HiFi SimTech's entrance into the X-Plane space was one of the top stories of 2018. Their product, Active Sky XP, was one of 2018's most anticipated addons, and now the first major update to the software is available.
Service Pack 1 was first announced on the 30th of January and brought a multitude of changes to the weather engine.
SP1 is available to all owners of Active Sky XP for free. To update, simply re-download the installer from the Active Sky website here.
Here's the changelog:
Active Sky Program Free Free Downloads - 2000 Shareware periodically updates software information and pricing of Active Sky Program Free from the publisher, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it. Active Sky XP (ASXP) brings the popular award-winning Active Sky weather engine to the X-Plane platform for the first time. Using a hybrid weather depiction interface through X-Plane 11's weather API, a realistic, high-performance and high-fidelity weather experience is realized. What you need to understand: Sky Maxx Pro is just cloud replacement, to make it look fancy. It has no weather engine. You could either use default XP or something like Pilots FS Global Real Weather. XEnviro on the other hand is both. Engine and replacement. I personally use Enviro+ (Freeware) and I am super happy. Before that I used SkyMaxxPro.
Open Beta 1
I'm using Active Sky XP and X-Vision, clouds are default XP. Very happy with the result, fully aware of the limitations of the weather system in XP11. Before I had Sky Max Pro 4.8 and FSGRW weather injector and it never gave me satisfying results. Weather was never close to real conditions, specially the clouds.
- Added Turbulence improvements throughout for increased realism and compatibility with various aircraft types
- Improved weather update process to significantly reduce 'cloud redraws' when the relevant cell areas haven't changed significantly even during a download/update process
- Added new 3-letter USA airport/weather station data support – 3 letter airports now provide actual weather data, when available, instead of interpolating
- Improved weather station coverage by approximately 500 stations globally
- Added 5 second delay when looping ATIS/Flightwatch messages
- Added common data export path support as per FSX/P3D AS products (available in General options)
- Added support of VV/// METAR elements which will force ceiling to 0ft
- Added additional X-Plane version checking logic during folder selection process to prevent a case where automatic detection of an old/obsolete version could be found without user's confirmation and no ability to select the desired/proper version folder
- Added + character support in Active Sky account e-mail addresses
- Improved documentation regarding default X-Plane location/folder selection process whether standard or Steam variant
- Added various user registration process improvements
- Improved cell/station logic logging for debugging purposes
- Improved interpolation logic for very short flights with or without flight plan for more accurate weather conditions even when a station borders multiple 'cells' that previously may have had variable weather causing apparent discrepancies
- Improved interpolation logic in general
- Adjusted Maximum and Minimum Surface Visibility options when in default non-global depiction mode to limit maximum value to 20 miles (due to X-Plane limitations in this mode)
- Reduced yaw/side forces during turbulence effects
- Various UI adjustments for 125% and 150% scaling modes
- Changed default maximum surface visibility to 20 miles for consistency between depiction modes
- Updated Documentation to account for changes
- Fixed problem with ASXP turbulence not effecting larger aircraft appropriately
- Fixed issue regarding yaw forces seemingly persisting after turbulence events in some cases
- Fixed problem with cirrus clouds not depicting in many cases when in default cell/theme depiction mode
- Fixed some UI layout issues in certain cases
- Fixed some language issues and typos in UI messages, descriptions and documentation
- Fixed problem in password change function where password change may cause inability to login in some cases
- Fixed issue with crosswind attenuation with gusts/variability present
- Fixed problem with very long passwords
- Fixed an issue regarding sigmet boundary parsing in some cases
- Fixed problem regarding delayed/obsolete TAF data preventing proper interpolation in some cases
- Fixed issue regarding AI aircraft data read in some cases (regarding certain add-ons that modify internal AI aircraft datarefs)
Open Beta 2
Windows Xp Active
- Tuned turbulence: Decreased effect scale for middle-heavy weight aircraft, Increased effect scale slightly for light aircraft, increase pitch rotational effect overall, reduced roll effect slightly
- Updated API docs to correct issue regarding as_xconnect.txt module log filename
- Added client IP address/ports logging into in as_xconnect.txt
Open Beta 3
- Fixed 2 potential crashes
- Miscellaneous stability improvements
- Updated User's Guide (typos)
Open Beta 4
- Adjusted gusts/variability effects for increased smoothing, more organic feel and reduced repetitive yaw movement in near-surface wind layers
- Tuned turbulence for more effect for heavy to super heavy aircraft (767+)
- Tuned turbulence for less effect for mid weight airliners (757)
- Improved Cirrus depiction for more appropriate cloud/texture type
Release Candidate 1
- Changed maximum surface visibility (and minimum surface visibility's maximum setting) to 30SM vs. previous 20SM, when in default theme/cell depiction mode, to increase surface vis when conditions dictate
Active Sky Xp Download Installer
Release Candidate 2
- Slightly reduced roll motion in turbulence effect
- Adjusted turbulence for less overall effect for light/medium weight GA aircraft (2000-10000lbs)
- Fixed potential memory leak/OOM issue related to logging
- Fixed an error in parsing old .fms flight plan format containing an uppercase '3 VERSION' line
Release Candidate 3
- Attempted fix for potential crash related to wind smoothing
- Attempted fix for X-Plane crash on exit in some cases
Release Candidate 4
- Further turbulence tuning (less overall rotation, more translation, less roll and yaw in general)
- Added new API function GetWeatherInfoXml to receive extended weather/layer information from Active Sky
- Added new API functionality to change audio volume
- Added new API functionality to get active SIGMETS/AIRMETS
- Updated API documentation
Fans of flight simulation, rejoice!
