That makes me wonder how other professions would fly. What about those from the 'oldest profession', would they be bouncing and weaving all over the place, their engines screaming and groaning? Perhaps that's for another thread though. :d
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My Big Question...!
- Thread starter Kiwikat
- Start date
That makes me wonder how other professions would fly. What about those from the 'oldest profession', would they be bouncing and weaving all over the place, their engines screaming and groaning? Perhaps that's for another thread though. :d
I have always wanted to try multi player, but my main issue has been communication, really my problem is the sound quality of pc headsets. Being deaf and using a cochlear implant (which is WONDERFUL technology believe me) makes things like this hard, in order to get a headset that will work well with the implant means $$$ and I really can't justify the cost to just try it out. I do most of my flying with no sound at all and enjoy it very much.
jankees
SOH-CM-2025
the same for me.
Apart from that, I paint aircraft, make test flights and continue painting..
1/ Done
2/ I voted never because although I've tried 4 or 5 times I was never able to succesfully stay logged on for more than 10 seconds or so. Very frustrating.
3/ I think many of the reasons people don't have already been hit on;
-don't know how (succesfully)
-don't know you can
-fear of being criticized for piloting ability
-been treated rudely in past mp experiences
-no set free time
-time zone/planning issues
-some use FS as an escape from everything and want to be alone
-fear it's too structured
-just plane shy (pun intended)
-for some the anomilies (seeing a 747 rather than a B-17), mesh issues, etc are too annoying
-no head set, slow typer
-don't know anyone else who does
-and on and on and on
I am very interested in MP but need help setting it up. I'm not a great pilot, don't know correct proceedures and navigation is something I could not figure out.
I'd like to fly with others for fun but also at times to learn. I learn better from listening, watching and doing along with the reading.
I've been using FSRecord to fly formation or play "follow the leader" but it would be more fun with others. I don't have a single friend into aeroplanes or simming so online flying would allow me to share this hobby with others.
If you start a group I'd join but would need help getting up and running. I don't have TrackIR but would purchase one soon if I could get multi player working.
Great poll.
2/ I voted never because although I've tried 4 or 5 times I was never able to succesfully stay logged on for more than 10 seconds or so. Very frustrating.
3/ I think many of the reasons people don't have already been hit on;
-don't know how (succesfully)
-don't know you can
-fear of being criticized for piloting ability
-been treated rudely in past mp experiences
-no set free time
-time zone/planning issues
-some use FS as an escape from everything and want to be alone
-fear it's too structured
-just plane shy (pun intended)
-for some the anomilies (seeing a 747 rather than a B-17), mesh issues, etc are too annoying
-no head set, slow typer
-don't know anyone else who does
-and on and on and on
I am very interested in MP but need help setting it up. I'm not a great pilot, don't know correct proceedures and navigation is something I could not figure out.
I'd like to fly with others for fun but also at times to learn. I learn better from listening, watching and doing along with the reading.
I've been using FSRecord to fly formation or play "follow the leader" but it would be more fun with others. I don't have a single friend into aeroplanes or simming so online flying would allow me to share this hobby with others.
If you start a group I'd join but would need help getting up and running. I don't have TrackIR but would purchase one soon if I could get multi player working.
Great poll.
Francois
FS Veteran
I see a few people here who don't know HOW, both from a technical perspective and from a flying perspective.
We provided 'MP & Flying' lessons via the Emma Field Flying Club a few years ago and successfully got quite a few people to master both setting up multiplayer AND flying FS aircraft.
Key was to have a patient instructor, do it one-one-one or one-on-two (to get rid of the 'shy' thing) and to NOT make anything too formal.
Quite a few of the people who learned back then are the ones STILL flying MP today !
It was fun and rewarding to get people into this new aspect (to them) of simming and I wish I stil had the time to do it. But it DOES take time, especially with less computer-literate candidates...
We provided 'MP & Flying' lessons via the Emma Field Flying Club a few years ago and successfully got quite a few people to master both setting up multiplayer AND flying FS aircraft.
Key was to have a patient instructor, do it one-one-one or one-on-two (to get rid of the 'shy' thing) and to NOT make anything too formal.
Quite a few of the people who learned back then are the ones STILL flying MP today !
It was fun and rewarding to get people into this new aspect (to them) of simming and I wish I stil had the time to do it. But it DOES take time, especially with less computer-literate candidates...
My Dad and I have flown some MP in the past but over the last two years we have not. Seems like we are always on different paths plus my system and FSX have been fighting each other. When flying we would just pick an airport and pick a direction. We didnt fly in formation but we would generally head in the same direction.
