VATUSA Reference & Study Guides

Radar Clients

Advanced Simulated Radar Client (ASRC)
Virtual Radar Client (VRC)

Advanced Simulated Radar Client

Description: "ASRC, as the name implies, is a truly advanced simulated radar client enabling the controller to manage simulated air traffic in a way that closely matches actual radar procedures. ASRC uses keystrokes and commands that have been designed to closely approximate those used in ATC facilities. ASRC is a reality-based controller client. In designing ASRC, we have gone to great lengths to create an interface that enables the simulated controller to manage traffic in as realistic a way as possible." - The ASRC Developers

Some of the features include:

ARTS-III and DSR interfaces.
Enhanced alias functions and variables.
Advanced voice features including controller-to-controller voice communication.
Real-time information transfer between positions.
Easy, accurate re-centering, panning.
Aircraft coast rather than lag off.
Transparent boxes.

Developers: Mike Evans & David Hendleman
Website: http://arsc.info
Download: Click here to download the program from Avsim.
Documentation: Click here for the ASRC user's guide.

Virtual Radar Client

Description: "VRC has been designed from the beginning for use on systems with multiple monitors. The goal has been to keep the primary radar scope as uncluttered as possible by keeping all secondary functions (chat, flight strip editing, display control, etc.) in floating windows intended to be positioned on a side monitor. VRC was developed as an alternative to ASRC, primarily for users with multiple-monitor computer systems. VRC also takes a slightly different approach in terms of its user interface. Where ASRC strives to more closely model real-world radar systems, VRC was designed more for ease of use in the simulated radar environment found on VATSIM. Realism is a secondary concern, instead of a primary design goal." - Ross Carlson, VRC Developer

Some of the features include:

Built-in profile system. Save all settings in multiple profiles for easy switching between positions.
Multiple radar screens open at once, each with its own sector file and radar mode.
Flight strip editing window contains text boxes for quick amendments.
Two and three minute countdown timers for tower controllers.
Built-in ATISMaker function for automatically updating the ATIS as the weather changes.
Resizable radio text window.
Multiple visibility centers for controllers working large sectors.

Developer: Ross A. Carlson
Website: http://www.metacraft.com/VRC/
Download: http://www.metacraft.com/VRC/download.shtml
Documentation: http://www.metacraft.com/VRC/documentation.shtml