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We have listed some frequently asked questions and replies about your experience with OpusFSX.
If you have any queries then we will be very pleased to hear from you.
Please email us at opusfsi@opussoftware.co.uk including details of your operating system.
What views can I see on the server and client computers ?
You can display any interior (cockpit), exterior (scenic), or external (aircraft) views on the main 'flying' server system. You can only display exterior (scenic), or external (aircraft) views on the secondary client systems. You cannot control the aircraft by displaying panels such as CDUs or GPS on the client systems - these are non flying slaves.
On networked systems, the main 'flying' server PC operates the same as it would on a standalone, single PC, system, providing the same assortment of interior (cockpit), exterior (scenic), and external (aircraft) views; and hence, provides the means to monitor and control the aircraft and its systems. In addition, the Live View and Live Camera networked links with the secondary client systems (PCs or Laptops) allows a variety of exterior (scenic) and external (aircraft) client system views to be created and controlled. If desired, a number of exterior views can be used on a networked multi-screened system to create a panoramic vista. All views are created and controlled centrally from the server system.
On networked systems, the Live View connections automatically synchronize the aircraft's current position, attitude, flaps, gear and lighting configuration, and simulator's date/time, along with either your chosen weather theme or the full Metar weather for the surrounding area.
OpusFSX version 1.40 (Beta available shortly) also supports Windowed Views on the server and all client systems. These additional views are ideal for multi-screened PCs as well as single large screen displays. All windowed views can be undocked, positioned and sized according to your needs. The future version 1.41 will allow you to position and size the undocked windowed views automatically.
Can I create an Instrument Panel view ?
Yes, but only on the main 'flying' server machine, and you will need OpusFSX version 1.40 (Beta available shortly).
First create a windowed view associated with the aircraft type on your main 'flying' server.
Select virtual or 2d cockpit view.
Tick the Windowed View checkbox.
Adjust the viewpoint (x,y,z,pitch and yaw) to centre the view on the required instrument panel. You can adjust the z axis to move the eyepoint in as close as you want.
Save the camera views and reload the aircraft type to force FSX to reload the aircraft.cfg file.
Your new windowed view should be on display, you can now undock and position your window. When version 1.41 is available you will be able to click on the Save Views button to save the position and size of your window.
Can I use other software packages with OpusFSX?
We strongly recommend the use of 3rd party packages such as REX, ASE, or FEX for their high-definition sky and cloud textures. You will really see the benefit of using the OpusFSX Live Weather Engine with these high-def textures loaded. In our opinion, the OpusFSX weather engine is far superior to any other weather engine on the market for all the same reasons we have pointed out on our web site and in the manual, but we do not include or load any sky and cloud textures at all, we just create and load the most detailed and realistic weather. However, if you rely on the default sky and cloud textures within FSX/P3D then no matter how detailed the weather is it will not look very impressive. Disable the weather update in these 3rd party packages and use the OpusFSX weather engine.
If your aircraft doesn't include sounds then we would also recommend the use of packages such as Accu-Feel for the sound effects but with the Accu-Feel aircraft movement options disabled, use the more realistic OpusFSX Dynamic Head Movement instead.
I get a consistent static cloud layer that forms above the aircraft
Make sure you have disabled your 3rd party weather engines and in addition disabled/removed all their visibility, haze and fog effects. You must replace the cirrus_overcast03.bmp file within your flight simulator's Texture folder as follows,
1. Navigate to your simulator's texture folder, either <FSX>\Texture or <Prepar3D>\Texture
2. Rename your cirrus_overcast03.bmp file to cirrus_overcast03_foggy.bmp.
3. Truncate our cirrus_overcast03_Opus_1024.bmp filename to cirrus_overcast03.bmp.
4. Restart your FSX or P3D simulator.
If you still have problems then repeat the above exercise using our 512 bitmap.
I see horizontal 'bands' of haze with clear areas between
This is a known issue with 3rd party weather engines, just use 3rd party weather engines for the textures and use OpusFSX for the weather updates. Make sure you have disabled your 3rd party weather engines and in addition disabled/removed all their visibility, haze and fog effects.
I tried importing METAR data from a user specified import file but it didn't work
METARs are specific to a location unless you use the GLOB ICAO code which is global. If you use a METAR for a specific station and try to import it when you are outside the 480km x480km area of the weather theme then the Live Weather Engine will not accept the report since the met station is not within your area. Best change the ICAO code to GLOB and import that if you are outside the area. The met station must also coincide with one used within FSX so that OpusFSX, which has a list of all valid FSX met stations, can identify its lat/long coordinates, and hence its location relative to your aircraft's current location.
