Virtualcol Otter X _ July 17th

[ncooper]

I seem to read about new releases here first,
so for a change let me be the first to point to
Virtualcol (http://www.virtualcol.com/shop/tvirtual.php?modulo=detailp&id_producto=98)

I know it's not the first topic.....

Regards,
Nick

[IanHenry]

Thanks Nick,
at $12.50 you can't got wrong can you! What's that about 9 quid.


Ian

[ncooper]

£8.25, even with Paypal's dire exchange rate.:untroubled:

[Firekitten]

First impressions.... it has real potential.

The turbine flight model is... not great, but turbines rarely are, it could do with some work to be honest. The piston.. much much better...

Model quality is much better than their usual stuff, I rather like it... its not A2A, but it won't hog your frames, and its decent enough...

Textures... externally need work, (I might sort that myself) internally... yeah not great, but will do... (again, a potential upgrade when I finish the Mallard)

Overall, compared to what we have in the way of otters... amazing, compared to the Aerosoft beaver? eh.... its actually a fairly close one... that old thing hasn't aged well, textures suck, and the model wasn't too high detail. This... is an improvement on past products, not huge, but its a step... and it can be improved.

Otterly acceptable in my book!

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50293775/pictures/FSX/vco1.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50293775/pictures/FSX/vco2.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50293775/pictures/FSX/vco3.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50293775/pictures/FSX/vco6.jpg

[Dumonceau]

And more than reasonably priced too! :encouragement:

Johan

[ncooper]

I've had a quick look now.
For sure it's very good value, there is every
configuration of the aircraft possible.
I found the aircraft outside view was zoomed
too far out for my liking but there is an excellent
little utility (RADItor) (http://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/index.php?title=RADItor) which will correct this.
Changing the radius to 10 seems to do the trick.

For now and for my own use only, I have inserted the default
Beaver interior model into the piston engine variants and the
result is really very satisfactory.

I agree with Firekitten, it does have potential and as far as I know
is the only native FSX model of the aircraft type.

[donnybalonny]

Well, the interior and specially the VC looks a good deal better than what I´ve seen from the develloper.

It looks like 3d gauges (faded) and the GPS, is it 3d as well?

I´m interested, but I´ve just purchased 2 AC so it´ll have to wait. No need to push anything.

[Firekitten]

3d bezzels and surrounds with 2d backgrounds I think, didn't look too closely, but might be 3d too. I've done some quick work with the textures externally and it already looks far better... when I have something definitive, ill post a revised paint kit.

[mgchrist5]

Can't argue with that price! It actually looks quite decent, too....with the minor exception of the default GPS500 slapped onto the panel front & center. This will definitely be my first Virtualcol purchase...

[Portia911]

3d bezzels and surrounds with 2d backgrounds I think, didn't look too closely, but might be 3d too. I've done some quick work with the textures externally and it already looks far better... when I have something definitive, ill post a revised paint kit.

Thanks in anticipation, Rachael. :jump:

[steve speerly]

First impressions.... it has real potential.

The turbine flight model is... not great, but turbines rarely are, it could do with some work to be honest. The piston.. much much better...

Model quality is much better than their usual stuff, I rather like it... its not A2A, but it won't hog your frames, and its decent enough...

Textures... externally need work, (I might sort that myself) internally... yeah not great, but will do... (again, a potential upgrade when I finish the Mallard)

Overall, compared to what we have in the way of otters... amazing, compared to the Aerosoft beaver? eh.... its actually a fairly close one... that old thing hasn't aged well, textures suck, and the model wasn't too high detail. This... is an improvement on past products, not huge, but its a step... and it can be improved.

Otterly acceptable in my book!

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50293775/pictures/FSX/vco1.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50293775/pictures/FSX/vco2.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50293775/pictures/FSX/vco3.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50293775/pictures/FSX/vco6.jpgThank you very much Firekitten, You probably don't remember me . I was responsible for persuading "any producer " to do an FSX native DHC3 Otter. The more I fly and look it over I would say Jose did a great job on that radial plane. (spad jockey)

[donnybalonny]

why isnt this a sticky thread.
Normally new release get a few days or more in the sticky section. Is it because it doesn't say "released" in the headline?

[huub vink]

why isnt this a sticky thread.
Normally new release get a few days or more in the sticky section. Is it because it doesn't say "released" in the headline?

I guess no better reason than "because we just missed it". But its a sticky now.

regards,
Huub

[ChrisJD]

Am I the only one to be having trouble landing the Otter? Despite a gentle approach I find the aircraft proceeding down the runway in a series of kangaroo hops until it runs out of speed then almost stops dead. I am experienced enough to land at least fairly well, but this is getting annoying. I also hate the tyre smoke & tyre screech which accompanies landings. Water landings are OK, but I notice the aircraft attitude when stationary seems to be tipping forward - it looks as if it is going to dive. I looked forward to the Otter being released & I think they have done a pretty good job for the price - a lot of different models & liveries. I think they require some TLC by people much more competent than me - which is not hard! Look forward to seeing if I am not alone! ChrisJD http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon26.gif

[steve speerly]

Am I the only one to be having trouble landing the Otter? Despite a gentle approach I find the aircraft proceeding down the runway in a series of kangaroo hops until it runs out of speed then almost stops dead. I am experienced enough to land at least fairly well, but this is getting annoying. I also hate the tyre smoke & tyre screech which accompanies landings. Water landings are OK, but I notice the aircraft attitude when stationary seems to be tipping forward - it looks as if it is going to dive. I looked forward to the Otter being released & I think they have done a pretty good job for the price - a lot of different models & liveries. I think they require some TLC by people much more competent than me - which is not hard! Look forward to seeing if I am not alone! ChrisJD http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon26.gifWe are working on it as I type

