OpusFSI_v6_Overview  OpusFSI_v6_User_Guide  OpusFSI_v6_Getting_Started_Single_PC  OpusFSI_v6_Getting_Started_Networked_PCs  OpusFSI_v6_Live_Weather  OpusFSI_v6_Live_Camera  OpusFSI_v6_ButtKicker

 

Contents

System Requirements. 2

Software Installation. 2

Setting up the OpusPDK Interface. 3

Create Desktop Shortcuts. 3

Sharing and Permissions. 4  

Installation Log File.  

Error  Messages. 4

Initial Set Up and Configuration. 5

Weather. 6

Cameras. 7

Spy. 7

General Operation. 9

Starting the OpusFSI Software Automatically with P3D.. 9

Operating System Recommendations 

PC Performance 

Simulator Recommendations  

Prepar3D Recommendations 

Recommended Settings and Practice for Dynamic Live Weather  

SimObject Path Additions

Ensuring AI Traffic use the Correct Runway

FSUIPC Settings. 11

TrackIR Settings. 11  

Using FS2Crew with OpusFSI. 13

Uninstalling OpusFSI

FAQ and Troubleshooting. 13

 

System Requirements

·         Lockheed Martin Prepar3D simulator.

·         Windows 11/10/8/7 (64-bit version) operating system.

·         Microsoft .NET Framework v4.7.2.

·         FSUIPC (see note below).

·         90 MB hard disk space.

You need P3D, Microsoft .NET v4 and SimConnect to be installed on your server (and optional client) systems for OpusFSI to work.

Microsoft.NET

You can check what versions of .NET you have installed in Control Panel by selecting Settings, System, Apps and features, then search for .NET and a list of installed versions will be displayed. For older operating systems check your c:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework or Framework64 folders. You should see a v4.0.xxxxx folder etc..

FSUIPC

FSUIPC is required on the FSI SERVER system. FSUIPC is required on Live View clients that are used to display camera views.

You can download a free copy from http://www.fsuipc.com

SimConnect

In the case of SimConnect, first make sure you have installed P3D, SimConnect is installed automatically with it. 

If you have mislaid or corrupted your SimConnect then you can try re-installing it. 

Windows problem running msi files fix ...

To run a msi that doesn’t have a valid Digital signature follow one of the methods mentioned below.

Method 1:
1. Right click on the file or program that you are not able to access.
2. Go to properties and click “Unblock”.
3. Try to run the application again.

Method 2:
1. Click on start button.
2. Type “Internet Explorer” in the “Start Search Box” and select it from the menu.
3. Click on “Tools” in the menu bar and select “Internet Options”.
4. Click on “Advanced tab” and locate “Allow software to run or install even if the signature is invalid” under the “Security” category and check the box.
5. Click Apply and then Ok.
6. Close the Internet Explorer and restart Internet Explorer.

Method 3:
1. Turn UAC OFF. Just type UAC into the start menu or Control Panel search box. Drag the slider to the bottom, never notify.
2. Run the Command Prompt in Admin Mode (not the same as you being an Admin user). 
3. Type: bcdedit /set testsigning off 
4. Reboot. Windows will power up in a test mode and will allow you to run any msi file. 
5. Install the msi file. After installing the software ... 
6. Run the Command Prompt in Admin Mode (not the same as you being an Admin user). 
7. Type: bcdedit /set testsigning on 
8. Reboot 
After rebooting you should still be able to run msi files but may need to answer 'More Info' and 'Yes' to a Windows 10 user query. 

 

Software Installation

Ensure Microsoft .NET v4.7.2, SimConnect and FSUIPC are installed on your PC.

 

Installing the Demo version of OpusFSI

1. Click on the OpusFSI_v6 Demo or Upgrade button on our downloads webpage and download (save) the OpusFSI_v6.msi file.

2. Double click on the downloaded OpusFSI_v6.msi file and follow the instructions to install the software into the standard OpusFSI_v6 directory. You may install the software onto any drive provided its folder name is OpusFSI_v6 with the exception that you must not install OpusFSI_v6 in the Opus Software, Prepar3D or Program Files folders, and don't install in more than one folder on your PC.

Note that in Demo mode the Live Weather Engine is restricted to 160km (100 miles) in all directions and weather updating only whilst your aircraft is on the ground. Also World Weather Themes are not accessible in demo mode. Demonstration mode will run for 15 minutes with a minimum 2 minute interval required between runs.  

Purchasing OpusFSI

1. Click on the Purchase OpusFSI_v6 button on our downloads webpage and download (save) the OpusFSI_v6_Flight1_Purchase.exe file. 

