# Falcon BMS

Tacview supports Falcon BMS 4.34 and above. Starting with Falcon BMS 4.38, native Tacview ACMI files are generated default. All you need to do is press the `F` key, while flying, to start data recording.

There is no feedback in Falcon BMS to confirm that recording is happening. Check the ACMI file recording folder `C:\Falcon BMS 4.38\User\Acmi\` to verify that a file is being created:

![Falcon BMS - Recording](https://681332907-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZ9tiJ3xbT7zyJ4FlZiMM%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6c683d674f15175d5e57e5b0f6f3cd4f6234f91c%2Ffalcon-bms-confirm-recording.png?alt=media)

After the flight, find the resulting ACMI file in that same folder.

Open it in Tacview. Also make sure you have selected `Options` → `Terrain` → `Auto` or `Falcon BMS`

![Falcon BMS 4.0 theater selection](https://681332907-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZ9tiJ3xbT7zyJ4FlZiMM%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-cc85a8f43e17dcf54c2a0657ffb0cdd3a5c5818b%2Ffalcon-bms-terrain-options.png?alt=media)

To add terrain texures and elevation files, follow the instructions of oakdesign who so kindly prepared these files for the community: [Tacview Skyvector Map tiles and high res Heightmaps for 4.38](https://forum.falcon-bms.com/topic/32175/tacview-skyvector-map-tiles-and-high-res-heightmaps-for-4.38/2?_=1768855667994)

#### Importing a DTC File into Tacview

When you open a `VHS` file, Tacview automatically tries to open a corresponding DTC `INI` file with the same name.

You can also load any DTC file afterward by using the `File` → `Merge` feature or drag-and-dropping the file into the 3D view.

You can load and visualize multiple DTC `INI` files within the same mission.

#### Airports and Navigational Aids

Many airports on the South Korean and Israel maps have been added to Tacview. However, because this is a long process, some airports may still be missing from your favorite region. You can add your own airports by following the instructions provided in the documentation about [Static Objects](https://raia-software-inc.gitbook.io/tacview/customization/static-objects).

For the Korea theatre, you can also try the popular [BMS 4.34 KTO AIP v2.1.0 (by Windblow)](https://www.tacview.net/download/KTO%20AIP%20434%20for%20Tacview%20v2.1.0.zip).

#### Real-Time Telemetry

To connect Tacview to Falcon BMS 4.38 in real-time telemetry, first check the `User\Config\Falcon BMS User.cfg` and add or configure the line `set g_bTacviewRealTime 1`. The following other options are also available:

```
set g_bTacviewRealTime 1
//set g_bTacviewAcmi 1 // no need to set this, default is 1
//set g_nTacviewPort 42674 // no need to set this, default is 42674
//set g_bTacviewIpv6 0 // no need to set this, default is 0
//set g_sTacviewPassword 1234 // no need to set this, empty pwd also works fine
//set g_bMPTacviewRtAllowedByServer 1 // no need to set this, default is 1
```

![Falcon BMS Config Real Time](https://681332907-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZ9tiJ3xbT7zyJ4FlZiMM%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1c68a350eab3084ea061afec815326503488f2be%2Ffalcon-bms-config-real-time.png?alt=media)

Fly in Falcon BMS 4.38 (or above) and press the `F` key to start recording.

Open Tacview and go to `Recording` → `Real-Time Telemetry` (Do NOT go to `Recording` → `Falcon 4.0 Legacy Real-Time Telemetry`, this is a legacy option)

![Falcon BMS Real Time Connection](https://681332907-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZ9tiJ3xbT7zyJ4FlZiMM%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-89fd5bd530e1898bf958c0e5c5129aa8ca51300c%2Ffalcon-bms-real-time-connection.png?alt=media)

Tacview will display your flight in real time.

#### Large files

If you are struggling with a large file which takes a long time to open and does not run smoothly, try opening it in tacview and then saving it through Tacview, in`.zip.acmi` format. Usually this will result in a much more compact, usable file.

#### Legacy

Before about Falcon BMS 4.38, only `VHS` files were generated by Falcon BMS. These files were and still are supported by Tacview.

See [Falcon 4.0](https://raia-software-inc.gitbook.io/tacview/flight-simulator/falcon-4.0) to learn more about `VHS` files.

When opening `VHS` files, make sure you select the correct theatre from the `File` → `Open` dialogue box.

![Falcon BMS Theatre Selection](https://681332907-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZ9tiJ3xbT7zyJ4FlZiMM%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c014a9ade6f6a4cd431405b245b985724dc73091%2Ffalcon-bms-theatre-selection.png?alt=media)

Tacview already includes the most popular Falcon BMS theaters. You can also add your own database and terrain by modifying the file `C:\Program Files (x86)\Tacview\Data\Xml\Data-Falcon4Theaters.xml`. Detailed instructions are provided in this very file. Tacview natively supports Falcon BMS database and terrain format.

**Legacy Real-Time Telemetry**

Real-Time Telemetry is possible with `VHS` files.

In a version of Falcon BMS which generates `VHS` files, start a flight. Press `F` to start recording.

In Tacview, go to `Recording` → `Falcon 4.0 Legacy Real-Time Telemetry`.

![Falcon BMS Legacy Real-Time](https://681332907-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZ9tiJ3xbT7zyJ4FlZiMM%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c9679284d2aae759c8f06e801725d196107917c3%2Ffalcon-bms-legacy-real-time.png?alt=media)

Tacview will display your flight in real time.

If the objects are grey, press `F` to stop recording and `F` again to re-launch recording and the correct colors will appear.