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Visual Zoom and View Settings Discussion

(Original thread started on 03-28-11 by Eric Williams)

I did a bit of flying last week and testing of the Jet45 software. This allowed me to get out of the VC and try to get used to using a screen devoted just to the external forward view.

 

I have a silly question- What is the best method of attaining the forward view? Is everyone just using the 2D cockpit view with the instruments closed? If so what zoom level are you flying with?

 

My best guess in 2d mode puts the eyepoint just ahead of the wings when zoomed all the way out. This looks very nice as a forward view, but I find it virtually impossible to fly. Looks good on takeoff, but not so nice for trying to line up for a landing.

 

I had some success round the .4 area, but not sure where I should be "relearning" If it matters, for now I am using a 22" widescreen for forward view (until sim build allows for 3 X 23" span). Wide is enabled in conifg.

 

I just watched this video and it sure looks like things move quite fast when close to the ground. It would be nice to simulate this (if this is indeed accurate)




 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 08-04-11)

I've been flying with a zoom level of about .50 to .60 try an approach with that zoom level and see if you like it better. Awesome video by the way, first time I've seen that one. Gives a nice over the shoulder perspective!

 

Just looked at your post again and noticed you are using a monitor, not sure what zoom with a monitor as I am using a projector. Try the .50 to .60 and see what it does with a monitor.

 

(Posted by Rand Mathews on 08-05-11)

I have mine set around .80 to 1.00 zoom. If you have it set lower it does add to the feeling of speed but the runways will be skinnier and things will look out of perspective, like your landing light will be real narrow. In the video you mentioned they are using a wide angle lens so that also distorts the illusion of speed.

 

I did a side by side test with a Lear landing on YouTube and a replay of my landing, and found that .80 to 1.00 is pretty close. But that's on my system so it may be different for everyone else. I'm also running 3 22" monitors.

 

Also there is a little "fix" if you don't want to see the inside of your interior when you look left or right in cockpit view. Just go to the model file in the Lear and rem out the interior line.

 

[models]

normal=lear45

//interior=Lear45_Interior

 

Additionally, once you're in cockpit view which is actually 2D view, you hit "shift 1" to get rid of your dash view then you can adjust your zoom accordingly. If you look left and right with your hat then that's when you'll see the interior, and you can use the "fix" to get rid of the interior. Also the "A" key will cycle through those views. Once you get what you want then save your settings and make it your default flight starting point.

 

There is also a way to change your view as to height above the runway, because sometimes it seems the Lear is a low rider. Shift and enter will raise your viewpoint, CTRL and space will go back to default.

 

Quick video I made with split screen, you be the judge....




 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 08-05-11)

I have always used near 1.0 zoom, maybe as low as .8, but anymore or less will distort the view. I am currently using one forward projector for my outside visuals.

 

(Posted by PerAlm on 08-05-11)

Set zoom to 0.40 - 0.50, works fine for me!

 

Sense of speed and flow can be achieved by setting zoom to 0.4 - 0.5, high stable framerates, minimize stuttering, smooth running instruments. Another very good way to increase the sensation of speed is to use 3 projectors, front and side views, although more expensive and you will need more space.

 

(Posted by Eric Williams on 08-05-11)

Thanks Gents. This is exactly the information I was looking for. I basically have to "relearn" now that I will be out of the VC- so wanted to be sure I was in the right zone. It really does change how easy/difficult things are to handle when the zoom changes... at least to me.

 

Last flights I did was in 2D with the panel hidden. I had not gotten rid of the side views as I didn't snap left and right much in 2D (yet) When desktop flying I always had to raise the eyepoint like you say- I couldn't stand not seeing over the dash!

 

I have heard of people tweaking the aircraft so the VC was invisible and flying in VC with a clear view out the front and sides. Flying with an actual MIP in front of me will be all new to my world...

 

(Posted by Mark L. on 08-12-11)

I fired up my big system tonight and checked my zoom on the flight. I'm at .8, that's where I like it best. I'm also running TH2Go with 3 - 20" monitors.  Nice work on the video, gives a real close comparison.

 

(Posted by Rand Mathews on 08-13-11)

Thanks guys, and yes, I think it will depend on each individuals setup. I just wanted to compare with the real thing and get it close. If you look at one of my earlier videos I think it was set at .40 to .60 and it looks like I'm landing at 200KTS.

 




 

Anyway just thought I would throw this in to help the debate on what is a good setting.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 06-06-17)

Hey guys, at the time of this thread back in 2011, I did not have a visual system up and running. But now that I do I want to throw my two cents in on this subject.

 

As you know I am running three short throw projectors and a TH2Go unit. I have spent more time than I care to admit on trying to find the perfect visual system settings but one thing that seems to be locked in is the zoom factor. For my system, I am locked in at .6 give or take a few .001s. This is because if I try to go anymore or less, the projectors will not line up at the seams with each other.

 

The good news is .06 feels natural. It does not feel like I am speeding too fast or the eyepoint is off. Here is a short video that Eric Tomlin took during Hangar Day 2016 that illustrates what .06 zoom looks like using three projectors:

 




(Sorry about the ending!)