Flight Simulator Tips and Tricks Latest Topics

FSX Worksheet for Flight Prep ATC etc

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 13:03:42 +0000

DO NOT ASK QUESTIONS HERE

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:00:53 +0000

This is not the forum in which to ask questions, especially as an originating post.

If you have a question to ask about any "Tip or Trick" posted, use the PM system (Private Message). That is what it is for. Alternatively, ask your question in the appropriate forum, with a link back to the original "Tip or Trick."Please note that any originating post that asks a question will probably be deleted. If I'm in a good mood I may move the question to the appropriate forum, but......don't count on that. B)

If you wish to ask a question about darned near anything FS related, simply click over to the Main FS9 Forum or the Main FSX Forum and have at it.I am also quite sure that virtually no one will bother to actually read and adhere to this post... Bill - MSFS Tips and Tricks Janitor

Making backup copies of the original FSX discs...

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 17:50:00 +0000

The subject of the factory-original FSX discs becoming lost or damaged comes up from time to time. So, I thought I'd repost some information about making backup copies of the discs. And yes, it is legal to copy them as your own private backups*. And, no, they are not copy protected (the "protection" comes from the activation process). I recommend making ISO files from the originals and then simply burning the ISO files to blank DVDs (you can also leave the ISO files on your HDD and use a virtual disc drive to install them) .Once that's done if you have to install FSX again you can simply mount the ISO file to a physical or virtual disc drive. Freeware to do this can be found here:

To create the ISO files look here: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-crea...-or-cd-2625180

To mount a virtual DVD look here: http://download.cnet.com/Virtual-Clo..._4-173879.html

Once you do this you'll never need to worry again about the condition of the original discs.

Doug

* In the U.S.A. I can't speak to other countries laws.

All about FSX cfg. Changes

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 19:30:06 +0000

The first thing you should know is that Win 10 will do everything possible to keep you in the dark about file changes.

Go into your menu, uncheck hidden files.

Go into search box, unplug internet.

Win 10 will always try to keep you powerless and will revert to internet rather then allow you access.

Type %appdata% then tap enter.

Go to Microsoft click fsx.

Go to fsx cfg and r click, make sure you are admin set admin at bottom set user and admin full privilege.

Make sure to use word wrap and never copy a file and paste in fsx ALWAYS CUT AND PASTE.

Now make you changes and use wordwrap.

Make a copy of this file when finished and place it in your safe file area on your system.

This is so if overwritten you don't have to hassle with changes all over again.

For a lesson on this and each cfg. Change and how to do the writing and understanding as all input regarding letters and numbers aren't consistent.

C Aviation has the manual.

Now on crashes, this is usually related to the first version of fsx, the second issue being changes in the 2 ND version which is Acceleration, and or the GOLD pack.

This is actually related to you're screen size and the menu tap.

You can make the widescreen change in the cfg. As Widescreen=False to Widescreen=True

On the screen from standard just stretch the screen, and to note, your screen is actually additional ram, the more you have in shortcuts the more ram you lose.

You can change this in personal appearances.

Admin in control panel, amount of ram click lower left screen advanced to appearances, set for performance below set minimum to half 1/4 total ram, set upper to just below full amount, this will give you the best option along with this in cfg.

Under GRAPHICS

TYPE HIGHMEMFIX=1

RESTART YOUR SYSTEM. Enjoy.

I'm running a hp cq56 laptop with 4096 ,a single core, and hd graphics and running orbx world entire, mil bases 1 and 2 , 57 different MAIW fleets with bases, and half of the U.S. in megaphotoscenery, and this runs fast more so then my quad-core and above because of working the system.

Learn the system, learn the cfg. And you will see the changes.

Another thing, if you get glitches usually your in a aircraft with graphics contempt with the application or graphics.

It's easy, go to menu, and drop graphics speed down a notch, you won't notice the difference in speed affecting graphics.

Your computer is telling to your moving to fast for graphics to be applied.

Conflicts in programs. Whew.

Always hide fsx menu and keep mouse off screen away from and menus, opposite side of screen, anything under fsx will affect it.

Good luck, Happy Holiday, Semper Fidelis. Sure do miss Thomas. He set me up with my first KMIV download.

Complete Guide for stable FSX Configuration & Settings

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:22:00 +0000

I have written a complete guide for FSX Configuration and Settings, especially for those of you looking to fly on Vatsim or for those which are on a low-end pc like me:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2564014130

I want to share this post to hopefully help some of you if you are struggling to set up FSX.

Thank you. (This post could be moved to Tips & Tricks if applicable)

IF ANYONE NEEDS TO GET AND DOWNLOAD FSX SP1 AND FSX SP2

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 21:08:29 +0000

IF ANYONE NEEDS TO FIND AND DOWNLOAD FSX SP1 AND FSX SP2 I WILL PROVIDE THE LINKS BELOW ...

https://www.gamefront.com/games/flight-simulator-x/file/flight-simulator-x-service-pack-1-english

https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=8986

I HOPE THIS WILL HELP AND THOSE ARE THE LINKS WHERE I GOT THEM FOR MYSELF FOR FREE

ONE WAY TO FIX ERROR 1722 WHEN INTALLING OR RE INSTALLINGFSX

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 08:26:46 +0000

well i have figured out my previous problem when installing on my windows xp computer FSX . before like i said on my previous post everytime I tried ti install FSX i got error 1722.

So I openned my C drive then Programs then Microsoft games and then removed and deleted all folders that said FSX. once done I emptied my recicling bins.

I whent to Microsoft.com and in the search bar I wrote ... fix for FSX error 1722

Microsoft then gave me the solution ... https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/error-1722-when-reinstalling-flight-simulator-x-de4cfd63-4900-874d-5fc5-020555e62be2

I fallowed all the directions given by Microsoft on how to fix the error 1722.

i downloaded the fix, open and unzipped the file and then i had to open my ms dos program as per microsoft and fallowed the intructions given by Microsoft on what to write in my ms dos window.

