FlightGear Newsletter August 2012: Difference between revisions

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''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 the newsletter and every contribution is welcome. So if you know about any FlightGear related news or projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.''
''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 the newsletter and every contribution is welcome. So if you know about any FlightGear related news or projects such as for example updated scenery or aircraft, please do feel invited to add such news to the newsletter.''


== FlightGear 2.8.0 Released ! ==
== FlightGear 2.8.0 released! ==
 
The FlightGear team is very excited to announce the v2.8.0 Release is now available! I will be brief and simply post the link to the official release announcement.
The FlightGear team is very excited to announce the v2.8.0 Release is now available! I will be brief and simply post the link to the official release announcement.


http://www.flightgear.org/news/flightgear-v2-8-0-released/
http://www.flightgear.org/news/flightgear-v2-8-0-released/
Some of the notable changes and improvements include:


Major improvements from v2.6.0 include improved AI aircraft, up to date with all the recent JSBSim flight dynamics model improvements, support for region specific textures, better random 3d buildings, better random object placement, 3d airport signage, in-sim toggling between summer and winter texture sets. The core FlightGear code now supports a flexible 2d rendering system which can be used to accurately model glass cockpit displays and other complex instrumentation. There are many new and improved aircraft to explore. A new automated system is now available for scenery submissions that automatically get rolled into the scenery distribution to be enjoyed by everyone. Version 2.8 has improved atmospheric light scatter modeling, better terrain haze, and improved 3d clouds.
Major improvements from v2.6.0 include improved AI aircraft, up to date with all the recent JSBSim flight dynamics model improvements, support for region specific textures, better random 3d buildings, better random object placement, 3d airport signage, in-sim toggling between summer and winter texture sets. The core FlightGear code now supports a flexible 2d rendering system which can be used to accurately model glass cockpit displays and other complex instrumentation. There are many new and improved aircraft to explore. A new automated system is now available for scenery submissions that automatically get rolled into the scenery distribution to be enjoyed by everyone. Version 2.8 has improved atmospheric light scatter modeling, better terrain haze, and improved 3d clouds.
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A very exciting new addition is “Project Rembrandt”. This is still considered “experimental” and not enabled by default. But when you turn it on you will get real-time shadows, support for multiple light sources (landing lights, instrument lights, directional ground spotlights, even the rotating beacons illuminate the surrounding correctly.) In addition, Project Rembrandt offers a variety of other visual effects such as night vision, film grain effects, depth of field effects, lens (i.e. fisheye) distortion — all in real time.
A very exciting new addition is “Project Rembrandt”. This is still considered “experimental” and not enabled by default. But when you turn it on you will get real-time shadows, support for multiple light sources (landing lights, instrument lights, directional ground spotlights, even the rotating beacons illuminate the surrounding correctly.) In addition, Project Rembrandt offers a variety of other visual effects such as night vision, film grain effects, depth of field effects, lens (i.e. fisheye) distortion — all in real time.


For the full change log, please see [[Changelog 2.8.0]].
For the full change log, please see [http://www.flightgear.org/news/flightgear-v2-8-0-released/ the release announcement].


Enjoy!!!
Enjoy!!!
== 15 years of FlightGear, screenshot contest ==
To celebrate FlightGear's 15th birthday (July 17), we decided to organise a screenshot contest. After two weeks of public voting, the winners were announced on August 18 with the release of FlightGear 2.8.0. The winning screenshots are used to promote FlightGear to the wider public.
Nearly 500 people participated in the voting. Voters were presented with two random screenshots at a time, from which they had to pick the one that they liked most. This was repeated over and over again. In the end, 41845 screenshot pairs were compared! The screenshots were then ranked according to their pass ratio. The more a screenshot was prefered over it's partner, the higher it ended up in our ranking.
The overall winner was '''Thorsten Renk''''s screenshot of a [[Hawker Sea Hawk FGA.6|Seahawk]], "Passing through a rain front during a carrier approach.", which you can find below. The complete ranking and all participating screenshots can be found at [http://flightgear.org/contest flightgear.org/contest]
Interested in reading more about FlightGear's history? See [[FlightGear History]].
[[File:Seahawk rainy carrier approach.jpg|800px]]


== Development news ==
== Development news ==
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Fred's been working on some fancy new effects, especially useful for our film-making enthusiasts.
Fred's been working on some fancy new effects, especially useful for our film-making enthusiasts.


