FlightGear Newsletter June 2012: Difference between revisions

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FlightGear Newsletter June 2012 (view source)

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Thanks to the branching, development for the next-next release (3.0.0?) can start right away; even before 2.8.0 is released.  
Thanks to the branching, development for the next-next release (3.0.0?) can start right away; even before 2.8.0 is released.  
=== Rembrandt controls ===
[[File:Rembrandt dialog.png|thumb|left]]
A special [[Project Rembrandt|Rembrandt]] dialog has been created, to give the user full control over Rembrandt's rich feature set. The dialog can be reached via <tt>View > Rendering Options</tt>. By adjusting the various options, the framerate impact can be decreased.


=== Taxiway signs support improved ===
=== Taxiway signs support improved ===
Flightgear does now better support the taxiway signs syntax of the apt.dat 850 spec.
Flightgear does now better support the taxiway signs syntax of the apt.dat 850 spec.
Christian implemented the new specs and got rid of some old cruft along the way. The signs are also rendered now with a 3D case around and we support double sided signs as well!
Christian implemented the new specs and got rid of some old cruft along the way. The signs are also rendered now with a 3D case around and we support double sided signs as well!
[[File:3d sign front.png|320px|left|Taxiway sign, front side]]
 
[[File:3d sign back.png|320px|right|Taxiway sign, back side]]
{{Gallery
|3d sign front.png|Taxiway sign, front side
|3d sign back.png|Taxiway sign, back side
|3d sign special.png|special sign variants
}}
 
Emilian updated the signs textures to have some shading on top, which improves the overall appearance a lot. Also, Now it is possible to make use of new special types, such as {critical}, {safety}, {no-entry} and {hazard}. See the [[Signs|Signs entry]] for more details.
Emilian updated the signs textures to have some shading on top, which improves the overall appearance a lot. Also, Now it is possible to make use of new special types, such as {critical}, {safety}, {no-entry} and {hazard}. See the [[Signs|Signs entry]] for more details.
[[File:3d sign special.png|320px|left|special sign variants]]


James was able to improve the rendering code considerably. The signs are now rendered per stg file into one geometry. This reduces the amount of geodes a lot.
James was able to improve the rendering code considerably. The signs are now rendered per stg file into one geometry. This reduces the amount of geodes a lot.


=== FlightGear-Devel: A new Nasal Garbage Collector in the works! ===
=== Rembrandt controls ===
As of 06/2012, a new incremental Nasal GC is being worked on:
[[File:Rembrandt dialog.png|thumb|The Rembrandt dialog.]]
{{cquote|I have been working on a 4-color incremental mark/sweep collector with
A special [[Project Rembrandt|Rembrandt]] dialog has been created, to give the user full control over Rembrandt's rich feature set. The dialog can be reached via <tt>View > Rendering Options</tt>. By adjusting the various options, the framerate impact can be decreased.
the intention of merging it into the Nasal interpreter.


The work so far can be found at http://github.com/chrisforbes/incgc;
=== A new Nasal Garbage Collector in the works ===
There's still quite a lot to do, but the path is clear.
As of this month, a new incremental Nasal GC is being worked on:
|FlightGear Devel mailing list<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg37579.html
{{cquote|I have been working on a 4-color incremental mark/sweep collector with the intention of merging it into the Nasal interpreter.
|title=Nasal CG: (Was: Sea color) |author=Chris Forbes |date=13 June 2012 }}</ref>}}
The work so far can be found at http://github.com/chrisforbes/incgc. There's still quite a lot to do, but the path is clear.|[http://www.mail-archive.com/flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net/msg37579.html Chris Forbes]}}
 
 
{{Appendix}}
 
=== Forum digest ===
 
=== Git digest ===
 
=== Getting involved as a programmer ===
 
Please see [[Howto:Start core development]]
 
== Interview with a contributor (NAME) ==
''In each edition we have an interview with a contributor. Suggestions for possible questions are available on [[interview questions]], you are invited to come up with new questions and interview ideas obviously! Anyone is free to write an interview (with him-/herself or others) for next month's newsletter! If you'd like to help interview a contributor or get interviewed, please do consider adding yourself to the [[list of interview volunteers]]! To keep this going and less awkward, we are currently trying to come up with the convention that former interviewees become next month's interviewers.''
 
