Jean-Jacques
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Posts posted by Jean-Jacques
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Hi Vaughan,
The 3rd comment on the following post may help understand FSC's process of saving flightplans: http://forums.simflight.com/viewtopic.php?f=155&t=75738.
Although originally intended to deal with PMDG flighplans, my exchanges with Volker helped me better understand the process and the address that should appear on the Flight Plan tab of the Options window for the first option entitled Folder Flight Simulator 2004 (for add-on aircraft). The address should be: C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT GAMES\FLIGHT SIMULATOR 9 chosen by navigating to it.
When saving flight plans, choosing less options on the right side of the Save/Load Flight Plan window will result in fewer copies of the plan being saved but I doubt that only one copy, the FS9 copy, can be saved. The way I understand the process, when only the FS Commander/Flight Simulator option is chosen, I believe two copies of the plan will be saved: one in the FSC directory (FSplan) and another in the My Documents directory (Flight Simulator Files).
Regards and I hope this helps,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi Philip,
I can't add to what Eric has already suggested but looking at your system specifications, I noticed that your versions of FSC and FSUIPC are outdated. You may want to download the latest version of FSC which is 8.5 (Aerosoft) and the latest FS9 versions of FSUIPC and WideFS which are 3.90 and 6.78 respectively from http://www.schiratti.com/dowson.html.
Regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi Steve,
This is an addendum to my last post. When I review your original question, its obvious that you already know about the mounting of drives to permit FSC running on a second PC to gain access to the information it requires from the primary PC. So my last post does'nt offer any new information. As previously mentioned, I don't use FSX but what I know is that many FSC users are successfully running FSX and FSC in a network environment. So I'll leave it to others to suggest a solution. Although well-intentioned, I'm affraid that I ventured into something which is beyond my experience with FS9.
Regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi Steve,
Yes you most certainly can. What you need to do however is allow FSC running on the second computer to have access and write privileges to the FS (FS9 or FSX) main directory and the My Documents directory on the main computer. This is easily done by following the procedures outlined in the authors' excellent Appendix to the User Manual entitled Appendix Network - Operating Flight Simulator and FLIGHTSIM COMMANDER in a multi-computer network (in connection with Peter Dowson’s WideFS (WideClient)).
I run FS9 on a main computer and FSC on a second computer and the setup works perfectly. I note that you're running FSX and based on what I've read so far, there are differences in certain cases. So please post any difficulty you encounter and I'm sure someone other than myselft (because I don't run FSX) will be pleased to offer help. As an example, have a look at the last entry of the following topic: LPMA Airport available at http://forums.simflight.com/viewtopic.php?f=155&t=76252.
Regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi Steve,
Please have a look at the User Manual (the electronic version) under the heading 'Loading Databases for FS2004 or FSX'.
That section directs you to the Options Window which provides for the selection of the appropriate sim under the Display Tab.
Regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi Bob,
There may be others but visit the following site: http://www.fourflights.com/. This utility won't do it all for you, far from it, but it does help with the element of 'surprise' by offering the user 'surprise' destinations in four different flying conditions.
When a user prefers to select the departure and destination points including the type of aircraft, VRoute provides free downloadable flights plans ready to use if the plans exist in their database. Visit the site at http://vroute.net/.
Regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi Andy,
Your question concerning FSX crashing is, I'm afraid, beyond the scope of this forum. Try this forum which is dedicated to generic questions regarding FSX : viewforum.php?f=230.
With respect to your question regarding FSC, please read the following and then add a new post in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=155&t=74997.
Regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi Pete,
As requested, here are a few more thoughts and a suggestion.
First,
(1) if LPMA is not listed in FSX’s scenery configuration file, then that’s clear evidence that FSX can’t read it and this fact has nothing to do with FSC — FSC will read only those scenery files inventoried in FS9’s or FSX’s scenery configuration file;
(2) as far as I understand the process and I believe this to be true for both FS9 and FSX, FSC’s Database Manager must not be pointed to any directory other than the generic FSX main directory or for FS9, the FS9 main directory. FSC and/or its Database Manager will find the Sim’s scenery configuration file on its own within the FS9 or FSX main directory and copy the information it needs from it. Therefore, if a given scenery file/location doesn’t show up on FSC’s map, then the problem is within FSX or FS9, not with FSC.
