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renault

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Posts posted by renault

    Opinions please.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    38 minutes ago, Aussieflyer38 said:

     

    HI Pete, thanks for the input. If you check my latest post, I've done this, on Landon's advice, and a few other things. Hopefully this will work out, and we all can go back to flying.:)

     

    Don

     

     

    Hi Don

    But this is a lot of fun too :)

    I've never had any problems with helping to spend other peoples money :lol::lol::lol: !!

     

    In all seriousness , we are all pleased to help:).  I think it is coming together really nicely, and if

    you can go for it, you will be extremely pleased with how well it works for years to come.

     

    You will really enjoy your hobby again 

     

    All the best!

    Cheers

    Pete

    • Like 4

    This will save you Endless Grief ..... Airport Database Corruption Fix

    in Microsoft Flight Simulator

    Posted

    3 hours ago, Nick Cooper said:

    I suppose that another probability is that it is still there, but encrypted.

    Microsoft seem to like hiding things.

    Hi Nick 

     

    I think you are right :)

     

    Caveat - this is a steam installation and a MS Store version of MS2020 may not show the following.

     

    If you do a search on the c drive I found a content.xml link, which goes to an encrypted folder on my drive where the steam version of 

    MS2020 is stored.  It is called   windowsapps,  shows as 0 bytes and is encrypted.  

     

    If you attempt to open the location from the content.xml link you  trigger a search again within the encrypted  folder and everything there is

    all MS2020 related.  However attempting to open anything triggers a "You do not have permission to open ...... " message

     

    As per my first note, you can use the Package Reorder Tool in the Experimental tab under the Developer Menu to:

     

    1) Delete content.xml (its right at the top) and then you can recreate a new file when you restart MS2020,

    2) Deactivate a selection by pushing on the button at the immediate left

    3) Reorder priority of items

     

    However, I'm definitely left with the sense, that aside from deleting the "content.xml" , and deselecting a scenery entry,  the  reorder function is

    not necessarily designed for a casual user.

     

    Cheers

    Pete

     

     

    • Thanks 1

    Opinions please.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Hi Paul

    @Sniper31

    Kudo's to you in finding a "local" for Don :)

     

    I've copied Landon as he would know what the power consumption of the processor would be,

     

    Looking at the specs the only thing that pops out at me is the power supply wattage . 

    I have a 3070ti and it is a really nice card for 1440p .  It also takes a surprising amount of power , compared to the RTX 3070.

     

    It is rated at max power draw of  290 watts and the following screenshot of a stress test I did on my system

    shows at 98% utilization at 60 fps, it is using 282 watts, so I believe the max of 290 is correct.

     

    Stress-Test-Screenshot-365.jpg

     

     

    My processor is a i7 9700k which takes 95w max.  I'm a little concerned that a 750w psu might be a bit light and possibly a 850w would be a better fit

    I defer to Landon's expertise on this , if he could advise please.

     

    Cheers

    Pete

    • Like 1

    This will save you Endless Grief ..... Airport Database Corruption Fix

    in Microsoft Flight Simulator

    Posted

    44 minutes ago, renault said:

    Hi Nick

     

    No worries. 

    It seems that others on different forums are also reporting that as well.

     

    As I mentioned on my machine it now exists in the alternative location with the same name, and that one does

    update in real time.

     

    Do you have it in this location, which is where mine is now located?

     

    C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent

     

    Forgot to mention in my original reply, that I am using Win11, 21H2.

    I don't know if that would have anything to do with it though.

     

    Cheers

    Pete

    Hi Nick

     

    Just a quick update.  I will do some more sleuthing on this

    The above location that I listed under recent is not valid as it turns out it is a shortcut even though it didn't have the symbol

     

    I deleted all known content.xml files I could see and let MS2020 start again. 

    I then did a search on all my drives and do not have a content.xml listed.

     

    So it may , as you suggested possibly be under a different name , although the scenery reorder tool says otherwise.

     

    I will try deleting it within the scenery reorder tool to see if that will regenerate it.

    Needless to say MS2020 is working just fine.

     

    Cheers and apologies for any confusion.

    Pete

    This will save you Endless Grief ..... Airport Database Corruption Fix

    in Microsoft Flight Simulator

    Posted

    Hi Nick

     

    No worries. 

    It seems that others on different forums are also reporting that as well.

     

    As I mentioned on my machine it now exists in the alternative location with the same name, and that one does

    update in real time.

     

    Do you have it in this location, which is where mine is now located?

