New "Improved" Air Domination Server

[Rooster]

The other night we had a pretty good game going on Air Dom. That night I hopped on and just practiced landings until a few more folks joined. Before we knew it we had several players and even ground units. I find it's more fun when people play in a more realistic manner though. For instance, some people call out the runway correctly on takeoff and landing. "all aircraft @ base, the is rooster in a10 taxing for takeoff, clear runway" and "a10 on runway departing north, straight out"... Also communicating the landings also are necessity that help with the realism of the game. I guess this is kind of why people like to play on the Domination server, because the players are expected to act a certain way. Realistic game play makes the experience more fun for everyone involved.

 

We had several players that don't use coms and just take off, bomb the base, etc which makes it not as fun because it's a free for all.

 

Scorpion and some other folks were calling in laser targets, I even dropped some MOABs from the c130. Some other players ran formation as f35 escorts while I piloted the c130. We maintained speed and headings while coordinating with each other. This is all good fun.

 

Having the ability to reload unlimited ammo in the jets isn't very realistic IMHO. Landing is a part of flying so if people can not land they probably should steer clear of fixed wing aircraft. I got the feeling the unlimited ammo thing is because people don't like to land and rearm...

 

Just some thoughts. See you guys online.

[Zeno~SPARTA~]

Keep in mind we dont have any resources to moderate this server.

 

I am sure it can be improved upon though.

[Ebden~SPARTA~]

Keep in mind we dont have any resources to moderate this server.

 

Sparta does, of course, have the ability to kick or ban smacktards who ruin it for others. Although Airdom doesn't have the same regimen as the primary server, the basics about not TKing, or intentionally trashing friendly assets and bases, are plenty of reason for one of us to join the map for a 5-min 'cleanup' of the online ranks. If someone is ruining it for you, and sparta moderators are in TS in another channel, stop in and (politely) ask a moderator aside.

 

[peter~SPARTA~]

As i notice AI who man stinger pod shoots team killers out of the sky.

How about add some 50'cals and patrols around base to do same with ground troops? Kind of MP stuff

[AJsarge]

So upped AA defenses, plus HMMWV (.50/M19/TOW convoys) and foot patrols around the base/spawn. All indestructible and with unlimited ammo (if that can be done).

 

And would we be able to set the AirDom server up with a different admin password so that a few of us who would use it can simply log in as an admin instead of having to take the time to try and vote in someone (which can be a pain when there's more pubbies than Sparta regulars/members) just to kick someone or reset the map. Or is it possible to have an admin-only option like the old wreck chopper lock to set all the base buildings and defenses to full health?

[Zeno~SPARTA~]

Use a later version of domination that has better cleanup.

 

Password the server, limit access to those on TS.

 

We will give the admin password to any regular(do not abuse this power), so they can restart the server or change the parameters

 

Limit the number of players to around 15, all pilots except for a few spotters for those that want it.

 

make 2 maps, one east and one west (admin can switch from one to the other) All the planes should be specific to the chosen side.

 

Include any aircraft mods you might enjoy

 

Have 3 of each aircraft properly stacked on the runway and in the hangars, add more hangers if you want.

 

change the infantry in the AOs to 0 and up the armour.

 

get rid of the bases (or just use a pre base version of domination)

 

add air convoy side missions, increase the frequence of ground convoys, get rid of all rescue side missions.

 

Remember Hueys can be used for standoff lasing of targets.

 

Enemy air patrols over AO can be increased to 6 of each (getting rid of all infantry should allow the increases without lagging the server).

 

Use the Apache instead of the Cobra so that you have to fly cap whenever the Apache is used (Stock apache has no Sidewinders)

 

Modify a few harriers so that they are loaded only with Sidewinders, in this way players can learn to coordinate their attacks

 

What do you think.

[Ebden~SPARTA~]

Remember Hueys can be used for standoff lasing of targets.

 

I haven't seen a vehicle w/laser des. that is functional, not even with 1.05.

[Zeno~SPARTA~]

The laser works, are you saying you cannot get a lock from the UH1Y laser.

[ChiefRedCloud]

I like your ideas Zeno......thx

[AJsarge]

I've been having issues with the vehicle.sqf script running multiple init commands. That's my main issue with having the Apache respawn with Sidewinders.

 

And I've never seen an AI UH-1Y copilot use the laser. It may require a player in the seat. Same with the MQ-9, but then it's more of a pain just keeping the laser on a target.

