How does the Overcast Cloud Package in the file library compare to the FSW clouds that are out?

They don't... (I am the one who released the set, so I figure that qualifies my answer)...The overcast cloud set addresses a specific issue--that of FS2004 not simulating a true "overcast" condition. They are used to create an artificial layer of cirrus overcast under a "normal" overcast stratus or cumulus layer. I found that modifying the cirrus overcast cloud bmps could simulate what many IFR simmers wanted. The FSW clouds serve a different purpose. Those that are for FS2004 are there to improve performance. I believe Chris also improves the environment mapping. And I believe his coming release will also be visually better than the FS2004 defaults...Hope this answers your question...-John

We can use yours and his hand in hand then?

Yes, although mine would have to be installed after his set since he may or may not have made modifications of his own to the cirrus overcast bitmaps for performance purposes. I have his performance clouds installed and my own set, which only consists of four bitmaps. -JohnEdit: I should add that Real Weather and my set really don't mix, since what I do is basically a manual setup of the weather to simulate IFR conditions. If one of the third party real weather programs can apply my method however (and to those authors reading you are free to do so), then we may see real weather creating real IFR and overcast conditions in the sim.

Hey John,Do you include instructions in your download as to how to recreate the conditions that you created these clouds for?

Yep.... There is a readme.txt that explains what to do.... It's pretty straightforward. You create a one foot thick cirrus overcast layer immediately under a stratus or cumulus overcast layer. That's it. I do this by typing the numbers in manually into the fields defining the bottom and top of the cloud layers...For best results, I suggest matching the vis up to the cloud draw distance. It works very well and creates the illusion of a solid deck as far as the eye can "see"... Disconcerting if you're new to IFR and trying to make your first landing in the soup :)-John

>Edit: I should add that Real Weather and my set really don't>mix, since what I do is basically a manual setup of the>weather to simulate IFR conditions. If one of the third party>real weather programs can apply my method however (and to>those authors reading you are free to do so), then we may see>real weather creating real IFR and overcast conditions in the>sim. And they are doing so John. Apparently Damian from ActiveSky 2004 is working to implement this method into his soon to be released service pack.Looks like now we'll have a true overcast with real weather that won't kill your FPS.More info here: http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho..._id=7184&page=2Carlos.

Hi John,Hope you don't mind but I wondered whether you are aware of this unfortunate side-effect?I was playing around with Lago's GeoRender series and on loading GeoRender 6 (Sultan) I noticed strange goings on in the sky :(I checked Lago's weather settings and they are as follows:Cirrus Overcast 8/8 Tops 30,5000 Base 29,680ftCumulus Few 2/8 Tops 10,826 Base 4,265First screen capture (with Chris's cirrus o/c clouds and cumulus deleted)http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/58035.jpgSecond screen capture (with your 4 modified cirrus o/c files)http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/58034.jpgI expect you probably know about this, but I felt I should draw it to your attention, just in case. No big deal as it's easy enough to swap textures back and forth depending on what type of flight you want.I am really enjoying the challenge of flying with your modified cirrus quartet and your recommended setup. Thanks.Cheers,Mike :-wave

It's funny Mike. I just went online to reply to an earlier thread on the subject, and saw your post. Here's what I found:FS2004 uses the default cirrus overcast bitmaps to draw the vis layer from above. The alpha channel "blends" with the surrounding air so that the vis layer appears as a haze or mist below.Since I use the cirrus overcast bitmaps for my little "trick", and I strip the alpha channel, FS2004's use of them to show the vis layer from above gets fouled up. Since I strip the alpha channel, the layer appears solid until it terminates (COF doesn't extend the vis layer that far, only about 30 NM or so).Sorry to say, I didn't know COF was using cirrus bitmaps to draw the vis layer from above.It pretty much leaves users with a choice--use the default cirrus overcast bitmaps and have the blending of the vis layer when it's seen from above, or use mine for creating an extended solid deck independent of the vis layer.A third option is using my bitmaps, but extending the vis layer upward to some point above the aircraft's cruising altitude. The problem is only seen when my bitmaps are used and the aircraft is above the upper limit of the vis layer.One person mentioned having to reinstall FS2004 to get the vis layer back to looking nice from above. Anyone who followed my readme.txt can simply restore the backups you should have made prior to installing my textures.Personally, since I like the IFR effect my textures give, especially at night, I will use them despite the vis layer issue...Thanks for the heads up.... I'll put a link to my reply here in the other thread...-John

Thanks for that John. I was thinking about it last night after going to bed and thought it must have something to do with the alpha channel.BTW, anyone know what's happened to my images? They've disappeared, just like the alpha channel - LOLCheers,Mike

Here is a reprise of my images, since some of you may be wondering what we are talking about. Don't know why they went astray. I've made them smaller in case I upset the moderator first time around ;) (Shouldn't have though as they were within the forum image limits.)Cirrus Overcast 8/8 Tops 30,5000 Base 29,680ftCumulus Few 2/8 Tops 10,826 Base 4,265First screen capture (with Chris's cirrus o/c clouds. Cumulus deleted for illustrative purposes)http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/58470.jpgSecond screen capture (with John's 4 modified cirrus o/c files - these overwrite Chris's cirrus o/c clouds)http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/58471.jpgOtherwise, the explanation is as provided by John.Just switch between the two sets of 4 files depending on what type of flight you want.Mike

One thing to add though--my overcast clouds were never meant to be used by themselves as in the examples shown. A deck of overcast stratus or cumulus should be placed just above them, otherwise the "seams" are very evident, as in your shots. They really aren't meant to be used as a high deck of cirrus overcast at all. I only use them wherever I want a lower altitude solid deck to challenge my IFR skills.The only issue at hand is the fact that MSFS also uses the same bitmaps to show the vis layer from above. This causes a solid "block" to be displayed vs. the blended vis that the default bmps display.-John

"One thing to add though--my overcast clouds were never meant to be used by themselves as in the examples shown"....sorry, John, perhaps I should have expanded a bit further. My shots were only an incidental finding when I loaded one of Lago's flight situations. These served only to advise others of this then unexpected side-effect and not in any way meant to deter anyone from following your suggestions to achieve a solid overcast layer. If anyone has loaded your modified files and encountered something similar then they would know what had caused it. Restoration of the original files provides the solution. Reinstallation of FS, a method employed by many to get themselves out of trouble, will achieve the same result, but is unnecessary.Cheers,Mike