Flight Simulator X - Microsoft Wireless Keyboard Compatibility

[Worldlife]

Thought I would give FS X a whirl on my New Power Viper II
( Intel D945 Dual Core 3.4Ghz 2 x 2Mb cache on ASUS PSLD2SE Socket 775 motherboard and 1Gb DDRII and ASUS 7300 GS 256Mb Nvida Graphics card)

The various high definition images of aircraft in dramatic locations are useful to while away the very long installation time for this programme.

When flying the cockpits and instrumentation of each aircraft are finely detailed. I was expecting film quality flight scenery and although the airport tarmac and runways are brilliant graphics such as London Eye, Millenium Dome, Tower Bridge and Battersea Power Station are not the quality images that the monitor deserves.

It's been a long time since I last flew a Microsoft Flight Simulator and the graphics have improved considerably. The speed of loading of individual locations and missions seems to me to be slower than the less demandig programs of bygone years that were working on slower computers.

What has happened here is that the bigger modern program over exploits the new faster and more powerful computers and that results in longish waits. Once flying the motion is smooth and responses are realistic.

I have needed to reinstall my Microsoft Wireless Keyboard and Mouse to get the various function keys to work. In the absence of an accurate manual flights by keyboard and mouse can be quite a game of chance.

Haven't quite worked out the correct sequence for using a hand control from the mouse for adjusting things like the throttle and flaps from the actual cockpit graphics.

Rather disappointed so far but think I will get addicted if the gliders and thermals are realistic.

Guess there will be a few patches coming along................

Pity a decent manual was not included in the expensive package price - it's quite essential for control references.

[Radish]

Regarding your comments on Cockpit located Engine and Control Surface adjustments via a mouse. I appreciate how difficult this is as by the time you’ve located the relevant lever it’s often too late.
This is why I created the thread, “Flight Simulator Peripheral Equipment” such as Throttle Quadrants, Rudder Pedals and Yokes as these items should greatly improve the realism factor.
There are several companies marketing the stuff which incidentally all seems to have been sourced in the States where it’s considerably cheaper. But then that’s business.

Anyway with prices ranging from £130.00 upwards per item, I’m a little cautious about what to buy and was hoping that some one out there would offer a little advice.
As of yet there’s been no response.

Radish

[Worldlife]

One can always use pause !!!!!

On some aircraft, unless you change or move the cockpit view, you cannot confirm that the landing wheels are down.

Though it's not true to real life you can always change to an external view and check the wheels are down - could avoid a nasty prang!!

I've answered on your new thread about the peripheals.

[Radish]

Thanks for your prompt response.
I do use the external view quite a lot as it comes in handy for buzzing other planes and spotting airport runways.

My Microsoft “Sidewinder” can only do so much
The items I want to have more accurate control over are:
Air Brakes whilst descending.
Port or Starboard engines whilst negotiating the runways and apron.
As well as Mixture, Propeller Pitch and Flaps etc.
To perform these tasks in anything like a realistic manner a Throttle Quadrant module with its multiple levers and programmable push buttons seems to be ideal.

I’ve got brochures from “First Class Simulations,” the company who provide Photographic Scenery and also sell control modules, but was hoping that there’d be some one out there who’d had experience with this kind of stuff.
The full kit, i.e. Rudder Pedals, Throttle Quadrant and Yoke will cost about £430.00.
So I’ve got to be a bit cautious.

By the way I wasn’t aware that there were thermals to contend with on the simulator packages or is that only relevant to a specialised Glider version?

[Worldlife]

<snip>By the way I wasn’t aware that there were thermals to contend with on the simulator packages or is that only relevant to a specialised Glider version?

Originally Posted by Radish

If you select a sailplane from any of the FS programs you will be provided with a location that has thermals, wave or ridge lift.

Wonder if you select more advanced weather options for power flight you will, dependent on locations and conditions experience thermal and similar effects.

Might experiment relocating the sailplane near to a local Club and set wind conditions for ridge lift

areeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee where going to crash