FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you always wanted to know about VAICOM PRO but were afraid to ask...
Q: Is it cool?
A: 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 (licensed version) installed on your system to be able to use VAICOM PRO.
Q: Why can I not use just use vanilla VoiceAttack?
A: VoiceAttack by itself is not equipped to work with a complex combat flight sim like DCS World. What vanilla VA can do very well is send virtual keypresses. That's great if you want to flip switches (there are plenty of VA profiles available for that), but for realistic communications that is not sufficient. VA has no awareness of DCS' dynamic mission environment state which is essential for AI comms. For example menu contents keep shifting of which VA has no idea, without integration with DCS it cannot know the current callsigns of units in the mission area, etc. This gets messy very rapidly and cannot be resolved. In short, for realistic dynamic radio comms in DCS you need a dedicated plugin based on advanced IP socket integration which bypasses things like keypresses and the menu system altogether.
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 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: In the VoiceAttack window my commands are recognized but DCS is not responding?
A: Verify that the PTT page shows the correct DCS module name. If not, this points to an issue. Windows 7/8 users: apply the registry fix at the bottom of the support page. Disable the incompatible Garmin NS340 module in DCS Module Manager. Invalid installs of other apps in export.lua can interfere with proper execution: try deleting export.lua from Saved Games, then restart VA. Also your lua code may have ended up in the wrong place: run a DCS Repair first and then use the Custom Folder option to point to your DCS World folder. Look here for 2 mins install fix: youtu.be/LchLOQxKfXY?t=722
Q: I'm seeing blinking menus?
A: You need to verify your lua files install. Check out this helpful vid by @strike277: http://youtu.be/fh52Es2Y4po
Q: I get a log message that my DCS installation is not automatically detected?
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 use the 'custom folder' option to point to the DCS install location.
Q: Will it work with my language?
A: VAICOM PRO uses VoiceAttack for interfacing with the Microsoft Windows Voice Recognition engine. By default it assumes English (US/UK) language. However other languages supported by Microsoft Speech Recognition such as French, Spanish, German,.. can also be used with the plugin. Community-created translation dictionaries can be imported/exported and more and more are becoming available: link.
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 supported modules listing.
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: 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 or daisy-chaining profiles for cockpit device control that use VoiceAttack standard method of sending virtual keypresses. If there is great demand for it, a separate extension pack for cockpit voice control may be developed for VAICOM PRO. But this is not committed at this time.
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. 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 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.
A: 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 (licensed version) installed on your system to be able to use VAICOM PRO.
Q: Why can I not use just use vanilla VoiceAttack?
A: VoiceAttack by itself is not equipped to work with a complex combat flight sim like DCS World. What vanilla VA can do very well is send virtual keypresses. That's great if you want to flip switches (there are plenty of VA profiles available for that), but for realistic communications that is not sufficient. VA has no awareness of DCS' dynamic mission environment state which is essential for AI comms. For example menu contents keep shifting of which VA has no idea, without integration with DCS it cannot know the current callsigns of units in the mission area, etc. This gets messy very rapidly and cannot be resolved. In short, for realistic dynamic radio comms in DCS you need a dedicated plugin based on advanced IP socket integration which bypasses things like keypresses and the menu system altogether.
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 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: In the VoiceAttack window my commands are recognized but DCS is not responding?
A: Verify that the PTT page shows the correct DCS module name. If not, this points to an issue. Windows 7/8 users: apply the registry fix at the bottom of the support page. Disable the incompatible Garmin NS340 module in DCS Module Manager. Invalid installs of other apps in export.lua can interfere with proper execution: try deleting export.lua from Saved Games, then restart VA. Also your lua code may have ended up in the wrong place: run a DCS Repair first and then use the Custom Folder option to point to your DCS World folder. Look here for 2 mins install fix: youtu.be/LchLOQxKfXY?t=722
Q: I'm seeing blinking menus?
A: You need to verify your lua files install. Check out this helpful vid by @strike277: http://youtu.be/fh52Es2Y4po
Q: I get a log message that my DCS installation is not automatically detected?
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 use the 'custom folder' option to point to the DCS install location.
Q: Will it work with my language?
A: VAICOM PRO uses VoiceAttack for interfacing with the Microsoft Windows Voice Recognition engine. By default it assumes English (US/UK) language. However other languages supported by Microsoft Speech Recognition such as French, Spanish, German,.. can also be used with the plugin. Community-created translation dictionaries can be imported/exported and more and more are becoming available: link.
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 supported modules listing.
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: 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 or daisy-chaining profiles for cockpit device control that use VoiceAttack standard method of sending virtual keypresses. If there is great demand for it, a separate extension pack for cockpit voice control may be developed for VAICOM PRO. But this is not committed at this time.
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. 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 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.
Get the latest updates by checking out the Eagle Dynamics forum pages:
"Thumbs Up!"
-Quax456