OpusFSX Live Weather instant weather updates, Live Camera view control, management and docking, Live View multi-screen networked displays

OpusFSX Flight Simulator Interface for and

OpusFSX_Overview OpusFSX_User_Guide OpusFSX_Getting_Started_Single_PC OpusFSX_Getting_Started_Networked_PCs OpusFSX_Live_Weather OpusFSX_Live_Camera OpusFSX_ButtKicker

The OpusFSX Live Camera Interface (continued)

TrackIR Head Movement Limits

TrackIR limits can be set and named via the TrackIR Limits button in the Camera dialog. A camera view can reference a named TIR Limit. The same named limit can be assigned to multiple camera views, and therefore multiple aircraft types.

The Live Camera option must be enabled (ticked) to assign these limits. You do not need to enable the TIR device to assign the head movement limits.

1. First either select the Create New button or to edit an existing entry click on the Select the TrackIR Limits to Edit button. You can also set the entry to None by selecting the None option from the displayed list of named limits.

The number of named limits will be displayed in the box labelled Total.

If you wish to change the limit name then modify the entry in the yellow name box.

2. Use the green arrow keys to set the limits. Clicking on the same arrow again will speed up the camera movement.

The red (and Set) buttons will stop movement when in Continuous mode. In Stepped mode click on the green arrow to move in increments, the increment size is determined by the Speed slider bar.

3. Click on each Set button to fix the limits. The appropriate limit settings will be displayed in the corresponding box. Limits can be entered or modified manually if desired by clicking on the boxes (the box will be highlighted in red) and typing in a value.

4. Click on the Save button to save the limits for the selected aircraft types.

The Goto buttons can be used to move to the existing limit. The Centre button centres the cockpit image. You can use the Delete button to delete the currently selected named limit.

The OK button saves the limits and exits the dialog. To exit without saving your changes click on the red X at the top right of the dialog.

Example 1 - Quick Guide to Setting up a Default View on the Server

First ensure you have selected and loaded an appropriate aircraft within the FSX or Prepar3D simulator on both the server and client PC.

To see the main form of the server program you must be running FSX or Prepar3D in windowed mode.

Click on the Configure button to display the Configuration dialog and tick the Enable Live Camera checkbox. Restart the server program if prompted to do so.

The Camera Control dialog is displayed by clicking on the Cameras button on the FSXSERVER's main form.

If you have created a similar view to the one you want to create now then select it using the Select A Camera to Edit or Clone button.

In the camera dialog select Add or Clone a Camera.

Select the associated aircraft using the Assign Aircraft Types to the Camera button. Select the All Aircraft Types entry to make the view global, alternatively highlight all the associated aircraft types and click OK.

To create your forward (or other) view change the eye point for the view using the X, Y, Z, Pitch, Bank, and Yaw camera control buttons or by entering values directly into the coordinate text boxes.

Tick the Default View checkbox. If required Disable TrackIR, set the Transition Time and enable DHM.

Use the Zoom and DHM Options buttons to adjust the camera view's zoom settings and specify any associated Dynamic Head Movement respectively.

Optionally modify the view name by clicking in the text edit box under the Select a Camera to Edit or Clone button.

Finally, click on the OK + Save button to save your changes.

When you start up you should have your default view on the server.

Example 2 - Quick Guide to Setting up a Forward and Windowed Side Views on a Server PC with three monitors

Forward View

Set up a forward view on the server in accordance with the example above - Quick Guide to Setting up a Default View on the Server. Of course it's optional whether you make it the default view.

Left Windowed View

It is not possible to alter the camera's eye point in windowed views so they must be edited in the main window.

In the camera dialog select Add or Clone a Camera.

Select the associated aircraft using the Assign Aircraft Types to the Camera button. Select the All Aircraft Types entry to make the view global, alternatively highlight all the associated aircraft types and click OK.

Tick the Windowed View checkbox. Make sure Default View is unchecked.

To create your left side view change the Yaw to -90 by entering the value directly into the coordinate text box. Click in the Yaw field (it will turn red), type in -90 (note the minus sign; you want the camera to turn left), then hit the enter key. The camera view will rotate to 90 degrees left.

Set the zoom as you like; a zoom factor between 0.8 and 1.0 seems to work well for a right or left view.

Enter a name for the view (in the box below the Select a Camera to Edit or Clone button).

Windowed views cannot be associated with joystick buttons or keyboard keys, they are automatically opened when the aircraft is loaded. DHM cannot be specified for windowed views.

Click the OK + Save button and exit the dialog.

