Native S2F3AT (S2T) Tracker Work in Progress

[tankerguy72]

Update — the excitement is officially back.
I’ve jumped back into the S-2T project headfirst, and the progress over the last few days has been huge.
Right now, my main focus is building a more realistic retardant drop computer and emergency dump logic. I already have working tank controls that physically remove weight from the payload station, so after a drop, you can actually feel the aircraft get lighter in flight. But I’m pushing it further than that.
I’m currently working on integrating selectable drop quantities, including 1/4 load, 1/3 load, and 1/2 load options. The system is already working with the load flowing out smoothly over a 3-second window while the drop button is held. Release the button early, and the drop stops immediately. What's the point of having an airtanker if you cant use it?
This project is becoming far more in-depth than I ever imagined when I first started it, and I’m excited to keep sharing the progress.

 

[Tom Clayton]

Can the release be mapped to a controller button?

 

[Aircanuck]

Any chance she's ready for a road test ?? ..... forget the fire retardant !

Looks great

Cheers

 

[eagleFMJ]

Awesome!

 

[gribouil]

Fantastic work Tankerguy72!!!

 

[Dave43H]

awesome, i still cant get into my MS2020 sim, frustrating as heck. Im ready to just reinstall, but i cannot access the microsoft store or whatever its called from that pc and ive no idea as to why.

 

[Dave43H]

so TG72, ive not read back as yet, have you decided if the tanker with be 2020 and 2024 as yet? last time i was here you had said you might make it 2024 only? Every time i get the money to get 2024, i end up having to use the money on something stupid... ya know, like bills.... ack

ive not been around as id gotten pretty bad health wise. id gotten an infection in my kidneys, dr told me all along he wasnt sure what was happening, id fallen on dec 22nd 2024, had to call 911 for a lift assist, too weak to get myself up, plus id fallen off the toilet, nearly went face first into the cats litterbox!! ambulance tech told me she wasnt going to hear no from me and they transported me to hospital, ER dr ended up telling me they were admitting me, and to call my loved ones as i had about a week, to week and a half. My GP came in the following day, mad that the ER doc told me that, then says... youve got at least 2 weeks left.. that kinda stunned me, his jolly way of telling me, then he says... but its a nasty infection, gave me one IV delivered antibiotic and i was back home on Christmas eve day.

 

[tankerguy72]

Can the release be mapped to a controller button?

That is the plan and the only correct way to do it.

so TG72, ive not read back as yet, have you decided if the tanker with be 2020 and 2024 as yet? last time i was here you had said you might make it 2024 only? Every time i get the money to get 2024, i end up having to use the money on something stupid... ya know, like bills.... ack

ive not been around as id gotten pretty bad health wise. id gotten an infection in my kidneys, dr told me all along he wasnt sure what was happening, id fallen on dec 22nd 2024, had to call 911 for a lift assist, too weak to get myself up, plus id fallen off the toilet, nearly went face first into the cats litterbox!! ambulance tech told me she wasnt going to hear no from me and they transported me to hospital, ER dr ended up telling me they were admitting me, and to call my loved ones as i had about a week, to week and a half. My GP came in the following day, mad that the ER doc told me that, then says... youve got at least 2 weeks left.. that kinda stunned me, his jolly way of telling me, then he says... but its a nasty infection, gave me one IV delivered antibiotic and i was back home on Christmas eve day.

She will be a 2020 build first. Hope you're feeling better.

 

[Priller]

That is the plan and the only correct way to do it.

She will be a 2020 build first. Hope you're feeling better.

I am!! Thanks @tankerguy72 !

 

[Tom Clayton]

That is the plan and the only correct way to do it.

That's much appreciated. I think I remember reading that sim's native water bomber would not allow that. You had to click the panel with your mouse while trying to perform complex maneuvers.

 

[tankerguy72]

That's much appreciated. I think I remember reading that sim's native water bomber would not allow that. You had to click the panel with your mouse while trying to perform complex maneuvers.

With the tank computer, there are a few different drop setups. One option is having the doors open while the drop button is held, then close when the button is released. The issue is that MSFS K: commands do not really like that type of hold-and-release logic — they work better with clear “toggle on” and “toggle off” commands. I’m working on a workaround to make it function correctly.

 

[Tom Clayton]

Back in the FS9 days, one of the xml gurus was kind enough to write an invisible gauge that turned on the smoke if the brakes were on while the plane was in the air. It worked perfectly and meant that with the stock mapping of the brakes to the stick's trigger, that pulling the trigger while airborne turned on the smoke and off when the trigger was released.

When I get home, I'll try to look through my files to see if I still have it. The code may not work in this sim, but maybe the concept can be carried over...