Flight Instrument Panel
FIP Customizer version 1.02 has just been uploaded. Details are in the file’s Changelog.
Alexey added his work was done through patching the DLL file that is part of the device’s DirectOuput service.
Also, maximum custom message size is 11 characters in the x64 bit version and 9 characters in the x86 version. For font names, similar limitations to allow 7 and 5 characters respectively due to the amount of space available in the DLL file.
On and off I received queries about the possibility of removing the serial page on the Flight Instrument Panel (FIP). The concern was not just purely an aesthetic preference 
because the LCD of the FIP could easily get burnt if any image is left on for a long period of time (See my Post 144). This is in particularly true to users who seldom switched off FIPs in their cockpits. Unfortunately, there is no easy solution since the page is hard-wired to the driver of the device by the manufacturer. In response to these concerns, Continue reading
Time flies. The next Anniversary of FSX Times is coming in two months. FSX Times will be four years old.
In the note for the last Anniversary day, I mentioned that it’s very likely that I would set up a Donation link for my blog so that I could get some free cups of coffee while sharing my hours of works and creations for the flight simulation friends.
Unfortunately, Paypal’s requirements towards oversea donation uses are harsh. In my country, only registered charity organizations would get their approvals.
Since I’ve developed many gauges for the flight instrument panel (FIP) users for free for years, I believe it shouldn’t be irritating if I charge a small price for some of the new gauges that are complex and time-consuming to build. Updates to these gauges, of course, will be free and be on high priority.
Here’s the C172 variation of the wet compass gauge. The link has already been sent to those who requested the last version.
No need to ask again and Continue reading
Haven’t updated my gauges for a long time. Here are two full-width wet compass versions with minor graphics enhancements over the last one from Post 222.
The one on the left is for general aircrafts and the other is for 737, which is based on the model found on the aircraft.
As always, subscribers of FSX Times could ask for the download links via Continue reading
In addition to the stunning 18 FIP cockpit photos Andrew Crowhurst shared with us earlier, he also summarized his experience about setting up multiple FIPs as follows. (BTW: some of you may have not noticed that the cockpit photos from Andrew posted yesterday have just been replaced by newer, higher resolution updates.)
Despite one of his recommended suggestions on how to link multiple hubs for FIPs which requires a little DIY technical knowledge and skill, Andrew’s tips are pretty straightforward and should answer many questions FIP users generally have in mind.
1. Should I connect all my FIPs directly to my PC?
I found that Continue reading
Just made a simple Wet Compass for Nils Taubert. Actually, it’s been requested by some other friends from time to time.
Programming for the wet compass isn’t complicated. But, the graphics renderings and image alignments, in particular, are still very time-consuming and involve a lot of trial and error as always.
The gauge uses the default 240 x 240 resolution on FIP due to its simplicity. Very likely I will incorporate it to my other gauges in the future.
Continue reading
I am supposed to complete the Turning Off the FIP series for the remaining Tachometer 
and the Integrated Fuel Gauges in this two weeks. Instead, here’s my first attempt utilizing the full resolution (320 x 240) of the FIP for the Turn Coordinator, plus OAT and Local & Zulu Time Clock with Time Zone Offset.
Both features had been missing from my previous gauge development and they’ve been frequently requested by friends of FSX Times.
The seven Saitek Flight Instrument Panels (FIPs) I currently have are far less than enough to individually cover each flight instrument on the C172, not to mention the more complicated aircrafts. I could purchase a couple more — the easiest solution. But I am quite happy with my current setup, and the success of the recently made Integrated Fuel Gauges also strengthens the possibility for me to integrate all (ideally) C172 instruments onto my current seven FIPs.
The following is the layout I drafted which includes proximity consideration of the instruments in the cockpit. No doubt, compromise is inevitable.
Moreover, Continue reading
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