Second,
The Sim’s Scenery Library is, I believe, the key instrument to resolving your particular issue and if your running FSC on a separate computer in a network configuration, possibly be faced with an access issue to your FSX folder from the second computer. However, because you haven’t mentioned anything about a network configuration, I’m assuming that you’re running FSX and FSC on the same computer.
I suspect that the Aerosoft scenery comes with an installer and if so, I would recommend that you find the location of the scenery file (the one that most likely has both a ‘Scenery’ and a ‘Texture’ folder) and that you compare that physical location — its physical address — with the location registered with the scenery file in the Scenery Library. After starting FSX and once in the Scenery Library (I'm using FS9, so equivalent processes might apply here), press ‘Edit area’ and compare the location of the scenery. If they don’t match, delete the scenery in the Scenery Library, restart FSX then add it again. If that doesn’t work, uninstall the new scenery, restart FSX and try installing and adding it again. And if that fails, the only other avenue I can think of would be to cause the installer to install the new scenery into a temporary folder, for example on the desktop, and install it manually while remembering that some installers will not permit the installation of files outside the FSX or FS9 folder. But give my suggestion a try and if you still need help, just let us (the forum participants) know. Surely one of us will hit the trouble spot!
Regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi Pete,
That's strange! I've just checked my copy of FSC and LPMA does in fact show up with the two runways you've mentionned (the default airport in my case because I don't have Aerosoft's version).
You might want to check the following:
(1) rebuild FSC's database (that's a given but I have to say it!);
(2) ensure that the new scenery is activated in FSX's Library (I'm an FS9 user but the process I think is the same) and that the new scenery is given a high priority - the lower the number, the higher the priority);
(3) ensure there are no duplicate AFCADs other than Microsoft's default and Aerosoft's new AFCAD which should be higher in priority (if you have the utility Airport Facilitator X (AFX), check it out and if not, do a search of the FSX directory); the only AFCADs that should show up are the two just mentionned; any others should be placed in a holding folder outside your FSX directory that you can go back to if and when needed (never delete or destroy, just ensure FSX can't read them!);
(4) search FSX's scenery configuration file to see if LPMA is listed; if it isn't, then it won't show up in FSC;
(5) and should any adjustments have been made as a result of checking the above, rebuilt FSC's database.
That's my contribution!
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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Hi Barrie,
I could'nt help wondering about your statement ". . .When installing from the downloaded zip file . . ." You might want to confirm that you have unzipped the downloaded folder before proceeding to installation. After that step out of the way, other members with VISTA experience might be in a better position to offer additional advice.
A given maybe but your statement does raise that possibility.
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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John,
I'm sure David "Opa" Marshall's Tips and Tricks can be found elsewhere (he has prepared over 20 separate documents containing tips and tricks) but I checked FlightSim.com (AVSIM being down at the time of writing this) and the document dealing with uninstalling FS9 can be found at http://www.flightsim.com/kdl.php?fid=124681. Last year, I downloaded a document which contains (at the time did contain) all his tips and tricks but I can't find the source right now and if I do, I'll pass it along. I did a search at FlightSim using the key words 'tips and tricks' and I got the full listing along with other hits of course. He also has an email address which you can use which is opaflightsimaddict@verizon.net. Hope this helps.
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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John,
Although two questions remain unanswered, if I read you correctly FSC is up and running on your network. And I don’t find your feedback long winded; users preparing clearer and fuller descriptions of challenges faced get a better chance of being offered solutions.
