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SimSync and TrafficSync Beta Release

Started by zillmer, February 02, 2020, 01:49:42 AM

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zillmer

All,

I have now released these programs in beta form, and they can be obtained from this link:

Sync1.zip

There is a PDF file included that contains some basic instructions.

There is very little in the way of error-checking or idiot-proofing in the code, so if you do something silly, such as setting values for options in the ini file that aren't supported, it may well crash P3D depending on the exact issue. The solution here is to simply delete the relevant ini file, and let the app rebuild a new one.

I have only tested this software on my specific setup, so it may be that the software won't work at all, or doesn't perform in the same way on other setups.

Please post back to here with any questions, or to report your experience. If doing so, please provide some details of the setup of your system.

Regards

Simon.


FredK

Hi Simon

I am very excited about the possibilities with SimSync.

I have been away the past couple of weeks, but SimSync is on the docket for me to evaluate tomorrow. I will report the results of course.

Fred K
Boeing 737NG-800, Prepar3D v4.5, Sim-Avionics 1.964, SimSync multi-channel (curved screen), Optoma 1080GTDarbee projectors (3), Fly Elise warping, FSGRW weather, FDS OH panels and CDUs, SimParts MIP, FDS SysBoards (OH), CPFlight MCPPro and pedestal panels, FI Gauges, PFC controls, converted motorized TQ (SIOC), Weber seats

FredK

First Report.....

Simon - I think you are on to something here!

Setup was simple.  No issues whatsoever. Took less than 10 minutes.

Did a test flight KSFO->KLAX, mild weather conditions.

Overall performance was buttery smooth for both the flying aircraft and AI aircraft.  Better than WideView!  This was particularly so for spot plane view which for me has always been a weak point for WV (gets me thinking about setting up another channel dedicated to spot view).

For WideView I always found that locking the Server at 30fps with the Clients at unlimited worked the best. So this was my starting point as a comparison. Using those settings I found that smoothness of the flying aircraft was fine, but AI traffic stuttered somewhat.  So I reset the Server frames to unlimited (as suggested in your instructions) and smoothness for both was really excellent. I am going to explore locking fps for the Clients (also suggested in your instructions) to see if that yields some extra P3D performance overhead.

I found that AI traffic populated much faster than for WV and was 100% stable (that is, occasionally some AI traffic planes "flicker" in WV). Lights and flight control animations for AI aircraft worked fine.

My setup is as follows:

Server: I7-7700K / GTX980
Clients(3): I7-8700K/GTX1080Ti

I have two additional computers that run SimA.

I use "FS Global Real Weather" for weather generation and distribution to the Clients.

Concerning "Animations"....Is this specific to the ProSim model?  The SimA model which I am using does have customized lighting features, but those extra lighting features do not work in the Clients for WV. It would be nice to have them.

Simon - Excellent work! And many thanks for making SimSync available to others....and for taking the time to write the Instructions PDF which is well done!

Other multi-channel users really should check this out.

Let me know if you need a beta tester....happy to help!

Will comment more as I further explore.

Fred K
Boeing 737NG-800, Prepar3D v4.5, Sim-Avionics 1.964, SimSync multi-channel (curved screen), Optoma 1080GTDarbee projectors (3), Fly Elise warping, FSGRW weather, FDS OH panels and CDUs, SimParts MIP, FDS SysBoards (OH), CPFlight MCPPro and pedestal panels, FI Gauges, PFC controls, converted motorized TQ (SIOC), Weber seats

zillmer

Fred,

Thanks for the feedback and glad you are finding it a positive experience. In terms of the lighting, the implementation isn't specific to Prosim, but on reflection I might need to do some additional configuration, depending on how lighting is implemented in the SimA model.

Is the model you are using supplied by SimA, or is it a separate freeware or payware model?

Regards

Simon.


