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Updated 16 May 2010
F.A.Q. (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS) OVER FLANDERS FIELDS: BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL [ PHASE 3 ] and HAT IN THE RING expansion Brought to you by OBD Software Click a button to see a section below  
 
 
 PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS FAQ BELOW ENTIRELY FOR YOUR PROBLEM BEFORE CONTACTING US! External guides and help: These 3 great guides by Mark "Homeboy": (Used by permission, thanks Mark) 1. Setting up TrackIR 2. OFF Keyboard control guide v2.0 28-June-09 3. AlacrityPC (How to free memory and resources for games!) Other Resources 1. YOU HAVE 3 PDF MANUALS IN YOUR "\CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields\manuals" folder including a KEYBOARD CHART AFTER INSTALL! 2. ATI & NVIDIA GRAPHICS CARDS USERS? please see Graphics settings/Tips page Version 1.0 Revision 1.14 Important requirements: 1.
Microsoft's Combat Flight Simulator 3 (version 3.1) is required
2.
OFF : "BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL" 3. The new "HAT IN THE RING" addon is available via download ONLY. (AND YOU NEED A DVD DRIVE IN YOUR PC!) WARNING: If you purchased the UBISOFT DVD version of CFS3 you will not need to insert the CFS3 DVD to play.
What do I need, so I can fly OFF BH&H?
Q. Will I really need to
buy or own a copy of Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3 (known as "CFS3") ?
Q. Do I need to
actually install CFS3 first? 1) An installed CFS3
Patches for CFS3 are available from the Microsoft site. See Question 5 under "Miscellaneous Questions" further down for more info. Q. Do I still need
my CFS3 disk to fly OFF BH&H?
(note these online retailers are posted here for your information only,
they are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by us) Q. Do I need the previously released
OFF Phase 2 to install or play OFF BH&H (also known as Phase 3)?
But do first backup any customisations or skins, models you may have added
previously into Phase 2.
Q. Will the game be
released as a download only? However the new
"HAT IN THE RING!" EXPANSION is available
via purchasable
download only. OFF BH&H is DVD ONLY
(and needs CFS3) Q. It seems a bit expensive to buy in Europe? A. Not anymore :).
Currently BH&H is on offer at $29.99 +p&p+tax where applicable! Some countries you will need to pay TAX too - we can't stop that much as we'd like to ;) Now that the global economies have gone completely nuts, we also have no control at all over the dramatic currency changes that have been going on. Still we really believe in the value for the content and long life it will have (people are still playing Phase 2 over two years later happily!). Now we have a tremendously improved experience since Phase 2. We have 39 flyable craft and 3200 (!!) carefully hand made and carefully researched authentic aircraft skins in OFF BH&H (known as Phase 3) let alone all the other goodies, new AI for terrific dogfights, new campaign features, new terrain etc. It isn't just CFS3 anymore it's a new experience the stunning changes and fantastic high res scenery, a full on WW1 experience that BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL (also known as Phase 3) brings is well worth missing a curry or so for! Check the features, movies, and reviews and user reviews. Feel free to ask others what they think in our forum (see bottom of page for link) and then make your mind up! Don't forget to install the latest update patches from our Downloads page for a lot more improved content and fixes!
1) Hints and Tips
(Note Joystick settings and keys are set from within the sim! This is explained further down in section 1.1.2 ) 1) When OFF Manager is run for the first time... the CFS3 configuration application is run automatically (CFSCONFIG.exe) too from the "CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields" install folder. Please wait a few moments, on some slow machines it can take a minute. This allows users to set up how the sim will run, plus things like the screen resolution and graphics settings such as AA (Anti-Aliasing filtering from your graphics card for smoother edges). If you miss this opportunity on first run you can always set up and access all CFS3 configurations by going to Workshops from the main menu, and then pressing the " Graphics Config " button to bring up CFS3 Config tool:  (By the way if you do not have
a "Graphics Config" button in Workshop,
but instead have a "CFS3Config" button then you need to UPDATE
using the SUPERPATCH V1.32 and then install the MiniPatch!! See
Downloads page for current updates available).
Select File, Change Display Options
And set up what you require
Finally - Click OK.
By the way you can set up Anti-Aliasing from that screen too see Q22 for more info. Again for some people setting up AA on their display driver /graphic card settings can sometimes actually increase performance! Also note if you ever update your video card driver, you will need to re run Graphics Config by clicking the button again in Workshop, to accept the new video driver for OFF - just as you have to do in vanilla Combat Flight Sim3 (CFS3).
Select
File,
Custom Settings, and OK the warning. You will be presented with 5 sliders and an overall Graphic detail slider
that control various detail aspects of OFF in run time: Aircraft Detail: Low and Medium PCs select 4 Terrain Detail:
Low PCs 1 or 2, Scenery Detail: Low PCs 1 or 2 Effects Detail: Low and Medium PCs select 4 Cloud Quality: Low PCs select 1 to 3 Click OK when done. To Save all these settings you must choose File, Exit, do NOT click the [X] box in the corner !
Your display settings will be saved, but if you go back later, it will appear that Anti-Aliasing was not saved (it is but CFSConfig does not show it correctly, CFS3 bug). For further info on recommended slider settings please also see "System Requirements" page from the main page) Note sliders in OFF are +2 in quality over CFS3 sliders ("3" in OFF = "5" in CFS3!) so please do not choose too high settings initially for terrain and scenery until you see if your system can handle it.
ATI & NVIDIA
GRAPHICS CARDS USERS
5)
In the workshops there are some
maintenance buttons that can help you resolve most issues that may occur and
ToolTip Text accompanies each one.
6)
The workshops interface is where
you can set up all CFS3 settings as well as access the Original CFS3 Quick
Combat Missions.
7)
To remove OFF simply go to the
add/remove programs in control Panel and remove the application
8)
Remember to fly a mission as gunner/observer there is likely no need to
engage the sim’s autopilot... simply jump to the gunner seat early on (recommend
using Shift+F8 key rather than F8 to avoid a clash with TrackIR shortcut
defaults) without pressing autopilot keys!
F6 returns you to the aircraft pilot control. 9) IMPORTANT If you ever update your graphic card drivers, then before you fly, launch OFFManager, "Workshop", run "Graphics Config", this will launch CFS3Config and allow OFF/CFS3 engine to create a correct configoverrides.xml again. Also you'd likely need to setup your settings in there again in CFS3Config. This also happens with vanilla CFS3 too, you would have to run cfs3config.exe after a driver update. 10) If you purchased the HAT IN THE RING!
expansion:
Note on Windows 7... OFF was developed
before Windows 7 was released but seems to run fine for many people
using similar settings to Vista. It's recommended to avoid
problems that you set OFF Manager.exe and cfs3.exe to "Run
this program as an administrator". Also you may need to set CFS3.exe to run in Windows XP
(Service Pack 3) compatibility mode - see the examples below
for how.
(Vista only has XP SP2 option use that). Compatibility settings for CFS3.EXE and OFF Manager.exe:
Also see below for HitR known issues. 1.1.2 ) Setting up keys and Joystick controls: You can change these settings in CFS3 but when you go back out an back in again it is back in "OFF mode". Most settings are set from WORKSHOP button now in the OFF Manager and they may override settings in CFS3 options in flight however Joystick settings and keys are set from within the sim! To do this launch a flight (from QC for example, or a campaign mission (i.e. fly!) and then Press ESC when in flight, Click on the Controls.. Edit them, then you must save your settings as "Mine" (without the quotes of course) and the profile will stick for next time.Or use your joystick's own profile software to setup different settings. -OR- Copy your own favourite XCA into C:\Users\YOUR_LOGON_NAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields (Vista) and rename it to mine.xca then always save changes to Mine and you will have no more problems. > back to top of page < 1.2)
Game Play Hints
2)
If you are flight leader always command your wingmen
to attack – whether on Bombing or Fighter missions. 3) The option in Workshop settings under "Player
Flight Position" has two options;
By Rank is a new option. This setting means you
will often not lead the flight (depending on ranks of other pilots in the
flight).
