Feature Request : Selective Squelch

[ArwynFr]

This is a feature request to add a selective squelch system, simulating a CDCSS-like feature.

Any station could then be configured with a list of RX DCS codes to allow only these code to trigger reception mode. You may also configure TX DCS codes for each channel, and stations on your frequency will only receive your transmission if they have one of the TX DCS code in their RX DCS list. Empty RX DCS code means receive everything (no filter).

This could help teams with complex structure to organize their coms better. You may then decide with you team to use a DCS codes plan such as, for instance : 1-9 for each squad, 11-19 for each squad leader, 20 platoon leader, 99 for broadcast, etc ... People then select which code they want to receive and which ones they want to emit to. This would allow them to transmit only to players they want to speak with without loosing the ability to receive messages from others.

Not sure how to implement GUI regarding this feature though.

Note: this is not a duplicate of #1143

[dedmen]

Couldn't people just like.. Use different frequencies?

[ArwynFr]

The idea is to be able to aggregate multiple sources in RX and emit to multiple destinations in TX. Separately. And simultaneously. But if you ask multiple stations to emit to a common frequency, so one may receive them together, then everyone that want to listen to any of their messages will also receive those from others stations. Also, when you transmit a message, you must ask all stations interested to what you have to say to join your emitting frequency, meanwhile they can't hear they're being called on another one.

Additional channel partially solves this problem, but it's not powerful enough for advanced scenarios, as you can only TX to a single freq and RX up to 2. Whenever, you'd like to RX from 3 stations, you have to have at least two of them use the same frequency. And whenever yo want to broadcast a message to multiple stations, you have to have them configure their RX to the same frequency you're emitting to.

However, I just came to a new idea of simplifying my request feature. How about adding a toggle TX/RX/both/none button that would set a flag (let's call it « RTX ») for each channel ? I didn't thought of that idea earlier because that's nonsense given how radio stations work IRL, but regarding how TFAR seems to function, it should be possible and do the trick.

Also, not sure if it is worth considering RTX presets to be quick saved / restored (with customizable keybinds).

[severgun]

Having this feature would be cool, but seems like you just make everything complex.

3 fireteams by 4 ppl + SL can have 2 absolutely working scenarios.

1. One freq for all. 13 ppl can easily keep channel clear out of flood.
2. One main freq for SL and broadcast and 3 individual freqs for each squad.

[ArwynFr]

3 fireteams by 4 ppl + SL can have 2 absolutely working scenarios.

You're right, but I'm considering more complex usages, in a much larger scale combined arms operation. Think about a platoon-sized conventional force with armored and artillery support, air assets with ATC procedures, logistics elements, and independent delta force teams.

Whenever a unit grows larger than squad-size, TFAR gets weak on features IMHO. You could imagine to make it work with a lot of discipline, but hey, it's a game. You can make it with 6 people in the unit through means of selection, but having 60 people disciplined is a different kettle of fish.

That's why features such as selective squelch or multicasting were introduced to IRL RTO actually ...

[severgun]

Think about a platoon-sized conventional force with armored and artillery support, air assets with ATC procedures, logistics elements, and independent delta force teams.

Yep. I play this type of TvTs every weekend. Platoon Commander + 3 Squad Leaders + 3 Veh Commanders + 1-3 Recon/Arty/Med Team Leads They use backpacks with LR radio on freq, lets say 55MHz. 7-10 people on one channel can easily communicate and recognize each other. If I'm a platoon commander, I don't give a f.., what rifleman from second squad talking. I need only squad leader reports.

Each Squad/Team/Crew have SR radios for intrasquad communication. Lets say main freq 124MHz. If squad of 13 people want to split into fireteams, they can use individual frequency as main channel and 124MHz at additional channel to be on line with squad leader.

You can make it with 6 people in the unit through means of selection, but having 60 people disciplined is a different kettle of fish.

We have 60-80 per side.