Repetitive hard disk access

[Liofa]

Hello,

I've noticed that when Plan-G is running my hard disk is constantly accessing in a rhythmic manner, 1-2 cycles per second in a loud grindy fashion. I don't seem to have any problems with other software. I've reinstalled Plan-G on a different drive, but I am still experiencing the same effect. This occurs both with or without FSX running.

Has anyone else noticed this? I'm using Win7 64-bit.

Kind regards.
Liofa.

[FlyingAxx]

Not at all. Probably your are zooming in and out in some areas and the noise reflects the downloaded tiles of the map. However, that should stop (I think) even if you do use an aggressive anti-virus program (I have nothing specific in mind).

[tim arnot]

Are you connected to flight sim? If so, in what mode (free/sync/lock)? And with what protocol? Does the churn stop if you disconnect?

[realm174]

Liofa, something else you could do is see exactly which files are being accessed by which process. If you open the "Resource Monitor" in windows, and select the Disk tab, you'll be able to see what's being accessed. Then leave your system idle for a while and see what goes on. On my system, I see that Plan-G is quite active for a bit when I first load a flight plan and connect to FSX, but then, the file access stops, completely, from Plan-G.

I hope this helps.

Real

[Liofa]

Hello,

Sorry for the delay in replying, I've been away for a few weeks.

I've tried the resource monitor suggestion and I've moved the map around to see if is the tile download that's causing the read/write noise. After moving the map to an area that I've yet to fly, the noise does start up and I get 20-40 plan-G3.exe images in the resource monitor disk activity page/tab, mainly writing. It does seem to slow down after a while.

I don't connect Plan-G to FSX, I prefer to use it plan and then fly.  I'm using Microsoft Security Essentials as my AV -- it does a great job, it's lightweight and free.

I am guessing the noise is tile download and perhaps has something to do with the way the map data is written to my hard drive. It just seemed a bit agressive!

Once the tiles are downloaded are they stored on my hard disk or are they always streamed to the particular view?

Kind regards,
Liofa.

[FlyingAxx]

After downloading the tiles you could even go off-line. However, you need to remain in the area you previously downloaded. On this behalf you need to move the mouse around systematically in order to cover the whole area (what's completely on screen will be stored) and you should take care that you are doing it at least in your desired zoom level.

What you are talking about, might even be the product of a hardware related quirk. I can remember that I once had used a HD that clicked when accessing or writing the data. Probably the tile size causes a sort of resonance effect producing that noise. The head position(s) are controlled and if there is a mechanical "swing" such noise is a possible product.