An idea:
I would like to see some type of missions if possible. For example; I could go on a server and place my aircraft, or some other object, somewhere while others try to find it. Of course we would need to turn off markers so its not so easy to spot. Fly by and take a screen shot then post it back into a thread on SOH.
An idea:
I would like to see some type of missions if possible. For example; I could go on a server and place my aircraft, or some other object, somewhere while others try to find it. Of course we would need to turn off markers so its not so easy to spot. Fly by and take a screen shot then post it back into a thread on SOH.
falcon409
SOH-CM-2025
Yea, good discussion going here to be sure. I wanted to post a few things to think about that folks can expect when setting up for Multiplayer Sessions using FSHost Client and Team Speak.
First off FSHost is used solely for FS9 MP Flights. . . .in FSX you must use FSHost Client which you can download on their website at
www.chocolatesoftware.com
In FS9 you don't have to remain in window mode to fly, but
in FSX you can only use window mode due to the chat window pop up. They have yet to figure a way to get it to show up with the view set to full. It's just the way it is so be aware of that.
Team Speak is used for Comm. You do not need TS to fly in Multiplayer. It's a great advantage, but I promise, you don't need it to fly. There is a chat box as part of FSHost Client that allows you to type your communications with other pilots. That comm scrolls across the top of the screen and everyone sees it.
The one big advantage to Team Speak is that while flying, you don't have to sit there typing while you're trying to set up to take off or land. So it does have it's advantages.
First off FSHost is used solely for FS9 MP Flights. . . .in FSX you must use FSHost Client which you can download on their website at
www.chocolatesoftware.com
In FS9 you don't have to remain in window mode to fly, but
in FSX you can only use window mode due to the chat window pop up. They have yet to figure a way to get it to show up with the view set to full. It's just the way it is so be aware of that.
Team Speak is used for Comm. You do not need TS to fly in Multiplayer. It's a great advantage, but I promise, you don't need it to fly. There is a chat box as part of FSHost Client that allows you to type your communications with other pilots. That comm scrolls across the top of the screen and everyone sees it.
The one big advantage to Team Speak is that while flying, you don't have to sit there typing while you're trying to set up to take off or land. So it does have it's advantages.
falcon409
SOH-CM-2025
Part 2, lol
Ok, one of the things that always bugged me about FS9 was that if you didn't have the same aircraft as the rest of the people flying and vise versa, you could be flying a tubeliner, but they would see you as a Cessna, lol. In FS9 you have to have the same aircraft and textures to see you partners correctly. A lot of times most were willing to switch prior to take off to something that everyone had, or something closer at least so you didn't have a 747 doing a hover over the rwy or setting down on top of a building, lol.
Well, with FSX (as long as everyone is flying FSX), you now have the option to select a player in the chatbox and then change the aircraft you see him flying into one you have in your hangar. Pretty cool actually, so flying dissimilar aircraft isn't as big a problem with FSX because you have the ability to change that. I know I saw a few who said the inability to see certain animations was a downer for them. There is a click box in FSX and FS9 Multiplayer setup that ensures that others can see your animations, That doesn't guarantee that every animated sequence can be seen (opening and closing canopies is one that doesn't always work), but generally flight control surfaces, lights and sometimes doors can be seen on other aircraft when animated.
Ok, one of the things that always bugged me about FS9 was that if you didn't have the same aircraft as the rest of the people flying and vise versa, you could be flying a tubeliner, but they would see you as a Cessna, lol. In FS9 you have to have the same aircraft and textures to see you partners correctly. A lot of times most were willing to switch prior to take off to something that everyone had, or something closer at least so you didn't have a 747 doing a hover over the rwy or setting down on top of a building, lol.
Well, with FSX (as long as everyone is flying FSX), you now have the option to select a player in the chatbox and then change the aircraft you see him flying into one you have in your hangar. Pretty cool actually, so flying dissimilar aircraft isn't as big a problem with FSX because you have the ability to change that. I know I saw a few who said the inability to see certain animations was a downer for them. There is a click box in FSX and FS9 Multiplayer setup that ensures that others can see your animations, That doesn't guarantee that every animated sequence can be seen (opening and closing canopies is one that doesn't always work), but generally flight control surfaces, lights and sometimes doors can be seen on other aircraft when animated.
falcon409
SOH-CM-2025
Part 3, on a roll here, lol
Setting up FSHost Client is very easy, you download the Client software, install it, adding an icon to the desktop or taskbar and then click it to open. The menu is pretty self explanatory, you just enter your call sign, the IP of the server you want to connect to, click search and when the server name comes up click on it and click "join". You're in and that will automatically bring up the chat window as well.
