VACS: A summary.

VACS is a external communication tool that permits two-way communication between controllers created by Nick Müller. It is arguably simpler than searching for who is on a position, finding them on TeamSpeak and moving channels. Instead, simply click the position you wish to coordinate with and initiate a phone call.

Upon receiving a call, VACS will sound a dialing tone for 2 seconds and will repeat until the call is either answered or terminated.

How do I access and use VACS?

Accessing VACS

You can access VACS through the External Program Only. The inbuilt Euroscope program does not work with VACS. The VACS installer is included in the UK Controller Pack or can be downloaded from here

How to setup VACS

Configuring Audio

Note

Before changing certain audio settings, the volume indicator for your input needs to be deselected, otherwise, it will suggest that a call is ongoing.

On this screen, you can change all of the audio settings, from your input volume, to the volume of the inbound call tone. All of the miscellaneous buttons are self explanitory, and the transmit and hotkey buttons are discussed below.

You can set your transmit mode by going to Settings -> Transmit. The Transmit page also includes a explanation of how each Transmit Mode works.

Tip

Voice activation is the most realistic mode of transmission for UK controllers.

Hotkeys are also useful way to be able to accept and deny incoming calls without having to open the VACS program each time. To set your hotkeys go to Settings -> Hotkeys.

Note

You can set both Hotkeys to the same Key allowing you to accept and end calls using the same button.

Communicating with other controllers

Coordination Etiquette

How should I initially speak to the controller that I'm coordinating with?

The person answering the call should identify themself First, for example "Hello, Gatwick AIR". The calling controller will then identify themself, and pass their message.

What should I do if the controller I am calling does not answer?

You should wait a few minutes as they may be busy. They may call you back. If they don't, try calling them again.

I can hear the other controller speaking on their frequency, is this meant to happen?

Yes. The other controller may be using voice activation in their audio settings, so you may hear them talking on their frequency.

Does this replace all coordination?

No. Teamspeak should still be used to coordinate ADC to ADC.

Using VACS

This section mainly describes the core features of VACS and the use of the main panel, which you will see 90% of the time that you are using VACS. There are 4 main buttons that you will most likely use.

This button takes you to the menu where you can change the view of your panel.

This button opens a phonebook styled menu, where you can see a list of people that called you, what time it was, and whether it was an in or outbound call. You can also dial a controller by their CID or you can add them to your ignored list, also by CID.

This is the settings menu. You'll use this when setting up your audio settings, alongside hotkeys or transmission methods.

This button ends the call that you are currently on.

Changing Profiles

Currently VACS does not automatically group based on where you are controlling. The grouping must be done manually.

To do this click the profiles button navigate over to profiles and select the region or aerodrome you are currentrly controlling in

Note

When opening the Profiles page for the first time, it may appear blank as no profiles have been imported. To resolve this press Select Stations Config, Then select the UK_VACS File located inside the UK folder in your Euroscope installation.

Calling

Warning

Before you identify yourself, wait for the dot in the top left corner to appear green, this establishes that there is a connection between the two stations.

Accepting a call

This is what an incoming call appears as:

To accept the call, click the flashing green station. Alternatively, you can use hotkeys. This is mentioned in configuring audio. To end the call, either press the 'end' button, or the hotkey that you have assigned to end the call.

Making a call

To make a call, simply press the controller that would you like to call. On most profiles, area positions will be aliasesd, for example, 'AC South', will show as 'AC WOR' on all profiles that contain AC South. If you are unsure of who an alias will call, you can see what frequency is aliased to what name in the profiles menu. Most ADC positions are not aliased, though some are.

Note

You will only see controllers who are online AND using VACS.