You will be a wingman and need to follow whatever
the leader does. Note: on ground attack missions you will LEAD the
flight always. So players can play as in real life and do what
the squad leader does - OR - play as leader irrespective of
Rank (as per the older Phase 2). Importantly if you choose "By Rank" then : i) You will need to circle the field with them to form up - around 1.5 to 2 times as in real life - this allows gaining of altitude before heading over the lines! (EDIT: New with the Superpatch and minipatch you can choose to start in the air!) See map (M) in flight to see your waypoints, [ ] zooms. Or press Shift+T for the "situational awareness dial/radar ". This will have a blue line to your next waypoint. Again [ ] keys zoom in/out.
ii) You may not always make it to
your target
area as your leader might decide to attack another threat,
iii) Your ability to warp
if you are not leader may be impaired depending on Flight Leaders current
mode.
So occasionally if you use warp and you are not the flight leader
warp may not work from time to time. IMPORTANT NOTE: By Rank
was not available in Combat Flight Sim 3. However it is newly enabled
and improved in OFF BH&H so you can experience flying in formation as a
wingman which adds to the immersion and fun! However there MAY be
issues with navigation flying on full real (usually when not using "warp"
function of CFS3). If you have navigation or other issues, the ONLY
solution if you do not like what you experience (and warp does not help) is
to turn this option off in workshop by instead choosing "Always Lead"
as per Phase 2, and as per the original CFS3. If you find flying with "By Rank" option on, some other flight members are sometimes flying apparently lost and circling, it could be the leader has been shot down or missing, in that case (depending on the other ranks in the flight) it is possible that YOU may now be in command! Try recalling the squad using the R key a few times. If that does not work just get the hell out of there and head home. NOTE as per Known Issues below (no.8), we have improved AI navigation since this information, in V1.2 4) Claims for kills When you are lucky enough to make a kill, when you return to base and the OFF Manager will prompt you to fill out a claim form. Sometimes it may not, maybe someone else got a hit on the craft, ground fire/wingmen or maybe it's the fog of war...
NOTE: In the
witness box enter a flight member (make a note of some names in your flight
before takeoff). ONLY ENTER THE NAME in the box. No rank, or other details
of the witness. If you have no flight witness then your claim may
still be considered and investigated (may have been spotted by ground troops
for example or even reported by the enemy if an Ace).
Then fill out your claim description briefly. 5) VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: You MUST exit the sim by using "Esc" key then select "End Mission". If you do not, your mission will not be recorded!!
So do NOT use immediate exits. will cause CFS3 engine to quit immediately with NO mission recorded! So hit "Esc" key then Press the End Flight button on the ribbon area on the top right of the screen.
2)
Known Issues: Having Problems with OFF BH&H, or our new Hat In The
Ring (HitR) addon, look here first! (number 9 below has specific known
issues for HitR too).
Hat In The Ring http://combatace.com/forum/208-off-developer-news-and-information/
3) If you are
still having issues after updating try reinstalling P3: 4) If your TrackIR has stopped working after install of OFF P3 - Grab the latest drivers from Naturalpoint and reinstall trackir software, once installed and rebooted, make sure you update the game support from TrackIR menus. 5) If you are running on a non English OS and have the "Homefield
Error" then make sure you have the latest patch installed. If after installing the latest patch, and you still have the problem, then set your OS to run Unicode English: To install OFF BH&H on these systems, simply instruct your Operating System to run "Non-Unicode programme" in English. How to do this: - However if the above DOES NOT sort the home field error then please also set your Regional Language to English (UK) or English (USA) in the regional language and advanced tab. 6) Try a Reset of CFS3 - Goto Workshops and press the 'CFS3 Reset' button - this is particularly applicable if you upgraded from P2 to P3. 7) Finally read through the other parts of this FAQ (also see Q21 on how to do a clean uninstall / reinstall). 8) If after this you are still having problems and you only have BH&H, please contact us on: support @ overflandersfields.com (remove the spaces) quote your order number and we will assist you. If you have Hat in the Ring! expansion with install problems please read below first though! WM 9) HAT IN THE RING EXPANSION - KNOWN ISSUES; Updated as of 13/01/2010: NOTES:
The following are still being worked on:
•
Fuel and Ammo (bullets) load % selection not working.
Intermediate fix: As
the fuel / ammo load % was no longer functional
for the player's craft (as we now have a unique
'instance' of player craft in the sim which affects this) a new
toggle option to allow original ammo / fuel
management - OR - personal skin mode in
workshops has been added. We hope to allow both
functional at the same time in the future if
possible, but that is still being worked
on! and also included from
previous 1.46 patch: For latest info see our updated Combat Ace forum post. OTHER KNOWN HITR ISSUES
To disable MSE: open up 'Microsoft Security Essential's 'Settings', then from the list of options in Settings on the left highlight 'Real-time protection' and delete the tick from the "Turn on real-time protection" box and finished by selecting save. Obviously after installing HITR re-enable this and save. (thanks to Mick for that). Note these have not been verified by OBD Software, but reported as fixing the issue by our users. Also see this forum post for similar discussion Also note a couple of anti-virus programs incorrectly detect OFF Manager as a virus. AVG have since updated their AV signatures to stop this false postive, and Avira also may need to be fully updated to stop this.
(See here for more info thanks to Luther1517)
"Populate Airfield
Facility: Then this means you forgot to update Between Heaven and Hell to v1.32 before installing Hat in the Ring! So uninstall HITR and OFF, then start again ---> See 3) above !!
KNOWN ISSUES COMMON TO BH&H and HITR: a) Do NOT use a "No-CD" version of CFS3.exe many are old V3.0 and WILL CAUSE ISSUES with OFF. You must use a V3.1 CFS3.EXE as found on a purchased CFS3 DVD or CD. If you have random missions not registering after completion (no claims no record of what you just flew..) this is likely the reason. If you have other unexplained exits or quits from game, again check this first!! Also if you have odd AI behaviour or poor AI likewise check this! If you find you cannot hit the enemy when very close, again this is due to an old CFS3.exe. Usually a NO-CD type. Please use an original purchased CFS3. If you purchased the UBISOFT DVD version of CFS3 you will not need to insert the CFS3 DVD to play. b)
Blurred Propellers do not show from Virtual Cockpit (VC) or may flicker when
viewed at an angle– currently not fixable due to shorter distance for eye
point to propeller in WW1 craft. c) Pilots will show as seated in cockpits in parked craft - currently not fixable d) Rockets are too powerful and accurate – modelling is hardcoded – we hope
to address this in the future. UPDATE: Since BH&H V1.31L we have now found a way to lessen the in cloud turbulence dramatically! HITR this is included of course already. In the aircraft of WW1 they did generally avoided tall or heavy clouds because of turbulence and moisture causing engine failure, plus the vert real threat of visual disorientation. (Famous young ace Captain Albert Ball fell prey to this). However now you can fly into clouds in formation with your wingmen if they go that way. f) Auto Pilot (Ctrl+Shift+A) is sometimes unreliable – we recommend that you keep it realistic and not engage Auto Pilot in WW1 crates as they had none. However you may need to answer the door ;) and would rather have the craft fly on. In some 2-seaters where you want to take over observer position, autopilot MAY help if it works OK. To have a good chance, enable autopilot after stabilising craft first (level it, and apply full power and then use Ctrl+Shift+A). Remember to disable it before switching back to the pilot seat. Remember to fly a mission as gunner/observer there is likely no need to
engage the “autopilot”... simply jump to the gunner seat (recommend using
Shift+F8 key to avoid TrackIR shortcut defaults) without pressing autopilot
keys!
