FSX CAB files & GPS 500 Mods

[StargazerWoods]

Hiya,

I recently searched the internet for a reason why a relatively deep sim like FSX had failed to include TCAS. I found a number of add-on guages from community developers that do appear to be very good, but it was something else that I saw that caught me eye.

Somebody had a few lines of code that made the built-in GPS500 (that is open on a 2nd monitor on every one of my flights) show a traffic layer. I eventually, through more research, disocvered that this code is to be placed within the gps_500.xml file within the CAB file of the same (or similar) name.

Opening and getting the file out for modification was no problem, but neither the Win7 zip utility nor WinRar would repack the xml back into the cab. I went against my nature and started investigating 3rd party software and found one that seemed to meet the criteria. Except once installed, it couln't even open the FSX cab files.

FS9 supposedly has a cab utility that came with it and I may have found an installer for that individual element, but the installer fails. How on Earth am I meant to replace this one tiny file? Downloading an entire development suite seems a little wasteful, not to mention heavy-handed, so what is the best way for me to get this cab file updated?

Cheers,

Rob.

[garymbuska]

Hiya,

I recently searched the internet for a reason why a relatively deep sim like FSX had failed to include TCAS. I found a number of add-on guages from community developers that do appear to be very good, but it was something else that I saw that caught me eye.

Somebody had a few lines of code that made the built-in GPS500 (that is open on a 2nd monitor on every one of my flights) show a traffic layer. I eventually, through more research, disocvered that this code is to be placed within the gps_500.xml file within the CAB file of the same (or similar) name.

Opening and getting the file out for modification was no problem, but neither the Win7 zip utility nor WinRar would repack the xml back into the cab. I went against my nature and started investigating 3rd party software and found one that seemed to meet the criteria. Except once installed, it couln't even open the FSX cab files.

FS9 supposedly has a cab utility that came with it and I may have found an installer for that individual element, but the installer fails. How on Earth am I meant to replace this one tiny file? Downloading an entire development suite seems a little wasteful, not to mention heavy-handed, so what is the best way for me to get this cab file updated?

Cheers,

Rob.

I Googled How to edit a .CAB file and found this link
http://fileforums.com/showthread.php?t=64946
This is from a forum and shows other links to the tools you will need.
I must caution you tough some of these sites could lead to you getting a VIRUS on your computer
It is things like this than can lead to unwanted problems so BE CARE FULL where you surf so the sharks do not get you.
One other note I have a program that is payware called FSPANEL STUDIO that will allow you to edit cab files But I am not sure if you can save it as a single file
This program allows you to make your own gauges so this might do want you want
Here is the link
http://www.fspanelstudio.com/
You can try before you buy so it might be worth checking out.
This program works with all versions of Flight Simulator

[StargazerWoods]

Thank you for that.

I'm chasing another lead at the moment that looks to be quite promising, but I'll check these links anyway because it never hurts to become self sufficient for future alterations.

Cheers,

Rob.

[Hawkeye07]

I came up with a way to deal with this problem a while ago and it works pretty good. What I did was I created a new separate file folder in the panel folder and named it for the gage I was going to copy. Then I copied the .xml and .bmp files for that particular gage and placed them in the new separate file folder. Next I went into the Panel CFG and installed it into the window I wanted it in or created a new window (which is pretty simple. Must be if I figured it out as I'm no computer guru!) Matter of fact I just did one a couple of days ago for installing a different autopilot in Milton Shupes beautiful S2F-1 so here's an example of the window I created in the panel CFG:

[Window06]
BACKGROUND_COLOR=0,0,0
size_mm=255,155
position=1
visible=0
window_size_ratio=1.000
ident=Autopilot

gauge00=DRD_B-26 Autopilot!Autopilot, 0, 0,250,150

NOTE: "DRD_B-26 Autopilot" is the name of the new folder. That must be followed by the exclamation point (!) and then the name of the gage I copied.

I've also modified indicator markings and the like and made up these in folders too. The nice thing about it being in separate folders is then you can move them from plane to plane and plug the [Window] info in too. I also put a Notepad in the new folder with the panel CFG info in it. I would guess you might even be able to plug the folder into the GAUGES folder in FSX although I haven't tried that one yet--actually I just thought of it. AND as has been said many times before "Back it up before you screw it up" I hope this helps.

[StargazerWoods]

So, if I understand correctly, the cab file is just a tidy way of doing things, but isn't a requirement. Simply having a folder by the correct name and a small tweak in the config files allows FSX to read it normally?

Cool!

I may have to give it a whirl sometime.

Thank you.

[FabioL]

From a dim and distant memory, I believe that the SDK also contains a CAB file maker.

There is a really great VSI plus Transponder "TCAS II" gauge made by Lee Hetherington that you can add into most VC's in place of the on-board VSI, and it has fully functioning click spots as well to set it on/off, adjust range, or tilt.

I do like the idea of creating a new gauge folder and using that in the panel.CFG, must try it!

[Hawkeye07]

Once you get the hang of it the whole process is pretty easy and it's sort of fun to be able to change things around or put your own markings on an instrument. I took the Airspeed Ind out of the Warbirdsim "Mustang Tales" FJ-51D and put marks at the appropriate speeds for flaps and landing gear. Works great.