One of the most complete and comprehensive mods of flight simulation history has been updated. It took some time to get there, but the much-loved Active Sky is finally with us in a new 2016 update. Active Sky 2016 offers a new way for people to enjoy weather like never before. With sixteen years of development, hard work and professional precision in one, Active Sky 2016 marks the pinnacle of weather-based mods.
This offers a gluttony of new features that should definitely be checked out. Any flight simulation fan with a love or passion for flight will absolutely want to try this modification out. If you already own Active Sky, then you can just upgrade to the new 2016 edition.
If you don't, though, you can start today. All you need is an active license key for ASE, AS2012 or ASN to get this working.
What's New in 2016?
The introduction of a whole new raft of extra systems. From new in-cloud motion effects to a weather scenario system, flight management has never been so fun. You can control every aspect of the weather, and track it with the new airborne weather radar. Fans of realism can take things worth with the use of fresh Navigraph data integration and a re-designed, map-based custom weather editing system.
Make use of these brilliant new features with the extra P3D v3 visibility smooth and volumetric fog integration. This means that P3D users will finally get a more authentic and fun flight style. Not only will this really help you tick every box in terms of realism, but these new features will help pilots learn as they go.
Thanks to the improved mapping system as well as a fix for high-latitude cloud squeezes, you'll find navigation simpler in every way. This offers a brutally enjoyable range of new changes and improvements that fully portray why Active Sky 2016 is a must-have mod.
However, this also makes huge strides in improving the overall realism of weather depiction. Fans in the past have complained that weather has felt scripted and average. With this mod, though, you get a far more genuine process. From the speed and quality of data parsing to the synthesis and interpolation of the weather features, everything feels improved.
This makes sure that you can enjoy a fresher and more engaging weather experience, without performance dips. Everything that you use here is going to make sure you get a fully, frank and capable understanding of what weather should look like. Other mods might try and sell you an image, this sells you a truly authentic scenario.
Another major improvement was the full and frank integration with Active Sky Cloud Art. This mod was a major hit with fans, but conflicts in the past caused performance dips and errors. Now, you can run both flagship mods beside each other on both FSX and P3D in the future.
ASCA makes use of brilliant cloud and sky textures to paint the perfect image. It also utilizes excellent 3D cloud models that make the sky look far more alive than before. With this, real-time cloud dynamics can be seen to ensure that weather-influenced variety creeps into play. This means that realistic changes occur during your flight, reducing the need to keep signing in and out.
Fully compatible with various graphics add-ons to make sure you can have a wonderful overall picture. However, please be aware that if you wish to use dynamic texture reloads you will need to use both AS16 and ASCA together.
About Active Sky
Designed as the comprehensive way for flight simulation fans to have truer designs in simulation, Active Sky does what it says on the tin; it improves the sky. In the past, the sky in simulators has just been a dull texture with nothing much going on; it lacked the depth and precision that was needed. Active Sky is one of the modifications to try and change this problem. Not only does using this ensure you get a far more comprehensive solution to the skies in FSX, it improves the atmosphere tenfold.
You'll find that the whole world look far more authentic in simulation when used in this manner. Not only can you make your flights more engaging, you can actively improve your piloting experience. The more authentic the performance in the simulator, the more likely you are to become the best pilot that you possibly can!
VIDEO: Introducing AS16
Active Sky Main Features
Makes use of the potential for stronger and more authentic skies within simulation. Enhances the overall weather engine of the simulator, as well. This makes sure that your overall flight experience can reflect that of a genuine pilot much easier. Using this mod, you can easily utilize realistic flight scenarios.
