If you think you have found something that's not working.........

[medianet 0]

I've had an issue with MCE over the last few months that I have not been able to solve. I use the native ATC feature in P3D v4. I'm flying VFR (no flight plan loaded), and when I take off from an airport and dial up the appropriate en route frequency to request flight following, the Flight Plan dialogue box opens up. This happens every single time I attempt this. If I run P3D without MCE running, the Flight Planner window never opens up in this scenario, so it's definitely an issue with MCE.

 

Just as a reminder, here's the previous correspondence I've had with you on the subject:

 

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BEGIN PREVIOUS CONTENTS

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Ben,

 

                I tried enabling all the features, but I got the same results (Flight planner window popping up after the airport frequency scan).

 

                                                                                Michael

 

 

From: Multi Crew Support [mailto:support@multicrewxp.com]
Sent: Monday, November 6, 2017 6:29 AM
To: 'Michael Copp'
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

 

OK, good you sent the screenshots.

 

I can now test with your usage scenario.

 

I mostly run with all features enabled, and maybe something is going on when only a few features are used.

 

Meanwhile, temporarily enable all features and check whether you’re experiencing the same thing.

 

Ben

The FS++ team

 

 

From: Michael Copp [mailto:michael@medianet.ca]
Sent: 06 November 2017 00:17
To: 'Multi Crew Support'
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

 

Hey Ben,

 

                I installed the latest version, and still no luck - I'm still getting the pop-up Flight Planner window in P3D v4. It always appears to be the same thing; once I take off, I switch from the airport frequency to the appropriate approach/departure/centre frequency, MCE does the auto-check to scroll through the nearby airports to try and match the frequency, and then when it can't find the frequency in the nearby airports it pops up the Flight Planner window. I'm going to include screen shots of all my pertinent MCE screens, as well as the contents of the MCE.INI file. Please let me know if you see any setting that I could change to try and fix the issue.

 

                                                                                Thanks,

                                                                                Michael

 

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MCE Screenshots

-----

 

 

 

 

 

 

-----

MCE.INI CONTENTS

-----

 

[WINDOW]

Left=50

Top=1871

NoActivate=1                    //(1 to make sure MCE doesn't take the focus out of the sim, when the UI is clicked, 0 otherwise)

NoSound=0                        //(set value 1 if you want to cut the various UI sounds emitted when clicking buttons or MCE minimises)

NoFullScreenDraw=0     //(set to 1, to avoid the occasional graphics artefacts than can happen when MCE UI tries to draw, and the sim is in full screen mode)

StartToTray=0                    //(set to 1, and every time MCE starts, the UI will not appear unless you click on the icon in system tray)

 

[FEATURES]

ExecuteCaptainOrders=0

ReadCheckListWhenAsked=0

PilotSpeaksToAtc=1

CopilotReportsFailures=1

EnableInterfaceVoice=0

 

[OPTIONS]

Debug=0                                              //(only set this to 1 when instructd by support)

PilotIsBVI=0                        //(must be set to 1 for Blind Visually Impaired Pilots)

UIlanguage=1033

MikeTuneOnStartup=0

EnableOptimizations=1

AutoStartWithFS=1

MinimizeToTray=1

MoreResponsive=1

TrainingCompleted=1

RandomFailures=0

TweakFsConfig=0

AtcMikeUseIvao=0

ForceCopilot=1

AudioIn=

AudioOut=

PilotName=michael                                       

ShowCommands=1

ForceCommands=0                                         //(deprecated. Do not use)

DisplayTime=3000

UseMacros=1                                    //(must be set to 1 For VoxKey to work)

UseNarrator=0

LoudData=0

EnableAnnouncements=0

UseVoxScripts=1

DisableNagging=1

GroundServicesMode=Native

NoBadLanguage=1

NoFMAcallouts=1

NoEngineStartCallouts=1

AllowActionOnEvent=0

V1CalloutIsGO=0                                              //(Enable this to follow Lufthansa standard call-out procedures. PNF calls-out Go instead of V one)

ReduceChatter=0                                            //(Enable this if you want to cutout on the amount of FO speech. FO would be more concise)

 

[PROFICIENCY]

Level=3

 

