As so many others, missing airplanes

[Scottintexas]

I have read numerous posts regarding adding airplanes and missing airplanes. But have not read an answer that helped me.

I have a Piper PA28-180 in my airplanes folder, but ti doesn't show up in my airplanes list in FSX. I don't know where to look in the FSX.cfg file. I am still reading it though.

In general I would also like to know what files are required in the particular airplane folder. For example in the Piper PA28 folder what files should be there?

Also there is a folder in the Programs(x86) folder on my c drive. Under Microsoft Games/Microsoft Flight Simulator there are several folders such as "Addon Scenery", "Autogen", and a whole ot of others including a /SimObjects/Airplanes. Which folder between the one in the user appdata and this one is the one FSX uses?

Since I actually fly a real PA28R-200 (Arrow II) and a PA28-180 (Archer) I would like both models in FSX and as close to real as I can get. If I have one I would like it to show up in the list. When I find a new one on line I will try it out to see if it works closer to reality. But first I have to know where to put it.

Thanks for the help.


Scott

[Jetranger]

in the Aircraft CFG File

you wanna look here, in these areas to make sure all is correct.


[fltsim.x] { ------------------------------ make sure you have those parentencies around fltsim or it won't show up !
title=Cessna 206 Cargo VH-DVV HD {---------- check this area too
sim=Caren206CP { ---------------------- this area should read the exact same for each aircraft paint scheme
model=CC { ------- you'll have to check to see the if plane you have has any different model files.
panel=
sound=
texture=VH-DVV { ------------------------------ This HAS to MATCH the Aircraft "Texture Folder" Name exactly or will NOT show up !!
kb_checklists=Carenado Cessna 206_check
kb_reference=Carenado Cessna 206_ref
atc_id=VH-DVV
ui_manufacturer="Cessna" { --------------------- I always choose to list the name of the Manufacturer, and NOT the name of the sim developer.
ui_type=Cessna U206G Stationair 6 II Cargo
ui_typerole="Single Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Carenado"
ui_variation=VH-DVV { ------------ you can just about name this area anything you want, personel name for your aircraft Dougs ride or what ever
atc_heavy=0
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=
atc_id_color=0000000000
visual_damage=0

Makes double sure your Aircrafts TEXTURE Folder matches exactly the Texture name in the Aircraft CFG File, any mis-spellings and it won't show up !!

might want to copy & paste the Aircrafts CFG File in question here on simviation, so others can have a look at it,,, to help you.

[Scottintexas]

Thank you Jetranger, for your response.

The cfg file is in this folder
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes\PA28_180

the file contents are here, as you suggest.


[fltsim.0]
title=Piper Cherokee 180
sim=Piper_PA28_180
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id=N700
ui_manufacturer="Piper"
ui_type="Cherokee 180"
ui_variation="Classic Paint Scheme 1"
ui_typerole="Single Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Microsoft Corporation"

[fltsim.1]
title=Piper Cherokee 180 Paint1
sim=Piper_PA28_180
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=1
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id=N700
ui_manufacturer="Piper"
ui_type="Cherokee 180"
ui_variation="Classic Paint Scheme 2"
ui_typerole="Single Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Microsoft Corporation"

[fltsim.2]
title=Piper Cherokee 180 Paint2
sim=Piper_PA28_180
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=2
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id=N700
ui_manufacturer="Piper"
ui_type="Cherokee 180"
ui_variation="Classic Paint Scheme 3"
ui_typerole="Single Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Microsoft Corporation"

[General]
atc_type=Piper
atc_model=ARCHER
editable=0
performance=
Category = airplane

[WEIGHT_AND_BALANCE]
max_gross_weight = 2400 // (pounds)
empty_weight = 1330 // (pounds)

reference_datum_position = 7.70, 0, 0 // (feet) distance from FlightSim Reference position: (1/4 chord, centerline, waterline)
empty_weight_CG_position = -6.0, 0, 0 // (feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from specified datum
max_number_of_stations = 50

station_load.0 = 170, -7.125, -0.81, 0.0 // Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)
station_load.1 = 170, -7.125, 0.81, 0.0 // Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)
station_load.2 = 170, -9.842, -0.81, 0.0 // Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)
station_load.3 = 170, -9.842, 0.81, 0.0 // Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)
station_load.4 = 97, -11.900, 0.00, 0.0 // Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)

station_name.0 = "Pilot"
station_name.1 = "Front Passenger"
station_name.2 = "Rear Passenger"
station_name.3 = "Rear Passenger"
station_name.4 = "Baggage"