F6 returns. g) Mounted Rockets on N17 sometimes vanish from VC view - no solution found so far – we hope to address this in the future if it is possible. h) Railyard targets are not always co-incident with rails. We will likely look at this for a future version. i) AI circling at waypoints and sometimes crashing when you are not the flight leader : UPDATE: Please update to latest version of BH&H for AI navigation fixes, and other major fixes and feature enhancements! As per "Game Play Hints" above if this is a concern then fly as Leader ("Always Lead" option in workshop) instead. 10) If you have two CD drives, with CFS3 disk in one OFF may not detect the CD during install. Please remove your CFS3 disk, then run the OFF installer and when asked insert the CFS3 disk you may need to swap it with the OFF disk rather than put it in to the other empty CD drive 2. When asked again swap disks into the same drive. 11) TrackIR in some rare cases may stop working temporarily after installing BH&H : Uninstall OFF (use Add/Remove programs option in control panel to do this, not the start menu shortcut). Then uninstall CFS3, next re-install CFS3 and CFS3 3.1 update if you need to (see Do I need to actually install CFS3 first? if you are unsure). Then re-install OFF BH&H - If you still have problems check you have the very latest version TrackIR drivers installed from Naturalpoint.com, and make sure you update game support in the TrackIR menu. 12) Other odd issues with hanging when trying to fly etc? Please go to workshops and configure your graphics using CFS3Config (or via the new button in Workshop called "Graphics Config" with latest versions of OFF). (see "Installation and Settings section above"). Also you may need to use the "Reset CFS" button (in the Workshop) if you still have issues.
13)
Upgrading
from Phase 2:
14) Some players, occasionally, may receive an
error when "going to field" to take off. 16) VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: You MUST exit the sim after flying by using "Esc" key then select "End Mission". If you do not, your mission results will not be recorded!! See Q31 for more details. 17) If you have just aquired Hat in the Ring expansion, make sure you have Between Heaven and Hell already installed, and updated to V1.32G BEFORE you install "Hat in the Ring". Note you can NOT use Hat in the Ring if you do not have Between Heaven and Hell
(See here for more info thanks to Luther1517) 19) Avira and AVG anti virus products can falsely detect OFF Manager as a virus. AVG has since brought an update out so make sure your AV is up to date. see further down for many more miscellaneous questions / answers !!!
1)
Upon returning from a mission, Vista or Windows 7 may briefly show a window stating that
OFF is not responding, before the interface refreshes.
2)
On start up of OFF the Windows desktop may be briefly visible between splash
screens Set the OFF Manager and cfs3.exe to "Run this program as an administrator". To do this: Right click on the icon for OFF manager, left click on Properties, Compatibility, set it to "Run this program as an administrator" click OK. Find the cfs3.exe in "CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields" folder and do the same. (default location is C:\OBDSoftware\CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields) See also for install /configuration info for Windows 7 and Vista. 4) Non English, Chinese and Japanese systems (may possibly apply to Windows 7 too) To install OFF BH&H on these systems, simply instruct your Operating System to run "Non-Unicode programme" in English. You may also need to do this if you get error messages when exiting Quick Combat such as "error advancing time" How to do this: 1. In XP, go to your Control Panel---Regional & Language Option Click Advanced Tab, then select "English (US)" enabling "Non-Unicode program" such as OFF to be run in English. (In Vista, Open Regional and Language Options by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking "Clock, Language, and Region" and then clicking "Regional and Language Options" to get to the options. Note: On many non English systems it is no longer necessary to set comma and period settings to US English standards too, as OFF can now use unicode for numbers. HOWEVER if you have issues with missions or "Home Field Not Found" Errors, and you have a non English system then: You can also try resetting CFS3 - to do this navigate to the Workshops and press the Reset CFS3 button - you will lose any pilots created. If you still have a problem then : in XP: Go to Start Menu, Control Panel, Regional & Language Options n Vista, Open Regional and Language Options by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking "Clock, Language, and Region" and then clicking Regional and Language Options to get to the options. Then change the symbol used for decimal to a "." : Note this will affect how numbers are displayed (1.200 rather than 1,200 and vice versa for example) so you may want to change it back when you finish playing. See this example on a French XP:  - OR - In XP : 1. Go to Start Menu, Control Panel, Regional & Language Options Click Regional Tab, then select "English (US)" apply This is a precautionary measure to align comma and period settings to US English standards. You will need to reboot. In Vista, Open Regional and Language Options by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking "Clock, Language, and Region" and then clicking Regional and Language Options to get to the options. Click Regional Tab, then select "English (US)" This is a precautionary measure to align comma and period settings to US English standards. When done reboot. Note this will affect how numbers are displayed (1.200 rather than 1,200 and vice versa for example) so you may want to change it back when you finish playing - we will investigate this for a possible future update . If that still does not help, keeping the regional settings at English US, then uininstall P3 and reinstall. Then fly. You can also try resetting CFS3 again as above. If you do not do this, one error you may experience is "error advancing time" error. > back to top of page < QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS See this index, make a note the question number and click on the Q. to go to your answer number below: (or simply scroll down to the right answer number). Firstly if you have odd problems with OFF setup your graphics sliders according to the start of this FAQ and try a clean uninstall and install (see parts of Q21 below). Q1. Can I use other user made Add-ons with OFF? Q2. My game runs really slow compared to my other CFS3 installs…? Q3. When I select a squad I can't create a pilot to use it. Or I can't choose some German/French/English squads? Q4. I made a pilot and he shows up OK, but I go to QC or Campaign and it tells me I need an Active pilot - what am I doing wrong? Q5. Where do I get CFS3 update 3.1 or 3.1a from? OR I have problems with CFS3 even before installing OFF!? Q6. I have Windows ME/98/95 is this compatible with OFF? Q7. My graphics seem blurred Q8. My rudder pedals seem to be reversed? -OR How do I configure my CH Pro rudder pedals to run in OFF? -OR I get odd changes in controls in flight, and I have rudder pedals and a twist joystick? Also see here also if you have the new Logitech G940 controller. Q9. Graphics seem to stutter or go very fast double speed Q10. When I land I can't stop! Q11. The joystick control configuration resets itself to the OFF default "Mine" every time I fly a mission, and so does the difficulty level? Q12. Does the "auto-mixture" setting work in OFF? -OR- Why is my engine poor at high altitudes? -OR- My engine cuts out when I start in the air in QC or Quick Scenarios, or using an Air Start in campaign? Q13. How do I command my wingmen? Q14. Can users increase / decrease joystick hat-switch pan rates / panning speed? Q15. Can I reload the Lewis gun on the SE5a? Q18. Some of the aircraft are very twitchy or I have great difficulty flying many of them? Q19. In the workshop, the ultra high res aircraft skin detail says there is no visual damage? OR - I use normal skin res but I do not see bullet holes like other people? Q20. I can't seem to access my display settings in-game, to adjust the terrain detail? Q21. Everything installed fine, but when I go to create a pilot I get an error popup "Homefield file error ! : try re-installing OFF !" (Answer also contains how to do a clean uninstall/re-install for other odd errors). Q22. How do I set my AA (Anti-Aliasing) properly, the aircraft edges or scenery looks jaggy? Q23. I can not get past the OFF intro movie, after that I see a sepia background but no buttons at bottom of screen? Q24. How do I take screenshots? Q25. When I fly after a certain time the game exits or crashes, randomly quits? , or when I press M for MAP in flight. Q26. Can I disable the blue/red damage messages at the top of the screen? Q27. When I fly these aircraft they seem to veer slightly or need trim? -OR- When I warp and then exit warp the nose of my craft points down! Q28. What do all the gun settings in "Workshop" menu mean? Q29. I do not see any enemies, and I am flying in a campaign in 1915 / 1916. Q30. Sometimes my craft spins dramatically at great altitude or speed when in clouds why? Q31. Sometimes my mission is not recorded when I exit the game back to the OFF Manager? Q32. Hey Flak is too dangerous it's ruining my game! Q33. I keep flying the new 12v12 or 20v20 Quick Scenarios but die almost immediately Q34. OK I'm new to WWI, where do I start in Campaign? What is a good time, squad, or aircraft to fly for a beginner? Q35. My claim form entries are truncated / shorter than I enter? Q36. I have Hat In The Ring expansion, but since updating it I have new options for AI in the workshop? How do they work? Q37. I get more kills than a real pilot - or - I don't get enough kills? Q38. I bought Hat in The Ring, but since then I had to reformat my PC and lost the download - can I download it again for free? Q39. When I exit Quick Combat I get an error message: "error advancing time" PATCHES / UPGRADES Q1P. What about future upgrades and features added to the game? Q2P. Do I get free future upgrades and add-ons? Q3P. What content will be in add-ons if you do them?
