Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 and earlier (2000, 98, 95)

[InTheAir]

I'm going to be purchasing a CH Flight Yoke and the CH Pro pedals soon. However since my present computer has not got a USB port I will not be able to buy the USB versions. Could someone please explain what the difference between the two formats is please.
Also can a USB port be fitted into any PC? (P150Mhz - I doubt it!!!)

Thanks!

[spannersatcx]

As long as you have W95B or W98 and a spare PCI slot shouldn't be a problem see here http://www.dabs.com/products/product-locator.asp?action=list&drt=1&fb=Type&tid=523&mid=

USB is more versatile than a game port joystick, in that you can hotplug etc.

[DarrenMoore]

Here's something I've been debating over for about a year now:
Should I buy a flight yoke for my computer or not?

I'd appreciate advice from anyone, should I save the money towards flying lessons or would I be better parting with £90 of my hard earned cash for one?

Help!

Darren


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Success=Work=Success!

[Tinstaafl]

Flying lessons.

[kopbhoy2]

yeah, flying lessons. And if you've already had some then have more, its much more fun than a PC sim!!

[Slasher]

Yep. Flying lessons.

But when it comes time for your IRR, download some good IFR training software (or steal it from your flying school) THEN buy your joystick.

Your lucky in this day and age. For IFR practice at home in my ancient days all we had was a chair, closed eyes, arms waving in space and a minds eye!

[G-NAJY]

I'm probably going to sound like a right **** TAKER, but would anybody be willing enough to lend me their copy of Flight Simulator 98. I have tried and tried for the last month but can't seem to get hold of a copy from anyone. My previous CD melted after being left on the window sill! (I'm not joking). I am willing to pay the cost towards any postage and packaging, and will return the CD in a week. Please E-mail me if you would like to help.

Thank you for your time.

[G-NAJY]

Now you can e-mail me! (top)

[Tallbloke]

Darren,

Flying lessons, and here is why I think so. I used to use a sim, before I started my lessons, and it taught me to fly using instruments, not visually. If you become proficient on the sim, you may learn some bad habits for when you first start flying. Firstly, there is very little incentive for using co-ordinated rudder when turning a sim, whereas I find the withering sarcasm of my instructor means I have to pay close attention to the little ball. Secondly, and probably more importantly, I found that flying the sim, I would make extensive use of the Artificial Horizon (AI), whereas in the Warrior I glance at it only as a reference to bank angle during turns. At all other times I have to fly with reference to the visual horizon.
I agree with Slasher, sims are great for practicing IFR flight (something I can only aspire to) but for VFR, there is nothing like the real thing.

[kopbhoy2]

Tallbloke speakes the truth. That's exactly what happened to me when I started real flying.

Mind you, I can't fly an instrument approach in FS2000 to save my life now ;)

[fryingeggs]

I dont know about FS98 but with FS200 u need the disk to run the program which may be a problem. even copying the cd gives some trouble as some essential files from disk cannot be copied.
mite be worth looking into.
fe

[BurningKeroNow]

Has anybody successfully run MS Flight Sim 2000 with Windows 2000 Professional?

The sys reqs of FS 2000 say either Win 095, 98, or NT 4.0 but that just means they have not fully tested it with all configs of Win 2000.

Anybody?

[Captain Numpty]

Rumour has it, it will quite literally "CRASH" everytime!!! STICK WITH '98

C.N.

[BurningKeroNow]

Thanks. Problem is that am running Win2000 already and have been for 6 months. I would have thought that FS 2000 would be compatible. Oh well.

[SevenFiftySeven]

I'm using Windows 2000 and MS Flight Simulator 2000 Pro edition.
It occasionally crashes, but I think that is due to some dodgy third party aircraft I have.
You should find that FS2000 installs and runs easily and well.

[spannersatcx]

what graphics card are you using, some can cause problems and you have to edit the fs2000 cfg file?

[Gen Brace]

Have any of you tried the lauda 425 add-on?

[niteflite01]

OK - I'm seriously tempted to upgrade from my trusty copy of Flight Sim 98 to FS2000 professional but am worried about the spec of my PC. I've heard FS2000 requires a monster Pc to run.

My PC is an Athlon 700MHz with 128MB of RAM, 20Gb Hard Drive and an ATI Xpert2000 32MB graphics card.

Any ideas on how FS2000 will run?

------------------
"Go around..I say again...go around"

[Lurk R]

Those specs sound promising but part of the answer is also the number and sort of "background" programs you have running at the same time. Many people have found killing the majority of the startup and systray type programs aids FS performance.

[Air Conditioned]

I may not be sufficiently computer literate to pontificate..... but the box FS 2000 Pro comes in says you need: Pentium 166 or faster, 32MB RAM; 64 recommended, 420MB disc space; 500 recommended, Quad speed or higher CD-ROM drive, 16 bit VGA colour.(Among other things)

When run on a 800MHz, 128MB RAM, 20GHB system there are no apparent problems, even operating almost everything at once (Gear,flap,trim,power,pitching and rolling)The only suspicion is that sometimes the clock runs in two or three second jumps.

Normal handling never seems to upset any indications or iteration rate, but the handling in semi-upsets is a bit weird. Whether a limitation of the system or lack of computer power is not apparent. (Just stay in control.)

[niteflite01]

Thanks for the replies :)

Air Cond - what video frame rates do you get using your system?



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"Go around..I say again...go around"

[Air Conditioned]

You can't fool me with big words.

Is there somewhere I can get your answer out of the box?? I'll have a look.

[niteflite01]

Tee hee - sorry about that ;)

If you press SHIFT and Z during the game it should bring up the frame rate in the top left hand corner of the screen. You may need to press it a couple of times.

Cheers :)

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"Go around..I say again...go around"

[mindstorm]

I'm ruuning it on an 800 Duron with 128Mb ram and a GeoForce II MX and it will run at 1280 x 1024 with all detail on and is still smooth.

Wonderful stuff

[Air Conditioned]

NF01

Couldn't get a result with your suggested input. The MS book indeed would have told me - must read it one day.

CTRL+Z does things to ALT HOLD and autopilot engage but no display.