FredK

#4
QuoteThanks for the feedback and glad you are finding it a positive experience. In terms of the lighting, the implementation isn't specific to Prosim, but on reflection I might need to do some additional configuration, depending on how lighting is implemented in the SimA model.

Is the model you are using supplied by SimA, or is it a separate freeware or payware model?

The 737 model I am using is supplied by SimA and integral with its software.  There are separate lighting functions for fixed landing lights, retract landing lights, runway turnoff lights, and taxi lights that are defined by SimA offset values.  With WideView only the default landing lights can work.

One other thing to note.....I have a dual network setup arrangement ("192.168.1.1" and "10.0.0.255").  I have found that for WideView this arrangement improves overall performance by keeping avionics data traffic isolated from visuals data traffic.  SimSync works fine using this arrangement isolated to the "10" network..

Fred K
Boeing 737NG-800, Prepar3D v4.5, Sim-Avionics 1.964, SimSync multi-channel (curved screen), Optoma 1080GTDarbee projectors (3), Fly Elise warping, FSGRW weather, FDS OH panels and CDUs, SimParts MIP, FDS SysBoards (OH), CPFlight MCPPro and pedestal panels, FI Gauges, PFC controls, converted motorized TQ (SIOC), Weber seats

zillmer

All,

Attached is a link to an updated version which corrects a bug in the previous version reported by FredK that meant that lights in the SimA model failed to sync.

Thanks to FredK for testing this.

Regards

Simon

Sync1.zip

FredK

The customized landing/taxi lights for the SimA 737 aircraft model work just fine now with the updated code! I could never get those to work with WideView.....only the default lights. So another plus for SimSync!

I have completed several flights now with no other issues to speak of and with noticeably improved performance, particularly for AI traffic.

I'm loving it!

Fred K

Boeing 737NG-800, Prepar3D v4.5, Sim-Avionics 1.964, SimSync multi-channel (curved screen), Optoma 1080GTDarbee projectors (3), Fly Elise warping, FSGRW weather, FDS OH panels and CDUs, SimParts MIP, FDS SysBoards (OH), CPFlight MCPPro and pedestal panels, FI Gauges, PFC controls, converted motorized TQ (SIOC), Weber seats

KyleH

Do all machines have to be the same version of P3d?
Could I run P3D on my visuals machine and FSX on a server machine for instruments?
Kyle

Chief Pilot
Worldflight Team USA
http://www.worldflightusa.com

zillmer

Kyle,

The program won't work with FSX ; it utilises the Lockheed Martin PDK interface which provides better performance than SimConnect, but isn't compatible with FSX.

I haven't tested the program with different versions of P3D at the same time, but it is 64-bit code, so limited to P3D V4 onwards. The code has only been tested (at least by me) with the latest version of P3D (v4.5 HF2).

As long as the code runs OK on different versions of P3D V4 (which I can't test here) there's no reason that it needs the same version to be present on each machine. However given that it needs to be P3D V4, and upgrades are free and generally a good idea as they fix bugs and improve performance (IMO) I can't see why running different versions of P3D V4 would be a sensible idea.

Regards

Simon.


FredK

#9
Bump on this.....

I just want to report on my experience using SimSync for over a month now.  That includes over 20 flights, mostly on VATSIM.

I run a multi-channel visual setup and have been using WideView for well over a decade now as the basis for operation.  I can confidently report that SimSync is a better choice, particularly for handling AI traffic.

SimSync is very easy to setup (takes less than 10 minutes), is 100% reliable (no program crashes etc.), and runs noticeably smoother than WideView (particularly for AI traffic).  It also appears to reduce CPU utilization overhead.  For example, using WideView I get the best performance running my visual clients FPS at "unlimited".  With SimSync I can lock FPS at 30 with smooth performance even at heavy airports.  In this regard I have been able to increase settings for AI traffic numbers significantly.

So...If there are any multi-channel users out there that have not tried SimSync I strongly encourage you to check it out. Non multi-channel users may want to think about moving in this direction.

