First steps on VATSIM

[Amos Fasoletti]

Danke! Thanks

I'm surely getting in touch with Ticino people if possible!

A bit busy these days.... Travelling to VISP today to broadcast the Hockey match (Visp - Bienne)..
I'm writing from the S.Gotthard tunnel right now (obviously I'm not driving..) but would like to be... over the moutain, in the sky!

Here are some basic questions:
-How does the interaction works on VATSIM? Do I see other people's plane? Or just have them in the radar? Or only ATC controllers see all airplanes?
-Do you use Teamspeak for radio communications? Which version? Saw some VATSIM are using TS3 but looks like VACC is still using TS2.
-Do Squawkbox only serve as transponder to squawk code/ident or it's "in charge" of the radio communication?
-It is possible to join the channel as a listener just to hear a bit the communications?

ROUTE:
-Is there any official source for route creation? I know vatroute is used by most VATSIM...
-can I plan my route using Rocketroute, Foreflight or similar tools?
-Can I plan a "special route" as I want? (let's assume i want to do LOWW to LSGG a bit southly than the original route and with lower FL to show some friend the Swiss Alps)

-How does it works for weather/time sync within VATSIM? (everyone downloads weather from a specific source?)

Let me know if I must open a thread for such questions.

[Roger Kaufmann]

Welcome Amos ... here's hoping your X-Plane 10 DVDs arrive soon!

I'll leave the basic questions to those, who know more about it than I do (only joined two months ago myself), but let me tell you that you've come to the right place! A great bunch of people, who are very helpful and understanding to those, who tend to make "beginners' mistakes" (no names shall be named here, of course ... I mean myself). I can only say, I'm hooked!

As for TS, see here:TeamSpeak 3 - Guide - ENG ... version 3. Regarding VATSIM, you'll see the other planes, but maybe hovering a bit, which is an issue between X-Plane and FSX (I think).

Join us on TS sometime and again, welcome!

[George Jakubaas]

Hi Amos

Welcome to our VACC. I'll try to anwer your questions as good as I can.

How does the interaction works on VATSIM? Do I see other people's plane? Or just have them in the radar? Or only ATC controllers see all airplanes?
There are two VATSIM pilot clients, Squawkbox and FSinn. You need to install one of these two to fly on VATSIM. Being an FSX guy using FSinn, I do not know whether both clients are available for XPlane. These two pieces of Software act as an interface between your Simulator and VATSIM. They make sure that you are seen by other pilots and that other pilots and ATCs see you.

Do you use Teamspeak for radio communications? Which version? Saw some VATSIM are using TS3 but looks like VACC is still using TS2.
The radio communication for pilots is ensured by Squawkbox or FSinn. ATCs use the ATC Client Euroscope for Controlling air traffic as well as for radio comm.
We use TS3 for communication between active ATCs positions (like backstage, similar to land line), for training purposes and for chatting (different channels on TS3)

Do Squawkbox only serve as transponder to squawk code/ident or it's "in charge" of the radio communication?
Squawkbox as well as FSinn serve as pilot VATSIM clients. Therefore, these pieces of Software combine several functions. For example, when you set the Squawk Code, in, let's say FSX, these clients read the informations from your simulator and forward them to the VATSIM network.

-It is possible to join the channel as a listener just to hear a bit the communications?
You can join TS3 anytime when you have registered.
If you want to listen to ATC radio communications, you can download the ATC VATSIM Client called Euroscope, and log in as Observer (and only as observer!). There you can choose one or more ATC stations (preferably acvtive ones, hehe) and listen to them. It is essential that you have read the docs and understand the rules before you log in with Euroscope.

ROUTE:
Is there any official source for route creation? I know vatroute is used by most VATSIM...
can I plan my route using Rocketroute, Foreflight or similar tools?
As far as I know., it doesn't really matter, which tool you use to calculate your route. More important is that you enter a correct route into you Flight Management System. Also, you have to file the same route in form of a flight plan to VATSIM so the ATCs see your flight and can give you clearance. You can file flight plans through FSinn, Squawkbox or on VATSIM ( http://www.vatsim.net/fp ).

Can I plan a "special route" as I want? (let's assume i want to do LOWW to LSGG a bit southly than the original route and with lower FL to show some friend the Swiss Alps)
You can choose between IFR and VFR flight plans (Instrument Flight Rules or Visual Flight Rules). You have to follow the IFR routes for they provide the official airways. If you want to fly visual, you can file a VFR flight plan, where you can fly lower, by visual and do not have to follow the airways. Still, VFR rules apply you have to know and to follow. Please refrain from flying unrealistic flights i.e. VFR with big Jets. It contradicts our motto "As real as it gets".

How does it works for weather/time sync within VATSIM? (everyone downloads weather from a specific source?)
FSinn comes with a built-in weather and time sync function. Squawkbox needs the weather plug-in.

These are the answers in short. The following documentations are really helpful and I suggest you read the subjects that are available here:
First Steps: www.vacc.ch/en/for_pilots/first_steps_(pilots)/
Pilot Trianing Docs: http://www.vacc.ch/en/for_pilots/pilot_training_docs/
Euroscope: http://www.euroscope.hu/mediawiki/in...itle=Main_Page

Regards,

George

[Amos Fasoletti]

Thanks A LOT to everyone and especially to George for the long and detailed answer.

