Problem Various Issues with Orbiter 2010

[LTrotsky]

Having several problems with the Orbiter install on my machine.

1. Using transx (actually, attempting to learn it) will cause the program to crash. It is not immediate, but after going through several screens and trying to create a plan, at some point it will crash. One crash happened the instant I tried to bring up transx.

2. Launched the first scenario in the navigation folder (again, trying to learn transx), closed session, the program hung on the exit process ("please wait while Orbiter closes the . . . " etc. never completed).

3. Have attempted to use TransferMFD for various purposes only to find that it is fairly inaccurate for something as simple as a Lunar Transit, and essentially useless for anything else (though, I could be wrong). I should note am only attempting to use it for anything else because transx is crashie. Any comments on using Transfer would be welcome.

Orbiter Install

Latest version of Orbiter 2010 (as the log file below shows), plus an Earth Texture add-on from http://orbitersimulator.com/orbiter-2010-downloads/

and the Orbiter Sound download. So, pretty vanilla.

Log File :



here is my latest log :

**** Orbiter.log
Build Aug 30 2010 [v.100830]
Timer precision: 5.39902e-007 sec
Found 0 joystick(s)
Devices enumerated: 6
Devices accepted: 5
==> RGB Emulation
==> Direct3D HAL
==> Direct3D T&L HAL
==> Direct3D HAL (AMD Radeon HD 7640G)
==> Direct3D T&L HAL (AMD Radeon HD 7640G)
Module AtlantisConfig.dll .... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module AtmConfig.dll ......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module DGConfigurator.dll .... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module OrbiterSound.dll ...... [Build 121120, API 100830]
Module transx.dll ............ [Build 100824, API 100823]
Module ScnEditor.dll ......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module FlightData.dll ........ [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module Framerate.dll ......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module Rcontrol.dll .......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module ScriptMFD.dll ......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module ExtMFD.dll ............ [Build 100830, API 100830]

**** Creating simulation session
DirectDraw interface OK
Direct3D interface OK
Graphics: Viewport: Fullscreen 1280 x 768 x 32
Graphics: Hardware T&L capability: Yes
Graphics: Z-buffer depth: 32 bit
Graphics: Active lights supported: 8
Loading 15382 records from star database
Module Sun.dll ............... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(E) Sun: Precision 1e-006, Terms 554/6634
Module Mercury.dll ........... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Mercury: Precision 1e-005, Terms 167/7123
Module Venus.dll ............. [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module VenusAtm2006.dll ...... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Venus: Precision 1e-005, Terms 79/1710
Module Earth.dll ............. [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module EarthAtmJ71G.dll ...... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Earth: Precision 1e-008, Terms 2564/2564
Module Moon.dll .............. [Build 100830, API 100830]
ELP82: Precision 1e-005, Terms 116/829
Module Mars.dll .............. [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module MarsAtm2006.dll ....... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Mars: Precision 1e-005, Terms 405/6400
Module Phobos.dll ............ [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Deimos.dll ............ [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Galsat.dll ............ [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Jupiter.dll ........... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Jupiter: Precision 1e-006, Terms 1624/3625
Module Io.dll ................ [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Europa.dll ............ [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Ganymede.dll .......... [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Callisto.dll .......... [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Satsat.dll ............ [Build 100215, API 100212]
Module Saturn.dll ............ [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Saturn: Precision 1e-006, Terms 2904/6365
Module Mimas.dll ............. [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Mimas: Terms 113
Module Enceladus.dll ......... [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Enceladus: Terms 33
Module Tethys.dll ............ [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Tethys: Terms 101
Module Dione.dll ............. [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Dione: Terms 59
Module Rhea.dll .............. [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Rhea: Terms 68
Module Titan.dll ............. [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Titan: Terms 100
Module Iapetus.dll ........... [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Iapetus: Terms 605
Module Uranus.dll ............ [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Uranus: Precision 1e-006, Terms 1827/5269
Module Miranda.dll ........... [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Ariel.dll ............. [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Umbriel.dll ........... [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Titania.dll ........... [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Oberon.dll ............ [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Neptune.dll ........... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Neptune: Precision 1e-006, Terms 391/2024
Finished initialising world
Module DeltaGlider.dll ....... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module LuaInline.dll ......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Finished initialising status
Finished initialising camera
Finished initialising panels
Finished setting up render state
---------------------------------------------------------------
>>> WARNING: Obsolete API function used: oapiGetStationCount
At least one active module is accessing an obsolete interface function.
Addons which rely on obsolete functions may not be compatible with
future versions of Orbiter.
---------------------------------------------------------------
ERROR: DDraw object is still referenced: 1058
---------------------------------------------------------------
>>> ERROR: Destroy framework objects failed
>>> [OrbiterGraphics::Exit3DEnvironment | .\OGraphics.cpp | 1034]
---------------------------------------------------------------
**** Closing simulation session