;Moments of Inertia
empty_weight_pitch_MOI = 829
empty_weight_roll_MOI = 602
empty_weight_yaw_MOI = 1168
empty_weight_coupled_MOI = 0


[flight_tuning]
cruise_lift_scalar = 1.0
parasite_drag_scalar = 1.0
induced_drag_scalar = 1.0
elevator_effectiveness = 1.0
aileron_effectiveness = 1.0
rudder_effectiveness = 1.0
pitch_stability = 1.0
roll_stability = 1.0
yaw_stability = 1.0
elevator_trim_effectiveness = 1.0
aileron_trim_effectiveness = 1.0
rudder_trim_effectiveness = 1.0

[GeneralEngineData]
engine_type = 0 //0=Piston, 1=Jet, 2=None, 3=Helo-Turbine, 4=Rocket, 5=Turboprop
Engine.0 = -2.4, 0.0, 0.0 //(feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from reference datum
fuel_flow_scalar= 1.0 //Fuel flow scalar
min_throttle_limit = 0.0 //Minimum percent throttle. Generally negative for turbine reverser


[piston_engine]
power_scalar = 1.0 //Piston power scalar
cylinder_displacement= 90.3 //Cubic inches per cylinder
compression_ratio= 8.5 //Compression ratio
number_of_cylinders=4 //Number of cylinders
max_rated_rpm= 2700 //Max rated RPM
max_rated_hp= 180 //Max rated HP
fuel_metering_type= 0 //0=Fuel Injected, 1=Gravity Carburetor, 2=Aerobatic Carburetor
cooling_type= 0 //0=Cooling type Air, 1=Cooling type Liquid
normalized_starter_torque= 0.3 //Starter torque factor
turbocharged= 0 //Is it turbocharged? 0=FALSE, 1=TRUE
max_design_mp= 0 //Max design manifold pressure, (inHg)
min_design_mp= 0 //Min design manifold pressure, (inHg)
critical_altitude= 0 //Altitude to which the turbocharger will provide max design manifold pressure (feet)
emergency_boost_type= 0 //0=None, 1=Water Injection, 2=Methanol/Water injection, 3=War Emergency Power
emergency_boost_mp_offset= 0 //Additional manifold pressure supplied by emergency boost
emergency_boost_gain_offset= 0 //Multiplier on manifold pressure due to emergency boost
fuel_air_auto_mixture= 0 //Automixture available? 0=FALSE, 1=TRUE
auto_ignition= 0 //Auto-Ignition available? 0=FALSE, 1=TRUE
max_rpm_mechanical_efficiency_scalar= 1.0 //Scalar on maximum RPM mechanical efficiency
idle_rpm_mechanical_efficiency_scalar= 1.0 //Scalar on idle RPM mechanical efficiency
max_rpm_friction_scalar= 1.0 //Scalar on maximum RPM friction
idle_rpm_friction_scalar= 1.0 //Scalar on idle RPM friction

[propeller]
thrust_scalar = 1.0 //Propeller thrust scalar
propeller_type= 1 //0=Constant Speed, 1=Fixed Pitch
propeller_diameter= 6.3 //Propeller Diameter, (feet)
propeller_blades= 2 //Number of propeller blades
propeller_moi= 4.4 //Propeller moment of inertia
beta_max= 0 //Maximum blade pitch angle for constant speed prop, (degrees)
beta_min= 0 //Minimum blade pitch angle for constant speed prop, (degrees)
min_gov_rpm= 0 //Miminum governed RPM
prop_tc= 0.1 //Prop time-constant
gear_reduction_ratio= 1.0 //Propeller gear reduction ratio
fixed_pitch_beta= 20 //Fixed pitch angle of fixed pitch prop, (degrees)
low_speed_theory_limit= 80 //Speed at which low speed theory becomes blended in (feet/second)
prop_sync_available= 0 //Prop synchronization available? 0=FALSE, 1=TRUE
prop_deice_available= 0 //Prop de-icing available? 0=FALSE, 1=TRUE
prop_feathering_available= 0 //Prop feathering available? 0=FALSE, 1=TRUE
prop_auto_feathering_available= 0 //Prop auto-feathering available? 0=FALSE, 1=TRUE
min_rpm_for_feather= 0 //Minimum RPM for prop feathering
beta_feather= 0 //Feathering pitch angle (degrees)
power_absorbed_cf= 0 //Coefficient of friction for power absorbed by propeller
defeathering_accumulators_available= 0 //Defeathering accumulators available? 0=FALSE, 1=TRUE
prop_reverse_available= 0 //Prop reverse available? 0=FALSE, 1=TRUE
minimum_on_ground_beta= 0 //Miminum pitch angle on ground, (degrees)
minimum_reverse_beta= 0 //Minimum pitch angle in reverse, (degrees)