     

    C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent

     

    Forgot to mention in my original reply, that I am using Win11, 21H2.

    I don't know if that would have anything to do with it though.

     

    Cheers

    Pete

    This will save you Endless Grief ..... Airport Database Corruption Fix

    in Microsoft Flight Simulator

    Posted

    5 hours ago, Nick Cooper said:

    Hello,

    you can open the developer mode and edit the list in there instead, I am told.

     

    Hi Nick

     

    Yes that is correct. It is available in Developer mode under the Experimental tab.

    However the new system (Package Reorder tool) does not work the same way as the old file did.

     

    Asobo has now added a priority system , which results in a package being loaded depending on its assigned priority, regardless of where 

    that scenery entry appears in the list.

     

    From the SDK Platform Q & A:

     

     "

    We've made some changes in the way we handle packages order ingame. If you have created add-ons that modified the content.xml file, they may not produce the      expected result anymore.

    The content.xml file used to list all the scenery packages, and the game loaded them as they were sorted in the file.

    Now the content.xml's structure is the following: 

     
    1. <Priorities>
    2. <Package name="package1" priority="2"/>
    3. <Package name="package2" priority="1"/>
    4. </Priorities>

    By default, the order is the same as defined in the VFS, but in this .xml file you can use the priority system to define which package goes first. (priority 1 is loaded first, no matter what the package position is in the .xml.)

    There is no need to edit the .xml file directly: a tool is available in the Experimental section of the menu.

    Please note that this isn't available on Xbox at the moment. "

     

     

    I would recommend that any member who wishes to use this tool, have a read of the following links as it is very easy to 

    get unexpected results.   

     

    https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/package-reorder-tool-how-to-use-it/545769

     

    https://devsupport.flightsimulator.com/articles/9407/changes-on-contentxml-behavior.html

     

    And lastly, the content.xml  on my machine is now in a different location than before. It is in

     

    C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent

     

    The Caveat is that I have  a steam installation, so it may  be different from where the MS store version would be stored.

     

    The content.xml file that exists in the "old location" has not been updated since July  whereas the content.xml file in the new location was updated

    5 mins ago, according to its timestamp.

     

    The  new file though does not show any scenery priority indexes (it looks like the old file in Notepad++), so I'm not sure it is advisable to

    change parameters in it directly using a file editing package. 

     

    However the order of all the entries in this file, matches the priority order shown in the package reorder tool in the Developer section

    but the <Priorities> section described int the SDK  is absent.

     

    So I think the safest method is to follow Asobo guidance in the SDK Q&A :  "There is no need to edit the .xml file directly: a tool is available in the

    Experimental section of the menu. "

     

    It is confusing to say the least. 

     

    Cheers

    Pete

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • Upvote 1
    • Thanks 1

    Opinions please.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    1 hour ago, renault said:

    No worries Don.

    I'm pleased you found it informative.

    Sometimes just getting ones head around information to gain a general understanding of a subject

    is difficult.

    That's why we're so lucky here to have folks like Landon, Paul and Wayne to help us.

     

    Hope the next day is better :)

    Cheers

    Pete

    And Doug @Doug Sawatzky as well !

    Sorry Doug for missing you on the list. 

    I am amazed at your setup.  Never thought one ran without a case except

    for a test setup.  It is very cool to see :)

    Cheers

    Pete

    • Like 1

    Opinions please.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    7 hours ago, Aussieflyer38 said:

     

    Thanks Pete, for taking the time for this, very helpful. BIst slow getting through all this, as I had a bad day today.

     

    Don

    No worries Don.

    I'm pleased you found it informative.

    Sometimes just getting ones head around information to gain a general understanding of a subject

    is difficult.

    That's why we're so lucky here to have folks like Landon, Paul and Wayne to help us.

     

    Hope the next day is better :)

    Cheers

    Pete

    • Like 1
    • Upvote 1

    Opinions please.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    4 minutes ago, gumbypickett said:

    Go for it Don we all try to get the best pc to

    better the experience of flight simming.

    As far as the missus goes, get a divorce first

    and then worry about death.:D

    cheers

    Gumby

    I really second that (the best PC part ) Gumby :lol::lol:

     

    When you have hardware that works well with MS2020, it becomes such a wonderful experience

    and a great way to explore our planet.