Once all the above was done then I tried once again to install FSX on my pc. I noticed that at the beginning of the ins tallation of FSX where it says,,, regestering installation was fast and didn't take 20 minutes like before it was quite fast. I waited for FSX to install and once it was done I had no error messages and I was also able to register FSX right away and I'm flying in my FSX once again. 🙂 🙂

I hope this may help any one having the same problem I had 🙂

Ari

In-Flight Refresh/Restore

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 12:17:59 +0000

I just wanted to share this tip that I discovered, Not only does it allow you to refresh your flight in-flight with a single button/key press, but if you happen to crash, it will automatically reload your flight at a point immediately before the crash so that you can recover and carry on.

You need to have Pete Dowson's wonderful FSUIPC installed. Set up the flight autosave facility as follows:

Enable Autosave: Checked

Save Interval: 60000 secs (we're not interested in the regular autosave file)

How Many To Keep: 1 (to ensure the file is overwritten on each autosave)

Save Whilst on Ground: Checked

Also Save To A Flight Called: Checked and specify filename as Previous Flight

At This Interval (secs): 60 (or whatever you wish)

(It may be that you can do the same with other flight autosave tools, but you must be able to save the file as Previous Flight)

This will automatically save your flight every 60 secs to a FLT file called "Previous Flight". This is the file that FSX reloads when you invoke the Reset function (Ctrl+semicolon) or when you crash in mid flight. The file by default contains the flight settings at the start of the current flight, but there's nothing to stop you replacing it.

So with this setup, if you're flying along and FSUIPC starts warning that you are running out of VAS (which was my problem), simply invoke Reset (I have it mapped to a button on my yoke). The sim pauses briefly and then reloads your flight from when it was last autosaved (i.e up to 60 secs ago). The reload is very quick, because most of the scenery is already loaded. The flight then carries on automatically, but with much less VAS - in my case nearly 1GB less..

Or, if you should happen to crash for any reason (it happens), instead of automatically reloading your flight from the beginning, FSX will reload from the point of the last autosave, which on average is 30 secs before the crash, thus allowing you to recover and avoid repeating what you did wrong the first time.

I guess this scheme or similar could also be used if you wanted to repeat a particular segment of flight (e.g. a landing) over and over.

PMDG 737 NGX Learning to Fly it.

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 04:29:02 +0000

The best way to learn to fly this aircraft is do the two tutorials. Here is a play list of videos I made which goes through these 2 tutorials.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_R1ZNmKUNvGwpSyTaZdrr7Al50ebVliU

How to make video camera movement like PRO with EZCA

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 10:49:34 +0000

Hope you like...

Maule Error/Conflict fix

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 04:55:20 +0000

While trying to figure out another duplicate Maule error on startup I happened across an old topic here which had no resolution and was wanting to suggest a fix that worked for me in the case it happens to someone else.

I had only been using the Steam version of FSX as I was getting back into flying in the past few days. Last night I decided to install some of my old payware planes that I wanted to fly again. After installing about 5 of them I started getting the Maule duplicate name error. After reading the unresolved topic here on these forums attached below, the last commenter gave me an idea on what to search for. As the error didn't pop up until after installing the payware planes, it was simply a process of elimination to find the problem.

It turns out, the Just Flight DC-3 Legends of Flight package I bought in the last few years was the culprit. In particular, and it makes so much sense now, the C-47 Glider Tug aircraft. Sure enough, I looked at the aircraft.cfg for it and it listed it's title= name as "Maule M7 260C" causing a duplicate name and conflict with the default Maule M7 260C that comes with the game. I suppose I'll let Just Flight know about this in case they might not be aware. I had kept a copy of the download from when I first purchased and so my apologies if JF has already fixed this and the community is aware of it.

Thanks!

FS Recorder in FSX:SE

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 15:41:31 +0000

Originally posted by mikeytwc in the FSX/FSX:SE forum:

Every version of FSX (RTM, SP1, SP2, Acceleration) brings it's own version of SimConnect. FS Recorder 1.3x requires the SP1 version of SimConnect, which means, that you need to have FSX SP1 or higher installed! If this version of SimConnect is missing, FS Recorder will not be loaded by FSX.

There have been reports, that in some cases the SP1 version of SimConnect is not installed when installing FSX SP2 without installing SP1 before. Below you find a small utility, which shows the installed SimConnect versions, the required one is 10.0.61355.0.

SimConnVersions.zip
Utility to display installed SimConnect versions
(28.07 KiB) Downloaded 1541 times

Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Runtime

If the Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Runtime is not installed on your system, FS Recorder might not load. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft website:

Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)

dll.xml file

In FSX for every add-on module a launch entry in the file dll.xml is required. The entry for FS Recorder is added automatically by the Setup.msi installer.

In some cases the dll.xml file might be damaged by add-on installers. Also there have been reports, that in some cases the order of entries in the dll.xml file can play a role and cause some add-ons not to load correctly.

If you can't get FS Recorder working, and you have (or had) other FSX add-ons installed, try one of the following:

Download the free FSX DLL.XML Viewer and Repair Utility from the Flight1 website (read the included instructions!) and try to repair the dll.xml file or to change the order of the launch entries.

