Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 07, 2011, 10:30:42 pm
Anyway I got my discs today from Amazon and after about 4-5 hours of swapping discs everything installed quite smoothly.
I updated to the latest version 9.67 and started to rough in my controls a bit and play with the display settings.
I can already see that getting the controls mapped to my stick/HOTAS are going to take some fine tuning.
I also did a basic first pass at getting the visuals sorted out and seem to have managed to get frame locked at 30fps but am not sure about the draw distance if the weather is showing fog or if I am exceeding hardware limits. I'll be playing with this and the controls during the week and following the suggested guides at xplane.org and on the wiki and see where I get to.
I did a couple of quick takeoff-flyaround flights using some mystery default jet and the Cessna 172 (oh boy are my controls wonky) and it does run exceptionally smooth right out of the box with just a couple plays so far. The controls are very twitchy and am going to have to sort out trim as my first assignment to a rocker on my HOTAS didn't work so well.
Any detailed guidance on the best visual settings would be appreciated.
System:
Quad Core2 Q8300@2.5GHz
GeForce 430 1Gb
4Gb DDR3 RAM
WINXP SP3
Also-while I get the trim settings under control is it possible to set some sort of "autorudder"? I do not have pedals at the present time and coordinated turns using the stick twist at slow speeds are utter crap (once I get my new widescreen monitor my next investment is that nice yoke with the thumb pedals).
The fluidity of the sim is astonishing to say the least and I look forward to getting things settled and then whacking in some proper airport scenery and the EHM Twin Otter and see what X-plane really has to offer.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 08, 2011, 04:49:39 am
That setting doesn't lock fps like in fsx, instead it maintains that frame rate as a minimum so if you drop under 30, it will bring the fog of death in to maintain 30 fps.
Set it back to 19 and forget about it.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 08, 2011, 12:54:03 pm
I should have said that the frame appear locked at 30fps-I did not change the minimum frames.
Looking pretty good so far having tweaked it a bit more.
The download for the Wild DH-6 appears to be broken FYI.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 08, 2011, 01:11:36 pm
Once you have installed the livery, load the plane and then load the livery.
To set the livery as default, open the aircraft using planemaker (in the xp9 folder), select the Wild livery and save the plane.
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 08, 2011, 02:36:56 pm
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 08, 2011, 02:46:19 pm
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 08, 2011, 03:26:32 pm
I think he means the download link from the fleet page; it redirects to the forum with a message "Album not found" ...
Bingo :D
Apologies for not being more clear. I wrote that on a break from trying to mow my lawn (soaked grass still but SO insisted lol) and was in a hurry. I will DL the Twin Otter and see how it flies. I did finally find a default included aircraft that let me mess around properly (I think the Archer?) and the sim actually looks really nice aside from the desolate and depressing airfields but I plan to fix that quickly with some freeware so at least Heathrow looks normal.
The other hard bit is getting used to the controls and the mouse selections. I clicked on a NAV radio and scrolled the mouse and immediately the plane throttled up and up and up until I twigged that default mouse scroll wheel is the throttle derp derp doh :P.
I'll have to screenshot my rendering settings for you and see if there are any further adjustments to make. Things look pretty smooth and really sharp; however, I wonder if I can increase the speed of panning L/R/U/D with the hat switch and how to zoom in on instruments would be useful too.
I'm also unsure about the weather. I ticked the boxes requesting realistic download of weather and assume thats it and the sim just works off that.
Cheers
Ted
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 08, 2011, 04:43:53 pm
1-I installed the aircraft and the EHM livery with no problem and did a couple of circuits around CYCG for giggles. The airplane seems to respond well and doing performance touch and go's seems spot on. It is a bit tricky though as there appears to be no radar altimeter that I can see?
2-How on earth does one stick in a flight plan? I see the rather large looking EFIS display on the right side of the cockpit but see no buttons or menu to allow me to program in waypoints.
3-Is there an autopilot somewhere? Its not a big deal on a short hop but some of the legs are in excess of two hours and thats a long time to hold the stick :D
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 08, 2011, 05:18:52 pm
2. I personally use FSCommander + moving map. However: http://wiki.x-plane.com/Chapter_6:_Navigation,_Autopilots,_and_Flying_on_Instruments (http://wiki.x-plane.com/Chapter_6:_Navigation,_Autopilots,_and_Flying_on_Instruments) see 2.2.3 Flying a flight plan.
3. I don't think there's an autopilot on that aircraft panel. However you can add one to it http://wiki.x-plane.com/Creating_a_Panel_in_Plane_Maker (http://wiki.x-plane.com/Creating_a_Panel_in_Plane_Maker)
Default x-plane functions aren't disabled, so if you assign the autopilot buttons to hardware controls or use something like the VRInsight MCP, then you can operate the autopilot that way.
May be useful to add an autopilot to the panel - I know others on the MT did when flying it the DHC-6 on x-plane.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 08, 2011, 08:13:50 pm
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 08, 2011, 08:51:20 pm
I looked at that tutorial and what I wanted to do was edit the exisiting panel getting rid of some of the silly stuff and adding the important bits like radar alt, GPWS etc. When I open the plane maker and select 2D and attempt to import the panel I get just a blank template.