If you get a warning the signature is invalid then right click on the msi and select Run Anyway.

You may get some warning messages from your virus checker at this point which is quite normal for this file type and as a result the installation window may be hidden behind your browser window. You may need to stop your virus checker if it automatically deletes the msi or the exe files.

If you see the following screen then click on the More info button to run the software. Next select Run Anyway.

Using Windows Explorer navigate to the location of the downloaded file and run the software. If you have a problem running the software then right click on the file and click “Unblock".

2. If you have previously installed the Demo then uninstall it via Control Panel, Uninstall a program. Do not delete your OpusFSI_v6 folder containing your camera and system configuration files.

3. Run the OpusFSI_v6_Flight1_Purchase.exe file. A Flight1 form with 3 buttons will be displayed. If you already have a Flight1 account click button 1 to log in (this is optional and if you get any Flight1 login error messages don't use it). Click on buttons 2 and 3 to fill in your purchase details and then the Purchase button will appear, click on this button to complete purchase.

4. You will now find the OpusFSI_v6.msi installation file in your 'unwrapped' C:\Opus Software folder. N.B. You need to keep your Flight1 key and licence files on drive C in the C:\Opus Software folder but can move the msi file to another drive.

Double click on the OpusFSI_v6.msi file and follow the instructions to install the software into the OpusFSI_v6 directory. You may install the software onto any drive provided its folder name is OpusFSI_v6 with the exception that you must not install OpusFSI in the Opus Software, or Program Files folders, and don't install in more than one folder on your PC.

Upgrading OpusFSI

There is an 'OpusFSI Check For Updates' Add-ons Menu option. This option checks for any release or beta updates and provides options to download the latest update(s) into your standard C:\Opus Software folder. Alternatively if you wish to download the software manually then you can do so from our website downloads page.

If you have previously purchased OpusFSI_v6 and want to upgrade to the latest Release version then click on the OpusFSI v6 Demo/Upgrade link in the Download Demo or Upgrade column of our Downloads webpage and download the msi file. If you have a problem running the msi then right click on the file and select Unblock.

Do not delete your OpusFSI_v6 folder. Double click on the Opus msi file and follow the instructions to install the software upgrade. 

All your original configuration (DAT and CMD) and camera definition (CAM, LIM and CDF) files will remain intact in the OpusFSI_v6 folder but it is a good idea to take a backup of your camera files anyway in case they get corrupted (this may happen when you revert to a previous version with a different CAM format).

Installing the Beta version of OpusFSI

Click on the OpusFSI Beta hyperlink in the Beta Development column and download the OpusFSI_v6 Beta msi file.
Install as per the Release upgrade above.
 

Setting up the OpusPDK Interface

The OpusPDK Interface is prepared by running the supplied PDKSETUP.EXE program in Run as Administrator mode. This setup program will create or modify the simulator's DLL.XML file, including all necessary launch statements ready for when you next run the simulator.

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to your OpusFSI_v6 installation folder.
3. Right click on the PDKSETUP.EXE entry and select 'Run as Administrator'.

Create Desktop Shortcuts

After installing the software we recommend you create a shortcut on your desktop for the server program. This shortcut will allow you to manually start your sim system without too much fuss.

1. In Windows Explorer, navigate to your installation folder (OpusFSI_v6) and right-click on the P3DSERVER.EXE program. 

2. Select the Send to - Desktop (create shortcut) option.

3. Right-click on the new desktop icon, select Properties, in the Shortcut tab check the program is configured to Start In: your installation folder (c:\OpusFSI_v6). Select the Compatibility tab (if available) and tick the checkbox to Run this program as an Administrator.  

4. Left click on the icon once to select it and then left click again to select the icon name, type in OpusFSI_v6 SERVER to rename the icon.

You will find alternative program icons in the OpusFSI_v6 installation folder should you wish to change the existing icon.

Automatically Selecting an Optional User Configuration File

The P3DSERVER.EXE and P3DCLIENT.EXE start up programs accept an optional User CFG Filename as a program argument. When specified the User CFG File will replace the current FSISERVER.CFG or FSICLIENT.CFG file. This option allows you to create various OpusFSI server and client configurations. The configurations can be specific to different sim versions for example, or different flight modes (e.g. the preferred weather options for VFR flying etc.). 

To create a new configuration simply edit the options in OpusFSI, quit OpusFSI, then copy/rename the current CFG file as appropriate, finally append the name of your CFG file to the start up program. You can create various Desktop Shortcuts which utilise your various User CFG Filenames.