* How long have you been involved in FlightGear?
* What are your major interests in FlightGear?
* What project are you working on right now?
* What do you plan on doing in the future?
* Are you happy with the way the FlightGear project is going?
* What do you enjoy most about developing for FlightGear?
* Are there any "hidden features" you have worked on in FlightGear that new users may miss?
* What advice can you give to new developers who want to get started on their first aircraft/new feature/Nasal script?
 
More questions are being collected here: [[Interview questions]].
 
Stay tuned for next month's interview, featuring FlightGear contributor XXXXXXXX
 
== Snapshot releases ==
Every now and then, easy-to-install development snapshots are created (usually, twice monthly). These snapshots depict a recent state of the development version of FlightGear. By using them users can test out features that will be included in the upcoming release. Testers are encouraged to file bugs at [http://code.google.com/p/flightgear-bugs/ the issue tracker].
 
The snapshot can be download via the links at the bottom of this page: http://www.flightgear.org/download/. Updates and feedback can be found [http://flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=10488&p=144233&hilit=snapshot#p144233 at the forum].
 
== Nasal for newbies ==


== New software tools and projects ==
== New software tools and projects ==


=== MP Map desktop application ===
=== MPMap desktop application ===
 
Development has started on a [[Howto:Multiplayer|multiplayer]] map, similar to [[MPMap]], but as a desktop application rather than a web page and using [[OpenStreetMap]] instead of Google. OpenStreetMap data tends to be quite good for airports, since OSM have the option of using Bing aerial imagery and runway/taxiway/stand numbers tend to be readily visible from aerial photos.  
Development has started on a multiplayer map (similar to [[MPMap]] but as a desktop application rather than a web page, and using [[OpenStreetMap]] instead of Google).
 
http://almien.co.uk/flightgear/map/multiplayer/


[[File:Screenshot-FlightGear multiplayer map-1.png|400px|KSFO during a quiet period]]
[[File:Screenshot-FlightGear multiplayer map-1.png|400px|KSFO during a quiet period]]
OpenStreetMap data tends to be quite good for airports, since OSM have the option of using Bing aerial imagery and runway/taxiway/stand numbers tend to be readily visible from aerial photos.


Features available in this map include:
Features available in this map include:
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* Measure distances between any two vehicles - select one and then the other and tick "measure" to see continuously-updated bearing and distance between them
* Measure distances between any two vehicles - select one and then the other and tick "measure" to see continuously-updated bearing and distance between them


More information and the download are available at http://almien.co.uk/flightgear/map/multiplayer/.


 
=== MPRecorder ===
=== [[MPRecorder]] ===
[[MPRecorder]] is a new developed tool to record and replay multiplayer activities. By using normal aircraft while replaying a flight, you can easily create other views and record better videos.
 
[[MPRecorder]] is a new developed tool to record and replay multiplayer activities. By using normal aircrafts while replaying a flight, you can easily create other views and record better videos.


In the following video you can see a lot of non standard views, recorded with the help of MPRecorder.
In the following video you can see a lot of non standard views, recorded with the help of MPRecorder.
{{#ev:youtube|FCgBhIgjOmo|400|Flightgear MPRecorder example video at St. Barths}}
{{#ev:youtube|FCgBhIgjOmo|400|Flightgear MPRecorder example video at St. Barths}}
== FlightGear add-ons and mods ==


== In the hangar ==
== In the hangar ==
All the way back in May 2011, we adopted a new status-rating system for aircraft. So far, only a few have actually been rated, as can be seen in the list 'hockenberry' set up at [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApzphjA4w05ndF94Y2F0bzJTbHQ5QTJXZXJRcUVRbWc&hl=en_US Google Docs]. If you're an aircraft developer and your aircraft is/are not on the list, please consider rating their status. All you'll need to know/do is described at [[Formalizing Aircraft Status]]. If you'd just like to get started contributing to FlightGear, this would also seem like an excellent way to get started.
=== New aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
=== Updated aircraft ===
==== Glaser-Dirks DG-101G ====
==== Glaser-Dirks DG-101G ====
The winching and aerotowing rope that was discussed in the [[FlightGear Newsletter February 2012#Glider winch launching ropes|February newsletter]] is now available for the [[Glaser-Dirks DG-101G]] from Git.
The winching and aerotowing rope that was discussed in the [[FlightGear Newsletter February 2012#Glider winch launching ropes|February newsletter]] is now available for the [[Glaser-Dirks DG-101G]] from Git.
=== Liveries ===