That's pretty much all I needed to know as "unsolved doubts"... I think documentation (like the links you provided) will do the rest.

Just a short thing on route:
Can I file the "real airline route" and then maybe do some off-track request to the ATC when I'm airborne? I.E. I saw a documentary on PilotsEyeTV where the plane is making Wien-Barcelona... the original route sends them thru ZH but they as for Genf as waypoint so that they can fly over the alps...

Thanks again!

[Mark Nelson]

Hi Amos

A very warm welcome from me aswell. George answered all of your questions in the mean time. I'd simply like to add a couple of pointers:

How does the interaction works on VATSIM? Do I see other people's plane? Or just have them in the radar? Or only ATC controllers see all airplanes?
As an X-plane Pilot you will need to download XSquakBox from here: http://www.xsquawkbox.net/xsb/ It's the only X-Plane VATSIM-Client around so far. Alternatives are in in development, but for the time being, XSquakBox will have to do.

It is possible to join the channel as a listener just to hear a bit the communications?
You may also connect through XSquakBox at (preferably) a remote Gate or Stand at an airport like LSZH or LSGG when staffed. Send a flightplan with the remark "observing only" or something similar so the controller is advised, that you have no intention of departing.

How does it works for weather/time sync within VATSIM? (everyone downloads weather from a specific source?)
X-Plane offers a built in weather engine which updates each hour. For more accurate weather, you will need a plug-in. I use the following: http://x-plane.joanpc.com/plugins/xpgfs-noaa-weather

As Mauro already mentioned, I strongly reccomend you book the "Pilot VATSIM Intro" to get things started: http://vacc.ch/de/TMSv2/

I sincerely hope X-Plane arrives any day now and look forward to hearing and seeing you in the skies.

Greets

[Amos Fasoletti]

Danke Mark,

especially for the X-Plane oriented specifications.

I will try the plugin you mentioned... I saw they also have a plugin for Ground Operations, do you reccommend it?

Thanks,
Amos

[Marco Bähler]

Welcome on Vatsim Amos!
Hear you soon on our TS3

Regarding VATSIM, you'll see the other planes, but maybe hovering a bit, which is an issue between X-Plane and FSX (I think).

Yes it is...

I will try the plugin you mentioned... I saw they also have a plugin for Ground Operations, do you reccommend it?

I'm not Mark, but i think you mean the plugin Ground Services. I'ts a great plugin for pusback!

[Mark Nelson]

I'm not Mark, but i think you mean the plugin Ground Services. I'ts a great plugin for pusback!

I agree

Easiest way to get everything you need for the plugins to work installed, is to use the following installer: http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?...showfile=15881

Cheers

[Mauro Gerber]

I moved the "ask and answer" part to a separate topic

[Amos Fasoletti]

I agree

Easiest way to get everything you need for the plugins to work installed, is to use the following installer: http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?...showfile=15881

Cheers

Thanksss!!

[Amos Fasoletti]

Regarding TeamSpeak, what licence do you use?
I guess the choice for pilots and controller is between Unlicensed and Non-Profit...

Let me know,
Thanks,
Amos

[Jonas Kuster]

Regarding TeamSpeak, what licence do you use?

We have a Non-Profit License

[Amos Fasoletti]

Thanks,


unfortunately I see they aren't going to give away any license yet...
I suppose they still are on a test phase?

[Amos Fasoletti]

Studing a bit... How do you read this chart from Rocketroute??


Schermata 2014-04-13 alle 20.57.29.jpg

On top seems to be heading pointing to the right (i.e. first heading is W, last heading is SW)

but what about the wind?

Looks like the wind is related like your heading to right.. so that wind coming from LEFT is tailwind while RIGHT is headwind (Up and Down are crosswinds), i. e. in RAVED I'll be heading west FL240, temp -29 celsius and wind about 40knots from North

Is this right?

- - - Aktualisiert - - -

[Jonas Kuster]

unfortunately I see they aren't going to give away any license yet...
I suppose they still are on a test phase?

I don't actually understand why it depends what license we have. For you as a user, it makes no difference. Just follow the instructions on our guide and login on our TS server.
http://www.vacc.ch/file/304

[HP Rutschmann]

Regarding TeamSpeak, what licence do you use?

Just to assure: You'll need the TS Client, not the Server - thus no license at all needed.
Just read and follow the instructions...

[Mauro Gerber]

Looks like the wind is related like your heading to right.. so that wind coming from LEFT is tailwind while RIGHT is headwind (Up and Down are crosswinds), i. e. in RAVED I'll be heading west FL240, temp -29 celsius and wind about 40knots from North

Is this right?

correct

[Amos Fasoletti]

Sorry guys for the misunderstanding about TeamSpeak (I skipped VACC guide and their website was a little confusing..)

Danke Mauro for confirming the wind thing!

See you soon,

Amos

[Amos Fasoletti]

Are "custom liveries" and companies allowed?

Can I fly with my 737 with custom livery and company name o do I have to simulate a real company?

[Mauro Gerber]

http://linksmanager.com/vatsimvas/directory1.html

so you can fly on your own with a copany callsign or you can join a virual airline.
The VA's usually make ther own liverys for the member.
And yes, you can fly with your own livery. Bud you and other pilots can only see what they and you have installed on their own computer ;-). So you can only see a SWISS Airbus A320 when you have installed a A320 plane with a SWISS livery.