[Wim]

Am I the only one to be having trouble landing the Otter? Despite a gentle approach I find the aircraft proceeding down the runway in a series of kangaroo hops until it runs out of speed then almost stops dead. I am experienced enough to land at least fairly well, but this is getting annoying. I also hate the tyre smoke & tyre screech which accompanies landings. Water landings are OK, but I notice the aircraft attitude when stationary seems to be tipping forward - it looks as if it is going to dive. I looked forward to the Otter being released & I think they have done a pretty good job for the price - a lot of different models & liveries. I think they require some TLC by people much more competent than me - which is not hard! Look forward to seeing if I am not alone! ChrisJD http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon26.gif


Chris change the contactspoints in the aircraft.fcg with these settings

[contact_points]
max_number_of_points=21


point.0=1, -27.552, 0.0, -3.011, 2200, 0, 0.722, 60.0, 0.75, 2.5, 0.70, 0.0, 0.0, 0, 0, 0
point.1=1, 0.072, -6.201, -7.380, 2200, 1, 1.44, 0.0, 0.55, 2.5, 0.60, 0.0, 0.0, 2, 0, 0
point.2=1, 0.072, 6.201, -7.380, 2200, 2, 1.44, 0.0, 0.55, 2.5, 0.60, 0.0, 0.0, 3, 0, 0
point.3=2, -3.353, -30.335, 4.944, 1800, 0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0, 5, 0, 0
point.4=2, -3.353, 30.335, 4.944, 1800, 0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0, 6, 0, 0




gear_system_type=3
tailwheel_lock = 1
static_pitch= 8//10
static_cg_height= 7.38 //feet, altitude of CG when at rest on the ground

That will improve the handling , much stiffer gear.

Wim

[donnybalonny]

Now this thread is beginning to be really interesting. I will bookmark because I will travel for a month and come back and see how things are.
Please keep posting all "fixes" here
Thanks a lot.

[ChrisJD]

Many thanks wim - that has certainly cured the kangaroo leaps down the runway - I actually managed a landing with no bounce! Makes a change! Now to remove the tyre smoke & screech, please!! By the way - the amphib lands OK with the settings as they are. What are your thoughts on the float, amphib stance on the water? Does it look as if it nose heavy? Anyway, it sounds as if I have started something with my problem. Regards & thanks. chrisjd

[Naismith]

Thanks Nick,
at $12.50 you can't got wrong can you! What's that about 9 quid.


Ian

Really? Try telling my stomach that after last nights Taco Bell experience..... :redfire:

[jschall]

I may be blind, but I could not find any way to operate the flaps from the Virtual Cockpit. I have to use the F5-F7 keys or the raise/lower buttons on my joystick.

I did ****. Am I missing something?

[falcon409]

I may be blind, but I could not find any way to operate the flaps from the Virtual Cockpit. I have to use the F5-F7 keys or the raise/lower buttons on my joystick.

I did ****. Am I missing something?
There is a simicon on the panel for that. Click the one that resembles an aircraft and it brings up a pop-up. I don't think there's an animated control actually in the VC though. Like you, I haven't found one anyway.

[ChrisJD]

Facon409 is absolutely right. The aircraft icon brings up a rather clumsy flap operation, also the rudder & elevator trim & the engine primer. It is a shame because both the flap lever & the elevator trim are tucked down beside the pilots seat on the right hand side - but do nothing except show the trim position. I'm sure it would have been just as easy to have these actually operate these controls instead of a pop up. Oh Well - you pays yer money & yer takes yer pick. (Old English saying) Regards, chrisjd

[falcon409]

Actually after further investigation, the flap controls to the lower right of the pilots seat do animate. They are just fwd of the pitch trim wheel (which isn't animated but does show the needle movement).

[falcon409]

Is anyone else having a problem slowing the Turbo version on landing? Actually even after I have slowed it to a crawl, if I release the brakes, it will slowly gain speed again. . .increasing until it reaches about 53kts. I've checked the website for any updates, but nothing there yet.

[Sieggie]

Is anyone else having a problem slowing the Turbo version on landing? Actually even after I have slowed it to a crawl, if I release the brakes, it will slowly gain speed again. . .increasing until it reaches about 53kts. I've checked the website for any updates, but nothing there yet.

I do not have it yet so I am only guessing but does it allow beta on the prop like other turboprops. Maybe try moving the controls to half reverse and see if that helps.

Dave

[falcon409]

Thanks Sieggie, I'll investigate further. On another note, Here are a few shots of the WhistlerAir Amphib model sitting at the docks at Whistler Waterdrome. Forgot I had done this a couple years ago but the amphib model jogged my memory so I reinstalled it and it looks great with the Orbx Global.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g84/ejwells409/WhistlerAir-2015-jul-22-003.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g84/ejwells409/WhistlerAir-2015-jul-22-002.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g84/ejwells409/WhistlerAir-2015-jul-22-001.jpg

[falcon409]

If someone from Virtualcol happens to read this. . .I can't use your "Contact us" message page because it requires that I type my name and there's no place that I see outside of the message section, to do that. So after typing a lengthy message, rather than it just saying "oops, forgot to add your name", it wipes the entire page clean and you have to start over again.

