DCS 2.5.2 Open Beta

Today's update is supposed to address these issues. None involve the F-86 or general Caucasus map functionality. Three attempts to download this update have failed.

DCS 2.5.2.18144 Current Version

DCS 2.5.2.18307 Update 3

DCS World
Updater updated (worked with 'deltas')
Spawn cold aircraft on ship deck with folded wings.
If the unit being followed is destroyed DCS crashes - fixed.
ME. Added feature of static templates.


DCS Normandy 1944
More detailed objects and realistic airfield textures. The textures now reflect the more dusty, lighter, sandy surfaces
Removal of permanent structures from ALG airfields
Concrete surfaces for the airfields of Evreux, Carpiquet, and Tangmere
Shallow water zones along the coastal areas
New stone bridges
More structures like farm houses outside the detailed areas of the map
Added more objects like windmills

WWII Assets pack
New units added:
M12 gun motor carriage
M30 cargo carrier
M2A1/M3 halftrack
StuG IV
SdKfz 234/2 "Puma"
SdKfz 234 7 artillery tractor
SdKfz 234 7 251
SdKfz 234 2 Kettenkrad
Horch staff car
New barrage balloons
LCVP Higgins boats
UK soldier

DCS AV-8B Harrier by RAZBAM
Updated KC-135B model
Updated UFC font

DCS M-2000C by RAZBAM
Caucasus campaign bug fixes for Mission 01 and Mission 13.

DCS MiG-21Bis by Magnitude 3 LLC
Corrected glass material setup. Reflected colors on the HUD and windscreen should not be so bright now.

DCS F/A-18C Hornet
Added absolute axis for TDC.
ADV RSET cannot be removed during a cold start - fixed.
Crash with external fuel tanks fixed.
Flight hours will be log in logbook.
Unable to toggle Moving Map on and off - fixed.
Added missing North Up and Decentered modes of the AMPCD digital map.
GUI music update.
Radar scan parameters are updated now only when the radar is not in track, when the new A/A weapon is selected.
TDC press+release now returns the radar to search mode from all applicable modes (RWS/VACQ/BST/WACQ).
TDC press+release and undesignate switch press now reset the radar ACM condition (with certain exceptions).
Pressing boxed ACM on the radar format now returns the radar to search (in addition to resetting ACM condition).
When a new A/A weapon is selected the radar track mode is retained now.
If the gun was selected as A/A weapon, pressing undesignate in all ACM modes, as well as TDC in BST/VACQ, always returns the radar to GACQ mode.
BST/VACQ/WACQ modes, when selected with A/A gun, now override GACQ mode. It can be observed after the radar breaks lock. RTS commanded by pilot instead always reverts to GACQ.
Fixed mixed/lost modes symbology in ACM. Was especially noticeable with missing GACQ circle after RTS was performed or break lock occurred.
Engine start with ground air source.
Added input for station jettison selection buttons.
Different RPM indication on DDI and IFEI fixed.
CCIP mode is designating a target at weapon release which switches the MODE to AUTO - fixed.
Bomb programs quantities corrected.

DLC Campaigns
BS2 Republic Campaign - added CN localization
A-10C Shturmovik campaign - Conditions of success are too hard - 10th mission

Just tested the Korea server again at 2000 hrs zulu and it worked fine. I spawned into a Sabre without issues and a MiG driver was over on the other side. So like I said, Devil may have caught the server just when SeaQuark was doing some work on replacing his scripts and the triggers etc.

Make sure you're running DCS version 2.5.2.18144.

I'll be on comms a bit early tomorrow just in case you need help transferring your SRS files. If you have not yet downloaded the 2.5.2 version of DCS at mission start time, then you won't be able to participate since it is a rather large copy/swap and new file download.

Just completed a mission and comms works as well. I spotted Kooka connecting so looks like he's completed his updates. See you all tomorrow.

Speed

Confirm server and SRS working well...Devil and I took a tour over the target area last night. Didn’t work out so well for me courtesy of the AAA defences! Devil fared better, although ended up ejecting over home field due to landing gear issues.

