vR_BR143: startup procedure help needed

[OldProf]

Since it was on sale at 75% off today, I bought the DB BR143 Loco Add-On. I have carefully read the manual, but cannot get this engine to start. The engine can be operated only in expert mode and only using the keyboard or mouse: the F4 HUD controls do not work, according to the manual.

The first step in the starting sequence is, according to the manual, pressing Shift+P to raise the pantograph, but pressing Shift+P accomplishes n-o-t-h-i-n-g. There is also an in-cab, mouse-operated control switch for raising the pantograph, but moving this switch also accomplishes n-o-t-h-i-n-g. [In my opinion, these elaborate and supposedly realistic start-up sequences are getting way out of hand!]

I'm hoping that someone else who has purchased this DLC can tell me what I'm doing wrong. At first, I thought that the "P" key might be in a different place on a German keyboard (most of the cab control pop-up hints are in German), so I tried every possible Shift+letter or symbol combination, to no avail.

[johnmckenzie]

I think there's something else you need to do first, Tom - but for the life of me I can't remember what. I'll try to have a look for you later tonight

[jwtheiv]

Since it was on sale at 75% off today, I bought the DB BR143 Loco Add-On. I have carefully read the manual, but cannot get this engine to start. The engine can be operated only in expert mode and only using the keyboard or mouse: the F4 HUD controls do not work, according to the manual.

The first step in the starting sequence is, according to the manual, pressing Shift+P to raise the pantograph, but pressing Shift+P accomplishes n-o-t-h-i-n-g. There is also an in-cab, mouse-operated control switch for raising the pantograph, but moving this switch also accomplishes n-o-t-h-i-n-g. [In my opinion, these elaborate and supposedly realistic start-up sequences are getting way out of hand!]

I'm hoping that someone else who has purchased this DLC can tell me what I'm doing wrong. At first, I thought that the "P" key might be in a different place on a German keyboard (most of the cab control pop-up hints are in German), so I tried every possible Shift+letter or symbol combination, to no avail.

This may help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN2__UmD_IQ

[OldProf]

Thanks for the link to the video tutorial, but -- as I noted in my original message -- for me the process fails at the first step, which is pressing Shift+P. I do that, but nothing happens. Interestingly enough, the users' manual says to try pressing Shift+9 first, then shift+P, which is the opposite of the sequence in the video, but it really doesn't matter since I cannot get the engine to respond to any keyboard presses.

[OldProf]

I think there's something else you need to do first, Tom - but for the life of me I can't remember what. I'll try to have a look for you later tonight

Hello, John. I've tried following the starting instructions provided in the manual and on-screen in most scenarios, beginning with Shift-P, to which there is no response. The manual also suggests beginning with Shift+9, but that doesn't work either. All other engines respond to my keyboard. Thanks in advance for anything you can suggest. Tom

[jwtheiv]

I fired up my copy just to be sure and it seems okay - pantographs respond to shift-p/ctrl-shift-p, etc. Maybe a bad download/install? Sadly, I'm really not sure.

[stresstool]

What kind of keyboard do you have and/or what does Windows think it is? I am reminded of those cases where the KB is not set to one of the English types? Since Shift-P doesn't work, do what I would do and press Shift+<any key> and see what happens. Maybe you can find where Shift-P moved. If not, then you are screwed and have to tell Windows you have a different type of keyboard which will no doubt screw up all your non-RW stuff.

[robbit]

If you hit shift + p more than once it changes things so be sure you are only pressing it once to start with. It may help to do it from outside view looking at the Pant to be sure it is going up.

It also helps to know if you are driving from the engine or the control car because there is a different start up procedure for the control car

[peterhayes]

Tom
Just saw your post - I wrote this guide - don't know if it helps:
Start and drive the VR de BR143 using the Keyboard.
F4 HUD does not work

1. Pantograph Up | Down P or Shift + P (cycle front Up – both up – back up)
2. Main switch press Ctrl + Z
3. Set Reverser press W | S keys
4. Driving AFB Control Mode
Power Level set press C | Y keys - adjust
Release Train and Loco Brakes press ";/[" keys
Select Target Speed press "D | A" keys
5. Driving NOTCHED Control Mode - SHUNTING
Regulator to zero press "A" key
Increase Throttle – Notch ↑ press "E" key
Decrease Throttle – Notch ↓ press "Q" key
Note: "D | A" keys secondary control
6. Driving Modes
Shift+D | Ctrl+D - ON | OFF – Local Stopper
Shift+W | Shift+S - ON | OFF – Use Uphills
Shift+S | Shift+W - ON | OFF – Use Down hills
7. Braking
Always press "F" key first except in Shift + D mode.
Use "E-brake" aka Loco brake [ | ] and if needed use
Train Brake ; | ´ NumPad + | -
8. Door Control
Open Doors press the "T" key
Close Doors press the "Ctrl + T" key combination.
9. Security Switch (SIFA)
If activated press "SpaceBar" every 30 seconds
Deactivate/Activate press the "Shift + 7" key combination
10. PZB System
Switch ON Press "Shift + 8"
Types of trains – Press "Ctrl + 8":
Zugart "O" – Light & Passenger Trains (Default)
Zugart "M" – Heavy & Freight Trains
Zugart "U" – V. Heavy & Freight Trains
Magnets for Zugart "O"
1000 Hz press PZB Wachsam "Page Down" within 4 seconds
At 700 m post 1000 Mhz magnet (if safe) press PZB Frei "END" key
500 Hz - Press "Page Down" within 4 seconds
Speed is < 65 Km/hr & reduce speed < 45Km/hr (or line speed) within 153 m.
In force for 250 m cannot be released
2000 Hz
Emergency brakes applied (eg Red Signal)
Press PZB Befehl "DEL" key speed limit now <40Km/Hr.
NOTE:
1000Hz & 500Hz magnets
Train Stops or 15 seconds < 10Km/Hr speed limit reduced by 20Km/hr.
Press "END" key to release magnet lamp extinguishes.
11. Windshield Wipers
On/Off press the "V" key
Interval ↑, Press "Shift + V" key combination, Off, 4, 7, &12 time delay
Interval ↓ Press "Ctrl + V" key combination cycle.
12. Train & Cab Lights
Train
On | Off cycle – press the "H" key
Dim Brighter press the "Shift + L" key combination
Dim Darker press the "Ctrl + L" key combination
CabLights
Full - press "Ctrl + Shift + H" key combination
Half - Shift + H" key combination
Off – middle position in cab.

