Confessions of a virtual cockpit convert

[Michael Blakely]

Well, I think it's finally happening. You know the feeling.
- When you just can't bring your self to remember if electrical is shift-7 and hydralics is shift-8 or the other way around.
- When you can't remember if you right click or left click on the upper cener column of the PMDG MD-11 to bring up the FULL overhead panel instead of the abrieviated overhead panel.
- Besides. I hear the PMDG 777 doesn't even HAVE a 2-D panel.

I guess I'm becoming a virtual cockpit convert.

You know, there was a time when I would edit .mdl files in FS9 to remove ALL VCs from my aircraft. This let me pan around in VC mode with zero obstructions and look at all the scenery around me. Now I seem content to look out the sides, or use the FSX "Belly Cam" to look straight down or backwards.

If you recall, I made a post a few days ago about my plans to abaondon FS9 by buying 3-4 more payware aircraft. Now I think that may all have to go on hold as I start with a TrackIR instead.

[Norberto Rivera]

I like it! I don't remember exactly when it happened, but I swapped over to VC flying a while back. I still haven't splurged on the TrackIR but I've been considering it for a while now. There is another software package out there that does the same thing but uses a webcam instead. I downloaded it and tried to dust off an old webcam I had in a box somewhere but it didn't work so I haven't been able to test it. I'm also still holding on to FS2004. I upgraded to 12GB of RAM but I still need to upgrade the video card and get a SSD before I try to reinstall FSX. I've amassed a good bit of payware addons for FS9 and I can't bring myself to start over yet. I think I can get another 2k hours out of FS9 but almost every developer has now abandoned it.

[Theodore Martin]

Back in my "cheaper" days when I used FS9 and freeware a/c I couldn't understand why some people insisted on using the VC. The 2D cockpit was just fine. Well, you don't know until you use it. After getting a computer and GPU that could handle FSX, I finally got over being cheap (well almost!) and started purchasing payware. That's when I got hooked on VC's. It made landing so much easier because when approaching the rwy on the base leg I could now pan to see the rwy and pan back to the front view. With the 2D view, if the rwy was not at right angles to my flight you couldn't see it.

I also truly like the VC because it gives you a sense of the real location of the switches and controls instead of just popping them up on screen for you. I saw a video of a real world 738 checklist flow and startup. I was amazed that I knew the location of each switch and knew the next switch he was going to press or check.

I have almost exclusively flown VC's for the past couple of years (except for my ATR72) and wouldn't have it any other way.

Welcome to a new experience Mike!

[Michael Blakely]

Seems a bit pricey, plus how to you move your head yet still look at a stationary screen without having to look out of the extreme corner of your eye?

Great question. They use "motion scaling", which is explained and shown starting at time 0:59 in this youtube video.

[Harold Henderson]

I have Track-IR and it is great for combat sims (loose sight; loose the fight) and for times when you want to be able to admire the scenery. You get used to it pretty quick and it just seems natural (almost). However, it's hard (for me) to be using it and try to flick switches and turn knobs. For that reason I seldom use it flying big jets, or if I do use it, I'll hit F9 to turn it off while I'm doing switches and knobs.

[Wayne Pierce]

I use 3 cockpit styles

I am constantly switching views between the VC and the 2D. If the aircraft has a good 2D I use it for takeoff and landing, as all the bells and whistles are in my view and reach without moving around the cockpit in VC. I use this mostly for the large jets.

Small GA aircraft I use the VC as usually they don't have a good 2D.

I have Track IR but haven't used it a very long time, it collects dust on the shelf.

90% of the time after I take off I switch to the full front screen with just the instrument from FSX showing at the bottom, W key a couple of time. Why? I have three monitors to watch out the front, and the sides for flying. I is not usually necessary to scan the view, if I want to just use the VC, f9 key and back again.

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Lately I have been flying with all monitors on the FULL screen for FSX, my frame rates almost double and I do not see the windows menu bars.

I like it.

(that is my story and I am sticking to it)

[Theodore Martin]

Great question. They use "motion scaling", which is explained and shown starting at time 0:59 in this youtube video.

I watched the YouTube video and it seems to be too sensitive. Too much motion and you are looking at the back of your plane. I'm sure you can adjust sensitivity but it still appears to be annoying with all that motion.

[Theodore Martin]

I use 3 cockpit styles.....

Your cockpit has gotten even better than when I previously saw it. Don't thing I saw the switch panel on your right previously. Very complex and realistic looking.

[Harold Henderson]

Great question. They use "motion scaling", which is explained and shown starting at time 0:59 in this youtube video.

I watched the YouTube video and it seems to be too sensitive. Too much motion and you are looking at the back of your plane. I'm sure you can adjust sensitivity but it still appears to be annoying with all that motion.

Ted, it's amazing how quickly you adapt - within 5-10 mins it's like you've used it all your flying life. With the new software there is also an adjustable "dead zone" in the center so small weaves and bobs of the head don't end up making you air sick.