Sharing and Security Permissions

Firewall

You may need to allow OpusFSI through your firewall. In Control Panel select System and Security, Windows Firewall, Allow a Program or feature through Windows Firewall. Click on Allow another program and browse to P3DSERVER (or P3DCLIENT on a client PC) in the OpusFSI_v6 installation folder.

Sharing

You may need to set sharing and security permissions on both your OpusFSI_v6 and on your Prepar3D folder in order for OpusFSI to write the necessary weather files into the Prepar3D\Weather\themes folder. This is usually necessary if you have installed the simulator in the Program Files folder, for this reason it is advisable to install P3D in a folder outside Program Files. If this does not work then set sharing and security permissions on your whole drive. Be aware that if you set permissions and sharing on the whole drive then you may have different permissions and sharing on subfolders so make sure you check the OpusFSI_v6 and Prepar3D\Weather\themes folders. Also ensure the folders are not set to 'read only'.

Absolute worst case, just install Prepar3D in its own folder (e.g. d:\Prepar3D), moving outside the secured Program Files folder. If OpusFSI still doesn't work correctly after setting sharing and permissions a re-install may be necessary.

 

To set up Sharing on a folder/drive run Windows Explorer, right click on the folder/drive you wish to share, select Properties, select the Sharing tab, select Advanced Sharing, tick the checkbox to share the drive and enter a share name, make sure you use the single letter code, e.g. C, not 'Drive C' for instance. Click on Permissions, enter Everyone in the Group or user names box and tick the checkboxes to allow Full Control for Everyone.  

 

 

Security

To set up Security Permissions run Windows Explorer, right click on the folder/drive you wish to set Security settings for, select Properties, select the Security tab, select Everyone in the Group or user names box and ensure the Permissions are Full Control, if not click on the Edit button and tick the Permissions checkboxes to allow Full Control for Everyone. If Everyone does not exist click Advanced, click Change Permissions, click Add, type in the name Everyone and click OK. Then specify Full Control for your newly created Everyone group. Click OK.

 

 

Also select Authenticated Users in the Group or user names box and tick the checkboxes to allow Full Control.  

 

Installation Log File

The SERVER program will create a FSISERVER.log file in the OpusFSI_v6 installation folder which will be automatically displayed if any installation errors are detected.

The log file includes installation details along with any installation errors that are detected when the program is activated. Refer to this file and send it to Opus Software if there are any problems encountered when running the software.

Example content of the \OpusFSI_v6\FSISERVER.log file ...

OpusFSI Flight Simulator Interface

Log Generated 23 April 2020, 16:33 Hrs 

Installed Folder: C:\OPUSFSI_V6

FSICONFIG Sim Folder: E:\Prepar3D v5
FSICONFIG Sim Folder: OK
FSITHEMES Initialise: C:\OPUSFSI_V6\Weather\OpusWeather.WTB
FSIGENCOM Initialise: OK
FSIGENCOM Validation: OK

Data Download ...
Data Download Initiated
Data Download Completed
Data Download Checked
Data Download Validated

Invoking DLL Checks ...

No DLL Errors Detected.

Licence Files:

OpusFSI v6 Licence : 11 December 2019

Installed Files:

P3DSERVER.EXE Version: 6.0.8.04 , 23 April 2020, 14:48 Hrs 
FSDECODER.EXE Version: 6.0.8.04 , 23 April 2020, 14:48 Hrs 
FSISYSTEM.DLL Version: 6.0.8.04 , 23 April 2020, 14:48 Hrs 
OPUSFSI.DLL Version: 6.0.8.04 , 23 April 2020, 14:48 Hrs 
OPUS64.DLL Version: Correct , 06 March 2018, 07:35 Hrs 

 

Error  Messages

 

OpusFSI tries to copy the OpusWeather.WT weather file into the Prepar3D\Weather\themes folder and will display this error message if it cannot do this.

If you see the above error message then it is essential that you check your installation folder is specified correctly in the Configuration dialog. Try reconfiguring the sim location again. If the dialog to enter the sim location does not appear then check it is not hidden behind another window and also ensure OpusFSI is set to Run as Administrator.

Also check your sharing and permissions, it is important to set permissions as well as sharing as described in the section above.  

System.TypeInitialisationException error

You need .NET version 4.7.2 for P3Dv4 onwards and SimConnect to be installed for OpusFSI and its SimConnect links to work.