Or, to find out, if the problem is the dll.xml file:

Uninstall FS Recorder, find the dll.xml file on your system, rename it (e.g. to dll.xml.bak), then reinstall FS Recorder using the Setup.msi installer (it will create a new dll.xml file). If FS Recorder works then, it is clear, that the problem is in your original dll.xml file, and you have to repair it or to change the launch order

step 1, Install all the simconnects that DTG doesnt automatically install for you

keep in mind these are simconnect.msi files...just double click to install

where my FSX:SE is installed into my E:\ drive

there are actually (4) simconnects in FSX:SE

E:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\FSX\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\lib

(install this one first)

E:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\FSX\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\LegacyInterfaces\FSX-RTM

(install this one 2nd)

E:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\FSX\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\LegacyInterfaces\FSX-SP1

(install this one 3rd)

E:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\FSX\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\LegacyInterfaces\FSX-XPACK (YOU SHOULD NOT NEED TO INSTALL THIS ONE)

DTG now includes the install for the xpack since the last update/patch

the 2nd thing to do is install the C++ redistributable

E:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\FSX\_CommonRedist\vcredist\2005

there are 2 files here

vcredist_x86.msi (to install for 32 bit)
vcredist_x64.msi (to install for 64 bit)

just double click on the pertinant one for your system,should be 64bit

just to make sure it is installed, the XML parser should also be installed, it should have been loaded already by fsx

E:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\FSX\Installers

msxml.msi

double click this file to install

then go to your flight menu and test fs-recorder once it is loaded

How Do I Uninstall FSX Steam Edition

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 23:39:48 +0000

Introduction

A Tutorial to Uninstall FSX Steam Edition from your Computer

============

---------

Index

---------

(1) Uninstalling FSX Steam Edition

(2) Deleting the 5 FSX folders

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) Uninstalling FSX Steam Edition

There are 2 ways you can Uninstall FSX

First way: Navigate to your Steam Library, Right Click on Microsoft Flight Simulator X, Click Uninstall

------------------------------------------

Second way: Navigate to your Control Panel "Programs and features" Right Click on Microsoft Flight Simulator X, Click Uninstall

When the Uninstall process has completed, Restart your Computer

===============================================================================================================

(2) Deleting the 5 FSX folders

Locate and Delete these 5 Blue folders (Important) If you are doing an Uninstall and Reinstall of FSX It is Important to Delete these Generated folders before you Reinstall FSX again

Right Click and Delete the 5 Blue folders

-------------------------------------------------------------------

► Computer ► Your FSX Location ► Steam ► steamapps ► common ► FSX

► Libraries ► Documents ► Microsoft Simulator X Files

► Computer ► Local Disk (C:) ►ProgramData ► Microsoft ► FSX

► Computer ► Local Disk (C:) ► Users ► You ► AppData ► Roaming ► Microsoft ► FSX

► Computer ► Local Disk (C:) ► Users ► You ► AppData ► Local ► Microsoft ► FSX

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Locate these folders, You need to Insure you have the correct Folder Options settings applied

For Windows 7, 8 and 10 Users, Follow the path below..........

1 Control Panel ► Appearances and Personalisation ► 2 Show hidden files and folders. 3 Tick the circle "Show hidden files, folders and drivers" Click Apply and Ok

Windows 7 - tweaking for gaming video

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 11:59:41 +0000

I recently re-installed Windows 7 and this time followed this video to optimize my overall system performance.

It's mainly tweaks I usually do, but there were also many things I hadn't done before.

I can really recommend it. My system has never been more snappy and fluid and I have found no ill effects either.

Here you go:

GUIDE - Mipmapping and Optimising Textures

Thu, 02 Jul 2015 19:20:58 +0000

Guide to mipmapping textures for flight simulation

By Toby Rayfield 27/06/2015

Updated 02/07/2015

- Flipping Section added for BMP to DDS conversion

CONTENTS

I. Texture Compression

II. Texture Formats

III. Tools you will need

IV. Why would I want mipmaps anyway?

V. How to check if a texture needs converting

VI. How to add mipmaps using Imagetool

VII. Resizing and converting textures using Photoshop

VIII. Texture Dimensions and File Size

IX. Saving a DDS in Photoshop

X. Filesizes as an indicator of optimisation

XI. Which textures can I convert?

XII. Naming Conventions

XIII. Saving a Bitmap as DDS in Imagetool

XIV. Batch Commands

Texture compression

There are two types of texture compression that should be used, which will allow you to balance file size with function.

DXT1 textures are for textures with no alpha channel, or a pure black or white alpha channel.

DXT5 textures are for textures with greyscale Alpha layers

DXT3 textures should not be used as they show compression artifacts in the final image.

Texture Formats

Textures come in various formats, the two most common found in flight simulator add-ons are BMP and DDS format. Both formats can use DXT1 or DXT5 compression.

More information about these formats is available here (http://www.prepar3d.com/SDKv2/LearningCenter/modeling/texturing_aircraft_%20models.html).

BMP's were used in older versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator but with the introduction of FSX, Microsoft changed to the more efficient DDS format. BMP files still work in Prepar3d but are not recommended.

Quote P3D SDK: The DDS format allows images to be compressed with greater efficiency and flexibility than formats such as BMPs

If you are interested to learn more about how textures work, I highly recommend the SDK link above as a starting point.

Tools you will need

1. ACES Imagetool - included with the FSX/P3D SDK, more information about this essential tool here

(http://www.prepar3d.com/SDKv2/LearningCenter/modeling/texturing_aircraft_%20models.html#Normal%20Map)

2. Adobe Photoshop

3. Nvidia Texture Tools for Adobe Photoshop (https://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-texture-tools-adobe-photoshop)

While there are many other tools out there, these are the ones I will discuss and recommend.

Why would I want mipmaps anyway?

In the image below, you can see unmipped and uncompressed gauge textures. Do you see how the lines appear unclear? In motion, it is much worse as the lines appear to vibrate and distract from the flight. This is because there are no mipmaps, so the computer displays the original raw and uncompressed image. As I am not sitting at exactly the correct distance from this texture, it cannot display the texture correctly, hence the unclear image.

In this second image, the gauge textures have been mipmapped. While they appear blurry in this cropped image, in the sim, they are clear and easily readable. If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the mipmapped version. As the texture now has mipmaps, the computer can choose which version is the optimal one for my distance from the texture.

!! Before you start editing textures, always create a backup of the textures that you want to edit !!

How to check if a texture needs converting

1. Open Imagetool

2. Open the folder containing the textures you would like to optimise

3. Drag the texture onto the open window of Imagetool

One of the following things will happen:

If the image won't open in the official texture tool, imagine the problems that this could cause for your simulator. While the textures might display without crashing the sim, who knows what this might cause to happen behind the scenes.

