Alphasim T-34C Mentor is OUT!

pbearsailor · Nov 10, 2008

Welcome to SOH, GatorFlyer, and thanks for adding your input. I'd sure like to see Alphasim make it right too, and I think they will.

Question on the CDI. Does it actually rotate like a heading indicator in the real plane or is it a normal fixed CDI?

cheers,
steve :wavey:

CG_1976 · Nov 10, 2008

The views from this are just unlike most Alphasim AC's. Im really impressed and a little more with the update.

GatorFlyer · Nov 10, 2008

AlphaSim Response

All- Just received a reply back from Phil at AlphaSim regarding our proposed updates/fixes.

Anyone out there have the resources to try and fix a few of these things?

Although I can completely understand where he stands from a business perspective, I would hate to see these things left undone as a pilot! Heres what he had to say:

Hi,

thanks for your feedback, although you must realise we always get ethusiasts of a particular type requiring ever more accuracy to 'make the model complete' in their eyes. We simply have to let go at some point and I am satisfied that the model is already a good representation of the T-34C within the sim constraints. We could conceivably spend weeks tweaking more and more, but this is pointless from a business point of view as it does not result in higher revenue, in fact it drains resources needed elsewhere. I do not see any major clangers or non-functionality, none of the things mentioned in that post are what I would call 'bugs', so it's unlikely there will be any more changes to the retail version unless serious problems are found.

Where we would go to the max with detailing is if the USN were to buy a bulk licence for a special version for training purposes, we could in that scenario do everything that is required or feasible to satisfy the users. If you think you can get our model to the relevant authorities for assessment, then there is a chance we can meet all the requirements of real-world pilots with regard to this model package. Otherwise, the retail version is effectively closed off now, we have to move on to new projects if we are to survive as a company.

Note - the strobes are generated by FSX .fx files and are not a function of our model. There is no way I know of to synchronise them.

GatorFlyer · Nov 10, 2008

pbearsailor said:
Welcome to SOH, GatorFlyer, and thanks for adding your input. I'd sure like to see Alphasim make it right too, and I think they will.

Question on the CDI. Does it actually rotate like a heading indicator in the real plane or is it a normal fixed CDI?

cheers,
steve

Its actually a normal fixed CDI in the real plane. Rotating the course knob only rotates the actual heading card on the outside to dial up your desired course. The actual CDI deflection remains oriented up and down. The to/from flag is also different, but works.

I will jump on the sim later tonight and fly a few instrument approaches to see if anything else pops up.

In the meantime, you can check out what the Navy gives us students to work with. Its run off MFS 2002. Keep in mind these are not the actual sims (they are actually a T-34 cockpit with working switches sitting on hydraulics hooked to massive amounts of computing power to simulate any environment/scenario) we use to accomplish training, just extra training a student can take in on their own time: http://www.baseops.net/flightsimulators/

As for a more realistic model of what the T-34C's instruments look like when we shoot approaches, download the RIOT (Radio Instrument Orientation Trainer) software. Its a crude program that allows students to get familiar with what the instruments look like on various "practice" approaches we shoot here before actually jumping into the RI portion of the syllabus: https://www.netc.navy.mil/microsimptt/downloads.cfm

The above website also has more info on the MFS 2002-based trainers discussed above.

And lastly, if anyone is interested, heres a blog from one of the current T-34C students at Whiting chronicling the "trial by fire" in which military pilots are made!! http://keithsat.blogspot.com/

jmig · Nov 10, 2008

GatorFlyer said:
All- Just received a reply back from Phil at AlphaSim regarding our proposed updates/fixes. Anyone out there have the resources to try and fix a few of these things?

Although I can see where he stands from a business perspective, I would hate to see these things left undone. Heres what he had to say:

Hi,

thanks for your feedback, although you must realise we always get ethusiasts of a particular type requiring ever more accuracy to 'make the model complete' in their eyes. We simply have to let go at some point and I am satisfied that the model is already a good representation of the T-34C within the sim constraints. We could conceivably spend weeks tweaking more and more, but this is pointless from a business point of view as it does not result in higher revenue, in fact it drains resources needed elsewhere. I do not see any major clangers or non-functionality, none of the things mentioned in that post are what I would call 'bugs', so it's unlikely there will be any more changes to the retail version unless serious problems are found.

