ClearView RC Flight Simulator is Monster piece of crap. Avoid it like the H1N1 virus!

ChiefBohegan · Oct 30, 2009, 09:37 PM

Don't waste your money on clearview rc (really crappy) flight simulator unless you like flushing your money down the toilet.

It constantly crashes (not the planes, the software) for no reason whatsoever. After it crashes it resets to default so you have to constantly reload your plane, reload your landscape, re customize your settings etc..

Constantly have to recalibrate controller. With clearview rc flight simulator you'll hit reset to start a new flight or load a new model and you'll find the rudder all the way to the right or left for absolutely no reason even though it's centered on the controller.

Clearview is slow as molasses. It takes forever to load up (almost a minute) every time it crashes. Grrrr!!

Oh yeah did I mention for no reason whatsoever the mouse cursor disappears (yup it just vanishes) rendering the software useless as tits on a bull because it usually happens when you try to load a plane and since you have no cursor you can't make a selection. You have to press Alt F4 to shut it down and then reload.

If you try the ClearView Sim demo , it may actually work. That's because the demo only allows you to use the software for approximately 2 minutes (maybe it's little longer , I didn't time it) and the problems don't start appearing until about 7 minutes into the program.

It's not my computer either, I have never experienced any of the problems I am having with clearview with FMS. FMS is not great but at least it doesn't constantly crash and reset itself. Also I've tried several other sim demos and they all worked fine (Eg realflight, HeliX, CRRCSim).

The support is useless too. It basically "your computer is the problem, not our software" support.

Last but not least is the dirty little pricing trick. rcflightsim.com advertises the sim for $39. But when you go to buy it there's an extra $4.97 "Registration Backup Service" fee that you CAN'T opt out of. This is not a state or federal tax but just a cheap trick to squeeze a couple extra dollars out of you. Since I consented to the purchase I guess I am the sucker.

I contacted rcflightsim.com for a refund and they basically said the problem is with my computer and not the software and too bad for you because other software companies don't give refunds. Well other software companies' software doesn't suck like clearview's.

I've been ripped off. This is the worst rc sim software on the market today. Stay away from this turd. Don't be another sucker.

Rota · Oct 31, 2009, 01:12 AM

The problems you're describing all point to your computer, not the sim. You just don't seem to want to accept it. What OS are you running, and what hardware is in your computer?

Malc C · Oct 31, 2009, 06:01 AM

before we get into a slagging match how about posting the specification of your computer, and the details in the event manager log for all the crashes. This might help those who are knowledgeable in diagnosing these issue actually clarify if its down to the PC hardware, OS or software

To be honest, if it was such a common issue there would be loads of similar posts here every day, as it's no then I have to agree with Stefan and Rota, in that there is something not quite right with your PC

bullwinkle9 · Oct 31, 2009, 08:49 AM

I have used CV for several years now and have never had the problems you describe. And I run it on a laptop!
George

bullwinkle9 · Oct 31, 2009, 08:51 AM

Oh, and I forgot to mention. I don't appreciate your language on this thread.
George

handyflyer · Oct 31, 2009, 10:50 AM

I love it!! Runs great on my Gateway running AMD 64 X2 processor 2GB ram, Radeon 1650 video card and Vista. Usually 250-200 fps. Sometimes 330 FPS.

Montag DP · Oct 31, 2009, 01:23 PM

I've never experienced any of the problems you are having, and my laptop is not top-of-the-line by any means (it's over 3 years old). I usually get around 150 fps. You might as well accept it's a problem with your computer, not the software.

ChiefBohegan · Oct 31, 2009, 01:36 PM

I have an athlon 64 - 3800 processor, Windows XP, 2 Gigs Ram

Fact. HeliSim Rc Works PERFECTLY.
Fact. FMS work PERFECTLY.
Fact. CRRCSim works PERFECTLY.
Fact. Heli-X works PERFECTLY.
Fact. RealFlight Demo works PERFECTLY.

Fact. Clearview Never works.

Conclusion. Clearview RC Sim Sucks. Hands down winner of the worst software I've ever had on my computer. It's the walmart of RC sims. Looks good when you buy it but then breaks when you bring it home.

If it works for you that's great. I still would not recommend this software to my worst enemy.

