binky9
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Posts posted by binky9
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Indeed, it looks cool, but as far as I can see, you have to download hundrets of small pakages, is that right?
Would be a nice addition to swiss pro, because you could fly to the south :-)
Cheers Joachim
Joachim,
That's the way it looks to me, also. Another reason why I am reserving judgment. I hadn't thought of putting the two together. Worth considering.
Thanks,
binky9
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There is another option that I have been watching for awhile, called SIRX 2009. It is at this website:http://sirx.flightsimulatorcenter.com/, and is supposed to be available soon for free! It looks very impressive. I have held off getting Switzerland Pro, until this comes out. At that point, I may go with Switzerland Pro, anyway, because SIRX 2009 looks like it might require lots of hard drive and RAM memory above and beyond what I care to add. If it wasn't for SIRX 2009, I would have Switzerland Pro already, to go with my Aerosoft Discus.
I hope I haven't stepped on any Aerosoft toes by mentioning this option in this blog, since they are a for-profit company and have excellent products.
I have the FSGenesis Landclass B21 mentioned, and like it very much
binky9
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Believe me, I've searched, and can't find the email telling us how to make the PDA larger in the Discus. Could someone help me out, here?
Thanks,
binky9
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ok - perfect - I'll take a peek. I'm away for a couple of days but it won't take long when I get back.
thanks...
B21
** edit *** hahahahahahahaahahaha five seconds of looking at the first file in Notepad shows it contains a *single* log point, so it's a non-starter for any log analysis or replay program. It looks like you did a "Save IGC file" right at the beginning of the flight, before there was any data to save.
Maybe it's worth commenting that igc_logger always RECORDS your flight INTERNALLY, right from when you do a flight load,without you needing to do anything at all. But it only SAVES the data in a FILE when you select that option in the menu, at which point it will write out all the data it has collected. Sometimes sim_logger will pro-actively save a file if it suspects you forgot or couldn't, e.g. if FSX itself crashes or you do an "immediate quit" (control-C) straight from a flight - in these situations it will put a (reason) in brackets at the end of the file name. So you need to remember to select the "Save IGC file" menu option at the end of a good flight (BEFORE you exit that flight).
B21,
Who knew? If you want to record a flight video, you need to make that decision at the beginning.
Thanks,
binky9
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This is not the way I intended these files to come out. I'll do them again tonight.
binky9
OK, let's try this again.
The first one won't open in IGC Replay, but the second one will.
binky9
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The first one doesn't load, and the second one does.
file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20Games/Microsoft%20Flight%20Simulator%20X/Modules/sim_logger/logs/D-6945_Task%201_2009-10-21_1942.zip
file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20Games/Microsoft%20Flight%20Simulator%20X/Modules/sim_logger/logs/D-6945_Task%201_2009-10-21_2122(autosave%20on%20quit).zip
Last night, I did another two. They are in the same format, and again, only the second one loaded. So, it seems that IGC Replay likes files that are autosaved on quit??
This is not the way I intended these files to come out. I'll do them again tonight.
binky9
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Put the IGC's in a zip file. That will do.
Bert
The first one doesn't load, and the second one does.
Last night, I did another two. They are in the same format, and again, only the second one loaded. So, it seems that IGC Replay likes files that are autosaved on quit??
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If you have a sim_logger IGC file that makes IGC Flight Replay choke on it, let me know and if you can send me a copy of that IGC file I'll reproduce the error and fix it, either by changing sim_logger or liaising with the IGC Flight Replay developer to fix his end...
The IGC file is stuffed full of text records one-per-line and at a guess I'd suspect one of the special record formats (e.g. the task 'C' records) is causing IGC Flight Replay to break. If you're handy with Notepad then you could try deleting records from the IGC file until it loads correctly in IGC Flight Replay. It's very unlikely one particular instance of a record is causing a problem (e.g. the 'B' records that contain the lat/long/alt trackpoints), but more likely IGC Flight Replay can't handle *any* task records (the 'C' records), or the logbook 'L' records (=comments). Note that you should be able to delete pretty much anything out of the file and it will still load ok, just without that data...
