FS Passengers is just so so.

[byoung]

First , Dan let me say you did a great job on FSP. Based on your explanation I see your point about integration. I still don't see why it
couldn't be a standalone utility instead of integrated. What you can update inside you can update and read from outside. That is the
whole point behind FSUIPC and the MSFS SDK.

Many other applications are written that way, so that processes can be off-loaded to another computer.

>>why should one?! I'd never do that. Removing the process is removing the fun <<

You are totally confused by removing vs off-loading. All of the stand-alone add-ons that support FSUIPC are located on one machine. So
you don't have to leave FS to check the weather of your destination with Active Sky, for example. IT
IS THE ONLY WAY TO FLY in my opinion. The flight data is set and read over a network by FSUIPC / WideFS. Each one of these utilities,
especially external ones, take up resources on the main flight sim computer. Less resources = lower FPS, especially when FS 2004 is
extreamly CPU dependent.

Pete Dowson is probably one of the most efficient proformance minded developers in the flight sim industry. WideFS is really awesome.
You don't need a PC equivalent to your flight sim PC because it is just running interfaces and a program that pipes the flight data via
FUSIPC. So the investment can me minimal.

As far as FSP, My take (aside from the economics features) is:

Load Passengers, Cargo and Fuel with the loader feature of FSP, kind of cool. All A/C payware developers should do this internally in FS!

Give the passengers drinks and food to make them happy, OK I am a pilot / flight attendant now making that vital decision whether to
serve food and drinks What's next in-flight conversations between passengers and the pilot? Hey mister passenger, you think I should
track this VOR radial, or maybe the ADF this time, just for fun? (I know I am being a little sarchastic of course )

Land and get an in-flight report (pay and rating). Again pretty cool, and if you like the economics, then this might be a good product for you.

Now the emergency or trouble aboard the flight might be interesting. However this would require thorough knowledge of your A/C
emergency procedures. Does FSP know EXACTLY how the pilot should respond emergency wise on each aircraft? Or does it just
monitor basic flight information G forces, and airspeeds, maximums flight characteristics including stress, etc on each aircraft?


Currently, I get paid (virtually) through my VA now and it tracks all the flights as well. It doesn't do the A/C maintenence or economic piece,
but typically the pilot doesn't get involved with the economics anyway, except the flight management piece, using less fuel, taxiing with
one engine, etc.

Sorry folks, for the price of the package, I am going to pass on this one. Again, I think Dan is a gifted developer and has done a great job
on FSP. I don't want anyone to be offended, especially Dan. This is just my solo opinion. Thats what makes forums a great asset for internet communication and freedom of speech! And forums like this where you can give an honest opinion.


Take care!

Barry



Post Edited ( 08-09-05 02:13 )