All of my textures open in Imagetool. So I see no reason why anyone should provide textures that don't.

Textures can be saved, compressed and converted in a way that they appear correctly in the sim and do not open in Imagetool but if a texture opens in Imagetool, then it is correctly formatted and adheres to the official SDK format guidelines, which is what we're aiming for.

6. In the second image above, you can see on the right, under the information tab, that the image is 4096x4096 pixels large, has DXT5 compression, it is unknown if the image has an alpha channel and the image contains no mipmaps (1 Mip Level is the texture).

7. If I now open this texture in Photoshop, using the options selected below for opening DDS files, I can see that it does have an alpha channel, so I know that DXT5 is the correct format for this texture.

8. As this image is already in the correct DDS format, I now have two options, I can resize and save this file using Photoshop or I can convert it and add mipmaps using Imagetool. I will explain both methods below. It depends on personal preference, normally it is easier to batch convert multiple files with Imagetool but if you need to resize as well, then you will need to use Photoshop. Note that batch methods can be used in both programs effectively. I find it easier to create batch tools in Photoshop to automatically process large amounts of textures.

!! Before you start editing textures, always create a backup of the textures that you want to edit !!

How to add mipmaps using Imagetool

- Open the image in Imagetool

- Select 'Image > Create Mipmaps' from the menu bar

Congratulations, you have now added mipmaps to the texture

Close Imagetool and save the image when prompted.

The ideal size for textures in the FSX/P3D engine is 1024x1024 pixels. As this image is 4096x4096, it has not been fully optimised. As shown in the image below, the mipped version is 5mb larger than the non-mipped version, so we still need to resize this texture to fully optimise it.

Resizing and converting textures using Photoshop

1. Open the original .dds image that you want to optimise in Photoshop, using the options as shown in the image below, when asked.

2. Select 'Image > Image Size' in the Photoshop menu bar.

3. Enter your preferred size in the entry field, choose between 1024 or 2048, and select a resample method.

I use 'smooth gradients' as 'sharpen' adds halos around lines, as shown in the zoomed in images below.

Texture Dimensions and File Size

Textures should be 1024x1024 pixels. As the examples above show an external aircraft texture and I am prepared to spend a bit more VAS having nicer looking textures on my aircraft, I chose 2048x2048 pixels. 4096x4096 is uneccesarily large for these kind of external livery files and it will also take a long time to save the DDS file.

Normally an aircraft will not contain more than 2 main texture sheets, which is why I can justify using 2048x2048 for these two textures. An airport is a different matter as that has many textures, maybe as many as 50 and if half of them are 4096x4096, you shouldn't be surprised when you run out of VAS and the sim crashes.

2048x2048 should always be enough for your favourite textures, use 1024x1024 for everything else, unless the original file is smaller, then leave it as it is.

Saving a DDS in Photoshop

Now, all we need to do is save this texture as a DXT5 DDS file.

1. Choose 'File > Save As' from the Photoshop Menu Bar

2. Select the format D3D/DDS (*.DDS;*.DDS), check that Alpha Channels is checked and click Save.

Next, another window will open, from the NVIDIA plug-in. Set up the options as below and click 'Save'. Do not change any of the other options.

Congratulations, you now have an optimised texture.

If you were saving a texture without a greyscale Alpha Channel, then you would select DXT1 format from the drop down menu.

In the image below, you can see the results of various resizing and compression on file size and, hopefully, can understand why I chose the 2048x2048 DXT5 DDS option for this external texture.

Filesizes as an indicator of optimisation

You can use Windows Explorer to filter a folder of textures by size to quickly see if your newly purchased add on uses mipmapped textures or not. The following file sizes will normally indicate correctly mipmapped files.

43 kb

86 kb

171 kb

342 kb

683 kb

1366 kb

2731 kb

5462 kb

Anything else is either incorrectly optimised or a special texture, which we will come to in a minute.

The following image shows correctly optimised texture file sizes.

The next image shows incorrectly optimised texture file sizes. You will get the idea quickly enough but basically anything that you see with a filesize of 1025 kb, 4097 kb or 16,385 kb is incorrect and needs optimising.

Which textures can I convert?

As mentioned previously, certain kinds of textures should not be converted or optimised. Environment maps (reflections), fresnel_ramps, bump maps, specular layers and prop textures should be left alone. While these textures can be optimised, it is beyond the scope of this document, to teach the techniques involved.

If you want to try converting bump maps, which are often delivered in 4096x4096 and therefore VAS consumers, you need to convert the file to 32 bit, if not already, then resave as DXT5 DDS. To avoid any artifacts or loss of quality, you would normally create a new bump map from the optimised texture that you have created instead. Read more about bump maps in the P3D SDK Documentation in the link at the very top of this document.

Naming Conventions

The SDK recommends the following naming convention for textures:

ModelName_TextureNumber_Suffix.Extension

The Suffix _T is normally used to indicate an external texture.

Most developers use a version of the following suffixes but many don't. It is up to you to check each texture before you convert it.

The suffixes for each type of texture are as follows:

Diffuse Map: '_T'

Specular Map: '_T_Specular'

Bump Map: '_T_Bump'

Emmisive Map: '_T_LM'

A diffuse map is a regular texture, for example, the outside livery of an aircraft.

A Specular map is used to define how and where a model reflects light, e.g. the shininess of metal.

A Bump Map defines the 3d elements of a texture, for example, rivets and panel lines.

An Emmisive Map displays flat textured lighting effects, as seen on the tail of an aircraft at night.

Below is an image showing these types of files and how they might be named.

Saving a Bitmap as DDS in Imagetool

Bitmaps in DXT1, DXT3 or DXT5 format have already been compressed. If you convert them to DDS format, you will compress them more and create visual artifacts, which can be seen as pixelated blocks in the textures. In this case, you only need to select the 'Create MipMaps' option and save the file.

