PMDG 747 vs. Aerowinx PS1 747

[Guest SimulatorPilot]

I once read that Aerowinx PS1(http://www.aerowinx.de/) was the best simulation of a 747(systems, aerodynamics, etc) that you could get on a PC. It is even used by NASA acording to their website. Just out o curiosity, I was wondering how does the PMDG 747 compare to PS1 as far as systems/aerodynamics modeling?

[Tabs 2,790]

>I once read that Aerowinx PS1(http://www.aerowinx.de/) was>the best simulation of a 747(systems, aerodynamics, etc) that>you could get on a PC. It is even used by NASA acording to>their website. Just out o curiosity, I was wondering how does>the PMDG 747 compare to PS1 as far as systems/aerodynamics>modeling?Extremely close and even closer with the new 1.03 patch we're testing. (I guess I'm biased, but you'll have to trust me!)

[Mike S KPDX 597]

I own both and have been using PS1 for 6 years. I can speak to systems and will say that PMDG includes about 75% of the PSI functionality in this area.In terms of FMC/CDU operations I place it at about 85%. There are more than several entire pages that either dont exist, are less then 50% functional, or display, but do not funtion at all on the PMDG procuct.With that said, since my purchase of the PMDG product I have not utilized my PS1 product. This is because of the exterior environments (scenery) and the VC aspect.

[jagabom 21]

It was the best for it's time. Not sure about now with PMDG and LDS out there.It does work with FS scenery but not sure how well. I would just buy PMDG or LDS as it is designed to work with FS. I also have Aerowinx 747 and LDS but don't use the Aerowinx anymore. FS is so much easier.JimCYWG

[Dillon 2,197]

PMDG I feel is the best here. With a visual environment like Flight Simulator, you can't beat it. I'm hopeful the 1.03 patch will solve most major problem so I can use it but overall it's the best this side of the real aircraft. PS1 is too limited in many areas. Like what was mentioned above you get 95% functionality from the PMDG version concerning avionics and a whole world to fly in thanks to FS9. The VC aspect really gives you the feel of the 744's flight deck which is second to none.I remember back in the days of 2D panels (at least for me) it was an eye opener to discover VC's and the placement of instruments in the cockpit. Instead of clicking a window I had to look up to turn on the APU and look down to tune the radios. I never really realized where everything was at before high quality VCs

[757FO 143]

I could not image simming without a VC. Add active camera (panning, head movement, etc) to the equation and you have the perfect settings...RegardsJohn

[pbenoit 0]

Very hard to compare the two .... made for different times, different operating systems, different audiences.I bought PS1.3 a long time ago (it seems anyway) and have flown around the world many many many times and have had years of enjoyment. It was and still is (IMHO) the premier 747-400 simulator if you are looking to learn all the gorey details. Since it is a DOS based app, I can run it on a laptop easily and fly from my recliner in the evening, while relaxing and watching TV with my wife ... a great benefit ... not having to be with my regular sim PC setup in my office ... looking and being antisocial ...hahahahaha you all know what I mean.In addition to the systems fidelity, one of the bigger details PS1.3 implements is most carrier options in terms of "gauge layout" ... at least at the time it was published. Documentation is excellent. It includes redimentary but very effective ATC, weather simulation which reflects "real" weather with added weather software ... the list goes on. Try flying into a CB ... and see whether 1, 2 3 or 4 engines die ... hahahahaha ... happened to me many times when I was less attentive than I should have been.Once you learn the interface and how to taxi ... etc .. it is a pleasure if you really want a immersive experience and want to become intimate with a 747-400. There is a very dedicated group of followers and tinkerers who have added immensely to the product ... weather, taxiways, now a windows interface (WINPS1 by Ivan N.), use of the FS engine for scenery ... the list is very long ... here is a good starting point http://www.aerowinx.de/ when you take the PS1.3 base product, all of the addons and techincal support ... it is really awesome, but not for everyone of course, just the price is daunting ... but imho very well worth it!!!But it's simply not Flight Simulator .. I bought the PMDG 744 on its first day and fly it often ... and of course have immense respect for the people who did the development. It is a very well done, complete sim which adds a whole new dimension to the 744 experience, in comparison to the stock PS1.3 ... that of FS9 ... and all of its addons and such. I have never adopted the VC and really don't like them in any of their incarnations, although I must admit that the LDS and PMDG VCs are tempting as is the new PSS 777 ... I still find them not crisp, and I hate panning around to find things ... so while it may look real, I rather the panels, the panels and the panels, and did I say the panels ... rather like operating the aircraft than looking at it, although I do admit that the ground vehicles for the JCA DC9s and MD80s are pretty cool.Well ... maybe we have an orange to tangerine comparison here, but if you are a 744 lover and have the $$$$$, and want to really do a deep dive into the details, and if you can still find the PS1.3 software ... go for it.Cheers, and

