Stansted Xtreme SP2 version released

[Gary Summons]

SP2 version now released. (pure FSX code version)

See website:
http://www.uk2000scenery.com/newsite/My_Homepage_Files/Page12.html

changes to whats included.

1) Model Shadows not used, SP2 has problems generating them on large area objects

2) Z Buffering problems, or the

[Andy Bloggins]

Finally

thanks Gary!

[Frank Jones]

Thanks, Gary.

I use your airfields on Horizon's VFR scenery with My Traffic X.  Your latest version has just converted a complete mess into an excellent airport.  FSX in the UK would be dreadful without your superb work.  Well done.

Frank

[Bill Casey]

Not sure what's up here but I have installed the SP2 version (I hasten to add FSX SP2 is installed  ) and I don't have any night light effects at EGSS. FYI procedures followed:

Removed previous version from FS Database
Uninstalled previous version
Reboot
Installed the SP2 version, options: static jetways, 1-1 animation, no static a/c
Daytime looks great but at night there is hardly any lighting at all, you can just about see the buildings but no overhead lighting, taxiway lighting, runway lighting etc.

I've now done the above twice with no joy, same result. I don't know if it's any different but the Edinburgh SP2 version works perfectly so I assume it's nothing in my FSX settings causing this.

Any clues? TIA.

[Gary Summons]

That would be point5 on the list

5)   Ground shading on the aprons is not included. Due to a complex link between FSX AFD data, air jetways and a smooth surface, the method used in FS9 to  shade areas of the apron does not work in FSX, so the apron is a little more bland and also darker at night compared to the FS9 version.


As we have to use AFD background bases, this hinds all the apron illumination shading in the base image. You only get buidling lights at stansted

[Bill Casey]

Gary - thanks for the reply. I'd read that bit but didn't expect it to be quite so dark! That really is a bit of a stinker isn't it. I think the non-SP2 version was a lot brighter but of course the night textures were a bit of a mess.

On closer inspection of the SP2 version the taxiway lights are there but only as very dim pin-pricks of light and even the aircraft lights don't help a great deal. Hmm, roll on FSXI and at least with the clock change coming up I'll be flying mostly in daylight for the next few months 

Thanks again

[Gary Summons]

Centre light should look the same, (they do for me), also the new SP2 landing lights, do light up the ground a lot for me as well. Try turning up your monitor brightness

[Bill Casey]

Hehe, monitor is already on 100%. Just to double-check, this is what I'm seeing and what I meant by dark, is this correct? LDS 767 with all lights on, Stand 30 to the right, aircraft facing north out of Apron Bravo towards taxiway J, H and Runway 23 beyond (virtually invisible!).

[Graham Biggs]

Hi Bill.

I've noticed this too. Downloaded Stanstead Xtreme SP2 last night and then had a little fly about in a Cessna and noticed just how dark it is. My airport night lights do work of course but trying to taxi is a bit dodgy as it's not very bright. When I landed, I found it difficult when looking for an exit off the runway. Anyway, it's not a moan but just an observation as you yourself have observed.  Maybe I can improve the taxiway lights a bit more by using my "Xgraphics".

[Bill Casey]

Maybe I can improve the taxiway lights a bit more by using my "Xgraphics".

Good idea but no cigar, I've tried that, I'm quite new with XGraphics so you may have more luck though, let me know. Taxiing is indeed a nightmare, everything is just too dark and since I fly exclusively on Vatsim then finding the right taxiway is a bit crucial! I may have to go back to FSX SP1 (which I really don't want to do) or perhaps the SP1 version running under SP2, at least you could find a taxiway although finding a building was a bit tough

I can feel Gary's pain since he can't be at all happy with this and it aint his fault

[Graham Biggs]

Hello Bill.

Great minds think alike then! You've already tried Xgraphics and still no dice. Believe it or not, I've had Xgraphics on my desktop for months and never really used it. That's because I purchased it as a bundle along with "Active Sky" so I'm not experienced with the program myself to be honest.

I too on many many occasions thought of going back to FSX SP1 and then using Gary's original Xtreme airports. FSX SP2 has also messed up the lights on default aircraft for me too. The only reason I installed FSX SP2 was because I have the Level D 767 and they too have released a patch which makes the aircraft unusable without FSX SP2. What a dilemma to be in.

Gary must be really frustrated with the FSX code. He's done everything he possibly can to keep users of either FSX SP1 or SP2 happy. 

[Gary Summons]

There is a way to remake the base and taxiways, to allow night effects on the apron in SP2 and have Jetways, but thats another remake and more time that is taken away from other airports, which has to be taken into account.

I have thought of stop making scenery for FSX all together and wait for next sim. So I would be making airports but not actually releasing them  until we have sim that can display it the way I want to. Im sure I would get twice as much work done this way as currently its 2 steps and 1 step backwards.

[Bill Casey]

I did my first "live" flight into EGSS SP2 version last night (by "live" I mean on Vatsim with ASX and Xgraphics running), I flew it in a Wilco Airbus which has very dim landing lights, I used that on purpose. Just thought I'd let you know how it went.

Runway was visible on long final but not as bright as before, it is still however visible. On roll-out spotting a taxiway was very difficult indeed (almost impossible) but once off the runway taxiing was very possible via an external view and since the buildings are now visible it was easier than the SP1 version. On an external view the taxiway centre lights seem a bit brighter and you can see them further ahead than you can from the cockpit. Stand numbers are also more visible from overhead than from the cockpit. The taxiway signs stand out very well. So, it aint pretty at all but it's useable at an airport I know well and I won't be going back to the SP1 version. I'll be playing again with XGraphics to see if it's possible to improve the roll-out view of the runway and taxiways since that can be very crucial on Vatsim - Gary, not sure if you have any suggestions just for improving runway and exit taxiway lighting?

[Gary Summons]

I cant change the taxiway lighting without using the default  AFD ground system.