I will poke around the forums some more and elsewhere and see if I can find a better guide.
Also I am not sure what is going on with the frames but it started snowing at CYCG (nice looking effects) and got that silly gfx warning. Now correct me if I am wrong but my gfx card is a 1Gb card and according to the resource load my current settings were at like 400Mb loaded. Whats going on with that? I find the actual gfx rendering setup slightly confusing in all honesty as it appears to keep changeing dynamically.
I will have to screenshot the weather/rendering page and perhaps one of you might know whats going on there.
Once I get sort of comfy with things I'll ask less questions but this is a very new interface and as you guys are experienced perhaps I can avoid some pitfalls while I climb the learning curve.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 08, 2011, 09:05:37 pm
Also I am not sure what is going on with the frames but it started snowing at CYCG (nice looking effects) and got that silly gfx warning. Now correct me if I am wrong but my gfx card is a 1Gb card and according to the resource load my current settings were at like 400Mb loaded. Whats going on with that? I find the actual gfx rendering setup slightly confusing in all honesty as it appears to keep changeing dynamically.
Probably not a memory issue but could be a cpu bottleneck, or a driver issue. Make sure your gpu drivers are up to date. I don't have a problem with snow, but then I'm not sure what your specs are.
If the drivers are up to date, then throttle things back a bit until you get higher frames. CYCG is not a location where you're particularly stretching things, especially with the freeware Twotter.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 09, 2011, 10:30:49 pm
X-plane is absolutely gorgeous at nightime as I did a test flight out of Heathrow over London and the sky is actually dark and the ground effects lighting is simply stunning.
The significant downside I can see thus far is that despite loading an enhanced EGLL the terminals and taxiways really don't match up well with reality so online jet or turboprop flight between significant airfields may be an issue as taxi/docking accurately is fairly important. And I am not wild about the default aircraft beyond the Piper (which actually flies well and has a decent virtual cockpit) and I find the downloaded Twin Otter rather bleah (although the flight model is about the same as ours under FSX.
I am going to research a strong payware model (likely the MU-2 or one of the PC-12's) and have a go. I will also get the freeware x737 and see how that model works depsite the lack of a 2D pit just to get a proper feel for a proper jet aircraft in the sim.
It seems to me so far that where Xplane utterly shines is in the area of prop/turboprop flight and the sim fluidity
Just as a side note I have also just ordered and will be installing FS9 :D. I also got the PMDG 737 6/7/8/900 package for a song from Amazon at the same time. I was reluctant to do this but as my F1 ATR, QW757, FSC, and REX all came with installers for FS9 what the heck. Why not have at least one sim that can run at max fidelity given my current hardware ;).
I can easily see myself using FSX for the Twin Otter/PC-12 as those planes are just awesome and smooth....as is the QW 757 for the most part, the heavy metal stuff like PMDG on FS9, and the MU-2/PC-12 under X-plane for when FSX/FS9 begins to become irritating.
I'm still in the process of getting the controls sussed out and mapped properly to my stick/HOTAS. And how the heck can I disable or change the assignment of the scroll wheel on my mouse away from throttle control!
More rambles as I experiment some more. I am getting tempted to check out Mars lol.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 09, 2011, 11:27:32 pm
The payware is hit and miss. Definately get the MU-2 as your first xp9 payware. The flight model is amazing and the plane is lovely right now with a sweet cockpit update coming. Just learn to use trim! It looks to be far better than the two payware PC-12 models currently available for x-plane.
Try this: http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=11933 (http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=11933)
And this: http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?automodule=downloads&showfile=11835 (http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?automodule=downloads&showfile=11835)
This is coming:
(http://xplane10.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/new-b17g-khamsin1.jpg)
There's a great bunch of payware on the horizon too - Saab 340, Dash8-Q400, ATR72-500 (by the same guy that made the freeware F27 linked above), 777, 737-200, 747-200 and 747-400
You can't disable / remap the mouse scroll to my knowledge - shame, just don't touch it, use your other hardware instead!
Lets look forward to xp10 as well: http://www.x-plane.com/blog/2011/03/lots-of-testing-lots-of-absurdity/ (http://www.x-plane.com/blog/2011/03/lots-of-testing-lots-of-absurdity/)
Also have a read of http://xplane10.wordpress.com/ (http://xplane10.wordpress.com/)
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 10, 2011, 11:03:58 am
I think I am going to get the PC-12....the latest edition from Shade Tree Micro as thats an aircraft I am quite used to flying. I also intend to pick up that recommended scenery package as its a nice offer for that whole WILD division area. While the MU-2 looks great I'll hold off on that one as the reviews suggest it is quite a difficult aircraft to manage.
I am still tweaking the gfx here and there trying to get the best balance of eye candy-versus-flight visuals and am just about there. Still getting my controls sorted as well as there are quite a few options regarding view modes and zooms I am getting my head around.
