Poor text output on Q400 FMS

[sloppysmusic]

Hi,

new P3D user. All PMDG planes/fms panels etc  look great but in Majestic Q400 the FMS is very poor and hard to read. Radios and PFDs fine.

I saw this tutorial and his text is great!

Before I place support request as a new user is (noob!) is there an easy fix or this?

AM running mostly ultra on high end system with 4k high res textures/fxaa OFF ssaa on  and 16x anisotropic. Nothing seems to make it better.

Annoyingly IMGUR is failing to accept uploads of images so these are from my dropbox.

Thanks!

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/78msb459ilngu6q261sx4/Screenshot-2024-08-25-182800.png?rlkey=lpceeqw5ha218w5329k7zqdm4&st=jutliz9a&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cyksiw1a62z1dafvdcs91/Screenshot-2024-08-25-183227.png?rlkey=pgc5kjitisgy1o2jfz018b5de&st=32emkitz&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ry5fd6pm9dl4s3cdrwu0z/Screenshot-2024-08-25-183457.png?rlkey=y4823j97wtysdlmzxrr2y9n11&st=xintshiw&dl=0

The last one above is the worst so best example. I turned brightness to full before it was a mess. Now the bright GREEN test is great but the alternate text blocky.

 

 

EDIT P3d V5.4 latest version fresh install. Been working smooth and great this is first issue I have had with any plane.

Edited August 25, 2024 by sloppysmusic
duh version

[Zatoichi]

That does look less than it should be, my FMC looks fine.

Resolution?
Texture size applied in p3d?
Aspect ratio?
Changed fonts?

I'm just thinking I bought the visual extension. I'm wondering if,"Several improvements of the virtual cockpit markings resolution" could be the culprit?

Maybe this will help.
https://majesticsoftware.com/forums/discussion/1483/blurry-displays

[sloppysmusic]

Thanks will look in morning. Default fonts 4k res everything maxed.. Got pc to run msfs maxed out so it's been very smooth in p3d. This is first anomaly I've had. Don't want mess the other great stuff up. Glad you agree it's not quite right. Looks great in YT videos so must be fixable. 

[crosswind]

You do not have the correct update, which if my memory serves correctly will be ver1.025a which can be acquired from the USER AREA.  If you are unable to contact the USER AREA then contact us via email at out Support dept.

 

Cheers

[sloppysmusic]

6 hours ago, crosswind said:

You do not have the correct update, which if my memory serves correctly will be ver1.025a which can be acquired from the USER AREA.  If you are unable to contact the USER AREA then contact us via email at out Support dept.

 

Cheers

The 'user' area option does not work on my browser. On inspecting the java it just links to the forums anyway so I went there and saw hundreds of posts.

This seems to be relevant (?) although his screens are blurry, mine are only bad on FMC

https://majesticsoftware.com/forums/discussion/1483/blurry-displays

Where IS my user area? Any attempt to register to forums gives following error message:

 

reCAPTCHA has not been set up by the site administrator in registration settings. This is required to register.

 

If I search for USER AREA on forum I get the following:

Something has gone wrong.

We've run into a problem and are unable to handle this request right now.
Please check back in a little while.

I gave up and searched via google for the 1.025 update and found this

https://majesticsoftware.com/forums/discussion/1427/updated-majestic-software-q400-ver-1-025-released-for-prepar3d

Which is great except it just tells me to go to the non existent USER AREA again!

here is the full fix page

https://majesticsoftware.com/mjc8q400/news.html

again NO actual download! user area again.....

I am sending this post as a reply to the email got back from support last night. Posting details here as anyone else buying the plane in 2024 would surely also get confused.

EDIT: I've also created an Aerosoft support request as I believe a full price sale of this product should include the latest version at point of sale or at the very least provide a WORKING link to install essential upgrades/fixes.

 

Edited August 26, 2024 by sloppysmusic
more info

[sloppysmusic]

16 hours ago, Zatoichi said:

I'm just thinking I bought the visual extension. I'm wondering if,"Several improvements of the virtual cockpit markings resolution" could be the culprit?

After lots of searching I only NOW understand that comment. No I believe 'markings' is texture only. The actual displays would be different. I am rather disappointed that buying the latest PRO version in 2024 for P4d V4/5 does NOT include this enhancement package by default. If I'd known it was using textures from older P3d versions and not taking advantage of PBR (its called the v4/5 version in the store) I would have purchased the training package. I ONLY saw the raindrop stuff being what I got extra not an entirely updated plane.

This not been an impressive purchase experience for me so far. What I would LIKE from a 2024 purchase of a P3d v4/5 plane is ALL the updates and bug fixes included as well as all P3D version relevant upgrades to be included and a single updated price to apply.

To the devs: if I HAVE to pay extra to get my version looking better in the sim I purchased it for please give me working link to pay the extra and get the full, latest and best version for P3d v5 please. I don't care about 20 bucks I DO care about all the confusion and wasting time instead of enjoying what appears to be a great addon!