Seems like a couple of problems here, not sure if they would affect transx, but nevertheless would like to solve and get to a point where I can begin to learn transx. Naturally all help appreciated.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

TransX may occasionally cause problems when it has several pages loaded, but it shouldnt crash too regularly from what I know. What other add-ons do you have installed?

Just for the record, I dont think you need things like script, flght data, or framerate MFD turned on. Unless you need a plugin module, dont activate it, as an unneeded plugin wastes RAM.

 

[LTrotsky]

Roger, turning those off.

OS = Windows 7 Home Premium

The system is a laptop.

With respect to add-ons, only Orbiter Sound and the Earth textures.

Also I noticed in the cfg file that local lights = true, and have unchecked that in visual parameters as a precaution.

 

[orb]

Also I noticed in the cfg file that local lights = true, and have unchecked that in visual parameters as a precaution.

With "Direct3D T&L HAL (AMD Radeon HD 7640G); Graphics: Hardware T&L capability: Yes; Graphics: Active lights supported: 8" you don't need to worry about local light sources causing the problems.

 

[LTrotsky]

Okay thanks Orb, thats what I thought too . . . just trying to eliminate possibilities here.

The obsolete api thing seems bad, but don't know how to solve that.

I've checked the orbiter install log and the dxdiag report in the orbiter folder, nothing indicates a problem there.

 

[dgatsoulis]

The default TransXMFD has been reported to have a couple of issues with Orbiter 2010.
Mainly a graphics issue (grey sphere) and -sometimes- crashes.
Try atomicdryad's fix version found here. (First link in that post).

 

[LTrotsky]

Okay, I downloaded that. It is a zip file. It appears (but I could be wrong) that I will have to manually deposit the unzipped files in the appropriate directory. However, the directory structure in the .rar does not match the directory structure of Orbiter 2010. Thoughts? Instructions? Insults?

 

[dgatsoulis]

The directory structure is correct. The Orbitersdk folder contains the source code and the Modules directory contains the .dll file you will need.

Unzip in your Orbiter directory maintaining directory structure.
It should overwrite the $Orbiterroot\Modules\Plugin\transx.dll

If you want to do it manually simply grab the transx.dll file from the Modules\Plugins directory of the .zip file and place it in the Modules\Plugins directory of your Orbiter installation, overwriting the old one.

You will know that you have the new transx version installed if the MFD has an additional "ENT" button on the lower right corner.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

The default TransXMFD has been reported to have a couple of issues with Orbiter 2010.
Mainly a graphics issue (grey sphere) and -sometimes- crashes.
Try atomicdryad's fix version found here. (First link in that post).

Interesting. Was the latest source code ever made available? I might like to try tinkering with it someday.

 

[dgatsoulis]

Interesting. Was the latest source code ever made available? I might like to try tinkering with it someday.

Included in the download.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

Included in the download.

With the patch you just mentioned?

Edit: Yes it is, thanks Dgatsoulis

 

[dgatsoulis]

IIRC, yes it contains the latest changes. But just in case it doesn't, you can also get a summary of all changes, and full source code here.

EDIT::ninja:'d

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

IIRC, yes it contains the latest changes. But just in case it doesn't, you can also get a summary of all changes, and full source code here.

I wish I had noticed this earlier, it will make setting up burns much easier :thumbup:

I havent found the default TransX to be overly stable or unstable. I prefer it over IMFD for its simplicity & more direct approach to navigation, but it is fairly limited by comparison. I might be tempted to try adding more enhanced stuff like aerobraking someday, but I'll need more time messing with MFD development before that can become a reality.

 

[dgatsoulis]

While we are waiting for the OP to see if the problem was fixed, I'll jack the thread for a bit.