Regards

[spannersatcx]

HOLD down the shift button while pressing Z

[MasterBates]

Can anybody help me with the cd-key for Microsoft FS 95. I have lost the blasted cover, and can't reinstall!!
Thanks.

[ickle black box]

I maight be barking up totally the wrong tree, as I can't remember the format the cd key takes, but if either of these fit, they should work (MS standard codes, work for 95/nt/office etc)

020 1234567
0204 1234567
15195 0001222 12345

[KBaB]

I have just bought Flight sim 2000 after having flight sim 98 for years.

Flight sim ran fine, ok graphics, and never had any problems with it. However, in flight sim 2000 I haven't had a trouble free moment. I either get a box telling me "Flight sim 2000 has cause a fatal error and will be closed", or missing files.

Im also really disappointed at the graphics of the game, anyone any idea how to make them better? Flight sim 98 had better graphics than 2000 but I've a feeling it may be the game settings.

I have a Pentium 2, 400 processor, 128mb ram, about 2bg free on my hard drive, and have two graphics cards. One is a ATI rage pro 8mb thing, and the other is a Voodoo2 12mb. Im sure I can get the graphics looking better, any help guys and girls?

KBaB

[x/wind]

Just got FS 2000, and like you, the graphics are terrible and jerky. Tried everything: no joy. I suspect though that the answer is a higher spec graphics card (only got 8MB on an SiS530).

I also have Team Apache, and the graphics on that are phenominal.

If you find any other answer, please advise.



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Always look on the bright side of life...

[MegaTop744]

Yep, you'll find a higher-spec graphics card will help. The SiS 530 isn't really designed for games. I'm upgrading to a GeForce2 GTS 32MB next week. If you don't want to splash out that much, then consider the GeForce2 MX series of cards.

One caveat - if the machine has only PCI slots, then you'll need to try and locate a new PCI graphics card. Two suggestions here: a Voodoo 3 2000 or an NVidia TNT2-based card. You really don't have much choice when it comes to fast PCI graphics cards.

However, if you've got an AGP socket, get the fastest card you can afford. Also, upgrade to DirectX 8.0.

[This message has been edited by MegaTop744 (edited 22 March 2001).]

[kopbhoy2]

Have you patched it? Patches are available from microsoft's site & flightsim.com, simflight.com et al....

I'm running it off a P3 500 and to be honest it can crawl, especially if I'm using add-on scenry, panels etc...it's fairly stable for me now but occasionally it does screw up...

[Flare armed]

FS2000 is very demanding programme ! Reccomended PC is 700 - 800 Mhz processor and at least 32Mb graphic card.
Try to turn the resolution to a lower value ,it helps a little !

good luck
Flare armed

[Ace McCool]

I run it on an AMDK-500 and it goes quite well. It went better when I was using a TNT-riva 32mb card than it does now using a G-force 64mb card. Unless you've got the genuine program I don't recommend downloading patches. I tried installing the patches on my Hong Kong specials only to be told that I needed the cd in the drive before the game would play...the nerve of them!

[G-NADS]

Hi guys,

I am going to have my first attempt at online gaming soon with Flight Simulator 2000. I thought I'd put up a post here to see how many people would be interested.

The date: Friday 30th March
The time: 1930 GMT
The place: London Stanstead
Limit: no limit - the more the better.

No voice, comms etc. Just raw flying and anybody is welcome.

Keep returning to this thread. I will put up the IP address (and instructions for those who are not familiar) here.

Any changes to the date and time will be considered.

Bye.

[spannersatcx]

Can you not use the MS game zone, http://zone.msn.com/flightsim2000/default.asp

[G-NADS]

Somebody tells me this method is extremely slow and the MSN Zone software really does slow down your connection.

[KBaB]

just a quick question.
in the adventures, the Concorde Heathrow > JFK one..

I get to about the east coast of Ireland, about 45,000ft, centre of gravity is fine, but the plane just starts to lose speed, and then stalls.
Any ideas why?

KBaB


[This message has been edited by KBaB (edited 24 March 2001).]

[G-NADS]

Did you say you get as far as Ireland? wow your lucky!

I'm dead before I reach Compton. No seriously I have seen the same thing happen and can't figure out why either.

[KBaB]

ice? maybes blocking something or adding weight?

Or, just Microsoft messing it up?

Who knows.

KBaB

[BayAreaLondoner]

As was stated above, FS2K is a demanding program (some say too demanding and I'd agree). You should take a look at www.flightsim.com (http://www.flightsim.com) - there should be info there on tuning.
Make sure you have the latest patch from Microsoft.
If all else fails, give Fly!2K by Terminal Reality a try, although the new version of Fly! is due out soon.

PS - FS2002 has been announced... Either they'll fix the performance problems or we'll all need Pentium IVs! http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/frown.gif

[andymac]

Hi, like many others I had teething probs with fs2k (Pent III, 450MHz, 224Mb RAM, rage fury graphics card). After dowmnloading and installing ALL updates avbl (Direct X 8.0, FS2K patch 2, graphics card, sound card etc etc), things have settled down just fine. I'd like to echo the help avbl at www.flightsim.com (http://www.flightsim.com) - not only is there every goodie you'd like (FREE), but also pages of FAQ's and also a forum. Stick with it - I believe the rewards are worth it.

[KBaB]

cool, thanks for that people.
got the patch, new drivers, and turned down graphic settings on the game, runs better now.

Just need to work out why concorde stalls at 45,000 ft.

KBaB

[DarrenMoore]

Count me in for the flying!

[zerouali]

I forget the exact numbers but once you're over the coastline and in Oceanic airspace you should be doing about M0.95. You then have to re-ignite the afterburners until you reach about M1.5. Also, once you get to about 40000ft you should go into a cruise/climb where you climb at about 500ft/min. Any faster and you will lose airspeed. I don't have the book handy so as I said, these numbers may not be 100% accurate but I'm pretty sure one of these two solutions should help.

[simfly]

Should be there, not done a connection that way though.

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[email protected]

The ground won't hurt you, if you hit it hard enough!

