AFPD New Install Problems
 

I just purchased AFPD and installed it on my desktop computer--which should meet the minimum specs, though it may not be optimal. Once I installed the program, I brought it up and it sits as the initialization screen and simply stops at the message "loading ChristianEagle plane." Never goes any further, then eventually it stops and Windows comes up with the usual "Do you want to send an error report to Microsoft" message. I'm not sure if its a video problem, sound problem, driver problem, compatibility problem, etc. My computer is a HP Pavillion a720n desktop computer with the following specs:

3200+ AMH Athlon CPU
512MBs of RAM
Integrated Graphics with 64MBs of RAM

After looking through the system, I discovered that the Graphics card uses the VIA/S3G driver. Their website is http://www.s3graphics.com/en/index.jsp. I am running their Unichrome IGP card (DM400/KN400). Again, not optimum, but should work. From what I can gather, the driver does support OpenGL--in fact, it has OpenGL information under the Windows display driver info.

I also loaded this up on my laptop and it works great, so I know the AFPD cable works. My laptop has an integrated ATI Radeon X300 with 64MBs of memory and works beautifully. So I know the program works, but there seems to be some issue with my desktop--either hardware or software driver/compatibility issue.

Can somebody help please?

Thanks in advance,

Gerry Davis

RE: AFPD New Install Problems
 

All,

Called IKARUS USA earlier today. They informed me that many of the desktop computers that have integrated video will not work. I looked at my specs on my PC a little closer and found that my graphics card, that is integrated, has 64MB's of shared video RAM, but dedicated RAM for graphics. That being said, he let me know this definitely was the issue. Even though it supports OpenGL, it still needs a better graphics card or it won't even load.

I went out and purchased one of the recommended cards--the ATI Radeon 9550 with 256MBs of RAM, plugged it in, installed the drives, and it runs great even at the highest resolution. Frame rates were between 150 and 200. Great looking graphics and the planes seem to respond as they should--seems very realistic.

Thanks,

Gerry