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As with a desktop PC, you must ensure your laptop meets or exceeds all the System Requirements for the version of RealFlight you intend to use. Since RealFlight is 3D accelerated, it is especially important that the display device on your laptop is designed to support graphics-intensive 3D games. Laptops intended for 3D gaming will be built with a video card rather than an integrated graphics processor. Gaming-capable laptops are typically marketed as "gaming laptops" or "multimedia laptops".

For more information regarding the expected performance of your laptop, please contact your laptop manufacturer.

Yes. It is in PDF format, so you may need to get Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software in order to view it.

If you would like to print all or part of the RealFlight NexSTAR Manual, you can do so with your local printer.

RealFlight NexSTAR Manual (1.7MB)

RealFlight is compatible only with Microsoft Windows and cannot be used with Mac OS/OSX operating systems. But if you can run Windows on your Macintosh computer, you should also be able to run RealFlight.

Apple now offers a program called "Boot Camp" that does allow Macintosh users to dual-boot Windows with Mac OS/OSX. For help installing Windows onto your Mac using Boot Camp, contact Apple Support.

An integrated graphics processor is a low power substitute for a video card and is not intended for resource intensive 3D games. Integrated graphics use shared system memory (RAM) for video memory and the central processor (CPU) for graphics processing. A video card has the dedicated video memory (VRAM) and graphics processor (GPU) needed for handling 3D games.

For more information regarding the expected performance of the display device on your laptop or desktop computer, please contact your system manufacturer.

The warranty period for all RealFlight products is 90 days from the date of purchase. The warranty covers product defects and any damage that occurs during shipping and handling from the original purchase.

Please note: The warranty is not transferrable, and does not cover second hand purchases.

Under the terms of the Limited Use Software License Agreement, one copy of RealFlight is licensed for one user. While RealFlight is licensed for one user, that user can definitely have it installed on more than one machine at a time. There is no need to deregister a computer.

In the event the user is not able to activate or register on a second machine, they can contact Software Support to request a registration reset for their number. This will allow them to re-register from the new computer.

Resolution

If, during the installation process, the software ceases to respond after clicking Next, it will be necessary to delete the gpsn.vxp file from your hard drive.

If running Windows 95 or 98, the file may be found at: C:\windows\system\gpsn3.vxp.

If running Windows 2000 or XP, the file may be found at: C:\winnt\system32\gpsn3.vxp.

Resolution

There are several possible causes for this difficulty.

1. Something might have gone wrong during the transfer of files from the web site to your PC. That is, the actual file transfer may have failed.

   Check to make sure you have sufficient space on your hard drive. If the PC has sufficient space, clear the Download Cache and update the software once again. To do so, click the Start menu, select Program Files, RealFlight (or RealRace) and then the RealFlight Control Panel (or RealRace Control Panel). Click on the Online Update button followed by the Clear Download Cache button. Click Yes when prompted on the screen. Next, click Download Specific Version, select the latest version, and click on the Completely Refresh checkbox.

2. Alternately, a bug or difficulty might have been introduced with the updated download of the software. To verify this, return to the version of the software that you were using prior to noticing the difficulty. Click the Windows Start menu, select Program Files, RealFlight (or RealRace) and then the RealFlight Control Panel (or RealRace Control Panel). Click on the Online Update button followed by the Update to Specific Version option. From the list of updates, please select your previous version. If the difficulty still exists, then more than likely it wasn't something that was introduced by the simulator software. If, however, the difficulty is eliminated, try updating to the latest version of the software once again. If the difficulty is still apparent with the update it may be a bug in the software, Contact Us for further assistance.

Resolution

1. This might be due to the fact that the RealFlight software could not locate your serial number. If your controller is earlier than version 2.00.148, it is important to make sure that the RealFlight serial number appears in the Control Panel itself.

   To determine the version of the RealFlight Control Panel you will need to access the Control Panel itself. Click the Windows Start button, then move your cursor to the Programs item, and then to RealFlight. Select the RealFlight Control Panel, and then click the Technical Support button. The control panel version will be located in the lower left corner of the display. The version number will be preceded by 'Cp Version'.