[G-NADS]

OK here are the details:

The steps:

1.) Load FS2000
2.) Choose an airplane of your choice
3.) Go to airport: Stanstead
4.) Once on runway taxi to any apron (as long as your not on the runway its OK)
5.) Do not choose any real world weather
6.) Go to Flights > Multiplayer > Connect
7.) Give yourself a callsign - preferably your Pprune name
8.) From the protocol list choose TCP/IP
9.) In the IP address box type the IP address and click SEARCH
10.) wait about 30 secs and in the sessions box choose 'Pprune flight' then click JOIN

and that should do it.

We can all chat using the FS2000 chat window. If this dissappears you can bring it back by
going to Flights > Multiplayer > Chat Window.

Lets see how it works out then.



[This message has been edited by G-NADS (edited 06 April 2001).]

[carbheat]

Any chance of utilising Roger Wilco?We can then hear what is really said on the flightdecks about the skills of our fellow aviators!

[G-NADS]

If you want to you can. However I feel it slows then everything. I.e FS2000 starts giving rubbish frame rates.

[carbheat]

Roger. Wilco.

[spannersatcx]

What happened? Where did everybody go, all of a sudden I was in my own? Was it something I said?

[G-NADS]

Sorry Spanner...same problem here, everybody dissappeared but me and carbheat managed to get started again.

Still available till 2100 tonight. Same steps!


[This message has been edited by G-NADS (edited 30 March 2001).]

[This message has been edited by G-NADS (edited 30 March 2001).]

[Golf-Kilo Victor]

Antone know what programs you would need to make your own aircraft for FLight Simulator 2000??

[scroggs]

Try Abacus FS Design Studio from www.abacuspub.com. (http://www.abacuspub.com.) It will cost you, though!
Edited for correct URL!

[This message has been edited by scroggs (edited 23 April 2001).]

[18Wheeler]

Get X-plane instead, as it comes with a plane and world editor already with it.
The planes also 'feel' a lot better than the ones in FS2000, and besides that it's a heck of a lot cheaper. ;)

[KBaB]

From this I know that the 757 add on for fly is the best add on for fly.

But what's the best add on for Flight sim 2000?

KBaB

[Ace McCool]

Since you already know about the 757, and seem desperately keen by starting the topic twice ;) you may as well get hold of Pilot in Command B767

[Lurk R]

I would have thought that Squawkbox was one of the best!!!

[What_does_this_button_do?]

I thought the ultimate accessory would be the "full motion" option :)

http://www.brodylimited.co.uk/aviationexperience/photos/757sim.jpg

[euphemism]

Does anyone know any site where you can download SIDs and STARs for the wilco 767?

[Fitztightly]

Wilco 767 is very good but by far the creme de la creme for me is the Phoenix 747-400. The 777 is not far behind.
www.phoenix-simulations.co.uk (http://www.phoenix-simulations.co.uk) has has some good screen shots but you need at least a PIII and 96 RAM for good performance.

[av8a]

Would any one know if it is possible to get a B747-200 add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator?

Thanks

[tva164]

There are very good add-ons, esp. the 742 and 744. For the 742, just go to flightsim.com and search for it and for the 744, go to http://www.phoenix-simulation.co.uk/main/home.asp . If you get interested inthe 763, the best one ever is PIC767 at http://www.wilcopub.com

Enjoy!

[ 17 August 2001: Message edited by: TVA164 ]

[C.130]

go into a search engine and type

Dave Middletons Flight Sim Site

you should get his url, he has loads and loads of different aircraft listed, with good panels and sound files, I downloaded an Alitalia 747 with panel, also included GPWS and Pushback module.

Have fun :) :) :) :) :)

[twistedenginestarter]

I use Data Becker 747 International Pack with lots of 200s including the BA 236 (without however the FMS that is now fitted).

It cost me about 5 quid. Original price about 20.

[dingducky]

www.simviation.com (http://www.simviation.com) is a good site

[Whiskey Zulu]

Following the demise of the UK on-line gaming service 'Wireplay' please be advised that Air Attack, the best on-line WW2 multi-player flight sim has found a new home on German servers, GEAA.

It's brilliant fun, try it. Free 8mb download and no on-line charges from the server.

Downloads and info available from :
http://www.airattack.co.uk/

[ColinF]

Anyone know the cheapest source for MS flight sim 2002?

[WhiteSail]

Check this thread;
http://www.pprune.org/cgibin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=35&t=001356

:)

[Superpilot]

I placed an order with Dabs 8 days ago and they still have none in stock!!! I've just cancelled it and purchased it online from http://www.gb.buy.com/

FS2002 Pro (CD) including VAT and next working day delivery = £50.30

[SuperTed]

Could someone please tell me how good is the uk scenery that comes with MS FS2002 before I give my money to Bill. Is it possible to fly low level VFR throughout the UK?

[ColinF]

Thanks WhiteSail.

Should have looked a bit harder myself!

[Superpilot]

A bit of topic...

I've just got my copy and I dunno about you but I'm totally offended by the following:
http://www.flightsimnetwork.com/dcforum/User_files/3bfd0fd957715b04.jpg

Apparently those Yanks think the Millenium Dome is what we call the "British Airways London Eye". :rolleyes:

[sanjosebaz]

Shouldn't there be another (rail) bridge visible on the right, too? ... http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?grid2map?X=530500&Y=180500&zoom=3

Very poor research on MicroShaft's part ;)

[What_does_this_button_do?]

Now, I wonder if I could land the JetRanger on the centre of the dome's roof....

[Pengineer]

I got mine down the local market today £5 for an unboxed (pro)set, obviously I can't put a link here to the market or I'll get barred again. I have to say I'm very impressed with it the graphics are much improved and the overall look and feel of the game is very nice. I particularly like that new Vought Corsair its just a pity you can't shoot anything.
I even went online today (MSN game zone) and that was quite fun, there were about 10-15 of us at times buzzing around Meigs Field and trying to see how many helicopters we could squeeze into the nearby stadium. (The helicopter seems easier to fly as well)
Highly recommended, well done Bill.
http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/mica/FarSgoof.gif

[Superpilot]

Overall I feel Microsoft have compensated for the poor flight models by throwing in a lot of eye candy. The flight models and other flying characteristics are pathetic! I'm sure real world pilots would admit the 737 and 747 just do not climb like that. Seriously, the 744 climbs like Concorde, even with full fuel! The ILS approach mode is way too innacurate (A step back from FS2000), the autothrottles idle unnecessarily and struggle to maintain the selected airspeed (also a step back from FS2000). Plus points are: a better blend of scenery with runways, frame rates, water effects, clouds and contrails.

