What's New in the FSX Carenado C340 II Repack? A Comprehensive Review
FSX Carenado C340 II Repack: A Detailed Review
If you are looking for a high-quality, realistic, and immersive add-on for your Flight Simulator X or Prepar3D, you might want to check out the FSX Carenado C340 II repack. This product is a repackage of the original Carenado C340 II HD Series, which is a stunning rendition of the twin-engine pressurized aircraft from Cessna. In this article, we will take a closer look at what this product has to offer, how it compares to other similar add-ons, and whether it is worth your money.
FSX Carenado C340 II repack
What is FSX Carenado C340 II Repack?
FSX Carenado C340 II repack is a product that combines the original Carenado C340 II HD Series with some additional features and enhancements. The original product was released in 2011 and received positive reviews from simmers and real pilots alike. It features high-definition textures, realistic sounds, custom gauges, weather radar, GNS 430 GPS units, and more. The repack version adds some improvements such as:
Full compatibility with FSX, P3D v2, v3, v4, and Steam
Integration with REX/MILVIZ WxAdvantage Radar
New sound file for constant speed props
Improved weight and balance
Fixed pressurization system
Reworked autopilot
Option to use F1 GTN 650 GPS units
New ADF and transponder
Various bug fixes and tweaks
The repack version also includes all the original liveries plus a blank texture for custom painting. The product requires FSUIPC to run properly and does not have a 2D panel.
Overview of the Cessna 340 II
The Cessna 340 II is a twin-engine general aviation aircraft that was manufactured by the Cessna Aircraft Company from 1971 to 1984. It is one of the most popular pressurized piston twins ever built, with over 1300 units produced. The main feature of the 340 is its spacious cabin that can accommodate up to six passengers in comfort. The aircraft also has a large baggage compartment and a nose baggage locker.
The development of the 340 began in 1969 as a response to the demand for a larger and faster aircraft than the existing twin-engine models from Cessna. The first prototype flew in October 1970 and the first production model was delivered in May 1971. The original version had two Continental TSIO-520-K turbocharged engines that produced 285 horsepower each. In 1976, the improved 340A model was introduced, which had more powerful TSIO-520-NB engines that produced 310 horsepower each. The final version was the RAM Series VI conversion, which upgraded the engines to TSIO-520-NB/TSIO-520-CE that produced 335 horsepower each.
The performance of the 340 is impressive for its class. It has a maximum speed of 244 knots (279 mph), a range of 1406 nautical miles (1616 miles), and a service ceiling of 29,800 feet. It can climb at a rate of 1650 feet per minute. It can take off from a runway of 1570 feet and land on a runway of 1670 feet. The 340 is also known for its good handling and stability, especially in icing conditions. The aircraft has a retractable tricycle landing gear, a pressurized cabin with a maximum differential of 5.5 psi, and a de-icing system that includes boots, heated props, and windshield.
Review of the Carenado C340 II HD Series
The Carenado C340 II HD Series is one of the best add-ons for simulating the Cessna 340 II in FSX or P3D. It is a highly detailed and accurate representation of the real aircraft, with stunning graphics, realistic sounds, and advanced features. Here are some of the aspects that we will review in this section:
Installation and Configuration
The installation of the FSX Carenado C340 II repack is simple and straightforward. You just need to download the installer from the link provided after purchase, run it, and follow the instructions. The installer will automatically detect your simulator version and install the product accordingly. The installation process will also install the Carenado Configuration Panel, which is a tool that allows you to customize various aspects of the product, such as:
Window transparency
Instrument reflections
Static elements (such as wheel chocks, pitot covers, etc.)
Copilot visibility
GNS 430 or GTN 650 GPS units
Weather radar integration
Sound volume
Fuel and payload
The configuration panel is easy to use and gives you a lot of options to tailor the product to your preferences. You can access it from the start menu or from the simulator menu.
Visuals and Sounds
The visuals and sounds of the FSX Carenado C340 II repack are outstanding and immersive. The product features high-definition textures that are crisp and realistic, with dynamic reflections and shadows. The exterior model is very detailed and accurate, with animated parts such as flaps, ailerons, elevators, rudder, landing gear, propellers, doors, windows, etc. The interior model is equally impressive, with a fully functional virtual cockpit that has custom gauges, switches, knobs, levers, lights, etc. The cockpit also has 3D instruments that are easy to read and operate.
