Coming back to MSFS2020 after 37-year absence

[Stoopy 1,503]

Hi everybody!

Hoping to get some input as I've been away from MSFS2020 since going on hiatus about 37 years ago and would like to see if its worth getting into again based on how much time you are willing to spend in convincing me to do so. 

Did anyone ever come out with a respectable gyrocopter, ekranoplane or even a hydroplane for this sim?  If so does it have convincing behavior and performance (I think the term is Homework Level?)

What type of input device is currently needed to use the simulator to a realistic extent? Would you say a peripheral device is actually required or can one get by with just a keyboard or just a mouse? Right now I have a numeric keypad and a single function key.

Output devices - are there any suggestions on monitors or is it all done with VR headsets now?  I'm currently using a Honeywell 1858-T790C Oscillographic Recorder (which enables me to get double-duty as a waveform output device and flight recorder of sorts). The resolution is poor and it requires interpolation of the wave amplitude and frequency to determine aircraft position and altitude.  Location is academic.  Sound capability is nonexistent but since my lab is in the departure path of a busy airport it's easy to time my simulator flights with commercial aircraft passing overhead for max realism. 

I've read both good and bad about whether an internet connection is needed for live data streaming.  Naturally I'd prefer to not connect to anything that I don't have to or that might cost money.  What type of data charges should my neighbors be looking at if I can attach to their WiFi signal?

Thanks in advance for any ideas and solutions, I am extremely anxious to be talked into getting back into simming (maybe)!

Edited February 14 by Stoopy

[btacon 1,519]

3 minutes ago, Stoopy said:

I've read both good and bad about whether an internet connection is needed for live data streaming.

Hey Stoopy, without data streaming you’re pretty much back in FS98 days. Got to have data streaming to make this “worth your while”

-B

[Jazz 916]

🤣

Post of the week.

[btacon 1,519]

Just now, Jazz said:

🤣

Post of the week.

Heh…did I just take the bait? 😎

[Jazz 916]

Just now, btacon said:

Heh…did I just take the bait? 😎

I think that is a strong possibility, mate.

[Der Zeitgeist 1,575]

1 minute ago, Stoopy said:

Hi everybody!

Hoping to get some input as I've been away from MSFS2020 since going on hiatus about 3 years ago and would like to see if its worth getting into again based on how much time you are willing to spend in convincing me to do so. 

Overall, I would say it's a great time to get back into MSFS right now. The sim is much more mature nowadays, and you already get a great package just from the stock installation together with the World Updates (there are 11 now, with #12, New Zealand, coming out in a week or so). The reworked Garmin panels are a real game changer for a lot of the stock planes, and performance and handling characteristics are much more realistic now for the stock airplanes. 

 

Quote

What type of input device is currently needed to use the simulator to a realistic extent? Would you say a peripheral device is actually required or can one get by with just a keyboard or just a mouse? Right now I have a numeric keypad and a single function key.

I would recommend at least a lower-end HOTAS like the Thrustmaster T.16000M. You might get by on a simple XBox game controller too. 

 

Quote

Output devices - are there any suggestions on monitors or is it all done with VR headsets now?  

Graphics-wise, depending on the performance of your PC, a monitor with WQHD resolution (1440p) is probably the sweet spot right now. Depending on your graphics card, you can expect between 40 and 60 FPS on higher mid-end hardware with that. 

 

Quote

I've read both good and bad about whether an internet connection is needed for live data streaming.  Naturally I'd prefer to not connect to anything that I don't have to or that might cost money.  What type of data charges should my neighbors be looking at if I can attach to their WiFi signal?

On anything but the slowest internet connection, I would definitely recommend activating the online terrain streaming features and, depending on your preferences, also the live air traffic or online players. 

[btacon 1,519]

3 minutes ago, Jazz said:

I think that is a strong possibility, mate.

But, buh, buh…it was STOOPY!  I could not ignore his plaintiff request even if it was a trap!  Plus…I took the bait. He reeled me right in, well no t right in. At least I did not discuss the hydroplane. (That was a clue I completely ignored much to my chagrin) 😎

Edited February 14 by btacon

[Stoopy 1,503]

6 minutes ago, Der Zeitgeist said:

Overall, I would say it's a great time to get back into MSFS right now...

Thank you very much for the well-intentioned reply. I apologize but my post was made as satire and meant to be humorous.  I tried to make it obvious with the outlandish questions and details. The muse and mood struck and I just couldn't sit on it until April 1st.  Just wanting to share a laugh or two. 

[Bobsk8 11,899]

Get Run 8 Train Sim. It is really good. 

[Der Zeitgeist 1,575]

14 minutes ago, Stoopy said:

Thank you very much for the well-intentioned reply. I apologize but my post was made as satire and meant to be humorous.  I tried to make it obvious with the outlandish questions and details. The muse and mood struck and I just couldn't sit on it until April 1st.  Just wanting to share a laugh or two. 

Guess I should have known better than to get back onto Avsim after a one-year absence, oh well.

[Glenn Fitzpatrick 3,791]

39 minutes ago, Stoopy said:

What type of input device is currently needed to use the simulator to a realistic extent? Would you say a peripheral device is actually required or can one get by with just a keyboard or just a mouse? Right now I have a numeric keypad and a single function key.

Absolutely fine with just a mouse if you are flying airliners.  Just program the FMS to your hearts content then autofly all the way to your destination and autoland it.

[Stoopy 1,503]

1 hour ago, btacon said:

But, buh, buh…it was STOOPY!  I could not ignore his plaintiff request even if it was a trap!  Plus…I took the bait. He reeled me right in, well no t right in. At least I did not discuss the hydroplane. (That was a clue I completely ignored much to my chagrin) 😎

Thanks for being a good sport about it. 👍

Increased length of absence from 3 to 37 years.

 

 

Edited February 14 by Stoopy

[regis9 3,721]

The ekranoplane physics modelling is very suspect.

[Glenn Fitzpatrick 3,791]

The submarines are worse.

Also the sim lacks fish. What is with that ?

[OneOfMany 303]

"I've been away from MSFS2020 since going on hiatus about 37 years ago" 

Gonna be a long thread, expect replies for the next 34 years.