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FlightGear Newsletter March 2010: Difference between revisions
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{{newsletter}} | {{newsletter}} | ||
Another month's over, another newsletter is written. Compared to last month's edition, we have a lot more content. Ranging from scenery improvements, to virtual airlines and from landing lights to a new multiplayer server. We hope this letter is interesting to read for anyone, both developers and users. | |||
We would like to emphasize that the monthly newsletter can not live without the contributions of FlightGear users and developers. Everyone (with a wiki account, free to register) can edit [[FlightGear Newsletter {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}|the newsletter of next month]] and every contribution is welcome. | We would like to emphasize that the monthly newsletter can not live without the contributions of [[FlightGear]] users and developers (thanks to everyone that contributed this time!). Everyone (with a wiki account, free to register) can edit [[FlightGear Newsletter {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}|the newsletter of next month]] and every contribution is welcome. | ||
Happy Easter everyone! | |||
==From the developers== | ==From the developers== | ||
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*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYb1Vy-uTS0 Urban effect] | *[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYb1Vy-uTS0 Urban effect] | ||
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7OeU80vtR8 Urban sunrise to sunset] | *[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7OeU80vtR8 Urban sunrise to sunset] | ||
Given the increasing importance of shaders in FlightGear, there is now a also new wiki page collecting links to tutorials about [[GLSL Shader Programming Resources|GLSL Shader Programming]] to help FlightGear contributors develop their own shaders. If you have any useful links to contribute, please do feel free to add these to this list. | |||
For FlightGear specific issues, you will want to refer back to [[Howto: Shader Programming in FlightGear]] which is currently work in progress and is meant to cover the FlightGear specifics of GLSL programming. So if you have any questions that are specific to GLSL use in FlightGear, please make sure to add these to the list of topics that shall be covered. | |||
[[File:map1.png|thumb|250px|Basic [[map]] display.]] | [[File:map1.png|thumb|250px|Basic [[map]] display.]] | ||
===Map Dialog=== | ===Map Dialog=== | ||
James is working on a GUI navigational map, which shows information from the GPS and navigation/airport database in a dialog box - similar to the map windows in other flight-simulators. In its current form this is not | James is working on a GUI navigational map, which shows information from the GPS and navigation/airport database in a dialog box - similar to the map windows in other flight-simulators. In its current form this is not intended to render terrain like in [[Atlas]], but instead shows a navigational display (ND) which is already useful for quickly finding a nearby airport or navaid, and for graphically showing waypoints from a route. The code is also a test platform for creating in-panel "glass cockpit"-style displays using similar technology in the near future, and it's already possible to switch the map to show the aircraft track (from the GPS) heading 'up' the screen. In the mode the map can be used as simple navigation display, to stay on a route or align with a localizer. | ||
See [[Map|this wiki page]] for further information on the current status (and bugs) of the code, and some basic instructions. | See [[Map|this wiki page]] for further information on the current status (and bugs) of the code, and some basic instructions. | ||
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===Light cones=== | ===Light cones=== | ||
Until now, aircraft landing lights in FlightGear were not much more than a decoration since they did not cast any light on objects in their path. Lauri has implemented experimental light cones which illuminate everything within their range. It's a great step forward for realism, but | Until now, aircraft landing lights in FlightGear were not much more than a decoration since they did not cast any light on objects in their path. Lauri has implemented experimental light cones which illuminate everything within their range. It's a great step forward for realism, but we have to say that it is not a solution for the real problem. For example, other aircraft turn white when they enter a light cone. Some of the remaining problems will not be solved by this method, and thus require a different approach. Nevertheless, this is still an exciting development, which might inspire someone to work on a permanent solution. | ||
==In the hangar== | ==In the hangar== | ||
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===Concorde liveries=== | ===Concorde liveries=== | ||
EA-7201 worked on extra liveries for the [[Concorde]], making the liveries of''' almost all Concorde operators''' available! If you have the newest version of the Concorde (version 2.6) you are able to use them. See the Concorde in new liveries from airliners like Lufthansa, United Airlines, Japan Airlines and even Air Canada! You can download all these beautiful liveries at [http://www.mediafire.com/?ndj5ntyiwth this link]. | EA-7201 worked on extra liveries for the [[Concorde]], making the liveries of''' almost all Concorde operators''' available! If you have the newest version of the Concorde (version 2.6) you are able to use them. See the Concorde in new liveries from airliners like Lufthansa, United Airlines, Japan Airlines and even Air Canada! You can download all these beautiful liveries at [http://www.mediafire.com/?ndj5ntyiwth this link]. | ||
===New Warbird=== | |||
[[Image:Iar-external-wip.png|thumb|250px|The IAR-80 just after take off.]][[Image:Iar-cockpit-wip.jpg|thumb|250px|The current state of the IAR-80 cockpit.]] | |||
