I was hoping to get some recommendations for some more realistic ATC packages that would best fit my uses.

 

I pretty much stick to GA VFR/IFR flights...both short local area flights and longer cross country flights. I don't tend to do much airliner "heavy" stuff.

 

Realism is the most important. I prefer the real human voices instead of the pieced together robotic-sounding voices. But if the majority of you recommend one of the packages with robot voices then thats a small sacrifice for realism. Simpler to setup and use instead of a humongous manual would be a good thing too!

 

I understand there are services out there like PilotsEdge..and eventually I may utilize though as well. But right now I'm looking for an automated solution that will available any time, any where, and without any sort of subscription.

 

Thanks!

VoxATC would be the solution. There are (5) voices that you can get from them that are passable (I use them because they are economical.... as in free). There are pay for voices that will run you upwards of $30 a shot so if you want any variety you are going to pay dearly. The download version includes no voices, the CD version whoch will run you about double includes 4 pretty good voices.

 

 

http://www.voxatc.com/Voice.aspx

If you're happy with FSX default ATC terminology and voices (not everyone is), then Multi-Crew Experience allows you to talk to that very easily and naturally instead of selecting the options.

I'd love to see a couple of more demo vids. The two I've seen don't really tell me much.

MCE offers a full function free trial version, so you can try for yourself. And their support (via email) is excellent.

Pilot Edge. Well worth the price... they've also got a trial:

 

http://www.pilotedge.net/

 

Even if they aren't 24/7 it shouldn't matter because you'll probably be sleeping when they are closed hehe... At least try out the trial version....

Pilot Edge. Well worth the price... they've also got a trial:

 

The other issue with PilotEdge is they are restricted to a small area of operations in order to provide the proper coverage needed. So an option but not for flying everywhere. I've only ever used VoxATC and it was nice. I took it out when I started serious training in other areas though to decrease my workload. Will add it back in at some point. I also think Radar Contact is an option? I'm also a GA-only pilot

Yeah but it's perfect for GA because you don't have to fly long flights...

 

There's a ton of controlled airports and lots of freq changes... you can really get a work out on PE.

Yeah Pilot Edge or Vatsim.

PE is definitely something I'll eventually check out. That really does seem like the ticket for realism and doing things the right way.

 

However, for my schedule at the current time I really need to stick to some artificial intelligence (like Radar Contact). I'm just looking for something that is similar but significantly better than the built-in FSX system (i.e. It doesn't use VOX but instead uses key presses).

 

I think I've actually got a copy of Radar Contact v4 on CD sitting around my office somewhere. It never left that CD case and I never actually installed it though because it was really complicated. That was a few years ago that I ordered it and I seem to remember the documentation being immense. I was hoping that maybe something better, and more user-friendly had come out. I was wondering if there were other people like me, looking for a replacement/enhancement for the FSX system that didn't utilize VOX but was several significant steps up.

MCE also talks to RC4 should you ever get bored with pressing buttons :smile:

I'm pretty satisfied with Radar Contact, although it is IFR only. The voices are rather slow at first, but there's a mod from a guy named "MeatWater" that accelerates the voices so they're not as monotone, sort of like what EditVoicePack does for default ATC. It's basically just several downloads of voice wav files that replace the originals. They're on the Avsim file library I'm pretty sure.

 

Another feature I like is that you can manually add real-world chatter, and the program comes with some by default, but only for a few countries - mainly the US, Australia, and the UK.

 

The manual is big but you don't have to read the whole thing. There is a quickstart section that quickly teaches the essentials. I'm usually quick to get frustrated with complex addons but I picked up on RC pretty easily.

 

It's not perfect but hey, you've already bought it, right?

Thank you for the responses, advice, and opinions. I had typed up a longer response, but unfortunately it got eaten when the forums got rolled back. So I'll just post the short version...

 

I've taken a look at the websites for the AddOns that were suggested here, and narrowed it down to those that seemed like they'd best serve my purposes: MCE, VoxATC, and possibly RC4.

 

By my understanding, MCE focuses on handling crewed aircraft, but also will provide a Vox interface with Default FSX ATC.

 

VoxATC is a complete traffic replacement (I would disable FSX ATC) as well as a Vox Interface to ATC.

 

RC4 is IFR only. And would do me any good for VFR flight. However MCE Vox does work with RC4.

 

So, given the above, it sounds like either MCE or VoxATC would probably best meet my needs.

 

Is there anyone who has used both, that does the same sort of virtual flying I do (Small Twin or lighter GA VFR & IFR) that might have some further observations or advice to narrow those two choices?

Although MCE (as the name suggests) majors on providing communication with virtual crew members, there are many (including me) who use it solely for talking to FSX or RC4 ATC. I fly exclusively VFR without any crew, so I disable all that stuff. I also use FSX ATC, which I find perfectly adequate for the kind of flying I do.

 

I did look at VoxATC a while back, but apart from the fact that it is clearly aimed more at serious airline pilots, I found it too rigid in its phraseology (you need to be pretty much word perfect, to the point that it offers you scripts to follow), whereas MCE allows you a lot more latitude.

I did look at VoxATC a while back, but apart from the fact that it is clearly aimed more at serious airline pilots, I found it too rigid in its phraseology (you need to be pretty much word perfect, to the point that it offers you scripts to follow),

 

No you don't have to repeat anything back. Just cough twice and it accepts it.