    Cheers

    Pete

    • Like 2
    • Upvote 1

    Opinions please.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Hi Don

     

    Every time Landon answers  questions  about building I learn something important :)

     

    Just to expand on his comments on adequate cooling.  Cooling also needs to be  a balanced airflow

    e.g. the air intake needs to balance the total outflow.  Good builders will check this always, but sometimes it gets

    over looked.

     

    Also, most psu's required for such systems are larger and heavier than those in smaller systems.

    They tend to be mounted on the case bottom.  The PSU also needs air coming in and if you set the case

    directly on a carpet there is the possibility that the airflow into the psu if it takes air from the bottom of the case

    will be restricted.  I actually built a little wooden stand for mine which raises it off the floor and assures that the intake to the 

    psu is not restricted.

     

    My system has a fractal case, and I certain can vouch for Landon's recommendation.  I find they are excellent.

    Also when my builder air balanced mine I was given a choice of two brands of extra fans to use.  They were Arctic cooling

    and Noctua.  The Arctic cooling  were less expensive than the Noctua , very quiet and very efficient and worked a treat in my case.

    The Noctua were more expensive , extremely high build quality and efficiency and slightly noisier when they demonstrated them to me.

     

    So I went with the Arctic cooling option and I have been very happy with that choice. 

     

    Cheers 

    Pete

    • Like 1

    Opinions please.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Hi Don

     

    As Paul has  mentioned Landon (Sniper31) is an excellent resource for questions related to building

    His knowledge of such things is second to none.

     

    You might also find the attached video helpful in your decision making.

    It is comprehensive and is supported by MS2020 performance comparisons for each component discussed.

     

    The machine that you are looking at is spec'd out very well and  the components included in the machine give a performance that

    is in the top tier in terms of the testing results that are shown in the video.

     

    Paul makes an excellent suggestion regarding the resolution that you would be using.

     

    In my experience there is a very significant difference between the total computer resources required to run MS2020 well at 4K vs 1440p or 1080p.

    The machine you are looking at would work extremely well at 1440p and I would think , based upon the video results also do  well at a higher resolution.

     

    With respect to Vram , it is important to note that Asobo has done a lot of work now on memory management in the sim, especially in DX12.  

     

    My card is a RTX3070ti with 8 GB.   My monitor resolution is 1440p.

     

    During the Su10 beta I started monitoring total Vram usage as Asobo was doing a lot of work on memory management , especially 

    for DX12. The utility I was using was called GPU-Z and it gives a very extensive display of GPU information in real time.  I also was using 

    the fps display available in MS2020 as well , as it also gives Vram usage based upon what the sim is actually using. 

     

    What I found as the algorithm was improved through the various beta iterations, was that total allocated VRam used on the card was

    between 7.5- 7.8 GB.  I never got into a situation where I ran out of Vram and total Vram allocated was always within that range regardless

    of where I flew.

     

    What is important to note, is that the algorithm  is allocating Vram based upon what is available physically on the card. 

    So with more physical  Vram available the numbers will change, but the memory management will then manage resources based on that cards

    available total memory e.g. a card with 10 or 12 GB  will have more allocated and be above what the 8 GB card would have allocated.

     

    Put simply, the  MS2020 memory management is working to ensure that you are able to use the sim effectively with the Vram resources you have available.

     

    The difference between allocated Vram and actual Vram usage on a modern GPU is bit complicated.  This is a good article I found for

    a reference if you are interested:

     

    https://appuals.com/vram-allocation-vs-vram-usage-what-is-the-difference/#:~:text=Basically%2C when a game “allocates,Call of Duty Modern Warfare.

     

    With respect to hard drive space, other members are correct, more is better as it is surprising how quickly it can fill up.

     

    The machine you are looking has a USB-c port which is what I have on mine.  I have an  WD 4 Tb external SSD  drive which I use on this port

    for XPlane and all its scenery.  It works like a charm and I never have noticed any deterioration in loading that would cause me concern.

     

    It was also not that much money . I certainly could recommend that as a possible option for the future if you wanted to add additional storage space based on my experience with that approach.

     

    I hope this is of help to you

    All the best

    Pete

     

     

    • Like 1
    • Upvote 1

    MSFS: Bryce Canyon Update

    in Community Screenshots

    Posted

    2 hours ago, TigerTigerM said:

    Out of left field, & I am wondering if there is a 'change log' anywhere?

    I think there are some new buildings?

    But the pony is hiding out in the forest I guess?:)

    TTM

     

    bu1.jpg

    I'd heard that the pony found a nice companion and they both moved to Phoenix :)

    Cheers TTM:)

    All the best

    Pete

    • Like 1

    For those of you who like helicopters ....