Click for ->
Q1M. When I start a MP (multi-player) game the screen goes black and I can't continue Q2M.
When people try to join a game they get "mismatch" errors.
Q5M. Windows 7 comes up with errors in Multiplayer. > back to top of page < Q1. Can I use other user made Add-ons with OFF? A1. Unless they are specifically made for OFF BH&H then they are likely not work with Phase 3 without further editing or work - No support can be offered for these. Q2. My game runs really slow compared to my other CFS3 installs…? A2. OFF uses new HIGH resolution scenery, and many other objects in the world, also Config slider settings for terrain and scenery are two notches better quality than standard CFS3. So setting 3 gives visually similar as 5 (or better!) in the old CFS3. So to get similar FPS as before, lower the Scenery Detail and Terrain Detail sliders by two notches. However even then OFF will consume more CPU power than normal CFS3 as it has much more happening in the environment - you get nothing for nothing. Moving the sliders from 5 (maximum) to 3 more can more than double frame rate. 3 is definitely a good place to start if you're really in bad shape, fps wise if that's no good try 2. Also ATI users see the Installation settings and Graphics section.
Q3. When I select a squad I can't create a pilot to use it. Or I can't choose some German/French/English squads? A3. Look at the DATE of the Squad and change it! Usually an aircraft that squad needs is not yet available (we haven't made it yet!) at that date you currently have selected. Change the date so another plane appears - one that is available.
Q4. I made a pilot and he shows up OK, but I go to QC or Campaign and it tells me I need an Active pilot - what am I doing wrong? A4. You need to make your Pilot the ACTIVE pilot to use him. Click on HELP in the Pilot Dossier screen in the OFF Manager for more info!Only one pilot can be active at a time, and remember if your pilot dies in QC he is dead in campaign too. If you have a campaign pilot you care about, make another pilot and make him active when you want to fly Quick Combat (or select the new option in latest versions "Pilot never dies" if shown on the Quick Combat and Quick Scenario screens). Q5. Where do I get CFS3 update 3.1 or 3.1a from? OR I have problems with CFS3 even before installing OFF!? A5. CFS3 3.1/3.1a Updates (http://www.microsoft.com/games/combatfs3/downloads.aspx) CFS3 setup issues (http://www.microsoft.com/games/combatfs3/cfs3_kb.aspx) CFS3 Tweak Guide (http://www.combatfs.com/index.php?loc=tweak&page=index) (If OFF crashes when playing or starting and you have read through this FAQ already but not found a solution then try here. Note not all is applicable to OFF. If vanilla CFS3 doesn't work on your PC then you are in trouble ;)
Q6. I have Windows ME/98/95 is this compatible with OFF? What about Windows 7? A6. Win 95/98/ME absolutely NO. Windows 7 YES!.
On Win95/98/ME
it MAY work but will be likely to crash or run
poorly - NOT recommended or supported. You must have Windows XP,
or Vista (32 or 64 bit) or Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit) to run OFF BH&H.
Note on
Windows 7... OFF was developed before Windows 7 was released
but seems to run fine for many people using similar settings to
Vista. It's recommended to avoid problems that you set OFF
Manager.exe and cfs3.exe to "Run as Administrator" from their icons.
Compatibility settings for CFS3.EXE and OFF Manager.exe:
Also if you still have problems try setting your sliders correctly (click
Graphics Config button to bring up CFS3 Config tool, set lower sliders if you have a older/lower performance PC)
A8. For some reason if you use more than one controller
(rudder pedals, joystick with rudder twist or some other combo or your pedals
they are reversed in cfs3/OFF please read through this answer for tips: If rudder is reversed:
You need to change the following entries in your
CFS3.XCA
file located in
In
Vista and Windows 7, Microsoft store this in a different place. Search for the file under folder in
C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR_LOGON_NAME\Application Data\Microsoft\CFSWW1
Over Flanders Fields)
If you still have problems then try this: Other issues with rudder pedals causing throttle to change instead, you need
to change the throttle assignment in your config settings when in game
(press Esc, Controls to get there). Stop
the joystick from using throttle Z axis in control panel, controllers, or in
game config settings. (Also if you have pedals and a twist joystick with a twist
action for rudder too they will clash. You can also go to
controls and find the joystick z-axis rudder assignment and delete that
mapping, then save your config as "Mine") If you still have issues try editing the DEVICES.XCA file in CFS3WW1 Over Flanders Fields folder. >>>>> ....-OR- you get odd changes in controls in flight, and I have rudder pedals and a twist joystick? If you have a combination of controllers (Rudder pedals, twist Joystick etc) you may get clashes on various axis of control.Toe brakes working the elevator/ailerons etc (can happen with for example Saitek X52 and Rudder pedals and twist joystick) So go to your "Mine.xca" file via My Computer, C drive (default anyway) browse to /Documents & Settings/<your name>/application data/microsoft/CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields (XP) or C:\Users\<YOUR USERNAME>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields (VISTA) Open it with notepad and under the rudder pedal section down the bottom delete the following. <Axis ID="X" Action="Set_Bank" Scale="64" Nullzone="36"/> <Axis ID="Y" Action="Set_Pitch" Scale="64" Nullzone="36"/> If like me you also have a twist stick and your rudder is still working on that at the same time then delete the following in the joystck section of the same file. <Axis ID="Rudder" Action="Set_Yaw" Scale="64" Nullzone="36"/> Save the file, (change file type to *.* first) then save as Mine.xca (i.e. NOT Mine.xca.txt). If you still have problems with clashes etc here's some advice from Fortiesboy in our forum: Note this is from our forum in 2009. Slightly edited here to help readability. Thanks to Fortiesboy for the original post >>>>>> That didn't help, but you are using two controllers to fly OFF (example here X52 and CH pedals) then : Press pause in flight, and press Esc key, finally get to Controls. Under Configuration, you should select Mine. OFF ( unlike CFS3 itself) does not , and cannot, use any other configuration, so you must only use the Mine one. You say your pedals show up as the main controller. This is OK. The Controls have to pick one of your controllers and it happens to show the pedals as the main one. Under Joystick type, you should find a button next to the pedals controller which if you click it will then select and show the X52 Now, staying with the pedals you will see the list of functions, usually the first is the aileron axis .yes? If that has X or anything under the Control column, then select it and delete it using the Delete Assignment tab at the bottom. Do the same for all other Axes- elevator, throttle EXCEPT the Rudder Axis. This you should select and then use Add Assignment to add the pedals! -( You normally are asked to move the pedals to assign it ) Now go back to Joystick type and select the X52. Look at the Axes in that and assign the aileron and elevator and throttle axis to your X52. Look at the rudder Axis and make sure that is blank, if necessary use the Delete Assignment button at the bottom. Now at bottom right there is a Save Config As tab. Use that to Save your file . YOU MUST save it as "Mine" as before, without the quotes. (file is saved as Mine.xca) Now you should be OK. In essence what you have done is allocate things to the appropriate controller, Ailerons, elevator and throttle to the X52 - with no rudder instruction, and Rudder to your pedals- with no aileron, elevator or throttle instruction. Before, these may have been duplicated and confused the sim. The CH Pedals are associated with Mine, and FF is associated with my X52 Saiteck FCSystem. I then select FF and X52. Still not sure? See forum post here Logitech G940 controller setup:
