Broadside uda Barn

Are there any particularly good mods available for OFF?

182.50 is what I went back to. Works fine with everything.

mmmm wine! I'm from wine country (northern california, sonoma county) originally, and that's the only drawback to living in Hawaii: not being able to see the grapes grow thru the season to the crush. Favorite wine? Gotta be Old Vines Zinfandel or a hearty cabernet. St. Francis winery makes a terrific zin from the pagani vineyard (100+ year old vines). Jordon makes a pretty good Cabernet, but my favorite is Colin Lee Cabernet Sauvignon. And when in doubt about what to get, get a Chianti, real fruity, and good with most everything Italian. Cant really go wrong there!

Thanks Lou! I've still got my density setting to medium, and just tried my AA quality to 16Q (from 8x). Interestingly, FPS are the same, but the image is sharper. I have my settings at 5 except for landscape and scenery which are 3. Does anyone else see the "shimmering" trees, usually around the takeoff area? It's like they are rustling, but only a few trees do that.

I'm going to live forever! Just click the "pilot never dies" button! PND!

Lou, what is your cpu, graphics card, drivers, ram, OS?

I havent played in a couple of days, but I had loaded the c and d mini patches, and the new trackIR 5 software (had the 5 beta loaded before). I tried to play tonight, but it gave me an error when starting OFF,and another error when going to field, which booted me back to the main OFF screen. Couldnt get into the game (CFS3) for some reason, and OFF was behaving oddly, with some screens not showing, and the error messages etc. I thought about threatening to never buy phase 5 and phase 6, and to turn OBD's beer skunky, but then I decided just to reinstall as this is part of pc gaming. Here's where it gets wierd: uninstall using OFF option manually delete files from windows explorer, so there's no OFF stuff on the HD (except in the reg. somewhere I'm sure) Reinstall OFF Load 1.32 super patch (and by super patch, I means it's SUPER, and EXCELLENT too!) Load 1.32d mini patch prepare to reload graphics settings, rudders, etc etc. However, all of my graphics settings were the same, except for a couple of minor adjustments in the parameter editor overrides, texture info, texture limits, etc My conf. was exactly the same as before the install (which I assume is because it's saved somewhere in my documents/settings/.... But the graphics settings being "mostly" the same, is wierd, it should all have been erased, or at the least been the same, as I did erase everything, except registry entries. So after this interesting episode, I've decided to teach OBD a lesson and buy phase 5 and phase 6, addons, expansions, and purchase another copy for a friend. So there OBD! That'll teach you to make a quality product of excellent proportions that is fun and interesting! Hah! :yes:

I dont know that it improved my fps rate. I had to reset the few settings that were different from HB's recommendations (in CFS3). As I postd in another thread, tho, things appear clearer and more vibrant since the reinstall and just the super and miniD patches. This is very subjective though....but it was enough of a change for me to go "wow", when I first saw it, so I'm sure something changed. I'd say if you dont care about your pilot (I lost a pilot with 47 missions....bummer), then why not try it? Also, as to FPS, I'm in the same boat. I should be getting MASSIVELY better FPS. However, the difference between 30-40 and 60+ is really not that much. If you're getting 30-40, I recommend turning off or just ignoring Fraps. A few things that might help: I turned down my scenery settings and terrain settings on 3, all else is on 5. that helped the FPS a lot. I have surmised that a 64 bit OS is going to give you better FPS. I dont have win 7 yet, but will when it is released for a couple of months (so they can iron out the initial kinks). I posted also a few days ago about a program that disables unneeded programs on flight sim startup....didnt get much feedback on that, but most other simmers on other forums say they get 15 more FPS because of this... Also, I'm not sure about clouds. Some say it eats FPS and the difference is not noticeable between lvl 5 and lvl 1. I dont know that that's true. it's worthy of it's own thread I think, cause I want good clouds to dive into and look at, but I want smooth fps as well. And, I have my nvidia control settings set pretty high (highest settings actually), as it doesnt seem to make ANY difference if I put the settings lower. These 260-275-285 GTX cards are built to run, so lowering settings doesnt really help. There's not enough conjecture on this either. It's also worthy of it's own post so we can get everyone talking about it. HTH mate.