[SPEECH]

Volume=100

CpuUsage=75

SpeechPace=750

InprocReco=1

DisablePitchChange=0

MaxConcurrentTasks=4

NumLockKeyMutesReco=0

 

[SKILL]

Tol3=030,030,400,900,100,100,100,050

Tol2=020,020,200,700,075,075,075,030

Tol1=010,010,100,500,050,050,050,020

Tol0=005,005,050,300,025,025,025,010

 

[VOICES]

Voice0 =Clive,0,0,0,1

Voice1 =Trav,0,0,0,1

Voice2 =Stella,0,0,0,1

Voice3 =William,0,0,0,1

Voice4 =Microsoft David Desktop,0,0,0,0

 

[ATC]

Mode=Native

PreventNativeATCCancellation=0

UseRadioNoise=1

StaticNoiseLevel=1

SecondaryNeedAtcWindow=0

atc1=0

atc2=0

atc3=0

atc4=0

atc5=1

UseRadarContact=0

IgnoreRC4Registry=0      //(Set this to 1 when RC4 isn't installed on the same machine as MCE)

RC4path=

IgnorePFERegistry=0      //(Set this to 1 when PFE isn't installed on the same machine as MCE)

PFEpath=

IgnoreFlightPlan=0

FlightPlansPath=

 

 

[SIMCONTROL]

FsPanels=0

FsMenus=0

FsDialogs=0

FsKneeboard=0

ViewsAndViewpoint=0

 

[GAMEPAD]

JoyManID=CH FLIGHT SIM YOKE USB

JoyProdID=CH FLIGHT SIM YOKE USB

JoyButton=1

UseWithVoxATC=0                         //(set to 1 if you want to use the same joystick assignment with VoxATC. It will ensure FO doesn't listen to your speech while the joystick button is held down using VoxATC)

 

[GO-FLIGHT]

Use=1                                   //(set to 1 for MCE to monitor the manual radio dialling process. Whether you do that via mouse-clicks or by rotating Go-Flight or other hardware modules)

TimeOut=3000                  //(sets the amount of time in milliseconds that must elapse after you last click on the radio switches in VC panel, or physically rotate a button on the radio rack, before MCE assumes you are finished with dialling. Values between 2000 and 5000 are accepted)

 

 

[CHECKLIST]

NoStateCheck=0                              //(when set to 1, co-pilot will just read the checklist aloud, wait for any answer and move on, without challenging you on any item. Useful for people running simpits with hardware switches. It can be difficult for FO to read these)

Strict=1                                 //(set to 1 if you want FO to be very professional with the checklist. Cuts out the banter)

 

 

 

[MECHANIC]

PushWithGSXandAES=0

 

[RAMP]

NoRampToOfficeTalk=0

NoPaxDoorsAutoHandling=0

NoCargoDoorsAutoHandling=0

 

 

[PACE]

ActionDelay=1500     //The simulated delay that takes place before FO takes action. Values from 0 to 4000 milliseconds)

MCPdial=100         //The pace at which FO increments or decrements MCP values from 100 to 250 milliseconds). Doesn't apply to some aircraft where the value is hard coded

ButtonPress=800                //The simulated time in milliseconds it takes the FO to flip a single switch. Values 500 to 2500 are accepted

VoxKeyAction=1000  //The delay in milliseconds between two consecutive VoxKey actions. Valid entries 0 to 4000.

 

 

[SPLASH]

NoSound=0

 

[VATSIM]

NotifyPTTstate=0

 

[PILOTS]

 

[MISC]

Path=C:\Program Files (x86)\Multi Crew Experience

 

 

 

[TERMINATE]

 

 

 

From: Multi Crew Support [mailto:support@multicrewxp.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2017 7:00 AM
To: 'Michael Copp'
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

 

I did a check with P3D V4.1 and I really can’t reproduce. At least not with latest MCE.

