"Cedeq Industries, Inc. and P. M. Kidder & Associates, Ltd are pleased to make available to Flight Simulator pilots the Enterpad P120. The Cedeq Enterpad P120 is a programmable touchpad that lets a user enter any sequence of keyboard commands with one button. Each of the 120 positions on the Enterpad P120 allows for the reproduction of any series of characters and functions available on the regular keyboard. A configuration file created by the user must be written and transferred into the memory of the Enterpad. The functions of the Enterpad buttons may be represented graphically on a template.
"The Enterpad P120 is a natural addition to the Flight Simulator program." says Philip Kidder, president of P. M. Kidder & Associates, and American distributor of the Enterpad P120. "The Enterpad insures quick and accurate entry of any Flight Simulator command. The Enterpad allows for minimal distraction from the real job, keeping the plane in the air!"
P. M. Kidder & Associates will ship the Enterpad preconfigured with a Flight Simulator configuration and template. New users will be able to "Plug & Fly" right out of the box.
P. M. Kidder & Associates is also maintaining a library of Enterpad configurations and templates on their web site. As users develop new configurations they can be posted for download by other users. Mr. Kidder will be available to offer technical help to anyone who creates a new Flight Simulator configuration.
Sales outside the USA will be handled directly by Cedeq from their headquarters in St-Hubert, Quebec. International users can still download configurations from the P. M. Kidder & Associates web site and quickly configure their Enterpad.
More information about the Cedeq Enterpad P120 can be found at: www.pmkidder.com"
AVSim have posted the latest update (with gorgeous pics) of the donationware B25 for MAAM. Here's the intro:
"The B-25J Mitchell, "Briefing Time" simulation flew as a demo during this year's 12th Annual World War II Weekend Show at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum, Reading, PA. The MAAM-SIM team, consisting of Bill Rambow, Jan Visser, and Fred Banting, now an official arm of the museum itself, will finish this project and hope to release the B-25 for FS2002 within the next several months. The team, is also in the process of completely reprogramming its Gmax R4D (see Jan Visser's gorgeous screenshots here), so there is a lot of work to do yet. So, if you did not make it to WW2WE, here are a few of the B-25 panels and views to whet your appetite:"
"When you select your plane, you can also select the paint job (country) you have on it and finally select some "nose art" to further customize it to yourself. That was kind of a neat idea.
The "enemy" are much smarter, better, and tougher then cfs2 and they can appear at any moment depending on the situation and your location so you don't have as much time to set up for them. You're gonna have a challenge here. No easy prey for you. This old man did better then the young kids I watched! I might not be such a bad pilot after all."
As Sim-News report, The Adrenaline Vault have posted a review of Saitek's HOTAS replacement for the old X36. Although the X45's been available for some time now, this is a detailed review with some useful pictures. Here's an excerpt:
"Programming the X45 system is a snap using the new software system from Saitek. Everything is visual, and although it lacks the polish found in competitors' programming software, it is very functional and straightforward. The online documentation and help files will guide you through any question or hitch, and Saitek has a large amount of profiles for more popular simulations available online for you to download.
The nicest feature is the three shift states available to each half of this HOTAS setup. The Throttle uses a three position shift button with accompanying LED lights in the bezel, while the Joystick uses the pinkie-trigger to accomplish the same. Each shift state is independent of the others on the opposite device, giving you a wide range of flexibility in programming the controller for even the most complicated simulation."
"Both the stick and throttle performed flawlessly during gameplay. We had no trouble with any functions in IL-2, FS2002 or Flanker 2.5. Calibration was easy and rock-solid, with no spiking or jitter. All programmed functions, including control axes, hat switches, throttle “thumbstick” (either in mouse mode or driving a control axis), chorded commands, mode switching, and “shift” buttons worked perfectly, the first and every time. Control Manager seemed to handle everything we threw at it without twitching even once."
The following announcement has been made by Ryan "Kosmo" Cowley:
"HOTAS Covers is proud to announce the offering of our unique covers for PC flight simulation controllers. Each HOTAS Cover is made of durable Polartech Fleece, which provides maximum protection from dust and shrapnel which can work its way into your unprotected HOTAS. Keep the potentiometers clean, switch mechanisms clear, and those hard to reach angles and under the hat switches tidy. The HOTAS Cover acts as a barrier to nicks and scratches while your HOTAS is not in use, thus preserving that new look, while offering a degree of protection an uncovered HOTAS doesnt enjoy. The covers include a red REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT flag for the aviator who has tipped back one to many with dinner. Customize you coves by ordering it with your name or callsign embroidered on front."