If the Bitmaps are uncompressed and in 32 bit format, then you can convert them to DDS format without worrying about losing quality.

You will see a wide variety of incorrectly formatted textures. In the screenshot below, you can see a 32 bit BMP with 3 mip layers and an alpha layer open in Imagetool.

If I select 'View > Alpha Channel' from the menu, I see this. An alpha channel with black, white and shades of grey. The correct format for this texture is DDS and it should be compressed using the DXT5 method.

BMP textures need to be manually flipped by the CPU before they can be displayed in the simulator. DDS textures are already flipped, which reduces the work that your CPU needs to do before it can display the texture.

If we save a BMP in DDS format, the image will be flipped and will appear upside down in the simulator, as the developer mapped the texture to the model the other way round. To compensate for this, we need to flip the texture, before optimising it, so that it will display correctly.

!! Before you start editing textures, always create a backup of the textures that you want to edit !!

As Imagetool does not have a menu option for flipping textures, we will use the freeware DXTBMP tool from Martin Wright.

Flipping Images in DXTBMP

Open DXTBMP and drag the BMP that you want to convert to DDS onto the open DXTBMP window, as in the image below.

From the menu bar, select 'Image > Flip Image and Alpha', as shown in the image below.

From the menu bar, select 'File > Save' and, in the window that pops up, check that Save as Type is 'Extended 32 bit 888-8' as in the screenshot below, add the appendix '_flipped' to the filename and click Save.

Close DXTBmp, we have now finished using this tool.

You should now have two files, the original and the flipped version, as below.

Open Imagetool and drag the _flipped.bmp file onto the open window, as shown below.

In Imagetool, select 'Image > Format > DXT 5' and then 'Image > Create MipMaps'.

Which gives the following result..

Now Save this new texture with the extension .dds and close Imagetool. This texture is now optimised.

Do not forget to remove the _flipped suffix before copying this file back to the specific texture folder.

The simulator looks first for DDS files, then for BMP files, so there shouldn't be any problems with conflicting files but as we want to do this correctly, you should remove the original BMP file from the specific texture folder as well.

If I compare the filesizes of these textures in Windows Explorer, I see this..

This texture was for a windsock. A relatively small part of an airport but one of 300 textures provided in a 'general texture' folder for an airport. If we work out how much VAS these textures would consume if loaded into memory...

The original uncompressed textures require 300 x 5.3mb = 1.6 Gigabytes of VAS to display

The optimised compressed textures require 300 x 1.3mb = 409 Megabytes of VAS to display

I know which ones I want to use.

Batch Commands

You can automate the conversion process by using so-called batch files in either Photoshop or Imagetool.

This next section will explain how to create and use batch files.

Imagetool

1. Create a new folder on your desktop called MIP IN

2. Create a copy of Imagetool.exe in this folder

3. Open Notepad++ and paste the following text into a new document:

ImageTool -nobeep -brief -DXT5 -mip -e BMP *.bmp

4. Save this file in your new MIP IN folder and call it 'mip BMP as DXT5.bat'

5. Copy the BMP texture that you want to convert to DXT5 to the MIP IN folder and double click on the .bat file.

6. The window below will briefly pop up, indicating that the process was successful

7. Congratulations, you have optimised a texture with a batch file

8. Check the file size for confirmation that the file has been optimised.

9. In the future, all you need to do is copy all of the BMP textures, with Alpha channels, that you want to convert to DXT5 format to the MIP IN folder and double click the .bat file.

Below is another example that can be used to create mipped DXT1 BMP files.

I. mip BMP as DXT1 No Alpha.bat

ImageTool -nobeep -brief -DXT1 -mip -e BMP *.bmp

I do not recommend trying to use Imagetool to convert .dds or .psd files as the files are not viewable in Imagetool afterwards. Imagetool can generate DDS files from 8 bit .psd files but why would you do this if you have Photoshop.

Photoshop

1. Open Photoshop and in the 'Actions' tab, click on the drop down menu and select 'New Set...'

2. Name this Set 'Texture Conversion'

3. With this Set highlighted, click on the drop down menu and select 'New Action'

4. Name this Action 'Resave DDS as DXT5 mipped'

5. Press the record button on the bottom of the Actions tab

6. In the menu bar, select 'File > Open' and select the .dds file that you want to convert in Photoshop using the options shown below.

7. In the menu bar, select 'File > Save As' and choose D3D/DDS format, as shown previously in the section Saving a DDS in Photoshop.

8. Close the image and press the Stop button on the bottom of the Actions tab

9. To test this batch file, or Action, create a new folder on your desktop called 'MIP IN PSD' and copy a couple of unoptimised DDS files to this folder.

10. Create a new folder called 'MIP OUT PSD' on your desktop.

11. In Photoshop, in the menu bar, select 'File > Automate > Batch' and set up the folders and options as below. Click the Choose button and set your 'MIP IN PSD' folder in the top part and select you 'MIP OUT PSD' folder in the bottom part.

12. When you click OK, the batch will run and automatically Open and Convert any files that it finds in your 'MIP IN PSD' folder. We created a 'MIP IN PSD' folder to avoid any conflicts with BMP files in your MIP IN folder.

Using these very powerful tools, you should find it easy to create your own Actions to carry out the following automated processes for you. Just apply a logical step by step process and learn from your mistakes and experiments.

The biggest tip I can give you is to backup your texture folders before you start any kind of optimisation.

Good Luck and happy mipping..

Toby

This document is dedicated to all of you..

GTX Performance Tweak

Fri, 01 May 2015 00:28:55 +0000

Okay, if you are like myself and you don't even install GeForce Experience then you can skip this all-together.

However if you do have GeForce Experience installed with the NVIDIA Streaming enabled and if you are not using that feature, you might want to disable it.

