FlightGear wiki - User contributions [en]

Talk:FlightGear Wiki

2018-04-20T15:31:09Z

CaptainGalaxy: Typographic error fix: “nae” into “name”.

== AntiSpam question too broad? ==

On [[Special:UserLogin]], http://wiki.flightgear.org/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&type=signup, the anti-spam question is:
http://wiki.flightgear.org/images/spamquestion.png
''“What is the name of the flight simulator that this wiki is about?”'', which is obviously “''FlightGear''”.

It may be possible for spambots to guess it.

Just my two cents. --[[User:CaptainGalaxy|CaptainGalaxy]] ([[User talk:CaptainGalaxy|talk]]) 04:30, 20 April 2018 (EDT)

ProFlightSimulator

2018-04-20T15:29:02Z

CaptainGalaxy: Exposé: /* Specific information about ProFlightSimulator */ “Dan Freeman” exposed.

{{FlightGearVendors}}

== Specific information about ProFlightSimulator ==
An on http://ProFlightSimulator.com/, their video from an “actual landing” is obviously from Flight Simulator X.

[[Category:FlightGear vendors]]

=== Dan Freeman? ===
* http://d3bilu6zs59gw1.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/dan-freeman13611.jpg
* http://www.gettyimages.de/detail/foto/chilling-on-the-couch-for-a-while-lizenzfreies-bild/493531266

Talk:FlightGear Wiki

2018-04-20T08:30:22Z

CaptainGalaxy: /* AntiSpam question too broad? */ new section

== AntiSpam question too broad? ==

On [[Special:UserLogin]], http://wiki.flightgear.org/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&type=signup, the anti-spam question is:
http://wiki.flightgear.org/images/spamquestion.png
''“What is the nae of the flight simulator that this wiki is about?”''

It may be possible for spambots to guess it.

Just my two cents. --[[User:CaptainGalaxy|CaptainGalaxy]] ([[User talk:CaptainGalaxy|talk]]) 04:30, 20 April 2018 (EDT)

FlightProSim

2018-04-20T08:26:47Z

CaptainGalaxy: /* Admittance */: FlightProSim admits software relationship to FlightGear.

{{FlightGearVendors}}

== Admittance ==
[http://www.flightprosim.com/ FlightProSim] openly admits, how closely their software is related to FlightGear:
*
* ''”FlightProSim™ is a FlightGear fork and has been built to be as close to real life as possible. Everything from terrain, aircraft reactions, to planetary alignments & movements.”''
* ''“You can even use all the free aircraft created from the FlightGear community.”''
* ''“Meet up online with other FlightProSim™ and FlightGear users to fly in formation, put on an air show or just to have fun. You can easily locate other pilots or yourself with Google Map integration.”''
* ''“FlightProSim™ is proudly part of the Open Source community and is based on the world renown FlightGear project. This means FlightProSim™ is in constant development and keeps getting better and better. If you require further information or want to help develop FlightProSim™ further please have a look at our Developers Area.”''

[[Category:FlightGear vendors]]

ProFlightSimulator

2018-04-20T08:23:22Z

CaptainGalaxy: Landing video from www.ProFlightSimulator.com exposed.

VirtualPilot3D™

2018-04-20T08:09:38Z

CaptainGalaxy: Redirecting this page to VirtualPilot3D.

#Redirect [[VirtualPilot3D]].

VirtualPilot3D

2018-04-20T08:08:10Z

CaptainGalaxy: Specifically VirtualPilot3D. See /*Specifical information about VirtualPilot3D*/ Screenshots of VirtualPilot3D were taken from Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

{{FlightGearVendors}}

== Specifical information about VirtualPilot3D ==
It may also be worth noting, that [http://www.virtualpilot3d.com/screenshots.htm their sample screenshots] also show some pictures obviously taken from Microsoft Flight Simulator X, which becomes obvious when paying attention to the blue glass cockpit screen backgrounds.

[[Category:FlightGear vendors]]

Template:FlightGearVendors

2018-04-20T08:05:45Z

CaptainGalaxy: r VirtualPilot3D.com: /* Review of {{PAGENAME}} */ Screenshots of VirtualPilot3D were taken from Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

<noinclude>
{{Informative template|1=
== Goal ==
This template provides a single text that can be used on articles about a vendor that appears to use several names for his (or our) product.