I want to again thank Simon for making this program available.  It is incredible to me that he has delivered a better program than what the commercial vendors offer.....That includes WideView, Opus FSI, and even LM's own multi-channel offering!

I have removed WideView from my system and am never looking back! Hopefully this program will be applicable for MSFS20 for the future.

Fred K
Boeing 737NG-800, Prepar3D v4.5, Sim-Avionics 1.964, SimSync multi-channel (curved screen), Optoma 1080GTDarbee projectors (3), Fly Elise warping, FSGRW weather, FDS OH panels and CDUs, SimParts MIP, FDS SysBoards (OH), CPFlight MCPPro and pedestal panels, FI Gauges, PFC controls, converted motorized TQ (SIOC), Weber seats

sagrada737

Hi Fred,

I see the link for SimSync has expired.   Can you provide a new link?

Mike
Full-scale 737-800 Sim; P3d v5.3x with Sim-Avionics (two computers), FDS MIP,  FlightIllusion hardware.  3-Optoma ZH406ST Laser HD projectors, with 4K inputs from a single Nvidia RTX-4090 GPU (new), resulting in a 210 deg wrap-around display.  6dof Motion Platform using BFF 6dof motion software, driven by a Thanos Servo Controller to 6.2 KW Servos, Lever type actuators.

FredK

Mike - Simon needs to renew the expired link.

Otherwise I will figure out a way of sending you the files.

Fred K
Boeing 737NG-800, Prepar3D v4.5, Sim-Avionics 1.964, SimSync multi-channel (curved screen), Optoma 1080GTDarbee projectors (3), Fly Elise warping, FSGRW weather, FDS OH panels and CDUs, SimParts MIP, FDS SysBoards (OH), CPFlight MCPPro and pedestal panels, FI Gauges, PFC controls, converted motorized TQ (SIOC), Weber seats

navymustang

There is a second link in later text you can use. I just used it yesterday. Look forward in time with the messages and you will find it.
My 737-800 full-scale cockpit has been sold. Now onto my full-size military helicopter project. An AOPA member and LifeTime member of National Association of Flight Instructors. Please note that I am a self-employed professional cockpit builder that provides consulting to defense contractors and civilian schools and airlines.

sagrada737

Thanks for the heads up...   I found the link you mentioned, and it downloaded fine.

Mike
Full-scale 737-800 Sim; P3d v5.3x with Sim-Avionics (two computers), FDS MIP,  FlightIllusion hardware.  3-Optoma ZH406ST Laser HD projectors, with 4K inputs from a single Nvidia RTX-4090 GPU (new), resulting in a 210 deg wrap-around display.  6dof Motion Platform using BFF 6dof motion software, driven by a Thanos Servo Controller to 6.2 KW Servos, Lever type actuators.

zillmer

All,

Glad to hear people are trying this. Please do report back with any feedback. I've updated the link in the original post so that it points to the correct version.

Regards

Simon.

09RKC

Hi Fred,

Our setups are identical save I'm using (5) 60" TVs.

>>I can lock FPS at 30 with smooth performance even at heavy airports.<<
Server, IGs or both?

Tkx sir!
Doug

09RKC

I followed all directions down to "There will have been created, in the %programdata% folder...SimSyncMaster.ini or SimSyncClient.ini". Forgive me for being stupid but where might I find %programdata%. I did a Search under Computer for both .ini files but none were found.

I've (6) clients but am doing only (1) to see if I can get things working.

Tkx so much!
Doug

zillmer

Doug,

If you are using Windows 10, press the windows key and then just type %programdata% and it should provide a link to it.

The %xxxxxx% format is used by Windows to provide a link to system folders that can have different actual locations depending on how Windows is installed.

In a normal install of Windows, it will point to C:\ProgramData

Regards

Simon.

FredK

#18
Quote from: 09RKC on March 31, 2020, 04:34:18 AMHi Fred,

Our setups are identical save I'm using (5) 60" TVs.

