Vietnam Carrier Ops

Vietnam Carrier Ops

IMPORTANT: We recommend you print and read this file as it contains essential information about the WWII Carrier Ops program and aircraft.

Thank you for purchasing and installing Vietnam Carrier Ops. Vietnam Carrier Ops is an expansion pack for Microsofts Flight 2004. Microsofts Flight Simulator 2004 MUST be installed on you computer for Vietnam Carrier Ops to work.

Topics in this ReadMe file:

Aircraft informationAdvanced AnimationsWeapon EffectsAI TrafficAdvanced Info

Scenery InformationLocating the CarrierInstalling the SceneryInstalling the Scenery Manually

Pre-Saved FlightsArrestorCables (ArrCab)Step-by-step Guide

Troubleshooting and SupportTroubleshooting ArrCabCredits

Aircraft InformationThere are 5 new aircraft included with Vietnam Carrier Ops. These aircraft can be flown anywhere in your Flight Simulator. Each aircraft has opening doors or canopies, some have secondary exist or cargo doors accessed with the SHIFT + E, then pressing the number 2 at the top of the keyboard. To select them, set the Aircraft Manufacturer to Abacus Vietnam Carrier Ops, and then select the desired model as listed below. Be sure to check the Variation list as well. Many of these aircraft have multiple versions.

A-4 SkyhawkA-6 IntruderA-7E Corsair IIF-4 PhantomF-8 Crusader

Advanced AnimationsEach aircraft in Vietnam Carrier Ops has advanced animation that includes a canopy that opens and closes.

The canopy is opened and closed using the SHIFT + E. In other words, hold down the SHIFT key, and then tap the E key on the keyboard and release. You will see the canopy open.

Most aircraft aboard an aircraft carrier have wings that fold up in order to save room on the deck of the carrier. This allows more aircraft to be stored on the carrier itself. In order to fold the wings, you have set up a key-stoke assignment in Flight Sim. This can be done from the opening screen by clicking Settings, then clicking the Assignments button.

Scroll through the list of assignments all the way to the bottom. Here you will see:

Wing fold/unfold

Select the line labeled "Wing fold/unfold" by clicking it once, then click Change Assignment button. Now enter the key or combination of keys you want to use to fold and unfold the wings.

We recommend using SHIFT and F. One the Change Assignment Window, press and hold the SHIFT key, then tap the F key and release all. When the box reads SHIFT + F, click OK, and then OK again to set the new assignment.

Weapon Effects

Each of the Vietnam Carrier Ops planes is equipped with a custom set of weapon effects. These effects are tied to the Flight Sim's smoke system and are activated by pressing the letter "I" on your keyboard.

The weapon effects are only visual effects. They will not cause damage to any other objects in Flight Sim, although they do make a nice explosion when they hit. You cannot blow yourself up, shoot down other planes or destroy buildings or ships with them.

If you are interested, you can adjust the Control Assignments in Flight Sim to have the trigger on your joystick activate the smoke system. This will allow you to squeeze the trigger to fire the guns, drop bombs or drop chaff.

From the opening screen of Flight Sim, click on Settings, and then click the Assignments button. Scroll down and click on the line labeled Smoke System On/Off. Now click the Change Assignment button. This will ask you for the new assignment. At this time, click the button on your joystick that you want to use to activate the weapons. Check your entry on the screen and click OK. By default, the trigger (button 1) on your joystick is usually set to activate the Brake. If you change the assignment, the trigger will no longer activate the brake but will fire the guns for these planes.

These effects were created especially for use in Vietnam Carrier Ops by Grant Bovee.

AI Traffic

AI traffic is available to those who are interested in seeing aircraft take off and land on the USS CV-6 Enterprise in FS2004. The AI Traffic itself is a feature of FS2004 and is activated in one of two ways:

1)From the opening screen, click the Settings option. Click the Traffic button on the following screen

2)From within Flight Sim, press the ALT key and open the Options | Traffic menu.

Click the Airline option, then use the slider to determine the amount of AI Traffic you want to have. The higher the AI traffic setting, the more AI traffic you will have, but you may also notice a drop in your frame-rate. You will want to experiment to see how much AI Traffic you want.

Advanced Info

Included with the scenery are 6 scenery files (BGL files) for AI traffic. Each BGL file is for each of the Vietnam Carrier Ops planes. Assuming everything is installed correctly, there will be 3 of these aircraft BGL files active by default the A-6, A-4, a Soviet TU-95. You can choose to activate the other files (A-7, F-4 and F-8) if you like, but the planes will typically not be able to land on the deck and will get waived off when more than 2 files are 'active'.