[donnybalonny]

Try this one: (they are very openminded and relaxed)

desarrollo@virtualcol.com

Nice little scenery and you otter stands pretty correct on the floats and not tipped forward as on some screenshots.

[falcon409]

Try this one: (they are very openminded and relaxed)

desarrollo@virtualcol.com

. . . . .your otter stands pretty correct on the floats and not tipped forward as on some screenshots.
Thanks, I'll give that a try.

[steve speerly]

I do not have it yet so I am only guessing but does it allow beta on the prop like other turboprops. Maybe try moving the controls to half reverse and see if that helps.

DaveWe are working on updates. It will take some time. Please be patient. You will be pleased.

[steve speerly]

If someone from Virtualcol happens to read this. . .I can't use your "Contact us" message page because it requires that I type my name and there's no place that I see outside of the message section, to do that. So after typing a lengthy message, rather than it just saying "oops, forgot to add your name", it wipes the entire page clean and you have to start over again.
try this. you have to log in
https://www.virtualcol.com/products.php?modulogo=contacto

[Wild Bill Kelso]

Well ... I've been warned.
I'd never thought that it would be possible to stay even underneath the level of their poor Fokker 50 rendition - but it is.
To use the politest phrasing possible, the exterior textures are a nice reminder of the good old days of FS95, and I can't figure out any repainter's skills to improve anything about it.

Is it so hard the use the correct blue shade of the RCAF roundel and to take care that the antiglare coating is applied to both sides?
Check this out:

http://abload.de/img/2015-8-2_17-13-14-288g5bni.jpg (http://abload.de/image.php?img=2015-8-2_17-13-14-288g5bni.jpg)


Even the engine obviously comes straight of the bargain bin, since it won't reach more than 1700 RPM, even in "all-to-the-wall" status:

http://abload.de/img/2015-8-2_17-32-40-222rpx7s.jpg (http://abload.de/image.php?img=2015-8-2_17-32-40-222rpx7s.jpg)

Interestingly enough, the aircraft.cfg calls for 3100 max_rated_rpm. A decent P&W R1340 won't reach these revs without any serious consequences...
The strobes flashing into the VC will lead to photosensitive epilepsy and I've never seen flashing landing lights before.
No bump maps, no spec maps.
Well, of course this was cheap. With a friendly 5 $ coupon redeemed, there's a sleek 9,20 $ left.
Still too much, as far as I'm concerned.

Sorry, guys...


Cheers,
Markus.

[Lane Street]

...I've never seen flashing landing lights before.

They are called Pulse Lights- https://preciseflight.com/general-aviation/shop/pulselite-general-aviation/ ...and are quite common on DHC-2s and -3s.

No comment on anything else.

cheers,
Lane

[Motormouse]

They are called Pulse Lights- https://preciseflight.com/general-aviation/shop/pulselite-general-aviation/ ...and are quite common on DHC-2s and -3s.

No comment on anything else.

cheers,
Lane

Actually pulse landing lights are quite common, we have them on Learjets etc that I deal with.
They stem from a US regulation for increased aeroplane conspicuity when below 10,000ft in a TMA


ttfn

Pete

[GB]

Well ... I've been warned.
I'd never thought that it would be possible to stay even underneath the level of their poor Fokker 50 rendition - but it is.
To use the politest phrasing possible, the exterior textures are a nice reminder of the good old days of FS95, and I can't figure out any repainter's skills to improve anything about it.

Is it so hard the use the correct blue shade of the RCAF roundel and to take care that the antiglare coating is applied to both sides?
Check this out:

http://abload.de/img/2015-8-2_17-13-14-288g5bni.jpg (http://abload.de/image.php?img=2015-8-2_17-13-14-288g5bni.jpg)


Even the engine obviously comes straight of the bargain bin, since it won't reach more than 1700 RPM, even in "all-to-the-wall" status:

http://abload.de/img/2015-8-2_17-32-40-222rpx7s.jpg (http://abload.de/image.php?img=2015-8-2_17-32-40-222rpx7s.jpg)

Interestingly enough, the aircraft.cfg calls for 3100 max_rated_rpm. A decent P&W R1340 won't reach these revs without any serious consequences...
The strobes flashing into the VC will lead to photosensitive epilepsy and I've never seen flashing landing lights before.
No bump maps, no spec maps.
Well, of course this was cheap. With a friendly 5 $ coupon redeemed, there's a sleek 9,20 $ left.
Still too much, as far as I'm concerned.

Sorry, guys...


Cheers,
Markus.

Sorry my friend but in my opinion this isn't a nice attitude.

All products have some initial flaws and they're ironed out after release taking advantage of our observations, such as those you mentioned above. I'm sure the developers will take care of the identified problems if we let them know, but we have to respect their work. It is just a 10-ish dollar enjoyment after all, so nobody is in danger due to the flaws.

[heywooood]

Wild Bills remarks are helpful - I am still on the fence with this release as this is an important aircraft for FSX. I am familiar with this developer as I had purchased one of their ATR packs...they are priced in accordance to their detail let's say -
One of their people has said in an earlier post that some fixes were being worked on, so l plan to wait and see.

[Bjoern]

Well ... I've been warned.
I'd never thought that it would be possible to stay even underneath the level of their poor Fokker 50 rendition - but it is.
To use the politest phrasing possible, the exterior textures are a nice reminder of the good old days of FS95, and I can't figure out any repainter's skills to improve anything about it.

Is it so hard the use the correct blue shade of the RCAF roundel and to take care that the antiglare coating is applied to both sides?
Check this out:
...