Note this is
from our forum,
posted
04 October 2009. Slightly edited here to help readability.
Thanks to
The_Black_Knight for the original post
"Because this system has so many axis and additional buttons, the default settings (or even your current settings) cause a whole new series of issues. Basically, you have to start from scratch to get this all right, because otherwise engine control is impossible with constant cut out and loss of control. FIRST, make sure you have selected the controller assignments under the G940 Throttle, not joystick or pedals in the options (Options menu, then Controls, do this when in game). NEXT, you have to map TWO throttles to your flight controls within the sim. Use Throttle Axis 1 for the split right axis Use Throttle Axis 2 for the split left axis. DELETE throttle AXIS below Throttle Axis 4. NEXT, make sure there are no others axis mapped for the throttle. I found by default aileron pitch was mapped to Axis X, which caused the aircraft to nose down out of control. You will have to delete this as well. It will not change joystick configuration. Also, a word on the pedals. By default, the toe breaks are also mapped to an axis in this game by default (sort of Axis Y). If you do not delete this as well, every time you use the pedals with both feet firmly planted, versus bass drum style "heel up" method, the plane will go into wild spins due to tail pitch. At first, I thought this was the flight model, particularly with the Sopwith Camel. However, since I have actually flown one of these birds, I knew something was not right. After these tweaks are fixed, you can then resume basic flight, or make button changes to match your preference. - Don't forget to save this setup as "Mine" (without the quotes. The name is important). I know this is complicated, but I guess you should expect this based on the level of control you get with the system. Personally, I am very impressed with the force feedback and centering spring effects of the Logitech G940. During takeoff and landing you can feel the pull of the aircraft, the ground interference and bumps, and the gyroscopic effects quite well. Feeling the guns fire, is a nice effect as well. Definately worth the money to replace my aging CH Products. " Q9. Graphics seem to stutter or go very fast double speed A9. If you have an AMD DUAL CORE CPU please apply AMD Dual-Core Optimizer from AMD , patch to enable better performance for single core using programs like CFS3.
Intel also have a similar patch for XP but this is usually sent
via Windows Update so if you are up to date you should be fine.
This one is more friendly.. http://www.koma-code.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid=93 ....further Discussion on this
Q10. When I land I can't stop! A10. You have no brakes! Shut off the magnetos! Shift+M a few times usually does it, or Ctrl+Shft+F6 for instant off. And just to repeat no you have no brakes :) Alternatively you can turn off the fuel mixture (hold down Ctrl and -) you can bind these to a joystick button maybe to make it easier.
Q11. The joystick
control configuration resets itself to the OFF default "Mine" every time I
fly a mission, A11. In order to ensure that everyone experiences the flight of these birds as we intended that aspect is dictated now by the campaign manager - and we run it in full real! In this way we know that we are all experiencing the sim in the same way and as realistically as possible. Realism is very high on our agenda! However as you found out you can change these settings in CFS3 but when you go back out an back in again it is back in "OFF mode". Most settings are set from WORKSHOP button now in the OFF Manager. However Joystick settings and keys are set from within the sim. To do this launch the sim (fly!) and then basically.... Press ESC when in flight, Click on the Controls.. Edit them,
then you can save your settings as "Mine" (without the quotes of
course) and the profile will
stick for next time. -OR- Copy your own favourite XCA into C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR_LOGON_NAME\Application Data\Microsoft\CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields (XP) C:\Users\YOUR_LOGON_NAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields (Vista) and rename it to mine.xca then always save changes to Mine and you will have no more problems. Q12. Does the "auto-mixture" setting work in OFF? -OR- Why is my engine or aircraft poor at high altitudes? OR- My engine cuts out when I start in the air in Quick Combat / Scenarios, or using an Air Start in campaign?
A12. We
hope that you all get used to setting the mixture as well as the FM difficulty
levels and hardness values - they are set to be most realistic. However here are
some tips: Most of these aircraft are equipped with gravity fed carburettors they will cut under negative G's i.e. pushing the stick forward aggressively or rolling upside down. In addition given that the engines are normally aspirated types, no special gizmos to keep the plane flying when there's only thin air. Air fuel mixture is exceedingly important – you must adjust the air fuel mixture as you climb to maintain optimal power output from the engine otherwise you will soon be dawdling along - a veritable sitting duck! Forget and that chasing enemy just might catch you up. Many (not all) German aircraft are fitted with an auto mixture which can compensate the mixture for altitude. Most Allied craft do no have auto mixture. As you climb, every 1000-2000 ft check the mixture is set. For example, lets say you are struggling at 15000 feet - now lean the mixture fully (Ctrl -) until engine cut-off and then quickly adjust the mixture higher again i.e. enriching it by maybe 2 or 3 presses of (Ctrl +). Listen to the engine revs you will hear when the engine is running at its best. Watch the RPM gauge if you have one. See when the RPM improves, then suddenly drops that's the stop to increase mixture 2 or 3 notches back up. Finally even with optimal mixture your performance will decrease with altitude – be aware that your flying speed is therefore reduced at increasing altitudes and you must take this into account – the aircraft behaves differently and so will not respond the same at 15000 feet as it does at 2500 feet. Most craft will dogfight badly at high altitudes, but be careful - some are better ! Note: If you start in flight using Quick Combat (referred to as 'QC') or using the new Air Start option found in the latest BH&H SuperPatch update (see on the bottom right of Mission Briefing screen), you may find you start at high altitude in the mission and your engine will cut out. This is because mixture has not been set yet. Two ways around this.
1) Either restart the engine (E)
and immediately hold the 'lean mixture' keys 2) Set Auto Mixture on, in Workshop settings (click the Workshop button when at OFF main menu to get there). Not realistic for many craft but helps if you have trouble starting engines.
Q13. How do
I command my wingmen? A13.
Pressing A when engaging enemy aircraft will command them to attack.
Or for more specific targeting use Shift+t to bring up the visual
awareness aid if it is not visible. Now press T once to select aircraft
views. Now TAB toggles through
enemies (red dots). Highlight
one, now you can remove the annoying immersion killing radar again with
shift+t ;) and watch
your wingman as you press A (Press A once or twice maybe, then press Tab to
select another target, press A again etc).
You should see 1 or 2 wingmen peel off to attack that selected target
each time.
Press tab and repeat to target other specific enemies. Repeat the A key for other wingmen/targets.