== Usage ==
Create an article with the name of the product as title and add the following (and only the following) content to it:
<pre>
{{FlightGearVendors}}
</pre>
}}

[[Category:Templates]]
</noinclude><includeonly>As many people are aware, there is a "new" flight simulator product that is being widely and actively marketed at the moment - '''{{PAGENAME}}''' (also promoted as '''ProFlightSimulator''', '''FlightSimPro''', '''Earth Flight Sim''', '''FlightProSim''', '''Real Flight Simulator'''). This product is a direct copy of a really old and outdated version of the freely-available [[FlightGear]] flight simulator for which the FlightGear project does not provide support. {{PAGENAME}} goes to extreme measures to hide the fact that they are simply copying an old version of FlightGear and reselling it under a different name, unsupported by the FlightGear community and without any visible value added to the outdated version of FlightGear. In some cases they have tried to turn the tables and say that FlightGear is ripping them off and pirating their work. This has caused some confusion for many people. To help provide some clarity, and answer some common questions, we (the core FlightGear development team) felt it was appropriate to make a statement, and provide a [[FAQ]].

FlightGear is an open-source flight simulator that was started in 1996. It is released as so called 'open source' under the [[GNU General Public License]] v2, and as such, it is free to download, use, modify and distribute with few restrictions. It has been developed with the collaboration of a large number of individuals over more than 15 years. FlightGear can be downloaded at no cost from http://www.flightgear.org.

=== Review of {{PAGENAME}} ===
{{PAGENAME}} is a commercial product very heavily based on FlightGear. Investigation by a number of FlightGear developers has found no difference between this and the FlightGear v1.9.1 release (which is an '''outdated''' version of FlightGear, released almost half a decade ago) other than a change of name. {{PAGENAME}} is in no way endorsed or supported by the core FlightGear development team or the FlightGear user community in general.

Given the similarities between {{PAGENAME}} and the old version of FlightGear, we would recommend that prospective buyers download the latest FlightGear version for free and satisfy themselves that the old re-branded FlightGear version distributed under the name {{PAGENAME}} provides worthwhile value for money before purchasing it. Even if you are certain that you want to run FlightGear v1.9.1, you can still download this freely from the web, without having to spend any money.

It may also be worth noting, that [http://www.virtualpilot3d.com/screenshots.htm their sample screenshots] also show some pictures obviously taken from Microsoft Flight Simulator X, which becomes obvious when paying attention to the blue glass cockpit screen backgrounds.

=== What are the differences between the two? ===
As far as we have been able to make out, the only difference between FlightGear v1.9.1 and {{PAGENAME}} is a change in name throughout the software, and the fact that you have to pay for it, as well as aggressive marketing tactics, misrepresenting the offered download package as something that it clearly isn't.

=== Legal or illegal? ===
The [[GNU GPL]] license, under which FlightGear is released, allows reselling under certain terms. The main issue that FlightGear developers have is the misleading marketing tactics used by pro flight sim that target unsuspecting users who aren't yet familiar with FlightGear. This is primarily an ethical, not a legal issue.

=== Is it legal to sell a copy of FlightGear, whether re-branded or not? ===
Yes, provided the seller is in compliance with a number of conditions detailed in the GPL. In fact, those interested in receiving a DVD containing FlightGear may do so through the main FlightGear website, and directly contribute to the project (though they may want to wait for the upcoming release in the new year).

=== Has {{PAGENAME}} paid any money to FlightGear for the rights to the program? ===
No. No such payment is required, as FlightGear is GPL software. No such payment has been offered, no such payment has been made. Any claims by {{PAGENAME}} that they support the FlightGear project are entirely wishful thinking on their part.

=== Why do the FlightGear developers allow this? ===
The freedom to modify and enhance FlightGear is a core part of the project, and of open-source in general. Restricting the modifications that are allowed and what people can do with the software goes against that ethos.

=== Is there any relationship between the makers of {{PAGENAME}} and the FlightGear Project? ===
No.

=== Has {{PAGENAME}} contributed to the FlightGear project at all? ===
No.

=== I have purchased {{PAGENAME}}. Can I get a refund? ===
That is something you will have to take up with the distributors of {{PAGENAME}}. They guarentee a 60 day money back trial period, though some that have purchased FlightProSim have had trouble getting a refund and claim that FlightProSim did not respond to their requests for a refund. If you are having difficulty getting {{PAGENAME}} to cooperate and refund your purchase, you may want to call your credit card company or eWallet processor (ClickBank, PayPal, Skrill) and cancel the transaction. It may also help to get in touch with the corresponding affiliate program (e.g. commission junction, clickbank, click2pay etc) and report the product as being what it is (linking back to this project statement to help clarify the situation).