ZWS Mode -Drive BDnrzf + BR143 Pushing
1. Enter BDnrzf Cab
2. Press "Shift + 9" to enter ZWS Mode
3. Press "P" key – Pantograph
4. Press "Ctrl + Z" key combination
5. Driving the BDnrzf
Press the "W | S" key combination
Release the brakes press ";/[" keys
Check Doors closed press "Ctrl + T" combination
Set Regulator/throttle to drive press "E" key until correct
Keep pressing the "E" key max 40 – 50 Km/Hr.
Release "E" to decelerate and regulator jumps to drive
Press "Q" key to notch down
6. Braking the BDnrzf
Press "Q" key to notch down to "no load" then set to "Off"
Use Train Brake ; | ´ NumPad + | - and/or
Loco Brake – [ | ] keys

Note: Other controls as per BR 143.

ZDS Mode -Drive 2 x BR 143 (Front & Back and/or Tandem)
1. Enter Front BR 143 Cab
2. Press "Shift + P" key combination – first Pantograph
3. Press "Shift + 9" to enter ZDS Mode
4. Raise Pantograph on second BR 143 press "Ctrl + Shift +P" combination keys
5. Press "Ctrl + Z" key combination main switch BR 143 – ONE
6. Press "Ctrl +Shift + Z" key combination main switch BR 143 - TWO

If its useful I can send you the pdf version as its easier to read
Regards
PeterH

[OldProf]

Thanks, Peter. The procedure in your list is exactly that contained in the users' manual and, for that matter, in the initial instructions contained in most of the scenarios available for the BR143 "Expert Line" DLC (I am reminded of an old definition of "expert": x is an unknown quantity and spert is a drip under pressure.)

Speaking of which, I have received the following reply from VirtualRailroads:

"Finally we can't provide a solution because we don't know the problem.
That package worked for years perfectly and now it seem to won't work.
We don't know why. I think, RSC/DTG has done something that destroys the
package. So you need to contact them to find out what. I have an idea.
Maybe they packed the addon to their new .ap file format and that will
not work for that type of full scripted engine. I can't confirm that
becaus i do not have the final addon. Maybe you can take a look into the
directory. If there is only a .ap and .pk file, then it's what i think.
We here at vR can't do anything.

Best Regards,

Maik Goltz"

Isn't that just great and helpful? An "expert" with no access to the product in question blames the problem on RSC/DTG due his suspicion that .ap folders are involved. As I replied to Herr Goltz, the package appears within the Assets folder in ordinary, everyday sub-folders: no .ap involved. For now, I'm just thankful that I didn't pay full price for this DLC.

[OldProf]

I fired up my copy just to be sure and it seems okay - pantographs respond to shift-p/ctrl-shift-p, etc. Maybe a bad download/install? Sadly, I'm really not sure.

I tried deleting all of this package's folders and then verifying the cache: the problem still persists.

[OldProf]

What kind of keyboard do you have and/or what does Windows think it is? I am reminded of those cases where the KB is not set to one of the English types? Since Shift-P doesn't work, do what I would do and press Shift+<any key> and see what happens. Maybe you can find where Shift-P moved. If not, then you are screwed and have to tell Windows you have a different type of keyboard which will no doubt screw up all your non-RW stuff.

The simple fact that my Microsoft keyboard and Logitech mouse successfully manipulate the complex controls of many other engines available from RSC through Steam convinces me that those pieces of standard equipment are not at fault in this situation.

[buzz456]

I don't have this but maybe it's time to start comparing file sizes to see what's different since one works and one doesn't.

[Chacal]

Does this DLC have a dedicated inputmapper file?
Does it have a lua script?

[OldProf]

I don't have this but maybe it's time to start comparing file sizes to see what's different since one works and one doesn't.

I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours. Seriously, Buzz, I'm seeking advice from those who actually own this add-on. Herr Goltz of Virtual Railroads, who, oddly enough, does not own the add-on, is nevertheless trying to assist me by asking me to check for the presence of some files and make some tests. He writes, in one recent message, that in order to have the product on his computer he would have to buy a copy. Does that make sense?????