Gauges

517: C172R and C172SP Annunciator Panel Released

| Tom Tsui

The Annunciator Panels for the A2A C172R and default C172SP are now ready.  Below is a video capture of the panel added to the Compass on the A2A C172R.

Similar to the C172SP one previewed in Post 515, the C172R annunciator panel will only pop up when error warning lights or equipment status indications are turned on, so that it will not affect the design and functions of the Wet Compass as well as the overall layout of the FIP gauge setup.

However, since the contents and reactions of each annunciator panel Continue reading →

516: FIP Gauges for A2A Piper Cub

| Tom Tsui

Since I released the Piper Cub gauges two years ago, there are emails once in a while asking me if the gauges are compatible with A2A’s Piper Cub or if there will be dedicated gauges developed for the A2A aircraft.

Well, here it comes at last.  Even though I don’t fly this fun aircraft much, I am still happy to have it completing my Piper Cub sets.

Do note that since all A2A aircraft use Local Variables (LVars), these new gauges are no exception needing SPAD.neXt to run properly on the FIPs (Flight Instrument Panels). Continue reading →

515: Annunciator Panel Video Preview

| Tom Tsui

Logitech (previous Saitek) has an Information Panel but I never like it as it looks odd in almost all virtual cockpits due to its huge size and footprint.

That’s one of the reasons why I developed the Integrated series of gauges for the C172SP in the first place, on which the annunciator panel fits nicely to the Attitude Indicator (ATTAN).

Since the release of the C172SP Standalone gauges many years ago, I’ve been trying to create an equivalent annunciator panel that looks as good as the one on the ATTAN.   There were dozens of idea tried over the years but none was satisfied, no matter they were rendered onto a separate FIP (Flight Instrument Panel) or incorporated into any existing standalone gauges.

Finally, here comes the most satisfied annunciator panel design that I am quite happy with at present.  Following is the video preview of it.

With the target in mind that Continue reading →

A Rally on XPlane C172 Fuel Flow Issue

| Tom Tsui

Regarding the Fuel Flow Issue caused by Logitech’s X-Plane plugin as detailed in Post 505 and the reply from Logitech in Post 509, David Kelly commented that we should rally together and get it done.  I think it’s a very good idea.

My request truly represents just a single incident reported by just one user.   If there are greater numbers of support requests about the fuel-flow issue to Logitech as David suggests, the company should treat the issue more seriously and might possibly create some time-frames to address the issue earlier.

If you are flying X-Plane, please help file a request about the fuel-flow dataref issue as following stated on Logitech’s Support Home. Continue reading →

512: The 2nd Batch of Back-Lit Integrated C172SP Gauges

| Tom Tsui

The remaining ALVOR, VSADF and TCBAL of the C172SP Integrated series with back-lit effects (when the panel light is ON) have completed.

Again, these gauges will be installed onto the “C172SP_Skyhawk_INTG_R5” folder under the “FSX_Times_Gauges” directory as well.

For systems running FIPs with Continue reading →

511: The 1st Batch of Back-Lit Integrated C172SP Gauges

| Tom Tsui

The first batch of Integrated C172SP gauges revised with new back-lit effects (when the panel light is ON) is completed, which includes the ASCLK, ATTAN, HDCMP and INTFG.

Since this is a major update, the new gauges will be installed onto a new “C172SP_Skyhawk_INTG_R5” folder under the “FSX_Times_Gauges” directory.  The existing “R4” folder is left untouched. Continue reading →

510: XPlane C172 Fuel Flow Issue Update 4

| Tom Tsui

As expected, Logitech has refused my request to provide the source code of the X-Plane plugin.  So, there is nothing I can do about it from this end, but I will continue to look for other options, if there are any.

Will I continue to develop FIP gauges for X-Plane, some asked?  Probably when timing is right, because not all aircraft involve the using of fuel flow in the way as the C172SP does.

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

 

509: XPlane C172 Fuel Flow Issue Update 3

| Tom Tsui

As mentioned in the update two weeks ago, Logitech sent me a revised X-Plane Plug-in but the fule flow datatref issue remains unsolved unfortunately.

After another 2 weeks of waiting, Logitech yesterday replied “we don’t have a newer X-Plane Plug-in and do not have a timeframe yet of when it will become available and no guarantee if even the newer one will address your issue.”

That’s really unfortunate to all who are using FIPs (Flight Instrument Panels) for C172SP and other small aircraft in X-Plane.

Although the chance is small, I continue to ask if Logitech could send me the source code of the plug-in so that I can give a hand on the issue.

Let’s wait and see — Continue reading →

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 →