You must now force FSX or Prepar3D to reload the modified aircraft.cfg file. This can only be achieved by either restarting the simulator, or by first selecting a different aircraft type then reloading your original aircraft.

Undock the window manually by right clicking on it and selecting the undock option.

Move the window to the left monitor and resize the windowed view.

Use the Server dialog's Save Win button option to save the layout of your system. This option saves the position and sizes of all your docked and undocked windowed views and gives you the option of restoring the screen layout in the future with the Restore Win button (or addon menu option).

Right Windowed View

In the camera dialog select Add or Clone a Camera.

Tick the Windowed View checkbox. Make sure Default View is unchecked.

This time to create your right side view change the Yaw to 90 by entering the value directly into the coordinate text box. Click in the Yaw field (it will turn red), type in 90, then hit the enter key. The camera view will rotate to 90 degrees right.

Set the zoom to match the left camera view.

Enter a name for the view (in the box below the Select a Camera to Edit or Clone button).

Click the OK + Save button and exit the dialog.

Undock the right window manually by right clicking on it and selecting the undock option.

Move the window to the right monitor and resize the windowed view.

Undock the left window manually by right clicking on it and selecting the undock option.

Move the window to the left monitor and resize the windowed view.

You've now got your server set up for your forward view (with a virtual cockpit if you like that), and your two side monitors set up for left and right. You must manually undock the right and left views by right clicking on them selecting the undock option. Finally use the Restore Win button (or addon menu option which will position and resize the views.

Warning - the Restore process will not work if you have a TH2Go device, the device changes the window sizes and positions making them unknown to other software.

You can also control the windowed view display using either the Open Win (and Close Win) buttons on the server dialog, or via the Open Windowed Views and Close Windowed Views options within the simulator's OpusFSX add-on menu.

If you wish to amend your views then remember you must repeat the process of,

· reloading the modified aircraft.cfg file by first selecting a different aircraft type then reloading your original aircraft

· undocking and repositioning the windows

· using Save Win to save the positions

· to display the views manually undock the windowed views and then use Restore Win to restore the window positions

If you wish to create a separate panel view on your server then follow the above instructions to create a new Windowed View and associate it with your aircraft. Select the required Virtual or 2D camera type depending on the cockpit you are using, then adjust the camera's coordinates and zoom settings to create a close up view of the instrument panel or panels. You may find it helpful to undock the main simulator's view during this process, this will allow you to adjust the shape of the window to match the panel(s) and your intended screen layout. You may also find it helpful to use the Stepped camera control to make fine adjustments to the camera's eye position.

If you have more than three monitors then the Display Window View button enables you to display an existing windowed view in order to align the view you are currently creating. A list of windowed views will be displayed, select one from the list with your mouse.

Example 3 - Quick Guide to Setting up a Default View on a Client

First ensure you have selected and loaded an appropriate aircraft within the FSX or Prepar3D simulator on both the server and client PC.

To see the main form of the server program you must be running FSX or Prepar3D in windowed mode.

On your client PC

Configure the FSX Server Network ID to the server PC name or IP address.

In FSX set 2D panel transparency to 100%. Only do this on the client not the server.

Click on the Configure button to display the Configuration dialog and tick the Enable Live Camera checkbox. Restart the client program if prompted to do so.

On your server PC

Click on the Configure button to display the Configuration dialog and tick the Enable Live Camera checkbox.

Set the Number of Live View Client Computers to one (or as appropriate).

The Camera Control dialog is displayed by clicking on the Cameras button on the FSXSERVER's main form.

Use the Select Computer System button or click in its associated text box to select the client PC. All client systems will be identified using their configured computer name. If no client computers are connected to the server when you open the dialog then this option will be disabled (grayed out).

In the camera dialog select Add A New Camera.

Select the associated aircraft using the Assign Aircraft Types To Your Camera View button. Select the All Aircraft entry to make the view global, alternatively highlight all the associated aircraft types and click OK. N.B If the client FSX is using a dummy or simple aircraft (recommended for performance reasons when you are viewing scenery only and not external views of the aircraft) then ensure your assigned aircraft types are set to All Aircraft.

Tick the Default View checkbox.

Tick the 2D checkbox.

To create your side (or other) view change the eye point for the view using the X, Y, Z, Pitch, Bank, and Yaw camera control buttons or by entering values directly into the coordinate text boxes.

Use the Zoom button to adjust the camera view's zoom settings.

Finally, click on the OK + Save button to save your changes.

The new camera configuration file will be transferred onto your client system prior to reconfiguring all of the client system's aircraft.cfg files. You must have the file permissions and sharing set correctly so that the file can be transferred.

