Integrating FreeMeshX from an External Location

Hi Will,

Great question! Understanding the integration of FreeMeshX with FSX can indeed be a bit perplexing at first glance, especially when dealing with external file locations. Let's unravel this together.

Firstly, there's no need to copy and paste the FreeMeshX files into the "add on scenery" folder. FSX is quite flexible in terms of where it can read scenery data from, and this includes external locations like your desktop. The key is to correctly point FSX to where you've stored the files.

Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure FSX uses FreeMeshX from an external setting:

• Extract FreeMeshX: As you've done, extract the entire FreeMeshX archive to your desired location, such as the desktop or a dedicated folder.
• Open FSX Settings: Launch FSX and go to the "Scenery Library" section in the settings.
• Add Scenery Area: In the Scenery Library, click on "Add Area".
• Locate FreeMeshX Folders: Browse to where you've extracted FreeMeshX. Select each "FreeMeshX" titled folder, like "FreeMeshX - Africa", and make sure to select the "scenery" folder within.
• Select 'Use this scenery directly': After selecting the "scenery" folder, choose the option "Use this scenery directly".
• Repeat for All Regions: Follow the same process for all the FreeMeshX regional folders.
• Prioritize in Scenery Library: Ensure these entries are at the top of your scenery library list for optimal performance.
• Restart FSX: Once all areas are added, it’s a good practice to restart FSX.

A critical note: In FSX, there's a known bug where clicking 'OK' might seem ineffective. If you encounter this, simply click on any white space in the browsing menu to close the dialog window.

This process leverages FSX’s ability to read scenery from various locations on your computer, eliminating the need to clutter your core FSX folders with add-ons. It's an elegant solution that keeps your simulator organized and efficient.

In the realm of Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and X-Plane 12, the approach to scenery integration is similar, underscoring the flexibility and user-friendliness of modern flight sim platforms.

For further details on FreeMeshX, feel free to check out the comprehensive guide at Fly Away Simulation.

Hopefully, this clears up the process for you, Will. If you have any more queries or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy flying!