John Venema Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Hello all, We're aware that the new 3D lights in FTX Global cause black squares to be displayed which is due to the alpha channel being broken in DX10 Preview in many instances. Since no-one on the Orbx team subscribes to the supposed DX10 benefits nor uses it, we simply didn't test it; that's the honest truth of it, not going to sugarcoat it any other way. My statements and commitments for DX10 compatibility made earlier this year was based on replacing standard 1024x1024 landclass ground textures, which of course work fine in DX10 mode. It did not occur to me at the time the broken alpha code in DX10 would impact a light texture file. To give you some perspective, even Microsoft's own car models had issues like these which made it to production for FSX SP2 or the Gold Edition. However we do recognise there is a small but growing number of enthusiasts who have adopted DX10, so we are in the lab right now working on a fix for this. We actually have a crude fix but I am not happy with the quality of the lights so we're continuing to explore other options. Workaround There is a simple temporary workaround for DX10 users which disables the lights altogether. This is not great for night flights but until we release an official fix this will have to do and at least allow daytime flights. 1. In your FSX/P3D root folder, navigate to the Scenery\Global\Scenery folder 2. Rename the 3D_Light_NEW_DDN_1_5.bgl file to 3D_Light_NEW_DDN_1_5.OFF We'll be sure to announce the fix as soon as it's available. Meantime please stop making support requests about DX10 compatibility ok? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonb Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Hello Thanks for the info; I’m sure you guys will nail it. I don’t know of any other FSX related company that woks as hard towards their customers. In the meantime I’ll just stick to DX9 and enjoy this new Toy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stillwater Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Great, John, that you report with honest truth. Not many companies doing this nowadays! And also many thanks for the quick workaround and the resources allocated for fixing the gap. That is the professionalism we try to support! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Perhaps when an announcement such as this is posted it should be read only because all the thank you post just clutter up the thread and are really no help and just force you to bring up the thread again and again to see if something really useful has been added. Now that I have contributed to just that I'll go sit in the corner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plainsman Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Hello all, We're aware that the new 3D lights in FTX Global cause black squares to be displayed which is due to the alpha channel being broken in DX10 Preview in many instances. Since no-one on the Orbx team subscribes to the supposed DX10 benefits nor uses it, we simply didn't test it; that's the honest truth of it, not going to sugarcoat it any other way. My statements and commitments for DX10 compatibility made earlier this year was based on replacing standard 1024x1024 landclass ground textures, which of course work fine in DX10 mode. It did not occur to me at the time the broken alpha code in DX10 would impact a light texture file. To give you some perspective, even Microsoft's own car models had issues like these which made it to production for FSX SP2 or the Gold Edition. However we do recognise there is a small but growing number of enthusiasts who have adopted DX10, so we are in the lab right now working on a fix for this. We actually have a crude fix but I am not happy with the quality of the lights so we're continuing to explore other options. Workaround There is a simple temporary workaround for DX10 users which disables the lights altogether. This is not great for night flights but until we release an official fix this will have to do and at least allow daytime flights. 1. In your FSX/P3D root folder, navigate to the Scenery\Global\Scenery folder 2. Rename the 3D_Light_NEW_DDN_1_5.bgl file to 3D_Light_NEW_DDN_1_5.OFF We'll be sure to announce the fix as soon as it's available. Meantime please stop making support requests about DX10 compatibility ok? Yes, that would be swell. Thank you. Much appreciated. But not all of us fans are techies. Some of us are more plug n play. How do I find the root folder? I've looked for it (search function) but not sure what to call it. "Root folder" doesn't seem to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ca177 Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Yes, that would be swell. Thank you. Much appreciated. But not all of us fans are techies. Some of us are more plug n play. How do I find the root folder? I've looked for it (search function) but not sure what to call it. "Root folder" doesn't seem to work. That means, wherever you installed your FSX/P3D to.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remcos Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 He mean the FSX root folder thats the main FSX folder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forostar Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 JV - really appreciate the work you guys are putting into this, and for the candid explanation. Still a big fan of Global despite a few teething probs. Overall, it represents a massive upgrade of my FSX experience. Keep up the good work. Look forward to the fix! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimomma Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 I did but a popup windows come out all the time with the message please delete the file ........ fsx is unplayable..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimomma Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Sorry my bad ..... I was deleting the file with fsx still open lol.... but we now work like a charm dx10 stunning 30fps.... for the light I use utx one..... until the fix... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaseJ Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Is there any chance of getting Orbx Global CD dvd? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Abernathy Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Is there any chance of getting Orbx Global CD dvd? If you ordered from the FltSim Store, they have the option of sending you FTXG on disks for a small additional cost. Check their site and see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo737 Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Long live DX10!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimomma Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Just say that with dx10 you can with your product achieve fantastic result (and with a bit of tweaking). I post a few screenshot. Hope to not upset anyone just show anyone what we can do">http:// ">http:// Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plainsman Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 He mean the FSX root folder thats the main FSX folder. I don't seem to have an FSX folder on my PC. I did a search and nothing came up. It must've installed into some other folder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimomma Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Impossible you should. Look on c: programfil (x86 for 64 bit) Microsoft/fsx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonb Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 I don't seem to have an FSX folder on my PC. I did a search and nothing came up. It must've installed into some other folder. Impossible you should. Look on c: programfil (x86 for 64 bit) Microsoft/fsx Or if you have a desktop shortcut for FSX then just select it and right click on it. Select properties Then look for the Target Location, it should give you the path. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibidut Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Thanks for the info JV. I have tryed DX10, but faund no benefit to mention, actually. h Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimomma Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Dx10 need a bit of tweaking but can really improve your simulator, trust me. Is a time consuming process, a lot of trial and error but at the end you will notice the difference.... I did..... good luck mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo737 Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Dx10 need a bit of tweaking but can really improve your simulator, trust me. Is a time consuming process, a lot of trial and error but at the end you will notice the difference.... I did..... good luck mate. +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Harris Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Hi chaps, Lets keep to the topic please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piperarrow4 Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Has a fix been released for the black squares? I applied the fixed mentioned in this thread, but flying at night isn't the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Venema Posted July 31, 2013 Author Share Posted July 31, 2013 Hello all, a quick update. The issue is FSX itself, and the way the DX10 renderer is dealing with vegetation class autogen. It appears that the alpha blending is just not being called under any circumstances, regardless of which DXT algorithm is being used for the alpha mask. The only alpha channel that DX10 allows for vegetation autogen is DXT1 format. This is the only way to make our lights work but I can assure you that it looks butt ugly. We even took the default road traffic car models (whose lights work correctly in DX10) and assigned them the same GUID as our 3D light. The result was the same black rectangle around the headlights. The conclusion; this problem is not the models or textures, but DX10 restrictions for the group Vegetation Autogen group. We are continuing to work the problem and of course if anyone in the FS community who has experience in solving thes sorts of DX10 mysteries wants to help us out we are more than willing to listen, just email us at info@orbxsystems.com with the title "DX10 lights FTXG". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highways1 Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Hi John, thanks for your update. Have you looked into contacting Steve Parsons and seeing if his upcoming payware DX10 app can deal with this? From his website it appears that it will solve most issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Venema Posted July 31, 2013 Author Share Posted July 31, 2013 What is Steve's email address? It's worth a try but I expect this is more to do with how the DX10 code works for vegetation rather than any texture conversion simple fix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonb Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 What is Steve's email address? It's worth a try but I expect this is more to do with how the DX10 code works for vegetation rather than any texture conversion simple fix. I think this is current. From his Shader Release 3.2.2. Readme Steve Parsons Email stevefsx [AT] yahoo.co.uk Blog http://stevesfsxanalysis.wordpress.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mork Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Ah bummer! Was hoping it was a easy fix. Now i'm left frightened it might never work at all... Did not expect that! Thanks for the update though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mas618 Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Dang! But thank you for the continued efforts! Mas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highways1 Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 I think this is current. From his Shader Release 3.2.2. Readme Steve Parsons Email stevefsx [AT] yahoo.co.uk Blog http://stevesfsxanalysis.wordpress.com/ That's the current fix, this upcoming application is intended to work on a much wider range of issues as noted on his website and add thing such as virtual cockpit shadows which I believe is a DX10 feature. I admit to not knowing that much about the inner workings of the code but hopefully it can solve this problem. I'm guessing P3D 2.0 will take care of this entirely as it's DX11 functionality will not be broken out of the gate like the current DX10 situation is for FSX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jocko