Montag DP · Oct 31, 2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefBohegan

I have an athlon 64 - 3800 processor, Windows XP, 2 Gigs Ram

Fact. HeliSim Rc Works PERFECTLY.
Fact. FMS work PERFECTLY.
Fact. CRRCSim works PERFECTLY.
Fact. Heli-X works PERFECTLY.
Fact. RealFlight Demo works PERFECTLY.

Fact. Clearview Never works.

Conclusion. Clearview RC Sim Sucks. Hands down winner of the worst software I've ever had on my computer. It's the walmart of RC sims. Looks good when you buy it but then breaks when you bring it home.

If it works for you that's great. I still would not recommend this software to my worst enemy.

So based on your own experience, Clearview sucks. Fine.

Based on everyone else's experience, it works great.

Conclusion: there is something wrong with your computer when running the program. Clearview does not suck.

Wouldn't you rather get to the heart of the issue, since you already spent $40 on it?

skirtz · Oct 31, 2009, 02:40 PM

>I have an athlon 64 - 3800 processor, Windows XP, 2 Gigs Ram
You did not specify your video card - to see what you have, type dxdiag in the command line and click at Display1 tab. I personally think you have one of the older Intel integrated chipset that are not really a 3d video card. With computer like yours I will recommend to get NVidia 9400 GT from http://newegg.com for less than $40. With it, you will get 200-500 fps.

Stefan
http://rcflightsim.com

Comm69 · Oct 31, 2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefBohegan

I have an athlon 64 - 3800 processor, Windows XP, 2 Gigs Ram

Fact. HeliSim Rc Works PERFECTLY.
Fact. FMS work PERFECTLY.
Fact. CRRCSim works PERFECTLY.
Fact. Heli-X works PERFECTLY.
Fact. RealFlight Demo works PERFECTLY.

Fact. Clearview Never works.

Conclusion. Clearview RC Sim Sucks. Hands down winner of the worst software I've ever had on my computer. It's the walmart of RC sims. Looks good when you buy it but then breaks when you bring it home.

If it works for you that's great. I still would not recommend this software to my worst enemy.

Fairly bad attitude that you have.

Two of the above sims require OpenGL; they are HeliSim and Heli-X. Other than the RealFlight demo, which is a 'canned' piece of software, the rest are under constant development, are free and require very little in the ways of a computer to operate.

I would venture that you finally put a decent sim, ClearView on your computer and discovered that your computer is not up to the task.

Don't blame Clearview, blame your computer.

Rota · Oct 31, 2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefBohegan

I have an athlon 64 - 3800 processor, Windows XP, 2 Gigs Ram

Fact. HeliSim Rc Works PERFECTLY.
Fact. FMS work PERFECTLY.
Fact. CRRCSim works PERFECTLY.
Fact. Heli-X works PERFECTLY.
Fact. RealFlight Demo works PERFECTLY.

Fact. Clearview Never works.

Conclusion. Clearview RC Sim Sucks. Hands down winner of the worst software I've ever had on my computer. It's the walmart of RC sims. Looks good when you buy it but then breaks when you bring it home.

If it works for you that's great. I still would not recommend this software to my worst enemy.

With an attitude like that I don't even want to help you.

Deserteagle · Oct 31, 2009, 08:56 PM

if you mouse if constantly disappearing then It's something on your comp running in the background. Go to Google and type in free scan. AVG or Trendmico will scan your comp to see if you have a trogan or some other virus. Also Google to see what stuff you should have running in the task manager and services and remove the stuff windows doesn't need. Before blaming the software make sure your computer is running like it's supposed to. Most computers have way to many TSR's running in the background that is NOT needed.

Malc C · Nov 01, 2009, 05:47 AM

Just because some other applications run and one doesn't run doesn't mean its crap software, it means that there is either a conflict with some other service or application running on the PC.

Most folk here like to help people resolve issues with their sims / PC's, however your logic in testing is pointless. The key to any sim is a good graphics card or chipset, and ideally dedicated RAM, not shared. There are several levels of Direct X and pixel shading, which if the graphics card can't handle will cause an application tp hang or crash.

I requested you to post details of the errors in Event Log, which you didn't do... so we have very little to go on other than the general consensus that its not the software, but your PC that is at fault. One thing for sure, with the attitude shown in your posts, don't expect much support.....