One area that can be a real pain here is if you are running a router. All the ports required by FSX and FSHost to run must be forwarded. If not, then either you'll be kicked off or you'll cause someone else to get kicked. Most admins on a server keep track of this and can usually tell who it is that didn't forward the correct ports, but not always, so look at the brand of router you have and check online to get into your routers setup and forward all the necessary ports. Chances are, if you've never flown MP or it has been a long time since you have and you are using a router this port forwarding will have to be done.
Setting up FSHost Client is very easy, you download the Client software, install it, adding an icon to the desktop or taskbar and then click it to open. The menu is pretty self explanatory, you just enter your call sign, the IP of the server you want to connect to, click search and when the server name comes up click on it and click "join". You're in and that will automatically bring up the chat window as well.
One area that can be a real pain here is if you are running a router. All the ports required by FSX and FSHost to run must be forwarded. If not, then either you'll be kicked off or you'll cause someone else to get kicked. Most admins on a server keep track of this and can usually tell who it is that didn't forward the correct ports, but not always, so look at the brand of router you have and check online to get into your routers setup and forward all the necessary ports. Chances are, if you've never flown MP or it has been a long time since you have and you are using a router this port forwarding will have to be done.
That sounds great! I do want to fly just for fun but would definately like to learn from more knowledgable people. I tried teaching myself navigation but didn't get anywhere.
@Kiwikat, PM comming soon (few minutes).
edit-typo
falcon409
SOH-CM-2025
Part 4,
Team Speak as mentioned above IS NOT REQUIRED. The obvious advantage however is that you can simply talk while flying (very natural) and enjoy what's going on around you. The only disadvantage might be in getting your headset/mic or desktop mic setup correctly. TS can be a bit quirky in that respect.
Installation is no problem, very similar to FSHost Client. You simply install the program, add an icon on the desktop or taskbar and click to open. The easiest way to initially get into team speak is to use the "quick connect" option. You input your call sign, the IP address you want to connect to (many times it's the same one being used for the MP session itself), click join and you're in. Once in though be aware that you may have entered the "dead zone", lol. You can hear everyone else, but they can't hear you. It's quite common and usually, if at least you can hear them, you can get the setup tuned in correctly and you're good to go. It can take some time though, so be aware that this is one area that may take a bit of tweaking before it's setup correctly. In the long run though, way better than having to type the whole time you're flying.
Team Speak as mentioned above IS NOT REQUIRED. The obvious advantage however is that you can simply talk while flying (very natural) and enjoy what's going on around you. The only disadvantage might be in getting your headset/mic or desktop mic setup correctly. TS can be a bit quirky in that respect.
Installation is no problem, very similar to FSHost Client. You simply install the program, add an icon on the desktop or taskbar and click to open. The easiest way to initially get into team speak is to use the "quick connect" option. You input your call sign, the IP address you want to connect to (many times it's the same one being used for the MP session itself), click join and you're in. Once in though be aware that you may have entered the "dead zone", lol. You can hear everyone else, but they can't hear you. It's quite common and usually, if at least you can hear them, you can get the setup tuned in correctly and you're good to go. It can take some time though, so be aware that this is one area that may take a bit of tweaking before it's setup correctly. In the long run though, way better than having to type the whole time you're flying.
I voted rarely, seeing as half the time I simply can't be bothered with anything more than a quick 20 minute flight on my own. But, I've got nothing against using multiplayer, and in fact some of the best sessions I've had in FS have been on multiplayer. I'd support the MP group if it got going.
FSHost would be good if it was as smooth as Gamespy. Currently flying with FSHost is akin to flying in FS9 multiplayer - jerky and certainly not smooth enough for formation flying. However Gamespy is a pain the arse seeing as you can't seem to change your aircraft, or very many settings at all as a matter of fact (display, weather, time, etc etc) unless you come out of the flight and reload it all. That can get extremely annoying!
FSHost would be good if it was as smooth as Gamespy. Currently flying with FSHost is akin to flying in FS9 multiplayer - jerky and certainly not smooth enough for formation flying. However Gamespy is a pain the arse seeing as you can't seem to change your aircraft, or very many settings at all as a matter of fact (display, weather, time, etc etc) unless you come out of the flight and reload it all. That can get extremely annoying!