Where we would go to the max with detailing is if the USN were to buy a bulk licence for a special version for training purposes, we could in that scenario do everything that is required or feasible to satisfy the users. If you think you can get our model to the relevant authorities for assessment, then there is a chance we can meet all the requirements of real-world pilots with regard to this model package. Otherwise, the retail version is effectively closed off now, we have to move on to new projects if we are to survive as a company.

Note - the strobes are generated by FSX .fx files and are not a function of our model. There is no way I know of to synchronise them.

In addition to my last mail on this -
- rear cockpit does open
- ignition switch is exactly as they describe.

unctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

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ontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style>  </style> Gator, I want to welcome you to SOH, also. We hope you stick around and share your adventures and experience with us.

I flew in the USAF back in the days when fighters had real gauges, not TV screens. :costumes: Later I flew as a GA pilot. I even have a little over 5 hours in a T-34A, from a USAF flying club plane many years ago.

I have had my arguments with Alphasim and especially Phil over the realism and quality of specific models to the point where I quit buying AS products. So, I have not purchased the T-34C. However, from what I read here it seems to be a top notch product.

I mentioned the above because, while I too would like to see AS make changes in realism and have been critical of them in the past, I have to agree with Phil from a business POV. The artist in a developer may want to build perfection. The businessman settles for good enough. There comes a time when you have to move the product out of the door, warts and all.

Ninety-five percent of the purchasers of the T-34C would not have noticed the items you pointed out. Seventy-five percent of the buyers only want to hit CRTL-E to start and go. Some want the plane to load at the end of the runway, engine running and warmed up, GPS flight plan set and radios tuned.
Those are the target buyers. Those people are the people who will buy every new model, fly it for a while and then buy the next one. The sad reality of life is they are the people Alphasim and others have to please in order to stay in business. To spend more time and resources would require a much more expensive product or cater to the military purchaser.
The good news is that they are companies who tend to let the artist have more control over the final product. These companies I try to support in hopes they will force companies like Alphasim to raise their standards. From what I read about the T-34C, it looks like this strategy is working [insert evil laugh]

Quixoticish · Nov 10, 2008

Version 1.02 is out in the shop for you to download. I wish they'd announce the patches somewhere, this was one of my main complaints when they decided to get rid of forums since AS don't seem to be too enamoured with announcing patches anyway.

Thoe6969 · Nov 10, 2008

Chris H said:
Version 1.02 is out in the shop for you to download. I wish they'd announce the patches somewhere, this was one of my main complaints when they decided to get rid of forums since AS don't seem to be too enamoured with announcing patches anyway.

Where did you come by that info and what does it fix? do you have to redownload the product?

Quixoticish · Nov 10, 2008

Thoe6969 said:
Where did you come by that info and what does it fix? do you have to redownload the product?

I downloaded 1.01 yesterday when I purchased the product. Someone further up the thread mentioned that 1.1 was available, so I thought I'd check my account for the updated version. However I assume the person was mistaken and they meant 1.01, however I did note that the version on my account was now 1.02.

You do indeed have to re-download your product, there isn't a seperate patch. And there are no patch notes anywhere that I can see so I've no idea what it changes or fixes I'm afraid.

pbearsailor · Nov 10, 2008

I'm sorry, but Phil's response to GatorFlyer is such crap. :banghead:

From the plane's announcement: "AlphaSim's T-34C has been built as always to showcase both RealGauge technology and FSX visual effects, but in this case also to demonstrate the extent to which the cockpit systems of a light aircraft can be replicated in the sim. In fact, the model has been put together as a proposed training aid for the US Navy - Ensigns current on the type assisted with the development of the project, maximum realism is assured. All the usual and expected systems are replicated (in accordance with the T-34 Operator's Manual), however several highly innovative features (which inhibit normal operation and can even cause visible damage if procedures are not followed) are also included."

