Xplane 11 is available on Steam. By all accounts, Xplane11 comes with the best stock scenery and flight models commercially available. I flew one simple training flight and was stunned by the number of 3D objects and buildings on the ground.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/269950/ (http://store.steampowered.com/app/269950/)
Looks very nice. I just don't see the point of flying an airplane without guns, rockets or bombs. :)
I do. I am in flight training. But I fear my rig won't handle it. :(
Quote from: Slick Wilhelm on March 30, 2017, 04:01:15 PM
Looks very nice. I just don't see the point of flying an airplane without guns, rockets or bombs. :)
+1
I'm an explosion & lazy virtual-G whore.
Sunk so much money into FSX and then to build a new system and have the Steam version just crash over and over.. Done with Flight Sims... Like Nef, will go for the ones where you can blow stuff up, and they seem to be more stable anyways.
I still fly FS2004 and it is rock solid. Sure, not state of the art graphics but good enough for my tastes.
Having exclusively flown combat flight sims, this makes a nice change and can be challenging in its own right due to the highfalutin technical aspects of getting up in the air, navigating and landing in the right place. I'm still working out how to program a basic flight plan into the magic numbers box. It requires a hefty rig to get the most out of it too. The scenery is good enough and it's pretty cool to fly out of your local airport and be able to recognize main roads and other natural features (buildings are generic and often ill-placed). I've had a couple of CTDs, but for the most part it's pretty stable. Four barrel-rolls out of five.
Quote from: IronX on March 30, 2017, 05:33:30 PM
Having exclusively flown combat flight sims, this makes a nice change and can be challenging in its own right due to the highfalutin technical aspects of getting up in the air, navigating and landing in the right place. I'm still working out how to program a basic flight plan into the magic numbers box. It requires a hefty rig to get the most out of it too. The scenery is good enough and it's pretty cool to fly out of your local airport and be able to recognize main roads and other natural features (buildings are generic and often ill-placed). I've had a couple of CTDs, but for the most part it's pretty stable. Four barrel-rolls out of five.
If you've been playing it for awhile, you've been playing the beta version. That may explain some of your CTDs and technical issues.
True, but it's pretty well up to date. I'm sure the devs will iron out the gremlins soon enough.
My son has been training to be a commercial pilot for the last three years. He started using MSFS. About two years ago he started using X-Plane after he built a cockpit in his room. He used to use MSFS for procedural simulation around the flight, radios, and ATC. He used X-Plane for feel of flight for his training aircraft. Since X-Plane 11, he has stopped using MSFS and Prepar3D (the continuation of MSFS). He says he can finally do all of his procedural and VFR stuff in X-Plane. He was already moving in that direction with the latest releases of X-Plane 10, but 11 sealed it.
I'm also discovering that xplane11 has fantastic multi-monitor support that is native to the game and may be adjusted easily within the ingame settings.
I've been flying X-Plane 11 since early in the Beta.... the best flight sim to date imho. However, while the weather engine has improved, the clouds etc... still are behind. I am using XEnviro, but I have 0 stutters, getting high FPS with a lot of world gen and traffic... my FPS has improved with each update.
Being a long time XP10 user, I haven't gotten into 11 yet. I guess it's time to do so. Too many games so little time.
X-plane 11 is a huge improvement over 10. I still fly prepar every now then for the pmdg planes, but the out of memory errors suck. Rumor has it that prepar v4 will be x64, until that happens, it's XP11 all the way.
P3D finally going 64bit!
http://www.prepar3d.com/news/2017/05/114164/
Quote from: jomni on May 23, 2017, 11:56:25 PM
P3D finally going 64bit!
http://www.prepar3d.com/news/2017/05/114164/
I may finally purchase..... I have been XP only because of the 64bit issue with FSX/P3D. I wonder how this will effect add-ons etc...
Quote from: PanzersEast on May 24, 2017, 08:06:03 AM
Quote from: jomni on May 23, 2017, 11:56:25 PM
P3D finally going 64bit!
http://www.prepar3d.com/news/2017/05/114164/
I may finally purchase..... I haver been XP only because of the 64bit issue with FSX/P3D. I wonder how this will effect add-ons etc...
Some types of add ons need to be specifically made for 64bit so it may not be compatible out of the box. Devs may make a patch or you may have to repurchase a 64bit version. Or worse, they don't do anything. I suggest we wait and see until your favorite add ons are ported.
Why get P3D over XP11?
This is how I feel...
P3D is not bad, it used to be Microsoft Flight Simulator, now maintained by Lockheed Martin; it's a big debate, but X-Plane is usually known to have more realistic aircraft models. I prefer X-Plane myself, as it also works on the Mac. Macs are better for everything.
Not sure if that helps. Sorry if it doesn't.
A simple fact of simlife might be Addons.
While, as a real life airline pilot, I am very impressed with XP11, the quality of many addons leaves a lot to be desired still. It might be that the few high quality addons just don't feature the aircraft you're interested to fly, while the big legacy of MSFS gives plenty of choice of great quality addons.
Like FS, the out-of-the-box offering of aircraft in XP isn't very good from an avionics standpoint.
