OpusFSI Release Version 5.22.5 Available

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.20.12 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v420_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Improved the smoothness of the LWA Map and aircraft marker updates during flight and taxiing. Increased the update frequency of the client LWA Map so that it is now the same as the server's own LWA Map. Aircraft heading updates on the LWA Maps is more consistent on both server and client systems.

Regards
Stephen

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Release Version 4.30.0 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Release version.

No need to upgrade if you already have Beta Version 4.20.12 installed.

Regards
Stephen

[jfail 2]

Hi Stephen,

 

I need to be cleared up on something.  I have used the OpusFSI weather system for some time and it works well.  I have never tried the camera systems or the TrackIR interface so I thought today might be a good day to experiment.

 

In the manual for OpusFSI it clearly states that the TrackIR Advanced Tab and Games MUST show "OpusFSI" as an available option.  I am using TrackIR 5.2.2, have updated the supported games list numerous times but the only one I ever see is Opus and never OpusFSI.  I only briefly tried connecting Opus with TrackIR with no success but I was concerned that not seeing the OpusFSI entry in TrackIR might be the problem so I thought I had better ask about that before proceeding with trying to find out why they are not connecting.

[Opus Software 84]

It's an error in our manual, NP (TrackIR) will still list our interface as OpusFSX. Just select the OpusFSX one. Don't forget to rename the TrackIR manifest files (all of them everywhere) otherwise TrackIR will connect direct to the sim. Then enable the TrackIR option in our FSISERVER programs Configure dialog. Then stop FSISERVER. Run the sim and TrackIR and run FSISERVER. You should see the FSITRACKIR program activate, you can open its console window and see it connected to TrackIR. Some systems may need you to set the TrackIR High Priority option in our Configure dialog, but check its operation first and only try it if the TIR movements aren't smooth.

 

Stephen :-)

 

Of course, you must have our Live Camera and Live Camera Control options enabled.

 

Stephen

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.40.0 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v440_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Added a Show Traffic option to the server and client LWA Maps along with a count indicating the total number of aircraft. The Show Traffic option will display all local traffic within a 50 mile radius of your current position. The traffic radius can be adjusted in the Configure dialog and can range from 48km (30 miles) to 192km (120 miles), default 80km (50 miles). Any change of radius will not become effective until restarting the FSISERVER program.

The traffic markers are currently displayed as coloured aircraft symbols whenever the Zoom Level is set to 8 or more. Future betas will select different symbols (bitmaps) to differentiate between light aircraft, heavy aircraft, and rotorcraft.

Three different colours are used to depict the local traffic. GREY symbols are used to depict traffic on the ground, GREEN symbols depict airborne traffic that is not in conflict with your current altitude, and RED symbols are used to depict all airborne traffic that is within 2000 feet of your current altitude.

Hovering over an aircraft symbol with the mouse cursor will display the traffic data. For example,

G-AJLY, BOEING, B738 : EDDL to EGBB : 2147 ft 201 kts

To get the traffic data on the server and client LWA Maps you must tick the Enable Live Traffic Updates option in the FSISERVER and FSICLIENT Configure dialogs.

Current Limitations ...

Rotorcraft are not included in the traffic.

The traffic symbols do not depict the traffic type (light aircraft, heavy aircraft, or rotorcraft). At present, all traffic is displayed using the grey, green or red light aircraft symbol.

Right-clicking over a traffic symbol will not bring up the LWA Traffic Monitor box. When implemented, this box will display all known information about the specified traffic, including current distance and bearing, departure and destination airport names and countries, airline, flight number, etc..

The above features will be added in subsequent betas.

Corrected a problem verifying broken cloud layers for the (Actual) weather checks at the destination.

Regards
Stephen

P.S.

This phase of Live Traffic betas are not intended for Live View systems, that will come in the next phase of development. This phase is intended to support the plotting of Live Traffic data on the server or a 'No Connection' type client's LWA geographic maps.

Post comments, suggestions and feedback on the new Live Traffic Beta ... Topic.

http://www.simforums.com/forums/live-traffic-beta_topic50981_post316368.html#316368

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.40.1 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v440_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Rotorcraft types are now included in the user aircraft and all Live Traffic updates for the LWA Map. However, the FSX and P3D simulators do not generate any rotorcraft type AI traffic without an appropriate addon.