When you start up you should have your default view on the client.

Example 4 - Quick Guide to Setting up a Default Forward View on the Server and Side Views on separate Client PCs

First ensure you have selected and loaded an appropriate aircraft within the FSX or Prepar3D simulator on both the server and client PC.

To see the main form of the server program you must be running FSX or Prepar3D in windowed mode.

On your client PC

Configure the FSX Server Network ID to the server PC name or IP address.

In FSX set 2D panel transparency to 100%. Only do this on the client not the server.

Click on the Configure button to display the Configuration dialog and tick the Enable Live Camera checkbox. Restart the client program if prompted to do so.

On your server PC

Click on the Configure button to display the Configuration dialog and tick the Enable Live Camera checkbox.

Set the Number of Client Computers to two (or as appropriate).

The Camera Control dialog is displayed by clicking on the Cameras button on the FSXSERVER's main form.

Set up the Default Forward view on the server as per the instructions in Example 1...

If you have created a similar view to the one you want to create now then select it using the Select A Camera to Edit or Clone button.

In the camera dialog select Add or Clone a Camera.

Select the associated aircraft using the Assign Aircraft Types to the Camera button. Select the All Aircraft Types entry to make the view global, alternatively highlight all the associated aircraft types and click OK.

To create your forward (or other) view change the eye point for the view using the X, Y, Z, Pitch, Bank, and Yaw camera control buttons or by entering values directly into the coordinate text boxes.

Tick the Default View checkbox. If required Disable TrackIR, set the Transition Time and enable DHM.

Use the Zoom and DHM Options buttons to adjust the camera view's zoom settings and specify any associated Dynamic Head Movement respectively.

Optionally modify the view name by clicking in the text edit box under the Select a Camera to Edit or Clone button.

Finally, click on the OK + Save button to save your changes.

Set up the left side view on the left client ...

Use the Select Computer System button or click in its associated text box to select the left client PC. All client systems will be identified using their configured computer name. If no client computers are connected to the server when you open the dialog then this option will be disabled (grayed out).

In the camera dialog select Add or Clone a Camera.

Select the associated aircraft using the Assign Aircraft Types to the Camera button. Select the All Aircraft Types entry to make the view global, alternatively highlight all the associated aircraft types and click OK. N.B If the client FSX is using a dummy or simple aircraft (recommended for performance reasons when you are viewing scenery only and not external views of the aircraft) then ensure your assigned aircraft types are set to All Aircraft Types.

Tick the Default View checkbox.

Tick the 2D checkbox.

To create your left side view change the Yaw to -90 by entering the value directly into the coordinate text box. Click in the Yaw field (it will turn red), type in -90 (note the minus sign; you want the camera to turn left), then hit the enter key. The camera view will rotate to 90 degrees left.

Use the Zoom button to adjust the camera view's zoom settings.

Finally, click on the OK + Save button to save your changes.

Set up the right side view on the right client ...

Use the Select Computer System button or click in its associated text box to select the right client PC. All client systems will be identified using their configured computer name. If no client computers are connected to the server when you open the dialog then this option will be disabled (grayed out).

In the camera dialog select Add or Clone a Camera.

Select the associated aircraft using the Assign Aircraft Types to the Camera button. Select the All Aircraft Types entry to make the view global, alternatively highlight all the associated aircraft types and click OK. N.B If the client FSX is using a dummy or simple aircraft (recommended for performance reasons when you are viewing scenery only and not external views of the aircraft) then ensure your assigned aircraft types are set to All Aircraft Types.

Tick the Default View checkbox.

Tick the 2D checkbox.

To create your right side view change the Yaw to 90 by entering the value directly into the coordinate text box. Click in the Yaw field (it will turn red), type in 90, then hit the enter key. The camera view will rotate to 90 degrees right.

Use the Zoom button to adjust the camera view's zoom settings.

Finally, click on the OK + Save button to save your changes.

When you start up you should have your default views on the server and clients.

N.B. If you have set up a scenic view intended to be displayed with the 2D panel disabled and display the view with the 2D panel enabled, the eye position will not be as expected. In such cases use the Shift-1 key sequence to toggle the 2D panel OFF.

Removing OpusFSX Custom Views and Restoring the aircraft.cfg Files

If you wish to disable Live Camera and remove the Opus custom views from your aircraft.cfg files then disable Live Camera in the Configuration dialog. A message box informs you that Live Camera is removing the Camera Definitions from all aircraft.cfg files for you. These changes will NOT be noticeable until you either restart FSX, or reload a completely different aircraft type forcing FSX to reload the modified cfg file.