B21
edit * p.s. you can also convert the file using gpsvisualizer.com and produce a google earth .kmz file that includes a translucent curtain to the ground - I'm not sure if you can have that loaded simultaneously with IGC Flight Replay running - if so I guess it would be a bit like a roller-coaster running along the elevated track...
Hello B21,
I have tried to send an example of a log that opens, and one that doesn't in IGC Replay.
Looks like I am "not permitted to upload this type of file".
Any way to get around this?
binky9
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I had that error too, the first time I loaded a simlogger IGC file in IGC Flight Replay. Other IGC's made by simlogger worked fine in IGC Flight Replay.
So maybe yours work too, if you retry to load the IGC?
Bert
Bert,
I got one out of four to work last night. I'll fly somemore this weekend, and record those flights to see if they work.
Do you know how to make that shading from the flight track down to the ground stay on when you click on "path".
Thanks,
binky9
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I had that error too, the first time I loaded a simlogger IGC file in IGC Flight Replay. Other IGC's made by simlogger worked fine in IGC Flight Replay.
So maybe yours work too, if you retry to load the IGC?
Bert
Bert,
I'll keep trying, then.
Thanks,
binky9
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binky9
1) you need to be clear when you are clicking on a *folder* versus when you are clicking on a *file*. I think it is just a typo in your post where you say you double-clicked on a dll.xml folder, and I'll assume you double-clicked on the *file* called dll.xml. And it doesn't really make sense to say you open the *folder* in Notepad - Notepad is an editing program for editing text *files*. A folder doesn't contain text, it contains a list of filenames. OK? So you navigate to the *folder* by clicking folder names in Wndows Explorer, until you find the *file* you want (in this case exe.xml) , and then you try and open the *file* using whatever tool you want, (in this case Notepad.)
2) The file you want is called exe.xml, not dll.xml. <---- IMPORTANT
3) You need to open the file in Notepad by right-clicking on the file name in Windows Explorer and select "Open with Notepad" (or maybe there's a general choose program option - choose Notepad)
4) Then you can do a File... Save As exactly as you described and you should be ok. Of course you can test by re-opening the file in Notepad.
Please note you can't simply double-click the exe.xml file and expect it to open in Notepad, as Windows is unlikely to use Notepad to open the file by default so you could end up anywhere, and the error message you get is correct for whichever program Windows is trying to open the file with (some XML browser program, which you do NOT want to use here).
If you manage to open the file in Notepad, but still get stuck, just copy-and-paste the text into here...
B21
B21,
Thanks for the instructions, they worked. I have one more hurdle to jump, however. I have Sim_Logger working, saving files such as D-6945_Task 1_2009-10-21_1942.icg, and ICG Flight Replay shows them as choices. But, when I try to load one, I get a message in German that must be telling me I have done something wrong, because the file won't load.
binky9
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thank you...
Some usage notes:
* Sim_logger is installed in the FSXBASE\Modules folder, i.e. you end up with a FSXBASE\Modules\sim_logger\sim_logger.exe
* Sim_logger is best launched from your exe.xml file (XP: C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Application Data\Microsoft\FSX\exe.xml or Vista: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\FSX\exe.xml). Your exe.xml file should include the following text:
<Launch.Addon> <Name>sim_logger</Name> <Disabled>False</Disabled> <ManualLoad>False</ManualLoad> <Path>Modules\sim_logger\sim_logger.exe</Path> <CommandLine>log="Modules\\sim_logger\\"</CommandLine> </Launch.Addon>
This example has the generated IGC files stored in your "FSXBASE\Modules\sim_logger" folder, but you can put anything you like in the <CommandLine>log="...."</CommandLine> section so long as you remember to put the log folder name within quotes, use \\ wherever you want a \, and make sure the foldername ends with \\. In my exe.xml file I have " <CommandLine>log="C:\\Documents and Settings\\Ian\\My Documents\\fs\\igc_files\\"</CommandLine>". If you have a similar 'sim_probe' entry, just edit that entry...
* Now when you start FSX you will be prompted to trust a new executable (please say yes) and FSX will have an Add-on menu item -> Sim_logger -> Save an IGC file.