Gross! I think there's some bejeebers on my chair

I just went through the same process. Totally new install, with just the super patch and mini patch D, and I have to say that things are much cleaner and crisp. I had to do a double take when I first took off from the field as things looked so good...they always looked good, but it was...better. Just thought I'd add my experience, as *maybe* some arent getting the new goodies with piling patch over patch over patch....and over patch Herr Prop-- Just a quick noob question about your DM. Does this just change the graphics of the damage, or does it make it tougher to put opponents down, or ?

How about a fan for some white noise? I had to move things on my desk that were touching the wall, as the joystick would vibrate and the desk out jitter...causing the things touching the wall to taptaptaptap...hehehe. The FF in OFF is so much better (because it is stronger) than another ww1 flight sim which shall remain nameless. HTH

I should start a Kill board for PND. Would be very interesting to see how many kills a pilot can accumulate (and get confirmed), flying with full real settings except PND. MVR's 80+ kills is a great target.

Losing 27 days is a killer to PND if you started in 1917. I've had a couple of 21 day crashes in PND, and now I find myself in 1918 with only 20 some odd confirmed kills. I wont be able to over take MVR with this pilot, but my next PND pilot will....cause I'll fly him much smarter, and of course better (since I'm flying the camel, and its not flying me anymore). I really like the PND option. It's just fun.

As an aside, I saw CFS3 at bestbuy today for $9.99. they had about 5 of them.

So just curious HB and Condor: You WERE getting recorded mission stats etc, getting confirmations etc, for a time....then a couple of weeks ago it started not recording. Now you've isolated the problem, but the question is: Why did the missions record before? you were always control-Qing out of the missions, right? Or did you just start that two weeks ago? Curious, because I did have at least one mission not record...didnt make much of it then, and it hasnt happened since I've been watching for it.

w00t! So glad you two fixed your problem! Guess the beer's on you two this time!

heh. Actually Barnstorm I was referring to MY OFF pilot, Archibald B. Wellington who shot down both Richtofen's last week.... I did do it, it was hard, and I should be credited for it! OVS says it's "unconfirmed" bah! As to the non virtual pilot who may or may not have actually shot MVR down, eh....we have no answers mate. BuB

Thank you for the updates and attention to so many details. It's too bad that so few (I counted 3, with 2 more 'irritated', individuals who posted...might have missed some tho), can throw a hizzy fit and declare they are "withholding their p4 and p5 money", or quitting this sim, etc etc, and put such a negative vibe into the community, that OBD has to take this stance. I liked things the way it was, and still is: the majority appreciate the work/effort/assistance/guidance/hand-holding/commeraderie of the developers here. Those 5 people dont. Fine. Please dont lump the rest of us in with their rudeness/impatience/lack of insight/ etc. And for those 5, please take it to private emails or support....and

when was the last time you defragged your HD?

Any reason to upgrade from the beta software to this new version?

Sins of a Solar Empire: FANTASTIC space RTS game Descent 3: Best game of all time Defense Grid: Great tower defense game. Pirates! : The newer sid meier version Rise of Nations: RTS world empire game