"Within a few minutes, I began to feel that something just wasn't right...I couldn't put my finger on it, but it was a nagging feeling that things were not as they should be. At times like this, a "flow pattern" around the entire S/O's panel is usually just what the doctor ordered. I started with the obvious things like engine instruments (all four Pratt and Whitney JT9s were purring like a kitten), hydraulices (all pressures in the green band, quantities normal), electrical system (all buses powered, all volts and freqs within normal ranges)....and then drop the gaze to the fuel panel. Uhhhhhh, wait a minute, this doesn't look right....HOLY SHIT! I left and we had 77,000 on the fuel totalizer, and now it reads 27,000? What the hell happened to all the fuel? I could literally feel the blood draining from my head, and I'm sure I looked as if I had seen the ghost of Elvis himself."
Doug "guod" Atkinson has posted a great article over at SimHQ subtitled "One system, sixteen sims, three operating systems (plus one hybrid), and several weeks of testing time later, we have data which OS works best for sims.". Here, Doug introduces the contenders:
"Two of the contenders were easy to decide on...Microsoft Windows 98SE, the reigning "king of the (sim performance) hill" and Microsoft Windows XP Home. After much consideration, Windows 2000 Professional and 98 Lite were also selected. If you are not familiar with 98 Lite, check out their web site here. 98 Lite doesn't include the browser or mail client, so there is a difference in it verses the other three OS's, but its reduced overhead makes some good points in our testing. While Microsoft has never encouraged users to make Windows 2000 Professional a game OS, there have been some decent results reported. For gamers Windows 2000 Professional seems like the best of both worlds: less overhead like 9x, better memory management from NT. We'll see."
Read the full article and check out the benchmarks
HERE
The Wargamer have produced a review of Xicat's flight sim. Here's a snippet:
"This title was originally scheduled for release in 2000 before EA folded the cards on the Jane's house of sims, and graphically it shows. While the aircraft models are good, they don't hold up well even compared to older titles such as Jane's World War II Fighters. What does look good however, are the damage effects. Bullet holes are represented, and a shredded wingtip exposes the structural members beneath. Environmental effects like clouds look good, but still are more of a prop than anything else."
AVSim have gleaned some info from the CH Products Director of Sales & Marketing about new products for the end of the year:
"Flight Sim Chair - "CH Products and Dittrich Design, a contemporary furniture design company based out of Germany, have teamed up to offer you a place to sit your keister while gaming. This light-weight compact flight chair is comfortable enough to allow hours of entertainment with your CH Flight Sim Yoke and Pedals! The Flight Sim Chair is sleek enough that you'll want to have it ready for your urgent gaming fixes, yet constructed to fold up and slide underneath your bed. Pricing to be determined. Available by November 2002!"
Throttle Quadrant - "Thanks to all of your comments and suggestions, CH Products is proud to announce the newest tool for your flight sim needs! We're thrilled to offer a realistic throttle quadrant with two different options, prop or jet, depending on your choice of flight. For those of you who seek ultimate realism in flight simulation, you simply cannot pass this one up! Pricing to be determined. Available by Christmas 2002!"
Flight Control Stick - "Have you taken your hobby and passion for flight to the extreme? Ever wonder how CH came up with controllers so realistic, you feel like your actually cleared for take-off? Well, the same man who brought the ideas and designs to the unmentionable amount of directors meetings, has been building real life airplane, in his "spare time" for years. And what better joystick to use in his own airplanes, then his own."
CH products is now offering this controller to all home-built plane builders. Please contact Debby directly for more details. Check out prototypes of these exciting new products at the upcoming AirVenture 2002 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin July 23 - 30, 2002, Hanger B Booth #2016 & 2017. Or stay tuned for photos and pricing in the near future."
I received the following press release about a new set of high end pedals from the Spanish company ELECTRÓNICA, MECÁNICA Y CONTROL. S.A.
Manufactured by quality materials as steel and aluminium by reaching high levels of stability living realism to the unit. With high quality breaks and helm sensors, in a way that the information is transmitted as if using a real one. Leg length adjustment, confers another plus when recreating reality. It also admits the inclusion of a cable lever from the cockpit... You would fly your own f-16c at home for an available price !!!!!!!!!!
And this is only the beginning. At this moment we are developed an ACES II Seat, The Cockpit and the Movement platform , They will be for sale before 2003
The enterprise which makes that dream come true is E.M.Y.C.S.A., dedicated to design and develop engineering's projects with 14 years of experience in which we have the pleasure to work for internationals companies as Renault or nationals as I.N.T.A. or "El Corte Ingles"... (if you want more information about our projects, please contact us by Web, phone or fax).
After the success of their GeForce 4 competition ThrustWorld have decided to do it again, this time with a few twists. They will simply GIVE AWAY a choice of an XBox, GameCube, Playstation 2 or a DVD Player to the person that spends the most time playing games in their GameZone ( http://www.thrustworld.com/bootup.php) between the 21st July 2002 and 24th August 2002.
