Hello,
This weekend I'm due to take delivery of my new PC (Sunday morning at 10 to be precise) and in order that FS2004 runs more like the real world, I am on the search for better weather software. Basically I'm after a program that generates better clouds and more realistic visibility (would like to decrease in miles rather than the 5, 10, 20, 30 of the default) and just have something closer to the real thing.
I have read time and time again reviews for ActiveSky6, but now am thinking 'is this the software for me?' as the reviews seem to keep referring to flightplans (never used one as I'm a low and slow VFR flyer) and an internet connection for real time updates. As the new machine is going to be net free, is this the software for me or can I download old metars to use within. I just want something easy to use to generate good looking and acting weather. Simple as that.
Then yesterday I read of Flight Environment Pro, can this do what I want too? Its all too confusing. Can anyone advise me what to do. I appreciate as always your comments.
Best wishes to all,
Martin
Little Fluffy clouds
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DaveB
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Re: Little Fluffy clouds
Hi Martin 
It's a case of six of one and half a dozen of another I think. ActiveSky comes with it's own set of clouds and is designed as a replacement for the native weather program. You can use it exactly the same as the native wx prog but it really comes into it's own with an online connection. There, as with the native prog, you can download a 'snapshot' and disconnect or leave it to update automatically.
The first thing it does when you open it up is 'look' for a connection so my advice would be.. if your new system isn't going to have any connection at all.. I'd save your money for something else and let Environment Pro add the clouds for you ;-) I'm a little intrigued that you mention you can download 'metars' so there must be some sort of connection available :think:
ATB
DaveB :tab:
It's a case of six of one and half a dozen of another I think. ActiveSky comes with it's own set of clouds and is designed as a replacement for the native weather program. You can use it exactly the same as the native wx prog but it really comes into it's own with an online connection. There, as with the native prog, you can download a 'snapshot' and disconnect or leave it to update automatically.
The first thing it does when you open it up is 'look' for a connection so my advice would be.. if your new system isn't going to have any connection at all.. I'd save your money for something else and let Environment Pro add the clouds for you ;-) I'm a little intrigued that you mention you can download 'metars' so there must be some sort of connection available :think:
ATB
DaveB :tab:
Old sailors never die.. they just smell that way!
Re: Little Fluffy clouds
What spec machine are you getting? I'd love a new machine......even though this one is only 8 months old!!!
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DaveB
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Re: Little Fluffy clouds
Old sailors never die.. they just smell that way!
Re: Little Fluffy clouds
Dave,
Thanks for your reply. Think will take a little closer look at the Flight Environment software as per your comments as to the internet connection or lack of in my instance - just as long as it gives me the same result. Think I may have been somewhat confused as to the metar situation where I might have been reading 'between the lines' on the Avsim review of AS6.
Its going to take me a little while to re-install everything, so least that gives me time to decide what to do.
Thanks as always,
Martin
Thanks for your reply. Think will take a little closer look at the Flight Environment software as per your comments as to the internet connection or lack of in my instance - just as long as it gives me the same result. Think I may have been somewhat confused as to the metar situation where I might have been reading 'between the lines' on the Avsim review of AS6.
Its going to take me a little while to re-install everything, so least that gives me time to decide what to do.
Thanks as always,
Martin
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DaveB
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Re: Little Fluffy clouds
Hi Martin
A wise move I think ;-) I have Flight Environment and ActiveSky and I often wonder if the two don't argue (behind the scenes). Similar happened with FSWater and Flight Environment (FSWater was a standalone release then FE came along which included FSW) as water textures would change between Jersey and Guernsey :o :think: I ended up downloading a freeware set and now the problem doesn't occur
ActiveSky is good.. make no mistake and it has the advantage of being able to use various types of met information. An added bonus is that you can see what your weather is going to be like at the destination airport.. always useful ;-) However.. I can't see any advantage in buying it without having an online connection though others may disagree
ATB
DaveB :tab:
A wise move I think ;-) I have Flight Environment and ActiveSky and I often wonder if the two don't argue (behind the scenes). Similar happened with FSWater and Flight Environment (FSWater was a standalone release then FE came along which included FSW) as water textures would change between Jersey and Guernsey :o :think: I ended up downloading a freeware set and now the problem doesn't occur
ActiveSky is good.. make no mistake and it has the advantage of being able to use various types of met information. An added bonus is that you can see what your weather is going to be like at the destination airport.. always useful ;-) However.. I can't see any advantage in buying it without having an online connection though others may disagree
ATB
DaveB :tab:
Old sailors never die.. they just smell that way!
Re: Little Fluffy clouds
Have just ordered Flight Environment from Play.com. Dave, thanks for all your comments..much appreciated.
Martin
Martin
Re: Little Fluffy clouds
Martin,
That's a wise choice. I really did like to get among the cumulus.
Here's anexample of FE using just the FS2004 weather engine. It's my desktop.
http://www.cbfsim.org/cbfsim/cbfsBB/vie ... op#p132699
Ralph
That's a wise choice. I really did like to get among the cumulus.
Here's anexample of FE using just the FS2004 weather engine. It's my desktop.
http://www.cbfsim.org/cbfsim/cbfsBB/vie ... op#p132699
Ralph
Re: Little Fluffy clouds
Sorry,
I've cocked that up.
Can any kind Sir tell me how to refer to a previous post without calling up a whole thread?
Thanks in anticipation.
Ralph
I've cocked that up.
Can any kind Sir tell me how to refer to a previous post without calling up a whole thread?
Thanks in anticipation.
Ralph
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Garry Russell
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Re: Little Fluffy clouds
Ralf
Your OK
You can only link a like you have........the only other way woud have been to copy and paste your picture link to the new post here..or re create your pic link
Garry
Your OK
You can only link a like you have........the only other way woud have been to copy and paste your picture link to the new post here..or re create your pic link
Garry
Garry
"In the world of virtual reality things are not always what they seem."
"In the world of virtual reality things are not always what they seem."