Can I use a Wifi network ?
Yes you can, however you should note that a direct WiFi link is only going to give you 54Mbps and a redirected link will operate at about 16 to 24Mbps. This may be faster than an ancient 1990s 10base-T network running at 10Mbps but nowadays everyone uses either 100Base-TX (100 Mbps) or a 1000Base-T gigabit LAN running at 1000Mbps (1Gbps). The modern cabled LANs are going to operate up to 64 times faster than the WiFi link!
However, if you must use a WiFi link (no LAN ports or Cat5 cable) then just make sure all the computer systems have the same workgroup set (Control Panel - System and Security - System - Change Settings - Change...) and configure the main server's computer name into the FSXCLIENT programs. You will find the link works perfectly well with perhaps a few tiny jitters when taking off or flying fast and low (depends how good or busy your WiFi link is).
How do I set up the network ?
Please refer to the latest OpusFSX Getting Startedguide, the pdf is available from our Home and Downloads pages. This guide provides detailed instructions and guidelines to assist you in setting up your network for the default IPC (Inter Process Communication) links or the optional TCP/IP connections.
The master battery and parking brake don't work
You need to install FSUIPC4 on the OpusFSX server and client PCs. You can download a free copy from www.schiratti.com/dowson.html. FSUIPC4 is used for the following functions; reading the sim clock, master battery and parking brake, and pausing the sim.
The Client lags behind the Server
The client should never lag behind the server. You most probably forgot to start FSX on the client before the FSXCLIENT program started receiving updates from the FSXSERVER program on the main 'flying' PC. The updates will start a plenty as soon as the main system is up and running - if a client is connected it receives the updates irrespective of the state of its own local FSX.
The programs have 32K buffers for both receive and transmit over each IPC link, hence the possible back log. If this does happen, simply pause the main system using the 'P' key, then close and restart the FSXCLIENT program, the links should be re-established and the client system synchronized (please refer to the recommended start up procedures in the Getting Started guide).
Also, if you have paused the system for any length of time (>1min) and you are using Weather Themes, then it would be best to select Weather on the FSXSERVER and click OK, this re-synchs everything including the cloud formations. The tell tale sign that one system been paused too long is that you will get different cloud formations on the server and client system. Anytime this happens just re-sync via the Weather option in the FSXSERVER program. If you don't pause this should never happen.
These anomolies have been corrected in the version 1.21.0 release.
System.TypeInitialisationException error
You need .NET version 2 and SimConnect to be installed for OpusFSX and its SimConnect links to work.
In the case of SimConnect, first make sure you have installed FSX or P3D along with its SP2 or installed the FSX Acceleration version, SimConnect is usually installed automatically with it. If you have mislaid or corrupted your SimConnect then you can try re-installing it using the SimConnect.msi file within your c:\OpusFSX folder.
You can check what versions of .NET you have installed by checking your c:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework or Framework64 folders. You should see a v2.0.xxxxx folder in addition to the v4.0.xxxxx folder.
Unable to Load fsgencom.dll
System.DllNotFoundException: Unable to load DLL 'fsgencom.dll': The specified module could not be found. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x8007007E)
at FSSYSTEM.FSGencom.fsgencom_init()
at FSSYSTEM.FSGencom.Gencom_Init(UInt16 taskID) ...
This error implies a Windows DLL is missing. The most common cause is a missing or corrupt msvcr100.dll (Microsoft Visual C Runtime import library). First check using Windows Explorer if the following library file is present,
c:\Windows\System32\msvcr100.dll on 32-bit operating systems
c:\Windows\SysWOW64\msvcr100.dll on 64-bit operating systems
If it is missing (or corrupt) you will find a copy in the c:\OpusFSX installation folder labelled MSVCR100_x32.DLL. You should copy and rename this file to one of the above folders, rename by removing the '_x32' suffix. Alternatively, you can simply rename the file in the c:\OpusFSX folder and leave it there since this will be the first place Windows will look for it unless you have not started the program in its installation folder.
If this does not rectify the problem download the x86 Dependency Walker program from the Dependency Walker website http://www.dependencywalker.com. Unzip the file into any directory and run the depends.exe program. Open the c:\OpusFSX\FSGENCOM.DLL library file, all missing library files will be highlighted with a yellow question mark in the bottom files window. You can ignore the reference to the IESHIMS.DLL file, this is an Internet Explorer library that is delay loaded and in fact not needed.