FYI, the default planes you get with the game are the Schleicher ASK 21 glider, Beechcraft Baron 58 twin pistons, Boeing 747-400 jumbojet, Cirrus Vision SF50 single-engine light jet, Beechcraft King Air C90 twin turboprop, Cessna 172SP single-engine fixed-wing fixed-gear, Boeing 737-800 airliner, McDonnell Douglas MD-80 airliner, and the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter.
Links to screenies of each plane are at http://www.x-plane.com/2016/11/x-plane-11s-default-aircraft/
Anyone taken a look at Flight Sim World yet? I wonder how it will compare to v4 of Prepare3D. Definitely a better price.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 24, 2017, 10:54:33 AM
Why get P3D over XP11?
Only for those nostalgic about FSX. I'm ok with XP11.
Quote from: vyshka on May 24, 2017, 04:30:54 PM
Anyone taken a look at Flight Sim World yet? I wonder how it will compare to v4 of Prepare3D. Definitely a better price.
It's from Dovetail. The Train Sim guys. And they have a bad rep in the community.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 24, 2017, 10:54:33 AM
Why get P3D over XP11?
I'm guessing it's because a lot of the 'leventy-billion FSX add-ons work with it.
Quote from: Staggerwing on May 24, 2017, 05:59:50 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 24, 2017, 10:54:33 AM
Why get P3D over XP11?
I'm guessing it's because a lot of the 'leventy-billion FSX add-ons work with it.
As mentioned before, if we're talking about 64bit... we must wait and see. It invalidates the argument about having a treasure trove of previous add-ons. Compatibility is not guaranteed.
XP has been 64bit since XP10 so it technically has more 64bit add-ons.
The general amount doesn't have to be relevant at all. The amount of quality addons would be more relevant. Also, the amount of addons about stuff you actually want to fly matters as well.
A number of records in a database just showing its a large database doesn't mean much without context. :)
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on May 24, 2017, 10:54:33 AM
Why get P3D over XP11?
I am not sure it would convert me from XP11 (I've now upgraded to Ortho4XP), but with PMDG and A2A still being on that side and with all the add-ons I have, it is at least enough for me to possibly run both. XP11 just works out of the box, no OOM errors, pooping scenery, endless tweaking etc...
I'm like Jomni, it is a wait and see.... probably because most add-ons are going to require a upgrade or repurchase. For now, I am still more than happy to keep flying the skies of XP11.
PE
Professional level Airbus in the works for XP.
http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/121624-a320-ultimate-from-flightfactor/
But yeah, it's no Boeing.
I'll probaly get it, I'll fly it right along with XP11, DCS, and IL2 BOS. The PMDG 777 alone is enough for me to get it once it's compatible. Plus I can dust off some cool addons like FirefighterX.
Is PMDG's 737NG compatible with XP yet?
One of the great things about XPis its performance; it runs very well on mid range systems while still maintaining a great visual experience.
Jomni, which Europe and Pacific scenery could you recommend?
And is there also a kind of Air Hauler-like management addon for XP?
Quote from: Yskonyn on May 27, 2017, 01:56:18 AM
Is PMDG's 737NG compatible with XP yet?
Nope. So far, PMDG only released a DC-6 prop liner.
IXEG 737 is very good but an older model of the aircraft.
http://www.x-aviation.com/catalog/product_info.php/take-command-ixeg-737-classic-p-122
Quote
And is there also a kind of Air Hauler-like management addon for XP?
http://www.fseconomy.net/
Cheers jomni!
I found XP gateway, is this the general one stop shop regarding airport scenery?
https://gateway.x-plane.com/airports/page
Also, you mentioned Ortho4XP?
It seems like a very cool terrain mesh / texture tool, but is there also a way to just load meshes others have prepared? If so could you please assist in how to do this?
Currently I use SkyMax for weather effects and World2XP for scenery meshes.
You can get a free app that generates the ortho4xp tiles at the zoom level you want for the area you want. The higher the zoom level the bigger the gig foot print. Most say that zoom level 17 to 18 is about right vs the gig footprint. You could do zoom level 19 or 20 for say Socal and the detail would be amazing but the tile would be like 80 gigs for one tile....you see the trade off with space vs zoom level.
You could find already made tiles made by the community but because there are so big they are usually less detailed zoomlevel 16. Once you start tinkering with the app most just end up making their own. You can even do tricky stuff like make an area around the airport at zoom level 20 but the rest of the tile is zoom level 17.
Also the IXEG 737 is the best payware plane for XP, it's the classic version and expensive, but it's still one of the top airframes used by southwest.
You can get a copy of air hauler native to XP at simmarket, works with XP11 but not the steam version.
The new version of Airhauler (Airhauler2) is in early access at just flight and is 10 times better than the original AH. You build your own virtual passenger airlines now, not just air freight, but it only works with prepar fsx (another reason I'll end up getting prepar v4) due to it only supporting one third party link which doesn't work with XP11.
You would think they would change that due to the insane amount of popularity XP has received with the release of version 11.