A user called PC Master Race noticed he could tweak performance by disabling the 'NVIDIA Streaming' Windows service. In fact that feature apparently eats up 3 to 5% of your framerate when activated. Here's the kicker, if GeForce Experience is installed, it will automatically enable itself.

http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/improve-geforce-gtx-series-performance-with-a-handy-tweak.html

FSX Changes and Tweaks I've made over the years

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:46:28 +0000

CHANGES THAT I DID TO FSX OVER THE YEARS....AT LEAST THE ONES I REMEMBERED TO POST...FOOD for THOUGHT :huh:

02/04/15 Software Installed GEX North America Upgrade to version 2
01/21/15 Nvidia Driver Updated to 347.25
01/09/15 Monitor Upgraded to a 49'' LG-TV 4K for a monitor. Resolution set to 4096x2160. seems to be working OK so far
12/31/14 Software Installed Pseudo Fullscreen and AutoHotKey, must ''Run as administrator'' seems to work OK with any windows
12/17/14 DX10 Fixer Installed DX10 Scenery Fixer: V2.6 Build 66
12/15/14 REX Installed REX Latest V.3.8.2014.1211
12/05/14 Software Installed FSX Slower Highway Traffic by Ironhand... http://www.lockonfiles.com/files/file/1401-fsx-slower-roadhighway-traffic/
11/30/14 FSX.cfg AFFINITYMASK FROM 63 to 28    Stop sound popping/crackling
11/23/14 Software Installed UTX (Ultimate Terrain X) Version 2.0
11/12/14 DX10 Fixer Installed DX10 Scenery Fixer: V2.5 Build 64
11/19/14 Computer MSCONFIG/Boot/Advanced options...Check “Number of processors” (6) and click 'APPLY' per DX10 How-to PDF file pg: 13 as of 11/18/14
11/02/14 Nvidia Driver Updated to 344.48....New driver enables DSR (Dynamic Super Resoultion) I don't need to use DSR
10/14/14 INSPECTOR Redid the NVIDIA Inspector Settings per...... http://forum.avsim.net/topic/324786-nvidia-configuration-guide-inspector-2xxxx-drivers-version-20-explanations-of-all-settings/
07/07/14 AIRCRAFT.CFG instrument/gauge window ALWAYS ON TOP http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?280146-GPS-Window-on-top
06/07/14 Saitek How to Fix the Null Zone Problem with the Saitek Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UXOkSprwh8
05/24/14 Computer Turned OFF “Indexing Services” for the 'C' drive to see if I get improvement in speed of FSX and X-Plane. http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?277912-What-is-the-BEST-FSX-tweak
01/16/14 Computer Changed 'Priority Settings' via Task Manager for FSX & XPX, TrackIR, and REX from High to Real Time
12/20/13 Software A2A Shockwave lights now work while in day or daylight.. installing the ver 1.2a zip.
12/08/13 DX10 Fixer Steve's DX10 Scenery Fixer....Installed Corrects some of the anomalies that occur when running FSX with DX10 Preview checked (ON)
12/03/13 INSPECTOR Antialiasing - Transparency Multisampling set to Enabled for the SSAA to work. http://forum.avsim.net/topic/379908-dx10-antialiasing/
11/29/13 FSX.cfg Changed the SOUND_LOD=1 to SOUND_LOD=0
11/24/13 Software DBS TWAS installed in some aircraft......Terraine alert warning system
11/16/13 Computer Using all CPU cores.....Start FSX go to theTask Mgr/Select FSX.exe/Set Affinity/uncheck then recheck 'All Processors'
11/12/13 FSX.cfg AFFINITYMASK to ' 14 '    for 6 cores no Hyperthreading
11/11/13 Computer Paging File reset back to 1 MB (GB) after testing showing this doesn't matter to FSX...???
11/07/13 AIRCRAFT.CFG Lighting...To reduce the intensity of cockpit lighting..... http://www.flightsimworld.com/forums/topic/135277-sp2-virtual-cockpit-lighting-too-bright-and-guages-more-unreadable/page__hl__FSX+cockpit+lightning
11/02/13 Computer Priority Settings' via Task Manager for Skype and Reminders from Normal to Low
10/31/13 FSX.cfg AFFINITYMASK FROM 255 to 63    for 6 cores no Hyperthreading
10/31/13 FSX.cfg FIBER_FRAME_TIME_FRACTION=0.30 DO NOT set it to 0. Default is 0.33. The lower the number, the better the FPS, but also more danger of blurry textures and autogen loss.
10/31/13 FSX.cfg ForceFullScreenVSync=1 For screen-shearing problem but has not solved it….KOSTAS tweaks has 0 effect
10/31/13 FSX in GAME SETTINGS-REALISM (in game) Reduced some settings to help with easier landings
10/31/13 FSX FILES SKIDMARK TWEAK   #####........do a ''FIND'' for skidmark
10/31/13 TrackIR5 TrackIR_5.2.2.Finalsoftware updated to:
10/30/13 GPU Triple buffering ON when ForceFullScreenVSync=1 in FSX.cfg http://fsxtimes.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/fsx-cfg-verticalsync/#more-2161
10/30/13 FSX.cfg AffinityMask=63 Use the Win7 calculator to figure Programmer View KOSTAS TWEAK
10/30/13 FSX.cfg POOLSIZE=0........(don't use this anymore per DX10 How-To of 11/19/14) Water Effects must be High 2.x or higher, otherwise you will get flashes.
10/29/13 Windows 7 Superfetch Stopped using 'Services'
10/27/13 GPU GPU Updated NVIDIA driver from 327...to...331...
10/06/13 Task Mgr Priority Settings' via Task Manager for FSX, TrackIR, and REX from Normal to High
10/06/13 INSPECTOR NVIDIA Inspector changed 'Vertical Sync' to 'Force on'. Then run FSX in FULL SCREEN mode to reduce tearing in top 1/4 of screen when panning. ...This seems to be the BIG ONE for smoothness......
10/06/13 FSX.cfg MultiSampleQuality=8 per DX10 Notes pdf
10/06/13 FSX.cfg MultiSamplesPerPixel=4 per DX10 Notes pdf
09/29/13 FSX FILES Right-click on “fsx.exe”, open the Compatibilty Tab, check the box 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:' and select Windows7 inside the box. Click APPLY and then click OK. Right-click on “fsx.exe”, open the Compatibilty Tab, check the box 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:' and select Windows7 inside the box. Click APPLY and then click OK.
