FSX/FSX-SE Aircraft and Panel Design Forum - How To

The magnetic compass does not work in the VC. Does anyone know of a fix for this? Thanks.Art Schwartz, Jr.

I've posted the first of our XML gauge tutorials on our site in the Tutorials page (surprise, surprise :()This first one is for beginners, so the more experienced will not find it useful.We plan to add further tutorials on a regular basis. XML programming involves a lot of knowledge, and I cannot hope to cover all aspects with one tutorial, so I am breaking down into many parts.I hope you find it useful.I'd appreciate some feedback either here or on our forum. I'd like to tune the writing and explanation style according to comments I receive.nick

Like so many others, I've found the default FS autopilot to be inadequate in many areas and have written (most) of my own. The one part that I am having serious trouble with is localiser interception. The problem I have is that I don't seem to be able to calculate how get the aircraft to turn out on the centreline. I suspect that I'm missing a bit of Pythagoras i.e. the distance from the aircraft to the localiser centreline where a=unknown distance, b=the localiser centreline and c=the aircraft interception angle. It's obvious that a + airspeed + interception angle are going to determine the bank angle at any given time but how do I calculate a?Can anyone please help? -Da…

Hello,I am new to xml gauge design and develop currently a gauge in which I need the indicated horse power to calculate the cylinder head temperature of air cooled engines. In the SDK I found only a sim variable which gives brake horse power. I tried to calculate ihp with equations from an engineering book about internal combustion engines. These equations are simplified descriptions of the real engine behaviour or otto cycle. Some values in these equations depend themselves on air fuel mixture conditions which cannot be calculated easy.Until now I had no success with my calculations. All my figures I calculated are way off from the values I observed in flight tests with…

Hi guys.I've done a quick search for this but I didn't really find anything. If there's a older post someplace, just point it out and I'll go read.I'm trying to get some stuff straight in my research. Firstly, Pitching Coefficients: According to Etkin/Reid's Dynamics of Flight, Positively cambered airfoils create a negative (Nose Down) pitching moment and Negatively cambered ones, naturally create a positive (nose up) moment. So side question here: since REC1101 says + = Nose down, if I'm modeling a positively cambered airfoil (main wing), the moment coefficient in Real Life would be negative resulting in a nose down moment. So to correctly model this in REC1101, i sh…

Hi all,I am trying to replicate a Sila-type compass (one which has a horizontal compas card, not a vertical one - picture attached)...... and have come across a problem.here's my code:<Gauge Name="Silva_Compass" Version="1.0"> <Image Name="Silva_Background_Real.bmp" ImageSizes="600,600"/> <Element> <MaskImage Name="Silva_Small_Mask.bmp" ImageSizes="600,600"> <Axis X="300" Y="500"/> </MaskImage> <Position X="0" Y="0"/> <Image Name="Silva_Small_Ring.bmp" ImageSizes="600,600"> <Axis X="300" Y="300" PointsTo="East"/> </Image> <Rota…

Does anyone have a clue about the way to develop transparent menus?I would like to display transparent menus like the ATC menu. Ariane and AES have them (in fs9) but I can't find how to code this.I thought about getting the screen pixels in the menu area, change them so that it looks transparent and display the menu options, but this would be very CPU intensive. I'm sure there is a more efficient way of doing it.Any clue?Thanks in advance :)Eric

Hi again all,after a quick question to Bill, I have searhced the forums (and the 'other place') for 'alpha blending' and similar terms.Now, I am a bit of a newbie, so maybe some things have been going over my head, but I cannot find anything which tells me how to (or even if it's possible to) get a semi-opaque image into an xml gauge.Basiclaly I want to simulate the reflection of an object in a perspex cover, not just a general 'reflective' look, but a definite image of something, using a semi-opaque bitmap as the last element of the gauge - possible?Can anyone point me in the direction of how to get partial opacity into a bitmap for an xml gauge?many thanks,Roger.

