PMDG and default ATC

[mainplane737]

Hi,

I am a new user here, but not really new to flight simulator. I am considering buying the PMDG 737 NG, but I have one concern. I don't really like to fly online to much, and was wondering that if with the default ATC in FS9 and the SID/STAR stuff that the PMDG had, if it caused a problem as far as ATC telling you to do something and it not being in your route in the FMC? I just don't want to buy it and find out that it is not good to use with default ATC.

I would assume that someone out there has it, and if anyone could possibly help me with this.

Thank you

P.S.- I know PMDG has a website and a forum, but they wont let me register because of my e-mail address.

[Lobaeux4]

No problem, I can answer. (hehe, also my first post here)

PMDG NG is a fantastic aircraft, you won't regret buying it, but it is expensive. Especially if you buy the complete package, both the 600/700, and 800/900 together. But, well worth it!
As far as SIDs/STARs go, the FMC is able to be programmed with them, or you can manually program your own. The a/c will of course follow the SID/STAR, with occasional input from the pilot, changing the MCP altitude on the autopilot. However, MSFS ATC doesn't recognise SIDs/STARs, using the default ATC you'll either have to: 1. Cancel IFR flight to resume your own departure/arrival based on the FMC, 2. Follow the MSFS ATC vectors (which remarkably, is pretty close to real life), but can be helped by programming the MSFS ATC to follow the real life SID/STAR, 3. Use Radar Contact, it allows for SID/STARs and does a fantastic job.

I admit, it is extra work to fly online, or set up Radar Contact (although I prefer both those to MSFS ATC), when I fly with the default ATC, I'll program in the STAR I want or expect to use. But, I'll only program it so far, maybe the first point or two of the arrival and then by having the next point direct to the airfield, default ATC will give vectors from that point to the type of approach. That's about as realistic as you can get with the default ATC, which actually is pretty close to real world.
Hope this helps, you won't be disappointed with PMDG bird!!

[mainplane737]

Thanks for your quick response to my question, but i have one more.

1. What do you mean by radar contact, do you mean flight following by the default atc, or is it an add-on? Just not sure.

Thansk again for your quick response.

[chrispeel]

I have the PMDG 737 series and use it quite a lot.I also use the SIDS and STARS in the FMC if at all possible.I does get complicated but the simple answer is-go buy it and use it.You will soon learn to get round some of the ATC problems.

For instance after take off do not obey the frequency change immediately(but do acknowledge it) and fly your SID and at some suitable point call up the next ATC sector as instucted.By then you should be somewhere near your FS flight planned route and ATC will probably just tell you to proceed on course.Obviously you could program your FS flight plan with all the waypoints in the SID but if you are given a different runway you will be scuppered unless you save flight plans for every SID and STAR!A big job.

"Radar Contact" is add on software which I think improves on the basic ATC in FS9 but I've not tried it.I think there is to be a version for FS 2004 soon.

[mainplane737]

Thanks guys.

I bought it tonight, but i cant get the tutorial to work. It is coming up in jibberish basically, just a bunch of shapes and stuff. I am trying to use the one on the PMDG website, but it isnt working. Anyone know how I could fix this, or of another simialr tutorial that might work??? Thanks again, i know, this is alot of questions.

P.S.- I dont have word