The traffic symbols now depict the traffic type based on the engine type and mode of flight, distinguishing between piston (light) aircraft, jet (heavy) aircraft, and rotorcraft types.

Live Traffic symbols will now appear on the LWA Map in Zoom Level 7.

Regards
Stephen

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Release Version 4.40.3 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Release version.

Reduced the frequency of all weather updates caused by 'Non Actual' the weather at the destination.

Right-clicking over a traffic symbol will display a LWA Traffic Monitor box for real time monitoring of the selected aircraft or rotorcraft traffic. The LWA Traffic Monitor box will display the call sign, type, model, flight number, airline, point of departure, destination, distance and bearing from destination, distance and bearing from the user's aircraft, altitude, elevation, heading, and ground speed.

Regards
Stephen

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.41.0 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v441_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

A new Disable Destination Checks option has been added to the Weather Download dialog. This option can be used to disable (default) or enable the 'Actual' weather status checks and possible weather updates as you approach within 192km your destination. These checks can result in forced weather updates or refreshes in an attempt to force the correct weather for the destination inside the sim. When enabled, weather updates may be repeated every 10 minutes until such time as the destination weather is found to be 'Actual', that is, found to match the reported weather at the destination.

A new option to Reset the Live Traffic data has been added to the FSISERVER's Configure dialog. This option can also be used to force a change to the reported Live Traffic radius. The option cannot be used to disable Live Traffic once enabled, you will have to restart the FSISERVER program for that.

Prepar3D 6DOF SimConnect Exceptions are no longer reported in the Spy window. These exceptions can occur with the latest P3D v2.4 software, they are not fatal and will be avoided completely once we complete the new OpusPDK library. This library will make use of the new LM Prepar3D PDK low-level interface (introduced by LM to provide a more efficient interface and get round these SimConnect handling issues).

The Dynamic Wind Control has been changed to kick in at about 500ft AGL instead of the previous 1000ft AGL.

The Update Dest and Alt Sites When On Map option in the Weather dialog is now enabled by default

Regards
Stephen

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.41.2 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v441_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

All camera view transitions now take account of the current Live Camera Control (LCC) offsets.

The LWA Map no longer allows duplicate Station or Traffic Monitor boxes to be opened.

Default weather update distance now set to 160km to prevent accelerated time users running out of useable METARs during a weather refresh, normally at the Recovery Altitude. Modified the weather update checks to try and ensure a weather refresh is never performed when too little METAR defined weather lies ahead.

Dynamic Wind Control (DWC) updates are now forced whenever the ambient or target winds are close to the problematic 360/000 wind direction.

Regards
Stephen

P.S.

I still have some work to sort out the 'Actual' weather checks.

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.41.3 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v441_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Corrected a problem using the mouse cursor over the LWA Map when a single GLOB METAR had been imported. The lack of any met station data would previously cause an index out of range problem. Importing a single GLOB METAR will now assign the global weather to all met stations within the weather map area. Previously no met stations would be recognised.

Improved Cloud Smoothing procedures and all localised weather sampling.

Improved Dynamic Wind Control (DWC) which will now keep all problematic wind directional changes under tighter control preventing the previous 'round the clock' wind adjustments.

Regards
Stephen

P.S.

We are continuing to work on, test and improve things in the following areas,

1. Cloud Smoothing.
2. Surface Wind Smoothing and Stabilisation.
3. The 'Actual' Destination Weather Checks.
4. Increasing Turbulence and Shear levels in strong winds or gusting conditions.

For now it is best to leave the Destination Weather Checks disabled (the default).

Stephen

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.41.4 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v441_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Improved alignment and projection of met stations and aerodromes within both the internal weather map and the LWA geographic maps. Recalibrated visibility layering and change the surface visibility layer to minimise any possibility of gaps in the visibility rendering. Improved the effectiveness of the LWE Destination weather checks and 'Actual' determination.

Increased turbulence relating to strong winds or gusty conditions in the lower atmosphere both inside the sim and within the LWE map for DHM control. Increased the amount of shear possible by one notch in strong winds or gusty conditions in the lower levels.