 

I have found another related post:

https://majesticsoftware.com/forums/discussion/1460/questions-before-upgrading-to-the-trainning-edition

This post and answer seems to make clear that the PRO version (no visual enhancement) is an inferior visual product to TRAINING version which does include the VE and the FMS poor quality was addressed. In fact the OP upgraded to a better system and asked if the Training version would look better. In 2024 it should be assumed that ALL systems are running considerably higher fidelity than in 2014 when I believe the product was originally released?

Training does not infer visual enhancements so I think this not labelled clearly at point of sale. Should be made clear that PRO version is inferior to TRAINING in MULTIPLE visual areas if this is indeed the case.

 

Edited August 26, 2024 by sloppysmusic
more info

[crosswind]

The TRAINING and COCKPIT editions are the ONLY editions that include the Visual Enhancement Package. 
Unfortunately vendors provide a description for the products on their sites based on an overall description provided by the developer.  On the Aerosoft page they have the Visual Enhancement as a recommendation linked below the description (You are correct in that it could be made more lucid to the customer).  The PRO edition was released back in 2014 and there have been several significant updates many of which new wrappers were sent to the vendors.  The updates per the released wrapper to the vendors however are housed in the USER AREA.

If the USER AREA is not working for you, kindly contact our Support for the required update.  The issue of not being able to contact the USER AREA has been reported and is being investigated as not all users are affected by not being able to access the USER AREA.

 

Looking at Aerosoft's page 

 

VISUAL EXTENSION PACKAGE:

Description

Product information "Majestic Software - Visual Extension Package for MJC8 Q4000 PILOT & PRO Editions P3D"

Visual extension package advances Majestic Software's Dash 8 Q400 add-ons simulation experience by providing a number of immersive features, including:

• Improved realism due to usage of PBR materials for the exterior model and the virtual cockpit
• Improved visual model smoothness
• Textures adjustments for better detailing of the airframe elements
• More realistic modelling of the passenger cabin with seatbelts/no smoking indicators simulated
• Visible wheel chocks, pitot tube and the engine intake covers while parked
• Visible wing supports in a case of damage wheel/landing gear assembly
• Improved resolution of the exterior markings
• Several improvements of the virtual cockpit markings resolution
• Improved virtual cockpit night lighting
• Added simulated reflections on the cockpit controls and switches for the better night visibility
• Improved landing/approach/taxi lights
• Integrated True Glass library from TFDi for the realistic precipitation effects on windshield
• Includes bonus Fly Baboo livery

System requirements

• Lockheed Martin Prepar3D V4.x or V5.x
• Majestic Software - Dash 8 Q400 PRO or PILOT Edition for P3D V4/V5 (latest version)

 

Product information "Majestic Software - MJC8-Q400 Training Edition"

The Majestic Software - MJC8-Q400 Training Edition is intended for experienced flight simmers who require in-depth simulation of the Q400 aircraft.

The Training Edition includes all of the functionality of the MJC8-Q400 PRO edition, plus the following features:

• FLIGHT CONTROLS DISCONNECT SIMULATION
  The flight controls can be disconnected and the respective independent flight controls system will account for the pilot flying position (based upon the pilot head position in the Virtual Cockpit, or the type of the main panel in the 2D cockpit). The disconnect option is designed to operate correctly in both virtual or hardware based cockpits
• FMS RAIM SIMULATION
  FMS provides the RAIM prediction, and simulates the changing GPS accuracy accordingly
• CUSTOM FLIGHT DATA RECORDER
  The Flight Data Recorder (2D panel) which can be used to record and visually reproduce a flight, such allowing for the classroom demonstration or analysis of the particular situations in the aircraft operation
• WING TYPE FLIGHT DIRECTOR
  An option for the wing type (flying wing) flight director
• SURFACE SLOPES SUPPORT
  The surface normals (surface angle) of the Prepar3D are integrated into the Q400 FDE, allowing for the correct visuals and physics when operating on addon runways with a slope
• TRUE GLASS PRECIPITATION LIBRARY INTEGRATION (optional)
  The TFDi Design TrueGlass (optional) provides the precipitation visuals on cockpit windows
• FLIGHT CONTROLS, LANDING GEAR AND POWERPLANT FAILURES
  The System Panel application includes the system pages which can be used to monitor and trigger the failures in the flight controls, landing gear and power plant systems. The application as well provides several extendable remote control scripts for the engine failure training
• EXTENDED JOYSTICK COCKPIT HARDWARE INTERFACE
  The Extended joystick cockpit hardware interface allows for linking every cockpit control to a joystick compatible hardware
• VISUAL EXTENSION PACKAGE INTEGRATED
  The TRAINING edition includes all if the enhancement otherwise provided in the MJC84 Visual Extension package

System requirements Upgrade-Service

• Lockheed Martin Prepar3D V4.x or V5.x

 

Cheers

[sloppysmusic]

16 hours ago, crosswind said:

On the Aerosoft page they have the Visual Enhancement as a recommendation linked below the description (You are correct in that it could be made more lucid to the customer

 

16 hours ago, crosswind said:

The TRAINING and COCKPIT editions are the ONLY editions that include the Visual Enhancement Package. 
Unfortunately vendors provide a description for the products on their sites based on an overall description provided by the developer.  On the Aerosoft page they have the Visual Enhancement as a recommendation linked below the description (You are correct in that it could be made more lucid to the customer).  The PRO edition was released back in 2014 and there have been several significant updates many of which new wrappers were sent to the vendors.  The updates per the released wrapper to the vendors however are housed in the USER AREA.

