you hit the HOME key to bring up the TOW sights. Then lase, then fire.
DarkAngel
03-03-2006, 01:04 AM
and the TOW will only fire in magnified view
tarball
03-03-2006, 02:42 AM
Thanks for the replies.
I've seen the docs folder, but the firing on level ground thing is something I missed. Is there a document discussing the specific vehicles?
I realize the debate on the external view is an old and ongoing one, but I do notice that it is even more constrained than SB1. I suppose "having the option" would be nice.
This new version is such a massive improvement that I don't regret one penny of my $125 spent. This is so despite the fact that I was an ass during the wait.
T-
Rogue6g
03-06-2006, 09:05 PM
Ssnake, or anyone, is there anXML file or such which has all the default settings(ie. Views)
Pillar
03-24-2006, 05:29 PM
Externals are useful in big battles if you're acting more as a Bn/Coy commander than a tank commander. Besides, I like to be able to appreciate the graphics and watch the fight from externals when I'm not simming as a crew member.
Lone*star49
03-24-2006, 06:52 PM
The external camera is where it is by design - it allowed too much of a view in SB1.
The brad won't fire the TOW unless you are on relatively level ground.
...
Ok, so does this mean that when in any game, a team mate cannot join your Brad or Tank, etc,, in the external view mode, and act like a sem-TC set of eyes for you.?
I know the pro's and cons about external views, (with or without use of binos) but what is worse, less participation with Team mates, or more?
LS
The camera for the external view was up too high in SB1, which allowed people to easily see over things they should not be able to. People can still jump into others external views...
Lone*star49
03-24-2006, 08:17 PM
The camera for the external view was up too high in SB1, which allowed people to easily see over things they should not be able to. People can still jump into others external views...
...
Ok, then my next question would be, is this on the patch list, to return all external views in the sim, but at a more realistic heighth?
LS
DrDevice
03-24-2006, 10:06 PM
It's not a bug. They moved the view to a more realistic height, not away from it. All external views are modeled right now. There is nothing broken here...tarball has merely noted that he'd like the view moved back.
The answer is "it was made that way on purpose to prevent abuse of the view." You can still use it, but you don't get the overly-powerful F8 view of SB1. You get a more reasonable view. And yes, you can still F8 to a teammate's vehicle.
If you need screen shots, you can use the AAR and the free-floating camera to get wherever you want.
Yes, what Dr. D said. I dont see any good reason to change it back, maybe its something that could be looked at in the future when its time to make decisions on SB2. Another option is to use the hind for screenshots, and mil users can use the instructor host "god" mode.
Lone*star49
03-25-2006, 03:49 AM
Yes, what Dr. D said. I dont see any good reason to change it back, maybe its something that could be looked at in the future when its time to make decisions on SB2. Another option is to use the hind for screenshots, and mil users can use the instructor host "god" mode.
...
Yea, copy tht DD and Sean, as I just got in my first online MP, and made it thru a 30 min co-opt in Brads only, vs AI red tanks and APC's..
The external mode/view is beautiful as-is IMO.. no problems here.
NONE!!!
It was as real and authentic as it gets (and looks)
LS :)
tarball
03-25-2006, 10:08 AM
Post-script,
I'm used to it now and can't argue with the intentions of the new closer view. I believe it is forcing me to use the Commander view more often, which is likely the best habit to form anyhow.
With the driver now, I really like the possibilities of fully-manned vehicles.
C12GOLF
03-29-2006, 07:39 AM
In regards to the TOW shot...
Real world, You have to be in high mag with TOW selected to punch up a tube. Also, there is a bubble guage inside at each station that displays the degree of of slope that you have to be within. Basically not on a steep slope. Also, you can't be moving more that 5 (i think) mph. Just stop and shoot for the best effects. The TOW is for deliberate defenses anyway, not while on the move. You don't have to lase when using the TOW. Again, that's real world. My copy should be here tomorrow. I'll verify and get back to you on the TOW shot.
Trekker
03-29-2006, 07:01 PM
Why can't you fire the TOW in slopes. Up/down slope i understand, but sideway?
DrDevice
03-29-2006, 07:37 PM
An educated guess: Gyros on the missile. If you spin it up on a slope, it can't tell up from down. When it makes corrections, like the initial steadying after the launch boost, if may correct the wrong way, resulting in a crash.
Trekker
03-29-2006, 07:47 PM
Seems like a well educated guess. Thanks.
ARM505
04-04-2006, 07:10 PM
I would imagine that launching it at too steep a slope would allow the missile to escape the tracking systems ability to see the missile, and therefore to steer it back on the planned flight path wouldn't it?
To add: The reason I post that is because I'm curious too, and thats the best guess I could come up with!
Trekker
04-04-2006, 07:33 PM
The missile launcher is in line with the sight even if the vehicle is tilted. Then you got a automatic launchsequence so the missile should catch the LOS intime before it start to feel alone.
Talked to a old TOW instructor, he said that sideslope shouldn't effect the missile. But he also added it was 8years since he used the TOW. But if i remember correctly BILL2 can't be fired to tilted either, since that would tell the computer that the missile is steering to sharp( eventhough its not steering atall), due to the same angle on the missile.
I think i have to go with Dr D's guess, the gyro can't steer the missile if it's not positioned right.
ElTorrente
05-13-2006, 07:44 PM
Why do we have an external view in the first place?
I got this game/sim because it is super realistic, and the first thing I notice is the external view that gives us very unrealistic SA.
mapman
05-13-2006, 07:48 PM
Why do we have an external view in the first place?
I got this game/sim because it is super realistic, and the first thing I notice is the external view that gives us very unrealistic SA.
Well, it stays pretty close to the vehical so the SA is not that much better, you do not have to use it, the scenario designer can disable it if he wants to.
The primary reason is that since we can not "jump" out of our tank and run up to the next ridge, crawl on our belly and take a look with our binos and then run back to our tank, the external view sort of gives us this ability.
GaryOwen
05-13-2006, 08:35 PM
I think i have to go with Dr D's guess, the gyro can't steer the missile if it's not positioned right.
Here's a screenshot of the TOW reticle from a titled platform. The blue line is the vector that would bring the missile on target --- it's just got a horizontal component. The yellow line is a two component vector based on what the guidance system sees when it compares the position of the missile beacon to the center of the crosshairs --- a vertical component is added.
This is my (slightly) educated guess at why there is the requirement that the missile only be fired from a relatively level platform.
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