Why I will never ever Install "ORBX" in my Sim !!

[jetranger 0]

11/1/2011 : Why I'll never - ever - install "ORBX" scenery ever into my Simulator !!! I have in the past had some really great scenery installed in an older previous version of my Flight Sim - (2002-pro), from reputable creators & designers , and without any problems . I have had now for some time "FSX Gold Acceleration edition", with a brand new Amped up computer with 6 GB of Ram, a good graphics card, and a big hard drive. I have recently tried again for the 2nd time, to install some of "ORBX's" so called FREEWARE scenery into my FSX Flight Sim. Again, for the 2nd time , its became a total Failure, ( there will be no 3rd time ever !!), enough is enough ~ !! I was "Assuming" / Guessing/ under the Assumption - that those guys over at "ORBX" knew what they were doing, after looking at their web site with all those glorious screen shots / photos of their supposed enhanced scenery, they are trying or attempting to sell all of us on for our Flight Simulators . I had my doubts about some of their scenery, Freeware or Payware from the git go, as to rather the majority of us out here would even be able to use it with our computers, as it appears that have some fairly intense looking graphics, that could affect frame rates big time and a users Graphics card as well. That and after spending like 4 hours on their web site reading all about their scenery packages they have to offer , I seen no where on the site at all in "Specific detail" anywhere exactly as to which Flight Sim their products were geared for ??? I assumed they were geared for FSX version, which after hours & hours of reading thru redundt material, I finally found the answer I was looking for, but WHY did I or anyone else really need to spend copious hours looking for that information ?? When clearly it should of been very visible above all their downloads in the Titles, as to rather its for FS2004 or FSX ~ !! So I emailed them and posted about it in their Forums, and BINGO, within 15 minutes of that post - my account was toast , gone, banned, outta there, hung out to dry by either the owner of ORBX or some jugheaded moderator on some powerful Ego Trip ~ !! Also, on both their FREEWARE and PAYWARE add on's I notice there is not 1 word, in the products descriptions or the Titles as to the FACT, that you will also need additional add on's to go along with their sceneries to make them & show up in your simulator. You will find all that out, "after" you download one of their sceneries and it won't show up and YOU spend countless hours in their so-called Help Forums, hopefully looking for an answer to your problem. Why you need to go to some of these HELP forums in the 1st place is beyond me ! If the product was designed and created right - and - throughly & properly Tested before it was released , so any & ALL Bugs could be fixed - you wouldn't need to spend countless of hours in their Forum or anybody elses for that matter ! So, I ended up deleting all those downloads out of my computer over their lack of response and poor attitude. Recently I had an itch to just for grins try one of their airport sceneries I seen,, somewhere else - thought what the heck, I'll try it install it ,,, so, I procedded to download it,, to the ol' puter' and I started the Self Installer and clicked on all the little next icons and agreements and all that other B.S. you go thru - I was Assuming under Assumption once again, (wrong), that because it had a Self - Installer it would do the right job and I'd be up and flying and checking out this new airport in minutes (wrong), turns out the Self Installer , installed all the files in the wrong Directory, what I find really AMAZING, now,,, is that I've never had any problems with ANY of the other recently downloads I've done from Carnedo or Captain Sim, or A2A Simulations or Just Flight or from the VC 10's site or from CR1' softwares sire ALL their self installers worked beautifully and perfectly and Installed everything right where it was supposed to, as it was Designed to do, and PRESTO' I was up flying and enjoying my new aircrafts in minutes , unlike this ORBX site with their poor self installers - and whats even more Amazing - I did NOT need to spend countless of hours in any of those sites FORUMS, seeking an answer as to why their product didn't or couldn't install correctly into my Flight Sim, which left me more time to actually Enjoy Flying some Aircraft, which is why I bought the Flight Simulator in the 1st place - NOT so I could spend endless hours in somebodys Help Forum and endless hours Fixing my Sim, because of some poor creator / Designers package was half assedly put together with lack of concern on anybodys elses part. What really T's me off, really really un-nerves me is the total and complete lack of communication by some of these creators / designers, as to what their products are actually for- such as FS 2004/ fs9 or FSX,,, seen that a lot lately in titles no real definitive clear indictation of what sim its really for, back again to Assuming and guessing reading minds ,,,,,, nor do they list it in their descriptions of their Aircraft or Scenery for whatever reasons. I