* Anytime during flying you can click "Save an IGC file" and a file called something like "B21_My flight_2009-10-11_1422.igc" will be saved in your logs folder.
* The IGC file can be uploaded to www.gpsvisualizer.com if you want to then view it in Google Earth, or www.everytrail.com . Also the flight can be replayed in Google Earth using IGC replay . The most comprehensive analysis software for soaring is SeeYou which can replay the trace and provide all sorts of competitive timings and climb rates.
* To get a *clean* IGC log file if you're in a soaring competition, make sure you start your flight with a "Load Flight" or "Load Mission" step. This will ensure that sim_logger gets a clean sweep of the FLT, weather, aircraft files etc and records checksums for those in your IGC file. IGC_logger will log your flight regardless, but if you don't start from a clean 'load flight', then sim_logger can't confirm the Wx etc you are flying in are 100% as required for the competition.
* The 'authenticity' of an IGC log file can be confirmed by using sim_logger.exe on the "Command Prompt" with your IGC file given as an argument. e.g. sim_logger "B21_My flight_2009-10-11_1422.igc" . Sim_logger will validate the checksum of the IGC file itself to confirm the file is exactly as written by sim_logger and has not been tampered with, and will also report the 'FSX file checksum' that will confirm the aircraft, FLT and weather files were as intended by the person that set the task.
* An IGC file just contains ASCII text, so you can open it with Notepad if you are interested, and you will see the various checksums written by sim_logger. *IF* you change a single alphanumeric character within the file, the overall file checksum (contained in the 'G' record at the very end) will be invalidated and the file will FAIL a sim_logger validating as described above. ALL other software simply ignores this 'G' record though so you're not risking losing your flight log.
* Sim_logger looks to confirm you have removed/renamed FSXBASE\ThermalDescriptions.xml and records that in the log file. The assumption is for soaring you will be flying with CumulusX and have no need for FSX thermals. If you have *not* disabled the ThermalDescriptions.xml file, sim_logger will still log as normal, but the log file will record the fact you still have FSX super-thermals enabled...
* Sim_logger *will* record your access to the 'weather settings' menu item during a flight, flagging the weather as 'UNLOCKED'. This would invalidate your flight for soaring scoring purposes but note that sim_logger of course still continues to log your flight as normal. Similarly sim_logger will checksum an associated CumulusX .cmx file if there is one loaded at 'flight load' time, and again record 'UNLOCKED' if you enter the CumulusX menu options during a flight.
In general please note that sim_logger will always record your flight and save a log file if you click that option in the Add-On menu - these various checks are 'passive', i.e. they simply result in an event/checksum being recorded also in the log file which will be ignored if you're loading up the log file into any other software (like everytrail.com) , but will be displayed if anyone validates the log using sim_logger.exe on the command-line.
B21
B21,
What does this mean? I get it when I double click the dll.xml folder. If I open the folder with notepad, I get the full text of what is in the folder. I then use "Save as" dll.xml with "all files" chosen (not text), which I think should give me a good file, but it doesn't.
The XML page cannot be displayed
Cannot view XML input using XSL style sheet. Please correct the error and then click the Refresh button, or try again later.
Any help is appreciated,
binky9
The following tags were not closed: SimBase.Document. Error processing resource 'file:///C:/Program Files/Microsoft Games/M...
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I didn't want to change your opinion. This is your personal feeling.
Maybe an option for freewaredevelopers, but don't forget, that we earn our money with making add ons. Who would pay for flightdynamics for a freewareplane? No sorry, if this was, what you wanted to say, this is no option for us
Indeed, this would be very cool.
I am looking forward to your time with a Minimoa.
Cheers Joachim
Joachim,
I don't want to put words in his mouth, but I think he means build and sell some of the vintage gliders with the same attention to detail and realism as the Discus. If you did, I would vote for the Libelle 201B or the Phoebus B-1. Both have good performance, good looks, and are fun to fly.
binky9
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How right you are. I edited my early post (in my earlier post I was looking from cloudbase to thermal source. From that perspective it leans upwind, but i admit my pespectives aren't always the most common :-)
In the current version of CumulusX the clouds don't move. And it is my experience that while being in a leaning thermal I have to reposision my circles to stay centered (could be I'm climbing too fast or too slow, or I just can't fly in nice circles :-))
My strategy was to gain as much height after start as possible, take as much thermals as I could on the way, and fly around 160-170km/h between the thermals, just a little faster than the speed-to-fly indicator of the C4 advised me most of the time.
