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  • Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.

    Post 16 Update

    Post 17 Warning

Alphasim/Virtavia AH-1W freeware (? / !)

Yep, I understand the distinction between native and non-native, and clearly the distinction is important to developers. And I've even been educated somewhat as to the definition of the term. However, as a user, the distinction is less important to me, and I don't really care what compiler the model was washed through. If the props don'tr hide behind the clouds, and I can see through the windows, it's an FSX plane.
 
krazycolin said:
FRom a purely end user pov, yes, it is a fsx native model. However that said from a dev pov, it's not... At least imho
Click to expand...

I'd go with that.

Compiled as FSx native but not developed for FSx.

Paul hit the nail home, consumers don't care how it was made, only that it meets the FSx criteria that they as end users see.

Best

Michael
 
airattackimages said:
Not to add fuel to the fire, but I can't stand the way that thing flies.

:p
Click to expand...

Well I did the FDE, so sorry its not working for you, its freeware, I don't support Alphasim any more, I don't do helo FDE work any more....you can work the rest out :).

Its a love / hate relationship, some like it, some hate it, I'm with you in the latter camp.

For the record the latest FDE cfgs were, FS9 V1.3 and FSx V1.6, if you don't have that then that may explain a few things, if you do, well then thats as good as your going to get from me I'm afraid.

Bearing the above in mind, I would keep away from all Alphasim helos as I did 90% of the FDEs, chances are you wont like how they fly as well, for warned is for armed.

Best

Michael
 
V1.4 was the latest as supplied by Alphasim.

When the Cobra was first released as freeware, Michael tweaked the FD in response to user comments firstly to V1.5 then later to V1.6. I think these were only available via the forum thread and the links are now dead.
 
DaveWG said:
V1.4 was the latest as supplied by Alphasim.

When the Cobra was first released as freeware, Michael tweaked the FD in response to user comments firstly to V1.5 then later to V1.6. I think these were only available via the forum thread and the links are now dead.
Click to expand...

The links are dead because I presumed that everyone who wanted them had them, not for any other reason, despite my ramblings above, I don't take my ball home after I've arrived, if I have an issue I just don't bring it in the first place :).

I can re post a link to V1.6 if people want or think it might help their sim experience ?.

I believe V1.4 was just a tweaked FS9 V1.3, ie before Acceleration arrived, Acceleration/SP2 made some changes to the core engine which helped helos a little I think, but a revised file was never asked for, nor provided. The issue was only discovered when the files went freeware, probably due to a larger audience, so V1.4 was revised to take into account these concerns as well as build in some things learned since V1.4. The changes are still not full FSx Helo files, so you do not need Acceleration to use them, ie the FDE format does not support multi engines, sling loads or other improvements brought in by Aces for the Merlin, but the performance should be the same for each rendition of FSx.

Best

Michael
 
Daube said:
No transparency issues, no props/rotors behind scenery or clouds, self shadows, etc.... ==> FSX native. The level of complexity is off-topic.
Click to expand...

+1


Tim's planes e.g. are as native as they can get, despite being light in the poly department.



michael davies said:
I can re post a link to V1.6 if people want or think it might help their sim experience ?.
Click to expand...

Since the bird is freeware anyways, why not add it to the library here (and maybe also other sites)?
 
Gents,

Your more than welcome, from previous feedback, its a little more user friendly, but your mileage may vary due to set ups and personal tastes.

Bjorn,

Much obliged, truth be told I wouldn't even know where to begin to upload files here :).

Best

Michael
 
just a tupence thing.

It's really nice to see what could've been a fair olé rumble turned round and settled in a gentlemanly fashion.

respect,
Jamie

PS. I don't oft visit here, but that kind of behaviour is universal and these days few and far between (gee I must be getting old!!)
PPS. many thanks for the helo, respect and gratitude to both of you.
 
I don't know if this is a native FSX model or not. If it is not, then it would be the very first of very many FS9 models I have that doesn't hit my computer in the frame rate department!!! So as far as my computer is concerned it performs as an FSX native model. That being said I just don't see it supplanting the Dodosim Bell 206 as my favourite FSX helicopter.

Regards, Mike Mann
 
JDTinballs said:
just a tupence thing.

It's really nice to see what could've been a fair olé rumble turned round and settled in a gentlemanly fashion.
Click to expand...

I don't think its as bad as it might look LOL, Colin and I have worked together on quite a few projects, he for Milviz as supplier, me for Alphasim as coder to get in sim. I have no issues, never have had, with Colin or Milviz and I think we both know the limits of civility. I do have issues with the other party, issues I generally keep under tight control, but did open the can a little here. Some of that parrallels much like others are writing about in that 'other' thread so I'm not an isolated case. Knowing something is very wrong and not being able to say so for the greater peace is very wearing, I agree that people may not want to hear it, but also feel that people should have the right information to make their own informed choice, especially when parting with money.

Anyway, nuff said, go and enjoy the copter, its a crying shame you cannot shoot anything, its the perfect platform for doing that :).

Enjoy

Michael
 
As Michael said, we've worked together before and, as far as I am concerned, are friends. We agree(d) to disagree. In the end, it's all semantics...

And for me as well, the dev in question is... well, questionable. Even with a new name.
 
mmann said:
I don't know if this is a native FSX model or not. If it is not, then it would be the very first of very many FS9 models I have that doesn't hit my computer in the frame rate department!!! So as far as my computer is concerned it performs as an FSX native model. That being said I just don't see it supplanting the Dodosim Bell 206 as my favourite FSX helicopter.

Regards, Mike Mann
Click to expand...

There are a couple of reasons why the model is very playable, first of course is the poly limit, being as the model was toned down for FS9 means that it has a low poly count, much lower than a simply FSx model will have these days, smart mapping and choice of materials will help as well as some neat animation coding etc, but primarily the low poly count will help. The second is a 'lite' systems suite, the lack of complex systems and its associated GPU overheads will be a big plus in this model.

I'd be mortified if your Dodosim comment was reversed LOL, that product is by far a much more in depth package, the AH-1W was a simple fun and fly product, aimed primarily for those who are generally fixed wing but want to try a rotary craft here and there, they were never set out to model exacting helo FDE or full systems like other products, thus what they loose on in highly accurate performance and lack of systems depth, they gain in very good playability and on line experiance etc.

Best

Michael
 
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