Can't get ANY F-16 to load in FS2004... help, please.

[carlsoti]

I'm running FS2004 on windows 7. I can run all details on the highest settings and maintain 40fps as long as I'm around 1000ft AGL or higher. I've managed to get terrain mesh and hi-res scenery set up(with the help of others here, thank you very much), but I can't for the life of me, get any one of the available F-16s to work on my sim.

Luke AFB is on the other side of town from me, and I really enjoy hopping from Williams AFB to Luke and back.

I've had one installed in the past, but that was on a different OS. I've read every single read-me on every one I've DLed, and I just can't figure it out.

I even went to a local Fry's Electronics, in hopes of finding a payware version, but to no avail.

Would any kind soul care to walk me through the process?

Thanks.

[ViperPilot]

Which versions have you tried? What happens... the F-16 doesn't show up in the Aircraft Menu? Non functional gauges, buttons, etc.?

The more specific you are, the easier it'll be to solve your issue.

[carlsoti]

I have tried every F-16 available in the 2004 submenu of the simviation download pages, save for the ones that say "texture only."

I can't get any of them to show up in the Aircraft menu.

Obviously the K. Olsson "Viper" model is the most popular, but I can't get ANY incarnation of it to show up in the Aircraft menu.

I've tried stripping "extra" files out of the folders, dumping them into the Aircraft folder whole, etc.

For every other type of plane I want to DL, I've found at least ONE that I could get to work, but not so with the F-16.

I just can't figure out what is wrong.

Honestly, at this point, I don't even really care which one. Just as long as it flies and looks SOMEWHAT like an F-16.

[ViperPilot]

That really seems strange, because Kirk's Viper is pretty straightforward to install. It should show up in the Aircraft Menu under 'Manufacturer' as LOCKHEED or LOCKHEED MARTIN. It sounds as if you're putting the VIPER folder into the right spot; the root 'Aircraft' folder of FS 2004, based on your post so I can't think of a reason why it won't show up in the Aircraft Menu.

Hopefully, someone else can chime in with an answer 'cause this one's got me. Of course, I'm not the shiniest dime in the roll...

[Fozzer]

I run Kirk Olsson's F16, together with Eric Marciano's 2D panel, in my FS 2004.

...and as a sideways tip for Panel modification enthusiasts (FS Panel Studio)...

This little beauty, in the F16 "Gauges" folder; "F162k_config. gauge", I add to ALL my other aircraft!

When installed in an aircraft, it indicates the deployment of the; "Wheels", "Flaps", and "Air Brake"...

Very useful in flight, etc, to warn you that your wheels are still up when landing!...or you have forgotten to retract your wheels and flaps when in the air...and you are slowing down far too quickly because your air brake is still deployed!.... ...!

A really handy little gauge, to keep you out of trouble!... ...!
After installing the F16, you will find the gauge in the "Gauges" Folder.

Paul...FS 2004....and a dinky little gauge!... ...!

[Bass]

As a note. Marcianos panel is called
fullf16pnl.zip

[Apex]

Open the aircraft.cfg file in Ollson's F-16.

Look for this type stuff here, it's at the top. It might read slightly differently, I made some changes in mine:

[fltsim.0]
title=VIPER 0
sim=VIPER
model=sw
panel=
sound=su34
texture=blue
ui_manufacturer=F-16 Viper
ui_type=Blue
ui_variation=

====> Copy ONE of the [fltsim.x] sections and post it here in SimV.

That might help us help you. I've had no problems whatsoever with FS09 running in Win07, all types of aircraft.

Yeah, this is strange. None of the F-16's worked, but other aircraft are OK?

All of the DL's are FS2004 downloads, then, right?

I/we assume you tried Olsson's BEFORE you took out some files from some folders.

Don't recall any payware versions, Ollson's is really good and there's lots of repaints here for it.

[Bass]

I use usviper.zip together with full panel, and the aircraft.cfg looks like this.
(Read the install manual, it should show up)

[fltsim.0]
title=VIPER gbu
sim=VIPER
model=GBU
panel=
sound=
texture=
checklists=
description= F-16 Fighting Falcon ---by Kirk Olsson---
ui_manufacturer=Lockheed Martin
ui_type=F-16 viper (USAF)
ui_variation=GBU's
atc_heavy=0
atc_id=94
atc_airline=Air Force
atc_flight_number=
atc_type=LOCKHEED
atc_model=F16

[fltsim.1]
title=VIPER harm
sim=VIPER
model=HARM
panel=
sound=

[Apex]

OK then, well, carlsoti, what we're trying to do here is see if there are any clues in the [fltsim.0] section, altho now that I think about it (I'm more awake than before), assuming you have not made any changes there, I'm not sure that's going to help, but post it up here anyway.

So we've got a serious mysterious here.

Bass' post shows a more complete [fltsim.0] section, but my removal of the ATC stuff did not/does not affect anything regarding the aircraft showing or flying it, except maybe the ATC stuff, which I never use.

[Apex]

I just downloaded Ollson's usviper.zip from here and put the VIPER folder into the FS09 aircraft folder as a test, didn't bother with the gauges or effects, did not remove anything
from the VIPER folder. Aircraft shows on menu, flies OK. 2D panel has a black background, I did not download Marciano's panel, that might fix that I think.

Whatever, it's working OK in Win07. So I dunno.

Try downloading some other aircraft, anything, and see if there's any problems and let us know.

[ViperPilot]

I think we need to see carlsoti's Install method to verify he's putting the Viper folder in the right place...

[Apex]

I agree, it's gotta be something basic.

[carlsoti]

All right, I'll give it another go... This time, I'm going to try the "FS2004 ViperDen Package."

And FWIW, I've DLed all kinds of other planes, most of them I have no problem installing.

[carlsoti]

wow...um... ok, then. I think I need to find a different spot on the wall to bang my head against.

I tried every way I thought possible to get a F-16 DL'ed, and I couldn't figure out how to do it. So, I removed every f-16 related download I had pulled off of simviation. I then came here and asked for help.

After all of your suggestions, I DL'ed the file noted in my last post, and with no fussing or figuring regarding the install, I now have a killer Thunderbirds painted F-16.

I'm not sure whether I've been spending too much time out in the heat, or not enough.

Regardless, I'm going to fly some F-16s.

Thanks, All.

EDIT: I think I just figured out why I couldn't see some planes I DL'ed. I totally forgot that some planes only show up when you select the manufacturer, but not when you select "All" for the manufacturer.

I've been away from this sim for quite some time...having to re-learn everything...AGAIN!

[ViperPilot]

Well there you go, carlsoti! Now you have a real, honest to goodness Electric Jet!

May your flights be safe and smooth, sitting at 30°, with the side stick in your right hand!