Trying to evaluate x-plane for 777 simulator - help needed

[Matthew Schoenberg 959688]

Hi,

 

I am building a flight simulator to be used specifically with VATSIM.

 

I am presently using a set up with FS9 and Project Magenta on a multi-monitor set up with large screens and projectors.

 

I want to evaluate the possiblitly of using x-plane but need some [Mod - Happy Thoughts]istance on what is available. I have the latest version, 8.5 as well as the world-wide scenery pack. What I don't have is a proper 777 set-up with a good avionics package and things like a FMC system or anything by which to navigate with.

 

Is there anything out there now that works with x-plane that is equivablent to either a Project Magenta 777 set-up or PSS 777 for use with x-plane. I am specically interested in a 777, a 300ER or 200LR varient with GE90 engines although for the test, I would take any 777.

 

Also, how well does xsquawkbox work with x-plane? How is the voice? How is the A-1 traffic and is there the ability to see all the VATSIM traffic in each livery like with SB3.1 or FSInn?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Many thanks,

 

Matthew

[Norman Blackburn]

Matthew,

 

Xplane doesnt have a complex aircraft with FMC. In regards to Project Magenta, whilst previously Enrico supported it, afaik the present state is they do not.

 

X-SB works as a plugin within XPlane so it would be on the same box as your visuals although I believe it is possible to run a copy of Xplane on a seperate box with just the X-SB.

 

There isnt the same number of varients within the X-SB model set as available with VIP for example.

[Matthew Schoenberg 959688]

Thank you Norman.

[Keith Smith]

The CSL library that comes with XSB is fairly sp[Mod - Happy Thoughts], meaning you won't get many liveries and models. However, it is possible to [Mod - Happy Thoughts]emble your own model set by exporting existing aircraft to the OBJ format (using a modified version of Plane Maker) and adding entries to the mapping files. I spent some time doing this a while ago, combining a lot of freeware GA aircraft, bizjets, military aircraft and XPFW aircraft (using all sorts of liveries).

 

The system is well docomeented. So, with time and planning, you can [Mod - Happy Thoughts]emble a highly detailed set of models and liveries. Norman is correct that the default library that ships with XSB is sp[Mod - Happy Thoughts], but it can easily be extended.

 

Also, the FMC in xplane is very primitive compared to real-world counterparts, however, XP 8.60 introduces an FMC that will execute turns ahead of time to stay on course, rather than overflying every waypoint.

 

Keith