Light frame rate hit plane

[caveman16]

Hi Guys and Ladies, I fly VFR in an ultralight that is one of three I have . The thing is - - -  these are easy on the frame rates.   I've run test after test  on so many planes and only came up w/these three .  My question that I need help on is :  What do I look for in the planes files that would indicate a possibility of it being an "easy frame rate hit" plane ?    Just some indication.  Sure is nice to have you "GUYS" helping me. THANK-YOU.   caveman  

[Apex]

Look in texture files:  Maybe:  Aircraft with fewer bitmaps for the actual exterior of the aircraft, so for ex. a plane that has one bitmap covering the entire exterior might have less of a hit than one with several bitmaps.  Also, the type of bitmap, 32 bit files hit more than DXT3 files.

Maybe.  It's just an impression I've gotten from working inside the sim, and could easily be off, however, I have noticed that some aircraft definitely impact frame rates more than others.  There are other factors also, I'm sure.  Also keep in mind that every object on the screen: buildings, trees, etc., impact frame rates.  And finally, look back at FS2000 and prior aircraft, some of these may be easier on frames than more recent ones.  

[caveman16]

Alright - - -  You Guys are really something.  ;D    Thanks so much for the info.  I just couldn't catch those ideas on my own and will put them to use right away.   Do "YOU" have any low frame rate hit  planes  that would serve as a guide for me?   Thanks again.    caveman

[elite marksman]

More than bitmaps will kill the frame rate. A plane with a 20 sided body will run pretty good on most computers and it is very close to being a circle, but a plane with 64 sides will look better, but will also be a bigger hit.  I find that AI traffic, reflections(water and plane), and autogen density tend to be bigger factors than the planes.

[Apex]

Elite marksman hit the mark very well on this one.  Bottom line: You gotta try different settings and you gotta test fly a lot to find what's good for you.

[caveman16]

Hi again, Been at it all day and  thought I'd check out this before I turned  in .  You'll sure give me some good ideas to work on.  Will keep you guys posted on my "TWEAKING".  Hope my results can be of some help to others. I try not to leave too many stones unturned  but feel I'm in a  tar pit  - - - - - -   oops      gravel pit.   caveman

[elite marksman]

On my relativly bad comp I have most things on the first tab set to 75% and the remaining tabs are at 100%, 8x6x32 and I get 10-15fps in cities below 5000', 15-20 in cities between 5000' and 10000', 20-30 all other times. I'm a Noble of Boston pilot, and therefore frequently fly in and out of KBOS, and landing isnt really a problem with 15+fps, 10-15 it can get choppy and below 10 is really hard. I generally get between 10-25 in Boston.
Specs:
160Gb (1 40GB, 1 120GB)
P4 2GHz
768Mb DDR RAM
Xtasy radeon 9200SE 128Mb

[caveman16]

That's interesting about the fps in the city.   I've had all kinds of "flickering/studders/fading/ wings disappearing and you name it - - - it's happened to me and I'm sure others also while over the  cities.   I try to do my "VFR" stuff in SE Alaska  far away from the "Bright lights /  Buildings , etc ".  :)   I just assumed my PC was sorta like me     [too old].    ;D    ;D Wouldn't it be nice to have  a PC that was TOO MUCH for the Sim !        ;D         I do "carry on ".     Perhaps as I learn  more from you Guys' help ,  I'll get my PC squared - away  and get ready for the new one that'll probley be out late spring or early summer !     [ Dreaming again ]   Always  nice  knowing others are "right there" willing to help me.   Thanks again.   caveman

[caveman16]

Another Thought hit me    You mentioned the "make-up" of an aircraft - - -  20 sided !  :o REALLY ?   I didn't know !   Here comes' that 3 yr old again !  Is it possible to "LOOK AT THE FRAMEWORK" of a plane /  you know - - -  sorta like taking a car apart piece by piece ?  ???  ???    Interesting,     caveman

[elite marksman]

It is impossible for a computer, even the fastest one in exsistance to draw a true circle. The reason is high school geometry. A circle is a figure that is made up of an infinate number of points an equal distance away from the center, therefore a computer can never make a true circle, it would never stop drawing the figure. If you have any or know any kids in Geometry(usually 9-10th grade) pick up thier book and look for polygons, most have figures of a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, decagon, dodecagon, and a 20-gon inscribed in a circle, the 20-gon is very close to being a circle and with all the other things going on in the sim at the same time you are looking at the plane, you probably won't even notice it. Now a 64-gon is better for eye-candy, but it can be very hard to tell the difference unless your looking for one.

[caveman16]

Interesting,     9th grade and  above huh ?  Sorta missed those grades in formal schools  :)    The Army said I was too dumb to dig a  hole right so they put me through HS GED.   That's why my hobby has been study for over 50 yrs,   love it  :)    Really- - -  this forum is so interesting .   So much to learn and so many to help.    You "GUYS" make my day every day.   Always appreciative.      Perhaps the way around some of the " Frame Rate Hits " would be Illusion !  ???To suggest an image of that which in reality the PC doesn't  need to draw   Food for thought.   I'm sure others will come up with something    How about it  PROGRAMMERS ?     caveman

[elite marksman]

I dont think that an illusion would be practical, as the computer needs to draw the illusion.
Military doesn't take just anybody anymore. I'm working my butt off(about 3 hours of homework a night) so that I can go to the US Naval Academy in 2 more years.

[caveman16]

Thanks for your input.   I've been out of the Army a good many years now  but they will always be "my family ".   Wish you the best  with the Navy.  You will learn real fast  what  I mean " Famly ".      Myself - - - - - Always an Army man.  

[elite marksman]

No, not navy. Marines. I dont mind ships, but I really like having dry land under me.

[rootbeer]

If I were to be so permitted, I'd snap you a salute, elite marksman, for your decision to defend our way of life in America and freedom wherever it's threatened. I'm not ex-military, but I stand in respect of you gentlemen for what you do. Semper Fi.