MikeAdamo

In regards to wind direction in METAR's, would the wind direction given as 15006KT mean that the wind is blowing "FROM" 150 degrees at 06 KTS or "TO" 150 degrees at KTS. If you're a visual person like me, here are a couple of shot to help:"FROM"http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3d35ee834927676b.jpg"TO"http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3d35eea149882adb.jpgThank you so very much for helping me through this troubled tim :-lolMike

Elrond,Extemely intersting read. As a matter of fact, I tried to download a demo from Gamespot and that "download accelerator" was installed as part of the download process. I had absolutely no say in the matter. Thanfully, I uninstalled that program and reinstalled winXP (for different reasons) shortly after. Amazing to see what people can think up!!MikePS, thanks for bringin this up!

Matthew,That seems to be FlightSim 2002 and it would seem that they are using FSWClouds as well. My media player isn't working very good but that's my impression from the video.Mike

Hi Dick,Part of what you're describing almost sounds like Table Fog is enabled. I remember reading on the Rage3D forums that you have to turn off/disable table fog, save your settings, re-boot and re-do the procedure for the settings to take effect. Might also be worth while to download Rage3D Tweaker to fine tune the card if you don't already have a Radeon Tweaker installed.Mike

Hi All,I spent the better part of an hour searching through the archives here so now it's time to ask the regulars!! :-)I've started playing around with TTools and yRoute and am asking those of you with more experience which aircraft you use as AI? I read somewhere that any GMAX aircraft is great as it won't deteriate your frame rates but there are a few non-GMAX aircraft I would like to use and am wondering on the performance hit I may take.Any and all help is much appreciated!!Thanks in advance.Mike

Hi Bob,Seeing as we have the same video card, I hope I can help out!I had close to the same problem as you with the ground textures looking "sky" blue but the environment textures looking normal. Seems that you have to disable the "TABLE FOG" option on the Radeon for things to look normal. Only way I know how to disable that option is to download a tweaker and do it by hand :-). The tweaker I use is Rage3D Tweaker which can be found . Another avenue you may try is to try using Radeon drivers made by Omega. They're better than the "official" ATI drivers and are set-up to avoid having to tweak every option/setting. They can be found [link:www.omegacorner.com]HEREGive that a go and see if it helps.As an aside In the past I would always install the VIA drivers first, reboot, then install my display drivers. Never caused me any grief. Good luck!!Mike

Hi John,Sorry, missed the part about you already having the Omega drivers loaded and no, I didn't just copy/paste, I typed up a fresh version all by myself :-lolSorry I couldn't be of any more help!!Good luck!Mike

:-wave

Hi John,I've got a Radeon 64MB DDR VIVO which is one of the first generation Radeon's if memory serves. The two things I can recommend that will probably give you the results you're looking for are:Omega Radeon DriversOmega drivers are "game" optimized versus "benchmark" optimized which means many of the most popular "tweaks" are already done for you. I've been using these drivers exclusively for the past few months and can't imagine using the (many times buggy) "official" ATI drivers. Installation is a breeze and I have yet to have any system issues related to these drivers (i.e. crash to desktop, FS2K2 crashing). You can find these drivers Rage3D TweakerThis is by far the best utility I found for fine tuning my Radeon. Here's the blurb from their website:Rage3D Tweak is a multi-language Radeon Tweaker designed to fit right in with the other ATI option tabs in the Advanced Display Properties accessed through the Control Panel. It allows access to Registry Tweak options, Custom Display Modes, Refresh Rates, and Overclocking all through an easy to use interface. For those requiring instant access to all the tweak options, a handy icon on the task bar can be enabled for quick access to all three tweaker tabs. Comprehensive html, outline based help is available through the standard "?" icon in the display tabs and the help buttonWhile it may take a bit of getting used to, once you get the hang of this utility, fine tuning your video card will be a snap and the results will be breath taking. You can download and read more about this utility [link:www.rage3d.com/radeon/r3dtweak/]HEREGive these a try and post your results here!!Here's an example of what things look like now that I've got things tweaked the way I like it!!

Georgi,Sorry to say but AA is in fact NOT on in those Radeon shots. I'm using the same card as you and look at what I can see. Like you said, this isn't meant as a My card is better than your card post but it's obvious from your ATI shot that something was wrong on your end.Mike

Hi Peter,A great story and a great journey you're embarking on!Being of the same age with 2 kids and a comfortable career I've chosen the "arm chair pilot" pilot route for myself and am happy with that.I have the deepest respect for those that choose to take a drastic turn in their career and life and make a long time dream a reality.All the best to you and your wife and I think all that any of us arm chair pilots would ask for is to take it to the end!!!!Keep us up to date with your progress.Mike

Hi fellow Radeon owners!!If you're noticing an improvement with the ATI "official" drivers, I would highly suggest the latest Omega drivers who actually teamed up with Plutonium this round. The Omega/Plutonium drivers are enhanced for gamers and when I installed them on my system, I noticed a dramatic increase in overall texture quality.Keep in mind that every system is different so individual results will vary but I've been using Omega drivers exclusively for the past few months and I've NEVER ben disapointed with a new release.You can find them . I would suggest, if you're a little hesitant to try these new drivers to read the thread on these new drivers over at www.rage3d.com (http://www.rage3d.com/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33616859)And if you're in the market for a great Radeon tweaker, I would highly recommend the Rage3D Tweaker!! You can find it [Link:www.rage3d.com/radeon/r3dtweak]HEREHere's a quick snapshot I took.Good luck!Mike

HI Tom,Great choice in video cards!! :-)There are two pieces of software I would recommend for the Radeon. First are the Omega drivers for the Radeon. These are by far the best drivers I've used. I tried all the official ATI drivers and the other leaked ones and nothing has come close to the Omega drivers. You can download the current set from their web site .THe next thing I would suggest is a great little Radeon tweaker called Rage3D Tweaker. I've been using this util since it first came out and have never looked at another tweaker since! You can find the tweaker and some additional info [Link:www.rage3d.com/radeon/r3dtweak]HEREHope this helps!Mike

Howdy all!I know that this is more of an off topic related question but there's just too much tallent here to NOT post this here :-)A while back I downloaded the DX8 developer pack and installed it and now 90% of my DX8 files are flagged with the little yellow "yield" sign saying that they are the debug version and will run slower than the retail files. Any of you tech guys here know how to re-install JUST DirectX? I'm in no mood to have to reinstall WindowsXP and all my programs etc...Thanks for the help!!!!Mike

Hi Greg,I turn on the alternator after the engine has started. In this case I would have to assume that the Master switch in your checklist is referring to the Master Battery switch. Which checklist are you using?Mike

Hi Greg,We are all familiar with a battery, but what is its purpose? First and foremost it provides the necessary power to start the aircraft engine. In some aircraft that do not have an alternator or generator it may be the only source of power for all electrical items. The battery also provides electrical power in the event the generator/altemator fails.Alternators are simply generators that produce alternating current. They are the most common forms of electrical power on aircraft today. An alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy that can power our electrical components.So now that you know what each part does, how does it all come together? Well, an aircraft's electrical system has its origin in the storage battery installed primarily for starting the engine and for serving as an initial power source for the aircraft's electrical system. After the engine is started, the alternator (or generator), is switched on to supplement and replenish the battery voltage expended in starting the engine. The alternator provides all the electrical power needed in flight. In the event the alternator fails, you'll be running on battery power alone so find yourself an airport to land at rather quickly :-)Hope this shed some light on the battery/alternator question?! In regards to your rudder pedals being out of alignment, maybe align them then re-save your flight so that way the next time you start FS2K2 they'll be centered.Mike