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    7 minutes ago, Ken Terry said:

    Pete, what heli is it?

    Rgeards

    Ken

    Hi Ken

     

    It is the High Performance Group HPG Project H135.

     

    It is freeware available from  https://flightsim.to/file/8970/airbus-h135-helicopter-project

     

    There are (at last count) 557 liveries available for it  also

     

    https://flightsim.to/c/liveries/airbus-h135/

     

    It is very well done, but alas a bit beyond my skill level this days, so I have mine just for screen shots

     

    Cheers

    Pete

    • Like 1

    YBBN stutters and low framerate on ms2020

    in Microsoft Flight Simulator

    Posted

    Just for reference 

     

    If I disable YBBN I then get silky smooth performance  over Brisbane

    Two sample snaps ...

     

    One thing I have noticed in DX12 is that the memory reported in the FPS dropdown doesn't seem to

    be correct. For both of these screenshots , CPU-z indicated about 7750 - 7800 MB, total system memory

    was in use. The behaviour of the sim certainly verified with this for me.

     

    Memory usage does seem to be correct in DX11 and both the FPS dropdown and CPU-z always agree exactly.

     

    YBBN is disabled in Addons Linker as mentioned.

     

    This is DX12 - DLSS - Quality mode

    All settings on Ultra, Terrain LOD = 200

    Monitor res is 1440p

    i7 9700K, RTX 3070ti - 8GB

    GPU usage - 39%, CPU usage average 37%

     

    300-Brisbane-Test-Flight-Simulator-2022-

     

     

    301-Flight-Simulator-2022-09-25-00-39-18

     

     

     

    YBBN stutters and low framerate on ms2020

    in Microsoft Flight Simulator

    Posted · Edited by renault

    18 hours ago, John Dow said:

    I think it might be a bigger problem than just Orbx YBBN.  I just tried a flight out of there after uninstalling YBBN and the Brisbane Landmarks and I was getting a slideshow.

     

    I tried deleting the MSFS COntent xml etc and it was still bad.  Melbourne used to be like that adfter one of the WUs so I hope Brisbane hasn't gone down the same path.

    Hi John

     

    Please see the following concerning the content.xml file

     

    From SU10 Patch 10 update notes

     

    • A new package ordering system is also available on PC via the Experimental option menu in game. The way the content.xml file used to work has changed and it may impact the behavior of your add-ons, if they were writing directly in this file. Details about the changes can be found on DevSupport’s homepage here 26.

    And the Dev support homepage 

     

    https://devsupport.flightsimulator.com/articles/9407/changes-on-contentxml-behavior.html

     

    Brisbane has been a very heavy load on my system ever since it was updated. It is very instructive to taxi from one end of the

    main runway to the other with something light like a Cessna 152.   I notice significant drops is frame rate  as you move along, and

    if you pan around the aircraft in some directions I find rates dropping down  into the single middle digits.

     

    The really odd thing is that using task manager, the built in FPS counter in Dev mode and GPU-z , I see nothing that would indicate what is causing the issue. And then just as strangely as soon as I get closer to the CBD , everything clears up, frame rates come back to normal and stay there.

     

    It almost reminds me of the description of black holes in one of Stephen Hawking's books.

     

    I don't see the problem though if I just turn off YBBN using addons linker.  So for me it seems to be the airport itself which is causing an issue

    Cheers

    Pete

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DLSS in SU10

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    5 hours ago, Nick Cooper said:

    Hello,

    my own experience is that the best choice, for me, is Direct X 11 and my 2K screen using DSR to emulate 4k.

    Direct X 12 appears to be exactly the same to look at as Direct X 11 is, except that all 12GB of the VRAM is immediately filled to the brim.
    DLSS just makes everything look less sharp with no upside, the frame rate and general performance do not change.

    The highly intrusive in-game frame rate counter consistently tells me that the game is CPU limited and my very expensive new graphics card

    is just leaning on its fence, idling along with what dribs and drabs the CPU can feed it.

     

    Meanwhile, the simulator looks great and performs perfectly adequately.

     

    This is a really excellent point Nick.:)

     

    There are now a wide range of options available that will allow a user to select the best settings combination that works best for their

    particular situation.

     

    All of this is just part of the toolbox.  There is no right or wrong.

     

    I'm just pleased now that we have this type of choice available. as with a bit of experimentation

    it is possible to come up with settings that work best for your own requirements

     

    Cheers

    Pete

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