Thanks. The 737 classic is nice indeed, but after having done a long day in a real 737 I am not interested in doing airline stuff yet again in a simulator.
I use XP to do the stuff I cannot do at work;
Seeking out the challenging corners of the world, fly in insane weather conditions or make cool visual tours through beautiful areas I wont come in real life.
I hardly ever fly airliners in XP, the only one that would interest me is PMDGs 737NG as I could use that as a basic training aid for work.
BTW if you buy a Prepar3D license prior 30th May, will that also be valid for v4?
Quote from: Yskonyn on May 27, 2017, 11:55:41 AM
I found XP gateway, is this the general one stop shop regarding airport scenery?
https://gateway.x-plane.com/airports/page
I prefer x-plane.org. I have uploaded a few airports for Japan if you're interested.
http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/26029-japan-sapporo-area-airports-rjcc-rjco/
I'd wait for version 4 release, the install for prepar takes some time and v4 will probably require a full reinstall. In the past you could get a refund if a paid up grade released within 30 days of your purchase.
I have now got X-plane 11 running with SkyMaxx 4.5, XEnviro, OpenSceneryX and world2xp and its associated libraries. Stock mesh.
Quite impressed with the quality and representation on the world so far. Low visibility meteorological conditions actually look quite convincing and the aircraft handling is smooth and feels realistic enough.
Subtle variation in winds translate nicely from MSL to high level, nothing like the 'bands' I remember from MSFS, where winds could suddenly shift erratically when you entered the next layer on your way up or down. X-Plane seems to calculate windshifts smoothly over the whole range of altitudes.
The best part is that my rig is very comfortable running it at high settings which absolutely makes the immersion top notch!
I seem to remember that older versions of X-Plane had various challenges included where you could fly a specific scenario (like re-entry with the Space Shuttle), but I can't seem to find those scenarios anymore?
No more challenge scenarios. It's pretty much a sandbox now.
Oh, that's a bummer really.
Any way to get the old ones working in 11?
My previous reply might be wrong. You can still load situations. U mean there no pre-made ones? I don't have XP11 at the moment.
http://www.x-plane.com/2017/03/tutorial-saving-loading-flights-x-plane-11/
Indeed, no premade ones anymore like the X-1 launch, the Shuttle approach, etc.
I'm sticking with XP for the long haul. After getting Ortho4XP, HD Mesh v3, and W2XP, setup and running.. with EnviroX and custom sky textures.... the sim is simply amazing to fly. The flight dynamics, night lighting etc... I am still waiting on PMDG and A2A to jump in on XP, I know PMDG is, however A2A is yet to be seen. There have been some announcements of upcoming addons for XP that has me very excited and I can run all this with no texture poping or OOM, or having major tweaking etc....
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Fm801.jpg&hash=73921f14ebc0bb5f7531cb1c4427d592d41252ad)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Fm802.jpg&hash=e126a32e3d7647bae0cfbf6ad30065c3e6550e52)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Fm803.jpg&hash=7b1e33378699488b2968aca4df616ef3f6204b8a)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Fm804.jpg&hash=07ed11a389ac637a57b7a33536999b768546d636)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Fm805.jpg&hash=7e375bf6b63644538f80da194667a5b38d7dee9d)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Fm806.jpg&hash=0ebaf8ffe034de2956d53baf45bfebc8d378a76d)
I've read reports that P3D v4 dynamic lighting is killing FPS! Looks like XP is still the better option until this gets fixed.
I really like XP, but the quality of the aircraft still leaves some to be desired.
And Orbx scenery is just unprecedented IMO, even in relation to the HD mesh and World2XP mods for X-Plane.
If and when PMDG port their 737NG over to X-Plane I'll look into it more closely, but my experience is that even though the physics engine of Xplane is far superior to that of P3D, I feel P3D has a better all round package on offer still.
It's a double edged sword. Better physics means harder for devs to get it right.
Quote from: Yskonyn on June 05, 2017, 05:53:13 AM
I really like XP, but the quality of the aircraft still leaves some to be desired.
And Orbx scenery is just unprecedented IMO, even in relation to the HD mesh and World2XP mods for X-Plane.
If and when PMDG port their 737NG over to X-Plane I'll look into it more closely, but my experience is that even though the physics engine of Xplane is far superior to that of P3D, I feel P3D has a better all round package on offer still.
I feel the same way, as much I love xp11, I can't totally walk away from prepar and the fsx legacy because of the addons... I've just resorted to the fact that I'll do both sims.
OMG! I actually was able to successfully start my engine on a cold block 52 from the ramp in Falcon BMS 4.33 u3!!! It only took about 45 minutes. It's a small breakthrough that helps my confidence in learning how to master this sim.
One small step for Jarhead, one giant leap for Jarheadkind.
^ That must feel really good. Truth: I've never ramp started an aircraft in any version of Falcon 4.0. :-[
Good for you, man. Seriously. :bd:
Quote from: Toonces on October 24, 2017, 08:01:49 PM
^ That must feel really good. Truth: I've never ramp started an aircraft in any version of Falcon 4.0. :-[
Good for you, man. Seriously. :bd:
Thanks! Coming from you, I take that as extremely high praise.