Even the engine obviously comes straight of the bargain bin, since it won't reach more than 1700 RPM, even in "all-to-the-wall" status:
...

Interestingly enough, the aircraft.cfg calls for 3100 max_rated_rpm. A decent P&W R1340 won't reach these revs without any serious consequences...
The strobes flashing into the VC will lead to photosensitive epilepsy and I've never seen flashing landing lights before.
No bump maps, no spec maps.
Well, of course this was cheap. With a friendly 5 $ coupon redeemed, there's a sleek 9,20 $ left.
Still too much, as far as I'm concerned.

Sorry, guys...

This thing was developed within a few short months and sells for an appropriate price, what the effin' hell do you expect?

[SkyHawk024]

its a alright buy i mean i know it needs a update but for 12-14 dollars its not to shabby plus no one else has done a otter for flight sim, so for what it is it is actually ok

[Roger]

It just needs some higher res repaints and I believe I would like it a little more.

[heywooood]

This thing was developed within a few short months and sells for an appropriate price, what the effin' hell do you expect?

some developers set a low price point yet offer very nice products...some are free and are incredibly fine so simply going by price point can be a poor indicator or an incomplete indicator if you prefer.

having a customer relay their experience, albeit quite frankly, can be helpful - I think everyone is mature enough to take the human variables into account...

..for instance, I know that your experiences as a developer of FSX products causes a more pointed reaction to these things than some, Bjoern - but I appreciate some candor from customers as well as developers, even on these boards...

BtW - anybody wanna share an image of the cockpit after sunset...with the lighting and a whatnot?

[Hdguy]

I bought it. Cost me 7 bucks and some change..

Not sure which I tested but it barely got off the ground. I even hit some trees..

Gonna have to investigate more..

[SkyHawk024]

I have noticed the turbo prop variant is painfully under powered and needs alot more elevator authority, especially the float variant as it took me about 4-5 miles to get it airborne full bore.

[Francois]

For what it's worth: we're building one too......

[ATR43]

An update has been released by Virtual Col for the Otter series over at their websites "Updates Zone" - not sure what's changed though!

[Snurdley]

For what it's worth: we're building one too......

Classy.......

[lliaghll]

I installed the otter update. When I try to fly the turbine float plane it flips over onto its back as soon as it loads. Great improvement. I've already complained to Virtualcol. I am looking forward to FSAddon 's otter. Wish I had known about it before I bought this.

[Bushpounder]

For what it's worth: we're building one too......

THAT is good news!! :)

Don

[AussieMan]

For what it's worth: we're building one too......

Great news mate. Looking forward to it.

[heywooood]

Classy.......

yeah...faux pas Francois..you could have started a new thread rather than head butt this one

[Wild Bill Kelso]

@ Lane Street:
Thank you for your correction concerning the flashing landing lights!
My fault in this case.




Sorry my friend but in my opinion this isn't a nice attitude.
All products have some initial flaws and they're ironed out after release taking advantage of our observations...
Maybe it's not 'nice', but I'd like to reserve the right to consider a rip off as such, even when it's a low price rip off.
In my about 14 years of flightsimming, I've encountered some 'initial flaws' and learned to rectify or live with them - but this release just soaks with developer's disinclination!




For what it's worth: we're building one too......
Teasing out this amazing news was worth my mispurchase!
The crippled Otter was erased from my hangar in this moment.
Very much looking forward for your release!

Cheers,
Markus.

[Firekitten]

There's constructive criticism Bill, and there's downright insults... not all developers have the same experience as others, some have less... but you know what? This isn't that bad with a few tweaks and fixes, and as we had NOTHING before, it was a pleasant surprise.

The recent update fixed a number of bugs, quite well... honestly, considering the developer posted in this topic, your replies were downright insulting and rude... beyond criticism.


Everyone starts somewhere, everyone improves, frankly, for a functional otter $12 was pittance... I'm happy to support the developer and encourage further development and advancements with future releases.

Don't like it? fine, but sitting there and finger painting with your fecal matter over the product and developer is a little much.

[Obie311]

Some developers seem to have a deserved reputation for less than stellar products. The answer is not to grouse about their products, but to just steer clear of such developers. An add-on you don't use isn't a bargain no matter what price you paid.

[edakridge]

I agree with what has been said here about NOT insulting the developers. The product may not be up to A2A or PMDG standards, but with some tweaks to the flight dynamics it is fun to fly. Anyone who wants to run down someone else's work should try doing it themselves before opening their yap. For 12.50 american I can live with having to do a few tweaks here and there!

[Francois]

yeah...faux pas Francois..you could have started a new thread rather than head butt this one

If it was conceived that way, then my apologies.

[falcon409]

Anyone wanna take a stab at why I might be getting this error message when I try to run the update? I've tried it with UAC turned on and turned off, it makes no difference.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g84/ejwells409/ERROR-2015-aug-13-001.jpg

[wellis]

There's constructive criticism Bill, and there's downright insults... not all developers have the same experience as others, some have less... but you know what? This isn't that bad with a few tweaks and fixes, and as we had NOTHING before, it was a pleasant surprise.

The recent update fixed a number of bugs, quite well... honestly, considering the developer posted in this topic, your replies were downright insulting and rude... beyond criticism.


Everyone starts somewhere, everyone improves, frankly, for a functional otter $12 was pittance... I'm happy to support the developer and encourage further development and advancements with future releases.

Don't like it? fine, but sitting there and finger painting with your fecal matter over the product and developer is a little much.



100% agree...

[edakridge]

Falcon, did you try running as administrator?

