Author: Tom Tsui

508: The “Back-lit” C172 Integrated Gauges are Coming

| Tom Tsui

During the release of the C172SP “back-lit” version a few months ago, I mentioned that similar changes would be coming soon to the C172SP Integrated series and possibly followed by other gauges.

The plan was dropped because I couldn’t help thinking that the orange-tinted back-lit style used on small aircraft such as the C172SP is a bit exaggerated even though it does look good on bigger jetliners.

After months of exploring, a new black-lit style is devised again — I hope this one will last.   And this time, I will use it on the C172SP Integrated series first.  Then, the standalone version will be revamped with similar changes later. Continue reading →

507: A Few Updates

| Tom Tsui

Haven’t updated FSX Times for quite a while due to some family matters, travels, other distractions and laziness under the summer sun.   Probably the situation will carry on for another month or so.

Regarding the fuel flow dataref issue in X-Plane for FIP gauges, Logitech has reacted and sent me a revised X-Plane Plug-in.  Unfortunately, the issue remains unsolved.   Have reported back and hope that there will be “workable” update from the support team soon.

During last month, my son developed an iOS version of the Affinity Mask Calculator for me.   It is called “FSXTimes AMC”.   Nothing fancy and it works similarly to the web version.   It can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store.   As 6- and 8-core CPUs are becoming main streams, next update will target to include them.

Last but not least, Continue reading →

506: XPLANE C172 Fuel Flow Issue UPDATE 2

| Tom Tsui

Logitech replied, “We have forwarded your case for further internal review.  Please be aware this can take up to two business days.  We will keep you informed on any further updates in regards to your request.”

Respond time is much much better than Saitek.   Let’s get our fingers crossed that there are some good news coming soon.

Update: A Rally on XPlane C172 Fuel Flow Issue – Help Wanted

 

505: An Update to the Fuel Flow Issue on XPlane C172

| Tom Tsui

Thanks to Rares Vernica, the cause of the fuel-flow issue found on the C172SP Integrated Fuel Gauges (INTFG) for X-Plane has been spotted.  It is very likely caused by the “rounding” function in Logitech’s X-Plane Plugin for the command.

The value of the “sim/cockpit2/engine/indicators/fuel_flow_kg_sec” dataref from X-Plane for the C172SP is in the range approximately between 0.003550 to 0.009475 (or 0.003xxx to 0.009xxx) when engine is running.
As shown in the image above, the 3rd decimal number on the Flight Instrument Panel (FIP) is rounded to either 0 or 5 regardless of the actual output from the dataref in X-Plane. Continue reading →

504: Poll Result – What Type of Aircraft You Fly Most ?

| Tom Tsui

Following is the result of the survey “What Type of Aircraft You Fly Most?”

Votes were collected in the week of May 20 to 27, 2018.

The result is somewhat anticipated but one thing that surprises me was the response time from “Jet Flyers” to this poll was much faster than all others in the beginning. They leaded the result in the first two days. Are there any connections to what they are flying in terms of speed? haha

There were two voters in helicopter.  Understandable since FSX Times talks very little about it.   But none reported flying the glider is a bit out of my expectation as I received quite a few inquires about my gauges for them occasionally.

The two votes of Other fall in the Military.

Well, that’s all.   Let’s continue to wait for (or hope to hear) some exciting flightsim news from the coming Expo in Vegas on June 9.

503: Robin DR400/180 Gauges Completed

| Tom Tsui

The Robin DR400 may not be as popular as the Cessna C172 worldwide.   But friends in Europe told me that it is still a well-liked aircraft especially in the Southern continent.

I made the ASI for it 18 months ago.   Now, the ATT, ALT, HDR and Integrated Engines are finished as well.

Together with the VSI from deHavilland DHC-2, TCR from MilViz DHC-2, VOR1 and VOR2 from Cessna C172SP, they generally complete the instrument cluster on the Lionheart DR400/180. Continue reading →

Poll: What Type of Aircraft You Fly Most

| Tom Tsui

A bit tied up with other distractions these days.   Moreover, the “atmosphere” seems to be a bit quiet — not sure if many people are waiting for the FlightSim Expo to come in June 9.

During a recent system check-up, I suddently noticed 90% of my flightsim time were spent on the single-props, the C172SP in particular.  A bit boring, I guess.

So tell me what you are flying most while we are waiting for (or hoping to hear) some exciting flightsim news from the coming Expo in Vegas.


Again, Firefox may not display the poll table correctly.   If you don’t see the poll table above, use other browsers instead.

 

 

502: Poll Result – Flight Simulator of Your Choice

| Tom Tsui

Following is the result of the survey “Which Flight Simulator are Your Using?”
Votes were collected in the week of April-27 to May-3, 2018.   (The original post of the survey has been removed to avoid redundancy.)

From the result, none of the flight simulator surveyed takes up half the market, not even close.

Although Prepar3Dv4 is leading in the poll and the total number of v3 and v4 together adds up to 94, FSX + FSX-SE together is just 1 count behind.   This implies to me that the resistance against Prepar3D is still strong after its launch in May 2010, for eight full years. Continue reading →