AI traffic at airports and frame rates.

**Nate** · 08-15-2003, 03:29 PM

I don't like making an issue of frame rates in fs 04, but when they get down to 10fps or less it does get annoying. The only time that happens is when I'm at busy airports. In flight there's no problem at 25-30 fps. At the airports the AI traffic is the biggest problem because when I turn it off the rates jump a good 6-8 fps. I want to leave the traffic slider at 100%. Any advise? Would downloading aircraft with smaller texture files make a difference? Thanks.

**nwabri** · 08-15-2003, 03:39 PM

You should look into the AI Aardvark types, I guess they are VERY FR friendly..

I have never used them myself, but you might want to look into it.

**thunfield** · 08-15-2003, 04:05 PM

I did a benchmark yesterday using the default FS9 AI versus a selection of AI Aardvark planes.

The situation was a landing on runway 34L at KSEA.

First of all, turning the AI slider all the way to off yielded an average 30fps in my default detail settings (using FRAPS to measure the fps all the way to touchdown in the C172).

Next, I cranked the fps slider up to 75% with the default FS9 AI. The score was 22fps.

Finally, I replace all commercial airliners with AIA planes, but I leave the GA aircraft enabled. The result was 26fps.

So, kudos to the AIA team for making these large airports much more fps friendly.

An interesting note: If I am not looking at an airport, I can turn AI all the way from 0 to to 100% and loose only 1 fps. So, the limit (on my machine) is definately in displaying the plane.

As soon as AIA updates their models for full compatability with FS2004, I will be using them exclusively.

**jmagyar** · 08-15-2003, 05:26 PM

Woudld you say that AIA planes are more user friendly then PAI planes? I never really sat down and ran a test.

I can make my own F/P for AI...Or for that matter, use the PAI installer and install both, then just change all the PAI Flightplans to use AIA planes....

Just wondering which is less of a framerate killer.

James

**Nate** · 08-15-2003, 05:38 PM

Thanks for the info so far. I'm also curious in comparing aia and pai and their current compatabiltiy to fs 04.

**mikef1** · 08-15-2003, 07:33 PM

Is it easy to replace the default traffic with these other ones?

I don't have the greatest system, but FS2004 looks nice all the same, but it does slow down a bit when at major airports. Obviously this will happen unless I am prepared to sacrifice something, but whatever I can do to have it looking good and still run smooth is worth a try! :)

**Frank_Cubillos** · 08-15-2003, 10:03 PM

I like Coke you like Pepsi....It's one of discussions that never ends. Use what works best for your system. PAI thanks you for your support!

**draky** · 08-15-2003, 11:08 PM

You can do as I just did and get My Traffic installed in FS9 - saves loads of work and looks great - comes with all the frame rate friendly a/c add-ons that work and seem to populate everywhere. It's payware though.

I used to spend hours playing with traffic in FS2002 but now more time to fly!.

Dave

**jmagyar** · 08-16-2003, 12:46 AM

Okay. some people like to fly. Some like to tweak. I like knowning how things work and why. I like being able to ask and give advice, because I have been there and done that.

I know that I could of bought MT or UT. Both sound like excelent products. But what is keeping me from doing the same thing? A couple of days or even weeks of trial and error. And it is much more satisfying to see your airport come alive because you did it. Not install someone elses work. Those products are great for people that want to have instant traffic.

I try to max out the airport with A/I just enough I do not have any planes disappear. When I see one that does...I find out why and either change the arrival time or delete it. I hate planes that disappear!!! Can't wait for afcad any longer!!

James

**thunfield** · 08-16-2003, 01:25 AM

>Woudld you say that AIA planes are more user friendly then
>PAI planes? I never really sat down and ran a test.

Here's a web page that includes the results of some tests:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/gotorun/AIframe.html

As you will see, PAI planes do vary a bit in their FPS friendliness. Some times they are better than the MS default ... some times they are actually worse.

It seems that the AIA planes are all excellent in this regard....