If this is a teaser of what V10 might bring-all I can say is wow and look out MS Flight lol.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 10, 2011, 11:25:50 am
While the MU-2 looks great I'll hold off on that one as the reviews suggest it is quite a difficult aircraft to manage.
That's exactly why you should get that plane, it really demonstrates the flight model differences between x-plane and msfs.
You have to master the MU-2 but it's so satisfying when you do. Both props rotate in the same direction and the aircraft has a strong left roll tendancy. The aircraft also leans over on the ground depending on fuel distribution.
Approaches are really interesting, because you effectively trim the aircraft for your power setting and when making changes on approach, you either have to re-trim efficiently or wrestle the aircraft down ;D
Despite all of this, the aircraft is relatively easy to pick up and fly. You don't have a huge manual full of procedures to read before you get started.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 10, 2011, 06:45:27 pm
I notice in the rendering details box that the sim is calling like 3-450Mb of video RAM. How can this be an issue if my gfx card is a 1Gb card? It's like the software only sees half the available gfx memory?
System:
ASUS P5P41TD
Core2 Quad @2.5GHz
4Gb DDR3 RAM
Nvidia Ge430 1Gb
WINXP SP3
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 10, 2011, 11:33:43 pm
Try reducing the strength of some of the autogen or try turning off per pixel shaders etc.
A Geforce 430 is a fair, but not particularly strong video card.
Here's a comparison between the 430 and the 570 in my rig: http://www.hwcompare.com/9013/geforce-gt-430-1gb-vs-geforce-gtx-570/ (http://www.hwcompare.com/9013/geforce-gt-430-1gb-vs-geforce-gtx-570/)
and between the 430 and the 4870x2 (my last card): http://www.hwcompare.com/7021/geforce-gt-430-vs-radeon-hd-4870-x2/ (http://www.hwcompare.com/7021/geforce-gt-430-vs-radeon-hd-4870-x2/)
the 570 is 3-9 times faster than a 430, with only 1.5 times the ram. Ram is only a small part of the picture (the 570's ddr5 ram is also faster than the 430's ddr3).
Even with the 570 and an overclocked i7, I don't run everything maxed in x-plane - you just have to be selective with the settings. dropping per pixel lighting has a large boost to performance. Having large textures should be too much of an issue. You want a stable set of options that will remain smooth even when the nasty weather and detailed scenery shows up.
A lot in flight sims is down to the cpu as well - your quad core is a decent enough processor, but is also 2 generations old now.
Don't think I'm saying you have to throw out the machine and buy a new one, I'm just highlighting that these will all limit how far you can crank up the settings.
If you have the visuals where you want them but you get fog of death then you either need to drop the visuals selectively, or up the hardware.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 11, 2011, 08:17:03 am
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 11, 2011, 05:43:10 pm
I have tried knocking everything down to default (and lower), different resolutions from my native 1280x1024, knocking off dynamic weather and just displaying CAVOK etc etc and I still cannot get the FPS above 19-20. Given that the world detail is a hell of a lot less that what is displayed in FSX I am sort of questioning myself here.
I do find it hard to believe that a fairly modern (although not OC i7 or something) system with a reasonable GPU is not capable of at least letting me get a solid 24fps minimum so I can forget messing about with the rendering options already.
*deep breath*
I would actually take this over to the xplane.org site and see if I could bug them for some guidance as I see folks there with terrible-specc'd Macs and other lower PC's claiming far higher settings-but they require some 2-post rule in order to post anything lol.
I am not going to give up for the time being but I am spending quite a bit of time not flying trying to dial this thing in. I really want to like the sim as I can see the potential is there-but after flying the Twin Otter in FSX last night and rolling a 757 around earlier today I'm going to take a step back.
I'll come back to it in a few days.
p.s. I did get the Shade Tree Micro PC-12 and it does look and fly very well with a solid VC that makes sense and generally matches up with the FSX versions. I am glad I held off on the MU-2 as trying to figure out how to fly a non-contra-rotating twin while faffing about getting the sim running nicely would be a bit much. The flight model is spot on-maybe just a bit over-torque"y" on the ground in my opinion.
Anyway-I am going to just fly this weekend and enjoy myself. I knew this would be an experiment ;D
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 11, 2011, 06:08:25 pm
However, it may be a driver issue. What driver are you running?
The latest are here: http://www.nvidia.co.uk/object/winxp-266.58-whql-driver-uk.html (http://www.nvidia.co.uk/object/winxp-266.58-whql-driver-uk.html)
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 11, 2011, 06:20:53 pm
Humour me and delete your preferences: http://wiki.x-plane.com/Deleting_the_Preferences (http://wiki.x-plane.com/Deleting_the_Preferences)
You'll have to remap all your hardware, but this may be why you get crap fps.