The [[Project Rembrandt|Rembrandt renderer]] has a lot of potentiality when it comes to post processing effects. Indeed, the interesting property of a deferred shader is that all stages of rendering are kept into memory. Post-processing is as simple as using a filter on a camera.
The [[Project Rembrandt|Rembrandt renderer]] has a lot of potential when it comes to post processing effects. Indeed, the interesting property of a deferred shader is that all stages of rendering are kept in memory. Post-processing is as simple as using a filter on a camera.


So currently the effects added in git are :
Currently the effects added in git are :
* Night vision including amplification grain and restrained field of view,
* Night vision including amplification grain and restrained field of view,
* Cinema effect including :
* Cinema effect including :
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| [[File:Fgfs-rembrandt-night-vision-2.png|thumb|400px|Rembrandt night vision simulation]]
| [[File:Fgfs-rembrandt-night-vision-2.png|thumb|400px|Rembrandt night vision simulation]]
|}
|}
This won't make it for the 2.8 release but it's likely that an add-on will be available as it is contained in the data.
This did not make it for the 2.8 release but it's likely that an add-on will be available as it is contained in the data.


See also :
See also :
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|}
|}


=== Unified Weather GUI ===
=== Unified weather GUI ===
As most readers will be aware, FG supports two weather models - Basic Weather which represents METAR data directly, and Local Weather which  models weather more realistically, with more variation.  In 2.8.0 these were configured separately using different UIs.  Stuart Buchanan and Thorsten Renk have been working on unifying the user interfaces to provide a more user-friendly and consistent interface.  This work is now available in git.
As most readers will be aware, FlightGear supports two weather models - Basic Weather which represents METAR data directly, and Local Weather which  models weather more realistically, with more variation.  In 2.8.0 these were configured separately using different UIs.  Stuart Buchanan and Thorsten Renk have been working on unifying the user interfaces to provide a more user-friendly and consistent interface.  This work is now available in git.


=== Joystick Configuration GUI ===
=== Joystick configuration GUI ===


[[File:Joystick Configuration Dialog.jpg|thumb|The new Joystick Configuration Dialog, available in git.]]
[[File:Joystick Configuration Dialog.jpg|thumb|The new Joystick Configuration Dialog, available in git.]]


A further usability enhancement has been made by Stuart Buchanan to allow configuration of joysticks through a GUI in-sim.  Instead of configuring a joystick using XML, users can now change joystick bindings within the simulator - no XML knowledge required.  The updated joystick configuration takes effect immediately.  This work is also available in git, and should make it much easier for new users (or those with joysticks unknown to FG) to get flying.
A further usability enhancement has been made by Stuart Buchanan to allow configuration of joysticks through a GUI in-sim.  Instead of configuring a joystick using XML, users can now change joystick bindings within the simulator - no XML knowledge required.  The updated joystick configuration takes effect immediately.  This work is also available in git, and should make it much easier for new users (or those with joysticks unknown to FlightGear) to get flying.


=== Canvas News ===
=== Canvas news ===
<!--additions should also be added to:http://wiki.flightgear.org/Changelog_3.0.0#Some_of_the_major_changes_include: -->
As of August, the new [[Canvas]] 2D drawing system in FlightGear HEAD has now also support for:
 
