I'm a former PS1.3 user who moved to the dark side and am seriously considering coming back to PSX. I am now using P3dv5.3 and the PMDG B744. I use Precision simulator yoke and throttle quadrant with the Saitek Combat Rudder Pedals. I use an old X-52 joystick for a tiller. I have a large number of add-on sceneries including Orbx and Flightbeam. I normally do 8-10 hour flights using Vatsim and Active Sky.
What I need to know before I make the switch is what will and will not move over. What programs will I need (freeware and payware) will I need? Since I started with FS on a Commodore and never stopped I do have some abilities to make the necessary adjustment, but I just need to know before I commit to this. It is important to me to be able to use Active Sky, fly on Vatsim and use P3d for my scenery. I like flying in weather, at night and at high Gross Weights (former military pilot). I also like to do a lot of hand flying on my departures and approaches which includes a manual throttle.
Bill
Bill,
If you are using P3Dv5, then you would most likely need following Freeware software:
either 1. PSX.NET P3D ExternalSim (more information:
https://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=3629.0)
or 2. WidePSX 2.5.8 : FSX, P3D and MSFS Compatible Scenery Generator Bridge (
https://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=4558.0)
Both are stable solutions. Do note that I am using WidePSX with MSFS, and using WidePSX is simple process. PSX.NET P3D is also easy to use.
Using Yokes, Thrust levers, and rudders with the PSX is easy. If you use 2 joysticks, you could select one a tiller only.
Additional software that I use:
Freeware:
1. BACARS (
https://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=2757.0 ; BA based ACARS system, the best thing is that you can obtain weather / ATIS from VATSIM controller)
2. Central Maintenance Computer for PSX (CMC-PSX) (
https://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=2524.0)
3. PSX.NET (easy to use ground handling simulator; from loading, doors management to push-back;
https://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=5808.msg63938#msg63938)
4. PSXInfo (landing scoring tool; sometimes I get 90% and sometimes I need to hand in my virtual license;
https://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=6061.msg66996#msg66996)
Payware:
1. PFPX (flight planning tool; much more complex vs. Simbrief; however not developed anymore and has a limited support; BUT the product is mature and stable; I use it for Weather injection - if you do have NG FMC installed)
2. TOPCAT (dispatch tool, take-off and landing calculator; older, not developed, might not be 100% accurate but it does job well (for Boeing 747-400 quite OK).
Combination of MSFS and PSX makes the flight experience very rewarding. Never flew B744 in the real world, but hand flying PSX is great and one has a feeling that it is a large jet. This is the best simulator, simple and honest answer.
From my experience, MSFS crashes often (on long flights), PSX is stable (never had a crash).
If I think of something else, I will advise. Hope this helps.
Best,
hoppie fixed a few typos for clarity
