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2 hours ago, Stoopy said:

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. 

If you can get your hands on another 1858 unit and flip it upside down such that the Oscilloscope is on the right side instead of the left, and then put one unit in front of each eye about a foot in front of you, you can achieve a stereoscopic 3D effect on your waveform output that rivals any modern VR headset. You will of course need to adjust the gain sensitivity and go no higher than 3 OHMs in order to get a decent frame rate. 

Sorry, but I don't think you'll be able to install FS2020 on your Texas Instruments calculator.

Welcome back! Enjoy level D sim!

11 minutes ago, rjquick said:

Sorry, but I don't think you'll be able to install FS2020 on your Texas Instruments calculator.

Nonsense, I have it running on a Casio watch with full motion.

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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. 

The improvements since 37 years ago are absolutely massive. Take a look at the difference from Flight Sim 2.0 from 1986 on the left and our current offerings on the right.

 

The sky is actually blue instead of that ugly, ugly teal now, and the instruments are 1000 times more lifelike. Look at the color of those radio digits! The HSI coloring is sublime!

 

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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?)

Absolutely. You will never be late for a Homework Session again with this beauty. Fully modeled with PBR in the back end. (Pabst Blue Ribbon, of course).

 

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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.

A peripheral device is absolutely recommended for full immersion. I recommend a good joystick, as it is the most versatile. Good choice:

 

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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. 

If you don't do VR, multi-monitor setups are all the rage. The level of immersion is pretty outstanding. Here is a good setup you should look to replicate.

 

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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?

I'm afraid there is no way around this one. An excellent choice:

 

Teenagers don't talk on the phone anymore, so you can keep the phone line tied up for hours and hours and nobody will care.

 

5 hours ago, Stoopy said:

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. 

Stoopy, you don't need much!   I have just come over from Psion Flight Simulator and I am really impressed - you are going to love it!   Although I still prefer the runway lighting in the old sim.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_Simulation_(Psion_software)#/media/File:Psion_Flight_Simulation_on_ZX_Spectrum.png

I only use a qwerty keyboard and a 3dfx card to speed up the graphics (I recommend one).  The detail at 480p is stunning!

Remember these simple key presses to get you going,  W = Up, A = Left, S = Right, Z =Down.  And I don't mess about with partial throttle settings - F4 = Full Blast, F1 = Cut the Throttle (when over the runway - don't worry about the bounce!)

You are going to love it!   And they have Meigs Field back in the sim now.  Yes - Meigs Stoopy!  M-E-I-G-S!

If you need any further help getting started, just let me know.

Edited February 15, 20233 yr by bobcat999

I recommend just fill up and head back. Biff Tanner runs things here now and all the kids dress funny. 

8 hours ago, Stoopy said:

 What type of data charges should my neighbors be looking at if I can attach to their WiFi signal?

🤣🤣

hey Stoppy

This is the setup most of us have these days.

All you need is a good joystick, a tablet and a mouse (but get one with a click button though)
 

 

I admit I don't get the fastest FPS with my Analytical Engine, but it's very sturdy and easily survives my kicking it after an unsatisfactory landing.  The only trouble is getting updates, as the Babbage Corporation is almost as behind as the Marketplace.

These responses are absolutely fantastic!  Just seeing all of these ideas gives new hope to this old simmer.  Consider me sold, I'm rushing out now to see if I can find some of these items and set up my own home crackpot!  

Thanks everyone, your responses have been "Epic"!!!

 

Stoopy, If you don’t have a 8k modem just send us some boxes of floppy disks or a few of them 10Mb hard disk thingies and I’ll run a copy of MSFS off for you.

Shhh Don’t tell anyone though!

Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be…

 

😄😆😁  Love it, my sort of humour, and well placed next to some of the content appearing on our fine sim home as of late! 😆

20 hours ago, Jazz said:

Nonsense, I have it running on a Casio watch with full motion.

Nice!