Traffic Optimizer for P3D v4

Seems like LM broke the SP1 SimConnect interface in v4. They hope to fix it in next release.

Anyway because of it Traffic Optimizer (v1914) does not work with P3D v4. Until LM fixes it, here's a new version (v1915) which use SP2 SimConnect  and works fine:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/2kd5an6o448qi3d/AirTrafficManagerFSX-P3D_Radar_v1915.zip

Don't forget to install SP2 SimConnect from:

<P3D Install Dir>\\redist\Interface\FSX-SP2-XPACK\retail\lib\SimConnect.msi

Various versions of Traffic Optimizer

There are two primary versions of Traffic Optimizer (ok, actually 3 but lets leave the 3rd one out for now):

1. For FSX, FSX-SE (Steam Edition) and P3D

http://www.mediafire.com/download/zmdftsy127jgux2/AirTrafficManagerFSX-P3D_Radar.zip

This is version you should try first. It is based upon FSX-SP1 version of SimConnect, 10.0.61242.0,  and hence should work for majority of the people including FSX-SE.

In case you have issues running it, please try re-installing SimConnect from:

...\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v2\redist\Interface\FSX-SP1\retail\lib

or from the FSX SDK folder:

...\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X SDK\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\LegacyInterfaces\FSX-SP1

or for FSX-SE:

...\steamapps\common\FSX\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\LegacyInterfaces\FSX-SP1


2. For FSX-SE (Steam Edition)

http://www.mediafire.com/download/d6b10dn3mqkc70h/AirTrafficManagerFSXSE_Radar.zip

This one is for FSX-Steam Edition only. You should try this if the first one does not work. This is based upon FSX-SE's SimConnect version - 10.0.62615.0.

In case you have issues running it, please try re-installing SimConnect from:

...\steamapps\common\FSX\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\lib


Note: These are the only two download links and they always point to the latest versions (FSX/P3D - 1.9.1.3 and FSX-SE - 1.9.1.2 as of now).

Finally the 3rd version was based off LM's P3D SimConnect. I don't think its really needed so I won't be releasing/managing it.

P3D v3.2: Solution for Large fonts in ATC / GSX / ProATC X and other windows

With P3Dv3, Adobe Scaleform is being used for user interfaces like menus, ATC Window, and Simconnect created menus by other apps like GSX, ProATC X etc.

However on high DPI displays, e.g. 4k on Win10, the fonts on the ATC / GSX windows are quite small. As part of the P3D SDK, LM has provided the UI files for developers to customize these interfaces. Using those I have created a modified version which shows large fonts.

Instructions:
1. Download and unzip the attached file, you will get MenuWindow.swf.
2. Navigate to Scaleform directory under your P3D installation folder
3. Backup the existing MenuWindow.swf
4. Copy the file from 1 here.

http://www.mediafire.com/download/prtkmma7lt22426/MenuWindow.zip

Note: Tested with P3D v3.2 only

AT&T Network Client error - "VPN server list could not be obtained from the server (RIG0420E)"

If you get this error, one reason might be an in-correct password, but in my case it was because I had upgraded my hard-disk. I had to re-enter my password to get it to connect again (un-check use stored credentials once). Looks like the HDD is used to generate some sort of key to store the password, or something like that, so you need to re-enter the password if you change your hard-disk.

AT&T Client could do with an more accurate error message though...

Traffic Optimizer for FSX/P3D

Traffic Optimizer and FSX-SE

Some people have reported issues while running the optimizer with FSX-SE. While I did buy the SE, I haven't got around to install it and test. Till I get around to that, please search the original FSX and P3D threads over at avsim for possible solutions.

The most common solution was reinstalling SP1 Simconnect from:

...\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v2\redist\Interface\FSX-SP1\retail\lib

or from the FSX SDK folder:

...\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X SDK\SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\LegacyInterfaces\FSX-SP1

Also some people reported that they could not access the link:

http://www.mediafire.com/download/zmdftsy127jgux2/AirTrafficManagerFSX-P3D_Radar.zip

This link does work. Some companies, including where I work, block mediafire website. So that might be the issue. I would suggest accessing it from your home network.

I do have a minor update which gives better AI distribution in large airports, but I have got around to releasing it. I hope soon...

I'd be happy to answer any questions here directly. 

The maths of discounting - courtesy Myantra / Jabong

An pair of shoes cost 2495 at MRP, and are being sold at a discount of 30%. So how much will you finally pay?

2495 - 2495*30% = 2495 - 748.5 = 1746.5

Pretty simple, right? Apparently Myantra and Jabong disagree. In their maths you will actually pay 1934.

Which is actually a discount of 22.5%.

The thing is that they show this 30% discount on the product page, but add up VAT at checkout. So while the product page will show 30% discounted price of 1746, the final checkout will show 1934. Normally all this is fine, as the customer knows finally what is paying.

