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WidevieW and Widetraffic FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: WidevieW and Widetraffic


WidevieW 2021 FOR FS2020 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

 

Widetraffic 2021 FOR FS2020 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

 

Widetraffic generic FAQ (applies to all versions)

 

WidevieW FAQ generic FAQ (applies to all versions)

TOPMOST POPULAR WIDEVIEW FAQ

 

GENERAL FAQ

 

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FAQ

 

INSTALLATION FAQ

 

REGISTRATION AND REINSTALLATION FAQ

 

GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING FAQ

 

Q: WHAT IS WIDEVIEW AND HOW IT WORKS?

A: FS2004 (FS9) - WidevieW is a set of special gauges which can be installed in any aircraft's panel and that can be used to create virtual cockpits with multiple outside views, using networked PCs. The clients will be set into a special "SLEW" mode, which will follow exactly the aircraft on the server, using a fast and efficient network data stream based on the IPX or TCP/IP protocol and a proprietary technology. It lets to create panoramic surrounding views by assigning a specific view direction to each computer.

A: FSX / ESP / Prepar3D - WidevieW is an add-on module that, once installed, appears in the ADD-ONS menu of the client simulator. It can be used to create simulator cockpits with multiple outside views, using networked PCs (in a LAN). There is no limit on how many computers can be connected and each of them can be configured to show a different direction for surrouding panorama view, or a different view (Spot Plane, Map, Tower, etc.)

 

Q: WHAT KIND OF DATA WIDEVIEW SYNCHRONIZES?

A: WidevieW handles the aircraft's position, orientation, pitch and bank, the taxi lights, landing lights, the calendar (date / time) and the weather. Most aircraft's animated parts are also supported, to let remote Spot Plane view to synchronize as expected. Please consult the user's guide for a more detailed list of variables supported by the version of WidevieW that you are actually using. Widetraffic lets to share the AI traffic (FSX, ESP, Prepar3D only).

 

Q: DOES WIDEVIEW SYNCHRONIZE INSTRUMENT PANELS?

A: No. It has currently no sense to waste a networked PC just for instrument panels, because the instrument panel is not power demanding like multiple scenery windows on the same PC. If you need larger space for instruments, the best way is to use multiple monitors on a single PC. It will be cheaper and more efficient. Spare clients can be used for scenery, as the scenery really need the full power of a dedicated computer.

 

Q:DOES WIDEVIEW WORK WITHOUT A LAN? Is it necessary to use WidevieW if I own just one PC, but with two/three monitors connected to it?

A:No. WidevieW requires networked PCs in a LAN in order to work. There is no need to use WidevieW if you own only one computer with multiple monitors, as this task is accomplished by Windows itself without the need to use third party software. Please continue to read the next two Q/A for additional information about multiple monitors on the same computer and for information about LAN having computers with multiple monitor each.

 

Q: AS THERE ARE VIDEO CARDS OFFERING MULTIPLE VIDEO OUTPUTS, for what reasons I would have to prefer multiple computers with only one monitor each and WidevieW? This will be expensive!

A:The software and hardware industry is promising painless multiple monitor support on the same computer since year 1998 but unfortunately, yet many years later, I still have to see a really painless solution for this purpose, at least when we talk about full screen scenery view in Flight Simulator (please be aware that I’m talking about “scenery”, not “instrument panel”, for which multiple monitors on the same PC are indeed an interesting solution). The biggest limitation is that if the multiple video output is used just to stretch the same view onto multiple monitors in "extended desktop" mode, generally speaking, you will not lose lot of performance, but side views will appear washed-out with stretched textures. Differently, if the same equipment is used to create multiple independent views, with a specific view angle assigned to each monitor, which is the only way to actually make your view angle wider and create a true panoramic, surrounding view without stretched textures, your computer may be several times slower than normal because it have to handle multiple different views. So, if you get just 30 frames per second at 1920x1080 when only one monitor is connected, try to think what happens when two independent views, each one with its own customized view angle, are running at the same resolution: even the latest generation computer eating 1000W of power will sit down; no matter how many cores your CPU has or if you are using QUAD-SLI video cards, your Flight Simulator will probably look like a slide show coming from Microsoft Power Point. Again, this applies only to full screen scenery view, when multiple views having different view angles are open at the same time. For instrument panels, or if you run the same scenery view stretched over multiple monitors (accepting low quality side textures), then you may be fine. Multiple monitors on the same computer using different views and view angles, may be still acceptable if the resolution is lower, if the quality sliders in Flight Simulators are kept quite to the left and if you are not looking for ultra smooth flight. Please do not e-mail me asking support about how to get multiple monitors on the same computer working fine, because this is beyond the purpose of WidevieW, but rather contact the supplier or manufacturer of the hardware and software. I recommend to use multiple video outputs on the same computer just to make the instrument panel larger, then use additional computers for the external views.