notice that with ORBX, and I have read all their descriptions & titles in their FREEWARE scenery packages - does it say anywhere - you'll need 2 or 3 other add on's for their scenery to work & show up,,, I was Assuming - guessing - under ther Assumption that all that would of came with whatever I - we - were downloading, since they did not mention anything at all about needing it , so why would I 2nd guess anything ?? It wasn't till after I Tried to install 1 of their scenery packages that I start finding all this out - wondeful huh,,,,,,, so much for enjoying that new airport in just minutes huh ??????? So, now I attempt to download the rest of what they say I need to make their scenery show,,, so, I go and do it,,, after its downloaded I attempt to install it too,,,, and "Bingo"- guess what - their Self - Installer does the exact same thing the other one did - put everything in the wrong Directory again, just like the other one, I went to the airport I was wantin too like 5 times and the scenery is still in its default mode from Fsx,,, so I ended up tearing apart the file/folder structure to find out what happened where everything ended up,,,, NOW your thinking , just direct the Self Installer to the right Directory, its that simple - Right ,,,,,, (wrong) - You can't direct it to any other directory other than the 1 directory those GOONS over at ORBX set up when they set up the Self Ianstaller !!!! I wanna be perfectly clear here - they designed and created the products, they are the ones who's putting the products out there - they themselves created & designed, for all of us to supposedly use & enjoy - their the ones who really truly should take Responsibility for making sure their stuff WORKS properly before any of us ever get our hands on it - there should NOT be any problems with the Self Installer putting all the files Exactly where they need to go within your simulator - IF others can do it , then so can these clowns at ORBX, - - - Captain Sim software and their 707's did it - A2A Simulations and their boeing 377's went where they belong no problem - CR1 Software and their ford trimotors did it and Just Flight and Carenado designers were able to do it - so whats ORBX's problem - not paying attention ?? outta the loop ?? just don't care ??? just want your money - and you figure it out, best you can !!!!!!!!!!!! Ohh and why aren't we told "before hand" that we all need about 2 other additional add on's to make their scenery work ???? Why can't they just include what we need in the download in the 1st damn place- since its being offered for Free anyweay, put it all in 1 package and save us the hours of Ridlicious & redundt stupid agony over trying to fix our sims after we download their JUNK !!! Its people like this that ruin the Flight Sim Experience for the rest of us, thats NOT truly what this should at all be about , is having to spend endless hours trying to fix and Diagnose our sims for whatever we downloaded from some Bozo's trying to sell or give us something that clearly don't know what their doing - I've personally am Fed Up, and had enough of the lousy dedication from those who just don't care and aren't as serious about this hobby as the rest of us !! Keep in mind we spend a great deal of money for computers - software - hardware and Quality add on's so that "WE" may Fly these aircraft in OUR computers - I personally did NOT invest almost $3,000 dollars the last 18 months in my simulator stuff just so I could constantly diagnose & Fix my simulator because of someones elses lack-a-dasical don't give a flyin **** attitude about what "WE" simmers encounter on the other end, because of someone elses poor creation & design's !!! I'm NOT going to even attempt to install ORBX's scenery manually, tho I could very easily, hell I repaint aircraft and flip files all the time and know how to tear into the file/folder structure of flight sim,, but that shouldn't be something any of US should be doing when they offer a Self Installer anyway, and even if they didn't, like some don't - least they could be more "forthcoming" with precise information, and , Clear communication for the rest of "US", but they don't !! I just got thru researching some of this before I ever came here for this "Rant" - so if any of you out there have any doubts - go "Google" - "ORBX install problems" , speaks for it self !!! My Advice to all Simmers - don't waste too much time on somebody elses "JUNK" they throw out here, especially if you find yourself longer than 15 to 30 minutes trying to make it work,,, get rid of it, Trash it - and get back to Flying , that is after all why WE have these simulators and all this hardware & software !!!! There are really good decent Quality software out there and some really great designers & creators too, as mentioned above , but not just from my experience but many others too,,,, "ORBX" just ain't got it, their stuff looks good , evidently it don't perform for jack - diddly - Squat !!! Please post a response to this, your experiences with ORBX or any other Sim, good , badd YOU tell right here - don't be subtle let it out man, we all wanna know ! Don't forget - to Actually Fly Sometime too ~ !!! The Jetranger !