Note: server is now running SRS version 1.5.2.0....Hawk

Great,

Glad to hear it. Should be a good mission tonight. I took the opportunity to fly a high CAP last night to test SRS comms with SeaQuark and took a look at the route selected for tonight's mission. The 330 heading didn't make much sense since I was going to have to turn the flight from 330 left to 270, then swing back onto 025 all the while trying to point out the target area.

So please take a moment before the mission tonight to look at the new flight plan. It will take us out from K-13 on a heading of 324, then we can make one turn to starboard on 025 to line up with the target area. If you guys flew a practice sortie last night, then you can help guide your flights onto the target.

AAA fire is intense, so these will be high speed runs. I found that by entering a shallow decent at 7,000' and trimming the pip onto the target, I was able to come in at about .75 Mach and wait till I could make out the details of my target clearly before firing. If you stay low at high speed and climb out some distance past the target area, then you stand a good chance of getting through unscathed. If you pull high and slow down, the AAA will nail you for sure.

Time to play catch-up again gents. We will need update #4 to DCS 2.5.2. Open Beta to fly on Saturday/Sunday. The Korea 1952 server has been updated and no longer shows up under version 2.5.2.

File size is 9,037 Mbs

Slightly confused (and I have only had two wines so far this evening) - when I opened DCS Open Beta tonight it did the automatic update but the version now showing is 2.5.2.18736 not 2.5.5.

Had no problems getting into the Korea server.

Me too,

This is still registering as a 2.5.2 version and has since updated to .18736.400. The news release of Friday 15 Jun referred to this update as Version 2.5.5. update #4 and I double checked that yesterday when I first entered this post. Since then, I've completed my own update and it reads as you say.

I suppose it would make some sense to call it a 2.5.3 update, given that it's pass 2.5.2.0, but who knows what their rational is based upon.

Anyway, Devil is correct (glasses of wine not-with-standing) so once you complete your update it will read DCS 2.5.2.18736.400

Just checked the change-log on ED Forums and it's a little clearer but they also refer to this as update #5? This update will be combined with the previous update that I said to ignore since it didn't have improvements for the general base software. However, this version does have some improvements/fixes to the general software.

DCS 2.5.2.18736 Update 5 to Open Beta

Added support of a new M-2000C Red Flag Campaign by Baltic Dragon

DCS World
MP. Server will show a warning to clients who do not have a map used in the mission.
NVG brightness adjustment is over sensitive - corrected.
AI armed speed boats. Corrected performing turns in the formation.
Mi-8MTV2. Rear gunner will be removed when cargo doors are disabled.
Western aircraft RWR's will not be pick up the FA-18C Lot 20 as Unknown.
Chinese J-11 will shows up as 29 on RWR.
Corrected a supersonic sound Mach cone of the missiles.
The radars of SA-3 will be displayed on RWR: P-19 Flat Face radar - FF,
SNR S-125 Neva Low Blow radar - LB.
Long radio subtitles are superimposed with triggered messages - fixed.
Radio subtitles will not appear if you are not on the same frequency.

DCS F/A-18C Hornet
UFC display. For frequencies in AM only or FM only, option window four will be blank.
Throttle afterburner detent is off by default now.
All 2-way spring-loaded switches can be turned by both mouse buttons.
Corrected FLAP control binding for TM Warthog joystick.
Pylons can be removing after rearming in the mission.
Wheel chocks are fitted by default for takeoff from ramp (cold and dark) on the carrier deck.
MP clients spawn with folded wings.
The select jettison of single MK 83/84 will works.
Added very basic IFF.

DCS A-10C
Internal cockpit flood lights restored.

DCS Flaming Cliffs
Mig-29. An instrument and flashlights lighting corrected.

DCS Combined Arms
Briefing panel can be called in the game.

Update to Open Beta version released yesterday. KOREA server is now showing up in Open Beta version and not in the Release version. Updated Open Beta (also ran Repair after update) and then checked out the KOREA server in Open Beta Multiplayer and all worked OK.

Thanks Dev,

I didn't see this one coming. Not sure why they would launch an update to Open Beta so soon after kicking out the final 2.5.2. Release. I think we need a full-time secretary to track all these changes.