Bert
Bert,
Nice circles are the result of both constant bank angle and constant speed. The center of the thermal does seem to change in FSX, but not in Condor. I wish there was a thermal track indicator option on the PDA in the Discus, as there is in Condor's.
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That's strange. Once being above 6.000ft under the first thermal cloud right after the startline, I think I was only twice or three times below 4.800ft the whole course and the thermals brought me to 6.250ft easily (+2.0 m/s).
You know the lift-column leans upwind under the cloud and the glider gets pushed downwind due to the wind, while the cloud stays at it's place?
Bert
The column, the cloud, and the glider can't move in different directions.
In RL, the cloud moves in the same direction as the wind, as does the glider. The source of the lift stays in the same place, thus making the thermal column lean downwind. A track of the glider in the thermal would show it being a series of overlapping circles being pushed in the same direction as the wind. I' sure hope CumulusX makes things happen the same way.
I went straight through several thermals, just getting what lift I could, and only stopping to thermal when I got too low, because I thought my time might be better that way. It's always a balancing act. How much time do I spend time thermaling, but not going forward, as opposed to doing as little thermaling as possible, and moving toward the finish line?
binky9
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Wow Ian, that are a lot of questions. Here is my comment:
Well, to be honest, it was more exiting,flying the original. In the mission it was quit easy to find the right path, the thermal clouds were almost everywhere and under almost all of them there was a lot of lift.
If I remember correctly, I was around 30nm out when I had +200m altitude on my C4 when I started the final glide with speed around 180-200km/h. From there I flew as hard as possible, while trying to keep the +200m altitude, for that I sometimes got a little off-course to pick up some extra height while flying under a thermal cloud. The last part of the glide, as I came lower, I had to reduce speed to around 130km/h to keep C4 at +200m.
I used mission-point-of-interest as well as display on the iPaq to navigate. the mission POI mostly to see the distance to the next waypaiont and the Ipaq to see what course to fly.
Attached is my igc-file so you can do some more analyzing.
Bert
I did 2 hours and 12 minutes last night. I was so low at the finish that I didn't have time to take take a picture, though. I don't think I ever got above 5,000 feet. The thermals I was in all seemed to start dying at about 4,800 feet. I did pretty well, until I got past the last TP. Up until then, I thought I had a slight chance to beat 1:53. But, it was not to be.
It was a good flight, and I'll be doing it again.
binky9
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yay the first mission completion! Makes it worthwhile creating it. I'm pleased it seems less gruelling that the original WX, which is what I intended. Bert do you want to give any comments on the trip? I'm interested to know how far out you were able to do the final glide, and whether you came in a supersonic speed or came in at a more measured pace, and whether you used the arrival height on the C4 and how that went - with the reducing windspeed as you get lower, and the good conditions, with a bit of luck the final glide improved rather than you ending up scraping the trees. Did you fly with the mission points-of-interest highlighting the turnpoints or go hardcore and navigate with them off ? Did you use the map display on the iPaq?
Congratulations on the 1:53:24 - I'll make sure I beat it.
cheers
B21
Damn! I was hoping to be the first. Congratulations, and I'll make sure I beat 1:53:24, also. Someday.
binky9
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Download the free mission here
This is a mission wrapped around the 3-turnpoint task defined by Peter Luerkens (aka Task 1), and assumes Peter's freeware CumulusX is installed to generate the thermals.
To install the mission, simply drag the three folders (Missions, Categories, Rewards) from the Zip file into your FSXBASE folder. Next time you start FSX you'll see a new mission (SOAR Task 1) in the 'Soaring' category.
This mission is fairly tough, although I have significantly boosted the thermals compared to Peter's original Wx. Round-trip time should be 2.5 to 3 hours.
Have fun.