[Sabre 28]

Please post a response to this, your experiences with ORBX or any other Sim, good , badd YOU tell right here - don't be subtle let it out man, we all wanna know ! Don't forget - to Actually Fly Sometime too ~ !!! The Jetranger !

It's a real shame you've had such a bad experience because the scenery is superb in my opinion. Obvioulsy that doesn't help your clear frustration with the products.

My experience is in complete contrast to yours. I have all of the North American/Canada scenery and a few of ORBX freeware addons. They have all installed without problems, they all run without a significant FPS hit, I've found updates easy to obtain and apply and the scenery looks absolutely superb. There are even screenshots to prove how good it looks in the screenshots section here at Mutley's.

My experience of ORBX forums is also in complete contrast to yours, I've found them useful and extremely quick to respond to posts.

[jetranger 0]

UPDATE : 10:00 am -11/1/2011 - decided to do even more Research as to why none of their (ORBX) so-called "FREEWARE" sceneries would not install properly or work in my FSX Sim,,, and look what I found on some other Flight Sim sight - something ORBX themselves neglected or even really cared to point out in the Product Description or title of their download ! Here I'll let you all read it in Quotes "

*** NOTE: You should only download and install this version of KHQM Bowerman if you are an Orbx customer who has ""installed the full payware version"" of "FTX Pacific Northwest". Now I found this information on a completely and Different web site - NOT the ORBX web site - for there was clearly NO Mention of this what so ever in their FREEWARE description of the product on their advertising page - NOT 1 word ,,,so its no wonder why it didn't install properly or show up in my Sim - and so far nobody else has bothered to say anything about having to have as it says above - " that I'd need the "PAYWARE" version to make this additional FREEWARE scenery work,,,, this is a Prime Example of what I was referring to above- total & complete lack of Communication on ORBX's part and they should know better !!! The last time I checked - I wasn't able nor, do I have the ability to - Read Minds - so I assumed and was under the assumption that because it said FREEWARE, and there was NO other mention in the product description or title - anything at all about having to have the $39.99 version of "FTX PACIFIC",,,, I've read all kinds of Help forums from all kinds of users asking the same questions , and you should see the Answers that even experienced flight simmers are giving,,, out to others from tweaking cfg files, to your computers registery must be whacked out and needs resetting,,, to FSX control panel is mis-configured etc. etc. etc. but NOT 1 word from anybody that I've seen yet in the many help forums - stating a user needs to have Previously installed "FTX Pacific" to make this scenery work !! Now, I started trying to install this ORBX scenery at exactly 1:00am in the morning Central USA time on 11/1/2011, and its now 10:15 am in the morning Central time USA,,, add that time up, the tinkering,,,, the trying to access Help forums and reading all the questions/answers pertaining to this problem,,,,, which wasn't much help really,,,, and I ended up researching thru GOOGLE itself,,,,,,, so from 1am to say 10:30am that almost 10 hours of trying to diagnose a problem, that shouldn't of been a problem in the 1st place , "IF" , there would of been clear communication on ORBX's web site about all this in particular in the description of the download in question !!! 10 full hours wasted - that I could of been more productive at something else - maybe like Flying ------ hey now theres a Damn idea isn't it ,,, Flying,,, forgot thats why I bought all this simulator stuff for anyway , almost . ORBX will never ever get my Business Not 1 cent , especially after they were rude and cancelled my forum account after bringing this exact problem to their attention,,,, they don't want to heat it from users,,,, and obviously could careless, As Cessna154 on YOU TUBE once said, he found their site a little difficult to comprehend ,,, on some of this. NOTE: I have however fouund another what appears to be a great site for good scenery AddOn information , so I'll pass it on to you all --------------} http://www.simflight...ft-rotterdam-x/ I hope this helps any other flight simmers out there before attempting to download anything Supposedly for FREE from ORBX,,,,,,, its FREE alright - as long you already have the previous version of the $39.99 FTX already installed on your system,,,, otherwide ain't Jack Diddly Squat going to work / show up like its supposed to ,,,,, so NO it ain't really FREE,,, till you spend the 40.00 dollars to make it FREE,,,, but theres no mention of that on their web site at ORBX and if there is, its buried somewhere deep in fine print amongst all their pretty Over Glorified Screen shots ! Users beware of ORBX software and their Help forums of the advice you may get !! Web Site Link for additional Sceneries & Information --------} http://www.simflight.com/ The Jetranger

[Sabre 28]

UPDATE : 10:00 am -11/1/2011 - decided to do even more Research as to why none of their (ORBX) so-called "FREEWARE" sceneries would not install properly or work in my FSX Sim,,, and look what I found on some other Flight Sim sight - something ORBX themselves neglected or even really cared to point out in the Product Description or title of their download ! Here I'll let you all read it in Quotes "