Spy Error Messages
FSX Failed to establish link 1 with FSX
Error HRESULT E_FAIL has been returned from a call to a COM component.
This usually does not indicate a serious error, it usually means FSX is not running and hence, the software cannot connect to SimConnect. If you are running FSX it could mean you do not have SimConnect installed, or SimConnect is not functioning correctly.
You must have FSX installed on the main 'flying' server and each client computer system. You should also install the same scenery and aircraft addon packages. The aircraft addon packages need only be installed however if you want to use external 'aircraft' views on the client system. If this happens to be one particular client PC or laptop then install the aircraft addon just on that machine.
Note, you do not need to run FSX if you just wish to test the network connections or set up the FSXSERVER and FSXCLIENT programs.
FSX CPFlight MCP737/EFIS737 PRO/EL (Device Driver No.1)
TOGA button
The TOGA button has been added to the CPFlight MCP737/EFIS737 PRO/EL panel driver on auxiliary input K121.
A/T Arm switch
The A/T Arm switch on the CPFlight MCP737 is automatically disengaged 2 to 3 seconds after landing.
Unable to Open COMn serial port !
Have you configured the wrong serial port number or forgot to connect power to the panel?
CPFlight MCP controls have stopped working with PMDG 737 NGX
There is a problem with PMDG's FSXPMDG.EXE software when you open an FSX dialog. If you have paused the sim then you must unpause it before any MCP changes will be effective.
Also if you stop OpusFSX and restart it, then after the panel is initialised you must make a change on the sim's MCP to kick the PMDG connection back into life.
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Pete
You are correct in your assumption that Live View is equivalent to an improved version of WidevieW and Live Camera is (or will soon be) equivalent to EzDok.
At present the OpusFSX Live Camera does not include DHM (Dynamic Head Movement) or 'camera shake' but this feature will soon be added. In our opinion the use of real life captured 3D accelerometer data (in combination with the current sim data) is far better than trying to mimic something by tweeking a number of sine wave generators, nor do I like overriding the FSX keyboard and button settings. I think EzDok is excellent, have used it in the past myself - but I now use OpusFSX. So in my honest opinion the answer to your question is a resounding YES.
You don't need a networked system to use Live Camera, but OpusFSX supports this feature should you wish to expand your system in the future, or perhaps make use of a spare laptop. All camera views on the client systems (PCs or Laptops) can be created, managed and controlled from the main server PC.
Also, once we have developed the Live Traffic feature then OpusFSX will combine the functions of both WidevieW and WideTraffic at a much reduced cost, whilst still including Live Camera and an excellent device driver for the CPFlight MCP and EFIS panels. The drivers are included because we think the CPFlight panels are excellent.
Please download and try the demo (OpusFSX.msi) from our website www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi.htm , in the mean time we will arrange to send you an 'eCoupon' for a free copy.
Best Regards
Stephen
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Pete
Our OpusFSX product has just been released and I can confirm we are currently using your excellent FSUIPC4 SDK for the following,
Reading the sim clock
Reading the gear, flaps, and external light status
Reading the current aircraft name
Pausing the sim
Releasing the parking brake
Turning on the master battery
We have also used FSUIPC4 to interface the CPFlight MCP737PRO and EFIS737PRO panels to the 'standard' FSX aircraft. We are just about to release the interface for the superb PMDG 737NGX aircraft (using the PMDG 737NGX SDK).
I had assumed from your documentation you are very happy for developers to make use of the SDK.
We have also recommended that people register a copy of FSUIPC4 in our OpusFSX User Guide (we purchased and registered a copy ourselves).
I should point out that you cannot display or control a CDU on a networked 'client' machine using OpusFSX. Our Live View feature allows client systems to be synchronized for the purpose of displaying exterior 'scenic' and external 'aircraft' views. For example, to create a panoramic vista, or simply use a laptop to select different external aircraft views etc.
On networked systems, internal views (eg.panels) are displayed on the main 'flying' server PC, it is not possible to control the aircraft or its systems from the client system displays. The benefit of networking the system is that you can offload a great deal of the processing from your main server by letting the client machines display the exterior and external views. Hence you can expand the system without degrading its performance. An additional benefit is that you can create wide panoramic displays with ease, the sort of panoramic views needed for total immersion, very important to cockpit builders both small and large.