As of 08/2012, the new [[Canvas]] 2D drawing system in FlightGear HEAD has now also support for:
* using raster images (vector images were already supported previously)
* using raster images (vector images were already supported previously)
* nested canvases, where a canvas may contain images created by another canvas texture [[Howto:Using raster images and nested canvases]]
* nested canvases, where a canvas may contain images created by another canvas texture [[Howto:Using raster images and nested canvases]]
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Hooray and TheTom have now started collecting ideas on how this could be changed, by making subsystem initialization more explicit using listeners, so that SGSubsystems can be dynamically allocated and freed based on setting signal properties, so that recursive run levels can be implemented. For more information, please see [[FlightGear Run Levels]]. Feedback welcome!
Hooray and TheTom have now started collecting ideas on how this could be changed, by making subsystem initialization more explicit using listeners, so that SGSubsystems can be dynamically allocated and freed based on setting signal properties, so that recursive run levels can be implemented. For more information, please see [[FlightGear Run Levels]]. Feedback welcome!


=== '''Flightgear On Android''' ===
=== FlightGear On Android ===
 
[[File:Flightgear Android Launcher.png|thumb|FOA]]  
A new developer has achieved a way to run Flightgear on Android phones.    [[File:Flightgear Android Launcher.png|thumb|FOA]]  
[[File:FOA.jpg|thumb|FOA ingame]]  
 
A new developer has achieved a way to run [[FlightGear on Android]] (FOA) phones. He has done a lot of Android and C++ coding. His phone is a Samsung Galaxy Nexus and is running Android 4.04 (custom ROM but stock ROM should be OK). If your ready to test with us, please read the technical info then send a email to lacbrc@gmail.com!
The project codename will be FOA;he has done a lot of Android and C++ coding.            [[File:FOA.jpg|thumb|FOA ingame]]  
 
His phone is a Samsung Galaxy Nexus and is running Android 4.04 (custom ROM but stock ROM should be OK). If your ready to test with us, please read the technical info then send a email to lacbrc@gmail.com!


'''TECHNICAL INFO:'''
It should have at least a 1GHz processor and decent graphics chip. Android 2.3 is a must but a rooted device is not needed but can improve performance. Not much in this, as we haven't finished it to a release yet. He tested it on a bluetooth keyboard and a wired one through usb host mode. Hope you are interested in it!


TECHNICAL INFO:
The first ALPHA release is fresh out of its release, and you can read more {{forum link|p=163745|text=at the forum}}.
It should have at least a 1GHz processor and decent graphics chip. Android 2.3 is a         
must but a rooted device is not needed but can improve performance.
Not much in this, as we haven't finished it to a release yet.
He tested it on a bluetooth keyboard and a wired one through usb host mode. Hope you are interested in it!
 
The first ALPHA release is fresh out of its release, and you can read more here:
http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=16719&p=163745#p163745


The FlightGear for Android Team
The FlightGear for Android Team


Here is a few links:
* [http://horizonflightgearhangar.yolasite.com/fg-on-android.php Website]
 
* {{forum link|t=16719|text=Forum topic}}
Forums:
 
http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=16719
 
Website page:
 
http://horizonflightgearhangar.yolasite.com/fg-on-android.php
 
Wiki page:
 
http://wiki.flightgear.org/Flightgear_On_Android


=== Getting involved as a programmer ===
=== Getting involved as a programmer ===
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Unfortunately, we didn't find and interview candidate in August 2012.
Unfortunately, we didn't find and interview candidate in August 2012.
== Snapshot releases ==
Every now and then, easy-to-install development snapshots are created (usually, twice montlhy). These snapshos 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].


== In the hangar ==
== In the hangar ==
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=== New aircraft ===
=== New aircraft ===
 
==== Yakovlev Yak 18T ====
[[File:Yak18t-splash.png|thumb|Yakovlev Yak 18T]]
At the request by a new user of FG, Helijah has created and made available the Yakovlev Yak 18T in his hangar and GIT.
At the request by a new user of FG, Helijah has created and made available the Yakovlev Yak 18T in his hangar and GIT.
[[File:Yak18t-splash.png|thumb|Yakovlev Yak 18T]]


==== [[ATC-FS]] ====
==== ATC-FS ====
The Air Traffic Control tool ATC-FS got an update. The old radar screen was replaced by a radar screen, which can display fixes, navaids and ILS localizers. This new radar is resizable, so you can use your big screen more efficient.  
[[Image:ATC-FS.jpg|thumb|ATC-FS radar screen.]]
The Air Traffic Control tool [[ATC-FS]] got an update. The old radar screen was replaced by a radar screen, which can display fixes, navaids and ILS localizers. This new radar is resizable, so you can use your big screen more efficiently.  