 

Suggest you upgrade and install this package and we’ll take it from there:

 

http://www.multicrewxp.com/Downloads.html

 

 

Ben

The FS++ team

 

 

From: Michael Copp [mailto:michael@medianet.ca]
Sent: 15 October 2017 19:14
To: support@multicrewxp.com
Subject: FW: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

 

Ben,

 

                I've upgraded to P3D v4.1 and retested the scenario below, but the issue still exists. Is there a setting in MCE that forces it to expect an IFR flight, and would automatically open up the Flight Planner window if I hadn't already loaded a flight plan? Conversely, would you happen to know if there's a setting in P3D that would allow me to suppress/disable the flight planner window completely? I only ever fly VFR flight following anyway.

 

                                                                                Thanks,

                                                                                Michael

 

 

From: Michael Copp [mailto:michael@medianet.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 7:51 PM
To: 'Multi Crew Support'
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

 

Ben,

 

                I updated the DLL, but I'm still having the same issues (P3D Flight Planner window pops up when I first dial up the Approach/Center frequency, and I cannot make my initial contact with Approach/Center unless I say "select one"). Any suggestions?

 

                                                                                Thanks,

                                                                                Michael

 

 

From: Multi Crew Support [mailto:support@multicrewxp.com]
Sent: Monday, October 9, 2017 5:49 PM
To: michael@medianet.ca
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

 

Have attached new dll.

 

Unzip and replace fsInsider64.dll inside \Prepar3D V4\

 

Should restore full functionality with RC4 and PF3 ATC under P3D V4.

 

Regards,

 

Ben

The FS++ team

 

 

From: michael@medianet.ca [mailto:michael@medianet.ca]
Sent: 05 October 2017 19:00
To: support@multicrewxp.com
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

 

Sounds good - let me know what you find out

Michael

On Thu, 5 Oct 2017 10:41:15 +0100, "Multi Crew Support" wrote:

Will have to re-test and get back to you.

For instance, have seen interface to Radar Contact ATC getting broken recently, when very latest FSUIPC (required by RC4) changed the name of the window from the expected “Radar Contact ATC”.

Who knows what else may have changed.

Ben

The FS++ team

From: Michael Copp [mailto:michael@medianet.ca]
Sent: 05 October 2017 01:17
To: 'Multi Crew Support'
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

Ben

I did a pretty straightforward test:

- I started P3D v4 without MCE, dialed in the approach frequency once I took off, and no Flight Planner window appeared

- I started P3D v4 with MCE, dialed in the approach frequency once I took off, and the Flight Planner window popped up

This makes me think the Flight Planner window is definitely triggered by something to do with MCE. Can you think of anything that I could add/change (maybe a modification of the mce.ini file) that would solve this issue?

Thanks,

Michael

From: Multi Crew Support [mailto:support@multicrewxp.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2017 4:52 AM
To: 'Michael Copp'
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

The first two transmissions, should go through except for one crucial mistake.

The ATC speech grammar tries to enforce ATC jargon rules.

Let’s say you’re flying an aircraft of type Mooney with registration NMR2CS

There are 3 valid ways you can transmit the call sign.

Mooney November Mike Romeo Two Charlie Sierra (aircraft_type + full tail registration)

November Mike Romeo Two Charlie Sierra (Full tail registration only)

Mooney Two Charlie Sierra (aircraft_type + last 3 digits in tail registration)

“Request flight following” out of the blue isn’t good ATC practice. The controller wouldn’t know who is calling.

“Approach Mooney Two Charlie Sierra request flight following”.

It’s always good to start any request with the center you’re calling so that you draw the attention of the controller before you make the actual request.

In real life, should you fail to do that in an airspace where you aren’t the only expected traffic, you’re likely to hear “station calling, say again”.

Ben

The FS++ team

From: Michael Copp [mailto:michael@medianet.ca]
Sent: 29 September 2017 20:47
To: 'Multi Crew Support'
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

Ben,

I discovered what one of my problems was - MCE wasn't making changes to the [ATC] section of the prepar3d.cfg file for v4, it was only making them for the config file in P3D v3. Once I changed the entries manually, the ATC characteristics were correct.