So, it's supposed to showcase cockpit systems, but the start sequence is not even remotely close to the way a PT6A starts. It doesn't even follow the checklist in the included manual. Cmon, gimme a break. :banghead:

I've been positive in my posts to this point, but honestly, if you're going to market something as realistic, it should be and others are, even others with this engine. If you want to market a beautiful model that operates like a toy and starts only with Control E, then say so.

Sorry for the rant, but if they aren't willing to improve it, I am absolutely done with Alphasim.

cheers,
steve :wavey:

Thoe6969 · Nov 10, 2008

Chris H said:
I downloaded 1.01 yesterday when I purchased the product. Someone further up the thread mentioned that 1.1 was available, so I thought I'd check my account for the updated version. However I assume the person was mistaken and they meant 1.01, however I did note that the version on my account was now 1.02.

You do indeed have to re-download your product, there isn't a seperate patch. And there are no patch notes anywhere that I can see so I've no idea what it changes or fixes I'm afraid.

Thanks Chris, will go redownload now,I didn'd bother to check my downloads. DUH:redf:

Big_Stick · Nov 10, 2008

pbearsailor said:
I'm sorry, but Phil's response to GatorFlyer is such crap.

From the plane's announcement: "AlphaSim's T-34C has been built as always to showcase both RealGauge technology and FSX visual effects, but in this case also to demonstrate the extent to which the cockpit systems of a light aircraft can be replicated in the sim. In fact, the model has been put together as a proposed training aid for the US Navy - Ensigns current on the type assisted with the development of the project, maximum realism is assured. All the usual and expected systems are replicated (in accordance with the T-34 Operator's Manual), however several highly innovative features (which inhibit normal operation and can even cause visible damage if procedures are not followed) are also included."

So, it's supposed to showcase cockpit systems, but the start sequence is not even remotely close to the way a PT6A starts. It doesn't even follow the checklist in the included manual. Cmon, gimme a break.

I've been positive in my posts to this point, but honestly, if you're going to market something as realistic, it should be and others are, even others with this engine. If you want to market a beautiful model that operates like a toy and starts only with Control E, then say so.

Sorry for the rant, but if they aren't willing to improve it, I am absolutely done with Alphasim.

cheers,
steve

We need to be reminded from time to time just "who" are bringing these add-ons to us.

These are not large corporations with extensive quality control staff. AlphaSim, A2A, and other similar payware outfits are one or two guys who were sufficiently addled mentally to think they could be successful at making a living creating payware for MSFS. Through some mental defect, they continued to doggedly pursue this fantasy, and I have no idea what continues to spur them on other than an outright, unmitigated love of aviation and flight simming. It is certainly not for a love of the venom dripping from initial notices about their products.

One needs skin as thick as a rhino to remain in this business and without folks like those at AS and A2A we'd have no planes to complain about. Both outfits are trying to push the envelope of what's possible.

Keep it up, and maybe, with the lousy world-wide economy being what it is, these guys might come to their senses and get real jobs.

I have no doubt AS will correct the majority of small details in need of attention. Let us keep in mind the number of new innovations in this product, and the overall quality of the model and cockpit, which are first-class and ground-breaking in many respects. (I got my copy flying yesterday -- started the flight with the engine running so had no issues at all).

CodyValkyrie · Nov 10, 2008

Big_Stick said:
One needs skin as thick as a rhino to remain in this business and without folks like those at AS and A2A we'd have no planes to complain about. Both outfits are trying to push the envelope of what's possible.

I agree with the points of A2A, which is why I continue to work with them. I disagree with the points about Alphasim. Alphasim is riding the coat tails of other development companies in an effort to provide continued sales. While there is nothing wrong with making money in this business, it is obvious this is their number one goal, foregoing realism and at times good customer support.