On networked systems, the main 'flying' server PC operates the same as it would on a standalone, single PC, system. Providing the same assortment of interior (cockpit), exterior (scenic), and external (aircraft) views; and hence, provides the means to monitor and control the aircraft and its systems. In addition, the Live View and Live Camera networked links with the secondary client systems (PCs or Laptops) allows a variety of exterior (scenic) and external (aircraft) client system views to be created and controlled. If desired, a number of exterior views can be used on a multi-screened system to create a panoramic vista. All views are created and controlled centrally from the server system.
On networked systems, the Live View connections automatically synchronizes the aircraft's current position, attitude, flaps, gear and lighting configuration, simulator's date/time, along with either your chosen weather theme or the full Metar weather for the surrounding area.
Of course you can use the software on a standalone single PC system, the Live Camera feature provides excellent camera creation, control and docking.
Live Camera will soon feature realistic DHM (Dynamic Head Movement) or camera shake options using a combination of the current SimConnect variables and captured real life 3D accelerometer data.
Best regards
Stephen Percy
Opus Software
Announcements
in Opus Software Support
Posted
News
OpusFSX version 2.10 of is now available for download. This version includes the Live Weather Engine creating Dynamic Weather to provide the most realistic and detailed weather available for Microsoft FSX and Lockheed Martin's Prepar3D.
This release also includes our latest Client Side Smoothing software and Automated Head Movement (AHM) feature. Client Side Smoothing helps smooth out any jittery client displays resulting from irregular updates from your FSX or Prepar3D simulator. AHM provides automated head movement to assist the pilot whilst taxiing and banking.
OpusFSX includes our new Live Weather Engine (only available to licensed users, not available in the Demonstration software).
The latest OpusFSX version is a free upgrade to all licensed users. The OpusFSX Live Weather Engine makes use of our new Dynamic Weather update to provide the most advanced weather updating software in the marketplace.The Live Weather Engine has without any doubt set a new standard for weather updates within the FSX and Prepar3D simulator community. OpusFSX provides the most efficient and accurate weather updates for the Microsoft FSX and Lockheed Martin's Prepar3D simulators. These benefits include,
In a future upgrade you will be able to designate either your server system or any of your OpusFSX client systems as the Live Weather Engine. The designated computer will need internet access to allow the OpusFSX server or client program to obtain the latest live weather (met) reports for the area you are flying in. These live reports are used to synchronize the weather on all networked OpusFSX systems.
Third-Party Weather Engines : We have provided a simple means to allow third-party software or weather engines such as REX and ActiveSky to load METAR data into the simulator via the OpusFSX interface. OpusFSX loads all METAR reports created by the third-party software and contained within a single text file; these reports will be used to perform a weather update of the system. The interface will provide the means for third-party software to perform instant weather updates on the OpusFSX system, either on a standalone system or throughout a networked system.
Current Plans
Live Weather Engine - Networked Client Option
A client side Live Weather Engine option (FSX/P3D not required on the networked client). The Live Weather Engine will be able to run without regard to the simulator's performance and hence will run in the foreground without any inherent delays. The networked client PC or laptop will not need to have FSX or P3D installed, just a LAN link to the OpusFSX server. The client side Live Weather Engine is a precursor to the planned Live Weather Assistant program and user interface.
Start Up Options
We will soon be introducing additional configuration options allowing you to automatically set up your system (e.g. configure FSX for automatic startup, create shortcuts etc.).
Future Development Plans
World Views and Movie Maker
We are currently investigating upgrading the Live Camera interface to support a World View option and introduce a Movie Maker feature aimed at simplifying the creation of FSX\P3D videos. The Movie Maker would also provide a simple means to create panning shots. Please refer to our website for details.
Live Weather Assistant
The Live Weather Assistant will be a client side user interface providing useful and requested weather information to the simulator pilot. The Live Weather Assistant will run on a networked client PC or laptop and cooperate with the client side Live Weather Engine. The networked client computer will not need FSX or P3D to be installed, just the Live Weather Engine's LAN link to the OpusFSX server. The Live Weather Assistant will provide a user friendly interface for displaying useful weather information relating to the current flight and any user requested weather related data (e.g. an up to date summary or graphic of the weather ahead or along your intended route to your destination).
Live Traffic Synchronization
Live Traffic will supplement the Live View multi-screen networked displays by synchronizing all AI traffic across the OpusFSX network.