Improved the Volumetric Fog effect in Prepar3D which can now add a reduced visibility layer above the low lying Volumetric Fog effect. This feature needs the Reduce Maximum Upper Visibility Limit option ticked within the Weather Preferences dialog. The reduced visibility effect also uses the specified Max Cruise Altitude setting as a guide, defaulting to an assumed 8000 feet when a Cruise Altitude less than 4000 feet is specified.

Low Overcast Effects can now be combined with Volumetric Fog but only when on the ground or at your specified Destination or Alternate sites. The above Reduced Upper Visibility effect is not compatible with Low Overcasts and will not be applied when any Low Overcast Effect is present.

The top level of all Low Overcast Effects has been reduced in height by 130 metres.

Regards
Stephen

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.41.5 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v441_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Added compatibility with Microsoft FSX Steam Edition.

Improved both the new Volumetric Fog's Low Overcast Effect and the Reduced Upper Visibility effect. Both VF effects are now compatible and the Low Overcast Effect should not bleed in to or obscure the cloud tops. The previous departure, destination, and alternate site restrictions to the Low Overcast Effect have been removed.

Regards
Stephen

 

P.S.

 

This has also been posted as the latest OpusFSI Release Version 4.42.0.

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.43.0 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v443_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Added configuration sim type options for Microsoft FSX Steam Edition in both the FSISERVER and FSICLIENT programs. An FSX-SE option has also been added to the Flight Plan dialog to identify the source of Navigraph data (you could use the same NavData files specified for Microsoft FSX here).

All Live Camera server and client system views are stored in the following CAM files,

FSXSERVER.CAM and <clientname>.CAM      ... Microsoft FSX systems
FSESERVER.CAM and <clientname>_SE.CAM   ... Microsoft FSX-SE systems
P3DSERVER.CAM and <clientname>_P3D.CAM ... Lockheed Martin Prepar3D systems

All Panning Sequence data is stored in the following PAN files,

FSXSERVER.PAN   ... Microsoft FSX systems
FSESERVER.PAN   ... Microsoft FSX-SE systems
P3DSERVER.PAN   ... Lockheed Martin Prepar3D systems

All TrackIR Limit data is stored in the following LIM files,

FSXSERVER.LIM   ... Microsoft FSX systems
FSESERVER.LIM   ... Microsoft FSX-SE systems
P3DSERVER.LIM   ... Lockheed Martin Prepar3D systems

All Shortcut Command data is stored in the following CMD files,

FSXSERVER.CMD   ... Microsoft FSX systems
FSESERVER.CMD   ... Microsoft FSX-SE systems
P3DSERVER.CMD   ... Lockheed Martin Prepar3D systems

At present, no distinction is made between the met stations and aerodromes available within Microsoft's FSX and the Microsoft FSX Steam Edition. Also the 'sim type' used to establish the link with FSUIPC4 is assumed to be SIM_FSX (type code 8), identical to Microsoft FSX for both FSX and FSX-SE.

Regards
Stephen

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.43.2 is now available for download on our website.

 

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v443_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

 

New OpusPDK interface included in the form of an OPUSPDK.DLL Dynamic Link Library. The OpusPDK interface is for use on Lockheed Martin Prepar3D v2.4 flight simulators providing more efficient Live Camera, Live Camera Control, and DHM eye point control. Please see the supplied OPUSPDK_SETUP.TXT text file for installation and set up instructions for your Prepar3D flight simulator system.

 

Added an Enable PDK Interface option to the FSISERVER and FSICLIENT Configure dialog which can be used to enable the OpusPDK interface (see the set up instructions).

 

Live Camera Control (LCC) is now enabled even when no camera has been defined for the currently selected aircraft type. All disabled camera views are now indicated with an 'x' within the Camera Management dialog's Camera List.

 

All DHM Bump Aircraft motions are now (temporarily) disabled when in Prepar3D simulator mode.

 

The Weather dialog's flight plan text box is now coloured green when a flight plan has been specified.

 

Corrected a problem loading the Panning Sequence and TrackIR Limits data on Prepar3D systems.

 

Regards

Stephen

 

P.S.