=== This whole situation makes me upset! What can I do? ===
First of all, the main problem here is the marketing tactics used by {{PAGENAME}} which exhibit very dubious ethical values. The FlightGear development teams feels the best way to combat this problem is through positive FlightGear marketing and by honestly pointing out that {{PAGENAME}} is simply a rebranding of an already free flight sim called FlightGear.

We want all of you to stay positive, to be honest and to be fair!

If you want to help combat misleading marketing, let's all get the word out about FlightGear. FlightGear doesn't have the kind of advertising budget that the {{PAGENAME}} guys do. We need you!!! Please post wherever you can on web sites, forums, blogs, facebook, etc. We don't mind if someone chooses to buy {{PAGENAME}}, in fact that's great, as long as they have complete information in advance and aren't being misled by a slimy sales pitch that sounds too good to be true.

So let's get the word out and try to make sure that {{PAGENAME}} has to market to an "educated" audience!
=== Community Feedback ===
{{FGCquote
|Just another mug who got scammed by them a week or so ago, as my wife bought PFS Deluxe version as a download for my Xmas present. Cost her about £48 ($77).
|{{cite web |url=http://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?p=199216#p199216
|title=<nowiki>Re: proflightsimulator.com</nowiki>
|author=<nowiki>Bimbobaggings</nowiki>
|date=<nowiki>Wed Jan 29</nowiki>
}}
}}

{{FGCquote
|I am one of the poor gullible suckers who got scammed by "ProFlightSimulator"
|{{cite web |url=http://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?p=184254#p184254
|title=<nowiki>Re: proflightsimulator.com</nowiki>
|author=<nowiki>drbob01</nowiki>
|date=<nowiki>Tue May 28</nowiki>
}}
}}

{{FGCquote
|, I almost got scammed by VirtualPilot 3D. I'm glad I found this forum.
|{{cite web |url=http://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?p=169026#p169026
|title=<nowiki>FlightGear Launch Control 1.6.2 question</nowiki>
|author=<nowiki>researchcapt</nowiki>
|date=<nowiki>Sun Oct 21</nowiki>
}}
}}
{{FGCquote
|Maybe we scammed PFS purchasers should form our own club, ready for the future scammed buyers.
|{{cite web |url=http://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?p=199216#p199216
|title=<nowiki>Re: proflightsimulator.com</nowiki>
|author=<nowiki>Bimbobaggings</nowiki>
|date=<nowiki>Wed Jan 29</nowiki>
}}
}}

{{FGCquote
|It's a marketing scam - the language on the site, the affiliates program, the advice on creating review sites, and the fact he's doing the same thing for many other GPL projects, all point to this. He doesn't care about his victims - ripping them off is profitable for him.
|{{cite web |url=http://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?p=102087#p102087
|title=<nowiki>Re: proflightsimulator.com</nowiki>
|author=<nowiki>zakalawe</nowiki>
|date=<nowiki>Sat Nov 13</nowiki>
}}
}}
</includeonly>

$FG HOME

2017-05-29T19:35:39Z

CaptainGalaxy: This edit on /* FlightGear 3.0 and later */ (%home%→%userprofile% environment variable) is one I planned to do more than a year ago. I suggest a feature for FlightGear wiki: allow guests to suggest edits, like Wikipedia oversighting.

[[File:Fghome-3.7.png|400px|right|Screen shot showing typical structure [[$FG_HOME]]]]

<code>'''$FG_HOME'''</code> is an environment variable indicating the main location where user-specific FlightGear data is stored (not application data). <code>$FG_HOME</code> is a notable place were FlightGear data is written to, contrary to <code>$FG_ROOT</code>, which is generally read-only.

<code>$FG_HOME</code> is normally used to refer to the operating system specific location for some settings/folders. Its default value is determined by the <code>fgfs</code> binary during startup and is a directory that varies with the operating system supported by FG (Windows, OS X and Linux). ''It is [https://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/mailman/message/34995089/ highly recommended] to rely on the default value (i.e., not setting <code>$FG_HOME</code> yourself in any way), unless you Really Know What You Are Doing™.''