2. Manually updating to the latest Control Panel will allow you to automatically connect to a secondary server once the program determines that the primary server has failed. Additionally, there is the option of manually overriding which server the program uses. To do so, click the Windows Start button, then move your cursor to the Programs item, select RealFlight and then select the RealFlight Control Panel. Click the Technical Support button followed by the Enter Tech Support Code and then type "USEBACKUPSERVER" (without using quotes).
3. If your Control Panel is version 2.00.148 or later, then the server may be down. Please try to access the updates later. If the error message appears again, please Contact Us.

Resolution

In order to manually update the simulator's Control Panel your software must have a Control Panel to begin with. If your software does not already have the Control Panel, please update your respective software. This update will include a Control Panel.

To download the manual update of the simulator's Control Panel click on the link below. This should be used if you are having problems updating your software using the RealFlight Control Panel's Online Updating.

Note: If you are updating OK with the Online Update, then you probably don't need this update, as it is included automatically in the Online Update.

Download Now: Control Panel Update (1.1MB)

Cause

Due to network problems, compatibility with the connection from your computer to ours, or any number of network type issues could cause problems with connection to the G2 Registration Server.

Resolution

Knowing that there may be unforeseen issues connecting to the G2 Registration Server, we have created a secondary server as a back up. If you are experiencing problems connecting to the primary server through the RealFlight Control Panel, a message will pop up asking if you wish to connect to the secondary server. Click OK and try connecting again. You should find that you will connect just fine to the secondary server.

The update for RealFlight NexSTAR is no longer available.

Please note: RealFlight NexSTAR is now discontinued. RealFlight NexSTAR was designed for Windows 98 Second Edition, Me, 2000, and XP. RealFlight NexSTAR is not supported for use on Windows Vista, 7, 8.x, or 10.

To update any previous version of the RealFlight software, we suggest purchasing the Software Only version of the simulation. The SKU is: RFL1001.

To update any previous version of the RealFlight software, we suggest purchasing the Software Only version of the simulation. The SKU is: RFL1101.

To update any previous version of the RealFlight software, we suggest purchasing the Software Only version of the simulation.

Resolution

When you start RealFlight, you receive a message or dialog box requesting a CD-ROM. If you insert the CD-ROM, yet the dialog box does not go away, then you may need to do one or both of the following:

• Edit the FILEREAD.INI in the C:\program files\realflight directory. Click the Windows Start button, and then select the Programs button. Click on Windows Explorer. In Windows Explorer click on the letter of the drive which represents the hard drive where the RealFlight files are located. Please note the Windows Explorer application may be located under the Programs button. If not, please highlight the Accessories button.
• It is also possible that Auto-play is disabled for the CD-ROM drive. Try enabling the Auto-play feature. To do so, click the Start button followed by the Settings options and then click the Control Panel. Open the System Control Panel. Choose Properties on your CD-ROM drive in the Device Manager. Make sure Auto insert notification is checked.

Resolution

If the CD-ROM drive appears to be functioning (i.e. CD-ROM drive spins up) but the software program does not run, there are several possible solutions:

1. If using Traveling Software's LapLink Gold, disable the feature that 'allows another computer to remotely control my system'. Refer to the user's manual for this software if you are unsure on how to do this.
2. If you were a beta tester for our software, please contact us for a resolution to this difficulty.
3. RealFlight and RealFlight Deluxe owners should be sure that they are running the latest version of the software.

Answer

This behavior may occur as a result of:

• Utilizing out-dated (or older) drivers with the software.
• Microsoft DirectX is not installed properly.
• Using a previous version of Microsoft DirectX.

Issues such as these are generally attributed to issues with the drivers in use on the PC. To resolve this issue, contact your hardware manufacturer(s) to inquire about how to obtain and install the latest version of the sound and/or video drivers.

Summary

Improve overall performance in RealFlight.

Resolution

During installation, RealFlight analyzes your computer's hardware specifications. RealFlight then tries to optimize its configuration to best take advantage of that hardware, and achieve the best possible performance.