[ 26 November 2001: Message edited by: Superpilot ]

[reverserdeployed]

Now like most 'real' aviators (I'm a 90hr PPL) I've got a few flight sims on my PC for fun but appreciate that unless you've got a few hundred million to splash out on a full size, multi-axis 777 jobbie it's never going to like the real thing.

I'm also deeply suspicious of those 'simmers' who join those 'virtual airlines' and actually sit in front of the screen for ten hours at a stretch as they 'fly' from London to Los Angeles. That smacks to me of needing a good beer or preferably a good night out that ends with a gutter, hooker or police cell.

Such is why I thought long and hard before splashing out £70 on FS 2002. But eventually I succumbed, and I'm rather glad I did.

FS 2000 was always good for IR stuff, instrument scan and the like, but not much cop for visual flying as the perspective never 'felt' right. That big panel dominates the view, to the point where you fly the panel rather than the aircraft. Also because it was all rather jerky then you'd be over-correcting the jerks rather than your own flying.

But, at least in my machine, FS 2002 seems to have addressed most of those faults. The whole thing is much smoother, the ground effects are more polished, and it has this fab 3-D thingy where you can swivel round the F/D in real-time, which gives you a much better perspective of the landing 'picture.'

But the thing that they've included now that really makes it is ATC. You can now file a flight plan anywhere, and get full ATC coverage along the route with vectors to an ILS or visual approach. You can call missed and get vectored round again, receive traffic alerts, airspace transitions and more.

I just wish they'd brought this thing out when I was doing my GFT!

At last it seems MSFS has moved out of the realms of greasy hair and underdeveloped social skills into the realms of a useful training and refresher tool!

[Blacksheep]

The man asked for the cheapest source. ** SNIP ** for 2002 Pro and it works fine.

Interesting trading method - you pick the software from the catalogue and the guy calls the truck a couple of streets away on a walkie-talkie. It must be dangerous keeping all that genuine licensed software on a market stall, so they use extraordinary security methods to protect the stock-room from robbers.

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Through difficulties to the cinema

Sheep: That's a YELLOW card.

[ 27 November 2001: Message edited by: What_does_this_button_do? ]

[GlueBall]

When you move up to an Intel-4 box with 2-Ghz it will get more smooth.

[What_does_this_button_do?]

Software that fell off a back of a lorry?

[Pengineer]

Right Blacksheep, thats a blatant link to an unauthorised software site prepare to be banned, moderator do your stuff.
Blacksheep 2, we look forward to meeting you.
http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/mica/FarSMadProf.gif
Pengineer

PS Do they have a website?

[BayAreaLondoner]

People interested in UK scenery for FS2002 might be interested in this link: http://www.uk2000scenery.com/puplic/index.htm
There's UK scenery and UK airports. I would imagine that any of the scenery is more accurate than the out-of-the-box MS stuff. The problem is that you might need a beefy PC to run it on to get decent framerates, but worth looking at the demo perhaps.

Concerning aircraft and flight models, you may want to look at the file libraries avsim.com and flightsim.com. There are a few really good general aviation free add-ons out there with vastly superior flight models to the standard MS ones. There's a really nice DC-3 out there too, and sadly flight sim is probably the closest I'll get to flying one of those. For jets, www.projectopensky.com, (http://www.projectopensky.com,) www.phoenix-simulation.co.uk (http://www.phoenix-simulation.co.uk) and www.dreamfleet2000.com (http://www.dreamfleet2000.com) are all good sources. The last two cost money but have new panels and attempt systems simulation. As a private pilot, I'd be really interested to know how "good" these airliner models are from real drivers.
Remember that everything has to be done within the constraints of the flight modeling of FS2002 so I would imagine that some things just aren't possible.
Finally, I'm hoping we'll see some nice add-ons once MS releases the developer's kit for FS2002. I'd love to see improved ATC for example.

[PPRuNe Towers]

For UK readers it is retailing at £35 inc VAT at all branches of Costco. Truckloads in stock.

[bow5]

I've bought Microsoft flight sims before and been dismayed at the graphics and just utter dullness of them so hadn't touched it since '98. I thought i'd take the plunge and buy 2002 and so far i've been very impressed with it. The graphics are quite a step forward on the older games and the adding of ATC makes it far more realisitc and interesting.
It was good fun unearthing my US maps and reliving my first cross country solo from Kissimee Municipal to Avon Park to a quite staggering degree of accuracy.

It's plucky and I like it. 8.5/10. Room for improvement and WHY NO PIPER AIRCRAFT AT ALL INCLUDED WITH THE GAME? :mad: We didn't all train on Cessnas Bill old chum!

[ 28 November 2001: Message edited by: bow5 ]

[sanjosebaz]

The lack of Pipers may just be down to sponsorship. Check the bottom of this page (http://www.microsoft.com/games/fs2002/) for all their icons. King Schools are also heavily into Cessnas, and they did a lot of the lesson stuff in FS2002.

[Blacksheep]

You are coming pretty close to getting banned with your continuous hints of how to obtain pirated software. How YOU get your software is your affair. When you put it on this website it OUR affair. I hope that is clear enough for you?

PPRuNe Pop
Administrator
[email protected]

You'll be asking for an e-mail address for ****** next :D :D :D

**********************************
Through Difficulites to the cinema

[ 29 November 2001: Message edited by: PPRuNe Pop ]

[BayAreaLondoner]

diplomat - no it is not Mac compatible. I am not sure whether it would work well with a PC emulator on a Mac.
You might want to try Fly! by TRI, which is both Mac and PC.

[Evo7]

ISTR that there is a Mac version of X-plane too.

[cargoflyer]

Got my FS2K2 Pro version last week and firstly was amazed that it nearly takes 2gb worth of h/disk space when fully installed.