B21
B21
I am having a problem with your new task. As soon as I click on "Go to Briefing", CumulusX turns off. It won't come back on if I back out, and choose a different soaring task, either. If I close FSX, and then open it again, I can fly any other soaring task but this new one, without losing CumulusX.
binky9
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I am really enjoying learning the new Discus, in part because I don't have any real glider experience to speak of. Might as well start at the top!
Two questions. First, any suggestions for what weather settings I should use while exploring the glider? What conditions are most favorable?
Second, I have the Austria Pro scenery package. Can anyone recommend a few top spots for flying the Discus there? Ideally, maybe recommend starting from airport X, traveling along direction Y or to landmark Z, and then returning back to X or landing at a different airport X'.
I really appreciate any suggestions!
DAB
Get the Austria missions at http://carrier.csi.cam.ac.uk/forsterlewis/soaring/sim/fsx/missions/
They are all centered on Zell am See, and are real good.
Also, I have flown west from Innesbruck, then south and then east to Bolgano, and then north back to Innesbruck. Look this up on Google, using "terrain", and just stay in the valleys. It's 342km., as I recall.
binky9
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there's a typo in your post - are you clear the file is called "dll.xml" not <something>.dll ?
So you open the file in Notepad, edit the entry you want (as you wrote is fine), and then File->Save. If you really need to make sure you save it with the right name, do Save As... "dll.xml".
So there's no such thing as the ".dll format" - the file should just contain the text as you edit with Notepad, and save with the name dll.xml
I've just had a thought, I wonder if you're saving it as "dll.xml.txt" ?? Make sure when you do Save As..., the "filename" is "dll.xml" and the "Save as type" is *NOT* "Text Documents (.txt)" but should be "All Files" so that Windows doesn't stick a dopey ".txt" on the end of the file name...
B21
B21,
You were right about the .txt file. I changed things, got the message, and have throttle2spoiler as an addon. My only problem now, is changing the button for the spoilers on my joystick to blank. But, I find the "Recorder" tab in the joystick settings has a problem and won't open. Everything else is fine, thanks to you. I'll now work on this new problem.
binky9
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Nice joystick - classic.
The dll.xml file looks fine, and there's no limit to the number of addons.
A few checks:
1) that xml.dll file you listed *is* the real one in "%APPDATA%\Microsoft\FSX" not another copy somewhere else. ([DRIVE]:\Documents and Settings\[uSERNAME]\Application Data\Microsoft\FSX or if on Vista, [DRIVE]:\Users\[uSERNAME]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\FSX)
2) look in the FSXBASE\Modules folder and confirm throttle2spoiler.dll and throttle2spoiler.ini are in there.
3) Did you get the "do you trust this DLL?" message on FSX startup or not at all? If you got the message then the xml file is ok, otherwise not.
B21
B21,
I was not getting the message. So, it looks like your #3 is the problem, I have gone back to the backup copy of the .dll file I made before adding the throttle2spoiler section. FSX is working fine with it. I know you have told me before, but bear with me. After saving the .dll file in Notebook, and adding the throttle2spoiler section, how do I get it back into the .dll format? I am such a dunce, when it comes to computers. I couldn't survive, without these forums.
Thanks,
binky9
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This is a neat little program from Paavo Pihelgas...... gives the best of both worlds .
http://www.fsdevelop...read.php?t=8915
I have both the .ini and the .dll files in FSX/Modules but, when I start a Discus mission, I don't have the throttle2sploiler listed under "Addons". I do have SimProbe, WinchX, CumulusX, FSEarth, and FSRecorder. They all work. Is there a limit to how many addons you can have?
