Get it
The server is free and available for DCS World. You can get LotAtc Server from here: Download.
How it works
LotAtc Server is a module for DCS World: it must be installed inside each DCS instance, in its Saved Games directory. This is mandatory for the LotAtc Server to be able to run.
The free LotAtc Configurator does this for you and is the recommended way to install, update and configure LotAtc Server. You install LotAtc once, then the Configurator deploys and manages it in every DCS instance you use — no manual file editing.
Installation
1. Run the LotAtc Installer
After downloading the LotAtc Installer, execute the “Setup_LotAtc.exe” and follow the installation wizard.
During this step, you have to accept the end-user licence agreement and choose a destination folder for the installation of LotAtc.
Default path is C:\Program Files\LotAtc
Relief, software and common files will be in this path. (use any folder BUT NOT in DCS or Saved Games)
LotAtc Installer will propose you to check which packages you want to install :
To run LotAtc Server, you must select at least:
- LotAtc Server for DCS package — the Configurator is installed automatically with it
- the maps you want to use — Relief must be checked for terrain masking, at least one is necessary
Continue setup and let it install everything.
2. Deploy with the Configurator
When the installation finishes, LotAtc Configurator launches automatically (you can also open it any time). It lists every DCS instance detected on your computer.
For each DCS instance you want to use, select the branch (see versioning) and click the blue install button.
From the Configurator you can also update LotAtc, switch versions, edit the server configuration and detection profile, and manage transponder / ATIS / user files — all without editing a file by hand. See the Configurator manual for the full workflow.
Running a dedicated DCS server? The same Configurator handles it — use the dedicated button when configuring the instance.
Granting Network access
Being a server application, LotAtc Server must be able to “listen” for incoming clients on its communication port. The protocol used is TCP and the default port is 10310.
If needed, you may change the port number, but not the protocol. Don’t forget to inform your clients who will need this information to connect to your server.
Regarding your firewall configuration: as a module, LotAtc Server acts as a part of DCS World. Hence you have to allow DCS World (dcs.exe) to communicate through the TCP 10310 port (or your personnalised port number).
If you have a router (or an internet box with a router feature), you must configure it to relay the incoming TCP 10310 communications to your PC identified by its Local Area Network IP. This is called Port Forwarding (or sometimes NAT). Refer to your router/box user manual for how to do that.
By the way, you already did that for your DCS server: it’s the same operation, just a different port number (DCS World uses TCP 10308 & UDP 10308, whereas LotAtc Server uses TCP 10310).
Be careful, DCS port and LotAtc port must be different
What’s next?
After installation succeeds, the LotAtc Server icon will be displayed on your DCS splash screen, along with other DCS modules:
Once you get this, please follow the Server user manual instructions to configure & run LotAtc Server within DCS World. You can use this checklist
If you plan to use a dedicated DCS server, click here for configuration
Manual installation (advanced)
The Configurator is the recommended path. If you cannot use it — for example on a headless dedicated server — LotAtc Installer can provide an OvGME package you deploy manually. See dedicated server installation for the details.
Add/remove package
You want to modify your current installation ? Install more maps, LotAtc Client or Server ?
Launch LotAtc_updater.exe from your install directory (default is C:\Program Files\LotAtc)
And choose which packages you want to install/uninstall, LotAtc Installer will do !
Check this post for more details of this new installer.
Update
LotAtc has an auto-updater that simplify update of all components (client/server/maps…).
LotAtc Client will check once a day for a new version. If something is needed to be updated, you will be prompted for an update.
You can also launch LotAtc_updater.exe from your install directory (default is C:\Program Files\LotAtc)
Check this post for more details of this new installer.
Uninstallation
Run the uninstaller via the start menu shortcut.
If you don’t have a start menu shortcut, use windows add/delete programs feature, or execute the uninstaller directly from your install directory by default C:/Program Files/LotAtc.
Check this post for more details of this new installer.