== Scenery corner ==
== Scenery corner ==
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[[File:EDDI1.jpg|640px]]
[[File:EDDI1.jpg|640px]]
[[File:EDDI2.jpg|640px]]
[[File:EDDI2.jpg|640px]]


===Düsseldorf International (EDDL)===
===Düsseldorf International (EDDL)===
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[[File:EDDL-generic1.jpg|640px]]
[[File:EDDL-generic1.jpg|640px]]
[[File:EDDL-night.jpg|640px]]
[[File:EDDL-night.jpg|640px]]
== Aircraft of the month ==
== Airport of the month ==
== Screenshot of the month ==


== Suggested flights ==
== Suggested flights ==
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== Hardware reviews==
== Hardware reviews==
Stuart has reviewed the Saitek Pro Flight Cessna controls for FlightGear. These are officially licensed controls intended to mimic Cessna singles like the 172 as closely as possible. See what he thought in his [[Hardware Review: Saitek Pro Flight Cessna controls|review]].   
Stuart has reviewed the Saitek Pro Flight Cessna controls for FlightGear. These are officially licensed controls intended to mimic Cessna singles like the 172 as closely as possible. See what he thought in his [[Hardware Review: Saitek Pro Flight Cessna controls|review]].   
 
== Aircraft reviews ==


== Wiki updates ==
== Wiki updates ==
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** Do not edit an article on a per-section base (by clicking the <nowiki>[edit]</nowiki> link next to a header). If you would like to make edits in multiple sections of the same article, simply edit the entire article by clicking the Edit button at the top of the page.
** Do not edit an article on a per-section base (by clicking the <nowiki>[edit]</nowiki> link next to a header). If you would like to make edits in multiple sections of the same article, simply edit the entire article by clicking the Edit button at the top of the page.
** Preview your edit(s) before saving, by clicking the preview button. Especially check for red links to non existing articles (usually the result of typos).
** Preview your edit(s) before saving, by clicking the preview button. Especially check for red links to non existing articles (usually the result of typos).
===New articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
  type=new
  count=10
</DynamicArticleList>
===New aircraft articles===
<DynamicArticleList>
  type=new
  count=10
  categoryRoot=Aircraft
</DynamicArticleList>
===Most popular newsletters===
<DynamicArticleList>
  type=hot
  count=5
  categoryRoot=FlightGear Newsletter
</DynamicArticleList>


== Community news ==
== Community news ==
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{{#ev:youtube|phxhTIbk9o4|400|This is an embedded video!}}
{{#ev:youtube|phxhTIbk9o4|400|This is an embedded video!}}


=== New tutorials and screencasts ===
=== Forum news ===
=== Multiplayer ===
=== Multiplayer ===
Thanks to Yves for setting up a multiplayer server in Switzerland, the total number of available servers is now 14! The host adress of the new server is: <tt>mpserver14.flightgear.org</tt>
Thanks to Yves for setting up a multiplayer server in Switzerland, the total number of available servers is now 14! The host adress of the new server is: <tt>mpserver14.flightgear.org</tt>
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Please refer to [[Howto:Set up a multiplayer server]] if you are interested in setting up a server yourself.
Please refer to [[Howto:Set up a multiplayer server]] if you are interested in setting up a server yourself.


=== Virtual airlines ===
=== FlightGear events ===
=== FlightGear events ===
==== FlightGear at the National Museum of Flight, Scotland ====
==== FlightGear at the National Museum of Flight, Scotland ====
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Facebook users can join [http://www.facebook.com/events/315742308452348 the event's page] to stay up to date and connect to other visitors.
Facebook users can join [http://www.facebook.com/events/315742308452348 the event's page] to stay up to date and connect to other visitors.


== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Contributing ===
=== Contributing ===
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For ideas on starting to contribute to FlightGear, you may want to check out: [[Volunteer]].
For ideas on starting to contribute to FlightGear, you may want to check out: [[Volunteer]].


=== Call for volunteers ===
[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter}|2012 06]]
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.
 
=== Did you know ===
 
[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter]]
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