This is because weather plays such a key role. With major new changes such as greatly improved thunderstorm effects, you'll get to enjoy the real danger of flying an aircraft. Thunderstorms are terrifying to fly in, and this mod will make them so. You have to try and avoid thunder storms now, instead of flying through them as you may have done in the past!
However, this improvement to weather and scenery should not hamper your performance. You can still receive high frame rates and a greater level of overall reliability when flying. Although this changes a lot, everything in Active Sky has been refined continuously to retain consistent performance.
Nothing in this mod is going to offer your machine a challenge it cannot face. Although it uses unique and exceptionally detailed integration and overall depiction, it still feels great to fly in. with ambient conditions that match reality, flights now feel far more authentic. You can even look at air effects and precipitation, adding another major flight consideration.
High-fidelity air effects like microbursts, downdrafts, updrafts, thermals and more have been included. These help to further add to the challenge of flying, making it much harder than it was in the past to fly with accuracy.
Makes use of the Active Sky API system to give you better integration for other mods. Now you can make use of the advanced radar, icing, wind shearing and overall weather management for yourself.
Uses online historical data to make sure that you can fly in sync with the weather for the last two years. This will ensure that you get authentic flight conditions that mimic that of the real world. This makes it much easier to enjoy days that you remember – why not try and recreate that famous Wednesday afternoon flight to Mallorca?
And much more!
Screenshots
System Requirements
Windows Xp Active
- Tuned turbulence: Decreased effect scale for middle-heavy weight aircraft, Increased effect scale slightly for light aircraft, increase pitch rotational effect overall, reduced roll effect slightly
- Updated API docs to correct issue regarding as_xconnect.txt module log filename
- Added client IP address/ports logging into in as_xconnect.txt
Open Beta 3
- Fixed 2 potential crashes
- Miscellaneous stability improvements
- Updated User's Guide (typos)
Open Beta 4
- Adjusted gusts/variability effects for increased smoothing, more organic feel and reduced repetitive yaw movement in near-surface wind layers
- Tuned turbulence for more effect for heavy to super heavy aircraft (767+)
- Tuned turbulence for less effect for mid weight airliners (757)
- Improved Cirrus depiction for more appropriate cloud/texture type
Release Candidate 1
- Changed maximum surface visibility (and minimum surface visibility's maximum setting) to 30SM vs. previous 20SM, when in default theme/cell depiction mode, to increase surface vis when conditions dictate
Active Sky Xp Download Installer
Release Candidate 2
- Slightly reduced roll motion in turbulence effect
- Adjusted turbulence for less overall effect for light/medium weight GA aircraft (2000-10000lbs)
- Fixed potential memory leak/OOM issue related to logging
- Fixed an error in parsing old .fms flight plan format containing an uppercase '3 VERSION' line
Release Candidate 3
- Attempted fix for potential crash related to wind smoothing
- Attempted fix for X-Plane crash on exit in some cases
Release Candidate 4
- Further turbulence tuning (less overall rotation, more translation, less roll and yaw in general)
- Added new API function GetWeatherInfoXml to receive extended weather/layer information from Active Sky
- Added new API functionality to change audio volume
- Added new API functionality to get active SIGMETS/AIRMETS
- Updated API documentation
Fans of flight simulation, rejoice!
One of the most complete and comprehensive mods of flight simulation history has been updated. It took some time to get there, but the much-loved Active Sky is finally with us in a new 2016 update. Active Sky 2016 offers a new way for people to enjoy weather like never before. With sixteen years of development, hard work and professional precision in one, Active Sky 2016 marks the pinnacle of weather-based mods.
This offers a gluttony of new features that should definitely be checked out. Any flight simulation fan with a love or passion for flight will absolutely want to try this modification out. If you already own Active Sky, then you can just upgrade to the new 2016 edition.
If you don't, though, you can start today. All you need is an active license key for ASE, AS2012 or ASN to get this working.
What's New in 2016?
The introduction of a whole new raft of extra systems. From new in-cloud motion effects to a weather scenario system, flight management has never been so fun. You can control every aspect of the weather, and track it with the new airborne weather radar. Fans of realism can take things worth with the use of fresh Navigraph data integration and a re-designed, map-based custom weather editing system.
Make use of these brilliant new features with the extra P3D v3 visibility smooth and volumetric fog integration. This means that P3D users will finally get a more authentic and fun flight style. Not only will this really help you tick every box in terms of realism, but these new features will help pilots learn as they go.
Thanks to the improved mapping system as well as a fix for high-latitude cloud squeezes, you'll find navigation simpler in every way. This offers a brutally enjoyable range of new changes and improvements that fully portray why Active Sky 2016 is a must-have mod.