My goal is to learn every aspect of this craft, at least enough so that I could join a VFS and fly with a modicum of competence. This has been a goal of mine since BMS 4 first came out. What they have accomplished with his engine is truly remarkable. It deserves to be learned and played.
Quote from: Toonces on October 24, 2017, 08:01:49 PM
^ That must feel really good. Truth: I've never ramp started an aircraft in any version of Falcon 4.0. :-[
Good for you, man. Seriously. :bd:
+1 O0
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 24, 2017, 07:53:20 PM
OMG! I actually was able to successfully start my engine on a cold block 52 from the ramp in Falcon BMS 4.33 u3!!! It only took about 45 minutes. It's a small breakthrough that helps my confidence in learning how to master this sim.
One small step for Jarhead, one giant leap for Jarheadkind.
Well done JH
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 24, 2017, 08:12:52 PM
My goal is to learn every aspect of this craft...
I've had that goal for a loooooooooooong time for any number of aircraft in DCS. Unfortunately, I have yet to actually make it a reality.
Way to go, JH!
You do know that starting an F-16 is not nearly the same thing as fighting in one, right? :dreamer:
Quote from: Yskonyn on October 25, 2017, 01:30:48 AM
Way to go, JH!
You do know that starting an F-16 is not nearly the same thing as fighting in one, right? :dreamer:
Come on - cut the guy some slack...let him sit in the cockpit and bathe in the glory that in the 45 minutes he took to fire the beast up the Migs and Sukhois were running around doing their thang :buck2:
Everyone has to start somewhere :dreamer:
LoL. Yeah. I know I have a looooooong way to go, but cold start is something I had always avoided learning, but a step that is integral to fully immersing myself in the sim. Without starting the engine, you can't get off the ground. Without being in the air, you can't fight! Baby steps, dude.
The crazy thing is, I spent so much time following the steps outlined in the training manual. They go through a comprehensive three sweep process where the pilot runs through a number of switch setting and function checks before firing up the engine. I got hung up on something with the UHF comm settings and exited to watch a video of start up. Almost everyone skipped all the sweeps and just went straight to start up. Fuel system on, battery on, cooling on, external lights, canopy and engine start. Really just a few button presses to get fired up. Not too bad after all.
I know pal. Like I said - I've been meaning to do something similar with DCS. Trouble is, everytime a new machine comes along, I want to piss around with that - resulting in not learning one.
I yearn for the days when a sim had one or two flyables. DCS has given me too many options. My own fault of course...no-one made me buy them!
I'll do it one day. The A-10C was the one I wanted to learn...I'll get it done one day.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 25, 2017, 08:58:51 AM
I know pal. Like I said - I've been meaning to do something similar with DCS. Trouble is, everytime a new machine comes along, I want to piss around with that - resulting in not learning one.
I yearn for the days when a sim had one or two flyables. DCS has given me too many options. My own fault of course...no-one made me buy them!
I'll do it one day. The A-10C was the one I wanted to learn...I'll get it done one day.
This is why I want to focus on BMS. Fidelity that rivals or exceeds the most comprehensive modules available on DCS WITH a dynamic campaign system! There are also ever increasing aircraft options, and although most of their avionics remain modeled after the Falcon, this doesn't really bother me. The F/A18 looks like an F/A18 and I have no idea how to distinguish that its radar is operating like one in an F16.
All fair points! I am glad you have started your way on combat sim enlightenment! :notworthy:
You've already found out about one myth; manual start vs checklists: if there are no random failures (enabled) you can just flick a few switches and are up an running within the minute.
There's also no crew chief who could have flicked some switched so you find a slightly differently setup cockpiton each flight.
Now that makes me remember an option on one of the 3rd party MSFS modules which could create a random cockpit setup for you, so you'd be forced to run a checklist properly every time you start.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 25, 2017, 12:38:03 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 24, 2017, 07:53:20 PM
OMG! I actually was able to successfully start my engine on a cold block 52 from the ramp in Falcon BMS 4.33 u3!!! It only took about 45 minutes. It's a small breakthrough that helps my confidence in learning how to master this sim.
One small step for Jarhead, one giant leap for Jarheadkind.
Well done JH
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 24, 2017, 08:12:52 PM
My goal is to learn every aspect of this craft...
I've had that goal for a loooooooooooong time for any number of aircraft in DCS. Unfortunately, I have yet to actually make it a reality.
I don't see what the big deal is.... you just press "E" like in Strike Fighters!
Quote from: mikeck on October 25, 2017, 02:23:02 PM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 25, 2017, 12:38:03 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 24, 2017, 07:53:20 PM
OMG! I actually was able to successfully start my engine on a cold block 52 from the ramp in Falcon BMS 4.33 u3!!! It only took about 45 minutes. It's a small breakthrough that helps my confidence in learning how to master this sim.
One small step for Jarhead, one giant leap for Jarheadkind.
Well done JH
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 24, 2017, 08:12:52 PM
My goal is to learn every aspect of this craft...
