Well, I've messed up. I thought it would be fun to have the ability to actually talk to the ATC instead of just using the default menu all the time. I downloaded the demos for both VoxATC and MCE separately over the course of this Sunday afternoon and tried them. Long story short, I could not get the VoxATC demo to work with my Duke turbine and the MCE was totally beyond me since I could not find any written manual or other guidance to help me to understand how to actually use it. After deleting each of them, I went back into FSX to fly from Charleston back to Columbia and I found I could listen to the ATIS but the ATC was silent. I could bring it up, select a menu option but nothing came out of the speakers or my headset. I suspect I have messed up something in FSX and I will need to put it straight again but I really don't want to re-install FSX and then my addons again if I can just dip into the DVD and replace the messed up files. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I love to fly GA aircraft in a VFR setting and so, If I can get this situation straightened out I probably will just let well enough alone! Thanks guys!JohnUPDATE: Sorry to ring the bell too soon Guys. I realized I could simply restore the system to its state immediately before I installed the first demo. I did that and everything is OK. Phew!

The problem probably was the demo just turned off the ATC voice in the settings so it wouldn't conflict with theirs. You probably only needed to turn it back on in the Sound settings.

I'm sure tt51d is right.BTW - it's well worth persevering with MCE. I only use it to talk to ATC and it's great, IMO much simpler and less rigid than VOXATC, ideal for VFR flying using the default FSX ATC. I think you're right that there isn't a manual, but the support (via email) is second to none, and there is an unofficial forum at http://rainbird.heavenforum.org/

Thank you both for your insight. I never thought to check that. BTW, I have registered at the other forum and will give MCE another look.. I hope to find the necessary (for me anyway) assistance and information to give MCE a fair shot. Any study material that I could lay my hands on would benefit me quite a bit. I am not reluctant at all to sit down and study to learn how to be more effective and efficient communicating with ATC. Any suggestions and/or pointing in directions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!John

A couple tips - make sure you have a good quality headset (some tips on the forum), and do take the trouble to do the voice training (base and ATC modules). Apart from getting speech reco used to your voice, it will also tell you a bit about the product and how to use it. It also gets you used to speaking to your computer !I mentioned the quality of MCE support. Although the forum is monitored, you will get a quicker and better response if you email the MCE folks direct at [email protected]. They are exceptionally helpful, and you should expect a reply within 24 hours. Don't be afraid to ask (what you think may be) dumb questions either !

Thank you, Sir! I really appreciate your help. John