Doppler Radar

[EHM-1554 Chris]

Does ne body know if there is anywhere to get a doppler radar for FS that actually works in co-ordance with the current weather?

[EHM-0654 Murray]

I know of two (both payware though...)

RealityXP WX500 Weather Radar (works with whatever weather engine you choose to use)

and

ActiveSky 2004.5 which includes ActiveRadar Weather Radar

Personally, I find myself using ActiveSky/ActiveRadar more as it delivers more information.

[EHM-1554 Chris]

thanx murray do know what the price for these are and are they worth it do u reckon?

[EHM-0654 Murray]

Originally posted by Chrisp
thanx murray do know what the price for these are and are they worth it do u reckon?

If you have FS2004 and an active Internet connection when you're flying (whether you are flying on or offline) I'd say ActiveSky [ http://www.hifisim.com/activesky20045.htm ] is definitely worth the money (29.95 EUR) for what it gives you; high resolution real-world weather and a pretty good weather radar (with METAR decoding as a side function)

The RealityXP one [ http://www.reality-xp.com/products/WX5/index.htm ] is far more realistic (it *is* a Bendix King RDR150/160 for flight sim) and will work with whatever you have doing your weather (FS in-built, FS Meteo, ActiveSky) and regardless of your Internet connectivity, but does only one job, and nor is it that cheap - $24.95 US. Also you must be using Windows XP to use this gauge.

Of the two, I have a feeling that the RealityXP has the lower minimum spec. requirement.

EDIT: Grr! No matter what tricks I try, I can't get the ActiveSky URL to hyperlink. Cut'n'paste the address into a spare tab/window...

[EHM-1554 Chris]

ok thanx alot murray i will look and see, i have found out a friend has active sky and the weather looks great, the only things is it can slow down the the performance of FS.

[EHM-0654 Murray]

Originally posted by Chrisp
ok thanx alot murray i will look and see, i have found out a friend has active sky and the weather looks great, the only things is it can slow down the the performance of FS.

Personal experience only, but I find it far more processor friendly that FSMeteo (which I used to use). Just remember, if you are an IVAO flyer, to turn off IVAP's weather engine...

(And one last thing, ActiveSky allegedly runs across WideFS which would free even more cycles on your FS PC...)

[EHM-1554 Chris]

Oh ok well i turned down afew settings in FS and the performance is alot better now. i use a modern pc with a decent spec so i was a little suprised to see the performance drop......im not sure how 2 turn of IVAP weather....

Thanx Chris

[EHM-0654 Murray]

Originally posted by Chrisp
im not sure how 2 turn of IVAP weather....

Start up the IVAP configuration tool and in the "Weather & Time" tab, turn off (in this order) both Smoothing check boxes, Clear weather on disconnect and finally Weather Active.

[EHM-1554 Chris]

ok thanx murray i have switched off the IVAP weather. i flew a flite earlier with IVAP weather on aswell as Active sky....... u controlling 2nite???

[EHM-0654 Murray]

Turning off the IVAO weather should speed things up no end...

My home connectivity is all up the chuff (ruddy BT...) so unfortunately, no, and nor am I likely to before this coming weekend!

Also means I can't fly online either (and I wanted to start part 2 of the IVAO VFR WT 2005...)

Grr! :@