Regarding the placement of scenery files, I’ve experienced similar difficulties in the past after creating a special scenery folder to hold all my freeware and payware scenery files and placing the folder ‘outside’ the FS9 directory. To fix the problem, I simply moved that folder, as is, inside the FS9 folder and edited the locations of the scenery files in the Scenery Library. Having all freeware and payware organized into one folder certainly helps to preserve a ‘record’ of scenery files and to a certain degree, helps when uninstalling FS but in my opinion is not the ultimate solution because some sceneries need to use files outside that folder such as common textures inside FS’s default Addon Scenery folder, some use files in the Effects folder, etc. In addition, installers of some payware sceneries will not permit the user to modify the vendor’s choice insofar as location of files. With guidance contained in a document entitled Uninstalling and reinstalling FS9 Tips and Tricks compiled by David “Opa” Marshall, I recently uninstalled and reinstalled FS9 after many years of use and regarding the reinstallation of scenery files, I found that the best option is to perform ‘fresh installs’.
Regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi John,
Sorry to hear that your not having any luck with FSC 8.5 running on your second computer using Vista. As stated before, I'm not a Vista user and therefore am at a loss for offering any further advice.
Surely someone using FSC on a second computer running Vista has had success and can offer more than I can. As a last resort, you might want to consider starting a new post with a descriptive title such as 'Help required for running FSC in networked configuration using XP and Vista' or preferably something shorter that gets the point across. Although not having Vista to work with, I personally would be very interested in reading a reasonably detailed description of how to run applications with Vista, especially as it relates to right-clicking and the different menu options. I realise that this forum is not dedicated to teaching us how to run Windows but I think to complement the information already offered by the authors, reasonable coaching from users on how to run FSC in a Vista environment is welcome. And just as we start getting comfortable with Vista, then the possible challenges with Windows 7 will hit us sooner than we think. I'm one of those flightsimmers who is waiting for the release of Windows 7 before I invest in a new more powerful computer.
I do hope someone comes forward with help.
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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Hi John,
A couple of afterthoughts!
If you decide to do a 'clean' install of FSC 8.5 (consisting of backing-up a copy of your existing FSC folder, uninstalling the existing application then installing a fresh full version of FSC 8.5), please note that after installing a fresh copy of version 8.5 and for that copy to continue to be registered, you must copy file 'register.fsc' from your backup folder of FSC and paste it in the main FSC85 folder just installed. Also note that based on information prepared by the authors, if your version is from Aerosoft, upgrading must be done from that company's web site. You may already have a copy of this information but for your convenience, here's an extract of the readme file contained with the zip-file to upgrade FSC from version 8.4 to v.8.5.
" . . . If you have any version earlier than 8.4 installed, you CANNOT use this upgrade. Rather you have to download and install the full version 8.5. If you are a registered user you should make a backup copy of the file register.fsc and copy that file into the main FSC85 folder after installation. The new version will then also be registered.
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT If you have bought your version 8.X from Aerosoft (either download or boxed version), you need to download the Upgrade file from their site at http://www.aerosoft.com. YOU CANNOT USE THIS FILE DOWNLOADED FROM OUR WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . . . "
When I upgraded from 8.4 to 8.5, I chose to follow the 'clean install' route and it has worked flawlessly.
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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Hi John,
Yes there's a few of us out here because there's almost 70 members who have read your post but I suspect no one has a clear answer for you. I'm going to risk offering a couple of thoughts.
I'm not a Vista user but I believe the mounting of drives is the same whether one uses XP or Vista and I think FSC, as I read it, is running on a second networked computer and is not recognizing the Z: drive. That has happened to me in the past and I don't have an explanation. You don't add a Y: or Z: drive to the drop-down list but rather FSC needs to recognize it on its own. At least that's how I understand the process.
I don't have a magic answer for you but you may want to try downloading a complete fresh copy of version 8.5 (the full version) from the FSC website and install it (be prudent: make a backup copy of your existing FSC folder). Because you're already a registered user, there's no cost to you other than a few minutes to download and install the fresh copy and maybe run the DBase Mgr. Its worth a try.