 

Q: DOES WIDEVIEW WORK ON COMPUTERS HAVING MULTIPLE MONITORS ON EACH?

A: Yes, providing that your systems work fine with multiple video outputs and you are happy about features and performance (please read the previous Q/A), you may use multiple monitors on both server and/or clients, to decrease the total number of PCs required.

 

Q: DOES WIDEVIEW WORK OUTSIDE FS9, FSX, ESP, PERPAR3D, FLIGHT SIMULATOR (2020)?

A: No, currently WidevieW works under Microsoft/Steam Flight Simulator series and Prepar3D only.

 

Q: THERE IS NO ADD-ON MENU IN THE SIMULATOR AFTER INSTALLATION (DOESN'T APPLY TO FS2020)

A: Perhaps the Simconnect sub-system of the client simulator is messed or corrupted (this is a known FSX bug happening sometimes on some computer). Please try to fix it by downloading, unzipping and installing THIS FILE. Repeat the installation of the software after this step is completed, not forgetting to do all while logged as a system administrator!

A: Make sure that the software was installed while logged as a system administrator, and you are still logged as an administrator while Flight Simulator is used (otherwise, reinstall the software by logging correctly before)

A: Perhaps the Simconnect subsystem included in FSX is not working as the software expects and the previous fix is not enough to repair it. To attempt a different fix, insert the DVD #1 of FSX Deluxe, enter into SDK folder and run setup. This will install the SDK on your computer. Once the setup is completed, enter into the following path: C:\Program files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight SimulatorX\SDK\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\lib (this assumes that FSX is installed into Program Files, otherwise, just enter into proper FSX folder). From that folder, double click simconnect.msi to complete the installation. Repeat the installation of the software after this step is completed, not forgetting to do all while logged as a system administrator!

A: Make sure that no antivirus, spyware or any other software is preventing the software to copy the files to the proper locations (just in case, disable any tool like this that you are using)

A: Open Microsoft Internet Explorer, go in the Internet options, Security, and set all the options to factory default.

A: Perhaps your DLL.XML file was messed up by another add-on. This file is contained into user application data, for example into %appdata%\microsoft\fsx (type "%appdata%\microsoft\fsx" in the address bar of Internet Explorer). For other simulators, the folder changes. Please check this file, making sure there aren't invalid / not exsisting add-ons specified inside, or use an old backup. Please note that support department is not able to help on this, because there are thousands of possible DLL.XML configurations and only you know what’s the correct one for your system, depending on the add-ons installed.

 

Q: WHAT ARE THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS OF WIDEVIEW?

A: Except for a 10, 100 or 1000 mbit network, WidevieW has no minimum system requirements. Thence, any computer capable to run the chosen simulator software, will perform in networked / WidevieW mode at approximately the same speed that the same computer has when used alone.

 

Q: WHAT OPERATIVE SYSTEM FOR WIDEVIEW?

A: WidevieW doesn't have any specific requirement about operative system and works fine onto the good-old Windows XP up to the latest 64bit releases of modern Windows editions, like Windows 10.

 

Q: IS FLIGHT SIMULATOR REQUIRED ON EVERY COMPUTER OF THE LAN?

A: Yes, a fully working Flight Simulator client software together with default and optional scenery, is required on all the computers throughout the LAN. Although only one license of WidevieW is required, regardless of how many computers are used, this might be not the same for the simulator software in use and for most third parties scenery, please check the EULA of each product used, including Flight Simulator itself, to know if you are allowed to install it over multiple computers, or if multiple licenses are required.

 

Q: HOW FAST THE COMPUTERS SHOULD BE?

A: WidevieW doesn't require additional power from the computer. Flight Simulator and Prepar3D with WidevieW runs approximately at the same speed as it would run in stand alone mode.

 

Q: HOW FAST THE NETWORK SHOULD BE?

A: The minimum requirement is a 10mbit network. WidevieW is compatible with any modern network adapter of any speed.

 

Q: SHOULD THE COMPUTERS HAVE SAME SPEED? SHOULD I USE THE SAME VIDEO CARD IN ALL THE COMPUTERS?

A: No, it's not necessary. Anyway, please be advised that using video cards from different manufacturers, may give slightly different textures and scenery rendering. Furthermore, PCs with different speeds give also different FPS, which may slightly disturb the most critical observer.

