BY ORDER OF THE COMMAND 94th VFS INSTRUCTION 11-F-16
1st VIRTUAL FIGHTER WING 10 MAY 2009
Wing Standard Install
1st VIRTUAL FIGHTER WING
OPEN FALCON 4.7 GUIDE
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS INSTRUCTION IS MANDATORY
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OPR: “Demo”
Pages: 97
Distribution: 401st VAS, 94th VFS, 71st VFS, 29th VFS, 27th VFS
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*This document provides a one-stop shop for everything related to Open Falcon for the 1st VFW.
This instruction is affected by the Privacy Act (PA) of 1974. Authority to attain this information is 10 U.S.C. 8012 and E.0. 9397 (Not applicable to this document).
*SUMMARY OF REVISIONS
*Updated install guide with new links and instructions for our OF Wind Standard Patch. Also added some comments to the unique weapons employment section in the document. Updated the Table of Contents and links at the end of the document.
Updated: 05/19/09
Changes: NONE
Author: Demo – 1st VFW / 27th VFS
Assisted by: Jammer –1st VFW / 401st VAS
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Sources:
1s VFW Tactical Fighter Handbook
1st VFW Open Falcon 4.7 Install Guide
Dash-34 Manual
OF Noob Guide By Slammer
SP3 and SP4 Manual
Falcon 4.0: Allied Force Manual
FreeBirds VFW Install Guide (circa 2008)
USAF Multi-Command-Handbook 11-F16.pdf
OPENFALCON47.pdf By BR_Raptor
REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. 1st VFW OF 4.7 Install Guide ...... Page 3
-1.1 Rapace Launcher Set Up ...... Page 8
-1.2 IVC Set Up ...... Page 12
2. Open Falcon In-Game Settings ...... Page 12
-2.1 Simulation Tab ...... Page 14
-2.2 Graphics Tab ...... Page 15
-2.3 Graphics Advanced Tab ...... Page 16
-2.4 Sounds Tab ...... Page 17
3. Open Falcon Config Editor Settings ...... Page 18
-3.1 Rapace Launcher Settings ...... Page 19
-3.2 OF Config Editor Settings...... Page 20
4. Open Falcon Connection Standard Operating Procedures ...... Page 28
5. 1st VFW Approved Mods for OF 4.7 & 1st VFW Patch Contents . . . Page 37
-5.1 Approved Mods ...... Page 37
-5.2 Mods Not Approved for Use ...... Page 39
-5.3 1st VFW OF 4.7 Patch Contents ...... Page 40
6. Data Cartridge (DTC) in Open Falcon ...... Page 43
-6.1 Precision Steerpoints ...... Page 43
-6.2 Preplanned Threat Steerpoints ...... Page 46
-6.3 Additional Steerpoint Lines ...... Page 51
-6.4 The EWS Tab of the DTC ...... Page 54
-6.5 The Mode (MFD) Tab of the DTC ...... Page 57
-6.6 The Comms (Radio) Tab of the DTC ...... Page 58
-6.7 Loading the DTC in the Cockpit ...... Page 62
-6.8 The Improved Data Modem ...... Page 64
7. Unique Weapons Employment in OF ...... Page 69
-7.1 Dumb Bombs ...... Page 69
-7.2 Mavericks (AGM-65) ...... Page 69
-7.3 Laser Guided Bombs ...... Page 69
-7.4 JDAMs ...... Page 70
-7.5 JSOW (AGM-154) ...... Page 71
-7.7 JASSM (AGM-158) ...... Page 72
-7.8 SNIPER Advanced Targeting Pod ...... Page 74
8. Frequently Asked Questions & Common Fixes ...... Page 82
9. Appendix / References / Links ...... Page 95
CHAPTER 1
OF 4.7 INSTALL GUIDE
Requirements:
- Original Microprose Falcon 4.0 Installation CD
- Open Falcon 4.5 – Download HERE
- Open Falcon 4.7 Update – Download HERE
· 1st VFW OF 4.7 Patch v1- Removed
· Rapace Launcher - Download HERE
Install Guide
- Install Falcon 4.0 using your original Microprose Falcon 4.0 installation CD. Perform either a "typical" or "full" installation. If you don't have the original Falcon 4.0 CD, you can find a copy on Amazon.com or by “other” means.
