Hi all,

 

I recently installed the (opus included) "cirrus_overcast03_opus_1024.bmp" into my FSX textures folder (renamed it of course) just to find that the nice cloud layer on top of low fog or mist had gone. I understand this file is used to prevent the (so called) "cloud of doom" but was not aware that by installing this .bmp the overcast effect is also lost.

 

So I reinstalled my original "cirrus_overcast03.bmp" again and was happy to find this layer back again. (I never had that "cloud of doom" problem anyway although I use REX textures..)

 

 

Now with the original .bmp in place although the cloud layer tops the "low visibility layer" one can still see the ground shining through which was still not what I wanted.

 

So I decided to make that cloud layer on top completely opaque and therefore I sent the alpha channel of the .bmp to my editor (DXTbmp) and painted it white ! (the lighter the color the more opaque it will be)

 

Here is the result:

 

Regards

Robert

 

Takeoff at LOWI (Weathertheme "Fogged in")

 

 

Climbing out in low visibility

 

 

On top of the fog layer

 

 

Before:

 

 

After:

 

To me this looks like the old fashioned and original false looking FSX, far too hard lined. I prefer our standard LWE low overcast cloud effect, graduated surface visibility, and optional fog/mist effects to top the fog layers. Take a look at our Gallery on our website or some of the Flight1 Screenshots sub-forum for some nice examples of softer edged fog layers. We will also be looking to improve this appearance after the current GRIB forecasted upper winds and temps beta dev cycle is completed. Which is very near to being released now, as we proceed with the next phase of upgrade.

 

Stephen

OpusFSX

Hi Stephen,

 

Of the two Opus files included in the OpusFSX folder, I find that 'cirrus_overcast03_Opus_512' works best for me. However, whenever I change the Cloud theme (I use and prefer FEX graphics - softer graphics and less FPS intensive), the 'cloud of doom' effect returns most if not all the time because I forget to replace the 'cirrus overcast03' file with Opus' version. Reading this morning about automating Opus' wind smoothing feature made me think about the possibility of automating the replacement of the 'cirrus overcast03' file whereby when started, Opus would automatically replace that file (taking care to delete the extension '_Opus_512 or 1024') in our FSX directory, regardless whether the Opus' file is present or not. The user could be given the choice of which file (512 or 1024) should be installed.

 

Food for thought.

 

Thanks to you and Cheryl for the great work!

 

Regards,

 

JJ

Hi JJ

 

Some people actually use this file legitimately, installed deliberately, since the alpha mask may contain a pattern or effect, also of course the file has to be changed before FSX runs and loads the bitmap.

 

The automated wind stabilisation will go hand in hand with our intelligent use of GRIB forecast data to extend the true wind/temp forecasts for further altitudes. These are both precursors to the weather smoothing procedures.

 

I also love the natural FEX textures and use the 'softs and naturals' at the moment. I also prefer the soft fog effects illustrated in our Gallery rather than the hard edged painted on look.

 

Regards

Stephen

Hi Stephen,

 

of course the hard edges dont look very nice but the question is how else can I accomplish a "completely opaque layer" ?

 

In real-life you wouldnt see a thing through it (see picture) BTW, I am looking forward on your further improvements in this area.

 

 

 

 

 

Regards

Robert

We request 8/8 coverage from FSX but you will occasionally see some clear or transparent patches in the cloud. There is one other FSX effect which I'm afraid we cannot fix, that is to do with the low overcast conditions. On occassions FSX will reduce the vis at altitude when flying above the layer even though the commanded vis layer does at that altitude does not change. You can read more on the topic here,

 

http://www.simforums.com/forums/my-destination-weather-didnt-look-right-tonight_topic43910_post260291.html#260291

 

Regards

Cheryl

 

P.S. have PM'd you regarding your profile name, nice one but some people are assuming you are an official rep of OpusFSX.