I know this is a loaded post, but here goes... I've been wanting to make the move to FSX for a few months now, but my investment in FS9, nice graphics (people still ask me if I'm using FS9 or FSX) have prevented me from making the jump. However, as more and more developers begin to abandon support for FS9, I think my switch has been inevitable. I need a computer upgrade anyway...

 

I've been reading about P3D, watching some YouTube videos, and lurking in this forum to get a pulse on it's progress and it seems that right now P3D and FSX are pretty much the same except P3D is more stable in general. A lot of big name add-on developers also appear to be investing their resources in P3D as well as FSX.

 

So, here's the big question - If you were about to upgrade from FS9, would you go FSX or P3D?

 

And regarding P3D, I have a few questions:

 

1) Is it as easy to add AI aircraft to P3D as it is FS9 or FSX? Do WoAI packages work with P3D? Does AI Flight Planner work with P3D?

 

2) Do freeware airports/sceneries from the AVSIM libraries work with P3D?

 

3) Does the new FSX navaids update (http://www.aero.sors.fr/navaids3.html) also work for P3D. Also is Navigraph compatible with P3D?

 

4) Is setting up P3D the same as FSX or is it easier/harder?

 

5) Are there any popular (read almost necessary) add-ons for FSX that don't work in P3D?

 

6) Has anyone successfully used the Feelthere ERJv2 in P3D? I haven't read or seen anything about that.

 

7) Anyone having any problems using joysticks or other hardware with P3D?

 

8) For those who are using P3D exclusively, is there anything about it that you don't like,or that is missing from FSX that you did like?

 

Any other insight that can be given is much appreciated.

 

Todd

Loaded indeed!....I guess I'll be the first one to respond...briefly ...

 

Fs9 to fsx?...as you probably know, there are some efficiencies you will enjoy with the latter, and since P3d IS now a tweaked Fsx, I'd say you NEED to try it.

 

I am using P3d exclusively now after 30 years with the BAO/Microsoft franchise.

 

Are there caveats?...yup....most to do with "licensing" and TOS...SOME...mind you SOME add-ins just don't seem to work. That being said, you will find that better than 90% just plain copy over. E.G. I copied over my sixty gigs of add-on scenery and all of my aircraft with nary a hiccough.-

 

Exceptions are the PMDG 737NGX and 767 from Level-D. though I understand from the forum here, that the fsx to prepar3d migration tool takes care of both of them.

 

You would be well served to check out the Estonia migration program("fsx to prepar3d" I believe it's called), which fakes out just about every install with a "virtual FSX directory" and a tweaked Prepar3d.exe to look and act like Fsx is installed.

 

Also look for a compilation of compatible "working fsx" add-ins on Avsim for a pretty complete heads up.

 

Bottom line? Read...

 

Hope this helps get you started.

 

chas

 

 

Hi Todd, let me see what I can answer:

 

1) Is it as easy to add AI aircraft to P3D as it is FS9 or FSX? Do WoAI packages work with P3D? Does AI Flight Planner work with P3D?

 

I use World-of-AI currently and have found no issues. Can't answer about AI Flight Planner. I think I used that program in the past to convert FS9 bgls to FSX traffic bgls. If so then those are working for me.

 

2) Do freeware airports/sceneries from the AVSIM libraries work with P3D?

 

Yes, most do. I can not think of one off the top of my head that I have not be able to install. But I am sure there are some or some with little issues. The is a 'Migration Tool' (payware) which can assist in installing scenery/aircraft which IMO is a miust to get.

 

3) Does the new FSX navaids update (http://www.aero.sors.fr/navaids3.html) also work for P3D. Also is Navigraph compatible with P3D?

 

Can't answer - don't know.

 

4) Is setting up P3D the same as FSX or is it easier/harder?

 

I found it to be easier but then I was going from FSX to P3D not FS9 to P3D.

 

5) Are there any popular (read almost necessary) add-ons for FSX that don't work in P3D?

 

If you are a fan of REX, GEX, or PMDG they do not work out of the box - REX requires an upgrade purchase of $5. GEX is coming out with a separate P3D version, and PMDG does not support P3D though I have heard reports their aircraft do work in P3D.

 

 

6) Has anyone successfully used the Feelthere ERJv2 in P3D? I haven't read or seen anything about that.

 

Don't know.

 

7) Anyone having any problems using joysticks or other hardware with P3D?

 

I have a full cockpit of hardware from Saitek, GoFlight. Have not had any issues.

 

8) For those who are using P3D exclusively, is there anything about it that you don't like,or that is missing from FSX that you did like?

 

You will find it missing several things that you are used to in FS9:

 

A) No start up screen. You must start with the default flight and then make your changes, then reload. There is a freeware "front loader" out there called SimLauncher you can use. I also have an "inside scoop" that a new launcher is coming.

 

B) ATC screens are not see through - can cause issues if running in multiple displays.

 

C) No built in real-time weather. You would need to provide your own (I use Opus). It does have the weather themes however.