Did my first flight using the 737 and this thing reacts like a fighter jet, even fully loaded with JetA1 it climbs and climbs and climbs. :(

ATC feature is, sorry for that expression, too "americanized!" - since when do you get a clearance for straight climb out in Europe?! :D If they offer a world scenery then Mr.B. should also consider there are others parts then Estados Unidos when it comes to flying... :cool:

The graphics are great - provided you have a good card inside your PC.. ;)

Still tyring to load the Phoenix-Simulation B744 and B777 into this new thinggi, but still consider this, as the web-page still says "We are currently testing the patches for FS2K2" and that's dated 13/11/01. Like the planes and especially the panels and associated functionality :D :) :D
This is one of the better "add-on's" you can get for your MS-FS; pretty acurate with the FMS setup and good handling of the planes.

Just my 0,02 Euro Cents worth of opinion. ;)

Cheers

[BayAreaLondoner]

Evo7 - oops yes forgot about X-plane. It is actually developed on a Mac!

Cargo - check out the support forum on the Phoenix site for instructions on how to move your PSS planes over to FS2002. They do work however, I believe the nav database for the FMS has problems.
Agreed about ATC - I'd love to see a nice ATC add-on and I'd like airlines and voices to be customisable (am I sad or what?) Also, I've noticed that when approaching an uncontrolled field, you cannot call out "on the 45" or similar, which is how I was taught to do it.

[Blacksheep]

Aw come on lighten up! It was just a joke. The originator of the thread asked where he could find the cheapest - that was just begging for a tongue-in-cheek answer.
Is there anyone on the planet who doesn't know that the cheapest place to get software is off the back of a lorry. Or that such software tends to play havoc with your PC?

So, to all those who booked tickets costing several thousand dollars to buy cheap software from a dodgy market stall in a dirty Asian back street on my recommendation, I urge you to cancel your trip and spend your money on genuine software, real Rolex watches, pukka Louis Vuitton luggage and original Gucci handbags. Its illegal to buy pirated copies in case you didn't know...

Its also illegal to have naked ladies sitting on your knee pouring beer down your throat even though everyone knows about it and the police take no action. But who am I to tell you in which side street of what city you will find them? :D

**********************************
Through difficulties to the cinema

[Pengineer]

...are there any of these bars near the dodgy software stall? just wondering.

Anyway ripping off Microsoft is not really a crime. MS are convicted felons in the US courts (remember) responsible for the demise of hundreds of smaller software developers through its anti-trust dealings, windows was ripped of from Apple, etc etc.
As a youth I bought Win 95, the flawed Win98, to correect the flaws they brought out Win98SE which again I had to buy, and tried to buy a PC without windows but was told I would have to pay for windows even if I didn't want it installed!!!

Now I'm a bit older and wiser I've

** SNIP **

Contrary to popular belief if it wasn't for Bill and his boys most of us would have computers with operating systems which worked as advertised.
http://www.stopstart.btinternet.co.uk/nc/comp2.gif

Buttons: That's a YELLOW

[ 30 November 2001: Message edited by: What_does_this_button_do? ]

[What_does_this_button_do?]

Sheep on Parole
Penguin on Parole

but which will come first?

I hope neither!!!!

[Pengineer]

My post did not give any hints on how to obtain pirated software, nor did it encourage anyone else to do so. The fact that I prefer not to contribute any more to Bill's personal fortune is merely a 'lifestyle choice' and surely not a valid reason to expel me. I've bought his products more than once, now I've just stopped paying for the upgrades.
On a recent thread I was asked for a link and I didn't provide it as I knew it was against the rules.

PS Penguin????
I like it I might come back as Penguineer when you ban me.

[Who had eggs?]

Hi All,

You maybe interested in the latest release of Hong Kong scenery. It's Kai Tak and to be released very shortly.

Click Here (http://www.flightsoft.net/index2.htm)

Ill give you an update as soon as I get it.

Buttons: Hope you don't mind but I fixed your link.

[ 02 December 2001: Message edited by: What_does_this_button_do? ]

[Blacksheep]

Ah yes, the infamous scenery add-ons business.

Now, when it comes to pirated software, what is the moderator's' opinion on software companies pirating freeware from hobbyists websites, incorporating it into their own software packages and selling it for gain? I'm not suggesting that any part of the scenery mentioned above is pirated but there was a huge row about freeware piracy among simulator enthusiasts a couple of years ago. There used to be a plethora of websites where enthusiasts swapped amateur Flight Sim scenery add-ons, produced for fun but incorporating copyright clauses. The numbers of such sites have now dwindled as a direct result of piracy by commercial firms.

When it comes to pirate software, as in other matters there is no black and white, only shades of grey. Just because software comes in a pretty box with loads of licences doesn't necessarily mean its clean.

To answer your question Pengineer, the naked ladies are in a different city. The side street where they operate has huge stocks of dodgy watches but I've not noticed any software. Then again, who would be looking? :D

**********************************
Through difficulties to the cinema

[ 03 December 2001: Message edited by: Blacksheep ]

[What_does_this_button_do?]

this thread is entitled "Flight Sim '02" - if you want to discuss Pirate Software why don't you start a new thread?

Getting concerned that we're losing direction on this one......

[bow5]

To get it back on track....

as I said, i'm reasonably new to the whole flt sim game and have seen shedloads of add-ons for 2000. My question is, are there any out yet for 2002 (mainly UK scenery and airports) and what are the best ones. Also, will these add-ons mean that you fly around with real airlines in the sky instead of 'pacifica airlines'.

Lastly, any tips on multiplayer flying. How do you do it etc. I've never actually played a game online before but reckon it could be quite interesting. Still no substitute for actually flying though eh?

Cheers.

[BayAreaLondoner]

See my earlier post about UK scenery - I believe that it has been (or is in the process of being) updated for FS2002.

Concerning multiplayer flight, it is good fun. My friend and I fly this way frequently (yes we are that sad). We set up a flight in The Zone and usually limit it to 10 players or so and let everyone know which are we'll be flying in. So far, other participants have been pretty good and following real life procedures.
What is strange is that other players aircraft will lack their undercarriage (from your perspective) and if they are flying a non-standard aircraft then they'll appear as one of the standard ones often with amusing results: I flew a large jet and it appeared to others as a Cessna floating several feet above the ground when taxiing :)

[Pengineer]

Multiplayer is good fun and easy to do, I spent an hour or so this afternoon flying circuits around Bermuda, then tonight we (about 8 of us) were going over Niagra falls in our amphibious Cessnas.
FS2002 is very enjoyable, just like being a real pilot without the drop in living standards and you get to go home at night.