However, if the performance is less than you'd expect, you can adjust some of RealFlight's settings to improve the simulation speed and frame rate:

• Ensure that the drivers for the video and sound cards are up-to-date.
• Turn off all other programs, especially virus checkers and network applications (such as Instant Messengers) while running RealFlight. Use CTRL-ALT-DELETE to ensure that nothing else is running in the background.
• Run the simulation in Full Screen Mode (in the Options menu, uncheck the Run in Window option).
• Alternatively, if you are running in Window Mode (Run in Window option is checked), alter the screen resolution from 32-bit to 16-bit color. Also, decrease the size of the RealFlight window.
• Reduce the texture quality. This can have a profound effect on cards that do not have a high texture memory. You can adjust texture quality on the Graphics Optimization page. To do so, click on the Options menu and then access the Graphics Optimizations menu.
• Use Photofield rather than the 3D Terrain option. In the Airport menu, uncheck the 3D Terrains item (if the item is not checked, you are already using Photofield). Or, if you don't want to use Photofield, decrease the terrain density using the Graphics Optimizations page.
• Eliminate the Airport Objects Shadow using the Graphics Optimizations page.
• Eliminate the Detail Textures using the Graphics Optimizations page.
• Reduce the number of open Gadgets. Click the "X" on each Gadget that you wish to close.
• Eliminate the Smoke/Exhaust options. Press ` (the accent key) on the keyboard.
• Disable the trees. In the Airport menu, uncheck the Show Trees option (this will make all trees and foliage disappear from your flying field).
• Reduce the number of recordings that are currently in use.
• Eliminate collisions. Uncheck Enable Collisions in the Options menu. (If the Enable Collisions item is not checked, collisions were not previously active.)
• It may be necessary to increase the System RAM of your PC. Click on the Windows Start menu, select Program Files/RealFlight/ RealFlight Control Panel. Next, click on the Technical Support button. The system RAM will be displayed on the third line. If you have 64MB or less, you may wish to add more RAM to this system.

Answer

If you are having video problems using RealFlight G2 or RealRace G2, you should see if the problem occurs with the basic Video Card functionality. To do this, you can run Billboard, a program written by Microsoft which is designed to test the basic Video Card functionality. If you see the same problems with Billboard, you should assume the problem is with your video card driver, video card, or other computer conflict.

To run Billboard:

1. Start the RealFlight Control Panel (Start Menu/Programs/RealFlight) - (or RealRace)
2. Click on the Technical Support button
3. Click on the Billboard button
4. Maximize the Billboard application to match the characteristics of the simulator.
5. Also try to switch Billboard into Full Screen mode and make sure that works as well.

To switch between Full Screen mode and Window mode with the RealFlight software running, click on the Options menu and then click the Run in Window option.

If there is already a check mark next to this menu item, you are currently using the Run in Window mode. Clicking the menu item will remove the check mark and change the software to the Full Screen mode. Alternatively, if you have not changed the Keyboard Mapping, you can press Tab on the keyboard.

While in Full Screen mode, pressing the Alt key or Esc key will display the menu.

An integrated graphics processor is a low power substitute for a video card and is not intended for resource intensive 3D games. Integrated graphics use shared system memory (RAM) for video memory and the central processor (CPU) for graphics processing. A video card has the dedicated video memory (VRAM) and graphics processor (GPU) needed for handling 3D games.

For more information regarding the expected performance of the display device on your laptop or desktop computer, please contact your system manufacturer.

If the aircraft and flying fields appear as a red and blue shifted double image, your video card is displaying in Stereoscopic 3D rather than standard 3D.

Stereoscopic 3D is an option found on many high-end video cards, and is intended for use with 3D glasses. Stereoscopic 3D creates an extra level of immersion similar to 3D movies. When you view a 3D game in Stereoscopic 3D without the proper glasses, you will see a red and blue shifted double image. Standard 3D is what you see with more traditional 3D games where no special glasses are required.

If you are using a GeForce video card, you can toggle Stereoscopic 3D off using the Ctrl + T keystroke while RealFlight (or any 3D game) is running.