The sounds of the FSX Carenado C340 II repack are also very realistic and satisfying. The product features custom sound effects that are recorded from the real aircraft, such as engine start-up, shut-down, idle, full throttle, etc. The sounds also vary depending on the position of the camera and the environment. You can hear the wind noise, the propeller noise, the gear noise, etc. The product also features realistic cockpit sounds such as switches, buttons, alarms, etc.
Flight Model and Realism
The flight model and realism of the FSX Carenado C340 II repack are very good and enjoyable. The product features a realistic flight dynamics model that simulates the behavior and performance of the real aircraft. The product also features a realistic engine model that simulates the effects of turbocharging, fuel consumption, temperature, etc. The product also features a realistic pressurization system that simulates the cabin altitude and pressure changes.
The product also features some failures and emergencies that can occur during flight, such as engine fire, engine failure, electrical failure, etc. You can activate or deactivate these failures from the configuration panel. The product also features a realistic cold and dark start-up procedure that requires you to follow the checklist and use the correct switches and controls.
Weather Radar and Navigation Systems
The FSX Carenado C340 II repack features a weather radar and navigation systems that enhance the realism and functionality of the product. The weather radar is integrated with the REX/MILVIZ WxAdvantage Radar, which is a third-party add-on that provides realistic weather depiction and avoidance. The weather radar can display precipitation, clouds, turbulence, winds, etc. You can adjust the range, tilt, gain, and mode of the radar from the virtual cockpit.
The navigation systems of the FSX Carenado C340 II repack include two GNS 430 GPS units that are default in FSX or P3D. These units can provide basic navigation functions such as waypoints, routes, flight plans, etc. You can also replace these units with the F1 GTN 650 GPS units, which are another third-party add-on that provides more advanced navigation functions such as terrain awareness, traffic information, charts, etc. You can switch between these units from the configuration panel.
The product also features an ADF and a transponder that are custom-made by Carenado. The ADF can tune to NDB frequencies and display the bearing to the station. The transponder can set the squawk code and mode for ATC communication.
Comparison with Other C340 II Add-Ons
The FSX Carenado C340 II repack is not the only add-on that simulates the Cessna 340 II in FSX or P3D. There are other products that offer similar or different features and quality. Here are some of the main competitors of the FSX Carenado C340 II repack:
Product
Developer
Price
Features
Pros
Cons
C340 II X
Flysimware
$34.99
- High-resolution textures- Custom sounds- Custom gauges- Reality XP integration- Flight1 GTN integration- GNS 530 GPS unit- Bendix King weather radar- Custom failures- Cold and dark option- 2D panel
- Good performance- Good flight dynamics- Good sounds- Good support
- Outdated graphics- Simplistic cockpit- Limited liveries- No pressurization system
Cessna 340A HD Series
Carenado
$34.95
- High-definition textures- Custom sounds- Custom gauges- Weather radar- GNS 430 GPS units- Reality XP integration- Flight1 GTN integration- Pressurization system- Cold and dark option
- Excellent graphics- Excellent cockpit- Excellent sounds- Excellent realism- Many liveries
- High resource consumption- No 2D panel- No failures or emergencies- No REX/MILVIZ integration
Cessna 340 II HD Series Repack
Carenado + Repack Team
$34.95 + Free Repack
All features of Cessna 340A HD Series plus:- Full compatibility with FSX, P3D v2, v3, v4, and Steam- Integration with REX/MILVIZ WxAdvantage Radar - New sound file for constant speed props- Improved weight and balance- Fixed pressurization system- Reworked autopilot- Option to use F1 GTN 650 GPS units- New ADF and transponder- Various bug fixes and tweaks
All pros of Cessna 340A HD Series plus:- Better compatibility- Better weather radar- Better sounds- Better performance- Better realism- More options
All cons of Cessna 340A HD Series minus:- No REX/MILVIZ integration (fixed)- No failures or emergencies (still missing)
As you can see, the FSX Carenado C340 II repack is the most complete and updated product among the three. It offers the best graphics, sounds, realism, and functionality for the Cessna 340 II. It also has the most features and options to customize your experience. The only drawback is that it does not have any failures or emergencies, which might reduce the challenge and excitement of flying this aircraft.
