Active Sky for XPX Released!

[ohsirus 241]

https://hifisimtech.com/asxp/

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are cloud texture replacements included?

A: Yes, an optional cloud texture replacement, evolved from the newest ASCA content and designed specifically for X-Plane 11.26/11.30+ is included. Two different variants are available, high performance, which is softer and lower resolution, and high detail, which is higher resolution, with harder edges. ASXP also works great with any other textures and other visual enhancements.

 

Q: Is a complete cloud visuals depiction replacement included?

A: No, not at this time. HiFi is working on such technology and hopes it will be ready to debut sometime in late 2019.

 

Q: Are smooth cloud transitions provided?

A: When moving over the ground, clouds transition naturally using the default theme depiction mode, since variable weather is shown on screen, i.e. clear wx ahead, cloudy conditions below. You will see the cloudy area transition properly to clear, both areas properly depicted at the same time. In this case, geographic transitions are intrinsic without any redraw. When using Global Static depiction mode, the same conditions are represented across the sky, so when moving from cloudy to clear, the clouds will redraw. In either mode, the clouds will redraw when the weather is updated. Redraws can be minimized by using default theme mode, setting a standard download update interval (i.e. 30 minutes), and using the “Prevent downloads on approach” option, if desired. Completely smooth transitions as per our P3D and FSX products “Smooth Theme Reload” feature is not provided. We will be providing our own new smooth transition technology, tightly coupled to our cloud dynamics technology, when we replace the cloud visuals depiction.

 

Q: Will the future cloud visuals depiction replacement be provided as a free update?

A: No, future cloud visuals depiction technology specifications and how it will be packaged are yet to be determined, based on many unknown factors. We will provide more information and development news on this as progress continues. ASXP v1.0 focuses on the core weather environment as a high-fidelity weather engine, currently utilizing a hybrid approach to X-Plane’s weather depiction and APIs for the best possible realism, accuracy and visual quality possible.

 

Q: Will any future updates be provided free of charge?

A: As always, we constantly work to maintain and enhance our products, with several free updates planned. The details of what would be included in such updates are yet to be determined.

 

Q: Will future major upgrades (i.e. 1.0 to 2.0) of ASXP be provided for free?

A: No. Our future development capability and expansion in such major areas is subject to significant additional cost and as such would planned to be offered as separate products or major new versions of existing products. We always strive to provide a great value, and typically always offer discount pricing for upgrade versions for previous product generation users.

 

Q: Will support for any new simulator versions (i.e. XP12, XP13) be provided for free?

A: Not likely. If little change/update is required to support the simulator, then we could easily provide a free update. However, any significant re-design would most likely be provided within a new major ASXP product version. We typically offer generous discounts for upgrading previous-generation products.

 

Q: Will a discount be offered to HiFi customers of other products/platforms?

A: We have planned a reduced promotional launch price, estimated at $39.99 USD, in appreciation of our customers who have enabled us to create ASXP. We expect to increase pricing some time after launch, with specific dates yet to be determined. Pricing is subject to change.

 

Q: How does ASXP match up to competitive products?

A: At HiFi, we take pride in our unique approach to product design and development, with a specific focus on function, accuracy and high-fidelity features. It’s proven to be a successful approach that has enabled continued development for 20 years now, and we don’t plan on messing with that formula. Other developers have created amazing and great products and have given a lot to the community, with each product line having its own unique features, along with specific pros and cons. All products and their developers have enabled continued innovation, as we are all striving for a better experience. We always recommend supporting all developers and products, and use whatever you like best for your needs. Your support is instrumental in enabling amazing new things, from us, our competition, all developers and the entire community.

 

Q: How evolved is ASXP compared to ASP4 or AS16?

A: ASXP has been in development for 3 years. ASP4/AS16 on the P3D platform for about 8 years, and AS16/ASN/ASE/AS Legacy products on the FS platform for about 20 years. X-Plane is an entirely new platform for us, and we are just getting started. With that said, we like to think we have a lot of experience in this realm and have made some incredible accomplishments in the 3 short years we’ve been working on it. While it certainly isn’t as evolved as our previous platform products, yet, we’re very happy with the results and excited about releasing our first wx engine for the X-Plane platform.

 

Q: Is there an SDK/API for other add-ons to interface with ASXP

A: Yes. Most previous-platform API functions are available. Exceptions include radar comms and other in-process API functions. The http-based universal API method, as well as the exported weather data files are fully enabled.

