Hello,

 

Thank you for taking the time to view this post. For over three years now I have skirted around messing with Simconnect because I never could get my head around it. However, I now find myself in need of it (apparently) after building a new system and having other programs on another networked PC. In particular, XPAX and FSmaps.  Today, I finally tried to get the dam thing working and made somesort of progress because I have never seen this before (see attachment)

 

What on earth have I done? It just keeps scrolling on and on and I have to close FSX to stop it.

 

Any help will be hugely appreciated.

 

Thank you in advance,

 

Paul

 

 

Seems like you've enabled logging. Did you set any verbose parameters in the various simconnect related files? If so, check those ini/cfg thingies. Especially the one at own documents\Flight Simulator X Files. Just guessing though. :mellow:

 

You could also look for the console=1 command in those mentioned files. If you alter it, the logging keeps going (in case you need it) but the window won't come up. Still, if you don't need any logs, just set them to off.

Hello,

 

Thank you very much for your reply. I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I am dumb when it comes to simconnect, completely! I might as well be reading Chinese. Could you kindly elaborate as I have no idea, especially about the 'verbose parameters'

 

Thanks

 

Paul

Do I need to change something here:

 

[simConnect]

level=verbose

console=1

;RedirectStdOutToConsole=1

;OutputDebugString=1

;file=c:\simconnect%03u.log

;file_next_index=0

;file_max_index=9

 

Paul

You've described that you've got SC running in a network environment, which involves a few steps mentioned here. They list SimConnect.xml, SimConnect.ini and SimConnect.cfg. And you are correct, it reads like a foreign language. :lol:

 

Now I think the ini, which should reside at [MyDocumentsFolder]\Flight Simulator X Files includes the verbose and console parameters causing that logging and window. You can open those files with Notepad if Windows asks you which program to pick. It's just text but the 'ini' ending will lead Windows to ask. You can always chose 'open with..' when right clicking the file in case some other program is bound to that file type.

 

See this paragraph on the parameters. It's from the linked guide.

 

SimConnect.ini:

The configuration values here are less important, however it is extremely helpful to have the debug console activated (console=1) to be able to see when SimConnect is appropriately making a connection and talking to the client applications.

 

We suggest the default values:
Change console to 0 (console=0) to disable to debug console.

Do I need to change something here:

 

[simConnect]

level=verbose

console=1 -----< set this to 0

;RedirectStdOutToConsole=1

;OutputDebugString=1

;file=c:\simconnect%03u.log

;file_next_index=0

;file_max_index=9

I think you can even delete the whole SimConnect.ini file as it just defines the logging process. If you backup the file, then delete it, no console will ever harm you. That's how I run my SC in the network.

Thank you! I got rid of it. Now I have to trawl my way through the literature ad see if I can get this thing working. On the client (PC with the programs I wish to run) I m getting an error saying something about I need to re-install Sp2 etc? but it says that I shouldn't install sp2 if I have acceleration (which I do). One cancels out the other???

 

Paul

Good news on the first part. Now the error on the client, is that a machine also featuring a FSX installation or is it really just 'a client'? If so (the latter), you need to install that standalone client for Simconnect.

 

Those different client versions (there are three) can run side by side, so even if you had an older version installed and a current Acceleration thingy, it'll work. The FSX server will also feature separate Simconnect files. So you should look out for the Simconnect client installer coming from the SDK. SimConnect.msi is it's name and if you right click and look at the details, you can read the version. 10.0.61259.0 would be the one from Acceleration I think.

 

If you need older versions, they all reside at Microsoft Flight Simulator X SDK\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\ and its subfolders. The older ones being in some 'legacy' folders. Well, if you install the MS FSX SDK in full, you will have all three available versions around and, as said, you can install them altogether.

 

If you wonder what the SDK might be and how to get it, well, you have that one shipping with every FSX non-standard disk. And you have to install it separately, it doesn't install via the default options. The FSX DVD will feature it (SDK folder) and the updates are on the Acceleration disk or online somewhere. FSInsider if I'm correct.

Thank you so much. I have another question if I may. I am required to allow Simconnect through my firewall but where is the program located 'simconnect' so I can direct my firewall to it so that I can allow it?

 

thanks again

 

Paul

Good question. I can't answer it since I didn't have to allow anything except FSX itself, which acts as the server. I think you would have to look for the ports in use to make room for any SC connection. Means if the two PCs don't connect out of the box, which they most likely will.

Yes! Got it thanks. using port 500. I am curious what happens if I turn off my anti-virus and firewall when just running FSX. Is it dangerous to do that?

 

Also, you don't happen to have a link to the stand alone for the client do you? FSdveloper.com freaks me out with so much information.

I would define an exclusion/exception in your antivirus for FSX and all related things. So it doesn't scan that folder and program but remains active for the rest.

 

As for the client, that's mainly a legal issue.  :unsure:  It only ships with the special version of FSX. See?

Important requirements for networked configuration:

• FSX Deluxe version ONLY (standard does not include the SDK or required simconnect client installation files)

So you have to install that FSX SDK to then grab the client from the mentioned folder. Maybe some support area from folks like Hifi or REX also offer that single client file. Or any developer supporting the Simconnect networked setup for their tools and apps.

 

The FSDeveloper guide mainly says that you have to look for your FSX DVDs and the SDK folder (on that disk). If it isn't there, you only have the standard FSX version. :mellow:

Finally I seem to have a Simconnect!!! I tested it using the recommended AI in the SDK. However, when I run Xpax it says that FS is not running but it is! I have looked at what it might be and the only thing I found is this:

 

Step 2: SimConnect.xml

In order for local as well as remote add-ons to operate correctly within FSX, care must be taken to have a proper SimConnect.xml configuration file setup.

You will need two Comm sections, one global (for network connections) and one local (for local connections).

 

What does it mean "You will need two Comm sections"???

 

Thanks

 

Paul

Sorry, that's beyond my scope, Paul. But that mentioned SimConnect.xml file does offer <SimConnect.Comm> sections (plural), so maybe that's where to look. Here's an example.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="Windows-1252"?>

<SimBase.Document Type="SimConnect" version="1,0">
  <Descr>SimConnect</Descr>
  <Filename>SimConnect.xml</Filename>
  <Disabled>False</Disabled>
  <SimConnect.Comm>
    <Disabled>False</Disabled>
    <Protocol>IPv4</Protocol>
    <Scope>global</Scope>
    <Address>your SERVER IP address</Address>
    <MaxClients>64</MaxClients>
    <Port>500</Port>
    <MaxRecvSize>4096</MaxRecvSize>
    <DisableNagle>False</DisableNagle>
  </SimConnect.Comm>
  <SimConnect.Comm>
    <Disabled>False</Disabled>
    <Protocol>Auto</Protocol>
    <Scope>global</Scope>
  </SimConnect.Comm>
</SimBase.Document>

No need to be sorry, I am very grateful for all your help.

 

Paul