09/26/13 FSX.cfg TextureMaxLoad=9 the default is 6   can go as high as 30, in steps of 3
09/25/13 Windows 7 DirectX End-User Runtime...Installed update from Microsoft Website http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35
09/17/13 FSX.cfg TEXTURE_MAX_LOAD=2048
09/09/13 Software Steve's Shader Release v3.2.2 setup.bat file....Installed
08/30/13 Software EditVoicePack ATC software to add new callsigns....Installed These new callsigns must be used in conjuction with a Flight Number.      http://editvoicepack.com/     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehtUv_WoDZg
08/28/13 FSX FILES Altitude Callout added to planes that don't have this feature...at flightsim.com....FSX Boeing Altitude Callouts
08/28/13 FSX FILES Autogen/Default    Stutter fix......Modified the first line of the Autogen/Default file per: Bojote post in Avsim http://forum.avsim.net/topic/317839-simple-stutters-fix-for-fsx/?hl= fix simple fsx stutters
08/28/13 REX REX Updater software.   Reinstalled
08/28/13 FSX FILES Stutter fix.... Autogen/Default ..Modified the first line of the Autogen/Default file per: Bojote post in Avsim http://forum.avsim.net/topic/317839-simple-stutters-fix-for-fsx/?hl= fix simple fsx stutters
08/28/13 FSX.cfg TERRAIN_MAX_AUTOGEN_BUILDINGS_PER_CELL=6000 prior setting was 2000
08/25/13 FSX.cfg TERRAIN_MAX_AUTOGEN_TREES_PER_CELL=6000 prior setting was 3000
08/25/13 Software AI aircraft touchdown effects. reduce the touchdown smoke effect http://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/files/17810/fsx-modified-touchdown-effects-for-ai-v2/
08/25/13 FSX FILES Light-Bloom     Sun Tweak for Light-Bloom http://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/files/17890/fsx-sun-tweak-for-light-bloom-disabled/
08/25/13 FSX FILES moom.bmp   Replaced the moom.bmp files in the Texture folder. http://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/files/17985/fsx-high-resolution-moon-v2/
08/23/13 FSX FILES Sun Tweak for Light-Bloom http://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/files/17890/fsx-sun-tweak-for-light-bloom-disabled/
08/15/13 FSX.cfg Texture_Bandwidth_Mult ...now to 40 now to 40 from 400 to 80 to 120
08/15/13 FSX.cfg HIGHMEMFIX=1
08/12/13 FSX.cfg UPPER_FRAMERATE_LIMIT=0 Set this in the game
08/05/13 Software DBS Airport GPS ...last revision was to 1.9.0 also installed today...
08/04/13 Software FollowMe2   Installed
07/30/13 Software A2A Shockwave 3-D lights Installed
07/26/13 Software Groundhandling Gauges in Aircraft that have it installed now...Disabled ALL
07/24/13 REX REX Essential + Overdrive to Ver: 3.7.2013.0715 from Ver: 3.4.2013.0715       Updated
07/22/13 FSX FILES ShadersHLSL Folder in it's Entirity to Fix DX10.....Replaced http://forum.avsim.net/topic/421658-bojotes-shader/
07/21/13 DX10 Fixer FSX DX10 Rain Issue FIX: Applied...(No longer need to do this as this is now cntrl by DX10 Fixer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0sOk3J3tc4&list=PL24AC0C34D4E41439
07/02/13 FSX FILES Scenery texture files Replaced in the Scenery folder by using FSXTextureConversion.exe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsWpZMF9U28&list=PL24AC0C34D4E41439
06/26/13 Software Texture Max Load Editor.   Installed
06/26/13 FSX.cfg DisablePreload=1 added to fix vsync tearing
05/31/13 FSX FILES UIAutomationCore.dll         Replaced http://forum.avsim.net/topic/421820-wrong-version-of-uiautomationcoredll/
05/20/13 Software Out of Memory OOT errors from NTCore's Homepage. Installed a 'would be' fix for ' http://www.ntcore.com/4gb_patch.php
04/22/13 Computer HYPERTHREADING. Disabled System went from showing 12 cores down to 6 cores and reduced CPU temps
04/22/13 Computer Cores UnParked per YouTube video demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXOsuapKmWE
04/20/13 Computer UnParked Cores per YouTube video demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXOsuapKmWE
02/13/13 REX REX Essential + Overdrive Service Pack 1 for Build 3.6.13.0218 INSTALLED REX Essentials Plus OverDrive. Service Pack 1 for build 3.6.13.0218.    Installed Update
01/03/13 Software UTX Ultimate Terrain X to Version: 1.6       Installed an Update to 'Flight One Software'
12/23/12 FSX FILES ENB Series Mod into the FSX root directory.    Installed
12/23/12 FSX.cfg Bojote's Tweaking & Tuning in fsx.cfg file Installed
12/06/12 FSX.cfg Tweaking & Tuning Bojote's fsx.cfg file Installed
11/30/12 FSX FILES AI Traffic...Removed Standard AI Traffic http://fsxtimes.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/remove-standard-ai-traffic/
11/28/12 GPU EVGA GTX690....Couldn't figure out how to OC.... I think and hope it OC's itself automatically???
11/16/12 Software Out of Memory...Microsoft Fix for OOM...Processed the “fix it for me” to install fix....Desktop Heap http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947246
11/16/12 Software GEX Ground Environment X' to Version: 1.096     Installed an Update to 'Flight One Software'
11/07/12 Software UTX Ultimate Terrain X to Version: 1.5   Installed an Update to 'Flight One Software'
08/30/12 REX REX Essential Plus Overdrive   Installed
08/28/12 Software FLIGHTBEAM STUDIOS KPHX-HD Phoenix Sky Harbor.   Installed
08/28/12 Computer Antec Kuhler H20 620 Liquid CPU Cooler System Installed to try my hand at OverClocking
06/21/12 Computer CPU Overclocked using the ASUS AI Suite and figured out how to use the Fan Xpert
04/23/11 FSX.cfg HIDEINFOTEXT=0 to stop HELP TIPS from appearing?
04/17/11 REX REX OD (overdrive). Installed   Seems ok, Looks ok.
01/25/11 TrackIR5 TRACKIR5 with Version: TrackIR 5.1.3.Final    Installed    (turned out NOT to be the Final update)
Software UTX Ultimate Terrain or Ground Environment X.   Installed     install UTX first, then GEX.