I've had that goal for a loooooooooooong time for any number of aircraft in DCS. Unfortunately, I have yet to actually make it a reality.
I don't see what the big deal is.... you just press "E" like in Strike Fighters!
I think you mean CTRL-I, right?
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 25, 2017, 08:58:51 AM
I'll do it one day. The A-10C was the one I wanted to learn...I'll get it done one day.
That's one of the longer start-ups.
F-5 is rather simple. Mirage 2000 also isn't bad.
MiG-21 doesn't look too bad, but you gotta remember to flip some button covers & such before getting in a fight. Don't wanna be hitting your mapped 'flare dispense' button on your HOTAS while it's button cover is still closed in your cockpit. :hide:
I get the "Chuck's Guides" for each aircraft. All you need to know without all the extra crap you don't use or need in the sim. Start-up, weapon employment, etc boiled down to the base checklists. I've found the recommended joystick sensitivity & curve settings in them, for each aircraft, to be spot on too. :bd:
I also translate the start-up checklist into my own words, along with specifying on which panel each button/switch is located. For example, a power button on the right front panel gets an "(RFP)" notation while one on the right side panel gets an "(RSP)".
Got a small notebook of them I just bust out when getting ready to go. After running through those a few times, it starts getting burned into memory and I look at them less & less. Until I take a long break and come back to it, then the notes come back out again. Just a matter of getting over that initial homework hump. ;) Especially all those HOTAS key bindings that drive me nuts.
Quote from: RyanE on March 31, 2017, 06:06:36 AM
My son has been training to be a commercial pilot for the last three years. He started using MSFS. About two years ago he started using X-Plane after he built a cockpit in his room. He used to use MSFS for procedural simulation around the flight, radios, and ATC. He used X-Plane for feel of flight for his training aircraft. Since X-Plane 11, he has stopped using MSFS and Prepar3D (the continuation of MSFS). He says he can finally do all of his procedural and VFR stuff in X-Plane. He was already moving in that direction with the latest releases of X-Plane 10, but 11 sealed it.
That is hardcore.
All I ever do in non-combat flight sims is crash into airports for lulz.
Quote from: Nefaro on October 25, 2017, 10:50:33 PM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 25, 2017, 08:58:51 AM
I'll do it one day. The A-10C was the one I wanted to learn...I'll get it done one day.
That's one of the longer start-ups.
F-5 is rather simple. Mirage 2000 also isn't bad.
MiG-21 doesn't look too bad, but you gotta remember to flip some button covers & such before getting in a fight. Don't wanna be hitting your mapped 'flare dispense' button on your HOTAS while it's button cover is still closed in your cockpit. :hide:
I get the "Chuck's Guides" for each aircraft. All you need to know without all the extra crap you don't use or need in the sim. Start-up, weapon employment, etc boiled down to the base checklists. I've found the recommended joystick sensitivity & curve settings in them, for each aircraft, to be spot on too. :bd:
I also translate the start-up checklist into my own words, along with specifying on which panel each button/switch is located. For example, a power button on the right front panel gets an "(RFP)" notation while one on the right side panel gets an "(RSP)".
Got a small notebook of them I just bust out when getting ready to go. After running through those a few times, it starts getting burned into memory and I look at them less & less. Until I take a long break and come back to it, then the notes come back out again. Just a matter of getting over that initial homework hump. ;) Especially all those HOTAS key bindings that drive me nuts.
I know it's a long one - but it's the best platform imo....lots of ordinance and low speed...and I'm more into ATG than ATA.
I managed to (and with a quick reference) startup the Mirage quite quickly - 5 minutes or so - but I'm not really into those cockpits with foreign writing. It adds a level of complexity that I can do without.
The F-15 would be a nice one - but it's FC3 simplicity which I honestly don't want to go towards. I know there's alot of fun to be had in that simplicity but I really wanted to get a HF cockpit under my belt. I
want to learn how to startup, fly and engage with a HF model - and A-10C would give me the most fun I think. The other one would be the Frog...but again, foreign cockpit = more complexity.
Nah - it has to be the Hog.
Last night I continued practicing just engine start-up and added pre-flight avionics. I'm almost at the point of getting her ready for taxi, but something is off with my radios and I'm unable to communicate with the tower. I think I know what the issue is and will try to sort it out tonight.
My goal for the end of the week is to get somewhat comfortable with gettin her from cold start to runway ready for take off. I'm not far off. Slowly I'm learning the cockpit.
I've been thinking of doing something similar to what Nef mentioned...making check-lists in my own words. I can't say I'm inclined to make up more three letter acronyms though. The cockpit already has enough those...FCR, DED, TGP, etc. Creating my own would just make it more confusing for me. For me it's about steps moving from left console to right and back again...fuel, power, AC, canopy, engine start, idle detent, avionics,communications, etc. Just getting the rhythm, the muscle memory, and knowing where all the functions are. I'm getting there.
I need to get back into the A-10C.. the thing is you don't do it all the time, you forget it.. Now will have to re-learn it all. Yeah I took notes, but do I understand them!!! :crazy2:
I'm surprised more of you guys aren't focused on BMS. It seems like a much more complete experience overall. What's keeping you away?