If Ctrl + T does not turn off the effect you are seeing, please contact Horizon Hobby Software Support for further assistance.

Answer

This behavior may occur as a result of:

• Utilizing out-dated (or older) drivers with the software.
• Microsoft DirectX is not installed properly.
• Using a previous version of Microsoft DirectX.

Issues such as these are generally attributed to issues with the drivers in use on the PC. To resolve this issue, contact your hardware manufacturer(s) to inquire about how to obtain and install the latest version of the sound and/or video drivers.

Answer

If you are having sound problems using RealFlight G2 or RealRace G2, you should see if the problem occurs with the basic Sound Card functionality. To do this, you can run Play3DSound, a program written by Microsoft which is designed to test the basic Sound Card functionality. If you see the same problems with Play3DSound, you should assume the problem is with your sound card driver, sound card, or other computer conflict.

To run Play3DSound:

1. Start the RealFlight Control Panel (Start Menu/Programs/RealFlight) - (Or RealRace)
2. Click on the Technical Support button
3. Click on the Sound button

As with a desktop PC, you must ensure your laptop meets or exceeds all the System Requirements for the version of RealFlight you intend to use. Since RealFlight is 3D accelerated, it is especially important that the display device on your laptop is designed to support graphics-intensive 3D games. Laptops intended for 3D gaming will be built with a video card rather than an integrated graphics processor. Gaming-capable laptops are typically marketed as "gaming laptops" or "multimedia laptops".

For more information regarding the expected performance of your laptop, please contact your laptop manufacturer.

RealFlight is compatible only with Microsoft Windows and cannot be used with Mac OS/OSX operating systems. But if you can run Windows on your Macintosh computer, you should also be able to run RealFlight.

Apple now offers a program called "Boot Camp" that does allow Macintosh users to dual-boot Windows with Mac OS/OSX. For help installing Windows onto your Mac using Boot Camp, contact Apple Support.

An integrated graphics processor is a low power substitute for a video card and is not intended for resource intensive 3D games. Integrated graphics use shared system memory (RAM) for video memory and the central processor (CPU) for graphics processing. A video card has the dedicated video memory (VRAM) and graphics processor (GPU) needed for handling 3D games.

For more information regarding the expected performance of the display device on your laptop or desktop computer, please contact your system manufacturer.

Compatibility Chart for Expansion Packs 1-8 C = Compatible N = Not Compatible

	EP 1	EP 2	EP 3	EP 4	EP 5	EP 6	EP 7	EP 8
RealFlight Classic	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight Deluxe	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
R/C Pilot	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight G2	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight G2 Lite	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight NexSTAR	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight NexSTAR EP	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight G3.x	C	C	C	C	N	N	N	N
RealFlight G4.x	C	C	C	C	C	C	N	N
RealFlight Basic	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight G5.x	C	C	C	C	C	C	C	C
RealFlight 6.x	C	C	C	C	C	C	C	C
RealFlight 7.x	C	C	C	C	C	C	C	C
RealFlight 8.x	C	C	C	C	C	C	C	C
RealFlight 9.x	C	C	C	C	C	C	C	C
RealFlight Drone	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
RF-X	N	N	N	N	N	N	N	N

The Expansion Packs are not interdependent. They can be installed in any order or combination into a compatible version of RealFlight.

Compatibility Chart for Add-Ons Volume 1-5 Disks C = Compatible N = Not Compatible

	AOV 1	AOV 2	AOV 3	AOV 4	AOV 5
RealFlight Classic	C	C	C	C	N
RealFlight Deluxe	C	C	C	C	N
R/C Pilot	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight G2	C	C	C	C	C
RealFlight G2 Lite	C	C	C	C	C
RealFlight NexSTAR	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight NexSTAR EP	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight G3.x	C	C	C	C	C
RealFlight G4.x	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight Basic	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight G5.x	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight 6.x	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight 7.x	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight 8.x	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight 9.x	N	N	N	N	N
RealFlight Drone	N	N	N	N	N
RF-X	N	N	N	N	N

The Add-Ons Volume disks are not interdependent. They can be installed in any order or combination into a compatible version of RealFlight.