[falcon409]

Falcon, did you try running as administrator?
Yes I did. No difference.

[falcon409]

I've sent a request for help to the developer. No one here seems to know what this could be. Also consider that I had just installed the Otter about 30 minutes before I tried the update. One works and the other doesn't? Apparently it's only me, otherwise someone else would have mentioned it here. . .either that or I'm the only one who bought the airplane and I don't think that's the case.

[Hdguy]

Falcon. I bought it too Install went without a hitch and so did the update?

Did you shut down your AV to install ?

[falcon409]

Falcon. I bought it too Install went without a hitch and so did the update?
Did you shut down your AV to install ?
No, never do, but as I said. . .if one installer worked and then right behind that I get this from the updater???

I'll try it to see but I'm expecting the same outcome.

UPDATE:
SOB. . . .and that's all I'll say about that!:banghead:

[gavinc]

Falcon,

I am running Win 7 and downloaded and installed the original Otter and the update without any issue.

The error message would suggest that your user account doesn't have access to the file or folder. Have you tried
a) downloading the update again to another location?
b) copying the file from your download location to somewhere else and then running it.

I am pretty sure it is an issue with your pc rather than an issue with the Virtualcol product.

Gavin

[emfrat]

I run FSX A in Win7x64, with the sim in C:\FS10
I bought the VirtualCol Otter, it downloaded, unzipped, installed and flew OK, albeit with some odd numbers showing on the dials. No prob, there was an update in the pipeline.
So I downloaded the update today, unzipped it and ran the exe as admin. It found the original install and announced a successful result.
I started FSX and got "there are multiple aircraft with the same name". I know how to fix that, and I thought I did remove the duplicates, but on re-starting FSX there were only half the original planes available. So I uninstalled, reinstalled to a separate folder, added the update and then copy/pasted to my FS10. This time, the only aircraft listed under Manufacturer=De Havilland Canada was a Twotter. I checked through the complete list in the selection screen but the others were still missing, even though the cfg files looked OK.
So I confirmed FSX's opinion that it wasn't there by deleting the whole lot.
I won't be buying any more VirtualCol products. Their philosophy is good, but the execution is woeful, IMHO.

More in sorrow than in anger,
MikeW

[falcon409]

Falcon,

I am running Win 7 and downloaded and installed the original Otter and the update without any issue.

The error message would suggest that your user account doesn't have access to the file or folder. Have you tried
a) downloading the update again to another location?
b) copying the file from your download location to somewhere else and then running it.

I am pretty sure it is an issue with your pc rather than an issue with the Virtualcol product.

Gavin
If you read my post in red, then you misunderstood it's meaning.
"Hdguy" above had suggested that I may have left my Anti-Virus program running while I was attempting the installation. I said I never turned that off when doing installations and that I would try it but didn't expect any different outcome. The "UPDATE" statement shows the outcome. It was the AV that caused the message, not the PC or UAC.

[ChrisJD]

It was with some interest I read the problems with the update by emfrat. My set up is Win 7 & FSX is on F:\FSX. I too applied the update, ran FSX, no VCol aircraft. Checked & found there were no textures - all had been deleted. I re-installed the original textures only. Ran FSX & also had duplicate aircraft - but only for the Turbo Amphib - the others seem OK. Double & triple checked & there ARE NO duplicates on the cfg. file. I will continue to try & find a solution, but like emfrat, I am coming to the end of my patience with VCol. There is only so much you can put up with for the low purchase price. Also more in sadness than anger. ChrisJD

[ncooper]

Try this.

Delete the six folders that begin with Vcol_dhc3 from your
Simobjects\Airplanes folder.

Then install the aircraft.

Then install the update.

There is nothing wrong with either of the installers.

Nick.

[falcon409]

Try this.

Delete the six folders that begin with Vcol_dhc3 from your
Simobjects\Airplanes folder.

Then install the aircraft.
Then install the update.
There is nothing wrong with either of the installers.

Nick.
I have to agree. Even the problems I had were self inflicted in a sense. Neither installer did anything other than simply install what it was meant to install (all variations of the Otter). The update installed as it should without any conflicts or lost aircraft or liveries.

[ChrisJD]

Thank you for your replies. I removed all 6 Vcol Otter folders from FSX. I re-installed the original program. I then ran FSX. All 6 aircraft loaded & flew perfectly. I then ran the update. Loaded FSX. 5 aircraft loaded & flew perfectly. The 6th one - the Turbo Amphib. told me I have duplicate models & did not load. I re-checked the cfg. file & there are no duplicates. Next?

[Lane Street]

Thank you for your replies. I removed all 6 Vcol Otter folders from FSX. I re-installed the original program. I then ran FSX. All 6 aircraft loaded & flew perfectly. I then ran the update. Loaded FSX. 5 aircraft loaded & flew perfectly. The 6th one - the Turbo Amphib. told me I have duplicate models & did not load. I re-checked the cfg. file & there are no duplicates. Next?

The duplicate model folder warning will (should) give you the path to one of the duplicates.

Note that this warning is for duplicates in the sim, not in an aircraft.cfg.

Not having duplicates in an aircraft.cfg does not rule out the possibility that you have duplicates spread across multiple aircraft.cfg files.

cheers,
Lane

[emfrat]

OK, I gave this another try, just to see what's what.
I installed the original into an empty folder called Area_2. This gave me an Effects folder, a Gauges folder and a SimObjects\Airplanes with six subfolders, 3 for the piston and 3 for the turbo.
Copied these six into Area_0 for reference.