Clear the targeting by cycling through enemies until you have none
selected, or press CTRL+TAB once. Note this will likely only work in Campaign mode, AND you are the flight leader !!Q14. Can
users increase / decrease joystick hat-switch pan rates / panning speed? A14. From a post on our forum Dudley
said: "Open the ViewUI.xml file (found in your main OFF
folder)
AND also
edit the one in your Application folder.. Look in C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR_LOGON_NAME\Application
Data\Microsoft\CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields
Edit the value for RotationRate. The default value is
0.9 I would suggest RotationRate="1.5" Save the edit. Make sure it saves correctly. Try that value or other increments to
adjust the panning speed. I'm using TrackIR now, but this is a necessary edit when
using the Hat-switch for panning and checking your six. TIP: Even with quick panning, it's still annoying trying
to quickly get back to front/centre view, which you need - especially for
gun sighting in combat. I used to program the toggle command for
scroll/snap-view (default, I think is Scroll Lock) onto one of my Joystick
buttons. That way, I can hit the toggle button (as programmed for
the joystick) to activate smooth scrolling with the Hat switch and check my
six. I then, don't try to scroll back to front/centre. I hit the toggle
button to get back to snap view and then flip the Hat-switch, which snaps me
right back to front view. Hope that helps." (thanks to Dudley
Q15. Can I
reload the Lewis gun on the SE5a? A15. No but you already have
the total number of rounds from all 3 drums
loaded all at once (3 x 97 round drums = 291).
However you can simulate the reload by pressing Shift+C when you
think you have used each 97 rounds.
It does NOT actually reload just animated the gun to simulate it.
Same on the Nieuport 17 and N17 Lewis Shift+C does interesting things
;) In real life you would have to attempt to disengage, stand up and
reload ! Each time so you can always try to simulate that manually :).
Q16. Is it
possible to have just the circle and dot sight without anything else on my
cockpit view? A16.
You can choose which dials to have showing on the "HUD"
area. Press and hold CTRL+SHIFT and then numbers 1,2,3,4 etc.
It scrolls thru the different gauges and then one of the selections is blank
so the gauge does not show. You
can also drag them around the screen simply click and drag with mouse :)
Q17. Sometimes I take off with many aircraft, on the field
but only some fly with me to target. Why they did not join?
Also before you fly see "Flight 1", "Flight 2" text on
the right hand side of the mission map, you can click on that to list
who is in what flight on the mission briefing before you launch. You can, if you decide not to use "warp" function, follow the ace flight and use them as support if the odds are getting heavy in your sector/date. Also if you always find yourself below behind Flight 1, or your bombers escort, try skipping the first few waypoints immediately after takoff (use shift+W) if you are the leader.
Q18. Some of the aircraft are very twitchy or I have great difficulty flying many of them?
If you have a steering wheel also attached disconnect it or disable it as this can interfere and cause oddities in control.
Q19. In the workshop, the ultra high res aircraft skin detail says there is no visual damage. If I use that does that mean I won't see bullet holes, missing wings, etc?
A19. Well this is a new, enhanced, mode which bumps up the skin resolution. We like the visual difference but the price is that you will not see decals (bullet holes, canvas tear) but you WILL see broken wings on most craft. We were going to remove this option but found many of the team enjoyed it, so left it there as an OPTIONAL setting. Default is Normal resolution.
If you had Phase 2 installed, or have problems try increasing EFFECTS slider
to 5. Increase Aircraft slider to 5. Q20. I can't seem to access my display settings in-game, to adjust the terrain detail? -OR- I get "Error Updating Config overides - File does not exist! Reinstall OFF!" ? A20. Access "CFS3Config" via WORKSHOP (now called "Graphics Config" in new versions after V1.30). See Installation and Settings section for how to configure screen resolution!
Q21. Everything installed fine, but when I go to create a pilot I get an error popup "Homefield file error ! : try re-installing OFF !" (Also contains how to do a clean uninstall/re-install for other odd errors)
A21. Upgrading issues or other odd issues on
install (especially if upgraded from Phase 2) :
(See further down for a clean uninstall method if you need to reinstall) If you are running on a non English OS and have the
"Homefield Error" then make sure you have after installed the
Superpatch V1.32 plus the Minipatch, see our Downloads section). If after installing the Superpatch V1.32 plus the Minipatch and you still have the problem, reboot, create a new pilot and try again. If still a problem then set your OS to run Unicode English: To install OFF BH&H on these systems, simply instruct your Operating System to run "Non-Unicode programme" in English from the How to do this: Reboot and try again - However if the above DOES NOT sort the home field error then please also set your Regional Language to English (UK) or English (USA) in the regional language and advanced tab.
If you have other odd errors you should make sure you had a clean install so.. :
Clean Uninstall Method:
Please remove OFF BH&H using ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS in your system's Control Panel. Then re-install BH&H. i.e. do NOT use the Start menu uninstall shortcut.
(uninstalling this way should clean any OFF registry settings and allow a proper new clean install). If you still get an error uninstall OFF *and* also CFS3, then reinstall CFS3 then OFF. See below for further instructions on cleaning out OFF from the registry.
(Notes if
Upgrading from Phase 2
:
How to Clean out OFF registry settings in :
Windows XP
Do NOT perform the steps below unless you are familiar and confident using the registry editor Regedit. If in doubt get some IT expert advice. Safely backup your computer registry and data before attempting this, as OBD cannot be held responsible for problems or damage caused by the misuse of Regedit.
Vista or Windows 7 (you must be logged in as an administrator) :
Do NOT perform the steps below unless you are familiar and confident using
Regedit. If in doubt get some IT expert advice. Safely backup your computer registry and data before attempting this, as OBD cannot be held responsible for problems or damage caused by misuse of Regedit.
1) Go Start, Search,and type in Regedit. Regedit should appear above in the start menu. Right click on that and select Run as Administrator. 2) Navigate to MyComputer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings. 3) Locate and Delete the OFFManager key/folder in the left hand column. To do this right click the OFFManager key/folder, carefully, in the left hand column and select Delete. 4) Navigate to MyComputer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\OBD Software 5) Delete the OBD Software key/folder - again to do this right click the OBD Software key/folder in the left hand column and select Delete. Navigate to where P2 resides in Explorer and delete the CFSWW1 Over Flanders Fields Folder and all sub folders. Finally navigate to where P2 resides in Explorer and delete the WW1Scenery Folder and all sub folders. Also it is a good idea to check your hard disk for errors.
Then try to install BH&H again
If the problem persists, and you have a non English XP/Vista you MAY need to apply a regional fix. See 4) Non English, Chinese and Japanese systems
If you do all the above and still have an error, please send a mail to support (see here for details)
Q22. How do I set my AA (Anti-Aliasing) properly, or the aircraft edges or scenery looks jaggy?
A22. Launch CFS3config (now accessible since V1.30 update via a button called "Graphics Config" in Workshop menu!)- make sure you set up Anti-Aliasing samples as high as possible:Go to File menu, choose Change display options, and set up AA to highest samples and click OK. Go to FILE, EXIT (do NOT close using [X] box in top right). Then in your Graphics card display setup (right click on desktop to get to them normally, then look for Nvidia or ATI tab usually or similar) set up to "override application settings" for AA, and set AA to whatever samples you require 2x 4 x etc. Also see the graphics card tips page
Q23. I can not get past the OFF intro movie, after that I see a sepia background but no buttons at bottom of screen?
A23. Go to your desktop and right click on it somewhere
empty, select Display Properties. Click Advanced. Change the DPI settings
from whatever it is to 120 or 96.
Q24. How do I take screenshots?
A24. Hold the CTRL key
and press ; key too to take a screenshot. You will likely need to convert the large BMP files to JPG using MS Paint (open BMP file, save as Jpeg), or my favourite, IrfanView which can do batch conversion of many BMPs (and is free!)
You can also use 3rd party programs like FRAPS (www.fraps.com).
Q25. When I fly after a certain time the game exits or crashes, or when I press M for MAP in flight.