In a last attempt to help you diagnose your problem, post up details of your graphics card, if its embedded chipset or standalone card, the RAM available, and if that's shared system RAM or dedicated graphics RAM, the version of Direct X you are running and any log entries in Event Manager. Then maybe you might get the answer you are looking for.

ChiefBohegan · Nov 01, 2009, 10:13 AM

Looks like I am not the only person who thinks clearview is lame.

Version: ClearView RC Flight Simulator 4.71

"well, it works"

by broke_n_bummin on June 5, 2007

Cons: buggy software, trial is too crippled. By the time you get your controller set up and trims configured, the trial is up. Crashes are realistic ... if you have a rubber airplane. People who thought this was an excellent simulator have never used a real RC sim. If they would spend as much time with the model dynamics as they did with the scenery, it might be worth $30.

Version: ClearView RC Flight Simulator 4.71

"Why buy when you can rent"

by Luteman on September 22, 2007

Pros: Pros:

- Eye Candy: the graphics are much better than FMS (free software)

- taxi simulation somewhat more realistic

- Easier to judge orientaion with the runway than FMS (free software)

- Support was decent.

- Airplane simulation was better than FMS although not as many models.

- Clearview offered a money back guarantee (requires confirmation of deactivation. see note below)

Cons: Cons:

- Buggy software. Screen freezes for short periods and flickers from time to time. (It was MUCH worse when I first loaded the program but updating the video driver helped about 75%.)

- This RC simulation is much too easy.

- Response to control surfaces lacks sophistication.

- slow flight characteristics are not realistic.

- My biggest beef with the software is that you have to get a activation code via the internet for each installation. If the developer goes away, moving or reinstalling will not be an option. Also, if you hard drive crashes there would be no way to prove to Clearview that you deactivated your current license.

- Helicopter simulation is not realistic enough. Entirely too stable flight and forward flight is rediculous.

The DEMO is a DOG.... It only allows ~15 minutes to test it before it locks up. By the time you get it up and running, the DEMO is over.

Bottom line: It is a fun game but it is much too forgiving to use for RC practice. In some ways it is better than FMS (mainly graphics), but if you want to learn the RC controls, FMS is just as good and may be better because it is less forgiving. While Clearview is much less than REAL FLIGHT, it is no where near as good. At $40, it is overpriced and you still need to buy a controller. So between the cost of the software and a controller, you are well on you way to pay for RF. Developers would make more money if they lowered the price closer to what it was worth, maybe $15-20, however, they need to REALLY give you a license. The DEMO is hardly worth trying because is so short and most of the features are locked, but it can give you a taste. DEMO software is typically 15-30 "days". 15 minutes is a joke. (Of course, they may have made the DEMO so short so you would not find out that it really wasn't worth $40.)

-----------------------------------------------------

The demo is no longer 15 minutes (it's down to 2-3 minutes now).

Yeah I know the reviews are for an older version of clearview but it's only up to 5.10 now so there hasn't really been a big leap in product development since 2007.

Looks like clearview used to have a money back guarantee too. But they got smart and got rid of that. Clearview should continue to honour it's money back guarantee since I am not a satisfied customer. Thanks for the offers of help but I've already troubleshot my computer. It's uninstalled and now it's time to move on.

