Hi all,I tried searching this in various forums here, but found no topics that really hit the nail on the head. I've been having a little trouble with a few AFCAD files from three sceneries in my library. First is the Overland RKSI Incheon scenery. Second is Aerosoft's megascenery Amsterdam (EHAM). Third is the Suvarnabhumi scenery (VTBS) by Armi. In these cases, when I try to open the AFCAD file, AFCAD gives me a message saying that it is unable to perform the task and shuts down. Therefore, I am unable to open the files in order to view or edit gate information. Has this happened to anyone else, and if so, what can I do about it? Thanks for reading,GeorgeP.S. I am using AFCAD version 2.04 and fly FS9. I realize it's a relatively old version, but as far as I know, it's the most current freeware offering, and it works for about 99% of my sceneries. Cheers!

Hi all,I tried searching this in various forums here, but found no topics that really hit the nail on the head. I've been having a little trouble with a few AFCAD files from three sceneries in my library. First is the Overland RKSI Incheon scenery. Second is Aerosoft's megascenery Amsterdam (EHAM). Third is the Suvarnabhumi scenery (VTBS) by Armi. In these cases, when I try to open the AFCAD file, AFCAD gives me a message saying that it is unable to perform the task and shuts down. Therefore, I am unable to open the files in order to view or edit gate information. Has this happened to anyone else, and if so, what can I do about it? Thanks for reading,GeorgeP.S. I am using AFCAD version 2.04. I realize it's a relatively old version, but as far as I know, it's the most current freeware offering, and it works for about 99% of my sceneries. Cheers!

The AFCAD editor you are using is fine for older scenery AFCADS, but more modern ones will need to use Airport Design Editor to edit the AFCAD or you will create problems with the scenery.

Or you could get Afcadv2.21 if you want to continue using Afcad. It came out a long time ago and unfortunately is the last to be published. I think there was a warning that your old version might not work with afcads made with the latest version.It is still available at Avsim. Search for afcad221.zipColin B

AFCAD 221 is in the FS9 utility libs here. If you are VISTA or Win 7 you may need to run the program level as an admin so it can access all of your scenery locations. Create a shortcut to it and set the advanced properties to run as admin.AFCAD was created before MS released the scenery design specifications and it made some assumptions that were outside of spec. Some designers use more powerful scenery designers and the afcad type files (really classified as afd files) may contain elements that AFCAD can not work with or strip out information in those afcad files.A better editor is Airport Design Editor (freeware) that operates a bit differently. The page at http://www.airportdesigneditor.co.uk/ describes it and the download link will take you tohttp://www.scruffyduck.org.uk/filemanager/navega.php?id=2&PHPSESSID=e8b71acc34f87109e40e69a451a7b6d5where the application (for both FSX and FS9), manual, and tutorials reside.Use File/Open Airport From .bgl to open an afd type file usually named AF2_ AFX_ or ADE. To make runway property or navaid property changes choose List\type of list, highlight the line in table, and click edit or new.When done you should Save As the airport to create or enter a project folder with files. This allows you to easily go back and make further changes. You then do File\Compile to create the afd .bgl file. If you get warnings during the compile it means that some elements are outside of FS specifications but it will work. If you get a failure it means the compilation failed being totally outside of acceptable MSFS SDK specifications. In an open project there is a fault finder tool and hovering over each one will show the fault similar to AFCAD.Moving existing objects and adding new nodes, etc., is very similar to AFCAD.

To everyone, thanks for all your help! At ronzie: I tried to work with ADE9, but it's proving to be quite the challenge (perhaps I'm just too accustomed to AFCAD2). I didn't even realize that there was 2.21 (either that or I assumed that I already had it). In any event, I downloaded and installed version 2.21 and lo and behold, I was able to open the aforementioned airport files! I do realize that any file with an AFX suffix would require the updated programs, but for now, I'm content with AFCAD v2.21. Thanks again, guys and gals!George

I looked at Overland RKSI, and at least for that one I think you are safe with AFCAD.scott s..

Hi.Very often the wrong assumptions made by AFCAD prevent an airport created with that package from compiling in ADE9X.I'd suggest AFCAD221 for editing older stuff, but strongly recommend using ADE9X when you come to make your own airports. If you have the patience when editing old airports, try ADE9X first and do a quick trial compile just to see if you will have to use AFCAD as a workaround. If the airport works with ADE it's pretty well guaranteed to have no low level errors. It's really not difficult to use (and I think it's much easier on the eyes).Regards,D

Have ADCAD221 as it is very simple to use, I mainly use it for changing a gate size, airline codes, runway land/takeoff settings and very infrequently to add extra gates. Just had a problem with the new FlyTampa LGAV FS9 when I added airline codes to gates. The default buildings also showed up, these went after installing an exclude file from FlyTampa. If I replace a "corrupted" afcad file with the original is everything solved or are other files permanently affected. And also now that I have an exclude file can I continue to use ADCAD221 to finish the changes in the "corrupted" file I want to make. As the ADE programme is for both FS9 & FSX where is the programme installed, cannot seem to find this info. Are both Fl.Sims the same when it comes to using ADE in changing Afcad specifications. Reading the ADE Manual Nr.2 it looks very complicated. I have had FS9 for many years and FSX for several months now, still not an expert and am always wary that I do something wrong to the Flight Simulaters.

Just had a problem with the new FlyTampa LGAV FS9 when I added airline codes to gates. The default buildings also showed up, these went after installing an exclude file from FlyTampa.

That is exactly why I do not understand why people persevere with AFCAD. It is outdated, obsolete and the author never finished adding features that he hoped to. AFCAD will gleefully and silently delete features in a file that it doesn't understand. Current software, like AFX or ADE can add features like exclude areas and this is almost certainly why the excluded buildings re-appeared after you had meddled with the file in AFCAD. It is really worth getting up to date and using AFX (better for the amateur, occasional or new user) or ADE (large learning curve, but highly advanced in terms of features). John