[Shawnlh]

I have been using this sim http://members.tripod.com/manuelguillen/pcair2/air.htm It works with the fms interface I have and it's a free download. My question is what do YOU think of the physics. I am not concerned about the how pretty it is, just the flight and landing realism. Let's here ya.

[cplant]

Ok so the graphics need some work, but the physic engine is excellent. I think with a little work you could make the models behave as well as AFP. As it is I think they are better than RealFlight. The only glitch I encountered is that the trottle response is a little odd (engine doesn't return to idle properly). Not sure if that's just the way the model is set up though. I will have to play some more later. I took a look at the way that the model data is arranged and it should be reletively easy to add new model designs if you have some proficiency in 3D modelling and the right software. The geometry is in an open format.

I already changed the splash image.

[Shawnlh]

Thanks for the input cplant, if you get time to create new models or tweek this sim, could you please let me know, and maybe I could download the info from you?? If this sim can be tweeked to be just as good in physics as AFP that would be too awsome because it's FREE

[Shawnlh]

Oh yeah, I forgot to ask, what is the splash image?? Is it the pic you see on start up?? Can you tell me how to do that??

I know, I ask alot

[cplant]

I'm going to play with the model thing this weekend. I looked at it a bit more and I think it can be done! Anything I come up with I'll share of course. I'm still not happy with the throttle but I can live with it. I'll get a better handle on the rest of the physics when I get a true 3D plane in there to try out (this is where AFP rocks). So far I'm impressed though.

Yes, the splash image is the one you see when you first open the sim (where the menu is. See the last pic I posted). To change it look in the main folder for the sim. In it you'll see a folder called "data" and in that one there is one called "textures". Locate the file called "Menu_Xtreme_5x5" in the textures folder. Find a picture you want as a splash image and open it in whatever program you have for editing images. Resize it to 512 x 512 pixels (if it won't let you make it square make sure you turn of the feature that constrains the proportions) at 600 dpi. Save it as a jpeg with the name "Menu_Xtreme_5x5". Put it in the textures folder replacing the one that's already there with that name (you may want to back up the original somewhere else first). Start the sim and the image should now be the one you made.

[ronm]

How do you set this sim to use the joystick for X and Y (Elev and Ail), and use the keyboard for throttle and rudder?
Seems if you set it up for joystick, it wants to use the joystick for everything.

[cplant]

Ron

Go into controllers, select joystick, select edit. Make sure ch1 and ch2 is set to joystick x and y respectively. Select key axis 1 and key axis 2 from the drop down menus for ch3 and ch 4. Click Ok and then click define keys. Highlight the key increment and key decrement boxes for key axis 1 and select the keys you want to use for throttle up and down. Make sure to uncheck the auto centre box. Do the same for key axis 2 (rudder right and left) except leave auto centre checked. Click ok and test it out. Not the easiest way to fly but does work.

[ronm]

Thanks Colin, I'll try that tonight!