Oct 30, 2009, 09:37 PM	#1
ChiefBohegan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 12	ClearView RC Flight Simulator is Monster piece of crap. Avoid it like the H1N1 virus! Don't waste your money on clearview rc (really crappy) flight simulator unless you like flushing your money down the toilet. It constantly crashes (not the planes, the software) for no reason whatsoever. After it crashes it resets to default so you have to constantly reload your plane, reload your landscape, re customize your settings etc.. Constantly have to recalibrate controller. With clearview rc flight simulator you'll hit reset to start a new flight or load a new model and you'll find the rudder all the way to the right or left for absolutely no reason even though it's centered on the controller. Clearview is slow as molasses. It takes forever to load up (almost a minute) every time it crashes. Grrrr!! Oh yeah did I mention for no reason whatsoever the mouse cursor disappears (yup it just vanishes) rendering the software useless as tits on a bull because it usually happens when you try to load a plane and since you have no cursor you can't make a selection. You have to press Alt F4 to shut it down and then reload. If you try the ClearView Sim demo , it may actually work. That's because the demo only allows you to use the software for approximately 2 minutes (maybe it's little longer , I didn't time it) and the problems don't start appearing until about 7 minutes into the program. It's not my computer either, I have never experienced any of the problems I am having with clearview with FMS. FMS is not great but at least it doesn't constantly crash and reset itself. Also I've tried several other sim demos and they all worked fine (Eg realflight, HeliX, CRRCSim). The support is useless too. It basically "your computer is the problem, not our software" support. Last but not least is the dirty little pricing trick. rcflightsim.com advertises the sim for $39. But when you go to buy it there's an extra $4.97 "Registration Backup Service" fee that you CAN'T opt out of. This is not a state or federal tax but just a cheap trick to squeeze a couple extra dollars out of you. Since I consented to the purchase I guess I am the sucker. I contacted rcflightsim.com for a refund and they basically said the problem is with my computer and not the software and too bad for you because other software companies don't give refunds. Well other software companies' software doesn't suck like clearview's. I've been ripped off. This is the worst rc sim software on the market today. Stay away from this turd. Don't be another sucker.

Oct 31, 2009, 01:36 PM	#8
ChiefBohegan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 12	I still would not recommend this software to my worst enemy. I have an athlon 64 - 3800 processor, Windows XP, 2 Gigs Ram Fact. HeliSim Rc Works PERFECTLY. Fact. FMS work PERFECTLY. Fact. CRRCSim works PERFECTLY. Fact. Heli-X works PERFECTLY. Fact. RealFlight Demo works PERFECTLY. Fact. Clearview Never works. Conclusion. Clearview RC Sim Sucks. Hands down winner of the worst software I've ever had on my computer. It's the walmart of RC sims. Looks good when you buy it but then breaks when you bring it home. If it works for you that's great. I still would not recommend this software to my worst enemy.

Nov 01, 2009, 10:13 AM	#15
ChiefBohegan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 12	I am not the only person who thinks this software is a dog. Looks like I am not the only person who thinks clearview is lame. Version: ClearView RC Flight Simulator 4.71 "well, it works" by broke_n_bummin on June 5, 2007 Cons: buggy software, trial is too crippled. By the time you get your controller set up and trims configured, the trial is up. Crashes are realistic ... if you have a rubber airplane. People who thought this was an excellent simulator have never used a real RC sim. If they would spend as much time with the model dynamics as they did with the scenery, it might be worth $30. Version: ClearView RC Flight Simulator 4.71 "Why buy when you can rent" by Luteman on September 22, 2007 Pros: Pros: - Eye Candy: the graphics are much better than FMS (free software) - taxi simulation somewhat more realistic - Easier to judge orientaion with the runway than FMS (free software) - Support was decent. - Airplane simulation was better than FMS although not as many models. - Clearview offered a money back guarantee (requires confirmation of deactivation. see note below) Cons: Cons: - Buggy software. Screen freezes for short periods and flickers from time to time. (It was MUCH worse when I first loaded the program but updating the video driver helped about 75%.) - This RC simulation is much too easy. - Response to control surfaces lacks sophistication. - slow flight characteristics are not realistic. - My biggest beef with the software is that you have to get a activation code via the internet for each installation. If the developer goes away, moving or reinstalling will not be an option. Also, if you hard drive crashes there would be no way to prove to Clearview that you deactivated your current license. - Helicopter simulation is not realistic enough. Entirely too stable flight and forward flight is rediculous. The DEMO is a DOG.... It only allows ~15 minutes to test it before it locks up. By the time you get it up and running, the DEMO is over. Bottom line: It is a fun game but it is much too forgiving to use for RC practice. In some ways it is better than FMS (mainly graphics), but if you want to learn the RC controls, FMS is just as good and may be better because it is less forgiving. While Clearview is much less than REAL FLIGHT, it is no where near as good. At $40, it is overpriced and you still need to buy a controller. So between the cost of the software and a controller, you are well on you way to pay for RF. Developers would make more money if they lowered the price closer to what it was worth, maybe $15-20, however, they need to REALLY give you a license. The DEMO is hardly worth trying because is so short and most of the features are locked, but it can give you a taste. DEMO software is typically 15-30 "days". 15 minutes is a joke. (Of course, they may have made the DEMO so short so you would not find out that it really wasn't worth $40.) ----------------------------------------------------- The demo is no longer 15 minutes (it's down to 2-3 minutes now). Yeah I know the reviews are for an older version of clearview but it's only up to 5.10 now so there hasn't really been a big leap in product development since 2007. Looks like clearview used to have a money back guarantee too. But they got smart and got rid of that. Clearview should continue to honour it's money back guarantee since I am not a satisfied customer. Thanks for the offers of help but I've already troubleshot my computer. It's uninstalled and now it's time to move on.