The OFF Campaign PND Standard. This is intended for the added enjoyment of those vPilots who choose to have as much fun with their OFF experience as can be had. "Fun Experience" in this case, is the total enjoyment of all the unique missions and aspects of OFF. Many of the settings in OFF exact a critical demand upon the pilot to be extra conservative when flying, so as not to lose your beloved pilot. This cuts into much of the enjoyment that can be had flying this amazing sim, not to mention the depths of the sim that are avoided because they are simply too dangerous. PND is not intended to express contempt for those who play the sim by a "higher" standard. And for those that choose to fly that way, their reasons are entirely valid for their own private purposes. But (BUT), if one wishes to experiences the entire arena that the OFF world has to offer, one should let fly the said "higher" standard, in favor of overwhelming fun and excitement. PND is intended to provide that standard of fun, and to erase preconceived notions of what a "real" pilot would do. Be a hero! Nay, be THE hero! Be the pilot that takes the risks, pushes the envelope, and lives to tell about it! So...OFF: PND: Workshop: There are many options to avail yourself of and to tailor your WW1 flight experience to your liking. One in particular is one that is often avoided, and is at the very heart of PND. It's the option: Pilot Never Dies. Click this option. Pilot Never Dies allows you to take the missions that you avoided, or just didn't fulfill when flying with mortality. Take that mission to strafe troops over the front, knowing full well that you likely will not return...because you just might! Charge the airfield when it is being attacked by overwhelming enemy planes who have height and position advantage. You might just teach them a lesson about messing with YOUR airfield! Take out the train yard...not just once, but level every building that your limited ammo will allow you to! Go after that pesky flight of 5 two seaters, they will be one or no seaters after your done! Would you comply with these missions with your mortal pilot? The one that has 12 missions, 8 confirmed kills, and 11 hours of life? No way! So you follow the waypoints, look for aircraft, and go home...forgetabout the mission objective, cause you know you'll be enlisting a new pilot in 3 minutes if you do. And this is the heart of PND: There's so much to do and see, that you avoid. Have fun, knowing that YOU are the one that even when shot down behind enemy lines, escapes in 2 days! You somehow live thru that crazy flaming camel spin, albeit with a few scratches and 21 days in the infirmary. As to all the other realism settings within the workshop, it is encouraged that you use these as you see fit. It's an enjoyable experience to fly a plane with demanding circumstances. If you keep this realm of realism for the flight model, limited weapons, stress on the AC, etc, you will learn quite a bit about what your plane will allow you to do and what it wont...thus making you a better pilot. Play a full campaign with ONE Pilot! Get some medals, see your claims confirmed or denied, get a promotion! Grow close to your fellow pilots, and agonize when they don't return, but somehow you do. Enjoy OFF for all that it has. Have MORE fun, and avoid (at least for a time) the frustration of losing your beloved pilot with 12 missions, 8 confirmed kills, and 11 hours of flight, just because the cat jumped on your desk as you were taking off, or worse yet, because you tipped your wing at 5 mph on your landing, and you ended up crashing and dying a horrific death. That's the PND standard. If you wish to be regarded by it, you are entirely welcome to include the acronym PND anywhere you please. I'll finish with the usual fun loving bit..."PND sorts the colon cleansing salad from the colon clogging cheese, the pilots who enjoy this amazing game in all its facets, from those that rarely saw much of the game, in effect the Heros from the dead! Broadside uda Barn note: Plaudits to Siggi for his excellent DiD optional flight standard!

Another interesting side to PND is that you need to be a decent pilot and make smart choices in order to avoid being shot down again and again. There is a huge penalty for being shot down, or crashing your plane: Time. If you crash, you lose a certain amount of days from your campaign. Days that cannot be regained. If you are trying to, for instance, beat MVR's tally of victories, it's going to take you quite a bit of time. If you start in early 1917, you will have less than 20 months to achieve your goal. When you crash from a high altitude or are shot down behind enemy lines, etc, you lose A LOT of time from your limited campaign. It could be 3 weeks for each instance, possibly more, probably a bit less. When this happens continually, you will eat up your 20 months quickly, and your campaign and chance for being the best pilot with the highest tally will be over. You will have to fly well, make smart choices, and protect your limited time and opportunities. This is an interesting facet to PND, because in a game where you can replay your mission if you get shot down, there are NO consequences. PND has consequences....it's just that recreating your pilot during his campaign isnt one of them.

I like it. No need for the adjustment. IMO

DiD? vs. the fun of PND? Good choices both, but strafing dangerous targets, stalking aces, climbing to engage an enemy double your numbers, finishing a campaign with ONE pilot? Hard to put this into words, can't...quite...compare. PND FTW!