Please Note: The aircraft and airports from Add-Ons Volumes 1-5 were re-developed for compatibility with RealFlight G4.x, G5.x, 6.x, 7.x, and 8.x. That content is now available as a free download.

Compatibility Chart for the Airplane Mega Pack C = Compatible N = Not Compatible

	Airplane Mega Pack
RealFlight Classic	N
RealFlight Deluxe	N
R/C Pilot	N
RealFlight G2	N
RealFlight G2 Lite	N
RealFlight NexSTAR	N
RealFlight NexSTAR EP	N
RealFlight G3.x	N
RealFlight G4.x	N
RealFlight Basic	N
RealFlight G5.x	N
RealFlight 6.x	C
RealFlight 7.x	C
RealFlight 8.x	C
RealFlight 9.x	C
RealFlight Drone	N
RF-X	N

Compatibility Chart for the Helicopter Mega Pack C = Compatible N = Not Compatible

	Helicopter Mega Pack
RealFlight Classic	N
RealFlight Deluxe	N
R/C Pilot	N
RealFlight G2	N
RealFlight G2 Lite	N
RealFlight NexSTAR	N
RealFlight NexSTAR EP	N
RealFlight G3.x	N
RealFlight G4.x	N
RealFlight Basic	N
RealFlight G5.x	N
RealFlight 6.x	C
RealFlight 7.x	C
RealFlight 8.x	C
RealFlight 9.x	C
RealFlight Drone	N
RF-X	N

Compatibility Chart for the NexSTAR Transmitter Interface C = Compatible N = Not Compatible

	NexSTAR Transmitter Interface
RealFlight Classic	N
RealFlight Deluxe	N
R/C Pilot	N
RealFlight G2	N
RealFlight G2 Lite	N
RealFlight NexSTAR	C
RealFlight NexSTAR EP	C
RealFlight G3.x	N
RealFlight G4.x	N
RealFlight Basic	N
RealFlight G5.x	N
RealFlight 6.x	N
RealFlight 7.x	N
RealFlight 8.x	N
RealFlight 9.x	N
RealFlight Drone	N
RF-X	N

Summary

Improve overall performance in RealFlight.

Resolution

During installation, RealFlight analyzes your computer's hardware specifications. RealFlight then tries to optimize its configuration to best take advantage of that hardware, and achieve the best possible performance.

However, if the performance is less than you'd expect, you can adjust some of RealFlight's settings to improve the simulation speed and frame rate:

• Ensure that the drivers for the video and sound cards are up-to-date.
• Turn off all other programs, especially virus checkers and network applications (such as Instant Messengers) while running RealFlight. Use CTRL-ALT-DELETE to ensure that nothing else is running in the background.
• Run the simulation in Full Screen Mode (in the Options menu, uncheck the Run in Window option).
• Alternatively, if you are running in Window Mode (Run in Window option is checked), alter the screen resolution from 32-bit to 16-bit color. Also, decrease the size of the RealFlight window.
• Reduce the texture quality. This can have a profound effect on cards that do not have a high texture memory. You can adjust texture quality on the Graphics Optimization page. To do so, click on the Options menu and then access the Graphics Optimizations menu.
• Use Photofield rather than the 3D Terrain option. In the Airport menu, uncheck the 3D Terrains item (if the item is not checked, you are already using Photofield). Or, if you don't want to use Photofield, decrease the terrain density using the Graphics Optimizations page.
• Eliminate the Airport Objects Shadow using the Graphics Optimizations page.
• Eliminate the Detail Textures using the Graphics Optimizations page.
• Reduce the number of open Gadgets. Click the "X" on each Gadget that you wish to close.
• Eliminate the Smoke/Exhaust options. Press ` (the accent key) on the keyboard.
• Disable the trees. In the Airport menu, uncheck the Show Trees option (this will make all trees and foliage disappear from your flying field).
• Reduce the number of recordings that are currently in use.
• Eliminate collisions. Uncheck Enable Collisions in the Options menu. (If the Enable Collisions item is not checked, collisions were not previously active.)
• It may be necessary to increase the System RAM of your PC. Click on the Windows Start menu, select Program Files/RealFlight/ RealFlight Control Panel. Next, click on the Technical Support button. The system RAM will be displayed on the third line. If you have 64MB or less, you may wish to add more RAM to this system.