If you browse to the Flight Sim's \Scenery\VietnamCO\Scenery folder, you will see the following files:

##1 VCO A6 TNG Traffic.bgl##2 VCO A7 TNG Traffic.bak##3 VCO F4 TNG Traffic.bak##4 VCO F8 TNG Traffic.bak##5 VCO A4 TNG Traffic.bgl##6 VCO TU95 TNG Traffic.bgl

As you may know, all scenery files have to have an extension of BGL for Flight Sim to load them. The A7, F4 and F-8 files above have an extension of BGX. To activate them you will need to rename the BGX extension to BGL. To rename a file, RIGHT-click it one time and left-click rename from the pop-up menu, then edit the file name. If you want to deactivate one of the current planes, you can change the BGL extension to BGX for example. Again, Flight Sim works best with 2 or less activated. More than 2 and the planes will land, but not stop on the deck. To do a true touch and go, stick with 2 or less of these BGL files.

Thanks for Robert A. Baum for his help with converting the Vietnam Carrier Ops aircraft to AI aircraft and for the AI traffic scenery files.

Scenery Information

Locating the CarrierIncluded with the Vietnam Carrier Ops is the USS Constellation located off the Coast of Vietnam in the South China Sea. To access the scenery bases, use the Create A Flight from the Flight Sim's opening screen and click the button labeled "Change" under Selected Location. You can also open the World | Go To Airport menu from within the Flight Sim. In the Airport Name box, type in:

USS Constellation (CVN64)

You can enter the ID of CV64 into the Airport ID field also.

Installing the SceneryThe scenery is normally installed at the end of the installation. If you do not recall setting up the scenery, or the carrier is not available in Flight Sim, you will need to run the Scenery Setup located in the Start | Programs | Abacus Software | Vietnam Carrier Ops menu. This program will automatically install the scenery into FS2004. Simply follow the instructions on screen to add the scenery.

Installing the Scenery ManuallyIf the Scenery Setup fails or you are unable to install the scenery, you can add the scenery to the Flight Sim manually by opening Flight Sim and using the Scenery Library. Here's a step-by-step to follow if you have to add the scenery manually: NOTE: Only use these instructions if you are SURE the scenery is NOT in Flight Sim.

1.Make sure you that you have the Vietnam Carrier Ops aircraft by opening FS and changing the aircraft on the Create A Flight screen. Set the Aircraft Manufacturer to Abacus Vietnam Carrier Ops. If so DO have the aircraft, proceed to step 2. (If you do NOT have the aircraft, then you have not installed Vietnam Carrier Ops correctly. Uninstall using the Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel and re-install Vietnam Carrier Ops to the main Flight Sim folder.)

2.From the opening screen of the Flight Sim, click Settings option on the left. (If Flight Sim automatically puts you into the sim, press Escape (ESC) and choose End Flight, then enter the Settings)

3.Click the Scenery Library button.

4.Click the Add button. NOTE: If you see Vietnam Carrier Ops listed, the scenery IS installed and you should cancel back to FS.

5.In the Select Scenery Directory window, double-click the SCENERY folder. You may need to scroll to the right to see it.

6.Single-click the VietnamCO folder.

7.Be sure Use The Scenery Directly is checked and click OK. Youll return to the Scenery Library window.

8.Click Ok.

9.In order for FS2004 to recognize the new scenery, you must Close Flight Sim and open it again. FS2004 will build a new database for the scenery while restarting.

Pre-Saved FlightsIncluded with Vietnam Carrier Ops are a series of pre-saved flights to help you get started quickly. You'll find each aircraft has pre-saved flight starting at the Catapult ready to launch, and lined up a few miles behind the carrier coming in for a landing..

To access these flights, either choose Select a Flight from the opening screen, or open the Flights | Select A Flight menu from within Flight Sim. Choose the category titled Abacus Vietnam Carrier Ops. From there, choose the desired flight in the list of available flights.

Arrestor Cables (ArrCab)ArrestorCables (ArrCab) is an amazing utility created by Richard Hogen that uses the FSUIPC.DLL. Both the FSUIPC.DLL and ArrCab are installed with Vietnam Carrier Ops. ArrCab simulates an aircraft carriers arrestor cables trapping system, which will stop your aircraft on the deck of the carrier. ArrCab also allows any fixed-wing, tricycle gear aircraft to be launched from the aircraft carrier by simulating the catapult. ArrCab will not launch tail-dragger aircraft from the catapult.