*** NOTE: You should only download and install this version of KHQM Bowerman if you are an Orbx customer who has ""installed the full payware version"" of "FTX Pacific Northwest". Now I found this information on a completely and Different web site - NOT the ORBX web site - for there was clearly NO Mention of this what so ever in their FREEWARE description of the product on their advertising page - NOT 1 word ,,,so its no wonder why it didn't install properly or show up in my Sim The Jetranger

I'm not doubting you've had a frustrating experience and the problems you have endured are very real however unless I've missed something it's simply false to state ORBX don't mention the Bowerman Airfield doesn't mention it's recommended for their payware product.It's in plain view on their download page.

In addition I know two other Mutley's Hangar members who have this airfield working without the Pacific Northwest scenery (ORBX do however state that you should have it)

[ddavid 149]

So, here's the question to you, Jetranger:

Which payware ORBX add-on have you purchased?

Oh - and Welcome to Mutley's, although I will say that your forthright approach to posting might not go down too well with some of us!

Cheers - Dai.

[rob16584 42]

Doesn't mention that the products are FSX only?

http://www.flightsimstore.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=92&products_id=1218 <--Check the compatibility tab, this is just the first one that I randomly clicked on

Most self installers 99% of the time will find the correct directory, it's your job as the end user to make sure that the correct one is selected - all you need to do is select the correct FSX root directory and the rest is done for you, as a seasoned add-on installer it should be commonplace to make sure that the add-on goes into FSX itself. You could have FSX stored on any drive, there are 7 billion people in the world, Orbx cannot get it correct on every occasion. John (Orbx boss) is one of the nicest guys I have come across in the FS world, if your help requests have been ignored I would assume that you have waded in with both feet as you have done above and offended someone. They are not underhand in anything they do and everything is clearly laid out with information easy to find. I've never had any problem with anyone from Orbx or their sceneries, quite the opposite.

[charlie 6]

As a previous user of ORBX products, I feel compelled to support their products and respond to this post.

My system is over three years old and not a 'power PC', but I manage to run their software at a satisfactory rate for me which is around 25fps. They clearly only mention FSX when talking about their technology on http://fullterrain.com/about.html which is accessible from the homepage.

There are no doubt unhappy users of ORBX products as there will be for any product, but there are no doubt thousands of happy users and they would only be happy if the software worked, and worked well. It is unfortunate that you have had these issues and I recognise your views, but I think it is unfair to call ORBX's dedication and that they are not serious. It is simply astounding what they have done to the default FSX scenery in these areas and they could not have done it without dedication and have it installed on so many different PC systems worldwide without taking people seriously.

I have an extensive range of addons, and don't tolerate those which don't meet my expectations...I would have all the ORBX scenery if I could.

[needles 1,012]

.I would have all the ORBX scenery if I could.

Here here! Me too Charlie. I've never had any problems regarding any of the ORBX products I have installed be it payware or freeware.

[ShrewsburyFC 215]

Unfortunately, I dont have time to read the full post, but if you are still after that Bowerman Airfield and surrounding scenery download the demo from here: http://fullterrain.com/product_demos.html

The one you will want is the top pack and it features the Bowerman Airfield, Hope this helps you out a bit,

Thanks,

Sam

[Sabre 28]

Unfortunately, I dont have time to read the full post, but if you are still after that Bowerman Airfield and surrounding scenery download the demo from here: http://fullterrain.c...duct_demos.html

The one you will want is the top pack and it features the Bowerman Airfield, Hope this helps you out a bit,

Thanks,

Sam

You should have read the post Sam, I don't think that'll help

[jetranger 0]

Like it states - a Full Featured Payware Quality Airport made for FTX Pacific grab your "FREE download" today. So, to me their saying its a FREEWARE airport thats now available, that used to be payware , then again maybe it really needs to look like this to avoid all the confusion !