Anyway, I checked the change-log on the ED Forums and while the final update to the Release version did include some minor updates for the F-86 and MiG 15, this version contains updates primarily for the F/A 18 and a number of ME fixes.

DCS 2.5.2.19157 Update 6

Normandy 1944 Update.
Added Spitfire IX clipped wings version.
Added bombs and external fuel tanks for Spitfire.

DCS World
ME. Payload panel. The payload can be renamed in all cases.
ME. Carrier COMM FREQ can be assigned for each ship.
Doors of hangar don't open after spawn the plane - fixed.
Fixed crash that caused by helicopter spawn on carrier.
ME. New a unit's 2D view on the map. Units to always appear above / on top of static objects.
ME. New a unit's 2D view on the map. New button (tank in plan view) was added to lower bar in ME for show the unit models.
ME. Ships. TACAN can be assigned to exact ship, not whole group.
Incorrect route for AI when parking in a hangar - fixed.
AI F/A-18C will not try to taxi to catapult occupied by player.
The AI aircraft will not eject after takeoff if the carrier is deactivated.

DCS F/A-18C
Added carrier cold start instant action missions
Nose gear shuttle will be attach to catapult correctly.
Gear strut uncompression corrected.
The aiming of CBU corrected.
Waypoint number can be changed on Waypoint Data page.
MDI's blank when trying to export to other displays - fixed.
Removed 2*Mk-83 from center pylon.
Unable to select AG weapon after launching AIM-7 - fixed.
Carrier deck. After connecting launch bar to the shuttle, player can disconnect with second key U press.
TACAN TTG indication errors - fixed.
"AA Gun and AIM-9 Sidewinder" mission corrected.
Course line disappears with 5 and 10 scales - fixed.
Added abeam distance to course line.
Gen Tie fixed.
Added third option for throttle afterburner detent.
UFC doesn't display TACAN channel and status when it's OFF - fixed.
TACAN callsign is missing on DDI and HUD until TCN audio volume is greater than zero - fixed.
Selective jettison releases rack instead stores - fixed.
Holes in gear bays - fixed.
Corrected fuel tanks pressurization cautions.
Mk-82 Snakeye bomb always releases retarded - fixed.
Caution EXT XFER is missing when external fuel available with BINGO state - fixed.
Rocket pods can't be jettisoned without BRU-33 - fixed.
Rocket pods can't be jettisoned from BRU-33 after rocket launch - fixed.
AIM-7 on LAU-115 jettison - corrected.
LAU-115 can't be normally jettisoned after missile launch - fixed.
Single bomb can't be jettisoned with RACK/LCHR option selected - fixed.
Current weapon is deselected after priority weapon has been jettisoned - fixed.
Priority weapon station doesn't save - fixed.
Radar too easily losing contacts - fixed.
Systems still energized by external power despite ExtPWR switches are disabled - fixed.

DCS AV-8B N/A by Razbam Simulations LLC
Fixed external lights flashing inside of cockpit (disco strobe issue)
UFC Waypoint edit and data entry logic
Waypoint edit via moving map and TDC
MPCD Compass radio logic
Updated LHA Tarawa model and collision model
Corrected braking force that was causing movement during 60% RPM engine check
Add keybindings for anti-ski and electrical from community (Peagle)
Added further keybindings and switch abstractions from community (LeCurvier and Nero.ger)
Removed duplicate and unused Engine Start and Engine Stop keybind, to initiate auto-start or auto-stop sequence use the commands in the "Cheat" section (default Win+Home and Win+End)
Training missions in Caucasus
Rain falling on HUD glass fixed

DCS M-2000C by Razbam Simulations LLC
Strobe lights too bright fixed
Rain falling on HUD glass fixed

DCS CA
Incorrect position vehicles sight when GUI scale option is ON - fixed

DCS A-10C
Datalink work restored.

DCS Black Shark
Datalink work restored.

DCS UH-1H
Fixed crash on repair.


Campaigns
Su-27 Ultimate Argument added CN localization
F-15C The Georgian War - corrected all missions.
M-2000C Red Flag Campaign - added documents.
A-10C Shturmovik - no progress in 11th mission fixed.

Another update to DCS Open Beta released today. I have installed the update; run the Open Beta Repair; and logged in to KOREA server. All OK.

