• 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 old domain name stealing credentials

  • Special Server Maintenance

    Just when you think you have everything running some what better...

    You get a message from the Hosting company. Short story they need to move us to a new server. I have been working with them to plan a good date for all concerned. Here is what we have come up with as a schedule.

    1. November 4th 17:00 -5UTC shut off the forums and start backup proceedures. During this time there will be no access to the forums or the Resource Section.
    2. November 5th Continue with Backups and download same until complete.
    3. November 6th 7:00 turn over server to hosting company to move system to new server
    4. November 7th - 8th restore backups and upgrade forum software.

    If all goes well we should be back online on November 8th.

    To keep you updated we will post updates on AVSIM forums.

    Thank you for your support.

Graphic definitions

WarHorse47

SOH-CM-2024
Can anyone give me a definition of a graphic "spike" or "tear"? Are they one and the same or something different? And how are they different from a "flashing" texture or "artifacts"?

I keep coming across these terms as I research graphic issues and am not sure what they mean or what might cause them to occur. Any good reference would sure help.
 
It all depends on the fault to which somebody is referring. And their knowlege. In beta testing, the dev has to learn to interpret as many terms like spikes and tears, flashing and "holes", "splits" and more are used to describe all manner of issues, depending n the tester's vocabulary and command of the English language.

Flashing is usually a result of one plane or polygon lying directly over another with no gap. There's a thing called "Z" buffer which one can use in the construction of the model to "force" a visual separation between the two if they are not in error and need to be there.

Tearing is usually when a polygon(s) has not been mapped correctly or there is a rogue vertice (pixel) out of alignment that is carrying the texture. The graphics engine is "searching"to complete the image but failing. Mind you that is just one explanation of the term. It is used for so many different interpretations it is not easy to give you an exact answer there.

Most graphics anomalies in models are caused by incorrect or incomplete mapping. Also any model has what we call a "bounding box" which is a bit like a perimeter fence around the model to provide location reference for avoiding obstacles, crashes and of course setting the scale of the model in relation to its surroundings. If there is a fault here, it can wreak havoc with graphics presentation.

There's more but I won't bore you with it...:engel016:
 
In my experience tearing can be minimized or eliminated by changing the Vsync settings on your GPU control panel. I keep my settings on Adaptive. As far as spikes, even with my new GTX960 SC, I see spike/anomalies with different aircraft models which occur depending on my FPS setting. With some models, I need to run on the Unlimited setting but with other models, I have to keep the FPS locked on 32 up to 50 or I will get all sorts of odd spikes/anomalies.
 
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