Clearing preferences should be done after each update.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 12, 2011, 01:50:55 am
I stayed up late and just flew CYCG to CYYC in the tiger-stripe PC-12 and things are looking a whole lot better ;D
Deleting the prefs seemed to get things unscrewed. I still need to dial it in a bit better as I probably have a couple things set too high still but no death fog at KSEA and other places even with dynamic weather. I did notice that for me the sim runs better in windowed mode which seems slightly odd but whatever.
Flying>tweaking!
I'll screenshot a couple items tomorrow so you can see what I have been flying.
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 12, 2011, 07:26:52 am
I am considering X-plane myself,
but that will have to wait until autumn, or so, due to time restrictions until then. I am secretly hoping that V10 will be out by then ;), but if not, then I'll pick up V9.x and read all about setting it up right in this thread :)
In other words: please keep asking, Ted, and thank you for taking the time to answer so thorougly, Alexander!
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 12, 2011, 09:06:16 am
Ted is spot on in that currently x-plane's strength is in the prop aircraft, but there are some great planes on the horizon, and Peter's airbus are top systems simulations.
Great to hear the preference clear out has fixed your fps. Now hopefully you can enjoy x-plane ;D
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 12, 2011, 08:53:36 pm
just ordered from X-plane.org, including Heinz' G.A. package :)
I'm sure I'll add to this thread later on...
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 12, 2011, 10:14:18 pm
Welcome to the party.
Here's an upcoming challenger 300 by dden
Rain Effect. Challenger 300 for X-Plane. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DQNcCv0HMc#)
Oh and the Saab 340A due out this month - might even give the PMDG JS41 a run for its money
(http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=98026)
(http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/7642/mainpanel.jpg)
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 14, 2011, 03:22:25 pm
I am still getting used to the controls so bear with me climbing the learning curve.
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/th_PC12_ex_1.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/?action=view¤t=PC12_ex_1.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/th_PC12_ex_2.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/?action=view¤t=PC12_ex_2.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/th_PC-12VC_1.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/?action=view¤t=PC-12VC_1.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/th_PC-12VC_3.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/?action=view¤t=PC-12VC_3.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/th_PC-12VC_2.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/First%20Look%20Xplane/?action=view¤t=PC-12VC_2.jpg)
I am still getting used to the avioincs and basic controls as its very different from FSX.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 14, 2011, 03:29:48 pm
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 15, 2011, 12:45:28 pm
XSB installed and working (but ugly compared to FSInn).
Starting to get my head around the EFIS/HSI selectors/general avionics of the PC-12.
Still need to test FLogger connection.
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 20, 2011, 08:25:50 pm
I just finished installing X-plane, and updated to v 9.67.
Installed the EHM WILD DHC-6, and mapped my yoke and rudder pedals, so I'm now good to go on X-plane.
Still a lot to learn on Plane maker, WED, etc., but that will all come in due time.
I downloaded X-IvAp for IVAO online flight (still need to install / try out), need to make X-plane talk with FL4. Considering "Canadian Rockies", STM PC-12, need to find out if NL-2000 scenery (or Google maps) can be somehow mapped to XP scenery. Find some good EHAM and EGLL scenery, ..., a lot to do and discover! :)
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 20, 2011, 08:51:54 pm
make sure to download and install openscenery - this is a collaborative library of stuff like trees, static planes etc that freeware authors can include in their sceneries.
http://www.opensceneryx.com (http://www.opensceneryx.com)
EGLL: http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=9819 (http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=9819) (also includes gatwick)
Aerosofts Mega Airport Heathrow also converts fairly well using marginal's fs2xplane scripts, although you'd have to do a bunch of tidying up.
Make sure to set runways follow contours off.
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 21, 2011, 07:13:13 am
You obviously know your way around in the X-Plane community ;)
And I have a bunch to do, the coming evenings ;D
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 21, 2011, 11:27:48 am
It says detecting new FSX install (I presume this is Xplane) and then throws an error loading scenery straight away.
I have XUIPC loaded and working.
Any ideas?
**edit**I had a PC-12 flight all set to go in Xplane but flew it in FSX instead as I could not get FLogger running boohiss ;D. And now that I have got a really fair handle on the flight model and avionics and can start from "cold+dark" I am ready to take this lovely bird live on our routes. I have to say I can highly recommend this excellent plane.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 21, 2011, 01:49:11 pm
There are some setup steps you have to follow. I attach a copy to the post.
Good to see you recommend the STMA PC-12. I may pick up a copy to repaint at some point.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 21, 2011, 03:29:11 pm
Also I am working on a full write-up of the STMA PC-12 as I have yet to see an independent review. I'm just waiting on a couple questions being answered from the devs.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 21, 2011, 03:39:17 pm
Look forward to your review.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 21, 2011, 08:52:10 pm
From the manual:
Locate the folder where XPUIPC is installed, normally it’s <X-Plane installation root
folder>\Resources\plugins. Change the “XPUIPCOffsets.cfg” file, adding the lines below at the end:
# Force XPUIPC to recognize XP instead of impersonating FSX
Offset 0x3308 UINT16 4 rw 137
I am finding no such file in the plugins file-I only found it in the XPUIPC package 1.9.0 folder that I downloaded. Was I supposed to move that file manually into the plug-in directory?