 

 

To be honest, I would have to say if I was coming straight from FS9 I would probably go the FSX route for now unless you have a Nvidia Surround or AMD Eyefinity setup, or don't mine missing a few conveniences. I decided to go with better performance with P3D than stay with FSX. If you are the type who just wants to fly and not mess with addons, little tweak here and there, go to FSX and see what P3D does when it comes out in version 2.0, which may be up to a year away.

 

Having said that, I would never go back to FSX despite a few P3D short comings at present. It just works and I feel this is where flightsimming willing be heading for the masses.

 

Hope I have confused you more! :lol:

 

Clutch

The Feel There ERJ v2 works fine with P3D. Just about every add on works with P3D, even the PMDG 737. The only exceptions I have found are the Reality 530 GPS, the latest GEX update. For REX you will have to pay $5. If you get P3D I would recommend the migration tool and then setting up P3D with add ons will be no different than FSX. Actually probably a little easier as you won't spend as much time solving problems and tweaking. P3D is so similar to FSX that you won't notice a much of a difference either with the sim or with the installation. It's not like moving to a completely different platform like X Plane or something. Nonetheless it is a little better and can't really see any downside to it.

 

I would only stick with FSX if you want to run in DX10. The only other major disadvantage of P3D was the lack of a start up screen, but the free Simlauncher program completely takes care of that.

 

Ah and the migration tool allows you to run P3D in "Legacy Mode" which means starting a dummy fsx.exe This solves some minor issues like for example with the Realair Lancair Legacy. For some odd reason you don't hear the aircraft sounds unless you run in legacy mode.

What about Blueprint Simulations sceneries or ImagineSim's sceneries?

 

6) Has anyone successfully used the Feelthere ERJv2 in P3D? I haven't read or seen anything about that.

 

 

yes it works plus it detects p3d from the installer.

Wow, thanks for all the info guys. I've decided to go P3D after much reading. It just seems to be the logical choice as I am jumping in from FS9. I'll post an update when I get running.

 

Oh, almost forgot. Does RC4 work in P3D?

 

And... when moving WoAI and other freeware AI packages to FSX (read P3D) can I just copy the FS9 AI aircraft folders directly into P3D? I believe all AI textures work in FS9 and FSX if I am not mistaken. Also, I'll just take my traffic.bgl files from FS9, convert them to FSX with AIFP and then copy them into P3D. Does that sound right? I assume I can do the same with MWAI packages.

 

Once again, everyone's opinions/input have been very helpful!

 

Todd

Most stuff ports over easily to P3D. Freeware is usually easier since it doesn't really on exotic third-party modules and dll's. AI traffic ports over perfectly, as does most scenery and aircraft. It doesn't really matter if it's a native FSX addon or an FS9 addon ported to FSX - if it works in FSX, it will almost always work in P3D.

 

Exceptions are mostly when the publisher or developer has deliberately built in various checks to make sure you're starting your sim from a genuine FSX.exe file. There are workarounds, but those are in violation of the EULA/TOS of the addon, and will also break some native P3D add-ons instead. My solution is to vote with my wallet and not spend any more money with those developers/publishers. As FSX with time becomes more and more irrelevant, they'll either change their policy or fade away.

 

Annoyances for me are:

-All the EULA/TOS nonsense.

 

-The IFROnly bug which causes VFR AI traffic to instantly disappear as soon as you touch any of the simulator settings

 

-No startup screen

 

The last two can be mostly fixed by using the excellent SimLauncher. For the first point, I really hope P3D 2.0 will bring some change. The flight sim community needs one, widely accepted simulator, and FSX has become too old and outdated.

I appreciate your opinions, Jimmi. I agree with you about voting with your wallet. I'll do just that until this whole EULA stuff is finally put to rest. I was really hoping PMDG would support P3D, as I was eager to fly the NGX (not sure why they won't as their add-ons are "commercial" quality). However, since they won't allow their add-ons to be used in P3D I'll just support those developers that do support P3D.

 

Todd

Does the new FSX navaids update (http://www.aero.sors.fr/navaids3.html) also work for P3D

 

Unfortunately not by now, the reason being the provided updater is not aware of P3D relevant folders, even if the structure of the P3D navaids is the same as those provided in FSX (to be confirmed). However, even if I don't own P3D myself, I could provide the necessary compatibility as far as I'm aware of the registry keys P3D creates as well as the general directory structure of the P3D files. Those who are interested are welcome to email me (my address is on my site)

Registry for Prepar3D:

 

"HKEY_CURRENT_USER" "SOFTWARE\LockheedMartin\Prepar3D" "AppPath"

So, P3D is up and running, plus I have a few add-ons installed and I am absolutely blown away by just the default scenery!  Anyone even thinking about switching to P3D needs to do it NOW.  It also runs smooth on my new rig. I know once I get more sceneries installed I may have to make adjustments, but I am smiling big as I type this!  The default Mooney Acclaim from Lionheart, by the way, is beautiful and fun to fly!

 

I did notice a small issue installing the Feelthere ERJv2 package.  I used the Estonia migration Tool and got an error installing that said sp4 could not be loaded,sp2 successfully installed. And, while the aircraft seems to work,I noticed the horizontal stabilizer/elevator is not positioned correctly. I'm guessing sp4 fixes that. Maybe try a reinstall? 

 

Todd