If the USER AREA is not working for you, kindly contact our Support for the required update.  The issue of not being able to contact the USER AREA has been reported and is being investigated as not all users are affected by not being able to access the USER AREA.

 

Looking at Aerosoft's page 

 

VISUAL EXTENSION PACKAGE:

Description

Product information "Majestic Software - Visual Extension Package for MJC8 Q4000 PILOT & PRO Editions P3D"

Visual extension package advances Majestic Software's Dash 8 Q400 add-ons simulation experience by providing a number of immersive features, including:

• Improved realism due to usage of PBR materials for the exterior model and the virtual cockpit
• Improved visual model smoothness
• Textures adjustments for better detailing of the airframe elements
• More realistic modelling of the passenger cabin with seatbelts/no smoking indicators simulated
• Visible wheel chocks, pitot tube and the engine intake covers while parked
• Visible wing supports in a case of damage wheel/landing gear assembly
• Improved resolution of the exterior markings
• Several improvements of the virtual cockpit markings resolution
• Improved virtual cockpit night lighting
• Added simulated reflections on the cockpit controls and switches for the better night visibility
• Improved landing/approach/taxi lights
• Integrated True Glass library from TFDi for the realistic precipitation effects on windshield
• Includes bonus Fly Baboo livery

System requirements

• Lockheed Martin Prepar3D V4.x or V5.x
• Majestic Software - Dash 8 Q400 PRO or PILOT Edition for P3D V4/V5 (latest version)

 

Product information "Majestic Software - MJC8-Q400 Training Edition"

The Majestic Software - MJC8-Q400 Training Edition is intended for experienced flight simmers who require in-depth simulation of the Q400 aircraft.

The Training Edition includes all of the functionality of the MJC8-Q400 PRO edition, plus the following features:

• FLIGHT CONTROLS DISCONNECT SIMULATION
  The flight controls can be disconnected and the respective independent flight controls system will account for the pilot flying position (based upon the pilot head position in the Virtual Cockpit, or the type of the main panel in the 2D cockpit). The disconnect option is designed to operate correctly in both virtual or hardware based cockpits
• FMS RAIM SIMULATION
  FMS provides the RAIM prediction, and simulates the changing GPS accuracy accordingly
• CUSTOM FLIGHT DATA RECORDER
  The Flight Data Recorder (2D panel) which can be used to record and visually reproduce a flight, such allowing for the classroom demonstration or analysis of the particular situations in the aircraft operation
• WING TYPE FLIGHT DIRECTOR
  An option for the wing type (flying wing) flight director
• SURFACE SLOPES SUPPORT
  The surface normals (surface angle) of the Prepar3D are integrated into the Q400 FDE, allowing for the correct visuals and physics when operating on addon runways with a slope
• TRUE GLASS PRECIPITATION LIBRARY INTEGRATION (optional)
  The TFDi Design TrueGlass (optional) provides the precipitation visuals on cockpit windows
• FLIGHT CONTROLS, LANDING GEAR AND POWERPLANT FAILURES
  The System Panel application includes the system pages which can be used to monitor and trigger the failures in the flight controls, landing gear and power plant systems. The application as well provides several extendable remote control scripts for the engine failure training
• EXTENDED JOYSTICK COCKPIT HARDWARE INTERFACE
  The Extended joystick cockpit hardware interface allows for linking every cockpit control to a joystick compatible hardware
• VISUAL EXTENSION PACKAGE INTEGRATED
  The TRAINING edition includes all if the enhancement otherwise provided in the MJC84 Visual Extension package

System requirements Upgrade-Service

• Lockheed Martin Prepar3D V4.x or V5.x

 

Cheers

Thanks, I got an email last night with the updated packages and installed them. Fms problem is solved. Will probably have to spring for the Visual package now as the text everywhere else in cockpit is not as good. Yes in the training package details above the VEP is listed last on bullet point list. After reading first 7 bullet points I decided I didn't need that version. If the VEP was FIRST on the list it would have been an instant buy. I saw the rain drop enhancement and thought I could live without that but if I'm correct that's INCLUDED with the VEP so that's extra confusion there. 

Of course every other site except Aerosoft lists an upgrade option to the training version but I can't find that option with them. I might just buy the VEP separately and be done with it now. 

Only other issue I have now is the straight line route on pfd that is stopping me flying. Asked question via email as can't use support forums and can't find answer online. 

Thanks to the dev for personally replying and solving the fms issue. Top quality support that. Worth my investment just to encourage devs like that in our increasingly fickle and monopolised hobby. 

[Blasb]

I have the training edition and on that one the text problem was solved after getting the updates (1.025a and 1.025b ) by email as I couldn't either access the user area. I guess the training edition is a bit different though since it has the visual package included already (at least to my knowledge Just Flight had 1.025 as the base version for the install). 🙂