Summary

Windows Explorer is one key application with which you should familiarize yourself. This article will briefly describe how to use Windows Explorer. If you are new to the Windows Operating system or to computers in general, it is strongly suggested that you purchase a 'How to' book at your local bookstore. This material will more than likely explain the software in greater detail.

What is Windows Explorer?

Windows Explorer offers you a fast, easy way to view, copy, delete, move, etc., the folders and files found on all of your disk drives. Think of it as one really big filing cabinet. It is important to note that the Windows Explorer application is different from Internet Explorer. Windows Explorer lets you play with the files on your computer, while Internet Explorer allows you to connect to other computers via the World Wide Web.

How to open Windows Explorer

For Windows 95, 98, and ME:

1. Click the Windows Start button, and then select the Programs button.

2. Click on Windows Explorer.

For Windows 2000 and XP:

1. Click the Windows Start button, and then select the Programs button.

2. Select the Accessories button.

3. Click on Windows Explorer.

For Windows Vista and 7:

1. Click the Windows logo in the task bar at the lower left.

2. Click Computer from the menu that appears.

What are Drives, Folders and Files?

For organizational purposes, everything on your computer is reduced or segmented into very specific parts and locations. Your PC also consists of drives which are further broken down into Hard Drive(s), CD-ROM drives, floppy drives, ZIP drives (if applicable) and so forth. Within each Drive, there are hundreds, and potentially thousands of Folders and Files. Again, each of these files and folders are of great assistance in keeping things orderly.

A Folder is very similar to a folder in a file cabinet. Inside each of the Folders, there may very well be more sub-folders, or Files. Folders are a great way to keep you organized on different projects that you may be involved with. For example, you might have a Folder for all of your documents, and another for all of your spreadsheets. Furthermore, you may have sub-folders within these to keep those documents even more organized.

Each individual document and spreadsheet within is known as a File. Files are the items that you are able to view and to work on if desired. Examples include images you download from your digital camera, or Word documents you've created.

What's inside all these folders?

When you open Windows Explorer, you will see two sections, a left 'pane' and right 'pane'. The left pane shows you your drives and folders. This layout is called a tree, as it closely resembles a tree with all of the 'branches'. To the left of each of the drives is a small [+] symbol. Using the mouse and clicking on this symbol will show you all the folders that are stored on that particular drive. Some of these folders themselves will also have a [+] symbol next to them. Again, this means that there are more sub-folders contained within that particular folder. If you click on the [+], it will open the folder list to reveal the contents and change the [+] to a minus [-] symbol. This simply means that the folder has been opened accordingly. If you click the [-] then it will close the folder and return it to the [+] symbol.

The right pane shows all the files and sub-folders that are contained within the folder that you are currently viewing with Explorer. For example, let's view the contents of the My Documents folder. Generally speaking, this folder is contained on the 'C:' drive of your PC. As such, locate your 'C:' drive in the left pane, click the [+] next to this drive- remember, if it's already opened, it will have a [-] next to it. From the folders listed in the 'C:' drive, locate the My Documents folder. Click on the Folder itself, not the [+] symbol next to it. This will change the contents of the right pane to display all of the sub-folders and files in My Documents.

Opening a file

It is important to note that your computer contains two vastly different types of files. There are Program files and Data files. Program files are the applications that you run on your computer. Examples of Program files include RealFlight and Windows Explorer itself. Data files, on the other hand, contain information that was created by the Program files. These might include text documents, photos or images and music. To open a Program file, simply point the mouse cursor on the file, and click twice (double-click) with the left mouse button. As an example we'll open RealFlight using Windows Explorer:

On the left pane, locate the hard drive that contains the RealFlight program. Generally, this is the 'C:' drive. Click the [+] symbol next to this drive. Again, if it shows the [-] symbol there is no need to click on it as the drive is open.