......I'll get my coat!

[BayAreaLondoner]

Nicer airplanes than I get to fly in real life too ;)

Leaving me in the left seat of a 747, with the engines running, lined up and ready to go? Are they quite mad?

[ 03 December 2001: Message edited by: BayAreaLondoner ]

[bow5]

Cheers bayarealondoner. I tried the avsim.com website and found some good stuff on there last night.

Have I missed something or is it impossible to start the game anywhere other than the active runway? It seems a bit daft being lined up to go and then asking taxi permission to be told to 'hold short'.

[BayAreaLondoner]

bow5 - you should be able to select another area of the airport (this may depend on the airport). For example, if you choose KSFO, you're given the choice of the runways but also various gates. You do this from the airport selection screen.
Hope that helps.

David.

[henry crun]

BAL, thats ok with powered aircraft but try selecting a glider flight and you are lined up at some point on the airfield or runway without a tug infront ! or have I missed something ?

[bow5]

It must be only on specific airports then. Apparently Heathrow doesn't qualify to be big enough to be able to start anywhere other than the active runway. Same with Gatwick. I guess you must have to buy more add ons for the priveledge.

Would it really have been that hard to place the aircraft somewhere else on the field?

[PCav8or]

FS2002 just doesn't cut it. Still very much on the lines of an arcade game. For the 'real' flying experience try PS1.3a (www.aerowinx.com). Fly online with ATC as well. There's just too much to say in this post, so spend some time & check out the site in detail.
"Keep the blue side up chaps".

[BFH]

I bought it a couple weeks ago and it makes good practice for me, seeing as how I'm still working on my PPL.

I was just curious what all your opinions are on the product.

Thanks!

[Eff Oh]

I think it is an amazing piece of computer technology. Much better than 2002! What will they come up with for MS Flight Sim 2004??? <img src="eek.gif" border="0">

Eff Oh.

[Superpilot]

Great ha?

Although, many users (especially those with top end graphics cards) are experiencing this blurry texture problem where the ground beneath looks like its been smudged, kind of yucky! I love the chrome effects though! <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[JJflyer]

Me thinks that the flightmodels are not all that realistic... But you cant get it all now can you.
Especially the rudder does not seem to work like in the real thing or produce same aerodynamical reactions as in an airplane.

[emu]

I have recently started to use it with CH Yoke and rudders. This has introduced a new level of realism and while it still in no way matches the real thing, it is helping both as both a training aid and a method of aiding currency. I definately think its good for instrument flying and would have been a great help before my IMC rating.

[SOHCAHTOA]

FS2002 is a great scenery viewer, but the aircraft dynamics leave a little to be desired!!

Once some decent 3rd party planes come out it should be the DB's <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[BayAreaLondoner]

Some of the "big planes" are already out: Dreamfleet and PSS 747 and 777 (well you can hack it to work).
The Project Open Sky stuff works.
I think there's a Canuck or Beaver out too, and the DC-3 project associated with a museum is available on CD.
Maybe someone will address GA aircraft soon?

[Bell Man]

Overall, is it a lot better than the 2000 PRO edition, and is it worth the money ?

[AeroBoero]

The Jepp database is renewed, a lot of fixes are there now and real weather allows you to download upper winds, not only sfc.

Still has some bugs but thinks all in all is as good as the price say it is. You can't really expect a "real" characteristic from the sim but very good in general.

AB

[QAVION]

"Overall, is it a lot better than the 2000 PRO edition, and is it worth the money ?"

Not if you have to buy a new computer to run it. The only reason why I bought FS2002 was because I heard that the scenery was much better and, importantly, smoother (I wasn't getting very good framerates in FS2000, so I was hoping for a slight improvement in this regard). However, it refused to run at all on my laptop (I only have a 4Mb Video chip).

Rgds.
Q

[spudskier]

Ok, so being a student, a LOT of people have recommended MS Flight Simulator, good idea or save my money?

If so, what is the difference between MSFS2002 and MSFS2002 Pro?

[Doors to Automatic]

About $20 :)

Thats about it really!

[twistedenginestarter]

I would always recommend anyone interested in flying to have a copy of MSFS as it is very versatile. Unlike anything else in aviation it is cheap. You can for example practice Instrument Procedures but do it at virtually any airport you choose and have the benefit of breaking through cloud at decision height and doing a landing. Never done a back-course approach? Pick Varadero and have a shot.

If I were buying, I'd go for the Pro version. It has more planes and better customisation features.

[TowerDog]

Rumor says the MS Flight Simulator has a B-767 addition.
A quick search on Google did not find it.

Any info on B-757/767 programs to go with the MS Flight Simulator?

Thanks.

TD

[Skunkworks]

Try wilcopub.com - look for 767 PIC


/skunks

[ETOPS773]

Its a great add on..

try www.avsim.com for that kinda stuff...there is a freeware b767 series at www.avsim.com/posky
they are also making a 757,got 747/767/777/a330 series completed
just plane,not panel or sounds..but i mix them up and its a great combo.

for more fun,goto www.projectai.com,it will be up in 2-3 days.i made all the virgin plans
happy simming!!!

ETOPS

[pinkpilot]

I was thinking about buying the CH products yoke for flight sim, any one used it before?? Is it just a toy or something worthwhile?? Is it better to buy a yoke instead of a joystick??
Any comments, advice, recommendations are appreciated.
Thanks Pp

[iainpoll]

Might as well buy a joystick, and use the money you have saved to book a trial lesson at your local flying club. Much more fun. Simming is OK, I use FS2002 to practice radio navigation, but to be honest it's not 'really' like flying! Enjoy whatever you decide
:)

[str12]

I used a yoke with MS FS 2002 and found it OK, possibly a bit more precise than a stick.

The Sims are good for practising radio nav and also as a procedure trainer, for example, doing your rejoin FREDA or downwind checks.