 

Q: IS FSUIPC REQUIRED BY WIDEVIEW?

A: FS2004 (FS9) - FSUIPC must be installed and registered on all the computers, only if you wish to synchronize the weather through WidevieW or wish to use a client to show a "Spot Plane" or "Virtual Cockpit" (3D) view. Any other feature of WidevieW is indipendent from FSUIPC. The synchronization of the weather can be still performed from outside WidevieW, setting it manually on all the computers or using network proxies with real weather programs. Normal "Cockpit" / scenery view doesn't require FSUIPC.

A: FSX / ESP / Prepar3D - FSUIPC is not required, regardless of the features needed.

 

Q: CAN I SHARE THE SCENERY ON THE SERVER'S HARD DRIVE, OR IT MUST BE INSTALLED IN EACH CLIENT?

A: I think that a big hard drive installed on each client, containing a full copy of the simulator and the required scenery is a basic requirement. Alternatively you may try to install only a "bare-bone" Windows/simulator on each client, then use the Windows built in network facilities to share the common files (like the scenery), which will be installed on the server only. But I've never tested this kind of installation. I've also heard about a totally diskless client (it can start with a floppy or with network card boot, then running everything from the server). But considering today's prices of good hardware, I believe it doesn't worth.

 

Q: CAN I USE KEYBOARD-LESS AND MOUSE-LESS CLIENTS?

A: It's up to you. As soon as you have installed and configured everything, you can uninstall the keyboard and the mouse: the simulator should work fine without those components (depending on the role assigned to it, of course). The shut-down can be made from the server by WidevieW. There are also devices letting to efficiently share one keyboard / mouse on multiple computers, or you may even use remote desktop facilities.

 

Q: THE CLIENT CRASHES TO DESKTOP AS SOON AS WIDEVIEW STARTS

A: FS2004 (FS9) - If you are using Flight Simulator 2004 update 9.1, please remember to unzip & install THIS PATCH inside the .\modules folder of FS2004, overwriting the exsisting file.

 

Q: I GET STUTTERING CLIENTS. WHAT I CAN DO TO IMPROVE THIS SITUATION?

A: Please make sure that the followings conditions are met:

 

Q: NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN WIDEVIEW IS ACTIVE, NO COMMUNICATION IS ESTABLISHED, THE CLIENT DOESN'T MOVE

A: First of all, please check if the network is installed as required and if the computers can communicate for normal file sharing. If the problem still persists, please check the following:

 

Q: I GET CLIENTS DELAYED BY A FEW SECONDS (FOR EXAMPLE, IF I START TO TAXI, I SEE THE VIEWS MOVING AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS)

A: Providing that your systems are "clean" and you are using factory default settings in WidevieW, in terms of Buffers, Update Rate, Interval, Intellismooth / Intellismooth Buffer Size and Lock to Frame Sync (as available in the release of WidevieW that you are using) this is a system and/or network issue. I recommend to proceed as follows:

FINAL NOTE PLEASE READ: please note that I'm unable to help via email about this, because there are thousands of different brands / model / types of switches, hubs and network card, each one is different, work in a different way, has different parameters and is impossible for me to know all of them.Please consult the docs supplied with your hardware, or contact the manufacturer if you have problems or questions. Also, I do not assume any responsibility for wrong purchases or purchases not actually fixing the problem.

 

Q: THE CLIENT LOCKS AS SOON AS FLIGHT SIMULATOR STARTS

A: FS2004 (FS9) - Please make sure that WidevieW on the server is turned ON and is transmitting, before starting FS on the clients. In any case, although it seems locked, the client will unfreeze as soon as it will detect some incoming network traffic. The behaviour is normal and is caused by the Blocking Mode option active on the client. If you don't like it, you may disable the Blocking Mode, but please be advised that the performance may be affected (more stutters). If the problem persists, try to deactivate the "Autostart" option, because some system may not tollerate it. Finally, try enabling the "Use Safe Mode" option (FSUIPC required)

 

Q: I GET SYSTEM CRASHES WHEN I SELECT A DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT

A: FS2004 (FS9) - To change an aircraft on the client, please make sure that:

To change an aircraft on the server, please make sure that:

 

Q: WHAT IS THE CORRECT SEQUENCE TO START AND TO SHUT-DOWN WIDEVIEW?

In order to minimize system crashes or client freezing, please use the following sequence to start your cockpit:

To exit WidevieW or turn everything off:

OR

 

Q: ON MY COMPUTER, THE SOFTWARE DOESN'T WORK AS ADVERTISED OR I DON'T LIKE IT ANYMORE. IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET A REFUND?

