REX Essentials vs. ActiveSky 2012

[fsaviator]

OK everybody, a new request for opinions, and a new debate.

As you know I'm upgrading and I'm debating which package I want.

Do I go with the full REX Essentials w/Overdrive or do I go with ActiveSky 2012...  it is my understanding that both offer worldwide textures and weather.

Flight Planning is not high on my list as I have TOPCAT and am waiting for PFPX.

This system is only used for my 737, so VFR visuals are not as important as the airport and flight environment.  I buy airport packages for my favorites.

I want something that will interact with VATSIM weather and winds aloft and integrate (hopefully) with PFPX.

Any ideas???

[Maurice]

That's a tough question and I do not have an answer even though I have both (but REX without overdrive). I don't know if the overdrive adds anything but some older reviews I read suggest Active Sky is better for weather depiction and REX is better for textures and this is how I use them.

But my personal opinion is that they are both pretty equal texture wise especially if you use projectors as you will not be able to see all the great details anyway. With TVs on the other hand, I think REX would win hands down texture wise but the jury is still out about weather depiction. REX apparently made improvements in that area but I can't say since I only have the version without overdrive.

My advice at this time would be to go with REX and see how you like the weather engine. If you are not happy with it, then you can always add Active Sky later just for the weather. Also, find out if REX can be installed in a different PC than FSX or XP. I know Active Sky can with SimConnect but I'm not sure about REX (it probably can as well)

Are you just as confused now?

Maurice

[jskibo]

I use REX now I did try active sky years ago, but not recently.  Not real happy with the weather engine, but like the textures, so now I'm considering moving the weather engine to OPUS.

[fsaviator]

Thanks for the input John!

Mau, I think you're right.  I will go ahead and get the REX and see how it goes.  I can always get the Active Sky later, or just Essentials if the weather doesn't cut it.

Well, time to buy and start downloading.  Hopefully won't take too long and I can get it installed while the system is fresh.

Cheers,

Warren

[Mink]

Hi
It is possible to use REX over a network on an another Client PC.
In the Rex forum is a thread where it is discribed how it works.
But you must register in the forum.

Kresimir

[XOrionFE]

Thanks for the input John!

Mau, I think you're right.  I will go ahead and get the REX and see how it goes.  I can always get the Active Sky later, or just Essentials if the weather doesn't cut it.

Well, time to buy and start downloading.  Hopefully won't take too long and I can get it installed while the system is fresh.

Cheers,

Warren

Hello Warrren, when I run FSX I use REX 2012 for textures and I use ASE for Weather engine.    I think ASE is better and also has many features like loading historical weather (ie Hurricane) etc. that I dont know if REX 2012 has (guess I never looked).    ASE is running on a networked low end PC connected to FSX through Simconnect so that it doesnt drag down the cpu on the FSX server.

Scott

[fsaviator]

Well, I went ahead and ordered REX Essentials with Overdrive.

We'll see how it goes.  I've spent the day loading my Megascenery and MegasceneryEarth stuff which I had left out on the last build.  Now I can't wait to see how REX fills in the gaps or enhances what I have.  My biggest issue with this move to Germany...  I don't have the same internet speeds I had in the US.  Hopefully I can install it in the morning.

It does appear that I can run it on a client PC (except for the Textures, I imagine)

More to follow

[jskibo]

Texture should load once and done unless you want to change your selections.  Since I don't use the weather engine, I rarely load up REx unless I want o change the textures I'm using. 

[fsaviator]

OK, so all I can say is WOW.

I just loaded up REX Essentials + with Overdrive and clicked on "just want to fly".  Then when it loaded FSX I ran the FSXMark07 flight....  Awesome!

My frames stayed at 30 until it turned  into downtown then dropped to about 25.  Stayed there until it was just about at KSEA then dropped to about 11 for a second.  Still.

What I didn't realize is one of the megascenery products put fireworks over Seattle so that was cool along with the awesome REX clouds.

My only issue was just before KSEA, it paused and stuttered for REX to load real-weather.

I am impressed.  Now time to get my PC back into the sim and see this on the projectors