The other step you can take is download and install the latest FS9 versions of FSUIPC 3.9.0 and WideFS 6.7.8. Let us know how you make out and don't be affraid to ask for more help if you need it.
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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Hi John,
As you have, I've been using FSC for several years and despite the progressive experience gained with the programme, I recently have had trouble getting my head around the saving of flight plans in various formats. I don't know whether this will help but you may want to have a look at my post and Volker's feedback which did help me resolve the issue and come to grips with the logic behind the process. The post is entitled Saving PMDG Flight Plans and can be accessed using this link http://forums.simflight.com/viewtopic.php?f=155&t=75738.
Hope the information helps.
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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Hi Sascha,
Thank you for the clarification. It never occured to me that the colors were the same!
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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Hi Sascha,
Many thanks for your substantive feedback. And for the record, I do use and find the "select parking" feature of FSC very practical.
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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Hi Ian,
I don't have experience with VATSIM but I can certainly relate to your statement regarding the receipt of a "long set of taxi instructions' and then the challenge faced to follow such instructions.
However, I feel that your question begs an acknowledgement of at least the existing tools that I’m aware of that can aid in manoeuvring aircraft around airports and which may help in determining whether a new or improved tool is required.
1st — FSC
When one is privileged to have more than one monitor thereby permitting a continuous display of FSC's map and for taxiing purposes, zoomed at an appropriate level, then taxiways, including turnoffs, parking spots, gates, etc., can be fairly easily identified for the purpose of following a given route. This of course requires that the colour scheme of taxiways be adjusted so as to enhance the legibility of taxiway identifiers. If FSC lacks anything in this area, then the possibility of adjusting the display characteristics of taxiway identifiers (making them larger or appear in bold characters or in a different color) would be an improvement. However, most important I think are precise AFCADs. There are excellent AFCADs which reflect true-to-life identification of all taxiways and then there are mediocre AFCADs which lack in this area, some even including fictitious layouts! So the quality of AFCADs will always influence the usability of a given tool.
2nd — MSFS (in my case, FS9)
FS's own ATC instructions can sometimes be just as intimidating. However, FS offers two types of aids in this area: path display and Kneeboard. If following the pink path to a given location at an airport is considered unrealistic, the other option which is available is the Kneeboard. FS copies all radio communications including taxiing instructions to the Kneeboard which, when displayed, can be followed. Not having FSC’s map available for reference will again present varying degrees of challenges which will be connected to the quality of the AFCAD and from a visual point of view, the quality of the scenery file (taxiway signs, parking identifiers, etc).
3rd — Radar Contact (RC)
I use RC and know that the tool does not help in this area. However, based on a post I read on RC’s user forum, version 5 of RC will/should include help with taxiing to and from runways including, I hope, instructions to ‘HOLD’ when other aircraft have priority, a feature which is already offered by FS.
4th — ProFlight 2000 Emulator (PFE)
I don’t use PFE and know very little about the product, but PFE does offer aid in this area. Here’s an extract from PFE’s features list which appears on OnCourse Software’s web site: “. . . Full taxi instructions to/from the runway. i.e. ATC instructs you to.... "taxi to gate 27 via taxiway delta, bravo two, alpha one, charlie three". . . Taxi Guidance System (TGS) which includes a new (optional) panel gauge. The new gauge points to the next taxi waypoint, displays a series of LED's to indicate the distance to the next taxi waypoint. TGS also includes AUDIBLE instructions from your VCP telling you... "next left into delta.... bear right into bravo two... straight on... gate 27 on the right" “
Food for thought.
Regards, Jean-Jacques
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Hi everyone,
In view of the high number of hits on this post, I thought I'd do a short follow-up on my post of 27 March (just above).
First, the 2nd sentence of the 3rd paragraph should read "Right-clicking on the Icon . . ." instead of left-clicking. I'm sure anyone interested in this utility would have figured that out but I wanted to acknowledge my mistake.
