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Folks,Has anyone heard or read about any reviews or forums testing involving the new MSI Big Bang Fuzion Motherboards that support the Lucid Hydra Technology (involves being able to fit Video Cards from multiple vendors)? I know that FSX isnt too good with Multiple GPU cards but I am wondering how the Lucid Technology may now perform with FSX?Thank you.Paul

Folks,I am posting this for anyone looking for information about Dirk Fassbender's Autopilot that may help them overcome the issues I initially had.I have the Autopilot working now and the 'solution' was painfully simple. A chap over at Hovercontrol responded to my inquiry and indicated that the Stabilization (STAB control) should be off initially, which was never the case for me. In my installation I was never able to turn the STAB light off so display of Flight Data wasn't occurring and the display was always blank (the STAB light needs to be turned off for flight data to display and for Autopilot functions to be selected).Anyway, for anyone interested in this beaut Helo Autopilot for FSX:I placed the 2 configuration files (AFCP.cfg and AP1.cfg) in the Flight Simulator X main directory located at:C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\The 2 Gauges HAP.gau and AS532AFCP.gau simply go into the Gauges directory at:C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\GaugesAmend the panel.cfg for the specific Helicopter you want to install the Autopilot into, as per the readme.txt in the downloaded files. The download is located at:http://64.34.169.161/cgi-bin/ifolio/imageF...img=&tt=zipAfter installation, press the STAB button to turn the yellow STAB indicator light off. If you are unable to extinguish the light then just initially select any FSX default aircraft then select the Helicopter you wish to fly. The STAB indicator control should now work (successive presses turns it on and off), so turn thatoff to start using the Autopilot.I also amended a parameter in the Panel.cfg file to reduce the size of the Autopilot panel as follows:window_size= 0.200, 0.230I changed this from 0.300 and 0.330, respectively, but change yours to suit your monitor size and preferences.The developer's Website mentions that this Autopilot doesn't like the FSX Pause button but you can get around that after pausing FSX by pressing the STAB light back on (this lets you take manual control), then press Pause to start the simulation again and once you have the Helo in the correct orientation turn the STAB light off, just re-set the Autopilot as you want it.There are further instructions on using the Autopilot at Dirk Fassbender's website located at:http://www.dirkfassbender.de/AFCP/index.htmlParts of it may apply to FS9 but it is helpful in FSX too.Paul

Folks,I have downloaded and installed the Autopilot for FSX developed by Dirk Fassbender. Unfortunately, although the Annunciator appears ok there are no indications at all on the display, just a blank display? When I turn Avionics power on or off the Stab yellow indicator turns on and off and the controls animate when I click Heading increase or decrease etc but nothing displays on the Annunciator at all?Does anyone have any suggestions to resolve this please?My Panel.cfg looks like this://--------------------------------------------------------[Window07]Background_color=0,0,0size_mm=300,300window_size_ratio=1.000 position=0visible=1ident=80window_size= 0.300, 0.330window_pos= 0.700, 0.360gauge00=AS532AFCP!AFCP,0,130,300,131,afcp.cfggauge01=AS532AFCP!Annunciator,0,0,300,130gauge02=HAP!HAP,193,132,8,8,ap1.cfgI have copied the AFCP.cfg and AP1.cfg files into C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator XI have also copied HAP.GAU and AS532AFCP.GAU into C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\GaugesThank you.Paul

Damian,Thanks for the reply. I had looked previously looked at the HiFi Comparison table but as it says there, "Competitive Product", I couldn't be sure you were directly referring to REX/FEX. I also believed that other users may have wanted this reply.Again, thanks.Paul

HiFi Folks,I had FEX originally and changed to REX when the FEX weather engine failed to eventuate. Can you please explain what the advantage I may obtain from upgrading to Active Sky Advanced may be? I note that ASA doesn't include textures and uses other Add-ons for this purpose but what does ASA provide that either FEX or REX may not?Many thanks.Paul

Bryan,Yes, the Cessna Mustang is most definitely certified for Single Pilot operations. Refer to:http://www.cessna.com/citation/mustang.htmlPaul

>Does anyone know when Real Environment Xtreme is scheduled>for release? The write up on the weather engine alone about>has me convinced to try this one!I am afraid that nobody apart from the Developers and those they have trusted with any release date proposal know the actual schedule of release. There is some quite heated 'discussions' going on over at their Forum (http://realenvironmentxtreme.com/forum/index.php) with hints about a release being 'soonish' but nothing for sure.I do wish they would have adopted something similar to Orbx's progress banner where ticks of progress are updated so users know things are happening without pestering the Developers but such is not the case.It certainly is hugely anticipated though.Paul

>By the way, all of the FTX products for>Australia are nothing short of awesome, in my opinion ... if>but a little pricey.>>SteveSteve (and JimJam),Thanks for taking the time to reply. I have also read elsewhere about Carenado being worth serious consideration and the new HD textures from FTX make it difficult to resist. Exploring FTX Australia in the Carenado C182 looks like a good combination.Paul

C182 II RG Owners,I have seen the new HD VC screen shots of the Carenado C182 for FSX posted at the Orbx Forum and been very impressed! Can anyone who owns the C182 II RG comment please on any other differences between this aircraft and the default FSX Cessna 172 (which isnt too bad really in the VC), that may have prompted your purchase of the Carenado?Many thanks indeed.Paul

>Where do I need to put my current flight>plan to open it under GMap.>Dirk,I use Gmap with FSX and it appears to look in the FSX default directory for Flight Plans, which is:C:/Documents and Settings/YOUR_LOGON_NAME/My Documents/Flight Simulator X FilesCreate a Flight Plan firstly and make sure it is saved in the path, above. Just substitute your logon name in that path and that should be the location where Gmap will look. It certainly works on my machine.Paul

