WidevieW 98 3.0

Version 2002

WidevieW can be used to create virtual cockpits with multiple monitor support, using networked PCs. There is virtually no limit on how many PCs can be linked together, and each of them can be configured to show a particular view, including outside views, maps, or camera (spot) views.

Copyright 1997-2002 by Luciano Napolitano. All rights reserved.

For comments and support, please contact the author at wideview@inwind.it
or visit the website at http://wideview.00server.com
A discussion board is also available at http://www.escapeairlines.com (Lounge -> WidevieW)


Quick upgrade guide for users of WidevieW 2002 Beta 4:

Just replace "wideviewlt.dll" with the latest version. If widevutil.dll is still there (from the Beta 3), make sure to delete it.


Quick upgrade guide for users of WidevieW 2000, WidevieW 2000 LITE and WidevieW 2002 Beta 3:

1) In order to know more about the new fetures of this package, please take a quick look at the "History / What's new" section and "File list"
2)
Make a backup copy of any previous "wideview*.dll" and "widevutil.dll" file from the FS's \modules folder, then *delete* it.
3) Make a backup copy of any "wideview*.ini" file from the main FS2002's folder, then delete it.
4) Copy the new version of "wideviewlt.dll" in the FS's \modules folder. Add all the new "wideviewlt_?.dll" that you need (for the bi-directional communication).
5) Copy "widevutil.ext" in the FS's \modules folder. All the files going into the \modules folder are packed into MODULES_REQUIRED.ZIP and MODULES_OPTIONAL.ZIP.
6) Depending on the role of the PC (server or client), rename the appropriate INI file (server_sample.ini or client_sample.ini supplied in this package) to "wideviewlt.ini" and put it in the FS's main folder. Add all the "wideviewlt_?.ini" files that you need (if the bi-directional communication is required).
7) On the clients only, if you are NOT using Windows XP and the language of FS is English, you may replace "ENGLISH.FLL" in the main folder of FS, with that supplied in this package. The patched version of English.FLL will remove the annoying "SLEW / PAUSE" message from the screen of the clients, while flying.
8) If you still don't have it, please install the FSUIPC module by Peter Dowson (not included in this package). This module is required to handle the weather and several other features. I've tested this version of WidevieW using FSUIPC version 2.78 and laters. You can download FSUIPC from http://www.schiratti.com/dowson.html .
9) In the client PCs open the FSUIPC configuration window (ALT M F) and turn off all the options. The only useful ones are Wind transitions (if enabled in the Server), allow gusts, wind shear sharp (if in the Server), and apply attempted white-out fix. The others should all be off, otherwise FSUIPC will interfere with the weather that wideview is trying to duplicate. (Thanks to Peter Dowson for the info).
10) On the clients, reorient the outside views. This can be done by editing the Panel.CFG file of the AC in use. Please read HERE.
11) Run FS and configure WidevieW as you need (see the section "Configuring and using WidevieW")
12) Repeat the above steps on every PC of the network.


Quick steps on how to install, configure and use WidevieW 2002 for the first time:
(also, see the directory's structure later on this page)

1) Verify the system's requirements and prepare the system in order to operate with WidevieW. (see the section "Hardware and software requirements")
2) Install WidevieW (see the section "Making a new installation")
3) Install FSUIPC (see the section "Making a new installation")
4) Configure WidevieW and prepare FS (see the section "Configuring and using WidevieW")
5) Repeat the above steps on every PC of the network
6) To start the communication, just issue the "Start" command on the server. (see the section "Configuring and using WidevieW")
7) To stop the communication, just issue the "Stop" or the "Shutdown remotes" command on the server. (see the section "Configuring and using WidevieW")


Quick Useful Tips (for all the users):

1) To hide the coordinates from the top of the screen, save the startup flight with the coordinates disabled (activate SLEW and press SHIFT-Z until the coordinates are no longer visible, then save the current situation as startup flight.
2) If crashes or system's instability happen at startup, please make sure that every PC is at the same airport / gate when WidevieW is started. If the problem persists, try to disable the AI Traffic / Dynamic scenery and see the FAQ and Configuring and using WidevieW for additional information.
3) Do not use an excessive "Target Frame Rate" value in FS, but set it between 15 and 25 depending on your hardware's speed.
4) Windows XP may require additional tweaking, one important condition is to DISable the "System Restore" option of the Operative System.
5) If a sound board is installed on the client, but no speakers are connected, please make sure that the sound is disabled (if possible, remove the sound board or disable it from the BIOS). This will make the client faster because no sound is to be elaborated.
6) If the server is used for gauges only, make sure that the outside view is as small as possible and put all the scenery's quality sliders to the minimum. This will increase the number of packets sent by server.
7) To reorient the outside views, please see Reorienting the outside views on the clients (older methods are no longer supported and editing "panel.cfg" is required now).
8)
Additional tips can be found in the FAQ or at the discussion board.


Directory's structure

LOCATION
FILE NAME
PACKED INTO
NOTE
FS's main folder wideviewlt.ini main_folder.zip rename one of the supplied sample INI file depending on the role of the PC.
  english.fll main_folder.zip for English simulator ONLY ! and NOT running under Windows XP (removes the SLEW message)
FS's modules folder wideviewlt.dll modules_required.zip  
  widevutil.ext modules_required.zip  

Remember to check if FSUIPC.DLL is already installed. If not, please install it (not supplied with wideview --- check on http://www.schiratti.com/dowson.html )


Complete documentation:

1-History / What's new

2-File list

3-Preliminary information about WidevieW

4-Hardware and Software requirements

5-Installing

6-Configuring and using WidevieW

7-Reorienting the outside views

8-Limitations and known issues

9-Troubleshooting / Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

10-License's agreements

11-How to contact the author - Acknowledgement


Thank you for using WidevieW

WidevieW is freeware: it cannot be sold and it cannot be included on commercial products. Please read the license's agreements for more information.