A25. What to try: 0. Firstly very important.. Do NOT use a "No-CD" version of CFS3.exe many are old V3.0 and WILL CAUSE ISSUES WITH OFF. You must use a V3.1 CFS3.EXE as found on a purchased CFS3 DVD or CD. If you have random missions not registering (no claims no record of what you just flew..) this is likely the reason. If you have other unexplained exits or quits from game, again check this first!!!!
Also try reducing the speed your memory runs at in the BIOS. If you are not sure how get help from a friend or search the internet forums for your motherboard.
Also check your memory, try a memory checker like
Mem86test (http://www.memtest86.com/)
2. Try upgrading your sound card driver to the latest version (check on your motherboard manufacturer's website for the correct model for your motherboard, or if you have a separate sound card like a creative labs etc, check their website for the latest driver and install that.
3. If you have 3rd party screen savers or other utilities in the background turn them off. If you have firewall or anti virus try unplugging from the internet and turn off or disable those and try more.
4. Check CPU cooling is OK, the fan on your CPU is working and spinning fast under load and fitted correctly. Some built PCs may have inadequate CPU heatskink or heat transfer compound. Check your BIOS temperatures after heavy load, some motherboards have utilities to monitor CPU temps. If you have overclocked your CPU, OFF will stretch it to the limits with the detail in there, and it may get over heated. Try overclocking much less, and try again.
5. Check your GPU (video card) is not overheating or struggling too. Same things apply as above re FAN and cooling - check GPU cooling is OK, the fan is working and spinning fast under load and fitted correctly. Check you have adequate power supply - some video cards need specific quality of supply (some cheap power packs do not provide enough).Check on your video card supplier's website for recommended supplies. Note some NVidia cards have a bug that causes the fan not to run at full speed. Check the internet forums some 3rd party Nvidia tools allow the fan to be set to full etc.
6. Check your hard drive does not have any errors. To check,
open "My Computer" then right click on the disk
drive you want to check. Left click on Properties,
Tools, Check now. 7. Reduce your sliders for terrain, scenery, and clouds. This will put less strain on GPU/CPU. Never run terrain on "5" it usually looks worse, and is too much even for the very best PCs (it's for the future!). If you reduce the graphic settings/sliders (see section 1.1 at the top) and it then seems to fly for longer then this also indicates a video or memory (fault or heat) issue.
Go to Workshop in the OFF manager menu, click on
CFS3Config wait a moment until it says "CFS3 has been configured" in the
window.
8. Use the affinity tool to force CFS3.exe to use CPU0 only if you have a multi core CPU. see http://www.robpol86.com/pages/imagecfg.php (Backup your CFS3.exe first).
This one is more friendly.. http://www.koma-code.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid=93
Q26. Can I disable the blue/red damage messages at the top of the screen?
A26. Yes, click Graphics Config button to bring up CFS3 Config tool (from workshop in OFF Manager). When it says CFS3 is configured then click File menu, Custom, Window menu, Overrides. disable advisor messages and simulation warnings.
Q27. When I fly these aircraft they seem to veer slightly or need trim? -OR- When I warp and then exit warp the nose of my craft points down!
A27. Yes WW1 craft are very early aircraft, they had many bad faults, bad traits or even poor handling on some. However for some, those bad traits actually gave them exceptional dogfighting abilities. Only a very few had in-flight trim controls, and most had none at all - some not even trim that could be used from the ground! Avoid using trim in CFS3 as you are nullifying many of those faults that should be there, and you may lose some craft abilities or quirks. Auto Trim can cause problems in time acceleration mode (warp) in CFS3, and is not how the craft are meant to be flown.
If you still want to use auto trim note you may have the problem with the nose pointing down after exiting warp mode. If so then disable auto trim before warping, then exit warp, then re-enable auto trim.
Q28. What do all the gun settings in "Workshop" menu mean?
A28. There are "tooltips" on many workshop settings. But if you still are unsure..
Q29.
I
do not see many enemies.
I am flying in 1915 / 1916 and not seen any enemy yet? A29. It can happen and depends on lots of things, the scope of OFF is to produce a dynamic realistic campaign but also make an interesting flight sim. However the very fact it's dynamic and can produce all sorts of missions - it is possible you may not meet an aircraft for days or weeks or fly right by them. Some squads start early 1915 and there are no enemies nearby.
a). Update to the latest version to fix some issues with early enemy squads not being assigned to missions (RNAS-1 for example should have more enemies than show in 1915/1916 and this is fixed in latest version).
You can set auto/manual time advance in Workshop settings, and you can also set campaign activity (mission frequency) to light which will give you around 1 mission a day and the days will seem to progress more quickly.
e). Try another squad and/or
another date period if you want more
action. Or maybe you have been lucky enough to pass flights by without
seeing them, or maybe
mostly they have not gone your way. If you have "target awareness" radar
dial showing or labels turned on, you may see more, at the expense of
immersion. Otherwise as in real life you will fly past many craft you never
realise are there - they also did not realise you were there or were busy on
their own mission or perhaps a cloud blocked there view if you have clouds
on slider setting 5 in cfsconfig.
Q30. Sometimes my craft spins dramatically at great altitude or speed when in clouds why? A30. This is due to violent turbulance inside clouds. HOWEVER in BH&H since version 1.31L we have now found a way to lessen cloud turbulence dramatically! In WW1 they did generally avoid tall or dark clouds and fly around because of huge turbulence, moisture causing engine failure, plus visual disorientation. However now you can fly into clouds in formation with your wingmen! You may feel some turbulence but not the violent hits as before. Note the CFS3 "In-cloud" effect that can be switched off in CFS3config / Graphic Settings ONLY turns off the VISUAL foggy in-cloud effect, and NOT the violent thermal vortices found in some clouds sometimes in CFS3. We recommend you leave that ON so you can tell when you are in a cloud!
Q31. Sometimes my
mission is not recorded when I exit the game back to the OFF Manager? A31. You MUST exit the sim by using "Esc" key then select "End Mission". If you do not, your mission will not be recorded!! This is vital!
So do NOT use these keys to exit: As these will cause CFS3 engine to quit immediately with NO mission recorded!!! Esc, End Mission = good.
Q32. Hey Flak / Archie / AA / Anti-Aircraft fire is too dangerous, it's ruining my game!
A32. Archie although often derrided, IS still dangerous believe it or not someone is trying to kill you and sooner or later will. It will vary GREATLY depending on where you are, when you are flying, and over what target. i.e. sometimes you are in great danger, and sometimes not. If it is too difficult then: 1) Simply go to Workshop button, and set Ground fire to an easier setting! OR..
2) Don't warp for great distances over enemy territory (you will fly a
straight line and be an easy target) -break warp periods into shorter
distances, exit more often and fly weave patterns.
Q33. I keep flying the new 12v12 or 20v20 Quick Scenarios but die almost immediately
A33 Be careful at the start you are immediately surrounded by many friendlies very close behind you. When you start keep the aircraft absolutely steady, level, and pointing forward AND hit full throttle (some pause here to make sure they are ready ;)). If your joystick needs auto calibration, press pause immediately first, move all joystick axis controls around, then try.
Q34. OK I'm new to WWI, where do I start in Campaign? What is a good time, squad, or aircraft to fly for a beginner?
A34 Check out this discussion on our forums. By the way ..main list of our available forums here. Also check out some other great forums there on Combatace.com. .
Q35. My claim form entries are truncated / shorter than I enter?
A35 When entering your claim text, please do NOT use the semi-colon character ( ; ). This character is used as a special 'delimiter' character within OFF Manager which means it will be taken as the end of your claim text by the manager. Just use standard commas and full stops only.
Q36. I have Hat In The Ring expansion, but since updating it I
have new options for AI in the workshop? How do they work? A36 AI options:
Q37. I get more kills than a real pilot - or - I don't get enough kills?