The next version is already being worked on, it will reimplement ATC-FS using the new [[Canvas]] system (scheduled for FG 3.0) so that a fully custom drawn radar screen can be created in scripting space, including custom GUI widgets (e.g. for flight strips) - without depending on any hard coded instruments or dialogs any longer.
The next version is already being worked on, it will re-implement ATC-FS using the new [[Canvas]] system (scheduled for FG 3.0) so that a fully custom drawn radar screen can be created in scripting space, including custom GUI widgets (e.g. for flight strips) - without depending on any hard coded instruments or dialogs any longer.


This new design will eventually even make it possible to reuse ATC-FS for other purposes, or even include it in an AWACS aircraft that is multiplayer-enabled.
This new design will eventually even make it possible to reuse ATC-FS for other purposes, or even include it in an AWACS aircraft that is multiplayer-enabled.


[[Image:ATC-FS.jpg|1000px]]
==== Mil Mi-6 ====
 
The big old russian helicopter [[Mil Mi-6]] from the Mil design bureau has received a new update. More than a year after the last update a new structure of the Models subfolder allows new instruments to be added much more easily. Also, the electrical system has been revisited and new instruments have been added to the engineer panels. Please keep in mind that this still is a very early development version and therefore a lot of work still needs to be done. It is available from its {{gitorious source|proj=mil-mi-6|repo=mi6dev|text=gitorious-page}}.
==== [[Mil_Mi6]] ====
The big old russian helicopter Mi-6 from the Mil design bureau has received a new update. More than a year after the last update a new structure of the Models-subfolder allows new instruments to be added much easier. Also the electrical system has been revisited and new instruments have beed added to the engineer panels. Please keep in mind that this still is a very early development version and therefore a lot of work still needs to be done. It is available from its [https://gitorious.org/mil-mi-6 gitorious-page.]


== Scenery corner ==
== Scenery corner ==
=== 3D models import webform ===
=== 3D models import webform ===
The webform to import 3D models directly into the DB is in production. Now you can use this tool to send your models to the database used by Terrasync. If everything is fine and your model respects the specifications written in the foreword, then it will quickly be shipped to all FG users worldwide through [[Terrasync]]. Yet another unique feature amongst the flight simulation world held by FlightGear. Thanks to Clément, Julien, Martin, for their help & support, and all of FG users who showed interest and support in those tools.
The webform to import 3D models directly into the database is in production. Now you can use this tool to send your models to the database which is used by [[TerraSync]]. If everything is fine and your model respects the specifications written in the foreword, then it will quickly be shipped to all FlightGear users worldwide through TerraSync. Yet another unique feature amongst the flight simulation world held by FlightGear. Thanks to Clément, Julien and Martin, for their help and support, and all of FlightGear users who showed interest and support in those tools.


Already 100 3D models have been imported with this form in Shanghai, Berlin, Stuttgart, France and in the UK! See the statistics [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/stats.php here]. Thanks Gijs for the new nice layout.
Already 100 3D models have been imported with this form in Shanghai, Berlin, Stuttgart, France and in the UK! See the new statistics page [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/stats.php here]. Thanks to Gijs for the new nice layout and newly introduced "object density" numbers (number of objects per 10,000 square kilomter per country).