Still struggling with getting SRS to work. I'll probably have to reinstall it. Doesn't it ask for your DCS folder when installing? That's probably it. I bet it still works with my normal DCS install.

Hi Wolverine,

Confirm that you have the following folders\-files as follows:

C:\Program Files\DCS-SimpleRadio-Standalone (if you have a version of this saved elsewhere, cut and paste it to C:\Program Files)
-client.cfg
-client.log
-DCS-SimpleRadioStandalone
-DCS-SRS-AutocConnectGameGUI
-DCS-SRSGameGUI
-DCS-SRS-hook
-DCS-SRS-Overlay.dlg
-DCS-SRS-OverlayGameGUI
-FavoriteServers.csv
-Installer
-Opus.dll
-ReadMe
-speexdsp.dll
-SR-ClientRadio
-SR Server

\AudioEffects (this is a sub-folder within DCS-SimpleRadio-Standalone)
-KY-58-RX-1600
-KY-58-TX-1600
-Radio-RX-1600
-Radio-TX-1600

Check that you have identical folders and files set up for DCS and DCS.openbeta

C:\Users\USERNAME\Saved Games\DCS\Scripts
-DCS-SimpleRadioStandalone
-DCS-SRSGameGUI
-DCS-SRS-Overlay.dlg
-DCS-SRS-OverlayGameGUI
-Export

\Hooks
-DCS-SRS-hook

Confirm you have duplicate folders\-files in DCS.openbeta

C:\Users\USERNAME\Saved Games\DCS.openbeta\Scripts
-DCS-SimpleRadioStandalone
-DCS-SRSGameGUI
-DCS-SRS-Overlay.dlg
-DCS-SRS-OverlayGameGUI
-Export

\Hooks
-DCS-SRS-hook

Now once you verify that you have all the necessary folders and files, open C:\Program Files\DCS-SimpleRadio-Standalone and double-click on -Installer

Don't make any changes to Step 1 or Step 2. Go to Step 3 and click on Install/Update

DCS SRS will then scan and locate all SRS folders and files and will create and install/update as required.

Once you run through the update procedures, then you will need to check your settings to ensure these have not changed. You can find those instructions under the Sabre Ops folder in the communications-SRS thread.

Let me know if it works. I've got time this week if you have a free evening and want to jump into the server to test and get your set-up correct (case in point, don't adjust your volume gain as in the previous instructions, just leave it at the default setting as this bug was corrected with version 1.5.2.0

Your instructions look pretty point clear, I should be able to get it up with those. I'll dig into it tonight or tomorrow and let you know. It'll be pretty obvious if I get it working because I'll get the squelch sound on use.

Here is a link to a screenshot of my SRS setup in the C drive

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ztkw37gwokatdzc/Screenshot%202018-07-10%2008.43.08.png?dl=0

Thanks for the help guys, I believe I have it licked. Should be fine now.

Great news Wolverine,

Now that you have it installed properly in DCS and DCS.openbeta, it should be easy from here on to update as these are released.

Then once we switch back to DCS release, you shouldn't experience this same problem.

Speed

The previously announced update to open beta is available for download. Version 2.5.2.19641 contains the following updates (nothing specific related to the Caucasus map or F-86/MiG15bis):

DCS 2.5.2.19641 Open Beta Update 7

DCS World
All terrains are updated.
Planes AI B-17G - collision during landing fixed.
RBK-500AO picture for all locales is added
Clouds generator changed to match Mission Editor settings more correctly
Radiomenu crash after triggered removing descent fixed
GUI error when loading template with linked unit fixed
Persian Gulf
Shiraz city, international airport and area added
Kerman city, airport and area added
Unique Gate Hotel Dubai added
New trees introduced

Ka-50
Night vision FOV shift with SSAA fixed
Trigger UHF_FREQ fixed

F/A-18C
Second (third, fourth) client now can be spawned on 2nd (3rd, 4th) catapult when 1st CAT is busy
Radar in STT mode will not jump to another target without players action
Radar SIL and STBY modes realized
S (single) and R (Ripple) weapons loading options added
Selected A/A weapon is no more displayed on radar page in RWS mode
Night vision goggles added
COMM: Manually entered frequency will no more appears in channels settings
Random crash when F/A-18C spawned on carrier catapult in multiplayer fixed
Carrier ICLS system realized
Radar: roll and pitch stabilization system improved when user changes elevation by discrete button commands
DCS C-101 by AvioDev
Fixed autostart for SFM (engine was not starting).
Added Persian Gulf Quick Start and Single missions
Solved nav radio issues. Several nav equipment boxes were not working.

