Bluescaster

Hi All, I posted the following on the "PC Hardware" forum without success - can anyone here point me in the right direction please?........Hi All, I recently posted for advice regarding Graphics card jargon and received some excellent advice.... Now I've installed and used the card some, (nVidia 6800) I've been fine tuning it. I've seen lots of references to the FS9 Config file whilst researching (fine) tuning the settings, however I've been unable to locate a succinct explanation of the various FS9 cfg. file meanings/settings. Does anyone know of such a post or document I could refer to please?I have tried some searching on this site - and found lots of info. but much of it says "...try this" or "that" but doesn't explain what the setting does/means, or how it operates. I'm really enjoying learning about the inner workings of my Sim so would appreciate any help. (Perhaps I should just get out more! )Regards, Blue.

Hi All. Having received some very sound advice through posting here previously I'm back again with another query. (The more I seem to learn about this computer lark the more I seem to NOT know:-( )My system: MSI nVidia K7N2Delta MB 2700+ CPU with 1 gig of RAM. (Not sure what make) nVidia 6800LE 128Mg graphics card. 80Gig HD X2 (Slave used ONLY for Flight Sim & at present the ONLY program loaded on it. Windows XP Home (fully updated but EXCLUDING SP2) Latest drivers and BIOS loaded. LG Flatron CRT 19" Monitor running at 1280 X 1024 @ 85hz (Recommended resolution and refresh)Mostly I'm satisfied with the performance but want to make the most of recent upgrades.Question: The task manager, with FS9 running, shows that all RAM is used - some of the time. (My interpretation of the graph topping out at the top of the Task mngr. display) The lower panel of the graph on the Task manager shows a line a little way up the display - I assume this means that the "Page File" is getting some use. (This figure/display varies from around 325MB to 650MB -ish. ) I think I have something like 3 gig allocated to the Paging file for both Hard drives. Do I need to put in more RAM memory? - there is room and it is pretty cheap but I don't want to put it in if I am misinterpreting the Task Manager display. (I am not a computer buff and my knowledge is limited to that picked up here and by using my Sim program.)I would appreciate any help or advice received.FURTHER: I have tried changing the priority (from "Normal" to "High") of the FS9 program when loaded (in the Task manager). Doing this seems to reduce the amount of time that the "CPU Usage History" graph runs at Max. i.e. topped out with a flat line at the top of its display. I have the usual XP loaded stuff on the C: drive along with Norton Anti-virus which I keep on as I like to fly on-line when I can.Hope I have provided sufficient information for advice to be viable. If you've read this far Thanks:-)Regards Blue

Hi All, This interested me having read lots of post whilst trying to learn how my system ticks. Everything I read goes to great pains in recommending one use the "latest" drivers - Graphics card, mother board & Bios etc.Am I mis understanding this term drivers/ Incidently I'm using nVidia latest drivers for my card. Do I need to change? (Obviously I shall never properly get the hang of Computers - Sorry:-) )Regards Blue

Hi, I don't know for sure but I thought I had a similar fault until I read the manual more thoroughly - try clicking with the opposite mouse button - i.e. if you're using the left, try the other way with the right - because they both work one part - either "open" or "Close". The moral of this? :-) "RTFM"Regards Blue

Ian, You're welcome. I agree Heather is some woman.... and some painter too. I have admired her work since I discovered the Grumman Duck for 2002. She made that look great. Regards Blue

Steve, Many thanks..... Blue

Steve, "CPU-Z" where did you find it please, could be useful in the future:-) Regards Blue

Hi All, I recently posted for advice regarding Graphics card jargon and received some excellent advice.... Now I've installed and used the card some, (nVidia 6800) I've been fine tuning it. I've seen lots of references to the FS9 Config file whilst researching (fine) tuning the settings, however I've been unable to locate a succinct explanation of the various FS9 cfg. file meanings/settings. Does anyone know of such a post or document I could refer to please?I have tried some searching on this site - and found lots of info. but much of it says "...try this" or "that" but doesn't explain what the setting does/means, or how it operates. I'm really enjoying learning about the inner workings of my Sim so would appreciate any help. (Perhaps I should just get out more! :-) )Regards, Blue.

