No METAR Loaded...

[Guest frankathl]

When downloading weather, does AS download METARs as well as TAFs and Winds Aloft?If so, can you tell me the meaning of the message, "No METAR Loaded(Use Custom Fetch)"? I think this only means you have not generated a Custom Station Report? What then does this option add to the weather already retrieved in the main download, and when might I use this last option, please?If I remain online after downloading wx, will AS periodically check the server for newer updates to the METARs, TAFs, and Winds Aloft? I've just looked in the Options window, but cannot see where to set the time for periodic retrieval of wx data.Appreciate your help,BR,Frank

[JSkorna 137]

Hi Frank,This time I know which window you are talking about!! As far as it's weather functioning, it has no influence at all. This window is an information gathering place. AS can be used in may ways without FS even running. Get up in the morning and want to see what the weather is like 100 miles away? Fire up AS, plug in the ICAO code for an airport, and click on fetch. The weather will show up. Before starting a flight you want to look for certain weather? Punch in some codes until you find something you like! Want to see what your destination weather is like before departure? Plug in the code and get that information!!Yes, when AS gets weather it gets all 3 sets of data.Look on the lower right hand side for a box called "Update Interval". That is where you set your update rate. Users with slower Interent connections may find that setting this to a larger number is helpful. Faster Internet connections can use a lower value. I have a cable connection and set my value at 10.Hope this helps,JimActiveSky Supporthttp://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004proudsupporter.jpg

[Guest frankathl]

Great answer, Jim! Thank you. Will be using AS in earnest when I get home!BR,Frank