I am still having an issue as soon as I switch to the frequency to request flight following in with the Flight Planner window opens up on its own (it only happens that first time the frequency is tuned; subsequent frequency changes are fine) - not sure if that "feature" has anything to do with MCE or not; it's almost like it automatically decides I'm going to file an IFR flight plan, and pops the window up accordingly. Also concerning that first contact for flight following with ATC; I can say all of the following:

"Halifax approach, Whiskey Oscar Juliette requests flight following"

"Approach, Whiskey Oscar Juliette requests flight following"

"Whiskey Oscar Juliette requests flight following"

"Request flight following"

...and none of those work - I end up having to say the generic "Select 1" to get ATC to acknowledge (for the most part, ATC communications work fine after that).

Michael

From: Multi Crew Support [mailto:support@multicrewxp.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 9:08 AM
To: michael@medianet.ca
Subject: RE: Hearing my ATC responses in P3D v4

It's definitely not something intentional.

If mapped joystick buttons to key combo via FSUIPC, may want to check those.

MCE can monitor the joystick button directly. Do not emulate the DEL key via FSUIPC unless the joystick cannot be recognized.

Ben

The FS++ team

On 26 September 2017 at 12:30 michael@medianet.ca wrote:

Also, something I forgot to mention in the last email. At a point early at the start of my radio communication (it may be during my first communication with ATC - I can't check to be 100% certain as I'm at work right now), the P3D v4 flight plan window pops up, which I promptly close as I'm flying VFR. Could this a) be effecting the auto-tune feature, and b) is this flight plan window opening something that MCE is triggering, or do I need to look at my key/button map settings within P3D to see if I have a conflict with my transmit button, etc.?

[STUART_H 12]

I download and installed version 1.3.5 for X-Plane, and when using for the first time today the FO seemed to go into a loop at times when performing a script flow, repeating the same item several times over an over again, before suddenly moving on. Don't know what could have caused this.

Also, having assigned MCE to a different audio device from the default, worked fine for the FO, but the purser voice scripts were still coming through the default audio device. Any chance purser sounds could use the playback device defined in Assign Audio output?

Stuart

[FS++ 715]

17 hours ago, STUART_H said:

I download and installed version 1.3.5 for X-Plane, and when using for the first time today the FO seemed to go into a loop at times when performing a script flow, repeating the same item several times over an over again, before suddenly moving on. Don't know what could have caused this.

Also, having assigned MCE to a different audio device from the default, worked fine for the FO, but the purser voice scripts were still coming through the default audio device. Any chance purser sounds could use the playback device defined in Assign Audio output?

Stuart

If you're using a TTS voice for purser, make sure the voice isn't tied to a specific device.

Can't reproduce the looping issue.

Suggest you try with another aircraft. If having the same issue, report it, otherwise, could be your own messed up custom flows causing it.

If you're using custom affinity masks and restricting MCE to a single CPU core, even though it should be enough, you never know when FSX/P3D is using that particular core. Allow it to run on at least 2 cores just in case.

[STUART_H 12]

Not using a TTS script, but one of the default MCE voices.

Sorry I think I misled you somewhat re the purser script issue. It's not only the purser voice but also when a .wav file is played within the script using the sound=xxxxxx.wav command in the script. This is also the case of the .wav file is played from within a pilot script, even though the FO voice within that script plays through the MCE DEFINED (non default) device. Any idea how to resolve this?

BTW, I am using X-Plane and not FSX/P3D, in case that makes a difference?

Also, it would appear the MCE website is not accessible today?

http://www.multicrewxp.com  ??

Stuart

[FS++ 715]

1 hour ago, STUART_H said:

Not using a TTS script, but one of the default MCE voices.

Sorry I think I misled you somewhat re the purser script issue. It's not only the purser voice but also when a .wav file is played within the script using the sound=xxxxxx.wav command in the script. This is also the case of the .wav file is played from within a pilot script, even though the FO voice within that script plays through the MCE DEFINED (non default) device. Any idea how to resolve this?

BTW, I am using X-Plane and not FSX/P3D, in case that makes a difference?

Also, it would appear the MCE website is not accessible today?

http://www.multicrewxp.com  ??

Stuart

Another way of doing it is to set your preferred audio device in Windows Control Panel, <Sound> utility.

Maybe just temporary outage. Just accessed website without issues. Can you try again?

 

 

[STUART_H 12]

I'm aware of setting sound preferences in Windows but it's not application specific.