[Zeno~SPARTA~]

I reduce the ammunition to zero in the editor then do the other stuff

 

I checked the lase in the mission editor and it worked from the copilot seat

[Ebden~SPARTA~]

I reduce the ammunition to zero in the editor then do the other stuff

 

I checked the lase in the mission editor and it worked from the copilot seat

 

I'll have to re-check in-game...Ha it works!

 

Slick. It wasn't working in some ACE vehicles, so I figured 1.05 hadn't fixed the vanilla either (as some common hitch with the bugger).

 

 

[peter~SPARTA~]

And I've never seen an AI UH-1Y copilot use the laser. It may require a player in the seat. Same with the MQ-9, but then it's more of a pain just keeping the laser on a target.

 

.

We tried that couple weeks back, it not work on air and big doms. Laser shows working in cockpit but there is no visible marker from air

[BuzzDog]

My suggestions for AIR DOM.

 

First and foremost remove the opening AI attack. Along with this remove the majority of the AA assets all clumped together in a single spot. I would also recommend removing the majority of the AI at the base.

 

I have always suspected that the cause of many of the issues on Air Dom was because of these things.

 

Second, remove all OPFOR equipment, KA-52s, from the base. A good idea may be to have a Blue Air Dom and a Red Air Dom mission. In blue we are able to use all of the US equipment and fight against the Russian equipment list. With Red Air Dom we switch it up. The base will spawn a full Russian equipment list, MI-24's ( All Variations ), KA-52, MI-8s, SU's etc, while the AO's are populated with US equipment and assets.

 

 

I do hope that there are no restrictions placed on the Air Dom server in regards to mods. There are a few mods that I enjoy that increase the realism for me with the attack helicopters. I do not use the "magic missile" that is the default guided missiles in game. I have to switch to the gunner seat and keep my cross hair on the target until impact.

 

I am a player that enjoys playing with the "toys", this includes armor assets as well as attack helicopters. What I really enjoy the most though is when the equipment is crewed by multiple players. I am just as happy driving a tusk or flying a cobra as I am pulling the trigger. It is not about scoring points to me, it is the team work and cooperation of 2 or more players.

 

That said, I have always been under the impression that one of the main purposes of the Air Dom server is to provide a "play ground" for individuals to focus on the Air side of the game. It was never meant replace the normal Dom.

 

I will keep a watch on this thread and add any other ideas that come to mind. But I would strongly suggest that what ever direction Air Dom takes in its evolution, Make as small of changes as possible and evaluate. Just look at the development arc that has taken place with the "normal" domination server.

 

 

Happy New Year,

 

Buzz

[KalXen~SPARTA~]

I'd agree with Zeno and point out that is may be easier to take a stock version of the Domination map and start from scratch than to fix the current Air Dom Beta. Up to version "f" of BigDOM could be used as well as after that you have OPFOR code to contend with. Removing side missions is easy, and you could even get the AO's to spawn little to no infantry and only vehicles...

[Rooster]

I'd agree with Zeno and point out that is may be easier to take a stock version of the Domination map and start from scratch than to fix the current Air Dom Beta. Up to version "f" of BigDOM could be used as well as after that you have OPFOR code to contend with. Removing side missions is easy, and you could even get the AO's to spawn little to no infantry and only vehicles...

 

 

I like many here, appreciate all of the hard work you folks have put in on these maps. Thank you.

 

The side missions can be nice to have when people want a little less oppressive air strikes going on over their heads. For this reason I would recommend keeping them in if possible. The Big Dom style AO should be added as soon as possible, however. Pretty much for the same reasons that we play it on the US/West Domination server.

 

Since I typically play on the air dom server, I've noticed several small but somewhat annoying issues. I hope this can be taken as a constructive way to make the Air Dom server into a more enjoyable place (for ground pounders and zoomies alike ).

 

1. No standard runway etiquette. This could be easily helped with static map markers such as departure arrows, arrival, direction for runway traffic, and approach paths with alt markers.

 

2. Helo traffic. There are numerous and almost guaranteed air collisions with Helos freely zooming all over main base. This could be helped with static map markers (departure and arrival markers for helos).

 

3. SU-34 flying patterns are predictable in that they always fly low altitude. Could it be possible to add high altitude SU-34s? Maybe at 5k? This would be more challenging for everyone... death from above! As it stands now, if one were to cruise at 4k or 5k meters, then attack down from above, the sidewinders almost always hit so it is a bit unrealistic that the SU-34 refuse to gain altitude to engage us.