You can also use them to practise RT while flying: request a MATZ penetration etc.

I see with FS 2002 you can introduce failures during a flight - haven't used that fuctionality yet but will be interested in having a gander.

[Circuit Basher]

Of course, it IS possible to go over the top with Flight Sims.....

Extreme Flight Simming Example (http://groups.msn.com/CircuitBasher/funnies.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=38)

:D :D

[RomeoTangoFoxtrotMike]

Yikes :eek: Where did you find that ? :)

[xerxius]

I want one...

Yes a yoke is infinitely better than a joystick.

[Circuit Basher]

I work for a fairly large UK company that used to be a part of the UK Swivel Service and we have got a fairly active newsgroup network where people share files and post good links. This is one such example!!

To the best of my knowledge, this is a genuine picture!! :eek: :D

I believe that the owner of this kit doesn't get out much ;) ;)

[Who has control?]

xerxius said:-

Yes a yoke is infinitely better than a joystick.

except in a real aircraft of course.

[rob_frost]

OMG!! wouldn't it be funny to swap all the keyboard/mouse/monitor leads arounds. :D

I would say unless you only play non combat flight sims a joy stick is a better long term option as you can use it with more games. And combat aircraft games just wouldn't work very well with a yoke..

[xerxius]

RF I agree, but if you're playing with FS2002 then a yoke may be a better bet than a joystick.

For ultimate realism when you're playing with your A320 sim then you'd better stick to a joystick and fly it with your left hand - that is if you want to play at being Captain of course.

[Ian_Wannabe]

Hey there,
As a once budding fsim 'er :D I've used both the Microsoft 'Prosomething' joystick and the CH Yolk you're talking about, and in my opinion this is how it goes:

For WWII simulations use a joystick, much easier to control your a/c and it suits the WWII feel.

For that Airbus you want to captain, use a joystick for the already mentioned reasons.

But, generally when using fsim I reckon that the CH yolk is far better and more realistic to use - although mine does stick sometimes....


Happy simmin'

Ian

[Tosh McCaber]

My friend, FAPTL, is looking and waiting for his first job. In the meantime, apart from saving for his hour building, he's wanting to keep his hand in for his radio nav etc, with FS2002.

What would be the minimum hardware specs to upgrade his (older) computer for smooth operation?

[gofer]

Pentium 3 over 500Mhz as a minimum - the faster the better - and ca 10Gb of disk as minimum for the system, e-mail, software programs etc.

In addition a good screen and graphics card that work well together. :)

[Tosh McCaber]

Thanks for that. Unfortunately, that's what he's got at present, and it just stutters along.

Any other minimums- ie- is it better to upgade the graphics card, or processor- or both- bearing in mind that upgrade components are cheap at the moment. But , bearing in mind that the ATPL course has drained him dry financially- how much of an upgrade is necessary?

Anybody out there got a FS system which has no problems- if so what are your computer specs?


Thanks

[flybhx]

Before spending money on upgrades suggest he goes through options such as the graphics quality. As a non pilot I'm assuming that what he wishes to do does not need the high density scenery.Reducing the quality of the unnecessary bits of scenery reduces the processor load and should increase the frame rate

[Fujiflyer]

I use "On Top" flight simulator (ASA). I expect that this is less demanding of computing power than FS2002 as the graphics are somewhat simpler. When I first started using the software it was on a machine which exceeded the minimum system spec' by quite a reasonable margin however I found that the frame refresh rate was so slow (2 - 3 / second) that it made accurate flying very difficult and tedious. Sometime later I upgraded the PC (actually more of a replacement) - 1GHz Athlon, few hundred Mb RAM, better graphics card etc. The improvement I found when using the simulator was quite incredible. (frame rate about 8 / second)

I should think the same is probably even more relevant to FS2002. Of course for using the software as a procedural tool then the graphics settings can be set to require minimum system resources.

It would be useful (if you can) list the system spec' of the present system. A PIII 500MHz is not a bad system so I suspect that there is a bottle neck somewhere (poor graphics card for eg) or that the system settings are set at too demanding a level.


Fujiflyer :)

[SpinSpinSugar]

FS2002 is actually quite demanding on the processor, or at least the processor/gfx card demands are a little more even than most games which tend to rely heavily on the graphics card.

For what it's worth I've got a Windows XP system - 1.8Ghz Athlon XP paired with an old Geforce2 MX, 512Mb DDR RAM - and FS works fine at 1024x768 in 32bit.

These days upgrading your processor is a lot cheaper than buying a current generation graphics card, though pretty much anything with GeForce on it, or any recent Radeon card should be fine.

[5711N0205W]

Windows XP (SP1) on AMD Athlon 900 (Slot A), ABIT KT7A, 512Mb PC133, 20Gb HD (Fujitsu Picobird), Creative GEFORCE3 Ti200 (64Mb).

Running with Lago Terramesh of UK and Eire (well recommended) and Lago Emma Field on top of Standard Scenery. Custom sceneries of EGPD, EGNX, EGNJ.

Frame rates are set to target of 16FPS, densities etc are high if not quite maxed out and it is nice and smooth. Smoothness is the key here rather than out and out frame rate. As a lot of people know it was the stutters that made the experience with FS98 and FS2000 quite difficult.

:cool:

[Capt. Horatio Slappy !!]

Hi,

Hardware upgrades may be a moot point based on the framework within which the software is designed to run.
I'm running FS2002 on a Pentium 4 2.53 GHz cpu system with a MEG of PC1066 Rambus and the latest nVidia card, the GeForce 4 Ti 4600 128 meg DDR memory grafix card.
I am unable to exceed 35 frames per second at any resolution or hardware setting.
Microsoft decided that to integrate other high workload functions of the software it was not necessary to exceed around 35 frames per second and waste processor power, good thinking, most of our limited brains are unable to process with any accuracy anything over that animation rate. ( Your home television animates at around 24 fps )
Conclusion:
You should be able to run FS 2002 with nothing more than about a 1.5 Ghz cpu on a moderate grafix card, something like the 64 Meg GeForce 2, for best results.
FS2002 runs smooth as silk on my laptop also( P3m 1.2 GHz cpu 512 ram, 32 meg geforce 2 grafix onboard ) and I run it at 800 by 600 with moderate grafix settings and get around 24 to 30 Frames per second.
So don't go buy the latest and greatest for FS2002, unless, of course, you wish to also obliterate aliens at a stupendous rate, using the latest belt-fed missile launcher at 200 frames per second in glorious 3d directx 8.1 rendered slaughter with surround sound.