A: As explained on the license terms displayed and signed during the purchase process, requests for refunds will not be accepted. The software is available in demo mode, time limited, and is user's responsibility to test it before purchase, to make sure that the software works fine into own computer and does what the user expect from it. My company cannot be considered responsible if the software doesn't work in total or in part onto own computer, specific configurations, or if the purpose of the software wasn't understood correctly.

 

Q: I'M HAVING DIFFICULTIES REGISTERING WIDEVIEW WHEN BUYING FROM THE WEBSTORE AND / OR USING THE INTEGRATED PROCEDURE. I'M HAVING DIFFICULTIES REINSTALLING WIDEVIEW

A: Some Proxy, Firewall, Antivirus or Antispy software may restrict the access to the Internet too much, please try to disable them temporarly while registering.

A: Serial numbers and validation codes are always case-sensitive.

Please be sure to enter them correctly. If possible, copy & paste them from the e-mail, because typo errors are always very nasty.

A: Orders submitted through the web store, may take up to 15 minutes to actually activate. Before trying to activate the software, please wait at least 10-15 minutes after the sale's receipt has issued.

A: If you get unexpected errors from the eSellerate engine after starting the registration wizard, like (error = 5236:4598) -but also with different numbers- please try to install THIS FILE in the same folder where Windows is installed (typically C:\Windows), replacing any file with the same name, if exsiting.

If you reformat the hard drive or make significant hardware upgrades, WidevieW needs to be reactivated (your purchase lasts for lifetime, you just need to get a new Activation Key while reistalling).

A tutorial about how to register / reinstall, has been published here: http://www.wideview.it/reghelp.htm

 

Q: I DON'T HAVE A CREDIT CARD, HOW I CAN PAY?

A: The shopping system provides a wide variety of payment methods, including PayPal and direct wire transfer.

 

 

WIDETRAFFIC FAQ

Q: ON THE CLIENTS I SEE LESS (OR NO) AIRPLANES THAN THE SERVER – NOT ALL THE AIRPLANES ARE SYNCHRONIZED

OR: ON A COMPUTER, I SEE THE AIRCRAFTS WITH DIFFERENT LIVERY FROM THE SAME AIRPLANES FLYING ON ANOTHER COMPUTER

A: Check the traffic parameters on Widetraffic server. If the maximum number of airplanes was limited for example to 50, only the first 50 aircrafts will be synchronized. Check also the distance from own aircraft parameter, as the aircrafts beyond this limit will be ignored. Do not increase these values too much, to prevent loss of performance.

A: If you are using an AI traffic tool on the server, make sure that it is compatible with Widetraffic (test Widetraffic without any optional AI package on the server)

A: Cross-check that FSX AI Traffic options are set to ZERO on all the clients (sliders all to the left) and check that no other software is altering AI airplanes on the clients.

A: If third parties aircrafts are used on the server, make sure that exactly the same airplanes, with exactly the same liveries are present on the clients. IN SOME CASE, YOU MAY WISH TO COPY phisically the aircraft folder from server to clients, to make sure that the same airplanes exist in every computer.

A: This behaviour may happen when you move your aircraft to a different airport, via FSX menu, or when AI Traffic display options are changed. In such case, use the command Add-ons -> Widetraffic -> Re-generate remote traffic to reset remote airplanes.

A:Probably the aircraft has no tail number or have duplicate tail numbers

 

Q: THE CLIENT QUITS OR CRASHES AT STARTUP.

A: Please make sure that the server is "ready to fly", with Widetraffic started and sending data, before starting FSX on the clients.

 

Q: IS WIDETRAFFIC COMPATIBLE WITH THIRD PARTIES AI AIRCRAFT PACKAGES?

A: Widetraffic is guaranteed to work on clean FSX / P3D installations using default AI Traffic library. It might work also with other freeware or payware AI Aircraft packages, although it's not possible to guarantee it, as long as the computers throughout the network use exactly the same AI Airplanes database, with same models and liveries (the %FSX%\simbojects\aircrafts folder should look the same throughout the network). Please consult the Widetraffic's documentation for other important information in order to ensure proper aircrafts synchonization.

 

ANTIVIRUS WARNING (COMMON TO ALL PRODUCTS)

Should you get error messages during installation, like that a certain file cannot be open, read, or isn't found, this is due to your antivirus or spyware software. Please disable antivirus, spyware, firewall software during the installation process. Our software is perfectly safe and certified 100% free of viruses and malware, warnings issued by antivirus software are due exclusively to bugs affecting the antivirus.


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