{{note|The <code>/sim/fg-home</code> property should be considered read-only, for similar reasons why <code>$FG_HOME</code> shouldn't be explicitly set by users.}}
{{note|FlightGear reads the <code>[[Fgfsrc]]</code> config file from <code>$FG_HOME</code> if it exists (<tt>fgfsrc</tt> without any leading dot), in addition to <tt>.fgfsrc</tt> from <code>$HOME</code> (with a leading dot in this case).}}

== Content ==
In <code>$FG_HOME</code> is information stored between sessions. That information is for example configuration/preferences, properties marked with the <code>user-archive</code> attribute and aircraft-specific settings (using the data helper class in <code>aircraft.nas</code>). <code>$FG_HOME</code> is also the location for the SQLite-based [[Navdata cache|navdata cache]].

== Common paths ==
You can determine the location of your <code>$FG_HOME</code> by using the [[property browser]] and checking the value of <code>/sim/fg-home</code>, but the usual paths are shown below.

You can also use the [[Nasal Console]] to print out <code>$FG_HOME</code>:
<syntaxhighlight lang="nasal">
var path = getprop("/sim/fg-home");
print("Your $FG_HOME is at: ", path);
</syntaxhighlight>

The <code>/sim/</code> property subtree is also the place where you can find other folders, such as <code>fg-root</code>, <code>fg-scenery</code> and the current working directory (<code>fg-current</code>).

=== Linux ===
<code>~/.fgfs/</code>

=== Mac OS X ===
<code>~/Library/Application Support/FlightGear</code> (to learn more about viewing hidden folders, see [http://www.mikesel.info/show-hidden-files-mac-os-x-10-7-lion/])

As all future FlightGear versions will take their preferences from here, it is a good idea to have their access available easily.

Desktop/Finder/Go/Go to Folder is where you need to start.

When given the option, input: <code>~/Library/Application Support/FlightGear</code>

It is probably a good idea to have <code>~/Library/Application Support/FlightGear</code> saved on a Stickies note just in case you forget it.

If you want/need to refer to any of these files frequently, you could make an alias of a file, or the whole folder, and place it somewhere easier to access. TerraSync data is stored in <code>$FG_HOME/TerraSync</code> in the default configuration, see [[TerraSync]] for details.

=== Windows ===
==== FlightGear 3.0 and later ====
<code>%userprofile%\Documents\FlightGear</code>

<code>%userprofile%</code> is <code>%homedrive%\Users\''User name''</code> by default, and <Code>%homedrive%</code> is usually C:\.

==== Before FlightGear 3.0 ====
<code>%APPDATA%\flightgear.org\</code>

<code>%APPDATA%</code> is another environment variable that depends on your Windows version. On XP and older, it can be found under <code>C:\Documents and Settings\''User name''\Application Data</code>. On Vista and later it can be found under <code>C:\Users\''User name''\AppData\Roaming</code>. The folder is hidden by default. See [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/show-hidden-files these instructions] to show the folder.

== Use in troubleshooting ==
As one user once said, "When in doubt delete <code>$FG_HOME</code>". Many problems, including corrupted databases, broken [[TerraSync]] and many others can be fixed by deleting <code>fgfs_0.txt</code>, <code>fgfs.txt</code>, <code>terrasync_cache</code>, and the [[Navdata cache|navdata cache]].

When you encounter problems, try deleting the files, but '''always''' keep the <code>fgfs.log</code> and <code>fgfs_0.log</code> log files to help in troubleshooting.

== Power Users ==
Note you can also override FG_HOME in the environment, to have totally distinct installs - this would be my recommend approach to running multiple versions in parallel.
(The installers will always replace the stable / dev version as other commenters pointed out, so you can't use those so easily, you need to copy files around - I'm nota Windows expert so I don't know if there something that could be changed or improved here)
If you start multiple instances (the same version or different) of FGFS using the same value of FG_HOME (whether that be the default or a custom one), we use a lock file to ensure only one (the first) has write access. The rest will go into read-only mode, and as you can maybe guess, treat FG_HOME as read-only.
Sharing of aircraft / scenery is entirely about which paths are configured, BTW. However, one final caveat is that having multiple instances both running TerraSync, using the same terrasync dir, would likely act a bit funny. It ought to actually work, but it might download some things twice, and it's not a tested or supported configuration for the moment.<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://forum.flightgear.org/viewtopic.php?p=304170#p304170
|title = <nowiki> Re: Is it possible to install multiple instanes of FG in Win </nowiki>
|author = <nowiki> zakalawe </nowiki>
|date = Jan 25th, 2017
|added = Jan 25th, 2017
|script_version = 0.40
}}</ref>

== Related content ==
=== Wiki articles ===
* [[FlightGear configuration via XML]]
* [[$FG_ROOT]]
* [[Property browser]]
* [[Properties persistent between sessions]]

[[Category:Special directories|HOME]]