On the left pane below your hard drive, search for a folder labeled Program Files and click the [+] next to it. This will reveal the contents of the Program Files. Looking at the left pane below the Program Files listing locate a folder that has been designated as RealFlight. To open the RealFlight files, simply click the folder to access its contents. There is no need to click the [+]. The right pane will now display everything that is located in the RealFlight folder. Look for a file titled RealFlight that includes the same icon as the one that appears on your desktop. If you wish to start the RealFlight software, double-click this folder.

Data files are opened in exactly the same way. The only difference is that Windows will first open the application that is needed to view the data file. That is, you do not need to do this yourself. Again using RealFlight as an example, let's open the readme file that appears in the RealFlight folder.

Move or Copy a File

The simplest and most efficient way to move or copy a file is to use your mouse to drag it to the desired location. Moving a file is defined as taking the file out of one folder and placing it into a different folder. Copying, on the other hand, keeps the original file in its current or existing folder and makes an additional 'copy' in the new or target folder.

To move a file:

Locate the file you wish to move on the right pane.

Scroll the left pane so that the target folder or desired location appears. In other words, you are able to see the folder in which you wish to move the file. Click and hold down the left mouse button on the file you wish to move. With the mouse button still held down, move the mouse cursor to the target folder. While you are doing so, a faint image of the icon should now appear with the mouse cursor. When the target folder is highlighted, release the mouse button. This will move the file from its current location to the new desired location. Holding down the mouse button while moving the cursor is called 'dragging the mouse'.

The file you moved should now appear in the new folder.

To copy a file:

To copy a file, follow the same steps as above for moving a file, but this time, hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard while you are dragging the file.

The same steps can also be used for copying and moving folders themselves. When you copy or move a folder, everything in the folder, including files and sub-folders, are also transferred as well.

This article only briefly discusses what you can do with Windows Explorer. There are many, many additional features and functions offered by this application. If you are new to computers, or to Windows, or if you would simply like to investigate the functionality of this program, it is highly recommended that you check out your local bookstore for more reference.

Creating a new Folder

On the Menu bar, click File, then select New and finally click Folder and the folder will be created in the right hand pane. At this point, the new folder will be created and the name will be highlighted.  Type in the name you wish to call the new folder.  Make sure prior to making the new folder that you are located at the proper place in the hierarchical view in the left pane. The new folder will always be created as a subfolder of whatever location you have selected.

Drivers are the software installed to support the hardware on your computer (e.g. video card or sound card). The drivers for your computer are not supported through Horizon Hobby.

If you need to update a driver for your computer, please contact your computer manufacturer’s technical support.

Resolution

1. Start the RealFlight Control Panel (or RealRace or R/C Pilot) by going to the Start Menu/Program/RealFlight menu.
2. Click on RealFlight Control Panel
3. Click on Technical Support
4. Look at the text in the lower left

The software version or 'build' will appear as: x.xx.xxx; 2.00.240 is one such example. There are several methods which may be utilized to determine the software version (or build) that you are running. The method utilized depends upon which software you are running as well as personal preference.

For RealFlight G3, G4, G5 and 6, double click the RealFlight Launcher on the desktop. The version number may be found at the top right hand corner of the Launcher screen.

For RealFlight G2 or RealRace G2, access the RealFlight Control Panel (or RealRace Control Panel). To do so, click on the Windows Start menu and select Program/RealFlight/RealFlight Control Panel. The version number may be found at the top of the Control Panel.

Alternately, run your RealFlight, R/C Pilot or RealRace software and click on the Help menu. Select About. The version number will be located approximately half-way down on the About screen.

Answer

If you are having video problems using RealFlight G2 or RealRace G2, you should see if the problem occurs with the basic Video Card functionality. To do this, you can run Billboard, a program written by Microsoft which is designed to test the basic Video Card functionality. If you see the same problems with Billboard, you should assume the problem is with your video card driver, video card, or other computer conflict.