DCS AJS-37 Viggen by Heatblur Simulations
Fixed crashing issue on aircraft re-initialization (respawn, refly)
Fixed crashing issue due to ELINT page dump
Fixed crashing issue due to Radar texture memory issues
Reworked overall Sidewinder seeker behaviour.
Increased Rb-74 (AIM-9L) all-aspect capabilities.
Fixed RB24J (AIM-9P) to be properly rear-aspect.
Added Next Missile selector (FRAMSTEGN IRRB) button to bindable controls.
Re-added kneeboard settings page
Fixed trim on ground start - now defaults to 3 degrees
Added realtime mirror rendering
Added clickable helpers to disable mirrors
Completed release candidate of flight manual
Viggen canopy glass now uses glass shader - compatability with Kegety's VR mod
Viggen canopy glass raindrop effect added
Overhauled night lighting
Improved accuracy of bombing sights



Campaigns
‘A-10C Shturmovik’ 11th mission fixed, targets can be destroyed more easy
‘Mi-8MTV2 Oilfield’: fixed bug with crashing of cargoes

Hey gents,

A hotfix was released yesterday or early today so you'll need to update before the flight tonight.

DCS 2.5.2.19682 Update 7 Hotfix

Updater ver. 2.9.4.76: ‘settings’ option is available in command line

DCS World
Fixed crash when the ship with the task Attack group destroys the target
Error in radio messages for USSR country fixed
Target attributes added to ‘Search and engage’ and ‘Search and engage in zone’ tasks

DCS NS430
NS430 Navigation System added in Flat mode to all DCS aircraft (excluding A-10C, F/A-18C and Ka-50)
NS430 Navigation System integrated into L-39 3D cockpit

Gents,

I think we'll all agree that the last two updates to open beta have resulted in some serious performance issues. I know I've experienced a significant increase in major freeze frame events during our sorties, my average fps is way down and I'm suffering from more crashes to desktop than ever before. These issues also seem to relate to my internet drops which started after update 4 and within that same two or three week time frame.

So, I did a bit of research on the ED Forums and a thread exists which deals with freezes, stutters and crashes starting with the last two updates to version 2.5.2 open beta. Common complaints are identical to those above including dropped connection to multi-player servers. So, maybe I don't have to cut down my neighbour's tree after all.

Here's the link and I'd suggest everyone take five minutes to read through and compare what these guys are saying with what you've experienced since the beginning of July.

Short version is, open explorer and go to:

C:\Users\UserName\Saved Games\DCS.openbeta

Locate the fxo folder and delete all files within; then
Locate the metashaders2 folder and delete all files within; and
After every update from now on, follow that same procedure.

I'll try it and post a followup. Let me know if it works for you as well.

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=215267

I haven't noticed any freezes or stutters in MP but have had a couple of very very minor freezers in SP when running my F18 trap and launch mission. What I have done after every update is to run the Repair DCS Open Beta app.

Will be interested in how you go with deleting those files.

I just completed a test both of on-line performance and in single player mode. I followed all of the instructions above cleaning all files in the fxo and metashaders2 folders, started DCS, then closed it down and ran the repair function. I then de-fragmented my C:\ drive and ran two missions tonight to test the results.

In a word, the performance is crap. Frame rates on the ground are down to 19fps max 24fps. On take off I got major freeze frame and a 22 to 24fps performance. As I climbed out over the cloud front and into clear air north of the mountains I reached 32 to 35fps with more freeze ups. So I cut that flight short at 39,000' with no other players in the server (after each frame freeze I checked to see if someone had just spawn in, and no one had), I then started a single-player mission with no ground objects on only two planes in the scenario. I flew a dog-fight and it was impossible to fight the MiG. The stutter and freeze frame was so bad that it threw my timing completely in the garbage can. Basically not flyable.