[ShrewsburyFC 215]

Unfortunately, I dont have time to read the full post, but if you are still after that Bowerman Airfield and surrounding scenery download the demo from here: http://fullterrain.c...duct_demos.html

The one you will want is the top pack and it features the Bowerman Airfield, Hope this helps you out a bit,

Thanks,

Sam

You should have read the post Sam, I don't think that'll help

After reading the post through, I guess my previous post is irrelevant

However if your looking for good scenery alternatives, I would highly recomend Aerosofts Madeira X package, stunning scenery, check out some of my screenshots in this post: http://forum.mutleyshangar.com/index.php/topic/6643-mirage-over-madeira/

Sam

[ShrewsburyFC 215]

What you have stated is correct that the airport was payware and is now freeware,

for the full PNW region

, as it states reasonably clearly in the first sentence (im not trying to be rude, im just pointing out the obvious). Or alternatively you can get it in the demo where it is completely free as I mentioned before.

Sam

[brett 2,310]

Just want to add that this jetranger guy was just banned from the FlightSim forum for going on these rants. He does not take the time to thoroughly read the full details provided and goes off half cocked about the designers having the problem. Maybe he should stick to PlayStation games if he does not want to invest the time it takes to improve upon a basic flight simulator program and enjoy addons that folks have spent alot of time and energy making. I'm sorry but I believe that the freeware and payware designers try there best to make everything work for all the different systems out there and are also kind enough to supply alot of free stuff along with there payware products. I cannot agree with his position or his attitude about this subject. Sorry for this rant

[IcedUpPitotTube 0]

He has freedom of speech to a certain extent. Whether one chooses to believe in him or not his his/her own opinion. I'm taking the neutral side on this matter.

Oh yeah, jetranger, please stop typing in that specific blue font, it hurts my eyes for some reason.

[Andrew Godden 943]

FTX and Orbx products are quality and highly regarded in the broader flight sim community. Like other posts, I have never had a problem with the installation and the included documentation provided the necessary answers and guidance.

So, you appear to be a sole voice in the wilderness.

The Orbx freeware products, in particular, are well documented as part of the download facility and clearly articulate their use for "FSX ONLY".

So, maybe the lesson here is the old adage of "RTFM" (read the ____ manual) or do more of it than the time spent on the diatribe!

It would appear the actions by the webmasters at FTX and Orbx were justified.

[Sabre 28]

He has freedom of speech to a certain extent. Whether one chooses to believe in him or not his his/her own opinion. I'm taking the neutral side on this matter.

Oh yeah, jetranger, please stop typing in that specific blue font, it hurts my eyes for some reason.

Whilst I agree entirely about freedom of speech I believe someone’s right to such freedom reduces somewhat when the statements made are proven to be completely and utterly false. Healthy debate is good, people have different opinions but facts are facts they are not debatable. He's not voicing an opinion he's making false statements.

He states that ORBX products don’t identify which platform they are for – it was proven by Rob that they very clearly do and that they are for FSX.

He states that ORBX do not identify in one case (Bowerman) that the product needed other software – I demonstrated that it very clearly does. How much more clear can you be than stating on your download link that “Stand-alone version only for customers with the full payware FTX PNW region.” He's now even suggesting alternative wording that says exactly what ORBX already state.

Like others here I can completely understand why other forums have chosen to remove his accounts. Making such false statements anywhere other than the internet would potentially land someone in a whole lot of trouble.

[PanzerFodder 0]

Ah! good, now that we appear to have all the Orbx users in one place .

A little off topic now!, but you should all take a look at "CZPC" Pincher Creek in the "NRM" region if you want to see some very nice eye candy, I won't tell you whats there, you can find out for yourselves but this place is now my default load airfield :smile:

Also the free "CEN4" high river airfield is just north if you want to make a short flight plan :smile: .

Welcome To Canada

Cheer's....Graham...

[mutley 4,495]

In light of evidence that JetRanger appears to exist just to rant on flight site forums he has been banned from Mutley's Hangar Forums.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Joe

[David TRIGGS 0]

Bonjour Joe,

I agree with you banning JETRANGER from this forum ... but it is an extreme measure (for an extreme, and apparently very angry, series of postings) ... but, have you had to ban very many others members, I wonder?

Hope not ...... David

[stu7708 244]

Bonjour Joe,

I agree with you banning JETRANGER from this forum ... but it is an extreme measure (for an extreme, and apparently very angry, series of postings) ... but, have you had to ban very many others members, I wonder?

Hope not ...... David

I can only agree on what David is saying on the banning.

As for other bans I think I remember one or two that's been banned and published in the forum since I joined about 2,5 years ago. But those was more along the lines of regular spammers posting more or less suspect links with little or no relevence to flight sims.

[hurricanemk1c 195]

I've helped ban a spammer a couple of months ago, but I can't say we've banned many, if any, non-spammers, so to speak