Like JD said.. It's hard enough getting started, then figuring out the Weapon systems. At least the A-10 is low and slow. Also there's almost the same sort of satisfaction you get from successfully starting, when you start getting your Maverick's to hit stuff you're actually aiming for!
Before I said my notes are bad, but that's not true, its the fact that I also should've made notes on which buttons I mapped for which functions!
I never did the A-10 in MP, that would be a hoot!
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 26, 2017, 05:42:45 AM
I'm surprised more of you guys aren't focused on BMS. It seems like a much more complete experience overall. What's keeping you away?
I'm just too much of a graphics whore.
The dynamic campaign in Falcon 4 was superb mind.
Properly learning the BMS Falcon has been a goal of mine as well for the same reason. I'd like to give MP a try, but I'm hopelessly lost with most of the hardcore stuff.
I had written about this before back in the Wargamer days, but one of my most satisfying simming experiences ever was successfully going through the checklist from pre-flight through launch of the Apollo mod for Orbiter. That checklist took something like 3 or 3.5 hours to work through, and I didn't really know if I had done it right until the countdown hit 0 and the rocket lit off.
I can't say I was eager to repeat the experience, but it was quite satisfying to sit down and do it right.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 26, 2017, 06:18:31 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 26, 2017, 05:42:45 AM
I'm surprised more of you guys aren't focused on BMS. It seems like a much more complete experience overall. What's keeping you away?
I'm just too much of a graphics whore.
The dynamic campaign in Falcon 4 was superb mind.
Have you looked closely at BMS 4.33 u3? Graphically, there is very little to complain about.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 26, 2017, 06:56:15 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 26, 2017, 06:18:31 AM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 26, 2017, 05:42:45 AM
I'm surprised more of you guys aren't focused on BMS. It seems like a much more complete experience overall. What's keeping you away?
I'm just too much of a graphics whore.
The dynamic campaign in Falcon 4 was superb mind.
Have you looked closely at BMS 4.33 u3? Graphically, there is very little to complain about.
No - but now your post has compelled me to do so :2funny:
My reason is a matter of time. My wing is using DCS so that's that. I would like to use BMS more seriously, but I just dont find the time.
Quote from: Yskonyn on October 26, 2017, 08:24:16 AM
My reason is a matter of time. My wing is using DCS so that's that. I would like to use BMS more seriously, but I just dont find the time.
That makes total sense. If you are part of a virtual group that is using a specific system then dedicating most of your free flight time to that is practical.
I chose BMS over DCS because the mod has reached a level where it offers everything I'm looking for in a complex simulation. It matches, and perhaps exceeds DCS in fidelity, at least with the Viper, while offering flight with a lot of other popular airframes that are just not available on DCS and won't be anytime soon. Its got multiple highly developed theaters, Korea, Balkans, Norway, Israel, and many others are at different states of progress. Carrier ops, VTOL and STOL options and more importantly, it offers a real dynamic campaign system, with combat spanning from the cold war era to the near future, with 5th generation aircraft. The dynamic campaign is something that I don't think DCS will ever offer. So, while I am huge fan of DCS and will continue to add modules to my collection, I really intend to get at least competent with basic flight and combat operations in BMS before I devote real study to anything else.
Systems modelling is top notch for sure in BMS.
DCS scores much better at flight physics, weapons envelope modelling, atmosphere. But That is to be expected given the difference in age between the products and the hardware leaps.
BMS's total package where a real war is fought in realtime is still unprecedented though! Truely remarkable what the mod team is still pulling off!
Quote from: Yskonyn on October 26, 2017, 09:31:28 AM
Systems modelling is top notch for sure in BMS.
DCS scores much better at flight physics, weapons envelope modelling, atmosphere. But That is to be expected given the difference in age between the products and the hardware leaps.
BMS's total package where a real war is fought in realtime is still unprecedented though! Truely remarkable what the mod team is still pulling off!
Do you think the differences in flight physics and weapons modelling are noticeable to the average simmer, or the non-combat pilot layperson? Also, what do mean by atmosphere? You mean weather conditions and stuff, or something more like immersion and environment?
I don't think so.
The Viper is a Fly-by-Wire aircraft so it already feels 'digital' in the real thing. Just like people thought the flight model of the Mirage was somehow broken in DCS (it isnt fully polished yet but that a different matter).
And as long as your weapons hit the target and the AI shoots back at you the immersion is there regarding weapons, right?
But once you start spotting details like munitions scattering by wind, proper energy modelling and the finer arts of combat you will notice DCS is more advanced.
By atmosphere I meant weather modelling and ambient effects.
Windshear and orographic wind effects are very nicely modelled in DCS and completely absent in BMS.
The gradual transition from VFR to IFR conditions is something that DCS models better as well, along with realistic light conditions (environmental and man made).
Its just too bad that for such an advanced platform as DCS is (I firmly believe its head and shoulders above anything else air combat modelling related) the immersion factor is so much better in BMS's dynamic campaign. Its the single thing it caused BMS to be still around and the heated debates about the two titles flaring up now and then.