Hello friendly developers. I will be digest. Are You any know about Alan Capt`s freeware model of weather radar for excellent Overland`s FW-model of MD-11? If no- go to: http://acsoft.ch/Fli...md11-panel.html I not specialist of gauges for MSFS2004, and I can not to add anything else. I use FW- model B-737/700 from "737exp12.zip" which contain 3D cockpit, and a want to use similar, animated model of weather radar. Can anybody create it? I have proposal: Let`s devote here for development discussion of digital weather radar, if anybody wish. Thats all, I have not any ideas and proposals. Further topic space- for developers discussions here. You`re welcome! ..R…

I am the proud owner of Intagrated simavionics gagues. i use them on several aircraft. primerily my 738, i use the FSX default 738, but it is heavily modified with a custome panel (With ISG gague), better sound, and more realistic flight dynamics.recently i have been encontering problems with the ISG gagues. but only on the 737. it started with the TCAS, it just stoped working. the ND says the TCAS is on. but i dont get any traffic info or warning, sonsidering alot of my flying is done in KATL and other congested airspace, this is a problem. the next issue occuered after the recent update to allow AIRACS from Navigraph. the FMS will not dispaly approaches, only STARs a…

Hi all, I thought I'd share some of my notes with other beginners as jazzing up your panels is loads of fun.Notes on how to add a lighted overlay to an existing panel window. Project: To add a nite-lit overlay bmp to the original pedestal window bmp in panel.cfg: Window04=Pedestal ( I.D. = 10 ) <<< The original WIndow04 >>>1) Added new window in panel.cfg: Window07=Throttle ( I.D. = 110 ) And added panel I.D. (110) to FWD Views List2) Made new toggle gauge: NightViews!Throttle: Note: "NightViews" is an arbitrary panel / sub-folder, allows easier access to custom gauges.---------------------------…

Hi, I like to manage and create a new FP in a AI world & AI aircraft. But, the some things bored me. The creators of models and painter not use the all parameters of FS , in special the called [General] and "atc_" ! Always [General] is incomplete, or worst, wrong. Example is atc_type and atc_model : In a 747-400 please, atc_type=Boeing and atc_model is a B744 . Not 747-400. atc_heavy, atc_airline, atc_parking_types , atc_parking_codes. This information is important (ICAO code), but many products use it. Example is a FSHOTFSX. This information anyone has in ICAO site. Exist a actual information in PDF by manufactures, aircraft, types, etc. The …

On this and other aircraft, when I use the hat switch to look left, right, or back I only see the nav, strobes, and beacon lights; but not the actual wings or tail like in the Posky 737. Why, and is it possible to add these parts to the views? I've looked everywhere to no avail for an answer. Thank you in advance for any help you may offer.Respectfully,[email protected]

Hi,I have this gauge for an FS2004 2D lever quadrant. It moves a 2D lever between the top and bottom of its travel (i.e. I only want it to be at the top or bottom of the quadrant (0 and 100 of my L: variable) - it's a two position lever). The problem is that the delay line (which works fine in a carb heat lever) will not cause the lever to move slowly between the top and bottom - it jumps back and forth instantly. The visual element code is: <!-- ========================= Left Prop ========================= --> <Element> <Position X="105" Y="261"/> <Image Name="prop.bmp" UseTransparency="Yes"> <Axis X="0" Y="0"/> </Ima…

Hi again,I have a 2D quadrant gauge similar to that in my previous post, but this time you can drag the levers to any position you want. The code is based on the DC-3 ECU gauge (and some is identical). When I include it in the 2D panel (or in a pop up subpanel), you can drag all the levers around with the mouse just fine. If you instead add the quadrant to a VC panel (i.e. the 2D quadrant is displayed on the main VC panel), now the levers jump around (usually to their 0 (top) position) when you try to drag them. I assume this would also happen with any similar ECU, since several of the levers use the default DC-3 ECU code.Is there a difference between putting a gauge …

Hi All:I am a new user of FS Panel Studio, purchased principly to add aftermarket gauges. I do not have any aspirations to design a panel. So far, I have successfully added David Marshall's "Airport ID" and Ernie Alston's "Runway Info gauges to over 30 panels, until today when I attempted to add them to the Twin Bonanza panel by Chris Tuinstra (1st pic). This panel has 5 pop up windows (2nd pic), one of which is labeled "Moteur" (French) for Throttles (3rd pic). When I add a new gauge to the panel(4th pic) and then click on the Throttles icon, this is what happens to the "Moteur" pop-up (5th pic). It is way out of proportion to what it originally was. This only happens af…

Hey all!I'm looking for a modeler who will help me develop payware aircraft. Long term relationship is requested. You will be paid for your efforts.Reason being, I'm starting an aircraft project for FSX. T-37 Tweet and all variants (Including A-37). I'm not good at all with modelling!Thanks in advance.

