I’ve been talking about moving to multi-monitor setup for nearly 2 years. Finally, here it comes my new multi-monitor setup:
One major obstacle that’s been preventing me from upgrading in the past was the 30-inch monitor I’ve used for over 5 years. It was (is) still in good condition that I couldn’t make up my mind to replace it without finding a good outlet for it. Also, the price for getting another two 30-inch monitors was also a big concern.
FSX is prone to crash under Windows 8 — a lot of people reported that on the Internet, even though there are still many positive feedbacks about the combination. 
Frankly speaking, I was really a bit nervous about my bold decision of upgrading to the new OS. And I was prepared to encounter all sorts of unexpected FSX problems plus the notorious crash-to-desktop (CTD) issue.
To my surprise, in the first few days after FSX with Acceleration was installed under Windows 8.1 on my new computer, the simulator not only performed smoothly without the need of any tweaks but also ran sturdily. It didn’t crash at all, not even once during those days, UNTIL … Continue reading
After switching back and forth between Windows 7 and Windows 8, and FSX and Prepar3D, for over a dozen of times within the past seven days, I have to say that FSX is still my preferred simulator.
Over the week’s testing under Windows 7 and Windows 8, the new P3D performed satisfactorily, especially it off-loaded quite a bit of CPU processing work to the graphics card. However, FSX is still functioning better than the P3D in general. Moreover, P3D, as I mentioned in earlier posts, has some issues with the Saitek hardware — in particular the FIPs, which also stops me from choosing it as my new platform.
My 7 FIPs have no problem connecting to P3D but Continue reading
After testing P3D for a few days, I have to say that it still hasn’t convince me to switch away from FSX. One of the most devastating reasons is the program couldn’t work with my Saitek hardware seamlessly. For example, the yoke and rudders are intermittently losing connections during a flight. And in particular the gauge displays on FIPs, most of the time, are stuttering.
I must admit that I am amazed by P3D’s stunning image and lighting renditions even though the high-quality effect does come with a performance hit. I am still exploring solutions to the issues I encountered.
So for now, Continue reading
A big thanks to Mario Cote, James Long, Niko Grozdanov and Colin Moir, who shared with me their experiences with P3D while I was wondering over the last few days if I should turn to this new simulator platform. But unfortunately, both pros and cons have their supportees. Also, I found the more I researched, the more I was perplexed.
Since I always emphasize that our systems are in general unique from each other, trying the P3D on my own system seems to be the only way to find out whether it will be my new cup of tea. If it is no good, I could join the FSX league again at anytime.
So, here are a few screen shots from my first flight under P3D with all settings slided to maximum. My new i7 4700K computer is running at stock speed without overclocking and tweaks.
ObjectFlow (for grasses, trees, animals) is a promoted feature in Orbx’s many airport 
products. Although it adds interesting stuffs to airport surroundings, it kills performance, too.
If you mostly fly your aircraft in the air rather than manuever it around airports, try cutting all or most of the ObjectFlow.dll in the DLL.XML file under the directory of fsx.CFG (C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\FSX).
You could simply use the <!– –> notation pair for quick removal in case you want them back.
Try and see for yourself. You could be amazed.
Earlier this month, I was trying to associate a customized EZdok camera view (as shown in picture) to the gear lever on my Saitek’s Switch Panel, so that whenever I extend or retract the gear, the view changes to the bottom of the aircraft automatically.
After numerous attempts, I found there was no way out. Saitek’s original driver is so “dumb” that except the default control functions, nothing more it offers to the users.
As a last resort, Continue reading
The FlyZone Switcher has been updated with Orbx EU area with an assigned code of EUF. However, only simplified version will now be available.
Be reminded that proper preparations are required to ensure the cores files are in-sync with the new region as mentioned in my Post 155 to 159 and 161.
No new user request will be accepted for now. ALL existing FlyZone Switcher users could notify me for the download link in the comment section below. If you are using the version with France region, please mention it as well.
Some people question whether reconfiguring the FSX system for the FlyZone approach worths the effort? Followings are the flight session load up times I recorded on my system for Orbx scenery areas. All autogens, AI Traffic and scenery are set to the same level with preload disabled.
The time saved doesn’t seem a lot?
FS Times 