Feast your eyes on this JD. This...is...BMS
Killer video...I need to get back into this!
oh dear. Where's my Falcon 4 install package >:D
I do recall a particular game in Falcon 4 where I was flying CAP protecting a tanker. When it came to bug out and return to home plate, I was given coordinates constantly (whether I was requesting them or the ATC was giving them, I don't recall)...but regardless - I was absolutely amazed when I broke through the clouds and was lined up with the runway.
The campaign was superb.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 26, 2017, 04:28:54 PM
oh dear. Where's my Falcon 4 install package >:D
I do recall a particular game in Falcon 4 where I was flying CAP protecting a tanker. When it came to bug out and return to home plate, I was given coordinates constantly (whether I was requesting them or the ATC was giving them, I don't recall)...but regardless - I was absolutely amazed when I broke through the clouds and was lined up with the runway.
The campaign was superb.
You can get Falcon 4 on Gog these days. It works fine as a basis for BMS.
Quote from: DoctorQuest on October 26, 2017, 05:19:57 PM
You can get Falcon 4 on Gog these days. It works fine as a basis for BMS.
Yes!
GOG's Falcon package also includes Falcon 4 installer in it's "Extras" download section, last I saw.
Still have my old Falcon 4 CD-ROM sitting in my desk drawer. The one from 1999. Wonder when it will start failing to read. Hasn't happened yet, since it still worked for a BMS install I did a couple years ago!
If I focused on single-player, I'd probably do BMS. But I do multi-player, so I don't put those rickety old bones high on my to-do list. Busy crashing & burning Air Quake™ style!
My main problem with the wonderful Falcon 4 dynamic campaign is that the tempo of the air war is so high that air strength is descimated in a few hours. Also, life is measured in seconds. Once you take off several bandits have already launched missiles on you. (I'm speaking about the Korean map, Balkan may have some breathing space.)
I'm fairly comfortable with start up to taxi now. I can't say I know the names of the systems associated with all the switches and buttons I'm pressing, but I understand their general purpose or function. It's going to take some time to really get comfortable with radio settings for both uniform and victor bands, and using the ICP to input radio, navigation and flight settings. Also, the avionics included with the MFDs I suspect will take a long time to figure out. That will include, navigation, the radar, etc.
I've been practicing with the ground ops training flight that comes with BMS and I think I may want to create my own mission using a more modern block. The stock mission has you in an old block 15. It takes like 10 minutes for the INS alignment and data cartridge load procedure. I frequently restart the mission so that I can try things I didn't quite understand and I like starting over from the beginning often so that I go through the same steps repeatedly and learn them. I'm at the point where the timing for alignment is tedious.
Good going Jarhead! :notworthy:
It's definitely rewarding to be able to implement what I'm learning and do it through practice without having to refer to documentation!
Your afterburner is on, man! :hug:
Thanks for the motivation guys. I know I'm going to need it to stick with this. Its easy to get distracted by other games and step away for awhile. However, I know if I take too much time off, I'll repeatedly need to start over from scratch and I really want to avoid that.
...and now the AV8B Harrier by Razbam is up for pre-purchase...Damn, just damn. Early access expected for late November.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 27, 2017, 10:46:52 AM
...and now the AV8B Harrier by Razbam is up for pre-purchase...Damn, just damn. Early access expected for late November.
They keep luring us in with variety.
I surrendered awhile back. <:-)
And where's that damn F-18? :knuppel2: :cowboy:
Yeah, the Harrier was an instant buy for me.
An early edition of the pocket guide is also available so you can start getting familiar with her: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=193603
Jarhead, just take it easy. While real fighter pilots need to cram all the info into their head and perform up to a high standard in mere weeks, you as a gamer have the luxury of taking it all in at your own pace. Just keep the pace high enough to not get bored, but slow enough to avoid burnout.
The deep dive into combat flightsims is super rewarding!
Quote from: Yskonyn on October 27, 2017, 01:25:56 PM
Yeah, the Harrier was an instant buy for me.
An early edition of the pocket guide is also available so you can start getting familiar with her: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=193603
Jarhead, just take it easy. While real fighter pilots need to cram all the info into their head and perform up to a high standard in mere weeks, you as a gamer have the luxury of taking it all in at your own pace. Just keep the pace high enough to not get bored, but slow enough to avoid burnout.
The deep dive into combat flightsims is super rewarding!
The crazy thing is, I've been there. Decades ago I mastered Falcon 3.0. Then I mastered Falcon 4.0. I even got very proficient more recently with some of the DCS modules, such as with the A10c and the Blackshark. Its only very recently that my concentration, attention and patience has made it very difficult to learn and stick with these complex products.
Your point is definitely appreciated though. Slow and steady wins the race.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 27, 2017, 10:46:52 AM
...and now the AV8B Harrier by Razbam is up for pre-purchase...Damn, just damn. Early access expected for late November.
SAY WHAT? :pullhair:
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 27, 2017, 01:32:17 PM
Quote from: Yskonyn on October 27, 2017, 01:25:56 PM
Yeah, the Harrier was an instant buy for me.