However, this also makes huge strides in improving the overall realism of weather depiction. Fans in the past have complained that weather has felt scripted and average. With this mod, though, you get a far more genuine process. From the speed and quality of data parsing to the synthesis and interpolation of the weather features, everything feels improved.
This makes sure that you can enjoy a fresher and more engaging weather experience, without performance dips. Everything that you use here is going to make sure you get a fully, frank and capable understanding of what weather should look like. Other mods might try and sell you an image, this sells you a truly authentic scenario.
Another major improvement was the full and frank integration with Active Sky Cloud Art. This mod was a major hit with fans, but conflicts in the past caused performance dips and errors. Now, you can run both flagship mods beside each other on both FSX and P3D in the future.
ASCA makes use of brilliant cloud and sky textures to paint the perfect image. It also utilizes excellent 3D cloud models that make the sky look far more alive than before. With this, real-time cloud dynamics can be seen to ensure that weather-influenced variety creeps into play. This means that realistic changes occur during your flight, reducing the need to keep signing in and out.
Fully compatible with various graphics add-ons to make sure you can have a wonderful overall picture. However, please be aware that if you wish to use dynamic texture reloads you will need to use both AS16 and ASCA together.
About Active Sky
Designed as the comprehensive way for flight simulation fans to have truer designs in simulation, Active Sky does what it says on the tin; it improves the sky. In the past, the sky in simulators has just been a dull texture with nothing much going on; it lacked the depth and precision that was needed. Active Sky is one of the modifications to try and change this problem. Not only does using this ensure you get a far more comprehensive solution to the skies in FSX, it improves the atmosphere tenfold.
You'll find that the whole world look far more authentic in simulation when used in this manner. Not only can you make your flights more engaging, you can actively improve your piloting experience. The more authentic the performance in the simulator, the more likely you are to become the best pilot that you possibly can!
VIDEO: Introducing AS16
Active Sky Main Features
Makes use of the potential for stronger and more authentic skies within simulation. Enhances the overall weather engine of the simulator, as well. This makes sure that your overall flight experience can reflect that of a genuine pilot much easier. Using this mod, you can easily utilize realistic flight scenarios.
This is because weather plays such a key role. With major new changes such as greatly improved thunderstorm effects, you'll get to enjoy the real danger of flying an aircraft. Thunderstorms are terrifying to fly in, and this mod will make them so. You have to try and avoid thunder storms now, instead of flying through them as you may have done in the past!
However, this improvement to weather and scenery should not hamper your performance. You can still receive high frame rates and a greater level of overall reliability when flying. Although this changes a lot, everything in Active Sky has been refined continuously to retain consistent performance.
Nothing in this mod is going to offer your machine a challenge it cannot face. Although it uses unique and exceptionally detailed integration and overall depiction, it still feels great to fly in. with ambient conditions that match reality, flights now feel far more authentic. You can even look at air effects and precipitation, adding another major flight consideration.
High-fidelity air effects like microbursts, downdrafts, updrafts, thermals and more have been included. These help to further add to the challenge of flying, making it much harder than it was in the past to fly with accuracy.
Makes use of the Active Sky API system to give you better integration for other mods. Now you can make use of the advanced radar, icing, wind shearing and overall weather management for yourself.
Uses online historical data to make sure that you can fly in sync with the weather for the last two years. This will ensure that you get authentic flight conditions that mimic that of the real world. This makes it much easier to enjoy days that you remember – why not try and recreate that famous Wednesday afternoon flight to Mallorca?
And much more!
Screenshots
System Requirements
- Windows Vista or later
- Microsoft Flight Simulator X with SP2 or Acceleration or FSX: Steam Edition.
- 2GHZ processor or better.
- 2GB RAM or better.
- 1GB available hard drive space.
- Minimum monitor resolution to access all user interface features: 1024×768.
- A fully working Sound device (for sound and voice features).
- Requires continuous Internet Access.
- Requires an online internet connection for normal usage.
- Please remember that Online activation is mandatory.
- License Restrictions exist, too – check out the Active Sky website for further details.
- License is valid for one computer/installation only.
- Moving software to another computer will deactivate the previous computer.
- 10 automatic reactivations are permitted.
- Multiple-computer installations will require an individual AS16 license for each computer that it is installed on.
Recommended Settings
- 3.0GHZ Processor or better
- 4GB RAM or better
- Broadband high-speed internet connection
- 1280×800 or better resolution
For more information, visit the HiFi Simulation Technology website here. This product will soon be available on SimShack.
