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Re: Arrival into San Diego - Epic Visuals!

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2016 8:43 am
by RyanK
rtataryn wrote:
RyanK wrote:
I just installed SkyMaxx v3 hoping it would solve some of the issues the default/HD clouds have, but I'm finding that the overcast layers are far too transparent when you are in them. With weather set to 0/0 I'm seeing the ground from 1000 feet within the cloud layer. That's obviously a no-go for any serious approach practice/training. The main issue I have with the default clouds is that the ground lights are visible when in clouds at night. Also, overcast layers aren't solid when viewed from above, and so the transition from on top to in clouds is awkward.
I just installed SkyMaxx v3 and found the same issue. While it makes some very esthetic and realistic overcast from on top, the descent into the clouds doesn't mimic the settings. For instance, setting a Cat 1 approach with 1/2 mile visibility and 200 ft overcast, I'm still able to see the approach lighting from over 3 miles out and can see the hazy ground below during the entire approach. There is no adjustment that I can find to make the cloud layer denser. So, agreed, an obvious no-go for approach practice. Very unfortunate, because this plugin makes some beautiful clouds otherwise. But I have to disable it and go back to the default clouds for IFR practice.

Rod
There are settings in one of the config files that can make the clouds denser. I don't have it in front of me but I can check later. That worked ok for me but I still have trouble getting the bases to be where I set them. That and the way it pauses to refresh constantly, and draws one weather pattern at a time for the entire world, made me give up and go back to default hd clouds.

Re: Arrival into San Diego - Epic Visuals!

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2016 9:29 am
by rtataryn
RyanK wrote:
rtataryn wrote: There are settings in one of the config files that can make the clouds denser. I don't have it in front of me but I can check later. That worked ok for me but I still have trouble getting the bases to be where I set them. That and the way it pauses to refresh constantly, and draws one weather pattern at a time for the entire world, made me give up and go back to default hd clouds.
Yeah, I don't like that either. But it looks like there's finally a solution coming for that single-METAR sourced global weather pattern. http://forums.x-pilot.com/topic/8656-an ... xx-pro-v3/

One of the more irritating features of the default clouds is the lack of transition and instant grey-out when descending into the cloud deck, but I can live with that if it gives me 0/0 and accurate bases. I don't see why SkyMaxx can't incorporate 0/0 clouds and accurate bases into its program. For now, maybe a hot button to turn off the SkyMaxx plugin after descent into the clouds to get the best of both worlds.

Rod

Re: Arrival into San Diego - Epic Visuals!

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2016 12:41 pm
by stealthbob
Matthias Geiss wrote:What i don't like about X-Planes default cloud system (no matter if I use standard textures or HD clouds) is the fact that you can very often clearly see that the same texture is just placed numerous times next to each other. It often looks like you printed the same image to several transparent films, which you then lay over each other with some offset. It's also visible in the video in some occasions.

That's more or less the only reason why I still prefer Skymaxx.
Fair enough but for some...including myself, Skymax draws what looks like to be popcorn puffs contained in a small box. The new release just makes the box larger.

chacun à son goût I suppose

Re: Arrival into San Diego - Epic Visuals!

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2016 2:30 pm
by Matthias Geiss
Agreed, Skymaxx doesn't look very realistic either. I just chose the option which I dislike the least. :)
But otoh I have yet to see something significantly better. I didn't like what the REX/ASN combo gave me in FSX/P3D much more, no matter if normal textures or soft clouds.