Hi Ian, Only a thought..... a prolific lady with the re-paint skill is "Heather Sherman" (I believe that's the correct spelling:-) )on the Bush Flying Unlimited Forum of this site.I've no connection with her other than seeing many of her paint jobs... I know she has done re paints of the MAAM DC3 previously, and very good they are also!She may still be busy with her own web site but you could try.Regards Blue

Hi Todd, I just read your post - I see you've already got some hard hitting help; however, I had similar problems over a 6-8 week period (not necessarily early on in a session - but instant reboots for no apparent reason) As it was I was looking to add a separate hard drive just for my FS9 Sim. program.To cut a long story short - I did that, making the new drive the C: or main drive which required re-installing Windows. At that time I heard from friends that their company were instructing workers NOT to install the XP SP2 as it had caused some problems, in particular crashing out of programs without warning:-( I had recently installed the SP2 pack on my system prior to the reboot fault occuring - which I didn't connect at the time:-)In any event - when I re-installed XP I updated everything EXCEPT the SP2. No problems since.Just a thought - may not be connected but worth thinking about before you spend a lot of money.Regards Blue

Thanks Chris, from your reply I assume I was over simplifying it then? :-) I'll look at the post as you suggest. Regards Blue

Hi Bill, Sorry to hear you're not so well - hope you're feeling better soon. AND..... I have your extra CD Disc with all those extra goodies..... Brilliant and well worth ever penny, I'm still trawling thro' them. Many thanks again for some wizard Aircraft.Regards, Blue.

Chris, thanks for the advice - I don't know much about aspect ratios with the computer. I started using 1280 X 1024 when I got a new monitor - the aircraft seems to be in proportion so I didn't question it...... I did try some resolutions which were clearly NOT in proportion. How is the aspect ratio worked out? Looking at 1600 X 1200 it appears to be 4 X 3 ..... I can see the connection - sould try it.Regards, Blue P.S. Actually Chris..... thinking about it, the 1280 X 1024 DOES follow the 4 X 3 ration except for the odd 1 pixel doesn't it? Or am I over simplifying this??

Hi Greg, Chris and All who have helped me here or taken an interest; I'm adding a post as it may be of interest to others taking a similar path to me.The straight nVidia 6800LE Card now fitted, tweaked, tuned and working beautifully. My current power supply (450w) was more than adequate for the additional loads on the system. (This is a powered card)My Athlon 2700+ CPU & motherboard seems to be more than adequate for the upgrade.Fitting was straight forward which was lucky because unlike the previous card (MSI FX5600) this one - Aeolus nVidia - came with a poorly written hand book with inadequate guidance and little if any specifications. This frankly was a major handicap for a computer novice such as myself - a lesson for me here, the MSI card was about

Hi Bill, and anyone else following this thread. I've updated my nVidia card drivers to the 66 set on the nVidia site. After one flight test all appears to work as it should. I'm hoping this has fixed the issue completely but thanks for those who took time and trouble towards solving the problem.Regards, Blue.

Chris, thanks for the extra info. The new card has arrived now and the cheque is cashed so I guess I'll have to tweak it as best I can on my system.My CPU is 2700+ so looks to be wanting there.... time will tell. If I get stuck I'll just have to buy your old 5950 eh:-) Regards, Blue.

Ken, Thanks for taking the trouble to reply - I much appreciate your help. However, I don't think it is left over from previous flight etc. because I start out fine - it is only after tuning to the particular station; receiving the correct morse identifier; then switching the ident. signal 'off' - that the fault is apparent. i.e. the morse ident. for the station tuned continues to sound.Initially I thought it might be the comm. station or something else tuned in - however it is definately the original station tuned on the "Nav 1" or "Nav 2" radio. that continues to "send" the morse.I'll be looking at it again later. (I'm fitting a new graphics card tomorrow - not because of this fault - but it will be interesting to see if the "fault" persists.)Regards, Blue.