An early edition of the pocket guide is also available so you can start getting familiar with her: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=193603
Jarhead, just take it easy. While real fighter pilots need to cram all the info into their head and perform up to a high standard in mere weeks, you as a gamer have the luxury of taking it all in at your own pace. Just keep the pace high enough to not get bored, but slow enough to avoid burnout.
The deep dive into combat flightsims is super rewarding!
The crazy thing is, I've been there. Decades ago I mastered Falcon 3.0. Then I mastered Falcon 4.0. I even got very proficient more recently with some of the DCS modules, such as with the A10c and the Blackshark. Its only very recently that my concentration, attention and patience has made it very difficult to learn and stick with these complex products.
Your point is definitely appreciated though. Slow and steady wins the race.
My memory is pretty poor now. Very little capacity :'( So ANY time away from a game results in re-learning. Not a good situation for person who's addicted to buying games (board and computer) :hide:
Quote from: JudgeDredd on October 27, 2017, 01:47:32 PM
My memory is pretty poor now. Very little capacity :'( So ANY time away from a game results in re-learning. Not a good situation for person who's addicted to buying games (board and computer) :hide:
Fortunately my memory hasn't gone down the shitter too much. Yet. Although I think some of the old content may have gone into the recycle bin awhile back, to make room for more.
The issue I have is concentration. I have a LOT of rules, manuals, guides, etc. left to read. In the past, I could read at a good clip and still soak most of it up. For some reason, I've been getting distracted every few paragraphs. As if I'll remember something from the past, or be reminded of something that makes the analytical gears kick in, and my thoughts will just wander off. Gotta snap out of it, go back and find where I left off reading.
Takes a lot longer to get through rules manuals nowadays.
Probably just early signs of Alzheimers. :idiot2:
Maybe if I can figure out the Hornet we can do some MP BFM, or at least some form flights.
Shit, JH, you make me want to dust of the Obutto and HOTAS.
Very comfortable with cold start, taxi, basic flight. basic navigation and landing. The plane is a dream to fly. It practically flies itself.
I'm going to continue practicing with cold start and basic navigation through the week until I feel confident that its really set in my memory. Then I'll move on to some more advanced flight concepts. I'm going to skip advanced handling (ie. Night/badweather ILS, in-flight refueling) for now and maybe move right to A/G weapons employment to keep it exciting.
Yeah definately. Keep that advanced stuff for when you're comfortable in the aircraft. O0
I totally missed this....
I have just loaded up the Balkans Campaign.
Also, found a good site for have to have mods....
https://www.falcon-lounge.com/falcon-bms-essentials/guides/recommended-mods/
A little SEAD action tonight...... Launched close to max range and then turn and burn.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2F501.png&hash=e0735757cdf476614cde87314127c863d568f226)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2F505.png&hash=be0a75b0f8720f02512a09b323a78fa70fc034b8)
You nailed him, cool! :clap:
I bought Falcon 4.0 (again) on a recent GoG sale with the intent of getting BMS up and running. After months I finally got it done, and it's amazing. However, finding the time to learn how everything works is going to be tough. Figure if I can learn how to fly/navigate/fight the F/A-18 series I'll be happy with that. I've had enough flying sim F-16s for two lifetimes I think.
All the avionics in the BMS mod are for the falcon, regardless of aircraft. The pits are different, but the systems, radar, sensors, etc. are all identical to the falcon.
ahhh ok, well that does make sense. I think I am going to do the standard you tube tutorial on phone/game on monitor training regime. LoL, guess it's going to be DCS if I want a modern full on F/A-18 sim isn't it?!?
Quote from: Stryker07 on April 08, 2018, 04:36:49 PM
ahhh ok, well that does make sense. I think I am going to do the standard you tube tutorial on phone/game on monitor training regime. LoL, guess it's going to be DCS if I want a modern full on F/A-18 sim isn't it?!?
Yes...unless you get Janes F18 running and install the supermod.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on April 08, 2018, 05:21:32 PM
Quote from: Stryker07 on April 08, 2018, 04:36:49 PM
ahhh ok, well that does make sense. I think I am going to do the standard you tube tutorial on phone/game on monitor training regime. LoL, guess it's going to be DCS if I want a modern full on F/A-18 sim isn't it?!?
Yes...unless you get Janes F18 running and install the supermod.
Don't forget about Falcon 3.0's
Hornet Naval Strike Fighter:
O0
Speaking of the FA-18..... I have not been able to fly the F-18 in any of the Korea Campaigns. I have tried loading up the 18C, and it gets stuck on the loading page. I've tried both Korea campaigns with no success.... however the Balkans works fine. Anyone else run into this?
2018 May Sale! Enjoy 47% off most Orbx products ( https://orbxdirect.com/category/ftx-global )
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Today commercial aircraft developer Virtualcol offers a freeware gift to the flightsim community in the form of ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft for both FS2004 and FSX. That's not all, as they've also thrown in an FS2004 scenery of Tocumen International Airport in Panama.
These aircraft are full packages, each with many variants, virtual cockpit, turboprop sounds, user manual and a large set of liveries.