FSInn up and running quick and easy (4 simple steps)

First I would like to mention that FSInn1.3 beta is very stable. It’s basically waiting for the completion of the Weather installation ( http://www.mcdu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4486 ) which is still in development. The only issues I see with FSInn is the performance issue with FS9 ( http://www.mcdu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4112&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 ). FS9 users might consider sticking with the older version 1.2 if they are bothered by the FSInn1.3’s performance. Neither FSX or Vista is supported under FSInn1.2. FSInn1.3 has full support for both.

The upgrade will eliminate many problems from any Flight Simulator version. You will find the FSInn1.3 download at: ( http://www.mcdu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4363 ). Be sure to read the entire message from the authFSInn up and running quick and easy (4 simple steps)

To become more definitive with the install, numerous times I took a fresh machine and installed Flight Simulator (Both FS9 and FSX) and FSInn. I did this for Windows XP (both x32 and x64) and for Windows Vista (both x32 and x64) . Below are the steps. The installations worked perfectly the first time each time.

1) Installed Flight Simulator then installed the appropriate service pack for the Flight Simulator version (FS9.1, FSX/SP1, FSX/SP2) on a fresh system.

2) Installed FSCopilot 1.7 and FSinn 1.3.

(During the install, I didn't make any changes or type anything in any of the fields. I just clicked Next or ENTER, for both packages. )  

2a) Vista Specific

Important Specifically for Vista: I right clicked on the FSX.exe (or FS9.exe) program and set the compatible mode to Run as Administrator (by putting a check mark in the "Run as Administrator" option). Also, right click on the FSInn UI (the Inn Control Panel) from the start menu. Click on Run As Administrator, then Click on Chat.

3) Started Flight Simlator, clicked on Add-on, Clicked on Inn Control Panel -> Set -> General -> Basic (Filled in my Call Sign, First Name, Last Name and Homebase Airport. Then Clicked Network -> VATSIM (typed in my UserID and Password).

4) Clicked on the VATSIM button in the Inn Control Panel and was immediately connected to VATSIM.

That’s it. Install is complete. Take a look at a Flash Movie Connection Tutorial for connection details. Configuring and trouble-shooting follows below. Be sure to check the weather bug below.


Configuring Sound (VATSIM Voice and PTT/Push To Talk):

While running Flight Simlator, bring up the FSFDT Control Panel. It’s the icon in the tasktray that looks like a traffic light sign.

Click on Voice -> VATSIM (Choose your sound devices) -> Click on Volumes -> (Insure Sliders are to the right for more volume) Click on Key mappings -> (Choose your PTT for keyboard [and or joystick button])

With this I was fully up and running in minutes with voice configured. On the next session with just a single click on the VATSIM button I was connected and flying online.


Trouble Shooting

 

Firewall/Antivirus

 
The most common problem that can occur after this simple installation is having a third party firewall block access. If you have problems, check the program control of your firewall program and give full access to the three modules:

FSFDTCP.exe
FSInnUI.exe
FWINN.exe


The Text Chat Error (and other .ocx errors)

 
When running the text chat the first time it might give an error. You can fix this by running FSInnUI (the Inn Control Panel) once from the Start Menu and clicking on Chat. (For Vista right click to run as administrator.)


Error when Exiting Flight Simulator

 
http://www.mcdu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=22204


Changing Versions

 
Be sure to do a full uninstall of FSCopilot/FSInn when changing versions


FSX - Seeing AI (and hearing FSX’s ATC) when on VATSIM

 
To avoid the confusion of having FSX's AI and ATC popup when on VATSIM move the traffic sliders all the way to the left.


Weather Bug in FSInn/FSX (affects Speeds, Temperatures, and Climb [above FL245])

 
This is an issue with FSX/Simconnect/weather. When flying at high altitudes (above FL245) there’s a miscommunication between FSX and FSInn concerning the temperature. This TAT problem isn’t experienced when flying below FL245.

The resolution is to turn off FSInn’s weather when flying above FL245 and use an alternate such as FSX’s weather. (Inn Control Panel -> Set -> Weather [Check/Uncheck])

Other references for trouble shooting and configuring can be found in the:

VATSIM PRC
FSInn Manual
FSFDT Wiki Searchable Documentation
FSInn/VATSIM FAQ (generated and maintained from questions asked in this forum)