[Guest jgreth123]

Paul, One word: TrackIR ;) Panning? What's that? :)

[Guest christianholmes]

This a long standing debate- I drooled at the thought of the PMDG plane after flying PS1.3 for a few years.Then I started taking real-life flying lessons again and things changed-I sold PS1.3 and I didn't buy the PMDG plane. Neither one is a real plane. I used to live by the VC because it was "immersive". Now I realize no computer is even 1/100th as "real" as real life. I still love FS, but I have been building a mini deskpit that will allow me to mimick my real life flying. Not so much for the immersion factor, but because turning knobs with a mouse is lame.My point is that my perspective has changed, and I've found the eye candy is completely irrelevant. PS1 has a ton of details that PMDG can't because of the host program. PMDG obviously has some, but they are more related to eye candy because that is what it really has to offer above and beyond PS1.If you just want to play 744 captain, and have no aspirations to fly for real, then the PMDG will probably be the ultimate. I will probably still buy it at some point, maybe when it's cheaper, but definately not until I am a real pilot- I need to focus on flight training.If you want to concentrate on procedures and systems without worrying about about unrealistic ATC, misplaced scenery objects, stupid AI planes, bad frame rates, or any number of inherent FS problems (no fault of PMDG), then go with PS1.Plus the PS1 manual is just awesome.

[michal 44]

>I can speak>to systems and will say that PMDG includes about 75% of the>PSI functionality in this area.Virgin's 744 captain Jon Bunting in his article in PC Pilot recommends this PMDG aircraft to any PS1.3 user as well real-life 744 drivers. So I would guess this "75%" would in fact be significantly higher. He mentiones that PMDG gets many items closer to real life than PS 1.3.Michael J.http://www.hifisim.com/images/asv_beta_member.jpg

[Guest]

>and I hate panning around to find things>But that's the way it is in real life, right? Not everything is laid out infront of you. That's why I love the VC, is gives me a real perspective, and makes me look in the direction of where the button or switch is, just like real life.But good points all around, I guess the VC or to not VC debate will continue forever. If you are lucky enough to have a nice computer, it's an experience I will enjoy and never go back to the 2d panel.

[michal 44]

>But that's the way it is in real life, right?Right. And turning your head takes time, it is not a microsecond event ;)Michael J.http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/pmdg_744F.jpghttp://www.hifisim.com/images/asv_beta_member.jpg

[Mike S KPDX 597]

you have my thoughts concerning this comparision spot on. thanks...I was questioned by Michael above about my "percentages", however unless you have both product, you cannot compare. The offpath descent operation and pages alone probably account for 10% difference between PMDG and PS1. And that is only one of 7 primary pages that are not developed in the PMDG product (I am not even talking about the MX and ACARS pages either)."PS1 has a ton of details that PMDG can't because of the host program"... perfect statement

[michal 44]

Mike,You certainly may be right since I don't have the PS product. But in my opinion there is too much emphasis on FMC and how many pages it includes or doesn't. Many of those missing pages are used during normal operations very infrequently. When I say "systems" I really mean hydraulics, electrics, pneumatics, etc. Michael J.http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/pmdg_744F.jpghttp://www.hifisim.com/images/asv_beta_member.jpg

[Mike S KPDX 597]

ok, that makes sense, thanks for the response:-)