Conclusion
The FSX Carenado C340 II repack is a product that we highly recommend for anyone who wants to fly the Cessna 340 II in FSX or P3D. It is a product that delivers on its promises and exceeds our expectations. It is a product that combines the original Carenado C340 II HD Series with some additional features and enhancements that make it even better. It is a product that offers a high-quality, realistic, and immersive simulation of the twin-engine pressurized aircraft from Cessna.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the product:
Pros
Excellent graphics
Excellent sounds
Excellent realism
Excellent cockpit
Excellent performance
Many features and options
Full compatibility with FSX, P3D v2, v3, v4, and Steam
Integration with REX/MILVIZ WxAdvantage Radar
Option to use F1 GTN 650 GPS units
Many liveries plus a blank texture
Carenado Configuration Panel
Cold and dark option
Pressurization system
New sound file for constant speed props
Improved weight and balance
Fixed pressurization system
Reworked autopilot
New ADF and transponder
Various bug fixes and tweaks
Cons
No failures or emergencies
No 2D panel
Requires FSUIPC to run properly
Requires third-party add-ons for better weather radar and GPS units
In conclusion, we give the FSX Carenado C340 II repack a rating of 9.5 out of 10. It is a product that deserves a place in your virtual hangar. It is a product that will give you hours of fun and satisfaction flying the Cessna 340 II.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the FSX Carenado C340 II repack:
What are the system requirements for FSX Carenado C340 II repack?
The system requirements for FSX Carenado C340 II repack are:
Windows XP with SP3 installed, Vista or 7 (32 or 64 bits)
Microsoft Flight Simulator FSX with SP1 and SP2 (or Acceleration Pack) installed or Lockheed Martin - Prepar3D Flight Simulator v2, v3 or v4 or FSX Steam Edition.
Pentium V/2GHz or similar 2GB RAM 512MB graphics card.
1 GB available hard disk space.
Internet connection for installation.
FSUIPC (free version) required.
How much does FSX Carenado C340 II repack cost?
The FSX Carenado C340 II repack costs $34.95, which is the same price as the original Carenado C340 II HD Series. The repack version is free for those who already own the original product. You can buy it from the official Carenado website or from other online stores such as SimMarket, FlightSim Store, etc.
Where can I can buy FSX Carenado C340 II repack?
You can buy FSX Carenado C340 II repack from the official Carenado website or from other online stores such as SimMarket, FlightSim Store, etc. You can also find links to these stores from the product page on the Carenado website. You will need to create an account and provide your payment details to complete the purchase. You will then receive an email with a download link and a serial number for the product.
How can I get support for FSX Carenado C340 II repack?
If you have any issues or questions regarding FSX Carenado C340 II repack, you can contact the Carenado support team via email at info@carenado.com. You can also visit the Carenado website and check the FAQ section, the forum, or the manuals for more information. You can also join the Carenado Facebook group and interact with other users and developers.
What are some tips and tricks for flying the Carenado C340 II?
Here are some tips and tricks for flying the Carenado C340 II:
Read the manuals and checklists that are included in the product folder. They contain useful information and procedures for operating the aircraft.
Use the configuration panel to adjust the settings and options of the product according to your preferences and system performance.
Use the cold and dark option to start the aircraft from a realistic state. Follow the start-up procedure carefully and use the correct switches and controls.
Use the weather radar and GPS units to plan your flight and avoid bad weather. You can also use third-party add-ons such as Active Sky or REX for more realistic weather simulation.
Monitor your engine parameters and fuel consumption during flight. Use the mixture and propeller controls to optimize your performance and efficiency.
Use the pressurization system to maintain a comfortable cabin altitude and pressure. You can set the desired cabin altitude from the configuration panel or from the cockpit.
Use the autopilot to assist you with navigation and altitude control. You can set the desired modes and values from the cockpit or from a pop-up window.
Practice landing and take-off from different airports and conditions. The C340 II has good handling and stability, but it also requires proper speed and flap management.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about FSX Carenado C340 II repack. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. Thank you for reading and happy flying! dcd2dc6462