Flocko Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Have any of you fellas actually installed this yet? http://library.avsim.net/search.php?SearchTerm=shader+dx10&CatID=root&Go=Search This should work for you guys as DX10 alpha channel issues were always a DX10 'Preview Mode' FSX issue and not an OrbX one. Why those idiots at Microsoft left DX10 in this state they did is beyond comprehension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogera Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Have any of you fellas actually installed this yet? http://library.avsim.net/search.php?SearchTerm=shader+dx10&CatID=root&Go=Search Yes since it was released. Like the grass at Cardiff the lights are not fixed or otherwise by Steve's shaders. However Steve's yet to be released Dx10 tool pack may Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcfarmer Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 I have tried the suggested comenting out the bgl file in scenery/global/scenery folder and i still get black box's where street lights should be. I would like to just uninstall FTX Global until the patch is worked out for DX10. I think its a great product just dont know why the temporary fix does not work. I even tried letting FSX build a new config to no avail. I will check back tommorrow as i have to go work on planes for real life. FTX GLOBAL FSS0223089 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo737 Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Hello all, a quick update. The only alpha channel that DX10 allows for vegetation autogen is DXT1 format. This is the only way to make our lights work but I can assure you that it looks butt ugly. Hi John, Can we see what you are referring to as "butt ugly" in a couple of screenshots or maybe we can get what you have so far, for us to test and tweak?! Thanks Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
utley Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Dx10 during the day, DX9 during the evenings when the sun is down. Easy fix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plainsman Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Dx10 during the day, DX9 during the evenings when the sun is down. Easy fix. Easy fix for you maybe. I still can't find the fsx root folder. When I right click on the icon and go to properties it just says "Microsoft Flight Simulator X" instead of a location. It must be the way the game was installed or something. Even running search doesn't turn up a folder with scenery bgl thing in it. I'm totally frustrated! Please God, I need for ORBX to develop a patch!! Come on, lads. You can do it!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo737 Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Dx10 during the day, DX9 during the evenings when the sun is down. Easy fix. Not a bad idea!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyhalf Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Dx10 during the day, DX9 during the evenings when the sun is down. Easy fix. That's what I do. Use duplicate shader folders, cfg files and inspector settings. Can switch from dx10 to 9 in 30 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
utley Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Easy fix for you maybe. I still can't find the fsx root folder. When I right click on the icon and go to properties it just says "Microsoft Flight Simulator X" instead of a location. It must be the way the game was installed or something. Even running search doesn't turn up a folder with scenery bgl thing in it. I'm totally frustrated! Please God, I need for ORBX to develop a patch!! Come on, lads. You can do it!!! Either C:/ Program Files/ (x86) Microsoft/ FSX (windows 7 and above) or C:/ Users / Your Name / App Data / Local / Roaming / Microsoft / FSX (hidden folders must be made unhidden first) If its not there, then you dont have FSX installed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mork Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Easy fix for you maybe. I still can't find the fsx root folder. When I right click on the icon and go to properties it just says "Microsoft Flight Simulator X" instead of a location. It must be the way the game was installed or something. Even running search doesn't turn up a folder with scenery bgl thing in it. I'm totally frustrated! Please God, I need for ORBX to develop a patch!! Come on, lads. You can do it!!! I think you misunderstood. You need to search for the .bmp file to rename (to .bak for example) that can be found in your FSX installation folder, where the 'fsx.exe' lives. If you didn't install in a different location than default, it is probably C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Flight Simulator ------> and then the folders \Scenery\Global\Scenery. (Win7) I have it installed outside the Program files folder because of some restrictions this map has with Windows' UserAccount Control (UAC). So for me it's C:\Games\Microsoft Flight simulator\Scenery\Global\Scenery. There I can find the OrbX file to rename. This folder you MUST have, otherwise you shouldn't be able to start FSX lol. Ask if you need any more help. If you do need more help, go find the FSX shortcut on your desktop and rightclick it. Then click Properties and tell me what it says in the Target box. That location there should be your 'FSX rootfolder' as they call it here. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jannie Roelofse Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 What is Steve's email address? It's worth a try but I expect this is more to do with how the DX10 code works for vegetation rather than any texture conversion simple fix. Hi John Did you guys install the DX10 modification that all of us now use to correct the DX10 bugs Microsoft left in the FSX DX10 Preview? http://library.avsim.net/search.php?SearchTerm=shader+dx10&CatID=root&Go=Search By Steve Parsons: http://stevesfsxanalysis.wordpress.com/ DX10 makes a huge positive impact on frame rates. I have made some tests before I made the switch at various airports, and I get every-time double + my FSP than in DX9 Example, if I got 60fps max at an airport I would get 120+ using DX10 My Hardware in signature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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