But the issue is that if the item is not discounted, then the price you see on the product page is what you will pay on checkout. So if the product page shows 2999 at MRP, then that's the final price you pay.

Myantra / Jabong will claim that they bear the VAT if there is no discount, so some such logic. This is immaterial to the customer.

This practice is patently misleading. If you claim 30% discount, then that's the price the customer should pay.

Note that Flipkart, Amazon or Ebay don't do this. They actually list the price you finally pay.

So why can't Myantra/Jabong do the same? Why can't they just list the actual price payable by the customer? Is it too much maths?

PMDG 777 FPS Improvements

The PMDG T7 is finally out of the P3D but performance is quite below average. For example my system gives me 40fps with Aerosoft 320, but only 24fps with PMDG 777.

So here are few tips to get more juice out of it.

Note that I use Lenovo Y510p notebook with 4700MQ@2.8GHz with GT755M in SLI. YMMV.

Of course, backup the original files without fail before you do these modifications.

1. Change panel resolutions 

Edit the panel.cfg (Prepar3D v2\SimObjects\Airplanes\PMDG 777-200LR\panel) to make these changes.

Look for VC section from [VCockpit01] to [VCockpit40]. In each one these is this entry:

pixel_size=1024,1024

Halve these values from 1024 to 512, so that you have:

pixel_size=512,512

You can halve all 40, but I think its enough to just halve the large values like 1024 and 512 to 512 and 256 respectively. Note that one VC section has both values different, e.g. pixel_size=1024,512, so that should be halved to pixel_size=512,256.

2. Replicate Pilot's panel's to Co-Pilot

In the same panel cfg, look for [VCockpit04]. This contains Pilot's and CoPilot's MFDs.

Look for gauge03 line. In this line change the word RIGHT_INBD to LEFT_INBD.

Look for gauge04 line. In this line change the word RIGHT_OUTBD to LEFT_OUTBD.

Now co-pilot MFDs will render same as Pilot.

Note you can also change CoPilot and Center CDUs to render as Pilot's CDU in [VCockpit10], change R and C to L. Not sure if this makes much of a  performance difference.

After these two I get 27fps, up from 24fps. About 10-15% increase.

Same tips should work for FSX version also.

Enjoy!

[FSX/P3D] Freeware Airport - Bangalore International Airport - VOBL

This is the scenery for Bangalore International Airport - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempegowda_International_Airport. The main terminal is as accurate as I could make it. Rest of the objects are stock objects. The ILS/NAV frequencies are accurate. Parking locations are not accurate as per the actual Airport.

The following tools were used to make it:
SketchUp for terminal design
GIMP / VS 2013 for Textures
Instant Scenery / AFX / Airport Studio for Airport design
ModelConvertorX for adjustments

Usage Rights:
One or more textures on this 3D model have been created with images from CGTextures.com. These images may not be redistributed by default, please visit www.cgtextures.com for more information.
Rest, Free to distribute / modify as you want as long as this Readme.txt is included.

How to Install:
Extract the zip to Addon Scenery directory (e.g. Microsoft Flight Simulator X\Addon Scenery\). You should then have a VOBL_DUKE sub-folder inside.
Add the VOBL_DUKE folder to the FSX/P3D using the "Scenery Library" -> "Add Area" option.

http://www.mediafire.com/download/he1deys18a06n0g/VOBL_DUKE.zip

Few Images:

Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal - who's the best?

...well, if its lowest price is what you are looking for then none of the above!

Its actually Ebay (www.ebay.in).

Try this. Look for the item you want to purchase on all these websites. You will find that most reputed sellers will be selling the item on all these websites (including Ebay), and at almost same price.

Now search for "Ebay india coupons" on google. You will easily find 7.5% or 10% or even 15% off coupons. Some may be linked to use of a particular bank's card while making the payment. So apply that coupon on Ebay and you get the item cheapest.

At least that's my experience.

State of online food delivery websites in India

I have tried a few online food delivery sites in Bangalore, with progressively worse results. Here's my experience.

The first one I tired was JustEat (http://justeat.in/). There were no issues for the first few times I used their service. After a while I found the site was non-functional, not really sure why, but it was not possible to place an order online. Let's assume technical issues on their end (or mine?).

As an alternative I tried Tasty Khana (http://tastykhana.in/). Well, the first (and last) order was a disaster. The order was cancelled, within 30 mins I think, with the reason that the delivery address was out of service range of the restaurant.

For placing the order I gave my address at Tasty Khana's website, Tasty Khana showed me the restaurants delivering to that address, I chose one and placed an order. So how does the restaurant become out of range?

For that matter I live in the heart of south Bangalore. In this case was the responsibility of the Tasty Khana to show accurate list of restaurants.

