FTX Global VECTOR

[Waterman981]

As there wasn't a thread about this yet, I thought I'd start one.

First off Orbx announced the other day that everyone who buy FTX Global before Dec 31st will get an additional 10% off Vector (when Vector is bought after, or at the same time as Global). Applies to everyone who ordered since day 1. So that's nice.

Today they posted some screenshots showing how they'll be handling frozen water with Vector.

So first is just base FSX with FTX Global:


Next they add Vector to it, huge difference in the roads and rivers:


Finally the same shot at winter showing their "frozen water tech":


http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/top...er-tech-minsk/

[Waterman981]

Now released: http://www.flightsimstore.com/produc...fkkjapovnrftq0

http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/top...ctor-released/

[WarHawK]

This is one of those subtle things that just really continues to build on the longevity of the FSX platform. With all of it's bugs, crashes, issues, and bad freeware, stuff like this really keep it going.

[jj2414]

I made the decision not to buy Vector after making the mistake of buying Pilots 2010 mesh..I uninstalled that after a week...what a waste of 100 bucks.
I see threads about Vector on Orbx and Avsim forums have been locked.:hypnotysed: looks like Orbx made the mistake of putting their name on a Pilots product. If anybody is interested in some mesh (whole disk set) PM me. if I don't get rid of it I guess I'll use it for drink coasters on New Years Eve!:glee:

[WarHawK]

What gripes did you have about it JJ?

[jj2414]

Honestly didn't see any notable difference in the terrain, other than adding 16gb to the Hd..lol. I took screenshots of it on and off in dozens of places and the only thing I noticed was mountain peaks moving a little to the left or right . I did notice a lot of elevation issues with different airstrips. They provided a flattening tool for the elevation problems but in my opinion it just messed things up from FTXG scenery.

I know Orbx claims that FTX Global doesn't contain any mesh info but I have Default FSX installed on one PC and FTXG/FSX installed on another and there is no way the mesh is the same.

[Novawing24]

So as a community what is the recommendation for terrain mesh addons?

I've only just got back into FSX and have started looking at addons. I have some of the Orbx addons and am curious what everyone is using in terms of terrain mesh.

Cheers

Novawing24

[Waterman981]

I'm using FSGenesis Mesh. I have it installed into a separate folder so I'm using it in both FSX and P3Dv2. The unfortunate key is that vector data includes elevation data, what altitude is the lake at... ORBX DEFINITELY dropped the ball on that one. Vector requires better mesh than default or there will be problems. There does seem to be talk about the Orbx Global products liking the Pilot's product, but haven't seen much as far as problems with FSGenesis.

There is also lots of freeware mesh out there that I would suggest trying first. I linked to some in this thread: http://msflights.net/forum/showthrea...5-Terrain-Mesh

[ak416]

After installing Vector, simply moving the folder titled "FTX_VECTOR_AEC" out of the Orbx directory will get rid of the elevation adjustments. But really, vector data is pretty much useless unless you have the mesh to match it, both which greatly benefit from proper landclass data... I think im happy with the FTX Global textures and proper Orbx regions for now until they get some of their issues (and prices) sorted.

[Waterman981]

Isn't the FTX_VECTOR_AEC only the "corrected" airport elevations, but nothing else regarding elevation?

[ak416]

Not sure, I havent noticed any elevation issues anywhere so moving that folder seems to have fixed it. Only time will tell, I suppose, the world is a big place

[Waterman981]

I've just tried this change: http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/top...o-remove-them/

Check it out.

[ak416]

I spoke too soon, elevation issues all over the place. It's a shame, hopefully a proper fix is released soon.

Going to try that fix now Waterman, looks great, that has always bothered me in FSX. It's these small tweaks that go a long way to making FSX look that much better, though.

[Waterman981]

They are finally listening to feedback about Vector... considering a control panel: http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/top...control-panel/

[ak416]

It's too bad they didnt think of that before releasing it... I personally don't think I'll be supporting anything else from PILOTS, I've been keeping my eye on the support forum and the support from them is just awful. One thread mentioned missing lakes and rivers in Alaska, and the response from support was essentially "Hey, we worked hard on this. If you dont like it, go do it yourself because you will never understand how much work it is". In fact, here is the post, I don't want to misquote them.

http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/top...akes/?p=657758