Qantas Cargo Load Capacity Data

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:27:35 +0000

So I was looking for 737-400 cargo capacity (for BA thought not Qantas lol) and I came across this which many of you may find useful to make your loading and planning more realistic.

https://www.qantas.com.au/cargo/pdf/AircraftCapacity.pdf

edit: just realised that's only for freight I think, hopefully it's still useful to some.

edit 2: OK here is the real deal

http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737.pdf

Fixing Scenery.cfg file errors

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 02:50:28 +0000

Has this ever happened to you?

You have your OS on a small SSD (C:) and FSX data installed on D: but mistakenly install another big scenery add-on to C: instead of D: ?

So you remove and re-install the add-on to where it's supposed to be but every time you load FSX you still get a big error message - 'can't locate C: /.../area 117' despite your best efforts.

1. Go to (C:)/ProgramData/Microsoft/FSX

2. Open Scenery.CFG

[Area.117]

Title=MegaSceneryEarth Hawaii

Local=C:\MegaSceneryEarth\Hawaii

CHANGE TO

[Area.117]

Title=MegaSceneryEarth Hawaii

Local=D:\MegaSceneryEarth\Hawaii

THEN SAVE

It's not a hard fix, it's just hard to know exactly where to fix.

Douglas

Fix for sound lag/stutter FSX (Win7)

Sat, 16 Aug 2014 15:44:37 +0000

http://theairtacticalassaultgroup.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10031

and

http://community.simraceway.com/index.php/topic/704-solution-for-low-framerate-fps-lag-spikes-under-windows-7/

Affinity mask online calculator

Wed, 28 May 2014 01:14:51 +0000

Check this out might take some of the guess work out of choosing an Affinity Mask :Big Grin:

http://www.gatwick-fsg.org.uk/affinitymask.aspx?SubMenuItem=hardware

Dual Sim Without Migration Tool And Without Double Installation

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 07:26:11 +0000

Do you want to use FSX and P3D v2 without Migration Tool ? Do you want to use all older FSX Addons in Pepar3D v2 without Installation ? No more risk for your new Sim? No more modifications from FSX Installers in Prepar3D v2?

Yes you can.

Here is the new Guide:

http://simmershome.de/dual-simulator-ohne-risiko-und-doppelarbeit

Only in German, but with Pictures. Use Google Translator.

hi guys creating a set of video tutorials for fsx dx10 from start to finish

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 19:09:57 +0000

hey folks i have spent a few days creating a 5 part video tutorial on youtube, 2 of them are up and ready to view, its a set of videos on how to install fsx from start to finish including active sky next, rex texture direct, the scenery fixer, nvidia inspector setting, and i will have alot of video's to come in the future for anyone interested. i plan on doing a give away of a possible videocard , cpu, depending on the amount of donations that are collected, this is in no way for finacial gain and i have all ads disabled, anything brought in will be from donators only. here is the link to my first video, hope you enjoy watching as much &@($* i have enjoyed making them.

FSX on an external hard drive.......

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 17:44:14 +0000

Hi everyone,

My old Windows XP machine was chugging along with its 150 GB hard drive and I noticed only the other day that it was getting near to full with all my home made scenery.

So I decided to simple copy and paste the FSX across to my external USB Verbatim hard drive. Then I opened this up and found the fsx.exe folder and put a link on the desk top.

OK I now have a new FSX icon on the desk top so holding my breath I pressed the icon and FSX sprung into action.

I tested it out and noticed that the flights load faster and flying the stock Cessna 172 is very smooth at 20 FPS and the quality is spot on.

So far so good, now to remove the FSX on the C drive to free up more space. So you have to go to the C drive and look for Microsoft Games. This is the ONLY folder you should right click on and delete. In Windows XP the files are so large that the rubbish bin cannot handle them so XP asks is it OK to permanently delete all.

At this point I took a deep breath and hit delete ALL.

OK back to the desk top and delete the old short cut and then open FSX with the new icon pointing to the external drive.

Yes it works perfectly OK.

I now have a virtually empty C drive and Windows XP running a lot faster.

Hope this helps others.

Tips for doing visual approaches

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 01:43:44 +0000

1. Start your approach by tuning in the ILS code and activating the ILS system but do not activate VOR/LOC! Use the ILS diamonds to see if you are too high or too low and if you are too far to the right or left

2. Use autothrottle during the approach. It helps reduce the workload of maintaining speed

3. Remember that a 737 won't move as fast as a tiny light aircraft! Make sure you get lined up correctly at least 5 miles from the runway so you don't have to make lots of crazy adjustments.

4. Add flaps to slow down the aircraft. Put down the gear somewhere between 15-20 miles out.

5. Do not make sharp corrections as the aircraft will go all over the place. Manoeuvre the aircraft slowly.

6. Do not flare on the approach. Start the flare when you are about 20-50 feet above the runway.

7. If the aircraft doesn't flare correctly, or you are not in the correct position to land, don't make sharp turns and steep descents. Go around.

That's it! Some tips might not be right so you can correct them if you want. More will be added later!