Ran the update installer, to Area_2. This gave the same folder structure and names as before, but when I looked at the cfg for the piston floats aircraft the entries were all titled for the turbo amphibian, e.g.

[fltsim.0]
title = Virtualcol DHC3 OTTER turbo amphibian hbair
sim = Vcoldhc3totter
model = 1
panel =

The rest looked OK, except for differences in the model= lines, which could well be corrections done by the update.
There is something wrong with the update exe file.

MikeW

[ncooper]

I have just deleted the six folders and run both installers again.
Exactly the same result, all the aircraft show as they should and
no duplicates.

Do you perhaps have another folder somewhere in your airplanes
folder with the turbo prop model in it?
You might try deleting the six folders and then checking to see if
any of the aircraft remain in your aircraft menu.

[emfrat]

Nick, sorry mate, but I had deleted all and also run the uninstaller before I started again.
I don't know of any other DHC-3 Otters, so I did not have any installed beforehand.
I then installed the original aircraft to Area_2, which produced the expected result.
No prob so far.
I copied the six folders to Area_0, to let me compare them later, then ran the update exe, pointed to Area_2. When I compared the aircraft.cfg files in Area_0 to those in Area_2, the Area_2 ones had been changed so that the config for the piston floats aircraft had been changed to those for the turbo floats plane.
At the very least there is a big problem with the update installer.

ATB
MikeW

[ncooper]

I have also installed the update to a dummy folder
and each aircraft.cfg entry refers to the correct aircraft.
That is to say that the first three from the top are piston
engined and the second three are turbo props.

There is nothing wrong with the installers here but I am out of
ideas for now as to why the update seems to be broken at your end.

[emfrat]

Nick, I don't seem to explaining this clearly.
1) I installed the original aircraft to a dummy folder, C:\Downloads\Area_02.
2) I then copied the six files to ..\\Area_0 so I could compare them.
3) I then ran the update.exe, pointing it to Area_02
All six files in Area_0 were unchanged.
In Area_2, the folder names were unchanged, but the Aircraft.cfg within the piston floats folder had been changed to the cfg for the Turbine aircraft.
That is what is wrong - the update exe incorrectly changes the cfg files in the original install.

MkeW

[ChrisJD]

At last the problem solved!! emfrat - you are correct - the update named the PISTON otter amphib Harbour Air as a TURBO otter amphib Harbour Air which is the same as the correct turbo otter amphib Harbour Air. All I did was remove the 'turbo' from the piston amphib name on all 5 textures & all is well. Now to see if the updates are OK. ChrisJD

[ncooper]

Interestingly, I have no piston version of the Harbor Air amphibian
either before or after the update, turbo version only.

The only Harbor Air repaint texture folder is named Texture.hbair
and is in Vcol_dhc3t_otter_f

[ChrisJD]

Here we are again! Having another look it seems that the update put the turbo amphib aircraft details in the piston amphib details cfg file as well as the correct turbo one. I have taken the original 5 aircraft details & replaced the incorrect aircraft only as the cfg file for the piston amphib seems to be correct. I now have all 5 piston amphibs showing & available - but whether everything else is correct I don't know as I couldn't get the thing started! I have now given up until this gets sorted out! ChrisJD

[emfrat]

Hi Chris - I merged the top part of the original piston amphib cfg with the lower part of the turbo amphib and discovered it wouldn't start, so I edited the merged config to declare the engine as piston, not turbine. That got me started and I took off, with the rpm showing a more sensible figure than the pre-update one. However I then found the gear would not retract, so now I will need to swap in the contact points from the piston amphib, which should fix that and also the tail-heavy floating condition. Fingers crossed...

MikeW

[ChrisJD]

Hi MikeW Your mail was very helpful because it shows we are on the right lines. Following your idea, I copy/pasted the new & old cfg. on the desktop to compare them. I then copy/pasted any changes I could see from the old to the new. Now at last the piston amphib starts & flies OK. However, if there were any changes to the config from the update I may have overwritten them - which rather defeats the object of the exercise! I think I will wait & see if there is going to be an upgrade to the upgrade. In the meantime I am attempting to master flying the Huey in DCS World. Regards, ChrisJD

[falcon409]

Hi MikeW Your mail was very helpful because it shows we are on the right lines. Following your idea, I copy/pasted the new & old cfg. on the desktop to compare them. I then copy/pasted any changes I could see from the old to the new. Now at last the piston amphib starts & flies OK. However, if there were any changes to the config from the update I may have overwritten them - which rather defeats the object of the exercise! I think I will wait & see if there is going to be an upgrade to the upgrade. In the meantime I am attempting to master flying the Huey in DCS World. Regards, ChrisJD
Have you contacted the developer concerning the problems you've had?

[jschall]

Have you contacted the developer concerning the problems you've had?

I certainly will write to Virtualcol about my experience with their update.

Here is what I noticed and how I fixed it:

The update introduced errors into a single aircraft.cfg file, the one for Vcol_dhc3p_otter_f, which is supposed to be for the piston amphibian, with five liveries.

But in each of the [fltsim.x] (x=0,1,2,3,4) entries, there are two errors - the word "turbo" in the "title =" line, AND the letter "t" in the "sim =" line. Deleting the offending characters in those ten lines in that single aircraft.cfg file eliminated the duplicates and restored all the Otter variants.

I think the guys at Virtualcol should know about the problems their update created.

The RCAF piston Otter now has a full matt cowl, but I still don't like the colour (with a "u") of the roundel...