I found that using Audio Router (https://github.com/audiorouterdev/audio-router/releases/download/v0.10.2/AudioRouter-0.10.2.zip ) I can reroute XP11 itself to the non default playback device (e.g. external speakers) leaving MCE and either RC4 or PF3 to use the default playback device.

So I shall give the above a try tomorrow which hopefully should solve the issues as they will then be using the default playback device.

Thanks,

Stuart

[Jaime Mac Gregor 0]

Hello,

 

I've tried to use MCE with default x-plane ATC and it wont work at all. The only thing it will do is show and close the atc dialog box. I've read to manual and to no avail no interaction.

 

Can you please clarify if this function is available. As i read in many reviews and documents that this feature is suppose to work. 

[FS++ 715]

4 hours ago, Jaime Mac Gregor said:

Hello,

 

I've tried to use MCE with default x-plane ATC and it wont work at all. The only thing it will do is show and close the atc dialog box. I've read to manual and to no avail no interaction.

 

Can you please clarify if this function is available. As i read in many reviews and documents that this feature is suppose to work. 

The native ATC part in MCE currently only usable in X-Plane 10.

Maybe will extend it to X-Plane 11.

To be honest, X-Plane built-in ATC is a joke, that's why we are reluctant to put too much effort into it.

I mean, come on, 1 voice that transmits on behalf of all traffic, a single controller voice, no airlines support 

There are more mature alternatives, like PF3 or Radar Contact ATC that have been in FSX/P3D world for years, and now  can be used in X-Plane too. You'd need PFEtoXPlane or RC4toXPlane plugins though.

 

[Jaime Mac Gregor 0]

Hello,

Thank you for getting back to me. I have both products - just wanted to understand why it was not working with native ATC. It would be nice to be able to choose between the three in X-Plane 11.

Ps. - Your support staff is amazing.  

Thank you again. 

[ChuckOman 3]

Hi Ben and Gerald -

Using 2.7.4.2 on P3Dv4 for several months now - launches, kickstarts and generally works well.  But recently when I resumed flying online with human ATC, I noticed that MCE copilot was responding to my human ATC conversation. 

Using prior versions of MCE with FSX and P3D3, I'd set up a PTT JS button via FSUIPC to send an <END> key when pressed, and this inhibited voice recognition per p. 10 of manual.  I gather those keys were hard coded in MCE.  But now with this MCE version, when a push PTT (or just press <END> or <SPACE> keys on keyboard, MCE voice recognition isn't inhibited.   Are the <END> and <SPACE> keys still functioning ?  Any idea why they aren't working ?

I assume that as in prior MCE versions, "talk to ATC controllers" and the ATC tab in the UI should not be enabled - that is still just for AI ATC like RC4 or VOXATC, where you want MCE to parse voice commands and send them to AI ATC. 

(Based on CoolP's post (forum pinned MCE hints and tips), I tried setting UseWithVoxATC=1, but it crashes my MCE.  Perhaps that post is dated now.   I think I remember Ben telling me that this only works if ATC tab is enabled.)

What is currently the best way to configure MCE for online human ATC, using a client like Pilot Edge that is looking for a keyboard key ?

Regards

 

Chuck O

 

 

[FS++ 715]

18 minutes ago, ChuckOman said:

What is currently the best way to configure MCE for online human ATC, using a client like Pilot Edge that is looking for a keyboard key ?

Regards

 

Chuck O

 

 

In mce.ini set as follows.

[GAMEPAD]

UseWithVoxAtc=1

 

OR

[GAMEPAD]

UseWithOtherAtc=1

In MCE UI, disable the "Talk to ATC controllers"

Do not set a trigger via FSUIPC. MCE can track the joystick button directly

The END key is hard coded and MCE will always be assuming it's used for online ATC.

To use an additional key like SPACE bar, go to simulator installation folder and open "fsInsider.ini"

Set "VatsimPTT=32".

You'll then have 3 ways of muting FO, Space bar, END key or joystick PTT

 

[ChuckOman 3]

Hi Gerald - Many thanks for quick response.