I voted often because I only fly online anymore,offline only if testing something. started back with joining Margarita Air Club and doing it ever since. I host the 2 FSHostservers for the club plus also fly on Alaska Winds server and FSVintage server. Nice thing about FSX is if u are the only one on the server and want company u and use the Sim AI traffic and it's ATC if u want. Can't do that with FS9 thou.
As for the other questions they have been pretty well covered already.
As for the other questions they have been pretty well covered already.
mike_cyul
SOH-CM-2025
Kowalski65
Charter Member
I voted never, as I have never had a decent enough connection untill I moved recently(it's still not perfect, but it's faster than it was!) I loved your P-51 fly in, Kiwikat, and would love to do some more like it, it was unlike what I expected, as that had put me off-I was maybe expecting too much rigid ATC, also I dont think I fly that well, and also mainly being generally shy of intruding into a group that may well be. for all I know, an established group of mates that dont want a stranger in their midst.
But if someone organises a fly in like the P51 one, or a regular session then I will do my damndest to be there :ernae:
But if someone organises a fly in like the P51 one, or a regular session then I will do my damndest to be there :ernae:
Cazzie
SOH-CM-2024
I use to fly multi-player with my brother, until my computer outzipped his and he cannot fly FSX at all.
Like many others in this community, I find greater pleasure in creating than playing/flying. Like Banana Bob, I have acquired a hand at making prop washes and I have been doing repaints since FS2002. With my appreciation of aviation history and with so many historical planes and scenery that are available for FS9 and FSX (no longer do FS8), I am a hopeless addict!
BTW gang, I just got back up from a terrible MB fry when lightning ran in on my tower four weeks ago this past Sunday. It has been a Dante's Inferno too broad to mention.
But by the will of God and no thanks to the technician (let's not get into that, my BP rises) at Tiger Direct/COMPUSA, I have everything back up and running and both flight sims and all add-ons up and operable. I have yet to install Bill Lyon's blessing, GW3, but that is in the planning too, disk laid out. I have yet to install many of my favorite add-on aircraft. Lionheart, I may need your help again on the payware keys. However, I have most of my stuff from the past year backed up on an external HD (best purchase I ever made).
Anyhow, it's so good to be back and have a rhyme and reason to do repaints, etc. again. After seeing Ito-San's Whirlwind again, I didn't even look for the CD zip, I went straight to the link. So what, I added two Rolls-Royce Merlins to my sound package! Sue me!
Caz
Piglet and Bill Womack, double thanks:
Like many others in this community, I find greater pleasure in creating than playing/flying. Like Banana Bob, I have acquired a hand at making prop washes and I have been doing repaints since FS2002. With my appreciation of aviation history and with so many historical planes and scenery that are available for FS9 and FSX (no longer do FS8), I am a hopeless addict!
BTW gang, I just got back up from a terrible MB fry when lightning ran in on my tower four weeks ago this past Sunday. It has been a Dante's Inferno too broad to mention.
But by the will of God and no thanks to the technician (let's not get into that, my BP rises) at Tiger Direct/COMPUSA, I have everything back up and running and both flight sims and all add-ons up and operable. I have yet to install Bill Lyon's blessing, GW3, but that is in the planning too, disk laid out. I have yet to install many of my favorite add-on aircraft. Lionheart, I may need your help again on the payware keys. However, I have most of my stuff from the past year backed up on an external HD (best purchase I ever made).
Anyhow, it's so good to be back and have a rhyme and reason to do repaints, etc. again. After seeing Ito-San's Whirlwind again, I didn't even look for the CD zip, I went straight to the link. So what, I added two Rolls-Royce Merlins to my sound package! Sue me!
Caz
Piglet and Bill Womack, double thanks:
mfitch
Charter Member 2015
Other than connecting two of my own computers a few times, I have never used multiplayer. The primary reasons are probably the following.
My piloting skills are not good enough to be safe in multiplayer unless I stay a long ways away from everybody.
I prefer to fly near my actual residence (Anchorage) with little interest in other locations (except for carrier operations).
My schedule, like others who have responded, usually means I do a lot of 30 minute flights. These are squeezed into spare moments.
I have never been described as overly social. In a couple weeks I will meet 130+ needy people. After work hours I would rather have only my wife around.
My piloting skills are not good enough to be safe in multiplayer unless I stay a long ways away from everybody.
I prefer to fly near my actual residence (Anchorage) with little interest in other locations (except for carrier operations).
My schedule, like others who have responded, usually means I do a lot of 30 minute flights. These are squeezed into spare moments.
I have never been described as overly social. In a couple weeks I will meet 130+ needy people. After work hours I would rather have only my wife around.