[jschall]

I have written to Virtualcol about my experience with their update.

Here is what I noticed and how I fixed it:

The update introduced errors into a single aircraft.cfg file, the one for Vcol_dhc3p_otter_f, which is supposed to be for the piston amphibian, with five liveries.

But in each of the [fltsim.x] (x=0,1,2,3,4) entries, there are two errors - the word "turbo" in the "title =" line, AND the letter "t" in the "sim =" line. Deleting the offending characters in those ten lines in that single aircraft.cfg file eliminated the duplicates and restored all the Otter variants.

I think the guys at Virtualcol should know about the problems their update created.

The RCAF piston Otter now has a full matt cowl, but I still don't like the colour (with a "u") of the roundel...

Just wanted to update my post to say I have written to Virtualcol about the problem with their update.

[falcon409]

Isn't it odd that not everyone had the same problem with the same installer?

[emfrat]

Isn't it odd that not everyone had the same problem with the same installer?
It certainly complicates things, but I think we are all seeing different aspects of the same basic problem. As far as I can figure it:
The update changes the cfg for dhc3p (f) to have the same details as dhc3t (f)
That causes the 'duplicate names' warning, but that is just a warning - the FSX selection screen shows the planes by 'name' alphabetically, ignoring duplicates, so 'p' gets in and 't' misses out BUT
the turbine paints don't fit the prop model, so they don't display either...

I think that is what causes the disappearances. The updated cfg creates the mismatches, and FSX reacts to them.

MikeW

[Firekitten]

I did the update a week ago and had no issues?

[jschall]

Isn't it odd that not everyone had the same problem with the same installer?

The problem I had was with FSX Steam Edition. Maybe the update installer has a problem finding the proper folder? It should just use the key in the Registry.

I haven't heard back from Virtualcol yet...

[gavinc]

The problem I had was with FSX Steam Edition. Maybe the update installer has a problem finding the proper folder? It should just use the key in the Registry.

I haven't heard back from Virtualcol yet...

I just tried installing the Otter in Steam (I had previously installed it in my FSX Boxed installation). I installed the full base package and the update with no issues. I am not sure what is causing the problems that you are seeing but at a guess it is something specific to the way the installation software is interacting with your FSX install (no idea what that would be) rather than a generic problem with the Virtualcol installation program

Also there is no piston engine version with the Harbour Air paint scheme, just a Turboprop Amphibian. (both with just the base pack installed and after installing the update)

Gavin

[steve speerly]

I have been flying both the radial vs and turbo all over CANADA , and had no problems. Virtualcol is not finished with this plane as of yet. There some surprises in the near future , that I am sure you are going to like.

[Portia911]

dhc3p(f) updates with the same cfg file as dhc3t(f). It would seem in compiling the update, the wrong cfg file has been included in the dhc3p(f) folder.
We can, as suggested above, edit the 'wrong' cfg file to allow the correct dhc3p aircraft to show, but what we don't have are whatever flight dynamic tweaks for the piston amphib that should accompany the new .air file.

[falcon409]

Considering that everyone who has this airplane downloads the same base installer and then the same update installer hasn't it crossed anyone's mind (those having a problem) that it probably isn't the installer at all but maybe something related to how your systems are configured? If the update installer is really bad then everyone would be seeing the same problems. Also, I have yet to see where anyone has contacted the developer and gotten a definitive answer on the problems mentioned here. . .at least if they have that answer hasn't been presented here to help the others.

It's like one developer last year put it when some individuals were having problems with their installer and complained that it was somehow his fault. . . ."It's not like I put out two different installers. . .one good and one bad and you just have to take pot luck as to which one you get". If only a few are having problems, but everyone has the same installer. . .then it's not the installer.

[Hdguy]

Not sure if this may be the culprit, but today's Antiviruses are very powerful, and invasive beyond belief.

I always shut mine down to download and install everything.

[Portia911]

I don't disagree, Falcon, but should've said I didn't let the installer update FSX directly, but created a separate folder so I could see what it would install.
Based on the findings reported in earlier posts on this thread, I looked closely at the cfg files. Everything updates like with like, except the cfg file for the piston amphib. It has the correct file name but the content - including the individual aircraft details - are for the turbine amphib.
I assume this is the case for everyone who has installed the update - but I can't explain why it seems only to be a problem for some. :dizzy:

[Francois]

Not sure if this may be the culprit, but today's Antiviruses are very powerful, and invasive beyond belief.

I always shut mine down to download and install everything.

That somehow defeats their purpose ...... :biggrin-new:

[kiki]

Now -35% at PCAviator!

[edakridge]

I was not real happy with the appearance of the VC on this plane, so I have done a few modifications to the VC textures. I have uploaded this mod to Flightsim.com for anyone who is interested.
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29301&stc=1

[rich12545]

I can't find it. Do you have a link or file name or something? Thanks.

[edakridge]

It must still be waiting for admin approval.

[edakridge]

It's up now: http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/fslib.php?searchid=40617122

[edakridge]

These work for both the Piston and Turbine models.