>>I can lock FPS at 30 with smooth performance even at heavy airports.<<
Server, IGs or both?

Tkx sir!
Doug

Server should run "Unlimited", my clients are locked at 30fps. I have over 100 airport scenery add-ons.  I get perfectly smooth performance even at the most demanding like Fly Tampa Toronto and Aerosoft Heathrow.  I have weather set at 90 miles with detailed clouds. AI Traffic is set at 80 planes.  Sliders are generally set at 65-90%. I keep shadows off.  I find hyperthreading off works better with the latest P3D versions. Small/Medium sized stock P3D airports would run nicely with pretty much everything maxed I would think.

Fred K
Boeing 737NG-800, Prepar3D v4.5, Sim-Avionics 1.964, SimSync multi-channel (curved screen), Optoma 1080GTDarbee projectors (3), Fly Elise warping, FSGRW weather, FDS OH panels and CDUs, SimParts MIP, FDS SysBoards (OH), CPFlight MCPPro and pedestal panels, FI Gauges, PFC controls, converted motorized TQ (SIOC), Weber seats

09RKC

Tkx Fred, I'll look at the sliders.

I have Sync working on the Server & TV-01 complete with auto-start. Nice! Though I did the same setup steps on TV-02 as I did on -01, P3D crashes each launch. It won't go into P3D at all. I think it has to do with the auto-start function, not sure. More testing  tomorrow, I'll keep you informed.

Tkx!
Doug

09RKC

BTW Fred, I left the Port at default, 23332. The Server and IG#1 work using 23332 so it must be OK. I know the manual says use 23340.

Your opinion?

Doug

FredK

#21
The port number can be any be any unused port.

Regarding the crashes....If you had been using another multi-channel program be sure that it is removed or at least that it is not running.  For example WideView automatically launches two booster apps when P3D starts.  Those remain active in the background even if you turn WideView "off".  So be sure to close each of them.

I have my clients on autostart, but I launch SimSync on the server using the "modules" drop-down menu after P3d is running.  Have not had any problems.  That is the way I did it with WideView also.

Fred K
Boeing 737NG-800, Prepar3D v4.5, Sim-Avionics 1.964, SimSync multi-channel (curved screen), Optoma 1080GTDarbee projectors (3), Fly Elise warping, FSGRW weather, FDS OH panels and CDUs, SimParts MIP, FDS SysBoards (OH), CPFlight MCPPro and pedestal panels, FI Gauges, PFC controls, converted motorized TQ (SIOC), Weber seats

09RKC

>>...WideView automatically launches two booster apps when P3D starts. 
 Those remain active in the background even if you turn WideView "off".<<
Ah, I didn't know that. My WV & WT are still installed but of course I disabled auto-start. I'll look for the boosters tomorrow. That's probably the issue.
 
>>...but I launch SimSync on the server using the "modules" drop-down menu...<<
Why? Why not Server auto-start?

Doug

09RKC


09RKC

#24
Hi Fred!

Progress - I've got all IGs working in as far as SimSync. The crash problem's got to do with TrafficSync. If I enable auto-start, or even if I don't and start it manually, crash. Every time.

But in as far as SimSync,  I think I'm going to have a serious problem with scenery alignment from TV to TV and unless someone has a magical solution, I may be forced to stay with WV/WT. I can see where this would be perfect for a projector user but not for TVs. I hope I'm wrong!

1 - My IG visual's aren't lining up. To make them line up I'd have to have a several inch overlap of 2 TVs and might even have to move each TV up/down, left/right. Extreme cumbersome.

2 -  At the very least, even if all did line up,  I end of with an approx 1", maybe 1.5" bezel, black dead area. You know what I mean. I see no way using Sync to make adjustments for this thus I'll never be able to have the view-able picture be seamless like I can with WV.

Anyway, your thoughts?

Doug

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