This is directed more towards beta testers at PMDG, but if anyone can attest to the following question feel free to interject. What weather engine(s) does PMDG use, and what weather engines have been tested with the 777? I am becoming frustrated with using REX Essentials Plus; I gave it another chance after the developers updated the altimeter bug. However, I still see screen flashes, wind shifts, and honestly a complete lack of smooth frontal and general weather transitions. With the REX Wx engine, the only weather changes are instantaneous upon loading of new weather data, which is highly unrealistic. I am split, however, between purchasing ASE 2012 or Opus. I have seen great results from both programs in videos, but if one performs better with the 777 or is recommended by PMDG, obviously that is the one I will go with. Other general weather engine comments or suggestions are welcome.

 

Morgan Wiley

Opus , don't look back. Also the instant new weather can't be avoided but you can lengthen update times and set a recovery altitude for your approach to get accurate weather at destination.

 

Eric W

AS2012 comes with the graphics and sounds aspect just like REX does, and in my opinion does it equally well or better if anything than REX. It is also on sale right now , so now is a good time to pick it up. I have had great results with it, just make sure you turn wake turbulence down or you'll feel way more than you should.

 

I've never used Opus myself, but I have only heard great things about it too. AS2012 would allow you to ditch REX completely though since it has the graphics aspect.

If you set AS2012 up correctly (with DWC mode settings etc.), as explained in their manual for PMDG products it will work fine.

 

Myself and many others have moved to competitor products such as Opus or FSGRW. Both seem to work with PMDG straight out of the box without mucking around with wind smoothing settings or turbulence scalar settings in the FSX.cfg as required by AS2012.

Past Active Sky and Rex user...Switched to Opus, I highly recommend it, still use Rex for skys and clouds. NGX has been fine in all three for me. Betting the 777 will be fine as well.

I got rex and then switched to opus using rex textures. I still get the popping with opus, but it looks like I can avoid it if I fiddle with the settings. I did not like the massive load times it was taking with rex, although since the update the load times are down a lot. Never tried active sky and I have no plans to, since it looks like FSGRW would be the next weather engine I try based on reviews. Overall with Opus I am happy with the quick setup and I fly almost exclusively the 737ngx, so its doubtful the 777 would interact any differently with the weather engines.  

I use OPUS with REX textures as well.

 

The support over there is unbelievable!

It also offers users of multiple PCs a networking solution + you can create camera views with it that work with TrackIR.

 

I do find you have to get used to how it works...bit of a learning curve there.

But like I said, good support.

 

The manual says that Wx does not load instantly but slowly in the background.

Opus has a demo version too, give it a try and see if it works for you!

You can also try FSGRW, it has also a demo mode. I switched from AS and would never go back!

just make sure you turn wake turbulence down or you'll feel way more than you should.

 

If it rolls the aircraft onto its back, then it is about accurate. Wake turbulence is NASTY! FS under-models many effects, if it models them at all.

 

Best regards,

Robin.

If you set AS2012 up correctly (with DWC mode settings etc.), as explained in their manual for PMDG products it will work fine.

 

Myself and many others have moved to competitor products such as Opus or FSGRW. Both seem to work with PMDG straight out of the box without mucking around with wind smoothing settings or turbulence scalar settings in the FSX.cfg as required by AS2012.

 

+1  yup, he said!

FSGRW  and don't look back. You can try the demo.

FSGRW  and don't look back. You can try the demo.

 

Same here, really an amazing Weather Engine!... It definitely goes above and beyond my expectations; im surprised more people have not found out about it yet. 

I've been using AS2012 and haven't had any issues FWIW. Not sure what anyone on the team is using.

If it rolls the aircraft onto its back, then it is about accurate. Wake turbulence is NASTY! FS under-models many effects, if it models them at all.

 

Best regards,

Robin.

If you are flying online, and you have an FSinn aircraft holding short on the runway going 0kts, flap 5, idle thrust, parking brake set with nose near the hold-short line...

 

Then you get enough wake turbulence to roll you on your back at 50ft as you go past.