FAQ

How do I pan around?

At present you can use either Live Camera Control (using a game controller, or the arrow keys on the LCC dialog, or assigned shortcut keys), the standard hat switch, FSX Mouse Look or TrackIR.

FSX uses the hat switch as standard for panning views around, this panning is fully compatible with our camera control and effects. If you have disabled your controllers in FSX and are using FSUIPC then you can enable mouse wheel button panning and that also re-enables the hat switch on the joystick.

FSX Mouse Look conflicts with TrackIR so you need to disable TrackIR (F9) prior to using Mouse Look. To use Mouse Look try the following methods;

· press the space bar whilst holding down the left mouse button

· hold down the middle wheel button whilst moving the mouse around

· press shift-O then move whilst holding down the left mouse button, press shift-O again to exit mouse look

· program the wheel button to shift-O in your mouse driver.

I don't have any turbulence

When using Live Camera our DHM effects are associated with camera views so you must configure a camera view with DHM effects and set it as either the default view, assign it with a keyboard key or joystick button, or configure it as a windowed view. When you then subsequently display the camera view in flight (by default or by pressing the assigned key/button) you will see the DHM effects.

For turbulence on the aircraft itself select both the Bump Aircraft and Turbulence Effects options (Turbulent Motion and/or Turbulent Bump) within DHM. Unless you want to see wing flex disable FSX turbulence (which is set via the FSX menu option - Options, Settings, Display. Select the Weather tab, there is an option for turbulence and thermal effects on the aircraft).

If you can't see the DHM effect on your aircraft then set the "\OpusFSX\FSXSERVER.EXE" file properties (compatibility tab) to "Run as Administrator". This can be done by right clicking on the program in Windows Explorer or right clicking on the desktop shortcut.

TrackIR doesn't work or DHM is jerky

You must follow the TrackIR setup instructions in the Getting Started guide. Try enabling the Run TrackIR High Priority option in the Server Configuration dialog.

TrackIR can become very jerky if 'precision' is disabled, its default key assignment is F7 so it's possible to inadvertently change its setting if you use F7 to increase flaps.

I don't have any wing flex

To see wing flex you must select advanced animations which is set via the FSX menu option - Options, Settings, Display. Select the Graphics tab. To see changes to the VSI enable the options for turbulence and thermal effects on the aircraft in FSX which is set via the FSX menu option - Options, Settings, Display. Select the Weather tab.

The camera dialog only lists "All aircraft types" or DHM doesn't work

Either right click on the your OpusFSX SERVER desktop shortcut icon, or the file C:\OpusFSX\FSXSERVER.EXE in Windows Explorer, and select Properties, select the Compatibility tab, tick the checkbox to "Run as Administrator". Also set this option for FSXCLIENT.EXE on your optional client PCs.

The camera dialog doesn't list all my aircraft

Ensure your aircraft.cfg file is not corrupted and the file attribute is not 'read only'.

My aircraft disappeared from the FSX list

When you open/edit an aircraft.cfg file in Notepad, select File - Save As ...

You will see the Encoding type in the bottom right-hand corner of the dialog. This should be set to ANSI.

Missing aircraft textures - skeleton view

OpusFSX v3.49.3 onwards will accept a program argument to specify the number of view modes on your system which should overcome this problem (but also refer to the information below regarding SP2 and 3rd party camera packages). Refer to the Creating Shortcuts section of the Getting Started Guide for Single PCs.

Basically the skeleton aircraft results from positioning the eye point for an external view but with a cockpit (VC) view selected on the display. We cannot actually determine what view is displayed, the software is forced to just select 2D then count in steps from there.

For OpusFSX versions prior to v3.49.3 for correct operation your views should cycle (S key) between,
VC - Spot - Tower - Aircraft - External
You should also make sure you have not hidden any of these views by setting their CycleHidden field to Yes. For correct operation each of these view types must be set as CycleHidden=No.

Missing aircraft textures can also be caused by a corrupt FSX Service Pack 2 or Acceleration Expansion Pack.

Before disabling EZCA to test Live Camera in Opus, the EZCA configuration utility must be run and the "Restore" function selected to restore all camera views to FSX default, otherwise EZCA camera definitions are not removed from the aircraft config files.

I've lost the F12 top down view

This problem is corrected in OpusFSX Beta Version 3.18.1 onwards.

N.B If you are using TrackIR then by default it re-assigns the F12 key to its center view function, other 3rd party packages may reassign keys too.

