Mr. Dowson.
I've been an active user of FSUIPC in the last editions. I purchased the FSUIPC 3 edition and was happy with it, specially regarding my need to have an interface with a second PC as well as the advanced joystick calibration and anys/keys assignments which I find extremely usefull.
With this, I want to say that I didn't believe I wasted money in vain with the FSUIPC3 for FS2004. In no way.
But, all of us who read your forum threads and others, must come up with the notion that FSUIPC4 not only fails to reach the level of features of the previous edition (regarding weather settings, etc), which I believe you will correct in future versions, but also that FSUIPC for FSX is somehow redundant with the new Simconnect feature.
According to my own readings in the Simconnect dedicated SDK files, I get the idea that the interface features are already there.
So where does FSUIPC comes in, now?
In my view, FSUIPC is just placing itself between the already established Simconnect network facilities. Therefore, when someone reads the SDK and takes advantage of this new feature, I predict FSUIPC to be completely redundant.
Now, correct me if I am wrong, but why should I buy FSUIPC if Simconnect already makes the connections between machines (TCP/IP), if it already has a SDK for future free aplications for Gauge control, etc?
Don't get me wrong, sir! I just want to justify the fact that I bought FSUIPC last year and now I would need to spend another 30 Euros in something I feel isn't THAT necessary.
To tell you the thruth I only need the excellent key/axys mapping and axys facilities, and even that is being passed by free software from the hardware developers like Saitek, CH or GoFlight.
I keep reading here that you expect patches or updates to simconnet because of Simconnect still having a hard time "talking to FSX".
If your program relies in Simconnect efficiency to make network connections, wouldn't Simconnect do the job by itself? We are led to believe so by the Beta Testers and the Developers who wrote the SDK files.
If I may, I just want you to justify me why should I buy FSUIPC4 and be sure that if I am totally wrong with the above and you garantee me that FSUIPC4 is as good as an investment as FSUIPC3 was for FS9, I WILL buy it ASAP.
Thank you, Mr. Dowson.