I hope nobody takes this the wrong way. I have not been a strong supporter of Alphasim for these reasons. I have some of their products, but they are not outstanding. The Turbo Mentor is the closest they have come to great quality, but I fear they dropped the ball on a few things. I am not the mainstream market however. I won't hold my morales and expectations of addons for everyone out there.

There are a few nice features of the product, I won't disagree with that. I try to judge products however by whether they are revolutionary or evolutionary. I have yet to buy an Alphasim product that was revolutionary sadly. I do believe that if Alphasim supports the T-34 with more ferocity and continues to produce products of this quality, I think they can pull away from some of their well earned but disgusting reputation.

wildcat400 · Nov 10, 2008

Chris H said:
I downloaded 1.01 yesterday when I purchased the product. Someone further up the thread mentioned that 1.1 was available, so I thought I'd check my account for the updated version. However I assume the person was mistaken and they meant 1.01, however I did note that the version on my account was now 1.02.

Where under my alphasim account can I tell which version that I already have?

fsafranek · Nov 10, 2008

wildcat400 said:
Where under my alphasim account can I tell which version that I already have?

I don't know that you can.

But you can look at the filename of what you downloaded. The version is always included.
The lastest is version 1.02 as in "AS_T34C_FSX_v102.zip".

Hope this helps.
:ernae:

wildcat400 · Nov 10, 2008

fsafranek said:
But you can look at the filename of what you downloaded. The version is always included.
The lastest is version 1.02 as in "AS_T34C_FSX_v102.zip".

Hope this helps.
:ernae:

Rock on! It does help. I do have version 102.

gajit · Nov 10, 2008

fsafranek said:
I don't know that you can.

But you can look at the filename of what you downloaded. The version is always included.
The lastest is version 1.02 as in "AS_T34C_FSX_v102.zip".

Hope this helps.
:ernae:

Hi Frank

I know its not your fault but will the Alphasim website bother to tell us if there are patches and fixes now that the forum has gone?

VCN-1 · Nov 10, 2008

BACKUP! BACKUP! Before you make any changes

Recommendations from use of the AlphaSim T-34C.
This changes are made to the aircraft.cfg file

1) Change the fuel_flow_scalar to the following setting.
fuel_flow_scalar = 0.735

2) Change the maximum_torque to the following setting.
maximum_torque=1315.00

This way you get approximate flow of 335 PPM at 1015 torque.

The Navy does not use/have incremental flaps on the T-34C.
They are full up or full down.

3) You can change the flap settings to the following.
[Flaps.0]
type = 1
span-outboard = 0.50
extending-time = 10.00
system_type = 0
damaging-speed = 120.00
blowout-speed = 180.00
lift_scalar = 1.00
drag_scalar = 1.00
pitch_scalar = 1.00
flaps-position.0= 0.00, 0.00 // 0%
//flaps-position.1= 6.00, 0.00 // 20%
//flaps-position.2= 12.00, 0.00 // 40%
//flaps-position.3= 18.00, 0.00 // 60%
//flaps-position.4= 24.00, 0.00 // 80%
flaps-position.1= 30.00, 0.00 // 100%
//flaps-position.0= 0.00, 0.00 // 0%
//flaps-position.1= 6.00, 0.00 // 20%
//flaps-position.2= 12.00, 0.00 // 40%
//flaps-position.3= 18.00, 0.00 // 60%
//flaps-position.4= 24.00, 0.00 // 80%
//flaps-position.5= 30.00, 0.00 // 100%

VCN-1

Thoe6969 · Nov 10, 2008

Ok got version 102 now but don't see anything differant from the original, anyone know what was fixed in this version?I signed up to be notified of updates for the T34 and haven't gotten one email from them telling about version 101 or version 102.

VCN-1 · Nov 10, 2008

Nose gear animation is what I saw.

VCN-1

Thoe6969 · Nov 10, 2008

VCN-1 said:
Nose gear animation is what I saw.

VCN-1

OK that did need some work. Thanks

Alphasim T-34C Mentor is OUT!

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