My key/button assignments to change views don't work

All button and registered key events are displayed within the Spy window when the button or key is pressed. Keyboard events do not appear in Spy whilst editing cameras, only after they have been saved and edit mode is exited. If they are not displayed then the joystick or button is invalid, either not registered within FSX, already assigned elsewhere (i.e. FSX, 3rd party add-on etc), or just an illegal entry.

A joystick must be enabled in FSX for it to be recognised and its button press events to be forwarded on to OpusFSX.

The numeric pad keys 0 to 9 can be used but they must be assigned with the Num Lock ON (for recognition), and used with the Num Lock OFF within FSX/P3D. This is a quirk of the simulator and not the OpusFSX software.

Make sure you are assigning the key/button assignments in the correct camera dialog box. Button assignments go in the top box and key assignments in the bottom box in the camera dialog.

When you create camera views you can assign them either to a particular aircraft, or group of aircraft, or "all aircraft", if the views are assigned to specific aircraft then one of those aircraft must be loaded in FSX/P3D.

Your FSX main window must have focus before using the key.

Camera transitions are not smooth and stutter

If you have set large transition times (for a slower transition) then your sim will have to process many more eye point adjustments. If your sim does not have enough time to handle these it will ignore many of them and you could end up with less than smooth motion. If so then you must set much lower transition times. Also check TrackIR and other eye point adjusting software, none of which will be compatible unless it is interfaced to OpusFSX. Switching Vertical Sync (Nvidia Inspector) to 1/2 refresh may fix the problem, if V.Sync is off or on it can cause stutter.

"Unable to transfer camera configuration data across to system <client_name>" message

You must set up your drive sharing, security, permissions etc. as described in the Getting Started guide so that the server and client systems can access each other BOTH ways. You will find your configured camera definition files for your client systems stored in the c:\OpusFSX installation folder on your server system, they are named < CLIENTNAME>.CAM

What views can I see on the server and client computers ?

You can display any interior (cockpit), exterior (scenic), or external (aircraft) views on the
main 'flying' server system. You can only display exterior (scenic), or external (aircraft) views on the secondary client systems. You cannot control the aircraft by displaying panels such as CDUs or GPS on the client systems - these are non flying slaves.
On networked systems, the main 'flying' server PC operates the same as it would on a standalone (single PC) system providing the same assortment of interior (cockpit), exterior (scenic), and external (aircraft) views; and hence it provides the means to monitor and control the aircraft and its systems. In addition, the Live View and Live Camera networked links with the secondary client systems (PCs or Laptops) allows a variety of exterior (scenic) and external (aircraft) client system views to be created and controlled. If desired, a number of exterior views can be used on your networked multi-screened system to create a panoramic vista. All views are created and controlled centrally from the server system.

On networked systems, the Live View connections automatically synchronize the aircraft's current position, attitude, flaps, rudder, ailerons, gear and lighting configuration, and simulator's date/time, along with either your chosen weather theme or the full METAR weather for the surrounding area.

OpusFSX supports Windowed Views on the server and all client systems. These additional views are ideal for multi-screened PCs as well as single large screen displays. All windowed views can be positioned and sized automatically.

Can I create an Instrument Panel view ?

Yes, but the controls only work on the main 'flying' server machine.

First create a windowed view associated with the aircraft type on your main 'flying' server.

Select virtual or 2d cockpit view.

Tick the Windowed View checkbox.

Adjust the viewpoint (x, y, z, pitch and yaw) to centre the view on the required instrument panel. You can adjust the z axis to move the eye point in as close as you want.

Save the camera views and reload the aircraft type to force FSX to reload the aircraft.cfg file.

Your new windowed view should be on display, you can now position your window. Click on the Save Win button to save the position and size of your window.

Can I use 3rd party packages with OpusFSX?

All Opus DHM effects are camera shake effects with the exception of the Bump Aircraft option in the DHM dialog. Setting this option results in bumping the aircraft's motion synchronously with the DHM low frequency turbulence effect. If you are using Accu-Feel then turn off their global turbulence, chop, gusts, and clear air turbulence in order to prevent conflict with OpusFSX.

Can I use Live Camera with another weather engine?

You can but of course the DHM and Bump Aircraft turbulence effects are not going to be as good as when you use the Opus LWE, which we believe is by far the best, since it is the LWE that supervises all intelligent and RW turbulence effects, both the DHM and the Bump Aircraft turbulence. Its only the LWE that can possibly provide such real time supervision because its the LWE that knows the exact meteorological conditions surrounding your aircraft. Hence, for maximum realism in the simulator, which is what OpusFSX is all about, it's is by far best to couple both the OpusFSX Live Weather Engine with the Live Camera views and their associated real world DHM and Bump Aircraft.

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