As if that wasn't enough they are giving away an MP3 player to a random new member that signs up between now and the 24th August, and a random existing member providing they have spent at least 20 hours in the gamezone between now and the 24th August.2002
The competition is open both to paying members and free trial members. If you are not already a member you can sign up now HERE They have extended their free trial period to 45 days to allow people to enter the competition without obligation.
Full details of the competition and the leaderboard are avialable
HERE
Microsoft have launched the official site for Combat Flight Simulator 3.
"As a pilot in Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3, you fly in the historical framework of the tactical air war in northwest Europe starting in mid-1943, but there’s a significant difference. The skill and perseverance you and your squadron or Staffel bring to each battle can alter the tactical situation and the timeline of the campaign. This open-ended and flexible campaign means you can influence events, alter history, and extend the timeline to add new technology to your arsenal. How you handle these tactical and technological advantages will determine the outcome."
Gary Hayes has produced a review at AVSim for the Abacus' FS2002/CFS2 combat jets and panels add-on. Here's a snippet:
"Abacus has done a great job on this F-16, although the exterior could maybe use some work. But there are many F-16 models out now, so you can just exchange the panel if you aren't satisfied with the Abacus F-16.
The panel on this one is like the F-15's panel. It has a good-photo real appearance and many functions. The virtual cockpit on this one will make you sick if you do too many rolls, or maybe that's just me? But anyway, great job here Abacus.
Flight dynamics for the F-16 are pretty sporty, just what you would expect from an F-16. Good stability at altitudes low and high, with a good steady mach."
rage3d.com have produced a review of the full monty of Act-Labs's driving peripherals (The Force RS Racing System with steering wheel and small pedals, the Performance Pedals, and the USB Shifter). Here's a snippet:
"The wheel's mechanics run off of a separate cartridge that plugs into the back, or essentially an electronic engine for the computer and wheel. ACT-LABS relies on Immersion technology for its force feedback, the same company that developed BMW's computer controlled I-Drive. The cartridge feature will allow you to upgrade your cartridge with future force feedback technology without having to buy a new racing wheel. Very nice!"
The following press release was posted at flightsim.com:
"eDimensional, Inc. a leading provider of consumer PC virtual reality products and accessories including the E-D Glasses, announces enhanced drivers created for the use of the E-D glasses in conjunction with nVidia video cards.
Nvidia has released new E-D glasses stereo drivers for use with all of their video cards. The stereo drivers include added functionality that enhances graphics, game play, and simulation performance. The software created by Nividia includes new configuration files for optimized integration for the newest, most popular flight simulator programs, as well as simulator programs that have been previously released. Customer James Cohen says, "it's just the most amazing sensation of speed, height, and reality I have ever experienced... complete immersion..."
eDimensional,Inc. constantly strives to ensure that the E-D glasses and accessories are compatible with all new and upcoming flight simulation programs. With flight simulation being the most popular and practical use for true stereoscopic 3-D visualization, eDimensional is adamant with regards to the satisfaction of the flight simulator market and the customers gaming experience. If you think the E-D glasses were outstanding before, you won't believe your eyes when you experience the E-D glasses now.
"Controlling the aircraft can be difficult at times, especially when executing challenging maneuvers in an attempt to lose an enemy fighter on your tail, not only do you have to avoid enemy gunfire you have to avoid loosing control of the aircraft. The physics engine at this stage is very solid and extremely realistic, enter a dive or a spin and it becomes increasingly more difficult to pull out the closer you come to the ground. These types of effects aresimulated on a regular basis in the game; learning to handle the aircraft can be a interesting experience for even the most dedicated simulation enthusiast."
SimHQ have posted a link to a book review at Wargamer, a novel of a Gulf War attack helo pilot by Michael T. Gregory. The reviewer, Jason Logue, had this to say:
"Desert Skies by Michael Gregory goes some way towards redressing this imbalance. The author flew in the Persian Gulf as "Ghostrider 6", a company commander of an attack helicopter unit tasked in direct support of the Allied armoured advance. Yet Desert Skies isn't about the "Ghostriders". Instead, it tells the story of the "Champions," a fictional unit involved in the same task. The author has cleverly opted for a fiction-based-on-fact book to tell his story. Some would classify this as a cop-out, but using this method does have several advantages for the author (particularly if they are still serving in the military, as this one is)."
V quiet on the flight sim front at the moment. In times like this a young(ish) mans fancy turns to Formula One. There's plenty of reviews around for GP4 at the moment but one of the most objective I've seen was at epiGamer. Here's the intro:
"How does one start a review on one of the most anticipated sports games of the year? Especially when this game has already received very mixed reviews from both Formula One camps, these camps being the fans of Crammond games, and those that prefer the feeling of EA Sports and their games. And here’s where I have my first problem, I’ve only played the F1 2002 work in progress demo so can’t do a direct comparison between the two games which is a problem, as they both came out this last month and are in direct competition for the £30 in your pocket and if you believe the word wars going on in some forums, you’d possibly believe some people would be willing to go to war over their game of choice."