Here is the .dll file:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="Windows-1252"?>
<SimBase.Document Type="Launch" version="1,0">
<Descr>Launch</Descr>
<Filename>dll.xml</Filename>
<Disabled>False</Disabled>
<Launch.ManualLoad>False</Launch.ManualLoad>
<Launch.Addon>
<Name>FS_Earth</Name>
<Disabled>False</Disabled>
<Path>FS_Earth\fs_earth.dll</Path>
</Launch.Addon>
<Launch.Addon>
<Name>Object Placement Tool</Name>
<Disabled>True</Disabled>
<ManualLoad>False</ManualLoad>
<Path>..\Microsoft Flight Simulator X SDK\SDK\Mission Creation Kit\object_placement.dll</Path>
</Launch.Addon>
<Launch.Addon>
<Name>Traffic Toolbox</Name>
<Disabled>True</Disabled>
<ManualLoad>False</ManualLoad>
<Path>..\Microsoft Flight Simulator X SDK\SDK\Environment Kit\Traffic Toolbox SDK\traffictoolbox.dll</Path>
</Launch.Addon>
<Launch.Addon>
<Name>Visual Effects Tool</Name>
<Disabled>True</Disabled>
<ManualLoad>False</ManualLoad>
<Path>..\Microsoft Flight Simulator X SDK\SDK\Environment Kit\Special Effects SDK\visualfxtool.dll</Path>
</Launch.Addon>
<Launch.Addon><Name>FS Recorder Module</Name><Disabled>False</Disabled><ManualLoad>False</ManualLoad><Path>C:\Program Files\FS Recorder for FSX\RecorderFSX.dll</Path></Launch.Addon>
<Launch.Addon>
<Name>throttle2spoiler</Name>
<Disabled>False</Disabled>
<ManualLoad>False</ManualLoad>
<Path>Modules\throttle2spoiler.dll</Path>
</Launch.Addon>
</SimBase.Document>
Does it look tight?
I am using the MS FF2 joystick.
Thanks,
binky9
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Quick spin off from the other topic. One of the things I am working on this week is content for the new sim and specifically the aircraft we need to include. Now we want to compete directly with FSX so from the first edition we need to have a nice selection of aircraft/chopper etc in the product. I also want all of them to be better then the default aircraft of FSX (that's not hard). I like your input on what's needed and some suggestions on what I am missing. I also like to hear about possible partners. But take care, if you like a 747 in there don't say we should talk to PMDG, because that's a typical high end add-on and not a 'default aircraft'
- Airliner. We need at least one and the Airbus A321 we are doing would be pretty perfect. Loads of licensing issues there.
- Commuter. No real ideas on that one now.
- Small commuter. The Twin Otter we done could be a good base but would need some work on the VC.
- Turbo Twin Engine. We need at least one fast modern one there.
- Turbo Single engine. I love those fast turbo aircraft.
- VLJ (Very Light Jets). By far the most innovative area of aviation, we got to include it.
- Single Trainer/ GA. One of those Cessna's that Carenado does would be great here, would it not?
- Historical. Catalina, without a doubt, we got it, it is great. I also would like something like a Sopwith Camel.
- Helicopter. Huey, we are working on it, it will be pretty good and it's the helicopter that does everything
- Glider. Easy one, something like our Discus.
- Ultralight. I really want something modern there as it is one of the most exiting parts of aviation these days.
- Bush. I seriously like the Bush Hawk XP and it is fully ready for a new sim.
- Fighter. Though I a pretty sure we'll not do any shooting in the new sim, it needs a serious fighter and we got the F-16 that's still pretty solid!
Any suggestions are welcome. Even more so if they come with reference to current products for FSX. Again keep in mind that though we might find it easy to include the Catalina because we own all rights to that, buying a very serious other aircraft is not a good idea. It is still intended to be an open platform so everybody can add aircraft.
For the glider, how about something vintage, like the Libelle 201B or Phoebus B-1? Both of these were among the first glass ships, and are both fun to fly.
Airliner: I really like the Super Connie
Fighter: RF-8G Crusader from USN Squadron VFP-62
Ultralight: The new two-seater Cessna Lightspeed (or something like that)?
Historical: GEEBEE racer
binky9
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What an incredible difference those little changes make! The panel is sharp, the reflections on the surface of the wings and fuselage are now evident. Joachim, thanks for the solving the mystery.
I tried several other planes in FSX, and they all look better, too. So, I made similar changes in FS2004, and the planes there also look better. I did the mod to the canopy reflections, and that solves that problem, too.
The scenery seems to jump out at me, now.
It's as if I just got new reading glasses, or something.
binky9
Liking The Discus
in Specific-3d-Design
Posted
Lep,
FSX doesn't have good thermals. Get CumulusX! It will open that new world even wider.
binky9