| "FsEffects" is a little tool for Microsoft
FlightSimulator 2002. It can create
API files for any FS2002 special effect (e.g. smoke, waterfalls, ...).
The program is rather simple, but you need some scenery design
experience. Don't
start with special effects if you have never created a scenery before.
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Download
FsEffects needs the same DLL files as "Easy
Object Designer" (EOD). FsEffects won't work if these DLLs are
not on your computer. Just install EOD before using FsEffects.
FsEffects, version 1.1.5: fsfx05.zip
Compatibility
FsEffects is compatible with every scenery design program which can
import API files. I tested it with "Airport 2.6".
FsEffects is SCASM and FreeSC compatible.
Legal
FsEffects is freeware and you can only use it for freeware sceneries. You
are not allowed to use it for commercial purpose (shareware sceneries,
...). more...
Distribution of sceneries using effects
The API files created by FsEffects contain only link to the fx-file.
This is not important if you use standard FS2002 effects, but it's also
possible to create your own effects. (Edit an fx-file with Windows
Notepad).
The fx-file must be included in your ZIP file of your scenery and the user
must copy it to the FS2002\effects folder of his computer. |
Usage
Run FsEffects.exe
Change the "FS2002\Effects folder" path to the
correct location. Press the "..." button to do that.
Do the same with the "API file output path" (if you want the
created API files in another folder than the program folder of FsEffects.
Click "Next"
A list appears with all installed FS2002 effect files (*.fx).
Not every fx-file is suitable for the usage in sceneries. Some of appear
for 5 seconds and disappear after that, because they were made for e.g.
touchdown smoke effects. Try the "effect controller" files with
"cntrl_" in the beginning.
For example: cntrl_kilaueaeruption.fx
Click "Next"
It's possible to show the effect only at a certain date or in a given time
period.
Don't activate any checkbox if you want to see the effect all the time.
Here's an example for fireworks which will appear every
year on the 1st of January from 0:00 to 2:59 AM.
For advanced users:
FsEffects doesn't allow a higher "from" value than the
"to" value. That means you cannot select "Hour from 23 to
2" or "Month from December to January". If you wish to do
that, you need to activate the option "Allow all possible time
values". This will deactivate the control mechanism and you can
choose any "from" and "to" value you wish. I don't
know how FS2002 handles this, so you need to test it by yourself.
Click "Next"
FsEffects proposes a file name for the API file. Just change it if you
don't like the proposed file name :-)
The text of the "title, description" field will appear in the
scenery design program when you insert the API file into your scenery.
Click "Create API file".
FsEffects creates the API file and returns to the beginning (Introduction/Setup).
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