You will want to start ArrCab before you open Flight Sim by double-clicking the ArrCab FS2004 icon on the Desktop. This will open a window that will tell you the status of Flight Sim and ArrCab. Once ArrCab is open, start Flight Sim. Be sure to leave ArrCab running.

Once Flight Sim is running, ArrCab will find the connection to Flight Sim through the FSUIPC.DLL. When you are on the carrier and in position to launch, press SHIFT + F9. Press the SHIFT key as if you are typing a capital letter, then press F9. You must press both of these keys at the same time (Hold Shift, then press F9, then release both). This will arm the catapult. Once armed, apply full throttle and release the parking brake and youll hear the catapult throw you off the deck.

To land, you will not need to press any special keys. Simply come in for a regular landing and when the plane makes contact on the cables, you hear the clunk and come to a stop quickly. If you made a good landing but you do not come to a stop, youll need to fly around for another attempt.

If your find you have a conflict with the keystrokes used by ArrCab, you can access the ArrCab program while in Flight Sim by pressing ALT + TAB. This will switch you to the ArrCab program. Here you can set ArrCab to use CTRL + SHIFT instead of just SHIFT for all keystrokes.

For advanced users, you can also add the catapult launch and cable-trapping feature to any airport in Flight Sim! If youd like to catapult launch off your favorite runway, you can open Start | Programs | Vietnam Carrier Ops | ArrCab | Make a Cable Catch Zone (requires Excel). This is a spreadsheet that allows you to enter new cable-catch zones (the catapult feature is based on the catch-zone location). The spreadsheet requires Excel from Microsoft. These new zones are stored in a file called ArrestorCables.dat, which is located in the same folder as the ArrestorCables program. You can also edit the ArrestorCables.dat file by opening it with Wordpad and simply adding new entries. We recommend you view the Start | Programs | Vietnam Carrier Ops | ArrCab | ArrCab Documentation for more information on adding new cable-catch zones.

Step-By-StepHere is a step-by-step guide to using Vietnam Carrier Ops. This guide will assume you have the program installed into Flight Sim and the scenery installed and working in Flight Sim.1. Double-click the ArrCab FS2004 icon on the Desktop.2. Open Flight Sim either from the icon on your Desktop or through the Start | Programs menu.3. From the main screen, click the Select A Flight option, or open the Flights | Select A Flight menu.4. Choose Vietnam Carrier Ops from the Choose a Category list5. Select the desired flight from the Choose A Flight list.6. Click OK.7. If you choose a launching situation, youll be placed on the catapult. Press SHIFT + F9 to arm the Catapult. If you choose a landing situation, youll be ready (or nearly ready) to land. No keystrokes required to land.8. Apply take-off flap setting.9. Apply full throttle10. Release the Parking Brake (press period).

Troubleshooting and SupportKeep posted to www.abacuspub.com for the latest info on Vietnam Carrier Ops including any updates that may be released. Here you can access the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by clicking the Product Support button in the lower left corner of the home page.

Before contacting technical support with a problem, be sure you have done the following:

Followed the Install Guide completely

Read the ReadMe file completely

Have checked the website for any updates

Have downloaded and installed any updates

When contacting technical support, be sure to include the following information:

Your version of Microsofts Flight Simulator

Operating System (Window 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP (note and Service Packs, if any that are installed)

The exact name of the product (Vietnam Carrier Ops)

Registration/Serial number (found on the registration card)

Report any and all error messages reported or report the problem you are having by providing a step-by-step

If it is a visual problem, describe the screen with as much detail as you can.

Please do not send attachments unless permission is granted ahead of time. If screen-shots are required, please keep them as small as possible (100KB or less) in JPG format. If your problem has not been addressed, or if you would like to send any comments on Vietnam Carrier Ops, send an e-mail to tech@abacuspub.com and our support team will respond as soon as possible.

Troubleshooting ArrestorCables (ArrCab)ArrCab is monitoring the Flight Simulator environment and when the conditions in Flight Sim are correct, ArrCab jumps into action! When the conditions are not met, ArrCab will appear to be failing. Here are a few tips to be sure the FS environment is setup for using ArrCab.

Situation #1: LaunchingYou find your aircraft is not being launched off the deck, but rather it taxis forward and drops off the end of the carrier. Reason: The full throttle requirement was not met. The ArrCab requires about a 98% throttle setting in order to launch. Anything less than 98% and it won't register a launch situation..

Solution: Recalibrate the throttle. You can test this theory by setting up the launch situation again (parking brake on, SHIFT + F9 to arm catapult). Now disable the joystick using the Options | Controls menu. With the joystick disabled, press the F4 key to set full throttle. This will guarantee 100% full throttle. Now release the parking brake and you should launch.