Next came FoodPanda (www.foodpanda.in). First few orders went fine, no issues, very promising. Then came the disaster. I placed an order, after an hour I came to know that the order has been cancelled, stated reason - order not accepted by restaurant due to non-available items.

I called the FoodPanda helpline and was told that the restaurant refused the order and FoodPanda can't do anything. So I called the restaurant directly next and spoke to the manager, and he claimed they have not refused any orders and actually none were received.

So who do I believe here and who do I blame? I have excellent experience with that restaurant, once they had gone out of their way to deliver a late order, so I believe the restaurant.

I read later that FoodPanda acquired Tasty Khana, so perhaps their service level has gone to Tasty Khana's level!

Well, today I was back at JustEat, the website was working. So I placed an order. And here I am two hours later with no sign of delivery.

So from my end, looks like that they are all going downhill.

The fundamental point with online food delivery is that when someone orders, they expect it to be delivered within the next 60-90 mins.

Its unlike ordering an item from Amazon or Flipkart, where you can wait for a couple of days (Actually, I am spoiled by Amazon-in-a-day delivery, so one day is all I wait now).

Folks ordering food have mostly have skipped cooking any meals in expectation of the delivery, so they are completely at the mercy of the order. This becomes even more critical if the order is for dinner and more so when you have kids. Dinner time mostly means that if an order is not delivered, for what-ever reason, there probably not enough time to place another order as its already late in the night.

Any issues with delivery means a very bad experience compounded by hunger (literally).

In my opinion, these portal have to take responsibility of order fulfillment. Until that happens, I am staying away from them.

And dear FoodPanda, offering a 40% off coupon limited to Rs 100, as compensation for un-fulfilled order is bad joke on the Customer. Try something like your next meal free, if you are serious.

Amazing deal from MakeMyTrip

MakeMyTrip has an amazing offer ongoing on Air ticket bookings - http://www.makemytrip.com/promotion/includes/FestiveMMT_Intflights_19092014.php?intid=iflp_hero_IF-festive_19092014

You can save a whopping amount of Rs 5000 on your ticket booking with this deal. Too good right?

Here's the catch, you get 5000 back if you book tickets worth Rs 300,000. Yep, that's right Rs 300,000. I am going to guess a first class ticket to US would cost that much, but then you wouldn't bother about the Rs 5000 if you had the money to throw around for first class, would you?

For mere mortals like us, if we book up to Rs 20,000, we get a grand sum of Rs 150 back. Yay!

Highest bail amount ever?

Apparently reports are out that Sahara group chief Subrata Roy has been set a bail amount of Rs 10,000 crore (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sc-asks-sahara-group-to-deposit-rs-10000-crore-to-grant-bail-to-subrata-roy/articleshow/32720775.cms).

That's more than $1.5 Billion!

Google search reveals that highest ever bail amount set in US was $100 Million for Raj Rajaratnam after being arrested for insider trading.

So this must be record.

Selling a laptop on-line and Nigerian scams

Recently I changed to a new laptop and put up the old one for sale on-line. I listed it on a couple of popular sites Quikr (http://bangalore.quikr.com/) and Olx (http://www.olx.in/). Within a day I had a two responses, one from a doctor and another someone with a random id.

Well the doctor, having a proper south Indian name and Gmail id with a family picture to go with his profile, claimed he was in Scotland and wanted more details on the laptop, which I replied and sent. The next day I got reply stating that the doctor wanted me to ship the laptop to his son in Nigeria!

A quick search on Google reveals that this is an another popular Nigerian scam. The buyer asks you accept payment via Paypal and dispatch the item using DHL to an address in Nigeria, making a story like although he himself is in Scotland/UK, his son is in Nigeria and its a gift for him. On agreement you get a mail, fake of course, from Paypal that the payment has been made and you have to provide a DHL tracking id for Paypal to release funds to your account. You can guess the rest, you send the laptop and never hear of it again or the money.

Similar story with the random id guy.

A few of points to keep in mind when selling on-line, and I got lucky here:

1. Create a a new random email id to list the item
2. Do not put your mobile/name on the listing. Add mobile only if required for listing
3. When responding to buyers, again do not give out your mobile/name at first. Have them send their mobile number and you call them

Flipkart "In-a-day guarantee"

Flipkart recently started "In-a-day guarantee" service http://www.flipkart.com/in-a-day. So you place an order by 6 pm and get it delivered by next day. So how may day's should it take to deliver  "In-a-day guarantee" order?

One? Two? Three?

I recently place an order and it was un-delivered for three days until I cancelled it. Customer Service only offered that they had sent it wring pin code but still could not tell when it would actually be delivered.

I did get a consolation amount Rs 180 as store credit, but so much for  "In-a-day guarantee"...