Per ardua to my undershorts.

[Token Bird]

Dear folks,

Though y'all might know of an add-on I can purchase/download etc.. with a Piper Arrow that is compatible with Flight Simulator 2000. I need to brush up on my checklists/procedures/get used to having a landing gear etc... as I am starting my CPL in a few weeks!

Ta, TB

[wobblyprop]

Hi TB,

Try

www.flightsim.com

there is a massive library of planes. You need to register then go to the main menu (at the bottom of the homepage) then search file libraries. It's self explanitory from there.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

Wobbers

[Kefuddle_UK]

Pop along to www.avsim.com and have a search in their file library and look for reviews. Alternatively, try www.flightsim.com, but that is difficult to get a slot on without paying :(

If it is not in either of those two then it probably is not available.

[Pub User]

It's available to download free here:

http://www.simviation.com/files/1props/arrowiia.zip

Enjoy.

[BlueRobin]

Hmm, you have a cheapo sound card?

Can you play .wav and .mp3 files in Windows?

Also hit Q is FS2002 to turn sound off/on.

[Tosh McCaber]

Just to let you all know, my friend took the advice of Gordon, our local Computer Expert, who took his old computer away, and modified it as follows:

New case with 300w power supply (original power supply inadequate).
PC Chips motherboard with integrated Video, Modem, Sound, Network Card
AMD 1.7Ghz Processor
254MB SDram
AMD processor fan
16x DVD/ 40x CD Player
Video Card Creative 3D Blaster GeForce2 Titanium 64 Mb/ 400MHz/ DDR/ AGP/ TV
His old Hard Drive and Floppy Drive were re-used.

Virtually a new package. Cost £290, including labour, for the above (and he’s got the better part of another computer in components left over!)

Before adding the GeForce card, he was getting between 9 and 22fps at 640X480 res. He then went from 128Mb Memory to256Mb- not much difference. However, since adding the additional (low cost- £50- included in above price)Video Card, performance has leapt to between 24 and 34fps at 800x600 res. Beautifully smooth and realistic operation.

Thanks for all the replies and advice- appreciated.

[ChiSau]

I've had a search for previous threads on this but failed to find what I need......

With Xmas approaching the missus has kindly offered to buy me the MS Flight Sim 2002. My question is - do I need to buy add-on software with detailed UK airfields, and if so, which one???

Thank you!

:)

[BRL]

Hi there. I am going to send this to the computer forum for you. I know there has been some questions like this on there. Keep an eye on it there too. :)

[Ella]

Frankly if you just want to enjoy the flying from the cockpit view the airport scenary is not important.

MS have done a very good job in compiling generic scenery with accurate runway headings for most airports worldwide in FS 2002.

However if your'e someone who enjoys the 'arcade' outside view of your aircraft then there are some very good independant companies offering good scenery.

Try these links.

http://www.uk2000scenery.bizland.com/puplic/index.htm
http://www.wilcopub.com/A22v1.htm

There are many more besides.

[Doors to Automatic]

The UK 2000 scenery (first of the two links in the post above) is by far the best available - although currently the 5 or so volumes only cover airports up to the Manchester area. I've got it myself and its awesome.

For other airports I would either wait until subsequent volumes are released or download individual airports from sites like www.avsim.com. Hope this helps.

[Mak]

Hi all,

I have two quick questions regarding PC flight simulators.

First, has anybody tried the new FS2002 photographic sceneries for VFR flights? Do they work or not worth the money?

And second what are your experiences with joysticks and pedals for flight simulators? I have a 3 axis logitech which is completely useless and need to upgrade to something more suitable. I'll probably stick to a stick (!) instead of a yoke but otherwise am open to any suggestions.


By the way going back to VFR in sims, I recently bought flight unlimited 2 for less than a fiver and it is indeed good enough for VFR!! It really is miles ahead of FS2002. I am very curious how version 3 looks like but unfortunately it's out of stock (everywhere).

Only drawback is the map is not so good for planning but I guess buying a sectional map for the SFrancisco are would solve the problem.

Thanks for the help,
mak

[SuperOwl]

Hi,

I've got the VFR scenery and as long as you fly above 5000' you should find it OK. I would say that unless you have a high-end PC that you may have a problem with frame rate issues. The scenery is all there but it is not 3d so if you are flying low you will see that the ground is all funny colours. But again if you look at these funny colours at 5000' they become roads, rooftops, railways etc. I'd say buy it.

As for controllers, I have a "Thrustmaster Topgun". It has a separate throttle lever which itself has 4 buttons and also a rocker switch that can be used to control the rudder. The joystick also has a twist action for the rudder but there is a switch so that you can select whether to use the rocker switch or the twist action for the rudder. It cost me £30 and is well worth it.

Hope this helps.

[wub]

I heartily endorse SuperOwl's choice of stick. The Thrustmaster Top Gun is the best I've ever used, great for choppers, and I've tried 'em all over the last 20 years!

[JackR]

:confused: I'm a simple fellow who's enjoyed FS98 and now 2002. When I was landing at night in FS98, the strip would light uyp like a Christmas tree, lovely. In 2002 this doesn't happen.
Is it the program or am I missing something.

[wub]

Runway lights at night may be made brighter by doing the following: Hit "W" 2x , and stretch scenery window to full screen. Now, hit w to put panel back. Now raise the seat by hitting shift and enter together, or lower by hitting shift and backspace together.

[The Sweeney]

also, have you seen this:

VFR Photographic Scenery: Central & Southern England (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006LJZD/jetblastersco-21)

£29.99 on Just Flight's own web site - so how can Amazon do it for £19.99?

[Tonic Please]

Put your landing lights on. On the big jets, it lights up the runway.

What exactly do you mean anyway by saying the runway doesnt light up in 2002? Try putting scenery levels up also...

smooth skies