The three initial files generated by the first run of XPUIPC are present as expected: XPUIPC.log, XPUIPC.txt, and XPUIPC.ini.
In the plugins directory I only see the XPUIPC.xpl file.
Yuck....I hate mucking about with this lol.
Any ideas? Or do I need to actually create the offset file myself with just that command string?
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 21, 2011, 10:30:30 pm
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 22, 2011, 08:21:45 pm
Now I can go fly the PC-12 properly and with purpose. As I am going to buy that lovely scenery you recommended I'm probably gonna have to buy that Air Hauler for Xplane too lol.
That review is coming along nicely and while I still have no real problem recommending the aircraft to you guys I would prefer to get a couple of questions answered regarding the landing lights, a couple of blurry/blinky electronic gauges, and the night cockpit lighting. Don't get me wrong-I think the package is terrific for the money (USD $25) but I want to see what the dev says about those little niggly items.
One more little chore to do and that is to make sure I can get FS Commander to talk to Xplane so I don't have to program in those bloody SID/STARS lol.
**EDIT**Hahaha yes yes YES FS Commander totally works with XP and all the connected functions work including autosetting of NAV freqs to COM1, autoheading, and moving map. Swweeeeeeeeet! Not to mention simple and no headaches ;D
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 22, 2011, 08:38:06 pm
It uses XPUIPC.
I even run it on my laptop via the xpuipc wide utility (included in the download), and at the price (free) compared with what I paid for FSUIPC and WideFS, I'm very happy.
Even the autoheading button in the pop up gps tab works to control the plane.
Don't forget to grab a load of airport scenery from x-plane.org - makes a huge difference.
Was the scenery I recommended the Tom Curtis stuff? http://store01.prostores.com/servlet/x-planestore/Categories?category=Scenery%3ATom+Curtis+Original+Scenery (http://store01.prostores.com/servlet/x-planestore/Categories?category=Scenery%3ATom+Curtis+Original+Scenery)
Aside from FSCommander, there are two options for FMC in x-plane:
VasFMC (freeware): http://www.vas-project.org/ (http://www.vas-project.org/) (I had trouble getting this to work and gave up on it as I have FSC)
and
uFMC (payware): http://ufmc.eadt.eu/Universal_FMC/Home.html (http://ufmc.eadt.eu/Universal_FMC/Home.html)
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 22, 2011, 11:56:18 pm
I have also been downloading and installing airfields as I need them...so far just EGLL/EGKK.
Those payware FMC's look meh in all honesty. Its going to take an Aerosoft/PMDG-quality dev to properly implement it. But not an issue as my AIRAC is current and with FSC running sweet I only need to program in the rough details just to get the cockpit GPS magenta line lol. And FSC handles all the SID/STARS job done 8).
Post by: EHM-0654 Murray on March 23, 2011, 07:18:22 am
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 24, 2011, 09:55:44 am
I set up for my first ProPilot flight on Xplane and now FLogger does not want to even launch. It throws an error when the .exe is loaded. The dreaded "FLogger has encountered a problem and needs to close would you like to tell Microsoft about it" one.
Specifically:
P9: systeminvalidoperationexception is what is shown in the error signature block.
Fabulous...its broken on Xplane, FSX, and standalone >:(
**edit**I have changed nothing on the machine beyond latest WINXP update. As I want to fly I will just do the flight on VATSIM and report manually as I cannot be asked to mess with it at the moment. Perhaps its failing to launch due to site issues?
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 24, 2011, 05:42:54 pm
I suggest removing all the configuration files and re-running / setting up flogger.
As an aside, the uFMC looks far more feature complete (for a boeing style FMC) than the Aerosoft one in the AirbusX. I know what you mean though. Project Magenta will prob be my next move.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 24, 2011, 07:18:57 pm
The trouble with uFMC that I can see is that it is not native to the aricraft. And jiggery-pokery with aircraft files is the last thing some folks (like myself) want to do unless it has to be done. Pro payware should have it fully incorporated if appropriate to the aircraft.
In any case with good planner tools like FSC you can either connect direct or just plug the route into the Xplane "FMS" for the same result.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 24, 2011, 08:21:22 pm
I deleted the previous install and downloaded the latest v4.0.4. FLogger.
Ran it against FSX with no problem.
Ran it against Xplane and set up with no issues per procedure and I edited the xml doc thus and reran against the still-running Xplane with this being final resulting xml file:
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<fs-installations xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
<Items>
<fs-installation id="FSX.1" fs-version="FSX" fs-path="C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\"
default="false" />
<fs-installation id="XP9.1" fs-version="XP9" fs-path="C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\"
default="true" />
Closed it. Opened it again against Xplane and it threw an exception (see screenshot).
Opened it against FSX. Threw an exception.
Crap >:(
It connects fine to EHM servers, authenticates etc...but seems to fall down instantly after being setup. I have to wonder if something really stupid and obvious is the culprit here.