Tips: When re-calibrating the throttle (using the Options | Controls | Calibrate Joystick menu), start with the throttle at 0% or all the way down. When asked to set the range of motion for the throttle don't move the throttle all the way up when asked to set the range of motion. Only move the throttle up about 90 to 95% of the way. This way FS will think your throttle is 100% when your throttle 95% of the way up. Moving it up the rest of the way will still register 100%.

Situation #2: Arming the CatPressing Shift and F9 is not giving you the Catapult Armed message across the screen.

Reason A: ArrCab is not running.Reason B: The Parking Brake is not set.Reason C: SHIFT + F9 not pressed correctly.Reason D: You are not near a cable-catch zone.

Solution A: Be sure you have the ArrCab program running in the background. There is an icon for the ArrCab on your desktop. Be sure you open this program and leave it running, then open the Flight Sim over top of it.

Solution B: The parking brake is set by pressing Control key and the Period key at the same time. Hold the CTRL key down and then tap the period (.) key, then release the CTRL key. When set, you will receive a message saying "PARKING BRAKE - Press Period (.) to Release" in the bottom right of the screen.

Solution C: Shift + F9 is done correctly by pressing and holding the SHIFT key on the keyboard, then tapping the F9 key at the very top of your keyboard, then releasing the SHIFT key. You cannot press Shift + F + 9 you need the key labeled F9.

Solution D: (Rarely used!) The ArrCab allows a launching situation by looking at the cable-catch zones. The USS Constellation in Vietnam Carrier Ops has a cable catch zone set up at the end. You can technically launch from anywhere on the carrier deck. If the catch zone has been edited or removed, you may not be able to launch. If you feel this is the case, we recommend uninstalling, then re-installing Vietnam Carrier Ops.

Situation #3: Nearest Catch Zone not the USS ConstellationYou start a flight from the USS Constellation, but the message at the top of the screen that lists the Nearest Cable Catch Zone is not the USS Constellation.

Reason: The data file for ArrCab does not have the USS Constellation.

Solution A: The ArrCab has a data file called ArrCab.dat. This file holds the definition for the cable-catch zones and carrier names. If you have modified this file, it is possible the carrier will not be available. If you feel this is the case, we recommend uninstalling, then re-installing Vietnam Carrier Ops.

Solution B: You have installed another Abacus carrier-based program AFTER installing Vietnam Carrier Ops. Abacus has 3 titles that have the ArrCab program and these are: Flight Deck III, WWII Carrier Ops and Vietnam Carrier Ops. In order to have everything set up correctly, you will want to have the Vietnam Carrier Ops installed last. If you have already installed Flight Deck III or WWII Carrier Ops AFTER Vietnam Carrier Ops, we recommend uninstalling, then re-installing Vietnam Carrier Ops.

Situation #3: LandingThe plane fails to stop when landing on the deck.

Reason A: ArrCab is not runningReason B: Bad Landing

Solution A: Be sure you have the ArrCab program running in the background. There is an icon for the ArrCab on your desktop. Be sure you open this program and leave it running, then open the Flight Sim over top of it.

Solution B: Land better ;+} Obviously landing on a carrier is a difficult task. Sometimes, it may appear that you have successfully hit the zone but it did not stop the plane. We suggest practicing with a slower aircraft, even the default Cessna 172 or 182 will work from there you can work your way up to a faster plane that is more comfortable for you and finally try the jets included. You can land any fixed-wing aircraft on the deck except tail draggers even if it doesn't have a tail hook!

CreditsThe aircraft and scenery in this packaged were created by some of the leading designers in the Flight Sim community.

A-4 Skyhawk:Model, panel and texturing by Massimo TaccoliFlight Dynamics by Dennis SeeleyA-6 Intruder:Model, panel and texturing by Rey LopezFlight Dynamics by Dennis SeeleyA-7E Corsair II:Model, panel and texturing by Graham OxtobyFlight Dynamics by Graham OxtobyF-4 Phantom:Model, panel and texturing by Graham OxtobyFlight Dynamics by Graham OxtobyF-8 Crusader:Base Model and panel by Rey LopezFinished Model, texturing and panel work by Dave EckertAI Traffic:AI Traffic BLG files, conversion of planes to AI and parking/taxiways by Robert BaumGrant Bovee: Weapon Effect files and effect positioning for all aircraftScott Slaughter: Box graphics, printed documentation and testerAdam Howe: Project Manager, pre-saved flights, readme information and tester