- Download the Open Falcon 4.5 One-Click-Installer via link above or - HERE
- Extract the files to a folder on your desktop
- Download this file (BAZT FIX), found - HERE
- Extract the BAZT Fix file to the “Packages” folder of your installation files
- Inside the extracted folder double click the Installer.exe
- Read and accept the License Agreement…
- The Open Falcon Installer window opens. All options except "Music (Beta 4.0)" and "GUI Season Switcher (v1.1)" are grayed out. Check both of these to "on" and click "Install".
- The "HiTiles Selector" window opens. Unless you have the payware Hitiles (for Falcon 4.0, AF Hitles will not work) and know how to install them for OF, choose the freeware tiles option in the middle labeled as “Better Quality” in the image below.
- Allow the Open Falcon Installer to operate. The Open Falcon installation process can take 30mins to an hour max depending on your PC.
11. Near the end of the installation process (Update 5) the "Global Falcon Patch (OF 4.5)" window will prompt you to patch your "F4-BMS.exe". Use the "..." button to browse to your Falcon install directory and select the "F4-BMS.exe". Click "Start". (See image below)
12. The "F4Patch - Open Falcon 1.0 Config Editor" will open. Click "Exit" without making any changes (see image below).
- Installation of Open Falcon 4.5 is now complete. Close the Open Falcon Installer, and run the OF47Update.exe. The OF 4.7 patch is pretty straightforward, and there aren't any special options that you have select/deselect. The only thing that's important is that you have a vanilla OF 4.5 (or it won't work). Click “Next” after double clicking on the exe and follow the Setup Wizard. (See image below)
14. Next you are going to install the 1st VFW Open Falcon OCI patch. It's very easy to do if you just follow these instructions:
1st VFW OF 47 OCI Patch Install Guide
*The installer will overwrite the necessary files in your install, so if you have a skin or something you don't want to lose, back it up!
Download Link to Patch – LINK REMOVED FOR PUBLIC DOCUMENT
- Double click on the 1stVFW OF 47 Patchv2.0.exe file. Make sure it's pointing to your C:\Microprose . It will take less then 5mins to run and you'll know when it's finished.
Note:
- If you have OF installed on a different drive then C, point to the correct drive where you have OF installed, then Microprose (ie DRIVE:\Microprose) using the "Browse" feature.
- Don't point the installer to C:\Microprose\Falcon4. Only point it to C:\Microprose.
1.1 Setting Up the Open Falcon Rapace Launcher
The Open Falcon Rapace Launcher is basically a tool that enables stability and compatibility for online multiplayer flights. We use the Rapace Launcher every time we fly. OF is not like Allied Force or Red Viper where you launch to the game via a shortcut. Even if you are flying offline it's recommended you use the Rapace Launcher to launch Open Falcon. The basic features of the Rapace Launcher are being able to enter the Host of the TE IP, bandwidth settings, select a theater, and entering the IP of the IVC host. By entering that data into the Rapace Launcher prior to launching OF, the Rapace Launcher will automatically insert the data into OF so when you are in the OF user interface, all you have to do is click connect. The Rapace Launcher also has the ability to check player installs to verify compatibility, and to configure your OF to match the configuration of our standard install. Configuring your install to match ours is what we will focus on during the next step. By installing our Rapace Launcher set up file, the Rapace Launcher will automatically configure your Config Editor settings for you.
- The following will guide you through downloading the Rapace Launcher and setting it up according to our wing standard install.
- OF comes with the Rapace Launcher. It can be found in your “Utilities” folder in your Falcon4 folder (C:\MicroProse\Falcon4\Utilities). You can also download the Rapace Launcher files – HERE
- Extract the contents of Rapace Launcher to location OUTSIDE of your Falcon 4 installation folder. For example, create a folder called “Rapace Launcher” on your desktop, put the RL_OF.zip file in it, then right-click it and select “Extract Here”. Once extracted, double click on the “OF_Rapace_Launcher.exe” file and it open the Rapace Launcher for you. There is no install process for the Rapace Launcher.
4. Once opened, the Rapace Launcher window will open and will prompt you to automatically update the current OF version. SELECT “NO” (Very Important).