 

4. More reward for ground troops with laser designators. Not sure how to make this happen but if we could award ground troops then more people would do it. For instance, how about change the default troop loadout to include a laser designator instead of binoculars?

 

5. Pilot list for certain aircraft. There are so many dummies that take off from base over the field (they don't care about using the runway) that it ruins the experience for all of us that play in a controlled, more sophisticated, real world method. I could imagine this puts a pretty hefty burden on the admins, but if we could limit general piloting activity to unarmed aircraft only then more people would take time to fly right and join TS. This isn't a perfect solution but I believe it would help pilots take more responsibility for their actions while on the airdom server.

 

6. slower respawn for aircraft. Or respawn at different air bases on the map altogether. This would discourage deathmatch style play. The pilot list would probably help with this too.

7. A few map glitches perhaps? The new objectives can take a very long time to spawn. Flying into the su-34 squadron can kill fps to 5 or lower. This seems to be server side because I have lowered my res to 1024x768 and put all settings on low, still with only 5fps. My system is a water cooled core i7 @ 4.2GHz with 4GB of ram and an ATi 5870. Typically I play at 3840x1024 on high settings with 5k view distance @ 28fps average. I have tried this with arma2 set to use 8 threads 2GB and 4 threads 2GB, with no discernible difference.

8. Admin passwords. I think Zeno mentioned before that some regulars should have admin passwords. This is a good idea because some of the issues above (e-thugs that ruin the fun) could be avoided if a regular had the password. Voting is good only if we have the majority, but sadly most of the time we can't get the vote.

 

9. Apache aircraft and more variety of enemy and allied aircraft. Self explanatory as to why this would be cool.

 

10. More manned tank crews near the c130. This way we could air lift them in with the c130. Also although fun, put a bigger timer on the BLUE 82/MOAB drops. As stands, unscrupulous players can level entire AOs and maps if they know how to release tons of MOABS by using the c130 menu.

 

 

I think that's it guys, Thanks again!

[KalXen~SPARTA~]

I guess I'm just confused. Each time I see these wish lists for how to clean up AirDom, it's just a remake of what we are trying to do or have already done to control it on the main public server. Am I missing something? Did I miss a memo? Do I need more coffee?

[EagleEye]

Hi Guys,

I`ve played version b3 last weekend and I just want to say thanks for this pilot dedicated modification of the Domination Map!

 

Some suggestions:

- I would like to have Apaches to.

- And yes, remove the Opposing Force equipment, because they are appear as red on the radar.

- TOW missiles on some of the helos, because it is to easy with the Fire&Forget missiles.

 

 

[Behemoth~SPARTA~]

Hi Guys,

I`ve played version b3 last weekend and I just want to say thanks for this pilot dedicated modification of the Domination Map!

 

Some suggestions:

- I would like to have Apaches to.

- And yes, remove the Opposing Force equipment, because they are appear as red on the radar.

- TOW missiles on some of the helos, because it is to easy with the Fire&Forget missiles.

 

I'd love to see the Apache, but please don't take my Ka-52 from me! It's the only reliable anti air platform out there.

-B

 

Ad like to see little birds but I know that is a MOD which flies in the face of the rule of no mods on the public servers.

[EagleEye]

I'd love to see the Apache, but please don't take my Ka-52 from me! It's the only reliable anti air platform out there.

-B

Ad like to see little birds but I know that is a MOD which flies in the face of the rule of no mods on the public servers.

Ahh, Behemoth. Nice flying with you that time. To bad that my english speaking is to worse to have a nice conversation.

I would like to see Little Birds to. What about Ace Sound Mod? (ASEX_SM) Not only the A-10 cannon sounds so great with this mod.

 

[EagleEye]

Played this map yesterday again with a friend and now I know now what you mean Behemoth with the Ka-52. Knowing the VIKHR from DCS:BS I had never mind the capabilitys of it in Arma.

 

Any word from the makers of this Domination modification about the wishes we have for the next versions?

[Zeno~SPARTA~]

Although we do not normally allow mods on public servers, the new Air dom will have any aircraft mods Stang wants.

[EagleEye]

Thanks for the info Zeno.

Do MH6 and Stang are working on a new version?

[Zeno~SPARTA~]

This will be Stangs Project

[Halli~SPARTA~]

Thanks for the info Zeno.

Do MH6 and Stang are working on a new version?

 

Yes but they need time for themselves so give them a week or so and they will get it done.

And Welcome to Sparta.....