Grrrrrrrrrr....I just want to fly. And this is surprising as FLogger has always worked like a charm.
I am on WINXP SP3 if it makes a difference.
If you want any of the FLogger files let me know. I also took a screenie of the offending exception.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 24, 2011, 08:34:47 pm
I'm going to run through the instructions and see if I can replicate your problem and if I can find a solution.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 24, 2011, 08:52:52 pm
Heres the exception:
**edit**I hope it was just something silly on my end. Go me being crash test dummy.
On the plus side I took a ton of screen shots today of the PC-12 and I'll give ya'll first peek at the review when I am done. Just got a new patch from the devs so I am being a guinea piglet today ;D
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 24, 2011, 08:57:46 pm
I re-ran through the documented procedures and it works.
Firstly, if the xml you posted above is the whole of the file, then you are missing closing tags. Your file should contain all the following:
Code: [Select]
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<fs-installations xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
<Items>
<fs-installation id="FSX.1" fs-version="FSX" fs-path="C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\" default="false" />
<fs-installation id="XP9.1" fs-version="XP9" fs-path="C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\" default="true" />
</Items>
</fs-installations>
When you go through the process, where it says confirm the error, you should click 'ok'. On first run of flogger before you edit the file, after clicking yes to the error that appears "no scenery.cfg" you should get a the single row horizontal bar with button on right, you should not click cancel to the error.
Once you have got to this point and closed the flogger, edit the file so the contents are as above (or as attached (just overwrite the file you have with this one).
Check that a My documents/FlightLogger4/XP9.1 folder exists. If not, you didn't do the first run against x-plane step right - remember you run against FSX, then against X-Plane (with the added lines in XPUIPC) before you make the installations.cfg edit.
On the flogger run after the changes to the installations.cfg it will take a while to rebuild scenery and download timetables.
I attach an installations.cfg file edited for you specifically (Noone else unless running against FSX in default c:prog files location)
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 24, 2011, 09:26:20 pm
I will test it against both XP and FSX a few times and a few cycles to make sure.
I wonder if my editing the .xml file in notepad was the culprit? Anyway I don't care as long as it works ;D
Have some more good karma Alex!
Thank you
Ted
**edit**Yeah all seems ok with FLogger and XP/FSX now. Did you edit the .xml in notepad or something else?
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 24, 2011, 10:09:33 pm
notepad should work fine though, it's only if you use wordpad that you can add extra problems into the file.
Glad to see your problems are sorted (for now hehehe)
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 25, 2011, 09:27:20 am
Started the Tour of the Danube in X-plane yesterday, with FL4 running nicely, even saveyourflight.de and vasFMC talking nicely through XPUIPC to X-plane, so I'm pretty much set up now.
Now if only EDNE existed in the default X-Plane scenery ;D ;D
Lucky for me, http://www.airports.de/component/option,com_mtree/task,viewlink/link_id,119/Itemid,99999999/lang,de/ (http://www.airports.de/component/option,com_mtree/task,viewlink/link_id,119/Itemid,99999999/lang,de/) contains a VOR and NDB freq to triangulate the position of the field. On top of that, the Twotter is made for field landings,so now I'm sitting in a field near Erbach. At least I know it's the right field ;) And FL4 thought that I landed in the right spot as well.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 25, 2011, 03:53:34 pm
I intend to fly the heck out of the PC-12 this weekend and am ordering the big scenery pack for the area. And by then Alexander will have told us how cool Air Hauler is for Xplane and I'll be spending more cash lol.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 25, 2011, 03:59:28 pm
Recommend the canada scenery first though.
I may have to check out VATSIM for canada flying as IVAO is pretty much empty over there. Going to be flying on IVAO tonight though hopefully.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 25, 2011, 04:49:40 pm
The freeware London area and major European airports do the job. I'm honestly not that fussed over UK scenery as I seem to do all my low and slow scenery flying over in the Pacific NW and Europe is normally high-altitude procedural airport-airport stuff.
I really wish my IVAO registration had not gotten borked. But VATSIM does the job well enough I guess.
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on March 25, 2011, 06:05:50 pm
As you bought from the org store you no doubt saw the discount this weekend for the UK scenery at $139.86 for all 4 packs...The Canada / Alaska packages are top of my scenery wish-list. I would like some planes as well. It all comes down to budget and priorities, I guess...
Recommend the canada scenery first though.
I may have to check out VATSIM for canada flying as IVAO is pretty much empty over there. Going to be flying on IVAO tonight though hopefully.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 25, 2011, 06:25:24 pm
I really wish my IVAO registration had not gotten borked. But VATSIM does the job well enough I guess.
Send them an email and get it sorted out.
Post by: EHM-0654 Murray on March 25, 2011, 08:45:16 pm
Send them an email and get it sorted out.
I'm with Alex on this one Ted. I just attempted (on your behalf, if you will) to sign you up and got the same "Some error(s) have occurred." and it further suggests you email the IVAO membership director - md@ivao.aero (Wilfried Groetzbach - he's a lovely guy, and will do his utmost to sort out whatever is preventing you signing up).
