X-Plane 10 fresh install (a.k.a. convert from FS9)

[Cyrus]

I've had to rebuild my PC this past week and have decided to go with X-Plane this time around. The XP 10 demo works fine on my PC, and I'm fine with rendering options set at around 30% or so (it's still a very nice experience). Full version being delivered tonight.

My question is, what's the difference between the two Windows files linked on download page?:

•VSProPlugin.xpl v0.7.7 (updated Aug 14)
•VSPro_files.zip v0.2.1

I'm Windows 7 64-bit, so I guess I'm good to go with the newest update for X-Plane 10 (the 64 bit version), since it seems that PE was ported to this platform sucessfully (from what I read this past month).

Looking forward to getting back in the cockpit after over a week away, albeit in a new environment.

Oh, and any pro tips for XP 10 + PE users would be much appreciated.

EDIT: Also, any good recommendations for a Cessna 172 that has autopilot settings for VS and altitude target (as against the stock XP10 one that just holds you at your currnet alt)?

C.

[djrisc]

Cyrus,
The .XPL file is the plugin, and the zip file is all the support files that need to go along with it. You will need to place the XPL file in your X-Plane \Resources\plugins\ folder, and then unzip the zip file in to the same folder as well, this will create a "VSPro Resources" sub-directory under plugins.

Then once you start X-Plane you go to the plugin menu and you'll see "VSPro" to start PE.

As far as a 172 with an AP.. You might want to check out the Carenado 172. However, I rarely use autopilot so I don't know if it has the VS feature or not.

Link here: http://www.carenado.com

For more realism, I also like to turn the text window off, so when you get ATIS it doesn't pop up a giant text window. That's just personal preference.

Enjoy X-Plane!

Brett

[djrisc]

Just for future and more complete reference, there is full step by step install instructions here: http://www.pilotedge.net/pages/download-software-xplane

(It even has pictures!)

Brett

[Steven Winslow]

Carenado's 172 does NOT have an autopilot. It is, however, a great trainer for learning VFR/VOR navigation!

Jason Chandler's 172, on the other hand, DOES have an autopilot.

http://www.c74.net/xplane/ You'll find the Cessnas by clicking on the Special Editions button.

Jason's flight models are among the best available.

[Tim Krajcar]

Another well-regarded XP9/10 GA is Nicolas's Cessna Turbo 182RG. I haven't spent a ton of time in it yet, but I do plan to soon! http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?app ... file=17767

[Cyrus]

You guys are all awesome. Thanks!

Brett, I'm such a dork - I didn't even read the "Windows Installation steps" (which would have saved this unecessary post). I simply freaked out when I saw two files.

I'll be sure to check out all the aircraft suggestions that you guys made. Hope to make it on later tonight (if I survive the installation and config/setup!).

Cheers

[djrisc]

Sorry about the mis-step on recommending the Corenado! I thought it had AP (which goes to show you how much I use AP.)

I also echo the thoughts on Jason Chandlers aircraft. I just started flying his Piper series and they are VERY well done! Also, the price is so incredibly reasonable on them, that it's basically a no brainer.

I think the 172 might even be free, I don't remember buying it, but I just downloaded it, as I didn't even realize he made a 172. But if it's as well done as the pipers, it's probably the only 172 I'll fly from here on out.

Brett

[Keith Smith]

Cyrus, you'll want to take your time and get fairly comfortable with X-Plane, no doubt about it. You've never been lost until you've been lost in X-Plane while flying on PE

+1 for Chandler's Pipers. His steam gauge 2d panels are beautiful. It was only recently that I moved to 3d cockpits for most of my airplanes, but for the past 8 years, I've been flying Chandler's Pipers in 2d mode and have been loving them. His flight dynamics are second to none.

[Cyrus]

Cyrus, you'll want to take your time and get fairly comfortable with X-Plane, no doubt about it.

Yes, you're probably right. The chances of me getting onto PE and ready-to-go tonight are pretty slim, especially after.... date night with my wife, possibly going to the movies, getting home, installing, messing around, configuring, tweaking, screaming at the kids to pipe down, more tweaking, testing our aircraft, getting comfortable with the controls, making my wife a cup of tea (we're up to midnight EST now ), more tweaking, falling asleep at the keyboard, waking up/wiping the drool, etc., etc. etc., then finally getting on, by which time it's 2am EST and "last call" at the bar.

Oh well, hopefully it will be time well spent either way.

[DeRiet]

Hi Cyrus, actually, you*can* use the AP in stock 172 in x-planev10 with altitude target and vertical speed target. The only problem is that the stock cockpit layout just doesn't have the controls to set those values. But, if you use a Saitek autopilot stack, you can easily set those values and the AP works like a dream.

Granted, they cost a few bucks but especially when you're using PE they are worth every penny (in my opinion). They are OK when you fly the simulator when you just want mess around with the sim without PE. But they are absolutely friggin great when you are using them with PE because then you're constantly messing with the radios, VORs, transponder settings, altitude, heading, course etc.

Hope this helps