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Observing Guide

All members of VATSIM are permitted to observe on the network. Prospective controllers are encouraged to do so to test their software works and learn how things look through the controller client EuroScope. This guide explains how to observe through EuroScope and the Audio Client of your choice.

Prerequisites

Before using this guide, it's assumed you have installed the recommended version of EuroScope, the UK Controller Pack, and either Audio for VATSIM (AFV) or Track Audio. Installation and setup instructions can be found here.

How to Observe (EuroScope)

Step 1 - Select a Profile (.prf) to use

When you start EuroScope, you will be asked which .prf file to open, select the one most appropriate for the position you are observing, e.g. Edinburgh SMR.prf for EGPH_GND.

I don't get asked to select a .prf

Make sure you have followed the steps in this section of the EuroScope setup guide.

Step 2 - Connecting to the network

  • In the top-left of EuroScope, press "Connect".
  • If you have run the LogonDetails.exe script described here, the details should be filled in for you. If not, fill out the dialog box with the relevant information, e.g.:

EuroScope Connect Dialog

What should I use as my 'Callsign'?

You should use your first and last initial followed by _OBS e.g. WH_OBS. If you find someone else is using this already, you can add an extra underscore e.g. WH__OBS or a middle initial e.g. WSH_OBS.

What if I don't want to use my real name?

See Section A4(b) of the 🔗 VATSIM Code of Conduct for permitted alternatives.

What is my 'Certificate'?

This is your VATSIM CID - make sure you enter the number only with no accidental presses of the Space bar.

What should I use as my 'Facility'?

"Observer".

What should I use as my 'Rating'?

Enter the rating that is applicable to you. If you don't hold an ATC Rating, this will be "Observer".

Which 'Server' should I select?

"AUTOMATIC" - EuroScope will select the best server for you based on latency and capacity.

What 'Range' should I select?

This is limited per section C8 of the 🔗 VATSIM Code of Conduct to 300 NM for observers. Choose a sensible range for what you're observing, for GND, 20 NM is plenty.

  • Ensure "Connect to VATSIM" is ticked.
  • Press 'Connect'.

If you are presented with this dialog box, close it. You do not need to touch this whilst observing.

EuroScope Voice Communication Setup Dialog

Step 3 - Set the visibility centre

To tell EuroScope where you want to observe, type the command .vis [ICAO] (e.g. .vis EGPH for Edinburgh) in the message bar at the bottom of EuroScope and press Enter.

Setting Visibility Centre

Step 4 - Set the active airport/runways to populate your lists

To open the "Active airport/runway selector dialog", click on the runway icon in the top menu bar (it's just to the right of the QS Quick Settings button).

Opening runway selector

Find the airport you want to observe at. They are in order of ICAO. You can 'jump' down by selecting the top entry and typing the ICAO.

Select both of the left two columns for the airport, and in the right two columns the active runway(s) only. So for Edinburgh, if they're using Runway 24, it should look like this:

Setting 24 at EGPH

And if they're using Runway 06, it should look like this:

Setting 06 at EGPH

Once selected correctly, press OK and the lists should populate with any traffic which is present on the network at that airport.

Warning

It is recommended not to use the Show active airports only option, as this can cause all active runway selections to be erased.

How to Listen (Track Audio)

  • Open TrackAudio and select Connect.
  • Add a station using the +:

Adding a Track Audio Station 1

  • Add the station you wish to listen to, e.g. "EGPH_GND":

Adding a Track Audio Station 2

  • Ensure that "RX" is highlighted next to that station in order to "receive" the frequency:

Receiving a Track Audio Station

How to Listen (Audio for VATSIM)

  • Open Audio for VATSIM and select Connect.
  • Use the small + to add the position you wish to observe:

Adding an AFV Station

  • Press the tick icon.
  • To listen to the frequency, make sure the "RX" is highlighted:

Receiving an AFV Station

Troubleshooting

If you're still having problems after following this guide, you can ask for help in the #community-help forum in the 🔗 VATSIM UK Discord.

Advanced Observing - Sector Ownership

For a guide on how to set up Alternative Ownership of sectors, see 🔗 this page on the VATSIM UK Sector File GitHub.