I don't know how many different ways I've tried to resolve this but below are just two of them. The problem is that even after rounding I keep hitting the binary division problem where I end up with a long tail of nines or a long tail of zeroes plus a one. This is making one or two autopilot calculations barf pretty badly.... :( Can anyone help with a method that avoids the problem? Even with the frustration I admit to a wry smile that computers can't do some calculations correctly!precision = the number of places to the right of the decimal point. double round(double value,int precision){ const int adjustment=pow(10,precision); return floor(value*(adjustment)+0.5)…

Hi,I’m trying to ‘dynamically’ change a macro result based on an LVar value, and running into trouble.The case is out of the SDK: <Macro Name="ENGINE_NUMBER">1</Macro><Value Minimum="2" Maximum="30">(A:Eng fuel flow GPH:@ENGINE_NUMBER,gallons per hour)</Value> But, instead of a static number, “1”, in the ENGINE_NUMBER macro, I was hoping to substitute an LVar such as: <Macro Name="ENGINE_NUMBER">(L:EngineNumber, enum)</Macro> with the LVar defined by 1 (>L:EngineNumber, enum).(A:Eng fuel flow GPH:@ENGINE_NUMBER,gallons per hour) always returns 0 (yeah, the engine is running) instead of the correct gph when the LVar is substituted…

I'm wondering if anyone has written a gauge that shows the position of a particular joystick axis, versus the "actual" position of the axis as far as FS is concerned.Let me give an example:In planes that have an auto-throttle, the plane will control the position of the throttle, and the position of the joystick axis is ignored.However, if I now disconnect the auto-throttle, the throttle position will suddenly "jump" to wherever the joystick position happens to be at that moment.What I would like to be able to do is prevent that jump by positioning the joystick axis such it matches the "actual" throttle position, prior to disconnecting the autothrottle!Is such a gauge even…

On the T-38A Talon, the nose landing/taxi light extends only when both the position (nav) lights are on, and the gear is extended. When both conditions are TRUE, the light housing extends slowly (about 10 seconds), and retracts at the same speed.For some reason (probably due to advanced senility), I can't get this working properly. <PartInfo> <Name>T38_LandingLight</Name> <AnimLength>100</AnimLength> <Animation> <Parameter> <Code> (A:LIGHT NAV,bool) (A:GEAR POSITION, percent) ceil 100 == and 100 * </Code> </Parameter> <Lag>20</Lag> </Ani…

Hi guys,I am working on making some hardware for a 737 sim pedestal, and I would like to make some panels for the radio panels. I have been working on getting good dimensions for the type of multi function panel that some of the -700/-800 models have. Something like the ones seen in the airliners.net picture : (www.airliners.net/photo/Gol-Linhas-Aereas/Boeing-737-7EH/1657331/L/).I have drawn up a CAD model with the best information I can find, and a few best guesses taken from pictures. For example I believe that the standard width of these panels is 5 3/4" or 146mm. I would like to find some detailed drawings of the pedestal panels to be able to scale from and was wonder…

Hi, Currently I'm trying to use the nice little module from Arne Bartels for use in the "Round the World Race" coming up. I use it for situation awareness at the airports and such when on multiplayer. I have FSNavigator which works perfectly, but using this requires it to "hook" up to the multiplayer session... It's strongly advised by our server admin not to do this because of certain MP quirks IE drop offs, boots offs etc.. We run on a VPN w/ FSHost. AI traffic using this module is perfect.Now the problem, I am using the module provided and works somewhat OK, the problem is that it just plains drops connection w/ some aircraft randomly. Both fellow FS9 & FSX flyers …

I have added the armin GNS530 to my AeroWorx Kingair. MY problem is when I click on it the popup is like a 2nd Gauge. In other words when I make a change to the popup and then unclick it the changes don't show up in the GNS in the panel. I have to do it twice. So say I want the terrian on I have to click terr on the panel gauge then open the popup and click terrian again. I have included below the two entries to my panel config. Any Ideas. Thanks.[Window10]file=WS_pic_vfr_tcas_ver1.BMP size_mm=1680,1050window_size_ratio=1.000 position=7visible=1ident=1window_size= 1.000, 1.000window_pos= 0.000, 0.000gauge00=awx.b20!EADI, 268,591,219,212,picvfrgauge01=awx.b20!EHSI, 268,…

I have Arne Bartels wonderfull TCAS gauge installed in the OpenSkyOS772V2KLM in a FS9 environment.It works fine but at irregular intervals the gauge "freezes" .I can't find what causes the freezing, neither the amount of traffic nor the number of polled aircrafts nor the range makes any difference.When the flight is saved after the freezing and reloaded afterward the gauge starts with a new AI environment and works fine for sometimes more than an hour.Has anybody expirienced the same and some clues to a solution.It happened also with the Trafficradar.Please helpSimon