Orbiter 2010

[wetwarev7]

Looks like we finally got a new release for Orbiter:

http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/home.php

Good stuff!

[danzig70]

I have Orbiter but havent tried it much yet. Are you able to design and test your own creations? How do you like it?

[Blacklight]

I've been playing around with it since the day the 2010 version got released. I love the new hi-res planet textures. I'm still flying in the 2006 version mostly though because most of my favorite addons aren't compatible with the new version (although I'm sure that's going to change enventually).
I'm giving it a few months to give the addon developers time to update/make new stuff for it.
Orbiter 2010 has some fantastic new features to it that I LOVE ! I can't wait to get into it more hardcore !

[krashkart]

Where's the "poppin' wood" smiley when yer needs it? Having look now.

Oh good, sounds like they beefed up the atmosphere code.
Solar radiation pressure??? Solar sails?!? *drool*

Orbiter now supports an embedded scripting system which can be used for a multitude of tasks – from fast definition of new spacecraft and instruments, to implementation of autopilots and feedback systems, and interactive tutorials and challenges

I wonder if the pure-server mode means multiplayer, or if it just provides a way to interface with it via telemetry software? [EDIT] nvm, it's interface for OVP and the like.

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by danzig70

I have Orbiter but havent tried it much yet. Are you able to design and test your own creations? How do you like it?

You can through the SDK. Requires C++ skillage and MS Visual C++ (you can use the free MSVC download available from Microsoft) to build or modify ships and MFD's at the code level. There are also third-party kits available such as SPSDK and a Panel SDK that allow creation of new ships/panels without needing a compiler. (those may not be compatible with the new 2010 release, though [EDIT] Or possibly even made obsolete with the new scripting interface...)


*******************

Can't wait to fly it more in-depth on my home computer; will be able to install the hi-res planet textures then. Visually it doesn't appear that much has changed. I like the new Map MFD - they updated the look and added some useful filters. This is about the best look I can get at it until tomorrow. I hope OVP will be kind to my video card, cuz it's getting a good look tomorrow, too.

[Blacklight]

I wonder if the pure-server mode means multiplayer, or if it just provides a way to interface with it via telemetry software? [EDIT] nvm, it's interface for OVP and the like.

I'm sure it does. The catch is that there will have to be an addon or GUI created for it. Orbiter 2006 had a multiplayer addon where you could log into a server and fly with other people. The only catch was that you pretty much had to use the Deltaglider or one of the other stock ships (along with no other addons) that came with the base installation. This was to make sure that everyone had the same ships and addons for rendering purposes. I've played on the Orbiter server a few times. It was ok.. but considering the distances involved and the fact that you couldn't time compress really limited it.

The door is open to do this now wider than ever before now and there's a project going on in the orbiter forums as we speak to add multiplayer and implement it properly.

[NeonSamurai]

So what kinds of mods did the new version break?

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by Blacklight

I'm sure it does. The catch is that there will have to be an addon or GUI created for it. Orbiter 2006 had a multiplayer addon where you could log into a server and fly with other people. The only catch was that you pretty much had to use the Deltaglider or one of the other stock ships (along with no other addons) that came with the base installation. This was to make sure that everyone had the same ships and addons for rendering purposes. I've played on the Orbiter server a few times. It was ok.. but considering the distances involved and the fact that you couldn't time compress really limited it.

The door is open to do this now wider than ever before now and there's a project going on in the orbiter forums as we speak to add multiplayer and implement it properly.

I remember the earlier MP projects but didn't really try any of them after following the threads. Orbiter presents a unique challenge with respect to multiplayer capability, and I will not be surprised when someone finally nails it down. It's been four or five years since I last looked into those projects. How much has changed since then?

Originally Posted by NeonSamurai

So what kinds of mods did the new version break?

That's what I'm wondering, too. Hopefully none of our favorites. There is a complex MFD that I had always wanted to try [EDIT -- OSMFD], but did not wish to track down a much earlier Orbiter release to be able to use it. But, the flipside of the coin is: what can we do with this version?

[CTarana]

Originally Posted by krashkart

You can through the SDK. Requires C++ skillage and MS Visual C++ (you can use the free MSVC download available from Microsoft) to build or modify ships and MFD's at the code level. There are also third-party kits available such as SPSDK and a Panel SDK that allow creation of new ships/panels without needing a compiler. (those may not be compatible with the new 2010 release, though [EDIT] Or possibly even made obsolete with the new scripting interface...)

There's plenty of modding to do without knowing C++. The SDK is needed for any addon project as it contains the documentation for making addons. You can use Vinka's Spacecraft3 .DLL for all your animation needs and never touch a C++ compiler. Check out my addons at this website, http://www.orbithangar.com/ Do an Author search for ChristopherT. None of my addons used a custom .dll. I've been with Orbiter since before it had an autopilot!

ChristopherT

[Blacklight]

She looks beautiful though, at least once you get into space. On the ground it looks like Flight Simulator 98'

That's going to change a bit once they get ORULEX up and running on Orbiter 2010 (it's designed for Orbiter 2006). That addon reads the surface maps of planets/asteroids/etc... and generates realistic terrains, making it possible to fly through a real canyon on the surface. See real mountain ranges, deep craters... etc... Not just textures overlayed on a ball.

Orbiter has become a REALLY addictive hobby for me.

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by CTarana

There's plenty of modding to do without knowing C++. The SDK is needed for any addon project as it contains the documentation for making addons. You can use Vinka's Spacecraft3 .DLL for all your animation needs and never touch a C++ compiler. Check out my addons at this website, http://www.orbithangar.com/ Do an Author search for ChristopherT. None of my addons used a custom .dll. I've been with Orbiter since before it had an autopilot!

ChristopherT

I forgot to mention SC3.

[danlisa]

What's the crack with Orbiter 2010 and Anti-Aliasing? Does it work?

If I'm correct it's a DX application but I force max settings through my card and I have jaggies galore, I leave it to application preference and still have jaggies, I even delve deeper into the launcher settings to enable forced AA multiplier within Orbiter itself and nothing.

I have this thing maxed graphically but the poor object AA is letting it down.

Any thoughts? ATI card in full screen mode @ 1920 x 1080.

Edit - LOL! Seems it only supports 4 x AA (at least on ATI) Fixed!

[krashkart]

Shuttle Fleet 4.5 released for Orbiter 2010. Details and download:

http://orbiter-forum.com/showthread.php?t=16834

[Lionclaw]

Hail Probe!

Haven't really gotten into Orbiter 2010 yet, I've been on a long break from Orbiting.

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by Lionclaw

Hail Probe!

Haven't really gotten into Orbiter 2010 yet, I've been on a long break from Orbiting.

Hail Probe! I haven't found all of the differences in 2010 yet, but the most obvious change is that scenarios load up much, much quicker now. Doc added a new atmosphere model, too, although I haven't yet figured out what effect that has during atmospheric flight.