- The Rapace "OF Launcher" window opens. Select "RL UPDATER" to automatically update the OF Launcher.
- Once the Rapace Launcher has finished its update, it's time to apply our Rapace Launcher config/setup file. This file will automatically change your Rapace Launcher and Config Editor settings to match our standard. To do this, you need to download a very small file. You can download it here: http://www.firstfighterwing.com/ASTB...47_RLsetup.rar
- Once downloaded, extract the text file to your desktop. Launch your Rapace Launcher-> Click on the Online Setup Tab-> Click on Browse under the URL Local Patch to Setup File and browse to our setup file called 1stVFW_OF47_RLsetup.txt-> Click Download and Setup.
If you don't have our wing standard patch installed, use this file: HERE
If done correctly, it will pop open a window that says “The connection parameters have been updated”.
Note: If you get the following error when trying to load the Rapace Launcher set up file, try doing what I suggest below. Some pilots report seeing an "Autolt Error" after clicking "Download and Setup".
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If you receive this error follow the steps below...
· Hit LAUNCH on the RL to start OF
· Open the "Theater" selector, then switch to Korea Old Aircrafts and click OK. Once the theater has been changed, hit the Theaters option again and reselect Korea. Once completed, try applying the set up file above again
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1.2 Setting Up Internal Voice Comms (IVC)
- The 1st VFW prefers to use IVC as often as possible. In order for you to be able to use IVC, you have to do the following quick steps:
- First, make sure ports 2934-2937 are all forwarded on TCP and UDP. If you don't know how to do that, go to this page for details on a site called portforward.com: HERE
- You confirm your ports are forwarded by going to this page (it will display “Success” if your ports are open, and “Timeout” if they are not forwarded): HERE
- Navigate to your Falcon installation folder (C:\MicroProse\Falcon4) and run "VoiceSetup.exe". Follow the very simple instructions using the "Sound Hardware Test Wizard". Make sure your mic works while running the program and that you can hear your own mic at the appropriate step. This program initializes the IVC (In-game Voice Communications) software embedded into Open Falcon. It has to be done for you to use IVC in OF. The 1st VFW uses IVC regularly for online flight communications, so it's important you complete this step. If you run the voicesetup.exe and forwarded your ports but IVC still isn't working, try forwarding these two additional ports: 7778 UDP, and 28900 on TCP. Refer to the OF Connection SOPs and our In-Flight SOPs for details on how to use and test IVC.
You're Ready to Fly... Finally!!
Congratulations, after you've finished setting up your IVC, you are ready to fly! Launch OF from the Rapace Launcher and make sure your in-game settings match the settings in the next chapter (Very Important). Then go up for test flight OF (you can use one of our test TE's that come with our patch) just to make sure everything is working as it should. If you find a problem during your test flight, post it in our forum for support. If everything goes ok during your test flight, and you've read all our SOPs, post a Ferry Flight request in our forum. Before you fly online in OF, it's always a good idea to turn-off your anti-virus program and disable your Windows Firewall. (Tip - See the Multiplayer Guide page on our website for help on this). If you have any questions about some of Open Falcon's unique features, such as Data Link or IVC, see the subsequent chapters provided in this guide.
Again, welcome to the 1st Virtual Fighter Wing. We look forward to seeing you in the virtual skies!
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CHAPTER 2
OF IN-GAME SETTINGS
2.1 Simulation Tab
Once you are in the Open Falcon user interface, click on Set Up to access the OF In-Game Settings. The first tab will be “Simulation”. You will need to select all of the realistic settings. The only exception to realistic settings is the “Padlocking”, which should be set to “Enhanced”. The rest of the settings are shown below:
· Skill Level – Set to Ace
· Flight Model – Set to Accurate
· Avionics – Set to Realistic
· Weapons Effects – Set to Accurate
· Autopilot – Set to 3 Axis
· Air Refueling – Set to Realistic
· Padlocking – Set to Enhanced
2.2 Graphics Tab
Once you've completed the Simulation tab settings, click on the Graphics tab and confirm the following settings. The Video Card, Video Card Driver, and Resolution all depend on your own PC, so I won't tell you how to set those.
· Terrain Lighting = Checked
· Cloud Shadows = Checked
· 3D Clouds = Checked
· Terrain Detail – Set to 7