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Oct 31, 2009, 01:12 AM	#2
Rota Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 98	The problems you're describing all point to your computer, not the sim. You just don't seem to want to accept it. What OS are you running, and what hardware is in your computer?

Oct 31, 2009, 06:01 AM	#3
Malc C Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: UK Posts: 3,234	before we get into a slagging match how about posting the specification of your computer, and the details in the event manager log for all the crashes. This might help those who are knowledgeable in diagnosing these issue actually clarify if its down to the PC hardware, OS or software To be honest, if it was such a common issue there would be loads of similar posts here every day, as it's no then I have to agree with Stefan and Rota, in that there is something not quite right with your PC

Oct 31, 2009, 08:49 AM	#4
bullwinkle9 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fort Payne, Al Posts: 99	I have used CV for several years now and have never had the problems you describe. And I run it on a laptop! George

Oct 31, 2009, 08:51 AM	#5
bullwinkle9 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Fort Payne, Al Posts: 99	Oh, and I forgot to mention. I don't appreciate your language on this thread. George

Oct 31, 2009, 10:50 AM	#6
handyflyer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Round Lake, IL Posts: 331	I love it!! Runs great on my Gateway running AMD 64 X2 processor 2GB ram, Radeon 1650 video card and Vista. Usually 250-200 fps. Sometimes 330 FPS.

Oct 31, 2009, 01:23 PM	#7
Montag DP These guys are scary good Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Rochester or Buffalo, NY Posts: 3,344	I've never experienced any of the problems you are having, and my laptop is not top-of-the-line by any means (it's over 3 years old). I usually get around 150 fps. You might as well accept it's a problem with your computer, not the software.

Oct 31, 2009, 02:40 PM	#10
skirtz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 1,659	>I have an athlon 64 - 3800 processor, Windows XP, 2 Gigs Ram You did not specify your video card - to see what you have, type dxdiag in the command line and click at Display1 tab. I personally think you have one of the older Intel integrated chipset that are not really a 3d video card. With computer like yours I will recommend to get NVidia 9400 GT from http://newegg.com for less than $40. With it, you will get 200-500 fps. Stefan http://rcflightsim.com

Oct 31, 2009, 08:56 PM	#13
Deserteagle Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Phoenix Posts: 350	if you mouse if constantly disappearing then It's something on your comp running in the background. Go to Google and type in free scan. AVG or Trendmico will scan your comp to see if you have a trogan or some other virus. Also Google to see what stuff you should have running in the task manager and services and remove the stuff windows doesn't need. Before blaming the software make sure your computer is running like it's supposed to. Most computers have way to many TSR's running in the background that is NOT needed.

Nov 01, 2009, 05:47 AM	#14
Malc C Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: UK Posts: 3,234	Just because some other applications run and one doesn't run doesn't mean its crap software, it means that there is either a conflict with some other service or application running on the PC. Most folk here like to help people resolve issues with their sims / PC's, however your logic in testing is pointless. The key to any sim is a good graphics card or chipset, and ideally dedicated RAM, not shared. There are several levels of Direct X and pixel shading, which if the graphics card can't handle will cause an application tp hang or crash. I requested you to post details of the errors in Event Log, which you didn't do... so we have very little to go on other than the general consensus that its not the software, but your PC that is at fault. One thing for sure, with the attitude shown in your posts, don't expect much support..... In a last attempt to help you diagnose your problem, post up details of your graphics card, if its embedded chipset or standalone card, the RAM available, and if that's shared system RAM or dedicated graphics RAM, the version of Direct X you are running and any log entries in Event Manager. Then maybe you might get the answer you are looking for.