 

Q: Is radar included?

A: X-Plane 11 has internal precipitation dynamics and radar functionality, that certain default aircraft and other 3rd party-aircraft are currently using to provide radar precipitation display. ASXP works with this completely as it uses X-Plane’s internal cloud/wx depiction system at this time. We plan to offer our own radar/precipitation technology later, along with our planned visual depiction system replacement.

Edited December 11, 2018 by ohsirus

[kurtb 121]

is cloud flickering present, yes

[Pastaiolo 1,686]

We already had a topic for it 🙂

[ohsirus 241]

2 minutes ago, france89 said:

We already had a topic for it 🙂

It was too stale and speculative considering how long it has been discussed. I only found out from a email. Didn’t want anyone outside the X-Plane forum to miss it.

[Jude Bradley 659]

Anyone tested it yet?

 

[olderndirt 2,295]

Got an email from 'Just Flight' this morning, saying it was released but nothing about it on their website.

[SmokeDiddy 262]

Just now, olderndirt said:

Got an email from 'Just Flight' this morning, saying it was released but nothing about it on their website.

Go to SimMarket or FSPS to purchase; otherwise, go to HiFis web site.

[olderndirt 2,295]

Just now, SmokeDiddy said:

Go to SimMarket or FSPS to purchase; otherwise, go to HiFis web site.

Thanks.

[anden145 2,284]

I think I'll await to see how this one pans out... a little disappointing, that cloud-redraws can't be avoided... but they can only work with what they got. when they're utilizing X-Plane's default cloud depiction system (or a modified version, based on the default API) ...

Edited December 11, 2018 by Anders Bermann

[jt8d9a 1,881]

Will it be also sold at the Org? I´d prefer to buy from the Org.

Could anybody describe how it works on a networked PC?

[dmarques69 316]

5 minutes ago, jt8d9a said:

Will it be also sold at the Org? I´d prefer to buy from the Org.

Could anybody describe how it works on a networked PC?

Their answer to your first question was, and i quote " Eventually we hope so!"

[GCBraun 2,390]

So I bought it more as a vote of confidence for the developer and to give them some recognition for supporting XP.

Currently, as it stands, the functionality is not that different from what I already use (FSGRW), but, regardless, the road-map seems pretty convincing!

Some initial impressions:

 

• Convincing clouds and good performance even when selecting the better looking clouds
• Winds seem to be better depicted and the aircraft was reacting more intensely than what I usual notice
• Great looks in performance in VR
• Seamless weather transition is not a thing yet, but at least you cant avoid thus during approach

 

Some pictures (sorry it was already getting darker where I live):

Edited December 11, 2018 by GCBraun

[mwilk 1,106]

Do the cloud extend all the way to the horizon or is this the usual box of clouds around your aircraft?

[avgaskoolaid 292]

16 minutes ago, GCBraun said:

Currently, as it stands, the functionality is not that different from what I already use (FSGRW), but, regardless, the road-map seems pretty convincing!

I also use FSGRW, but I'm going to be getting AS because it has a better UI, a weather map, and the ability to halt all weather updates on approach. That and the fact that I've been thoroughly unimpressed with FSGRW's customer support makes AS worth it for me, even if the actual weather engine is identical to FSGRW's (although the weather engine itself seems to be more modern and accurate). 

Unfortunately, there's a lot of hype and hate around this plugin because a lot of people seem to profoundly misunderstand what it's meant to do. I even saw one guy saying 'I'm not going to buy ActiveSky because I use xvision". 

[jcomm 5,890]

I can be biased, but in terms of functionality, and specially for those who were used to AS in FSX / P3D, ASXP is by far the best available product.

The way the user interface is built, the integration with flight planning software ( actually having routes for more precise weather generation along the route is the preferred way... ), the control over X-Plane' s default wind and turbulence, which have IMO excessive effects, but without compromising the actual parameters for takeoff and landing, or when flying along areas with turbulence and / or variable winds, all together make IMO ASXP an excellent weather injector for X-Plane.

I am really glad HiFi joined the community, and look forward for their upcoming products which, I'm sure, will once again bring excellent features to an area so important for a flight simulator - weather - and unfortunately so limited in terms of customization in X-Plane's core.

I just wish they could do a weather injector for Aerofly FS, DCS World, IL-2 Great Battles and and War Thunder 🙂

Edited December 11, 2018 by jcomm