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 25, 2011, 10:03:46 pm
I'm with Alex on this one Ted. I just attempted (on your behalf, if you will) to sign you up and got the same "Some error(s) have occurred." and it further suggests you email the IVAO membership director - md@ivao.aero (Wilfried Groetzbach - he's a lovely guy, and will do his utmost to sort out whatever is preventing you signing up).
No-he is not a lovely guy:
-- On Fri, 7/1/11, Wilfried Groetzbach [IVAO-MD] <wilfried.groetzbach@ivao.aero> wrote:
From: Wilfried Groetzbach [IVAO-MD] <wilfried.groetzbach@ivao.aero>
Subject: Re: Unable to download or log in to web site - 358896
To: "Ted xxxx" <xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Friday, 7 January, 2011, 10:47
Hallo,
I don't believe, that "Au" is a real name, even your email address shows a different name.
For verification please send us a scan copy of your identity card or passport.
Kind Regards
Wilfried Groetzbach
IVAO Membership Director
If this dingbat thinks he is getting a scan of my ID card or passport he is sadly mistaken. I already went around in circles with this individual and can't be asked.
In the meantime I just completed the CYCG-KBJC leg in the PC-12 on VATSIM. Not only was that a bloody long flight, but I had great ATC and finished getting all my screen shots and testing the ILS functionality. I'm telling you the only thing that lets the aircraft down is that "lolFMS" and the lack of 3D eye-candy instruments....but the total function is there and what a dream to fly by hand ;D.
Oh and look....I'll have to do easy mode and fly a QW 757 leg to celebrate hitting the SCC mark using Xplane! Go me...and you guys for the help :D.
Thats enough flying for one day. I'll get my lovely Canada scenery package downloaded this weekend and see if I can hunt up something that resembles a DH6 to use for the Wild legs.
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 26, 2011, 01:19:02 am
I can understand why you can't be bothered fighting this one though. If I had to provide the id requested, I wouldn't either.
What was it you didn't like about the Wild x-plane DHC-6 Twotter?
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 26, 2011, 11:28:18 am
With regard to the XP DH6 it totally rubbed me the wrong way. And our FSX freeware Twin Otter is-even with its rough edges in the VC-an excellent aircraft model. Not having a real VC and proper instruments in the XP version makes it unappealing and I don't have the same visual out-the-window view that I think is needed for really enjoying bush flying. Aerosoft would do well to make a Twin Otter the first port over ;D.
I might just pick up the STM Super Cub or DH-2 for fun and keep flying the DH-6 under FSX for the time being. I need to have a good snoop around but I don't think I have seen a comparable rough-field aircraft for XP.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 27, 2011, 12:09:56 pm
I also got myself the A1A Husky payware to roll around in too.
I LOVE how this stuff just gets unzipped, dragged into the folder, and then it just works. Castlegar is just lovely to look at now. I'll do some screens later or tomorrow.
This was a reward to myself for finishing up my draft review of the PC-12 and getting it off to AVSIM for red pen evaluation. Fingers crossed they like my scribbles ;D
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 27, 2011, 12:29:20 pm
As an aside, my impressions so far of air hauler are a bit meh
however, I think I would say the same of the FS9/FSX version too - At the moment, I'm more into learning about online flying and the AirbusX.
I bought myself an upgrade from FSC8 to FSC9 too ;)
I can see the appeal of Air Hauler, but it's just not for me at the moment - it deosn't improve the flying experience like FSPassengers does, and I do have trouble with the sim crashing when it tries to load some of my DRM protected payware (but not all - strange).
I can see myself using it, but not in preference to flying for Euroharmony or having a blast on IVAO (Where I had to show a VATSIM user the ropes on Friday night - hehe me with my level of knowledge).
For someone not invested in a virtual airline, the product is quite nice and certainly adds an extra dimention or purpose to the flying, it's just that I already have that in VA flying. I'll speak again when I've played with it more.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 27, 2011, 02:25:09 pm
I can save the plan (and the option is ticked for FSX/XP) but I never see one of those .fms plans pop up anywhere. It would certainly make that annoying XP FMS less so ;).
Shame Air Hauler XP hasn't grabbed your interest yet. I never bought it simply because flying for a VA sort of accomplishes the same thing (provides a framework for flight) and the rest is sort of a bolt-on version of Railway Tycoon in a way. Which is not a bad thing. Although I'm sure you clever management types could add similar functions under ProPilot if desired.
You have DRM-protected XP add-ons?
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on March 27, 2011, 02:45:27 pm
There is a box to tick to export as x-plane flightplan from FSC though - maybe you just need to load the right file it produces, I know in v9 each separate file is dumped in a different subfolder.