I havent found the default TransX to be overly stable or unstable. I prefer it over IMFD for its simplicity & more direct approach to navigation, but it is fairly limited by comparison. I might be tempted to try adding more enhanced stuff like aerobraking someday, but I'll need more time messing with MFD development before that can become a reality.

Other than planning multiburn flights from the ground, IMFD can do pretty much what TransX can. The Map program is its major advantage.
Still I prefer setting up my slings with TransX, perhaps because I am used to it. I also like the ability to add a DSM in my plan without the need to actually fly it.

I find that those two MFDs compliment each other really well and I always suggest to newcomers to take the time and learn how to use both. If anything they will have a measure of comparison for their flight-plans.

The improvements I'd like to see in TransX:

1.An adjustment setting before "Coarse". ("Rough" perhaps?)
Finding a launch window to the outer planets can be a pain and such a setting would make things a lot more easier.

2. An auto-targeting feature in the Target View. Not an autoburn, just targeting.
Making a correct burn can be a difficult thing for a novice. We even have tutorials on how to make a correct burns with TransX. An auto-targeting feature would make things a bit easier for beginners.

On the other hand, the TransX manual targeting has become part of its appeal. I'd hate to see it become a "point&click&get there" MFD.

3. At least one more reference frame in the Graph Projection.
An "Edge On" view, in plane with the ecliptic would really help. An additional equatorial view, even better. Perhaps even 3D rotate?

4. (purely aesthetic). The dark blue lines of the planets' orbits are ok when you are running Orbiter but they are very hard to see in tutorial videos. A lighter blue would help there. Also a slightly bigger "x" in the Target View.

Apologies to the OP for jacking the thread.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

1.An adjustment setting before "Coarse". ("Rough" perhaps?)
Finding a launch window to the outer planets can be a pain and such a setting would make things a lot more easier.

Ie more coarse than coarse, or between medium & coarse?

2. An auto-targeting feature in the Target View. Not an autoburn, just targeting.
Making a correct burn can be a difficult thing for a novice. We even have tutorials on how to make a correct burns with TransX. An auto-targeting feature would make things a bit easier for beginners.

Gotta find that little green x :lol:. That would be nice, but I don't think its that hard to do manually. But fair enough as a teaching tool.

 

[dgatsoulis]

More coarse than coarse.
It's only useful for setting the date, but it's VERY useful there. Imagine having to cycle through the next 3 launch windows to Jupiter with the current "Coarse" setting.

Atomicdryad's "ENT" button kinda addresses this issue, but any TransX veteran will tell you that you still end up using the "++", "--" and "ADJ" buttons all the time.

Gotta find that little green x .

:lol: That's why I added it in the aesthetic changes.

 

[LTrotsky]

Please jack the thread and help me learn, step by step, to use transx.

I have installed the newer transx dll but also had to manually deal with a thermal issue (yes, this involved screws, thermal compound and q-tips).

So it may be a day or two before I can confirm function.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

Please jack the thread and help me learn, step by step, to use transx.

I have installed the newer transx dll but also had to manually deal with a thermal issue (yes, this involved screws, thermal compound and q-tips).

So it may be a day or two before I can confirm function.

Have you read "Deep Space Manual" in the Orbiter docs? I would be glad to try to help talk you through some of the MFD's quirks, but nothing else that Ive seen will help quite as much as that guide. I strongly reccomend reading it first. :thumbup:

 

[dgatsoulis]

Please jack the thread and help me learn, step by step, to use transx.

TransX Video Tutorials on YouTube

David "blixel" Courtney's YT channel

One playlist on the topic from David's channel

 

[LTrotsky]

Okay TransX is stable now

Well, thanks for the link to the beta tranx dll. The transx mfd is stable now and does not crash, or at least has not crashed since I installed it.

I have used transx to attempt a lunar pass and capture twice, the first was a failure (though I made it by dead reckoning), the second attempt was a success, especially as I did a retrograde orbit which was my objective. Though tranx reported a near pass at about 112km, on approach the orbital plane appeared to report an impact. A small, dead reckoning adjustment, was all that was necessary. Landed on BB as well. In all of this, there were no tranx (or Delta Glider) crashes.

The above description does point up the lack of familiarity with transx, as I assume that MFD could be used with better precision and for simple manuvers and corrections which are inevitably necessary. I will review the links provided, thanks.

Incidentally, I should note that I had already subscribed to David's channel. His tutorials are excellent for people needing "ground up" sort of explanations - he explains everything very well.