Download link: http://www.hifisim.com/wxre17update.zipThe press release:Press ReleaseFrom HiFi Simulation Software4/3/03FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHiFi Simulation Software announces the release of ActiveSky wxRE v1.7. This new version incorporates offline winds aloft download and processing capability, greatly improves the online winds download process, improves general processing performance, and fixes a few minor issues found in v1.6.ActiveSky wxRE v1.7 is the next-generation real-world dynamic weather environment simulation for FS2002. It represents the combined effort of the developer, beta team and all users who have provided great feedback and assistance through the development process. Realism features like wake turbulence simulation, intelligent turbulence generation, smooth cloud transitions, weather conflict handling, dynamic changing weather, TAF processing, wx briefing, RC3 support, FSFlightMax integration, FSSW and SquawkBox compatibility and now world-wide winds aloft in both online and offline modes round out the feature base to provide the most realistic and entertaining weather experience for flight simulation.ActiveSky wxRE v1.7 update is provided free to all existing 1.x wxRE users. New users can find out more or purchase and download the add-on for $19.95 (US) via http://www.hifisim.com.The revision list:Revisions to v1.70 (from v1.60)* Added offline winds aloft download and processing - NOTE: OLD CYCLE SETS WILL NOT WORK!!! You must download new cycle sets or manually edit your old ones to contain proper wind information* Changed CAVOK generator to create more clear conditions with less chance of clouds* Fixed feet/meters conversion error in winds aloft display* Added Auto retry online aloft download when null/no report found (fixes bad aloft data error)* Added Warning message when TAF processing enabled along with FSFlightMax export (can cause echo/local METAR discrepencies)* Updated docs to reflect new features and options* Fixed QNH voice readback not working* Calm winds voice file was missing - fixed* Added option to disable CAVOK cloud generation* Improved readability of winds display* Improved routines for better performance during RC3 and FSFlightMax operation* Added better handling of null winds aloft wind speed/direction reports, now interpolates and randomizes for more realistic winds during these transitionsEnjoy all!-Damian[table border=0" cellspacing="30" cellpadding="0][tr][td align = "left"]Damian ClarkHiFi Simulation SoftwareDeveloper of ActiveSkyThe next-generation weather environment simulation for FS2002!http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky[/td][td]http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/images/wxrebeta.jpg][/td][/tr][/table://http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/ima...][/tr][/table

Hi DamianMany thanks! A quick "heads up"!I've just installed 1.7, and found that rather than update my existing 1.6 installation (which was in non default folder), that it installed 1.7 in it's own default folder (so my old shortcut still called up 1.6 until I fixed it!).Have to dash to work now, so have not been able to check it out, but it did throw up a warning dialog on startup saying "error reading wxre.ini file - there may be an offline file/folder incorectly set".Hope this helps - I'll be away for a few days, so will catch up with the forum early next week!RegardsAndy

Hi DamianI d/loaded the release candidate 3 yesterday, should I d/load the "offcial" 1.7 update or is it the same?Also since updating from 1.6 to 1.7 I have been unable to download any weather for offline use. On downloading I go through the "downloading metar" then "downloading TAF" and then I get "downloading yesterdays winds" and after a minute or so get a message "error or timeout downloading cycle"Any help would be greatly appreciatedJohnp.s I am in the UK if that's of any relevance :)

DamianJust tried downloading another offline file and this time it seems ok, after "d/loading yesterdays winds" I got todays winds and then forecast winds. Don't know why but it's working!!Best regardsJohn

John,Glad you got it working. Please let us know if you run into any other problems.JimActiveSky Support

Hi all,Just wanted to ask one question, what does "Cloud layer conflict in METAR, skipping transition" mean.?I seem to get it almost everytime the weather updates, on or offline.http://freespace.virgin.net/philip.jeff/BAVBanner.gif

Not really sure, I'll let Damian respond. Then I'll know too!!Hope this helps,JimActiveSky Support

Thanks for this fast and support.You made a great job releasing different wxRE-versions within short range of time and fulfill lot of wishes and dreams of all ActiveSky users into every new version. :)I'll just check out this new version now...

Hi,Its a normal info message that occurs when the cloud transition engine can't change an existing layer (or add or delete) due to the existance of another layer. This checking prevents FS2002 clouds from popping out and back in again, a common occurance when writing new cloud info without checking for conflicts first (i.e. all other wx Addons I believe!). It will skip the transition and wait for a better situation before changing the clouds. You may also see this message if the METAR has reported invalid cloud layers or you get something like: BKN010TCU OVC011 (Can't combine these two layers, so the top one will get temporarily skipped). Hope that helps!-Damian[table border=0" cellspacing="30" cellpadding="0][tr][td align = "left"]Damian ClarkHiFi Simulation SoftwareDeveloper of ActiveSkyThe next-generation weather environment simulation for FS2002!http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky[/td][td]http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/images/wxrebeta.jpg][/td][/tr][/table://http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/ima...][/tr][/table

Thanks Damian,I thought it was some kind of error that was going to stop clouds being generated.

Thanks Chris and everyone for the kind words... !!!'-Damian[table border=0" cellspacing="30" cellpadding="0][tr][td align = "left"]Damian ClarkHiFi Simulation SoftwareDeveloper of ActiveSkyThe next-generation weather environment simulation for FS2002!http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky[/td][td]http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/images/wxrebeta.jpg][/td][/tr][/table://http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/ima...][/tr][/table

Hi John I to have this problem. I have tryed to create new files several times but still have this problem of getting told "error or timeout downloading cycle". Did you alter anything in the options or FSUIPC. Regards Shaun. (UK)

Shawn,Make sure your time zone value is correctly set and keep trying. The severs sometimes are overloaded.Hope this helps,JimActiveSky Support

Version 1.7 is working for me now!Version 1.6 didn't work well for me at all. I went back to the 1.15 version at that point because it was stable. Version 1.6 would never download the winds aloft or cycle files for FS Flightmax.Version 1.7 however is working great! It downloads the winds 99% of the time and no problem with the cycle file either.I use Active Sky and Radar contact ver 3.01 side by side with MSFS 2002 Pro and everything is working great!Thanks for the fixes! I love the Active Sky program!Scott :-)ATP/CFII - KCOS

V1.7 seems to be working fine for me too.Thanks!Gavin