To troubleshoot I disabled FSUIPC <END> key transmission, made the fsinsider.ini VatsimPTT=32 change you suggested, and then set [GAMEPAD] UseWithVoxAtc=1, and verified [FEATURES] PilotSpeaksToATC=0.  Then tried to run MCE. Pilot boards but MCE hangs, and any attempt to use the UI crashes MCE.  I never see the red "Ready to go!".

Set UseWithVox=0, and MCE starts normally.  However, to my surprise, even after setting VatsimPTT=32, holding space bar gives me the mouse look cross pointer (so the key is being sent) but it does not mute MCE FO speech recognition.

So UseWithVox=1 is messing up MCE startup somehow.  I'll email my mce.ini to support, so you can have a look. 

What should I try next ?   Would it be useful for me to turn on debug and obtain a startup log ?

 

Chuck O

[STUART_H 12]

I've recently been trying to get to grips with MCE and PF3 in X-Plane 11.

I've set Closed Captions unchecked and Active=1 in the ini file but have experienced the following.

I dial in the ATIS frequency and PF3 duly provides the weather.

Then dial the Clearance freq, and request clearance myself. PF3 duly provides clearance accordingly, however the FO bugs in and does the readback without being asked!  PF3 acknowledges, Readback correct even before FO has finished.

I carry on and request pushback and subsequent Taxi from Ground having tuned it manually. The FO acknowledged in both cases even though I have not handed him the radio.

However, when I do subsequently hand FO the radio, which he acknowledges, he seems incapable of dialing the correct frequencies into the radios and as a result does not get any reply, leaving me to change the radio and handle the Comms again myself!  The aircraft is the FJS Q400.

I don't know what can be going wrong?

Furthermore, although most probably a PF3 issue, Departure climbs me to 10000 ft then states "Follow own Navigation". That's the last I usually hear from PF3, other than changing frequencies occasionally. No further climb instruction or descent per the Flightplan entered ( cruise level should have been 23000 ft). I eventually ignored PF3 and descended myself in order to me altitudes per approach charts and landed. PF3 still advising me after landing to maintain 10000 ft! 

I think it's back to faithful old RC4 for me, unless someone can advise where I could be going wrong?

Stuart

[FS++ 715]

2 hours ago, STUART_H said:

I've recently been trying to get to grips with MCE and PF3 in X-Plane 11.

I've set Closed Captions unchecked and Active=1 in the ini file but have experienced the following.

I dial in the ATIS frequency and PF3 duly provides the weather.

Then dial the Clearance freq, and request clearance myself. PF3 duly provides clearance accordingly, however the FO bugs in and does the readback without being asked!  PF3 acknowledges, Readback correct even before FO has finished.

I carry on and request pushback and subsequent Taxi from Ground having tuned it manually. The FO acknowledged in both cases even though I have not handed him the radio.

However, when I do subsequently hand FO the radio, which he acknowledges, he seems incapable of dialing the correct frequencies into the radios and as a result does not get any reply, leaving me to change the radio and handle the Comms again myself!  The aircraft is the FJS Q400.

I don't know what can be going wrong?

Furthermore, although most probably a PF3 issue, Departure climbs me to 10000 ft then states "Follow own Navigation". That's the last I usually hear from PF3, other than changing frequencies occasionally. No further climb instruction or descent per the Flightplan entered ( cruise level should have been 23000 ft). I eventually ignored PF3 and descended myself in order to me altitudes per approach charts and landed. PF3 still advising me after landing to maintain 10000 ft! 

I think it's back to faithful old RC4 for me, unless someone can advise where I could be going wrong?

Stuart

FO dialling freqs will be double-checked. FKS Q400 is fully supported.

Be aware, a decision was made a while ago that by default, the Fo always has the COMMs at the beginning.

Therefore, need to tell him you have the COMMs as soon as MCE starts.

 

[Fighter Guy 11]

Hello,

After updating to latest version 2.7.48, after requesting flight following, ATC gives a transponder code and requests acknowledgement of the squawk. I am no longer able to get a response from ATC unless I say option 1 to the menu item. Was working prior to update. Any suggestions? 

Also, is there a way to speed up the response from a script?  It appears that it takes the F/O a long time to complete a script even though there are no pauses built into the script.

Thanks again for a phenomenal product. 

Tony