After testing the AS2016 trial next to Active Sky Next I can't say the difference is enormous. Frame-rates are pretty much the same, I can still spot ugly popcorn-clouds - especially at high altitudes and still distorted clouds at high latitudes. Maybe I have to combine with Cloud Art to spot the real difference. However, I managed to obtain several cloud layers with AS2016 in contrast to Active Sky Next though.

 

However, the so-called flying-through-clouds effect was also present during takeoff roll and climb, even when not close to clouds. This surely has to be a bug, or?

They are aware of this and working on a fix.

AS16 and ASCA Hotfixes just released,

 

http://www.hifisimtech.com/downloads/

AS16 and ASCA Hotfixes just released,

 

can anyone comment on what the hotfixes address?

HotFix1 Changelog:

 

AS16
- Fixed startup crash issue related to AVG and webserver/web companion App functionality (webserver/web companion app will be disabled if AVG blocks initialization, and a warning message will be shown)
- Fixed issue with aloft winds being restricted if >100 knots due to inappropriate application of max surface wind limit
- Fix attempt for internet connectivity issues and failure of app to load when using Hamachi or other VPN software
- Misc Scenario UI fixes

ASCA
- Fixed possible error using theme edit screen
- Docs update to add more information regarding networked install, AS16+ASCA usage, and using other add-ons alongside ASCA
- Fixed problem with sky color and/or clouds not properly deactivating for installation when previously using dynamic      theme
- Increased darkness/blackness during late/midnight hours in sky color sets.

 

Hotfix2 changelog:

ASCA
- Prevented editing of full dynamics or global automatic theme to prevent issues with cloud sprite installation with unexpected texture selections

NOTE: To properly apply this fix, if you have previous edited the Full Dynamics Theme, you should reinstall ASCA then apply this hotfix to ensure that previous theme settings are restored.

Thanks John

After testing the AS2016 trial next to Active Sky Next I can't say the difference is enormous. Frame-rates are pretty much the same, I can still spot ugly popcorn-clouds - especially at high altitudes and still distorted clouds at high latitudes. Maybe I have to combine with Cloud Art to spot the real difference.?

 Agree this is my impression also - not much difference with AS2016 over ASN both good in the same areas and both poor in similar ways.  The consensus seems to be that AS2016 is a marked step up from ASN but where should I look to see this?  Thanks.

 

Bruceb

More smooth experience (better FPS), greatly improved visibility and more importantly, IMO, a very real weather-system depiction. Also new cloud-structure models and improvements in turbulence- and storm (Thunderstorm) modeling and solid overcast depiction.

 

I'm very happy so far!

Really enjoying the package (AS16+ASCA)... just battled through a line of storms that beat me silly ha, beware the turbulence!

 

Good stuff that I'm sure they will only improve.  It makes sense in my head that the weather engine linked to all the atmosphere textures can only lead to a great thing.  The problem with Rex is they never figured out the weather engine component.  The dynamic nature of having both combined is the key, way more than a possible gorgeous REX single frame screenshot will show.

 

Happy customer here!

Hi all,

 

I don't know if the original post member is still reading this thread. On the off chance that they are, here are some interesting observations I have found.

 

I bought ActiveSky16 and ASCA at the same time, within 24 hours of their release. The screen shots just won me over............Anyway I only run FSX boxed version on an i3 processor system, and also have UTX and GEX installed and various addons as most of us have. I also run it all with DX10 enabled and although my frame rates are only mediocre mid to high teens usually it runs silky smooth and I am happy with it all.

 

Anyway after my new purchases the other day I find the weather and clouds much more immersive and now damn right scary, especially near the ground. The clouds were never that scary using Active Sky 2012 and REX textures. I now find myself going for flights just to fly around the clouds looking for all the variations in texture they now contain.

 

I also noticed now that the GPU is now working more than it did before ActiveSky16 was installed.............I am wondering if the weather and clouds are now being drawn using the graphic card on the pc, leaving the CPU to run FSX only. Tonight I was flying the PMDG 737, usually an aircraft which works ok but kills my frame rates, and I noticed 20 frames per minute, with clouds all around the aircraft and the ground showing through at times.........This is much better performance than before, and really helps my older system alot, and makes flying FSX a real pleasure.

 

So the purpose of my comments, well I just wondered if there was any chance you might pass on my sincere thanks to the team and developers of Active Sky16 and Active Sky Cloud Art  ASCA. from a very happy contented sim flyer.

 

Thank you.

Aaaand we're back to ugly clouds again (with As2016). I don't know what to do anymore........  :mad:

 

Aaaand we're back to ugly clouds again (with As2016).

 

I think this is more a problem with the way the P3D/FSX engine renders a thin layer of cumulus when placed high in the atmosphere rather than the weather engine. It turns them into these little blobs that look fake and nasty; also coupled with the limitations of the texture system. The structures need a revamp for this type of condition, if that is possible, otherwise its something we'll have to suffer. I'd pick another day, though the history feature and find something better myself.

Cumulus wouldn't be placed high in the atmosphere, I'd be interested in seeing what the METAR was in the case above.  Fi5KuS, which textures do you have installed?

Cumulus wouldn't be placed high in the atmosphere, I'd be interested in seeing what the METAR was in the case above. Fi5KuS, which textures do you have installed?

If you open the AS16 user interface on the "current conditions" page, it will give a summary of which specific clouds are being injected at any given moment, listed by type, altitude and coverage.

Cumulus wouldn't be placed high in the atmosphere

 

It would be Altocumulus at this level, and it does form small clusters, its just the way they are rendered in the sim never looks very good. There a too few textures and structures covering all the cloud types, being only three types in P3D/FSX, and I think Stratus are using the Cumulus texture but spread out in to a more sheet like structure. Its all a bit limiting anyway, hence some ugliness at times.