A37. Regarding the number of kills- there is a huge amount of variables at play for every player. Whilst we have worked very hard to create a balanced realistic sim where possible there are also many settings a player may use to customise the game to their own preferences.
Note there are many things that can affect your kill rate - from the date you chose which effects things like aircraft types and numbers and skills in the player's squad, to enemy craft types, enemy squad skill you may meet in that region (from elite to poor), to personal game settings in workshop, to visual aids (for example some play "full real" with no visual aids at all, some may prefer to use the built in 'target awareness radar', or TrackIR or whatever, to claim form settings in workshop. Then to the fact that most players these days have 100's or many 1000's of hours of virtual flying time (very unlike some pilots in WW1 of course who may have only a handfull of hours then thrown up into combat).
However one large factor in all this that is not present in any
sim - the absolute real fear of dying! One real life at stake, one
chance. If you try to stay alive rather than make take great
risks to get kills this helps some. OFF campaign mode can give you more of a taste of this as some players have found by playing 'for real' as much as possible, with all visual aids off, and playing to stay alive - survive not to make kills, however there is no substitute for 1 life at stake! Often this is referred to as DiD mode or Dead is Dead (see our official forums for more info). Try to make 17 hours flight time (the approx average life span of pilots) - when you approach 17 hours you may feel more nervous on patrol ;)
Even if we had absolutely human-perfect AI, and perfect aircraft and damage it is still extremely difficult without YOU the player playing as if your real life depends on it, and having only 6 hours flight time not 1000s!
Even if you play cautiously sometimes you may occasionally neglect to look behind or take more bullet hits from a 2 seater than you would in real life, as you try for that kill, or maybe cannot be bothered to dodge and weave in flak, or when behind that 2 seater. It was mentioned before as a joke that if we made the sim format your hard drive wiping everything if you died once, it might give you a small taste of the fear ;) It would certainly help the kill numbers but of course that's not a good idea!
We strive to produce the best experience we can given all these variables, and give you many settings to change to help get what YOU are looking for but please bear these in mind.
Q38. I bought Hat in The Ring, but since then I had to reformat my PC and lost the download - can I download it again for free?
A38. If you did NOT purchase download
insurance at the time of purchase, you cannot download again at some
later time for free. So when you purchase and download YOU
must then make a backup of the
"Hat In The Ring!"
file and protect it, OR purchase download insurance at the
time of purchase. Same thing applies just like if you set fire to
your BH&H DVD you purchased, or lost it, you'd need to buy a new
one.
Q39. When I exit Quick Combat I get an error message: "error advancing time"
A39. See the section on Non-English systems.
PATCHES / UPGRADES Q1P. What do I get? A1P. You get a BOXED original DVD containing Over Flanders Fields : Between Heaven and Hell WW1 mod for Microsoft's Combat Flight Simulator 3 . (This DVD unpacks to 15 GB!)The price includes what we have in the
features list - we reserve the right to add, change
or remove features. If there is sufficient interest then of course we may continue to improve Over Flanders Fields and/or make add-ons or future Phases.
Any future add-ons or expansions that we do make for
Over
Flanders Fields may be
either free or payware we will decide at the time, and announce
as we get to finalise them.
During Online Multiplayer Mode gameplay features and functions may differ from Offline Single Player Mode play..... It is possible to play multiplayer but please see the FAQ for more info for help an settings, and check our forums for tips or help before basing a purchase on this feature alone! Although people have fun in multiplayer, we recommend you do not purchase OFF solely for multiplayer support. Single player campaign mode is the essence of OFF and where the vast majority of development has taken place. However it is possible to fly co-op and adversarial games successfully. CO-OP works better with CFS3 engine and some great fun can be had flying with friends against the much improved AI. The code is CFS3 multiplayer code, apart from enhanced AI and scenery the multiplayer code itself has not changed from CFS3.
Mission Builders notes
A1M. Please see
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;829475.
Basically your firewall and/or router is probably blocking some
TCP/IP communication to and from the internet. If you have a personal firewall also allow cfs3.exe
access through to the internet. Q2M. When
people try to join a game they get "mismatch" errors. A2M.
Make SURE that EVERY player has installed ALL available patches!
For example if there are 2 update patches available make sure ALL
players have installed them all in the correct sequence (in the order they
were released basically).
Also check that no-one has edited, customised or added planes to their
installation. Hosting: If
people have problems connecting to your game (mismatch errors etc) then make
sure you try deselecting all aircraft apart from a few you'd like to use
when choosing which planes are available in your game.
Some people report this seems to help. NOTE: if you
are using 3rd party planes then make sure you join multiplayer via the
MISSIONS tab rather than Quick Combat tab. If you have other people with errors worth checking HOW
they are joining the game as above.
Q3M. How do I play multi-player games? or How to log on to Multiplayer? A3M. It is really easy,
all you have to do is:
NOTE: Before attempting Multiplayer make sure you have updated
your OFF to the latest patches if available. If still in doubt ask other active players:
Q4M. How does the date function effect Multiplayer missions and
Front lines ?
A4M. Phase 3 handles missions differently, as we now have MOVING
front lines. So the date must be set correctly !
From Rob: I just wanted to explain the new features of OFF Phase 3 MP mission manager. In the past the host would put up the mission and the other players would see the world as it should be and the spawns etc would be controlled by the hosts machine during the mission (we only had single front line placement in the texture files) Phase 3 has extended the amount of information regarding front line placement, it is now historically correct for each of the main periods of time in which the major battles etc took place. In effect there are 12 sets of frontline information for the manager to implement, these sets are date controlled, so when a mission calls for 16-5-1918 the manger looks at the relevant set of front line information and then places that into the game ready for use with the mission. So what does this mean for MP missions? The person hosting the mission needs to let everybody know the date of the mission. It means first and foremost each person joining the online game needs to have the correct date set in there OFF manager multiplayer menu, you can do this by setting the mission date in the over-ride section to that of the date used in the mission being hosted; The manager will then set the front lines etc as per the date in the mission being hosted. You then join the multiplayer mission as per usual, and everybody will have the same details on the ground. should someone not do this they will see the front lines on the ground but they may not match the front line placement in the mission. i.e. they may have flown a mission 1916 so the manager has the fronts set as they were in 1916. But the MP mission may be set in 1918, which means the target called for 1918 may well have been in allied hands in 1916. Q5M. Windows 7 comes up with errors in Multiplayer. A5M. Microsoft posted a fix for a similar issue in article KB555608. Also check out this thread on Sim-Outhouse. Basically simply rename oleacc.dll to oleaccold.dll in the "CFS3WW1 OverFlandersFields" folder. This file is very old and causes a problem loading MP. Renaming it makes Windows use it's own newer version of that dll held elsewhere. You may need to make CFS3MP.exe and CFS3.exe set to "run as administrator" or XP SP3 compatibility mode (or both - experiment). Right click on each of those programs and go to properties to reach the Compatibiity settings. Thanks for the headsup Hairyspin, and thanks to Blacksheep-ghost03, Blackship and Tailwin for the original fix/posts/ Mission Builders notes For people building missions there are set of front line files housed within each set of the frontline data folders. These are the front line co-ordinates that should be appended into your mission files. This will ensure the front line textures and forward bases actually match the side that they are supposed to be on when called for in the mission file. NOTE When making missions choose craft with names ending with a * for the player craft. Then you can be sure you have a cockpit available! But in the interim if hosts can post the date details for the mission files, so people can manually place the dates into the MP manager, that will ensure at least you all see the same ground conditions. thanks to Rob (Capt Stevenson)
PLEASE
DO NOT HOST OUR FILES ON OTHER SITES
If you
cannot find any help above
and you have purchased OFF BH&H
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