Emilian Huminiuc (aka i4dnf) is nearing completion of the IAR-80 (Romanian produced WW2 fighter). Hopefully a beta release will be available by late April. | |||
It also features high detail (high vertex count) exterior and cockpit models, high detail textures, and a bumpshader. So far the exterior model is quasi finished, some minor details left to be implemented, and some tweaks to the animations and effects (engine smoke, con-trails, prop-wash, etc...), also a damage model is in the works. | |||
The cockpit will be full clickable, will feature custom build instruments and will also make use of the bumpshader for added detail and realism. | |||
More info on development progress, as well as more pictures can be found on the forums {{forum link|t=7225|text=here}} and {{forum link|t=7354|text=here}}. | |||
===A New Old Cub=== | ===A New Old Cub=== | ||
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Features include: animated pilot (slightly modified Baranger and Augras' version), detailed cabin interior, detailed canvas wings, 'high tech' fuel indicator, optional anti-collision strobe, optional tyre smoke, spinning wheels, tailwheel and rudder link, undercarriage suspension, user input registration markings, paint guide and water spray on wheels. | Features include: animated pilot (slightly modified Baranger and Augras' version), detailed cabin interior, detailed canvas wings, 'high tech' fuel indicator, optional anti-collision strobe, optional tyre smoke, spinning wheels, tailwheel and rudder link, undercarriage suspension, user input registration markings, paint guide and water spray on wheels. | ||
Creation of the livery is continuing and images will be uploaded to the forum shortly (unless someone can help upload here) | Creation of the livery is continuing and images will be uploaded to the forum shortly (unless someone can help upload here) {{forum url|t=6890}}. | ||
===Decal Editor in Planning=== | ===Decal Editor in Planning=== | ||
Planning has started for a flightgear decal editor. rico001 has made an algorithm for a decal editor and livery templates to be used on existing aircraft or vehicular models. Kyokoyama has drafted a picture of the conceptual layout as well. | Planning has started for a flightgear decal editor. rico001 has made an algorithm for a decal editor and livery templates to be used on existing aircraft or vehicular models. Kyokoyama has drafted a picture of the conceptual layout as well. | ||
More info can be found in the official flightgear forums at: | More info can be found in the official flightgear forums at: {{forum url|t=7075}} | ||
==Scenery Corner== | ==Scenery Corner== | ||
[[Image:Dubai_scenery_1.png|thumb|250px]] | [[Image:Dubai_scenery_1.png|thumb|250px|One of the palms at the coast of Dubai.]] | ||
[[Image:Dubai_scenery_2.png|thumb|250px|The other palm of Dubai.]] | |||
===Dubai is coming up=== | ===Dubai is coming up=== | ||
Thanks to a couple of inovative projects, including the Palm Islands (islands in the shape of a palm) and The World (islands together forming a worldmap), Dubai has one of the most recognisable coastlines in the world. In FlightGear none of this was visible though. Gijs started drawing these islands and the ever growing populated areas, to be used in FlightGear. A preview of the yet to be released [[scenery]] can be seen in the | Thanks to a couple of inovative projects, including the Palm Islands (islands in the shape of a palm) and The World (islands together forming a worldmap), Dubai has one of the most recognisable coastlines in the world. In FlightGear none of this was visible though. Gijs started drawing these islands and the ever growing populated areas, to be used in FlightGear. A preview of the yet to be released [[scenery]] can be seen in the screenshots on the right. | ||
==Multiplayer news== | ==Multiplayer news== | ||
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===TransGear Airways last vintage event held=== | ===TransGear Airways last vintage event held=== | ||
[[TransGear Airways]] (TGA) held possibly its last, original-format event on March 13th. Despite being plagued by new glitches in 2.0 and the MP server, the event was a technical success. Organizer Rob Shearman (MD-TERP) plans for a bold, new format for upcoming events, involving two, intermediate-stop airport hubs instead of one, final destination hub. Alternatives had been looked at, such as a European Hub, but the airline is now committing itself to the new format. Updates can be found at [http://transgear.treborlogic.com its website]. | [[TransGear Airways]] (TGA) held possibly its last, original-format event on March 13th. Despite being plagued by new glitches in 2.0 and the MP server, the event was a technical success. Organizer Rob Shearman (MD-TERP) plans for a bold, new format for upcoming events, involving two, intermediate-stop airport hubs instead of one, final destination hub. Alternatives had been looked at, such as a European Hub, but the airline is now committing itself to the new format. Updates can be found at [http://transgear.treborlogic.com its website]. | ||
==Community news== | ==Community news== | ||
===Changes in the forum=== | ===Changes in the forum=== | ||
Gijs de Rooy has become an administrator at the | Gijs de Rooy has become an administrator at the {{forum link|text=FlightGear Forum}}. In addition to moderating the forums (surely a maddening task at times), Gijs has already made some significant improvements to the forum organization. A re-styling of the -currently default- forum look is in the works. | ||
Since March 24th, the forum is hosted at a new server, resulting in much | Since March 24th, the forum is hosted at a new server, resulting in much shorter loadtimes. | ||
===FlightGear wiki moved to a new server=== | ===FlightGear wiki moved to a new server=== | ||
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[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2010 03]] | [[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2010 03]] | ||
[[es:FlightGear Newsletter March 2010]] | |||