The MU-2b Marquis, the Sequioa Falco and The CorvalisTT/Cessna 400 are DRM protected. It's fairly light - you get a pop up on first load, stick in email and password, click submit and it does all the registration in sim.
www.x-aviation.com (http://www.x-aviation.com) <- some of the best addons currently available for x-plane are over there. They've just released photoscenery for Oahu (with night textures, invisible roads for traffic and no clouds on images).
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 27, 2011, 07:47:57 pm
I am not used to flying a tail dragger despite spending a lot of time in the Piper Cub doing the "FSX-RW Training" manual but sloppy ground handling aside on my part it was just nice to fly for the hell of it :D.
The Husky is pretty cool actually and the STMA version is a really nice package. No substitute for a DH-6...but I did ask the head guy at Shade Tree and they are considering one as they already do the DH-2 and -3. The Husky is simple to fly and actually has some surprisingly sophistcated avionics including a little clip-on unobtrusive GPS unit and ADF plus a single channel radio and NAV1 slaved to the toggle RMI/VOR-ILS-GS gauge.
I'll do some images. And then I am going to have to contemplate bringing that PC-12 back from Denver to CYCG and that is a bloody long flight ;)
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on March 28, 2011, 01:07:15 pm
Other than that all seems cool. I really like the realism as I took off from Denver with a heavily loaded PC-12 (just barely under MTOW) and really struggled getting to FL240.
Later this week I'm going to do a couple more legs of the Wild tour but will use the Husky (if thats ok aliased to the DH-6) just to get a taste of the scenery. No AP in the Husky so hand flying low and slow all the way ;D
**edit**I notice that FLogger is not picking up correct fuel. I think it is reading from only one tank overall (1073 lbs at present....thats half the current total onboard at the moment). Not a big deal...just thought you should know.
**edit**Just had the Pitot 2 warning come on and sure enough I can see some ice on the leading edge!
**edit**A quick flick thru the manual and it turns out the CP pitot heater failed. Neato lol. Hopefully nothing else goes wonky with 2 hours to go.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on April 02, 2011, 03:56:50 pm
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_PC-12CR.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=PC-12CR.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_PC-12CR_2.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=PC-12CR_2.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_PC-12CR_3.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=PC-12CR_3.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_PC-12CR_4.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=PC-12CR_4.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_PC-12CR_5.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=PC-12CR_5.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_PC-12CR_6CYVR.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=PC-12CR_6CYVR.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_PC-12CR_7CYVR.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=PC-12CR_7CYVR.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_Husky_PNW_1.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=Husky_PNW_1.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_Husky_PNW_2.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=Husky_PNW_2.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_Husky_PNW_3.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=Husky_PNW_3.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_Husky_PNW_4.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=Husky_PNW_4.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/th_Husky_PNW_5.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff372/tedau/XP%20Coolness/?action=view¤t=Husky_PNW_5.jpg)
Ain't that Husky panel a jaw-dropper?
XP rocks! ;D
**edit**One thing that is striking and that you might notice in the images is the default mesh and terrain detail as well as correct placement in XP is miles ahead of FSX. You can easily navigate VFR with accuracy and I think the changing elevations and mountains just look fabulous.
**edit**You may also notice the presence of snow lol (which I don't think native XP models with the ground textures). Its an extra package called "Winterworld" that is freeware and works seamless with the Curtis payware scenery too.
Also I should mention again the flight models for prop aircraft in XP are light-years ahead of FSX. FSX always feels a bit "on rails" where in XP you really feel a sense of accomplishment after a flight when the weather turns nasty and you can barely change the control settings because the aircraft is bouncing everywhere from turbulence ;)
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on April 05, 2011, 03:11:54 pm
Hey cool...published ;D
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on April 05, 2011, 04:18:13 pm
(and thanks for mentioning EHM ;))
Too bad they put FSX in the Simulation Type box of the Product info table, but I guess that's just a copy-paste error by Avsim :P
I was already sure I'm going to buy this one, but this just makes me want it now already (and I'm not even done installing Heinz' GA package I bought along with XP...)
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on April 05, 2011, 04:18:51 pm
It's really nice to see another x-plane review on Avsim (last one I read was the MU-2).
As you now have a quite extensive knowledge of x-plane, I'll be expecting you to evangelise appropriately ;D
Post by: EHM-0654 Murray on April 05, 2011, 04:25:29 pm
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on April 05, 2011, 04:43:26 pm
http://www.highrez.co.uk/ (http://www.highrez.co.uk/)
With this you can set up application profiles (like for x-plane) and intercept the mouse commands and remap them to other stuff (like key presses). This will I think allow you to remap your scroll up/down from throttle to something else.
Post by: EHM-2381 Ted on April 05, 2011, 06:47:53 pm
I will be doing some more reviews in the weeks and months to come and will probably focus on X-plane specifically where possible.
Stay tuned! And looking forward to the new website.
p.s. That was no plug for EHM...it was the truth. You guys run a great VA and Alex was the one who pointed me at X-plane when FSX got real annoying for me. If it happens that my writing brings a couple of quality pilots your way-so much the better 8).
Post by: EHM-2589 David on April 05, 2011, 08:39:02 pm