You can check what versions of .NET you have installed in Control Panel by selecting Settings, System, Apps and features, then search for .NET and a list of installed versions will be displayed. For older operating systems you can check what versions of .NET you have installed by checking your c:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework or Framework64 folders. You should see a v4.0.xxxxx folder.

In the case of SimConnect, first make sure you have installed P3D, SimConnect is installed automatically with it. If you have mislaid or corrupted your SimConnect then you can try re-installing it. 

SlimDX error

You must ensure the P3DSERVER program ...

Is starting in the correct c:\OpusFSI_v6 folder.

Has permissions to copy and rename the SlimDX DLL file.

Is able to copy the current SlimDX DLL, it's not locked or write protected.

Is not blocked by AV or Win Defender software.

 

Otherwise its attempt to copy and rename the SlimDX file will fail. You may also need to install the SlimDX dotNet runtime using our supplied msi file in the OpusFSI_v6 folder.  

 

OpusFSI won't run in Windows 10 

If you have set up the security and sharing permissions as described in the above section, have run as Administrator, and the software still won't run on Windows10 then run the Microsoft vcredist_x86.exe VC redistribution package located in the OpusFSI_v6 folder. For new Windows10 builds you may need to download and install the older 2013 C++ Redistribution packs (vcredist_x64.exe and vcredist_x86.exe) from the ‘Other Downloads’ section of our Downloads webpage http://www.opussoftware.co.uk/opusfsi/downloads.htm.

 

Initial Set Up and Configuration

Run the P3DSERVER program on your Prepar3D system.

The SERVER program MUST be started in its local installation folder, in other words it MUST be started in OpusFSI_v6.

N.B. Do not run the CLIENT program on your server PC since it will cause the sim to freeze, it is only used on networked client PCs.

You do not need to run the flight simulator at this time since we are just going to configure the system.  

Click on the Configure button to display the 'OpusFSI Server - Configuration' dialog.

 

 

Figure 1 - FSI Server's Main Form

Figure 2 - FSI P3D Server Configuration Dialogs

The number of (Live View) client computers should be configured to zero.

Live Traffic displays local traffic on the LWA Map and may be configured within 32km (20 miles) to 192km (120 miles) of your aircraft.

Enable Live Weather Engine if required.

Enable Live Camera unless you want to control the views manually manually using Live Camera Control and use General DHM Options.  

If you enable TrackIR please refer to the TrackIR section of this document for important initial set up and configuration details.

The Live View Scan Rate (0 to 60ms) adjustment is for networked systems and controls the position update rate communicated to the server enabling you to match the preferred rate found using the Live View Test.

Click on the Browse button and locate your simulator installation folder. N.B. Both the P3DSERVER and P3DCLIENT programs can detect which version of Prepar3D is active and set their version accordingly. Hence, if you run the Prepar3D simulator first there's no need to configure the correct sim folder. These 'active Prepar3D sim' checks take precedence over any supplied sim folder configuration.  

Close OpusFSI

Run P3D

Run OpusFSI

 

Weather

Click the Weather button on the server's form and set your Destination and Max Cruise Altitude if  known, no need to set anything else unless you wish to tweak the settings.

Figure 3 - FSI Server's Weather Options Dialog

Click OK, and you are ready to fly.

For further details please refer to the OpusFSI_v6_Live_Weather pdf guide which can be found in the OpusFSI_v6 installation folder, also available from our download page.

Cameras

Please refer to the OpusFSI_v6_Live_Camera pdf guide which can be found in the OpusFSI_v6 installation folder, also available from our download page.

Spy

If you run the simulator in windowed mode you can click on the OpusFSI server program's Spy button and monitor its progress. If you have enabled Dynamic Weather then you should witness the server programming initiating the live weather METAR download culminating in creating and updating the Dynamic Weather. 

The Options button provides the means to specify the form's topmost, opacity, and font settings. The window can be resized.

The Spy window may also be opened via the simulator’s Add-ons menu. This option opens the OpusFSI Spy window setting it Top Most on the display. You may find it useful to select the Spy window's Options and set the Opacity to something like 60 % and click Modify so that the window does not obscure anything on the sim's display.

The Spy window is automatically cleared after ten minutes.  

Spy indicates what joystick numbers have been mapped to each controller device. The button events within the Spy window will also indicate what physical device is currently mapped to the simulator's joystick number. The joystick order should match the controller order within the simulator's Controls Settings. If they don't then you can change the order via the Remap Joystick Numbers button in the Config dialog.

Read More ...

---

Home  About Us  Products  Downloads  FAQ  Gallery  Testimonials  Contact  Links