[CameraDefinition.0]
Title=Right float
Guid={B0CA7E72-F3D9-F748-8BF5-108D197B2469}
Description=Vista hacia adelante, desde el extremo posterior, del flotador derecho
Origin=Center
SnapPbhAdjust=Swivel
SnapPbhReturn=FALSE
PanPbhAdjust=Swivel
PanPbhReturn=FALSE
Track=None
ShowAxis=FALSE
AllowZoom=TRUE
InitialZoom=.5
ShowWeather=Yes
InitialXyz=3.5, 0.5, -3.9
InitialPbh=0, 0, 0
XyzAdjust=TRUE
Category=Aircraft
MomentumEffect=TRUE
ClipMode=Minimum


[CameraDefinition.1]
Title=Right side
Guid={C690EAFD-223A-42d0-99E0-681ADF93BB59}
Description=Vista desde el ala derecha hacia la cabina
Origin=Center
SnapPbhAdjust=Swivel
SnapPbhReturn=FALSE
PanPbhAdjust=Swivel
PanPbhReturn=FALSE
Track=None
ShowAxis=FALSE
AllowZoom=TRUE
InitialZoom=1.0
ShowWeather=Yes
InitialXyz=14.5, 0.6, 0.0
InitialPbh=8, 0, 270
XyzAdjust=TRUE
Category=Aircraft
ClipMode=Minimum


[CameraDefinition.2]
Title=Left side
Guid={3A09FD6C-D406-4d8f-A5CD-FA4F5E0C12ED}
Description=Vista desde el ala izquierda hacia la cabina
Origin=Center
SnapPbhAdjust=Swivel
SnapPbhReturn=FALSE
PanPbhAdjust=Swivel
PanPbhReturn=FALSE
Track=None
ShowAxis=FALSE
AllowZoom=TRUE
InitialZoom=1.0
ShowWeather=Yes
InitialXyz=-14.5, 0.6, 0.0
InitialPbh=8, 0, 90
XyzAdjust=TRUE
Category=Aircraft
ClipMode=Minimum


[CameraDefinition.3]
Title=Tail
Guid={D8D67955-2E9B-4e75-9D8B-8EFFBBFAC64A}
Description=Vista hacia adelante desde la parte posterior del aparato
Origin=Center
SnapPbhAdjust=Swivel
SnapPbhReturn=FALSE
PanPbhAdjust=Swivel
PanPbhReturn=FALSE
Track=None
ShowAxis=FALSE
AllowZoom=TRUE
InitialZoom=0.75
ShowWeather=Yes
InitialXyz=0, 3.5, -19.5
InitialPbh=11, 0, 0
XyzAdjust=TRUE
Category=Aircraft
MomentumEffect=TRUE
ClipMode=Minimum


[CameraDefinition.001]
Title=CoPilot Seat
Guid={195EAB58-9E4A-1E2A-A34C-A8D9D948F078}
Origin=Virtual Cockpit
MomentumEffect=Yes
SnapPbhAdjust=Swivel
SnapPbhReturn=False
PanPbhAdjust=Swivel
PanPbhReturn=False
Track=None
ShowAxis=YES
AllowZoom=TRUE
InitialZoom=0.75
SmoothZoomTime=2.0
ZoomPanScalar=1.0
ShowWeather=Yes
XyzAdjust=TRUE
ShowLensFlare=FALSE
Category=Cockpit
PitchPanRate=90
HeadingPanRate=90
InitialXyz=1.0, 0.05, 0.0
InitialPbh=8, 0, 0


[CameraDefinition.002]
Title=Radio Stack
Guid={195EAB58-9E4A-2E2A-A34C-A8D9D948F078}
Origin=Virtual Cockpit
MomentumEffect=No
SnapPbhAdjust=None
SnapPbhReturn=False
PanPbhAdjust=None
PanPbhReturn=False
Track=None
ShowAxis=FALSE
AllowZoom=TRUE
InitialZoom=1.1
SmoothZoomTime=2.0
ZoomPanScalar=1.0
ShowWeather=Yes
XyzAdjust=TRUE
ShowLensFlare=FALSE
Category=Cockpit
PitchPanRate=90
HeadingPanRate=90
InitialXyz=0.80, 0.0, 0.15
InitialPbh=33, 0, 15


[CameraDefinition.003]
Title=Engine Controls
Guid={195EAB58-9E4A-3E2A-A34C-A8D9D948F078}
Origin=Virtual Cockpit
MomentumEffect=No
SnapPbhAdjust=None
SnapPbhReturn=False
PanPbhAdjust=None
PanPbhReturn=False
Track=None
ShowAxis=FALSE
AllowZoom=TRUE
InitialZoom=0.85
SmoothZoomTime=2.0
ZoomPanScalar=1.0
ShowWeather=Yes
XyzAdjust=TRUE
ShowLensFlare=FALSE
Category=Cockpit
PitchPanRate=20
HeadingPanRate=60
InitialXyz=0.35, 0.1, 0.05
InitialPbh=31, 0.0, 0.0


[CameraDefinition.004]
Title = "Passenger Compartment"
Guid = {195EAB58-9E4A-4E2A-A34C-A8D9D948F078}
Origin = Virtual Cockpit
MomentumEffect = YES
SnapPbhAdjust = Swivel
SnapPbhReturn = False
PanPbhAdjust = Swivel
PanPbhReturn = False
Track = None
ShowAxis = FALSE
AllowZoom = TRUE
InitialZoom = 1.4
SmoothZoomTime = 2.0
ZoomPanScalar = 1.0
ShowWeather = Yes
XyzAdjust = TRUE
ShowLensFlare=FALSE
Category = Cockpit
PitchPanRate=90
HeadingPanRate=90
InitialXyz=0.35, 0.0, -4.0
InitialPbh=0, 0, 0

[ncooper]

Thank you very much for the textures.
For those, like me, for whom the link doesn't work, the file name at the
flightsim.com library is
vcol_dhc3_vc_texture.zip
Nick