rec.autos.simulators

 Just got F12000 a few days ago. Several things I can't figure out.

 All options are "on", "100", "high", etc., except for Shadows.

 What is the "Fog" setting for? The manual mentions it, but it makes
no sense to me. I have it set to 100%, what does this do?

 Also have "Yellow Flags" On, in test or race sessions, I'm constantly
radioed about crashes in different sectors and to "watch for the
yellow flags!". I have not seen a single yellow-flag, ever. Do they
work? I've seen many broken parts on the track, but no warning.

 Other thing (subjective I think); I find the overall graphics almost
"murky". For me, it's hard to focus ahead, as the track is somehow
hard to see.  I tried mip-mapping, and that made it worse (track edges
are too fuzzy). Without mip-mapping, track-side objects (fences, etc.)
look too jagged, I get a "flickering" effect while driving.

 As mentioned, all options are on. Anyone know of some sort of "good
balance" for video settings, to get the cleanest/clearest video? I
have a Voodoo3/3000, using 3dfx-tweak. Perhaps any settings (other
than "Auto") that would improve the sharpness of the tracks, while not
"fuzzing" out the track itself? Or maybe an .ini file setting in
F12000?

 Thanks much!, Matt

You should set all of the shadows, particles and other similar
objects to LOW. Many people use OFF.

Beats me.

No flags at all. I don't really like that but there you have it.

It doesn't look murky on my 600W with a 12MB Voodoo2 card.
So I guess I am not sure what to make of this complaint.

I got a huge graphics boost when I went to 800x600 set most
options on high or max. I also turned on the mirrors with the
objects in the mirror set to OFF. what is that 3dfx tweak you
mentioned? That is the only thing that sounds iffy.

Also what is your CPU?

--

Yellow flags are only in the***pit when you see the yellow lights showing
up.

Flickering? Check for latest drivers or change some graphic settings. I am
sure that when you put some more hours in it, you will like it more and
more. The tracks are realistic. The colors could have been better.

If you machine doesnt run as smooth as you want, then the first advices of
EA are: turn off mirror (or at least some details in mirrors), turn off
pitlane objects, run f1 2000 in windowsmode (change it in .ini file)

Most of the other questions have been answered so i'll just answer
what hasn't. Fog makes the distance fogged at what percent you set it.
If set fog at 100% and distance detail at 100% then you won't notice
it. If you set fog at 80% and distance detail at 100% the you will see
that the detail is slightly fogged at 80%. This is done to help
provide a bit of frame rate boost because the graphics don't have to
be draw as detailed when it is fogged.

I don't use mip mapping, I have a V5 so FSAA helps with the flickering
and jaggies. But, if you have the most recent V3 drivers then in the
3DFX hub you can adjust the LOD setting. This will affect how blurred
the mip mapping looks too. But, this will also affect the frame rate.
It's best to leave mip mapping off, you will get used to the
shimmering fences etc.

--
Nos

  HJ, Nos,

 No wonder didn't see any yellow flags waving. Silly to put flags in
the***pit (too busy to see them), but better than nothing.

 Oh, and the "fog" setting. Remembering this in flight-sims, I
completely understand what this option does now (i.e., 100% fog will
offer 100% view).

 HJ, it's not a flickering I'm getting (poorly explained on my part)
but rather (as Nos says) "shimmer". More driving/testing, and I can
get rid of the stuff that bugs me the most (fences and telephone wires
mostly. Dang helicopter fly'n around is distracting too)

 Nos I have 3dfx 1.04 drivers, and am DL'ing the 1.05 drivers right
now (the drivers with improved card-setting options). I will
un-install 3dfx-tweak, and at least try to fine-tune the LOD setting
you mentioned.

 Except for the LCD display so hard to see while driving), and those
"boing'n tires" (not that bad really, it kinda adds to the ride), this
is pretty good with all the driving-help options turned off. Kinda
easy to win too, so it's nice to see the A/I setting can go above
100%. Replays are great (just drive-space is needed) even if blocky at
times, but better than no replay at all.

 The save-folders are baffling (names like G18g, G22g) it's hard to
figure out where to put downloaded setups. Haven't figure out a way to
save races either, but have not done a championship season either.

 I really should read more of the manual..<g>.

 Thanks again, Matt

I think those folders are created every time you create a new player
profile. I just stick with the default player profile so I don't have
those folders. If you download setups you have to put them in the
correct player folder or you won't see them in the setups load screen.
--
Nos

 Okay, thanks. I kept on hitting that "Save Profile" button, thinking
it was for seperate circuits.

 Matt