Just wondering if VATSIM works the same way the default MSFS2004 ATC window? meaning do the ATC commands pop up in the window and you have to hit the number keys to choose choices? or is there a way to actually talk in a microphone and have your voice heard by real controllers and then you can have REAL controller responses sent back to you through your speakers or headset?If this is so, is a VERY FAST internet connection required? what hardware and software is required to do this?thanks

Vatsim use real voice speaking directly with real people, even real-world ATC students, using headset. It's amazing.Text are also alternative available, not as in FS2004 ATC windows, you read and write directly as speaking with ATC using an additionalsoftware.Dont know required connection-speed for voice, any broad-band is definite good, maybe even phone 56kbit.For software, get an user-login and read under Pilote Resourced 103a-103f. Or just read Pilote Resources "Pilots Software" without login.Lennart Vedin SAS202

56K suffices

I am on a very fast cable connection and I find that all the voice comes through broken up..I didn't find this useful at all

The issue is not your connection-speed.You could have a problem with firewall, in computer or router.Or you have specific router problem with converting of port-addresses.Try solve required open ports.You can also test connection-response by freeware ServInfo.I experie 20% of connection Sweden <-> U.S. , overage 200ms delay, not usable because broken and go to text, else it is not broken at all.Write your firewall/router setting/equip and someone might help.Lennart Vedin SAS202

okay I figured out my problem with receiving voice, I WAS using the Direct Sound for both sending and receiving voice, now I switched it to using WAVE for both and it works great. The notes on the program say it's better to use Direct but that didn't work for me. I was able to trasmit fine on Direct and others heard me no problem, but when they talked back, all I got was broken up words that I couldn't understand. Now using WAVE I can hear them perfectly fine... why would this setting have to be WAVE if Direct is the preferred choice?

I don't know why or what is prefered but over time I have found that 90% of the traffic I control and say they are having problems with me breaking-up I ask them to change to WAVE and the problem goes away.So I say if it is working for you stay with it if your not using WAVE and having voice problems try switching.