187: Adding New Gauges to FIP

| Tom Tsui

TechLevel02WT210_AltimeterW

Although my previous Post 28, Post 29 and Post 30 already talk about the basics, installation and tweaks for Saitek’s Flight Instrument Panel (FIP), there are still many friends asking for direct instruction on how my Centurion T210 gauges be installed.

So, here is a step-by-by tutorial in which I am using my Altimeter Gauge wide version as an example:

AAA
Download the T210 AlimeterW.rar from the link you received  —  Note that only subscribers of FSX Times are eligible to get my files (Edit: No More Available)

Continue reading →

News: Accu-Feel v2 Released

| Tom Tsui

A2A Simulations’ Accu-Feel is a no stranger to most FSX players.   Just purchased its newly released version 2, which has a codename of Air, Land and Sea. Accu-Feel2

Compared to the last version, the new one not only enhances the controls of air and land interactions with aircrafts, but also adds supports to water planes.

Installation of the upgrade patch is a no-brainer, and its default settings already provides an impressive realistic effect.

I would say it is a must have for FSX since it does bring extra fun to any flightsim session.

NOTE: if DX error message is encountered during installation, simply ignore it if you already have the correct DX files.

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Update: 11-Jan-2013
Rob mentioned in the comment section below that some users reported system crashes due to severe buffeting and turbulance.   Worth a note if fixes to be released.

 

FSX Times in 2012

| Tom Tsui

On this very last day of 2012, I sincerely thank to all who visited FSX Times, and particularly to those who actively supported my blog over the year.

In the last couple of months, I spent quite some time maneuvering around the virtual world instead of typing on the keyboard.  Also, I’ve been busy ripping thousands of CDs from my collection for my HiFi system.   Furthermore, I am still struggling for a major upgrade to my hardware gears — multiple monitors, etc.   All these “trivial but important” personal matters stopped me from writing as much new posts as I did in the first three quarters of the year.

In 2013, I’ll do my best to resume (or at least to catch up with) my previous pace since I still have many ideas to implement.  Following is the 2012 annual report of FSX Times prepared by WordPress for your interest:

2012-Review Report-00

Here’s an excerpt:

About 55,000 tourists visit Liechtenstein every year. This blog was viewed about 320,000 times in 2012. If it were Liechtenstein, it would take about 6 years for that many people to see it. Your blog had more visits than a small country in Europe!

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186: FlyZone Switcher with Orbx EU

| Tom Tsui

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.

185: London X with Orbx ENG – A Quick Fix

| Tom Tsui

The primitive look of London in Orbx EU ENG is a concern to many simmers.  If you have London X, here’s a quick and simple fix to blend the two together.

Here are the steps:
Continue reading →

184: Maps – UK & Ireland

| Tom Tsui

Here are the links of my modified version for UK & Ireland Google Earth airports and landmark maps.

The first one is based on Playhorizon’s VFR UK, UK2000 and other airport addon developers, covering England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/25018674/Google%20Earth%20Shared/EU%20-%20UK%20%26%20Ireland.kmz

The second one is from Orbx’s EU which covers England only.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/25018674/Google%20Earth%20Shared/EU%20-%20Orbx%20ENG.kmz

One may use the links to compare the airports from above different developers.

As always, the links are downloadable.  However, it is recommended to just COPY the URLs and add them via the Network Link function in Google Earth, so that updates can be immediately called up when available.

182: Orbx EU England – A Disappointment

| Tom Tsui

Just installed Orbx’s EU England and flew a few places around.   All I can say is: a disappointment — even though it is still a good one.

Compared to the UK VFR I have, Orbx’s EU England is artificial and primitive.

The scenery, very likely, can be further enhanced by future airports and addons they develop, according to the company’s usual practices.   However, these addons will surely pull a lot of money from our pockets — just look at those never-ending NA airports.

Really don’t have the mood to further discuss it.    Take a look at the images below and judge them by yourself.

These 6 images are from Orbx’s EU England:



These 4 images are from VFR UK:


News: Orbx’s EU England Released

| Tom Tsui

Orbx just released its EU England scenery addon.   Just purchased and downloaded the file.

Even though I have reservation over some of the company’s airport addons, these regional scenery products are no doubt my must-buy.  (Edit: See my next Post 182)

I have PlayHorizon’s UK VFR.   It’s pretty good.  My only complaint is the lacking of 3D autogen objects.   Orbx’s new EU England is surely may be a strong competitor.  (Edit: See my next Post 182)

Moreover, from the company’s forum,UK2000’s detailed airports are in some ways compatible with this new addon.

Even though I’ve been tied up with something else these days, will still spend sometime to have it installed.   And look forward to seeing how it compares to UK VFR and how it works with UK2000’s airports.