FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you always wanted to know about VAICOM PRO but were afraid to ask...
Q: Is it cool?
A: Hell yeah! :)
Q: Where can I find the manual?
A: Download the User Manual PDF from the support page .
Q: Is this a stand-alone app?
A: VAICOM PRO is a plugin specifically for VoiceAttack which means you need to have VoiceAttack installed on your system to be able to use VAICOM PRO.
Q: Do I need to use six Push-to-Talk buttons for this?
A: No. Three is more typical, depending on the aircraft you fly. You can also use just one PTT button for everything using SNGL PTT mode.
Q: I do not see any subfolders being created during install?
A: Enable Plugin Support in VoiceAttack options and restart. VoiceAttack needs to run as administrator.
Q: I get a log message that my DCS installation is not automatically detected. What do I do?
A: The automatic config routine runs on plugin initialization. It scans the Windows registry and regular program folders i.e. Program Files/Eagle Dynamics for existing DCS World installations. If it finds them, it automatically configures the required .lua files. If your installation folder is on a non-regular path i.e. outside of Program Files/Eagle Dynamics then the auto-detection may not find the installation. In that case you get the log notification on plugin startup and you'll need to install manually or set the 'custom folder' option to point to the DCS install location.
Q: In the VoiceAttack window my commands are recognized but DCS is not responding?
A: You first need to confirm VA runs as admin and inspect your lua files installation. Enable debug mode and after VA restart confirm in the log that auto-install finished properly. Use manual page 33 as reference for installation check of the 5 required lua files. Verify that the PTT page shows the correct DCS module name, if not this points to an issue. Invalid installs of other apps in export.lua can interfere with proper execution: look in DCS.log for clues and try deleting export.lua, then restart VA. Other VA plugins, background apps, Windows firewall and antivirus programs can also block normal working: disable to test.
Q: I get this message: 'UNABLE TO INVOKE PLUGIN, PLUGIN NOT VALID FOR THIS VERSION OF VOICEATTACK' ,what do I do?
A: You see this message when you have switched profiles in VoiceAttack. VAICOM PRO works with just one profile and switching is not needed. Select the correct profile i.e. 'VAICOM PRO for DCS World', restart VoiceAttack and things will be back to normal.
Q: Will it work with my language?
A: VAICOM PRO uses VoiceAttack for interfacing with the Microsoft Windows Voice Recognition engine. Essentially this means English (US/UK) language is supported by VAICOM PRO. Your Windows version needs to include language support for English language. Of course feel free to experiment with other languages also but results cannot be guaranteed beforehand.
Q: Will this work with my DCS World version?
A: Yes. VAICOM PRO automatically detects and configures for installed DCS World versions i.e. release, openbeta. Different DCS versions can be used on the same PC. Also Steam installations should work but be aware that these have not been tested. After bi-weekly DCS updates VAICOM automatically configures itself, normally without user action required. Description of a manual installation option for special cases is also available in the User Manual.
Q: Can I use it with my favourite DCS module?
A: Yes. The FREE version supports a specific range of DCS aircraft. The PRO version works with all DCS modules including future aircraft module releases. Refer to the Features page to see the modules listing table.
Q: Does this do cockpit controls also?
A: VAICOM PRO covers interactive AI communications. This is by far the most complex area to tackle for voice control. You can extend the VoiceAttack profile yourself by adding your own commands for cockpit device control using VoiceAttack standard method of sending virtual keypresses. If there is great demand for it, a seperate extension pack for cockpit voice control may be developed for VAICOM PRO. But this is not committed at this time.
Q: Is this difficult to set up?
A: VAICOM PRO is easy to set up. Installation instructions are included in the download. Unzip the downloaded file and then place a folder in another folder. Configure the buttons for push-to-talk press/release and you're good to go. Check the intro tutorial video on YouTube.
Q: I fly only helos. Is this for me?
A: Yes! VAICOM fully supports helicopter modules such as the UH-1H as well as FARPs for ATC interaction. The Push-To-Talk configuration allows you to use semi-automatic modes e.g. where the Selector dial is operated automatically or where the available radios each get assigned their own PTT transmit key. The Enforce NATO protocol option normalizes ATC names and callsigns for Russian-built helo modules such as the KA-50.
Q: Do I need to install any mods?
A: No. VAICOM PRO is fully independent and does not require any external mods to be used. But if you do use mods this is not a problem for VAICOM PRO.
Q: Will this work with multiplayer also?
A: The PRO license allows use in multiplayer mode, currently as beta feature. The FREE version supports only single player. Consult the User Manual for details.
Q: My voice is not recognized properly. What do I do?
A: The trick to getting higher recognition rates is essentially a three-stage thing.
1) Use a decent quality and well-positioned microphone.
also HTC/Oculus VR headset built-in mics are more than suitable.
2) Make sure Windows Voice Recognition is properly trained for your voice.
Speech recognition improves if you use it more often, so make sure to spend some time with it.
For very stubborn words, Windows has an option to add them to the speech dictionary manually.
The plugin Configuration Window contains a link to directly open Microsoft Speech Recognition.
3) Articulate well, speak slowly especially at first. Leave micro-pauses between the recipient and the command: e.g. 'ATC ..... Request Startup'. Once you get into this rhythm it will become second nature in no time.
Consult the User Manual for more details.
Q: Will I need to do complex hassling with script files like export.lua etc.?
A: No. VAICOM PRO uses DCS-side lua files but it configures them automatically. So unless you want to do a manual install you should not need to touch any .lua files yourself.
Q: Will this work alongisde my other favorite tool <insert name>?
A: Yes. The interface with DCS was designed to be non-intrusive. During testing VAICOM PRO has been shown to work without issues alongside common tools such as Simple Radio Standalone (SRS), TeamSpeak, TacView, etc. Other tools like HELIOS were not tested specifically but should work fine also.
Q: I was a VAICOM 2.0 donator. Can I get a free PRO license?
A: Thanks again for your support! Yes, you are eligable for a refund. Obtain a PRO license key and contact info@vaicompro.com. Please specify the email address and date of your donation in the email.
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-Quax456