With all the forms now working on the scenemodels website, remember you can:
With all the forms now working on the scenemodels website, remember you can:
* add a single object (if you only have one!!). Check [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/index.php here]!
* add a single object (if you only have one!!). Check [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/index.php here]!
* update an object (for instance, a lot of power pylons are in fact communication pylones). It's [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/shared/index_update.php here]!
* update an object (for instance, a lot of power pylons are in fact communication pylons). It's [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/shared/index_update.php here]!
* delete an object (if it does not exist anymore in real life). It's [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/shared/index_delete.php here]!
* delete an object (if it does not exist any more in real life). It's [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/shared/index_delete.php here]!
* run a mass object positions import (if you added a lot of objets in one place). It's [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/shared/index_mass_import.php here]!
* run a mass object positions import (if you added a lot of objets in one place). It's [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/shared/index_mass_import.php here]!
* add 3D models you created to have them imported into FG scenery via Terrasync. It's [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/static/index.php here]: they can be specific to a city (for instance: the Eiffel tower), that's what is called 'static' in the FG world, or 'shared' (a new windturbine model, for instance).
* add 3D models you created to have them imported into FG scenery via Terrasync. It's [http://scenemodels.flightgear.org/submission/static/index.php here]: they can be specific to a city (for instance: the Eiffel tower), that's what is called 'static' in the FG world, or 'shared' (a new windturbine model, for instance).
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Remember that this is the strength of FG compared to other sims: everything can be in Terrasync and no need to download patches or sceneries here and there.
Remember that this is the strength of FG compared to other sims: everything can be in Terrasync and no need to download patches or sceneries here and there.


Moreover, an Ac3D viewer using Hangar by Juan Mellado is also available for general public for those whose browser supports WebGL (such as Firefox)!
Moreover, an AC3D viewer by Juan Mellado is also available for general public for those whose browser supports WebGL (such as Firefox)!


=== Scenemodels cleanup and update ===
=== Scenemodels cleanup and update ===
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At this time of year, it's important to take into account the temperature and altitude of the airstrips, as they combine to sap the power and lift from GA aircraft.  AVWeb recently [http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/stinson_crash_cockpit_video_ntsb_faa_207184-1.html highlighted] the (non-fatal) crash of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_108 Stinson 108], which included a video taken by one of the passengers. Though the NTSB has only produced a preliminary report, it was notable that the aircraft was taking off from a grass airstrip at high altitude on a hot day and appears from the video to struggle to get airborne.  The Stinson is broadly similar in performance to the c172p in our base package, and the airstrip (Bruce Meadows Airport, Idaho - U63) exists in our scenery.  Those interested can try taking off using the c172p with 4 people on board (2400lbs max gross weight) and high temperatures.  McCall Municipal Airport (KMYL) is 44nm away, and a good destination.
At this time of year, it's important to take into account the temperature and altitude of the airstrips, as they combine to sap the power and lift from GA aircraft.  AVWeb recently [http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/stinson_crash_cockpit_video_ntsb_faa_207184-1.html highlighted] the (non-fatal) crash of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_108 Stinson 108], which included a video taken by one of the passengers. Though the NTSB has only produced a preliminary report, it was notable that the aircraft was taking off from a grass airstrip at high altitude on a hot day and appears from the video to struggle to get airborne.  The Stinson is broadly similar in performance to the c172p in our base package, and the airstrip (Bruce Meadows Airport, Idaho - U63) exists in our scenery.  Those interested can try taking off using the c172p with 4 people on board (2400lbs max gross weight) and high temperatures.  McCall Municipal Airport (KMYL) is 44nm away, and a good destination.
== Wiki updates ==
===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|VwYOFL9B2CE}} {{#ev:youtube|wyfqeiHbosU}}
{{#ev:youtube|VwYOFL9B2CE}} {{#ev:youtube|wyfqeiHbosU}}


== Useful links ==
== And finally ... ==
== And finally ... ==
=== Did you know? ===
=== Did you know? ===
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* The [http://horizonflightgearhangar.yolasite.com/fg-on-android.php FOA] Team is looking for testers.
* The [http://horizonflightgearhangar.yolasite.com/fg-on-android.php FOA] Team is looking for testers.
* The [[Target4Today]] project is looking for volunteers to help improving FlightGear's combat support
* The [[Target4Today]] project is looking for volunteers to help improving FlightGear's combat support
* The [[FGX]] launcher project is looking for volunteers
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer.
=== Did you know ===


[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2012 08]]
[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2012 08]]

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