Thanks Bill.... and so swift.I'll download and fix the XC-47.I'll have to do some more research into these identifiers. The switches "click" and animate but the morse continues..... Mmmm. I'll let you know if I find out what it is.Regards, Blue

Chris, Many thanks for your help - I've ordered a 6800 today otherwise I may well have bought your old card - particularly in light of Greg's answer here.In any event I'm interested in your note - :-)I have yet to receive the card but am already thinking about fitting etc. (I'm no computer buff I'm afraid but I'm enjoying the learning curve - mind you it doesn't seem to get any less steep!! :-) )You mention "PCP" and these tweaks that helped you out - could you expand please - I have a feeling I may need them.Also - did you have any problem with the on-board sound card with your 6800? I read these pages somewhere that one needs to have a separate sound card. I'd like to know more about this if you (or anyone else) can assist.Thanks anyway. Regards Blue.

Hi All, I'm now lucky enough to have both aircraft. Everyone concerned with their production are to be congratulated:-)A couple of things I'm still struggling with - even after reading the manuals on the various discs.With the R4D amphibian - mine shows no wake effect when put down on the water. I'm wondering if I've misplaced the FX files somehow on loading - I followed the install instructions with the auto-install thingy. Can anyone explain please?Secondly - I've been flying the B25 a lot but am unable to turn off the beacon morse identifiers after I've verified tuning is to the correct beacon. This only applies to Nav 1 & Nav 2. The ADF switch cancels the identifier. I've turned off the associated switches above the relevant tuner but still the morse rings out. (If I detune the station on the tuner the signal stops as expected - but when you need to receive the station this is of little use.) Have I missed something in my search of the manual or is it a glitch? Would appreciate any help.Regards Blue

Thank You Both for taking the trouble to help me out. I was interested to see the chart of card comparisons here in this forum. Unfortunately the 6600 card did not figure in the test. On the otherhand the 6800 seemed to be amongst the leaders.... Could I ask, will my system be able to take advantage of it's (6800's) reportedly good frame rate?If not could I look forward to a reasonable improvement with the lesser 6600 card?Regards, Blue

Hi All, I'm getting the same - I suggest that the Avsim site/server is responsible, i.e . something has gone amiss at the site end - afterall we can't ALL still be suffering effects of over indulgence can we?:-)Regards Blue

Doug, I'll let the experts help you with the technical stuff BUT please.... please do persevere to get the R4D onto your system (you'll find a way through whatever the fault is...) it is well worth having. I've just put mine on the system and it really is as good as all those reviews. (I got the Mitchell first and was so impressed I just couldn't resist splashing out for the R4D too!!!) And No!..... I'm not connected to MAAM in anyway at all..... unless you count being a very - very satisfied customer:-) I heard about both planes on this site too.... what more can a simmer want:-)Happy New Year... Blue

Hi All, Happy New Year!I find myself needing some advice in cracking the blurb on graphics cards in order that I pay for what I need as opposed to what the advertisers SAY I need:-)System: Athlon XP2700+ CPU. K7N2 Delta Motherboard. 1 gig RAM (not sure make). 2 X 80 Gig Hard drives. (Slave used only for Flight Sim) nVidia FX5600 Card. Plus usual ROM drives etc. CRT 19" Monitor 1280 X 1024.I'm looking to update my graphics card but am unsure exactly which of the short list to go for as the jargon confuses me somewhat.I mainly use the system for Flight Sim. (i.e. no other gaming) plus the usual letter writing etc.I have my eye on the nVidia Geforce 6800 card but have the following questions if anyone would wish to assist please.1. Is there anything to choose between the various manufacturers? (Currently use MSI and that has been good)2. Which of the Geforce 6800's would be most suitable for Flight Sim? The "GT" - "Ultra" etc? (I don't play videos/watch T.V. etc. etc. using this machine)3. Will the 6800 fit my current set up? (My mother board has an "A" socket according to the literature)4. Should I opt. for the "PCI -Express" or the "AGP"? (I understand these are the "slots" where the card is mounted - currently my card is AGP)I've also looked at the Geforce 6600 but don't know if this would be an option if the 6800 is not compatible with my system. (I'd like to stick with the nVidia Geforce as I (sort of) understand how they are set-up with FS9 and have been pleased with the current card in service.Do hope someone has some observations. My thanks in any event for reading this far.Regards, Blue

Greg, Many thanks for taking the time to reply in (almost) laymans terms. These forums really are an excellent educational tool for computer dummies like me. I'm sure my system is not up to two video cards yet, but knowing it is possible will stand me in good stead when next upgrading.Thanks again - Regards, Blue.