>Wrote something quickly and gave it a quick test and it works>ok Gray,I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to write the Sunset Utility. I will check that out but also say thanks again on behalf of the 'Sunset flying club'....:)Paul

>I could write a small utility for you if you wanted that>rewrites the current time via fsuipc>Gray,It would be great if you can do that and then upload that Utility to the Avsim File library for anyone to use!Paul

>Well, to be honest i don't find it a strange request. Sunup>en sundown are the most beautifull times in FSX, i sometimes>wish they last longer too.Eric,That is precisely right mate, and I was hoping there may be something available to do this. Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Perhaps a developer somewhere may see a need for such an option one day as I am sure there are others who enjoy the Sunset/Sunrise flying as well.Paul

>SYSCLOCK=1>>I bet if you change that value to 0 ... you would stop time.>Why not try it and report back.Kev,Thank you very much for your suggestion. I just modifying the fsx.cfg file as you suggested but unfortunately time still advances (verified by going to the 'World' menu option then 'Time & Season' and the Aircraft clock).Paul

Folks,Has anyone come across any software/utility that enables FSX time (as opposed to the PC time) to be suspended so that it would be possible to fly at Sunset or Sunrise for an indefinite period of time?The colours and atmosphere are always tremendous at those times.Many thanks.Paul

Folks,Just to close this thread off, from my point of view as I originated it. I decided on a 24" LCD monitor to use in conjunction with my previous 19" Samsung. I have to say the difference is tremendous. I have really been missing out I think as the new 24" Widescreen, used in conjunction with the 19" Samsung for GPS, Radio Stack etc is just fantastic!The 24" display (a BenQ V2400W in my case) runs really well and text etc is just perfect. The extra size has created no trouble at all so if any of you other people were thinking of adding a larger monitor then I can highly recommend it!! I read elsewhere that once you get a larger screen there is no going back and I certainly believe that now.Paul

Folks,John Venema (chief FTX chap at Orbx) just posted a link to a YouTube clip and Web download link for a new Camera utility for use in FSX. Effects appear to include a simulated hand-held mode and quite fantastic views. The YouTube video alone is worth looking at.Go to the Youtube video at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQFwzIcnZC0&fmt=6Download V1.22 from (Russia):http://www.arccpro.narod.ru/index_page20.htmI am on Linux at the moment but will have to grab this piece of software ASAP. My thanks go to John.Paul

>Paul- May I offer a quite contrarian opinion!>Consider the possibility of three modest sized LCD monitors>side by side. Alex,Thanks for the suggestion, it would certainly be ideal, but my Samsung 19" is still very usable and I intend on keeping it as a 2nd monitor. The real 'agony' is wondering if it's really worth spending $50-100 more for 1.5 inches of screen-space going from a 24" to a 25.5" (listed as 26")?I have never used such a large monitor so was wondering how current users of these size monitors have found them. Unfortunately, the Hardware Forums are not very helpful at times as there are often as many users for a particular monitor, or size, as there are against. Also, most PC orientated stores only have Monitors on display up to 24" that I have found so far where I live.Paul

>Tried a 27" 1920x1200 it was fine for FSX >but I found for normal text/web use the fonts were too>pixelated.Jackcnd,That's a good point about normal use. Although I thoroughly enjoy FSX, I also do many other tasks with my setup. I have been looking at a 26" Samsung/BenQ etc but 24" may well be the best size when taking into account general PC use and FSX?Paul

Thanks for your reply. I use my LCD fairly close by, basically right in front of me ( a couple of feet away) and I am hoping to use any new monitor at its native resolution, so it will be at 1900 x 1200 (24" - 26" most likely. BenQ V2400W or perhaps a Samsung 2693HM). I was wondering what users of these larger monitors prefer and I still have plenty of space to push the LCD further away if necessary. I want to take this purchasing opportunity to jump to the ideal size monitor instead of going up an inch or so in screen size every few years.Again, thanks.Paul

Folks,I currently use a Samsung 19" SyncMaster LCD which is actually pretty good with FSX, although not Widescreen. What is the general opinion about the ideal size for an LCD Widescreen Monitor, particularly with respect to FSX?I am looking at 24" and 26" at the moment as there always seems to be a 'catch up process' with PCs. I recall using 14", then 15" then 17" then 19" and so on. Eventually there has to be a limit otherwise will we all be sitting in front of 108" Wallscreens....:)I certainly would appreciate opinions from users with large screens 24" and over. Thank you all.Paul

Folks,I am basically in the wait mode to some degree for one or two FSX addon aircraft and FTX regions etc so I was very pleased to find such a beaut Helicopter model in the AVSIM freeware library (refer link below). This is the Piasecki H-21C developed by Mick Posch and both the model itself and the VC are really extraordinary, particularly considering this is freeware. Admittedly, some may find it something of an ugly duckling but I just think its retro magic....:)I tend to prefer the quality of major addons such as the DA Piper Cheyenne or the PMDG 747 but this heli really is a great bit of fun and the field of view from the cockpit is perfect for low and slow VFR. There doesn't seem to be a great deal of discussion here about Helicopters and this may be due to lack of availability but hopefully this may change in the future?Go to:http://library.avsim.net/download.php?DLID=104549Paul

For long distance and a heavy aircraft immersive experience:PMDG 747-400 (FSX version)For GA short hops etc:Digital Aviation's Piper Cheyenne twin(has a superb VC (FSX version))Paul

Thanks for the update by providing the Airsimmer link. I had been keeping an eye on this one for a while but without updates appearing on their website, indicating the release was even close I had lost interest.Perhaps we can hope it will finally roll out the hangar soon(ish)?Paul