DCS hasn't performed this poorly since just before I bought my new GPU. When I first started to fly the Sabre I was enjoying 120fps without much fluctuation. DCS updates have continued to degrade the performance of open beta to the point that I think it's now almost impossible to fly in competition with one another. Starting to get frustrated again as this is not why I spent $500 bucks.

I'm going to have to have a heart to heart with SeaQuark to see where we go from here as I'm not sure I want to continue to commit so much time to mission prep and AAR for such a poor flying experience. Maybe he might consider reverting to 2.5.2 release in order to ditch these problems.

Am I the only one or are you guys experiencing these problems as well. I'll wait to hear from you before bringing this up with SeaQuark.

As for Rob's suggestion to fly Normandy in open beta, I think it's a non-starter unless he's on the release version of 2.5.2.

I think it would be worthwhile discussing these issues with SQ as some of his 39th team may be having similar problems. If going back to the Release version solves the problems then that would be a good outcome for all -albeit that I will have to re-juggle SSD and HDD drives so that I have the version we are playing on a SSD.

Spent this morning updating all my drivers and found that my Nvidia GTX 1070 drivers were out of date.

Ran a baseline using DCS Release and things ran pretty well. Had a 65 to 70 fps at 30,000' and other than one big freeze during the first dog-fight, it maintained smooth graphics at 60-65 fps. Close to the ground it dropped to 45 to 50 fps.

Ran a second test using DCS open beta and it ran about 10 fps lower at each level. I attribute that to Tacview that can be disabled in the Release version, but which can not in open beta. Had a few minor stutters but all in all it was better than the test I ran yesterday. It's playable.

I looked for Rob's server under open beta Normandy but didn't see it. He may only fire it up when he has customers.

I have spent the day doing some benchmarking of FPS performance between the Open Beta and Release versions both in offline and online play.

As both versions are currently at the same build all MP servers are showing up in both versions.

My conclusions, in regard to my setup, are:

1. There is currently no noticeable difference in FPS between the Open Beta and Release versions both in offline and online play.
2. TIR, TS and SRS have no noticeable impact on FPS.
3. AI activity can result in up to a 35 percent drop in FPS (the greater the number of AI the less FPS achieved)
4. Having TacView enabled results in an average loss of 10 FPS both in offline and online play.


Note: I did record about a 10 percent difference in FPS between the Open Beta and Release versions but I believe that this is due to my Open Beta version being located on a 250GB SSD while my Release version is on a 2TB HDD. The SSD has faster read/write access than the HDD.

In regard to MP, I tested each version on five separate servers - the KOREA! 1952 server; and the GFL warfare Caucasus, Nevada, Normandy and Persian Gulf MP servers. The KOREA server is located in New York and the four GFL servers are in British Colombia. I normally have the KOREA server at about a ping of 290 and the GFL servers come in at about a ping of 240.

In regard to offline play I tested each version via the CREATE FAST MISSION app and tested both versions in each of the four available maps using the same aircraft (F86); the same weather (Clear); the same season (Summer); the same time (midday) and varied each test between Maximum AI (in each available category for Red and Blue sides) and no AI activity.

Of interest, in both offline and online play, the Nevada and Normandy maps returned slightly higher FPS.

Great stuff Devil and that matches the basic observation that I made with respect to Tacview taking up about 10 fps.

What I found most interesting was your findings on the Nevada and Normandy maps. My Nevada map fps rates have always been the highest, but maybe I've given a bad rap to the Normandy map which I have not flown since getting the Sabre.

I did try a couple more dog-fight practice missions in open beta last night and for the most part the fps was stable with only minor stutters, but during the third of four sessions as I was looking to my nine o'clock tracking a MiG in a turning fight I froze for an extended period to the point where I thought the computer had crashed and was in the process of alt/del to restart when DCS suddenly came back to life. Obviously the AI had not froze as when the video kicked in again I was a flaming comet heading for the ground.

Still buggy, but playable. I'll see how this Saturday/Sunday goes and if I get kicked out and drop off the internet again, I may have to hang it up for a month or so until the trees begin to thin out again.