Second, after re-testing this utility with the latest version of FSC, my words of caution expressed in the fourth paragraph are no longer valid. Right and left clicking anywhere on FSC's map will cause the Alt-Tab shortcut, if it is active, to operate as it should. I may originally have been wrong.
Regards to all,
Jean-Jacques
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Oops, don't know what happened but the 1st word of the 2nd sentence, 2nd parag. should read 'Without' rather than 'Wstarteithout'! JJ
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Hi Volker,
Thank you for your quick response and by the way, your English is fine. As suggested, I selected only the mapped drive for FS9, in my case drive Z:, and I now believe everything is working as it should. With 3 options selected on the Save/Load Flight Plan window (FSC/FS, Radar Contact and PMDG), FSC now deposits, if I understand the process correctly, 4 versions and/or copies of the newly saved flight plan in the following folders:
FSC\FSplan,
My Documents\Flight Simulator Files,
FSC\FSplan\RC, and
FS9\Pmdg\FLIGHTPLANS.
I must admit that despite using FSC now for a few years, I had the wrong address assigned to the option entitled 'Folder Flight Simulator 2004 (for add-on aircraft)' on the Flight Plan tab of the Options window. Wstarteithout realizing the real purpose that option served, I had it depositing flight plans in the Flight Simulator Files folder of My Documents when in fact FSC is programmed to do it automatically as long as the proper location is setup as a mapped drive, in this case the Y: drive. I now realise that the address I had given it served no purpose. FSC never 'complained' until I recently started learning to use PMDG's 737 and preparing flight plans for the new aircraft.
One last point. My version of Radar Contact (RC) operates on the same drive as FSC, the Client/Secondary computer, yet RC is configured to get its flight plans from My Documents\Flight Simulator Files (Server/Main computer). Because you have a folder inside FSC for RC flight plans, should I configure RC to obtain flight plans from the FSC\FSplan\RC folder or are both sources acceptable? (are the formats identical or different?)
Best regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Robert,
I believe you need to upgrade your version 8.3 up to 8.4 before proceeding. In accordance with the authors' announcement, the latest version is an upgrade from 8.4, not 8.3. Have a look at the very first post under Announcements entitled FlightSim Commander 8.5 released http://forums.simflight.com/viewtopic.php?f=155&t=75648.
You may also want to consider downloading the full version of FSC 8.5 and then enter your Registration Code when you first run it.
Regards,
Jean-Jacques
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Hi,
Well I don't know who you are because you haven't even had the decency to write out your name but I hope that Sascha and Volker don't waste any time dealing with you. You might have a degree in Computer Science and in Mathematics but you lack on a lot of other fronts such as human relations and communications.
You say you've been in the FS hobby for many years yet you don't even know that the authors of this fine piece of software are among the top vendors as far as support goes. This is a friendly forum through which decent people of various ages and competence in the hobby help each other and I can tell you my friend that even if I knew what it is that you need help with, I wouldn't give you the time of day.
This forum doesn't need people of your type and I would find it a blessing not to ever see a post from you again.
Good luck in trying to find a user to help out!
Jean-Jacques
FSC Installation in vista 64
in (Former) FS Commander Support Forum
Posted
Hi Ruben,
First when posting, please include the information requested in the following post: http://forums.simflight.com/viewtopic.php?f=155&t=74997.
Second, here's an extract of FSC's User Manual, Database Manager, Updating Airport Files: " . . . The file scenery.cfg must be copied from the Scenery Library folder C:\….Microsoft\FSX\ into the directory in which FSX has been installed. Since we do not want to overwrite anything in the FSX folder, we copy the file scenery.cfg (the one in the Scenery Library folder) renamed as scenerycfg.fsc into the FSX folder." You might want to re-read that part of the manual which only takes a couple of minutes.
According to the information provided in your post, you have incorrectly renamed a copy of FSX's Scenery configuration file. Again according to your post, you named it scenery.cfg.cgf instead of scenerycfg.fsc as directed by the authors.
Hope that helps.
Regards, Jean-Jacques