Hello,

 

I’m sorry if this has been covered before; I did search and I did find some similar posts, but nothing that addressed my question.

 

I recently switched from flying the 737 with the 2D layout to using the VC. I was very hesitant to abandon the 2D view due to my laptop’s performance but I adjusted the FSX setting, settled for a bit less eye candy and now I’m sold on flying in VC mode. I’ve read the numerous posts on this site about the 2D vs. VC debate and while I understand both perspectives, flying VC give FSX a far more realistic feel.

 

My landings were almost always right on the centre line and in the touchdown zone when flying in 2D. But since I switched to VC, I tend to drift towards the left on short final (not due to wind or engine failure). I also have a bit of difficulty in getting the VC camera back centre for landing or take off. I tried using the “reset viewpoint” key but it stops working after a few times. I realize that it may take some time to adjust to the new sense of depth and height in VC mode, but are there any programs that help realign the VC camera? I’m currently using a great camera add-on that allows for replays, but it doesn’t seem to help in VC mode.

 

 

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

KrisYYZ

In many ways the 3D cockpit is better than the 2D panels, but disorientating trying to land with it. Just looking at your radio panel for example, you find you can lose 500f in a flash if you are hand flying, Just through the awkwardness of panning around, I find my landings in 3d are a lot more off centre because of the restrictive cockpit enviroment. Having said that, the PMDG 737NGX 3D is the best yet. It is worth trying to get used to it. I have been plesantly surprised by how good it is.

 

There is a program called EZDOK (which I haven't used yet which uses preset camera views .

 

I am very interested in trying to get TrackIR and seeing if this is better. I am worried that I won't like it and it will gain dust if I don't get on with it. A gamble I guess.

 

 

I would love it if VR googles took off a bit more, but that line of development looks very expensive and slow to move forward.

I've always used VC to land so I actually find it impossible to land in 2D cockpit

I've always used VC to land so I actually find it impossible to land in 2D cockpit

 

The vanishing point in FSX is all messed up anyway with all the 737s. The 2D panels get in the way from what I remember.

Actually a very well set up 2D cockpit is better than VC. In real life everything is in view more or less at the same time. The field of vision in real life is much wider. If I want to make an adjustment on the OH I look up and do it without loosing sight of the instruments. Whereas in a VC cockpit I loose sight of everything except what I am actually looking at. A good 2D with corrected perspective is better because all the instruments are within your scan view as they would be in reall ife. Sit facing to the left of your screen directly in front of the Captain's instruments. Having said that many cockpit views are not set up very well even in VC.

With trackir and ezdok, I can't imagine landing using anything else.

The freedom of head movement both allows is unparalleled vs 2D or using the hat switch to pan your pilot while wearing his neck brace.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone...typing errors imminent

With trackir and ezdok, I can't imagine landing using anything else.

 

Totally agree- it just makes it some much more realistic

Before you buy anything, try this: in fsx menu under controls, just asign keys for "Eyepoint(move forward)", "Eyepoint(move back)", "Eyepoint(move left)" and "Eyepoint(move righ)" - i have arows keys asigned for this values. After that you need "Eyepoint(move up)" and "Eyepoint(move down)", and you can move like with ezdok. I stopped to use EZDOK becouse of unrealistic effects(yes, i tried to disable all of them, it's even worse for me)and this is my metod to move in 3d cockpit. You can set your view however you want

Ezdoc and track IR5 must have for vc . It does give you more chalange at the beginning ,but after few take off , landings , taxing and other face of flight you wouldn't switch back to 2 D . Petr

I realize that it may take some time to adjust to the new sense of depth and height in VC mode, but are there any programs that help realign the VC camera?

Kris,

You may want to have a look at EZDOK for this. It comes with pre-set views for all default aircraft, but is easy to customise for add-on aircraft such as the PMDG 737 NGX. It also allows you to assign key commands or buttons to specific views. That's what I've done for a "forward outside" view (and a number of others). Now I can select each of those views with the touch of a button. For example, I can quickly glance at say an instrument panel and then immediately re-align to the forward outside view, without panning, if I'm on finals, or taxiing, etc. The views I use most often, are assigned to my yoke hat switch for additional convenience and accessibility. And with EZDOK, the hat switch will still do panning as well.

 

Yes I note Zeljko's comments on the effects, but as I'm not a professional pilot I haven't got the knowledge to judge what's realistic and what isn't :unknw:, so this aspect doesn't disturb me. I've never really looked into it, but I understand that the effects can be disabled. To me, the convenience of being able to access customised views instantly, is way more important.

 

Hope this helps.

Thanks! I appreciate everyone input. I will give EZDOK a try. I did a few flights last night with mixed results. The HUD is great, but it seems to make my landing worse. I'm using a zoom of 0.60, as I've read that is the most realistic in VC. Perhaps I will try zooming out less and see if that changes anything.

 

Thanks again.