To run Billboard:

1. Start the RealFlight Control Panel (Start Menu/Programs/RealFlight) - (or RealRace)
2. Click on the Technical Support button
3. Click on the Billboard button
4. Maximize the Billboard application to match the characteristics of the simulator.
5. Also try to switch Billboard into Full Screen mode and make sure that works as well.

Answer

If you are having sound problems using RealFlight G2 or RealRace G2, you should see if the problem occurs with the basic Sound Card functionality. To do this, you can run Play3DSound, a program written by Microsoft which is designed to test the basic Sound Card functionality. If you see the same problems with Play3DSound, you should assume the problem is with your sound card driver, sound card, or other computer conflict.

To run Play3DSound:

1. Start the RealFlight Control Panel (Start Menu/Programs/RealFlight) - (Or RealRace)
2. Click on the Technical Support button
3. Click on the Sound button

Drivers are the software installed to support the hardware on your computer (e.g. video card, sound card). The drivers for your computer are not supported through Horizon Hobby.

If you need to repair (e.g. uninstall/reinstall) a driver for your computer, please contact your computer manufacturer's technical support.

Software Support hours of operation: 8am-6pm Central Time, Monday-Friday.

Email: Please use our contact form.

Mailing Address: Horizon Hobby
Software Support
1608 Interstate Drive
Champaign, IL 61822

Lockups/Freezes

When the simulation and/or computer stops responding suddenly, this is known as a lockup or freeze.  There are several possible causes and solutions to this difficulty.

Video Drivers:

If this occurs while in the simulation, it generally indicates a problem with the video card drivers. We strongly suggest that you update the video drivers and then fly once again to determine if the problem has been resolved. 

Sound Drivers:

The difficulty may also be caused by sound card drivers. Update your sound card drivers. Once the update has been completed test the software to see if the problem has been resolved. If not, try turning Off the sounds in your simulation.

Additionally, you can test the computer's basic sound compatibility to ensure that it is functioning properly.

If this difficulty occurs when starting the program, make sure that you are running the latest version of the software. If so, make sure that your video and sound card drivers are updated.

These difficulties might also be attributed to other programs running in the background. These applications may be using system resources that are necessary to run your simulation. Use CTRL-ALT-DELETE to ensure that nothing else is running in the background. The process for turning Off additional applications varies by operating system. For information on how to do so, we suggest that you consult the owner's manual for your particular operating system.

Still doesn't work?

If the program still exhibits difficulties when starting, and you have utilized our suggestions above, please contact us for further information and assistance.

Summary

The simulator requires the CD-ROM to function.

Resolution

Your simulation will occasionally require the software CD-ROM in order to function. If your simulation requires the CD-ROM each time you access or run the program, please update your software accordingly.

"Dual Rates" refer to altering the rate of servo travel for a control surface on R/C aircraft (e.g. Ailerons, Elevator, and sometimes Rudder). Dual Rates consist of Low Rates and High Rates. Low Rates make the aircraft less responsive (i.e. easier to control), and High Rates make the aircraft more responsive (i.e. harder to control). Dual Rates are typically controlled by a toggle switch on an R/C transmitter.

In RealFlight, the aircraft control surfaces can be set up with Dual Rates. The switch you use to select Low Rates or High Rates depends on the controller or R/C transmitter you are using and personal preference. It is also possible to use a key on your keyboard to control Dual Rates. However, doing so is not realistic to R/C aviation.

Please note: Dual Rates are configured separately for each aircraft.

Yes. It is in PDF format, so you may need to get Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software in order to view it.

If you would like to print all or part of the RealFlight NexSTAR Manual, you can do so with your local printer.

RealFlight NexSTAR Manual (1.7MB)

Software Support hours of operation: 8am-6pm Central Time, Monday-Friday.

Email: Please use our contact form.

Mailing Address: Horizon Hobby
Software Support
1608 Interstate Drive
Champaign, IL 61822

The warranty period for all RealFlight products is 90 days from the date of purchase. The warranty covers product defects and any damage that occurs during shipping and handling from the original purchase.

Please note: The warranty is not transferrable, and does not cover second hand purchases.