447: FIPs for P3Dv4 and New Drivers

Received a number of inquiries recently from friends who asked for advises why their FIPs (Flight Instrument Panels) no longer work after upgrading to P3Dv4.

Causes are in general similar — the exe.xml and/or the DLL.XML are missing.   Because these two files don’t come with the simulator nor created by the Saitek drivers by default.  Moreover, the latest FSUIPC5 is also a prerequisite.

Fixes are simple: Continue reading

426: Compass Compass

Following the X-Plane C172SP, the Cessna Shared Compass for FSX/P3D aircraft has also upgraded with similar changes to allow the exclusion of OMI markers and NAV/GPS indicators.   In addition, a new version specifically customized for the A2A aircraft is also released.
   
Although these three Wet Compasses look similar in appearances, they do have differences in many ways from each other.   For example, there is no “BOTH” communication option on A2A and X-Plane.  The sound buttons, OMI markers and NAV/GPS indicators are also responding differently according to the status of the battery and avionics switches.

The main purpose of making all these similar but different versions available (which applies to all my other gauges) is to Continue reading

420: Dual-Cue PFD Released

The Dual-Cue version of the generic PFD is ready and is being sent to all who purchased the Single-Cue Version for free.

The free offer is valid until the end of Easter on 18th, the next Tuesday.

Then it will be sold separately or in bundle with the Single-Cue version. Continue reading

418: Dual-Cue PFD Preview

Here’s the screen-shot of the PFD with dual-cue flight director I am working on.   It looks and fits better on larger airplanes.

Very likely it will be sold separately or be a paid addon to the existing single-cue version.

No worry, it will be free to all who purchase the PFD before the launch of this variation.   Should be ready by next weekend.

415: Primary Flight Display (PFD) Released

The generic Garmin G5 style PFD has been completed.   As mentioned earlier, this is by far the most complicated gauges I made for the FIP, particularly in terms of layout implementations.

For example, just the vertical speed indicator alone (on the edge of the right hand side) took me nearly a week to get to a satisfied result, which allows it to adapt to various vertical speed requirements up to +/- 9,900 feet.

Color matching is also a very time-consuming task because the bitmaps shown on the FIP Continue reading

414: New Guide, New Installer, New Gauges

Finally, I’ve completed the installation guide for my FIP gauges.   Even though the installation process is straightforward, which involves just a few mouse clicks in general, the new guide, with illustrations, should give users a clearer idea how the process goes.

In addition, the installer coming with my gauges has also been updated.  Now it can not only install my gauges for systems using Saitek driver as it always does, but it can also help organize my gauges on systems using SPAD.neXt in a proper manner. Continue reading

409: Cessna Compass Updated

c172sp_cmp_r4c-onThe marker strip on the Cessna Wet Compass has been revised to better match the one in the virtual cockpit.

Users should have received update instructions via email already.  Should any user hasn’t got it in their mailbox, feel free to contact me.

408: Mooney Bravo Gauges Released

Over the last 10 months, I’ve put more time on making gauges for FIPs than flying in the virtual world, as I am excited to see them evolving from some original basic attempts into current skillful works.   A rather unexpected alternative satisfaction I never thought would have gained from flight simulation.

mooneybravo_eng1_gifsThe latest project I just finished is the Mooney Bravo, which consists of two integrated Engine gauges plus the ASI, HSI and TCR.   Some new techniques have been used in this gauge set, such as a selectable DME 1 & 2 display, and the stepping-style elevator, rudder and wing flaps indicators. Continue reading