 

Bump Aircraft and Prepar3D ...

 

Prepar3D v2.4 does not process the Bump Aircraft (BA) controls very efficiently and can reject many of the control actions. Hence the BA controls have been disabled in Prepar3D for the time being.

 

DHM and DHM Bump Aircraft Upgrades ...

 

We are now concentrating on improving the DHM Bump Aircraft controls and providing the user with control over general DHM playback speed and DHM smoothness. That way the DHM will be able to be adjusted and fine tuned to match the users system or personal preferences.

 

Stephen

 

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.43.3 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v443_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

The Low Overcast Effect is now only added at the point of departure and at the destination. The top of the Low OVC layer has been lowered when added to Volumetric Fog in Prepar3D.

All surface, cloud and lower atmospheric turbulence and shear data injected into the sim has been modified to provide greater realism when the simulator's own Turbulence and Thermal Effects are enabled.

The Include Wing Flex Data option in the Weather Preferences dialog must be enabled to inject the above turbulence and wind shear data in to the simulator. This option is now enabled by default.

All DHM Bump Aircraft 'physical aircraft' turbulence effects have been disabled in preference for the above simulator generated turbulence and thermal effects. A new form of 1, 2, and 3 DOF Bump Aircraft, to supplement the simulator's own Turbulence and Thermal Effects is being considered.

The minimum Live Traffic Radius has now been reduced to 32km (20 miles).

All destination weather check advisory messages have been disabled to prevent users reporting them as errors.

Regards
Stephen

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.43.4 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v443_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Corrected a problem with the OpusPDK Interface which would not re-initialise when a saved flight was loaded. The upgraded OPUSPDK.DLL library must be copied into the simulator's Modules folder, see the OPUSPDK_SETUP.TXT text file.

The FSISERVER and FSICLIENT programs will now accept a delay command line argument in the form DELAYn where 'n' is the required start delay in milliseconds (e.g. FSISERVER.EXE DELAY2000 will delay the program start by 2 seconds). This argument can be used to delay an auto start within the simulator's EXE.XML file using the <CommandLine>DELAYn</CommandLine> entry.

Typical EXE.XML launch addon entry,

<Launch.Addon>
    <Name>OpusFSI Flight Simulator Interface Server</Name>
    <Disabled>false</Disabled>
    <Path>c:\OpusFSI\FSISERVER.EXE</Path>
    <CommandLine>DELAY2000</CommandLine>
</Launch.Addon>

Will delay the FSISERVER programs start by 2 seconds (2000 mS).

You can also specify more than one command line argument, for example,

<Launch.Addon>
    <Name>OpusFSI Flight Simulator Interface Server</Name>
    <Disabled>false</Disabled>
    <Path>c:\OpusFSI\FSISERVER.EXE</Path>
    <CommandLine>DELAY2000 FSX</CommandLine>
</Launch.Addon>

Will delay the FSISERVER programs start by 2 seconds and also automatically select FSX simulator type. The program arguments can be specified in any order. The most common program arguments are,

DELAYn  Delays the program start by 'n' milliseconds.
FSX     Auto selects FSX simulator type.
STEAM   Auto selects FSE-SE (Steam Edition) simulator type.
P3D     Auto selects Prepar3D simulator type.
NONE    Auto selects No Connection To Simulator type (FSICLIENT only).

Regards
Stephen

[Opus Software 84]

OpusFSI Beta Version 4.43.5 is now available for download on our website.

Remember when installing the OpusFSI_v443_Beta.msi file you must uninstall your current version before installing the new version (do not delete your previous \OpusFSI installation folder). After installing please check all the settings in your Configure and Weather dialogues. You can download from http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm

Coordinated the injected 'in sim' turbulence and shear data with the OpusFSI DHM 'in flight' turbulence levels.

OpusPDK_Setup.txt file instructions amended to recommend the launch code for the OpusPDK.DLL library is inserted as the FIRST entry in the Prepar3D DLL.XML launch list.

Zoom level is always reset whenever the user's aircraft type is changed.

Regards
Stephen

 

P.S.

We are making very good progress on the Oculus Rift version of the OpusPDK interface hopefully posting a beta in a week or two after we receive our OR device for testing.