[electrical]
;BusType, MaxAmpLoad, MinVoltage BusTypes:0=MainBus,1=AvionicsBus,2=BatteryBus,3=HotBatteryBus,4-7=Generator/AlternatorBus(1-4)
flap_motor = 0, 5 , 17.0
gear_motor = 0, 5 , 17.0
autopilot = 0, 5 , 17.0
avionics_bus = 0, 5 , 17.0
avionics = 1, 5 , 17.0
pitot_heat = 0, 2 , 17.0
additional_system = 0, 2 , 17.0
marker_beacon = 1, 2 , 17.0
gear_warning = 0, 2 , 17.0
fuel_pump = 0, 5 , 17.0
starter1 = 0, 20, 17.0
light_nav = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_beacon = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_landing = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_taxi = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_strobe = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_panel = 0, 5 , 17.0

//0 Class <0=none,1=wheel, 2=scrape, 3=float>
//1 Longitudinal Position (feet)
//2 Lateral Position (feet)
//3 Vertical Position (feet)
//4 Impact Damage Threshold (Feet Per Minute)
//5 Brake Map (0=None, 1=Left, 2=Right)
//6 Wheel Radius (feet)
//7 Steer Angle (degrees)
//8 Static Compression (feet) (0 if rigid)
//9 Max/Static Compression Ratio
//10 Damping Ratio (0=Undamped, 1=Critically Damped)
//11 Extension Time (seconds)
//12 Retraction Time (seconds)
//13 Sound Type
//14 Airspeed limit for retraction (KIAS)
//15 Airspeed that gear gets damage at (KIAS)
[contact_points]
point.0 = 1, -3.80, 0.00, -4.20, 1500, 0, 0.433, 25.0, 0.500, 2.5, 1.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0, 0, 150
point.1 = 1, -10.1, -5.25, -4.35, 3000, 1, 0.433, 0.0, 0.500, 2.5, 0.9, 0.0, 0.0, 2, 0, 150
point.2 = 1, -10.1, 5.25, -4.35, 3000, 2, 0.433, 0.0, 0.500, 2.5, 0.9, 0.0, 0.0, 3, 0, 150
point.3 = 2, -8.89, -14.95, 0.16, 1200, 0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 5
point.4 = 2, -8.89, 14.95, 0.16, 1200, 0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 6
point.5 = 2, -22.29, 0.00, -0.65, 1200, 0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 9
point.6 = 2, -1.33, 0.00, -1.62, 1200, 0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 4

max_number_of_points = 21


static_pitch = 1.9 //degrees, pitch when at rest on the ground (+=Up, -=Dn)
static_cg_height = 3.75 //feet, altitude of CG when at rest on the ground

[brakes]
parking_brake = 1 //Parking brake available
toe_brakes_scale = 0.94 //Brake scalar
auto_brakes = 0

[hydraulic_system]
normal_pressure = 0.0 //PSI

[Views]
eyepoint= -6.9, -0.81, 1.5 //(feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from reference datum

[flaps.0]
type = 1 // 1 - tail, 2 - lead
span-outboard = 0.587 // 0.0 .. 1.0
extending-time = 5 // seconds
flaps-position.0 = 0 // degrees, KIAS
flaps-position.1 = 10 // degrees, KIAS
flaps-position.2 = 25 // degrees, KIAS
flaps-position.3 = 40 // degrees, KIAS
damaging-speed = 100 // KIAS
blowout-speed = 120 // KIAS
lift_scalar = 1.0
drag_scalar = 1.0
pitch_scalar= 1.0
system_type = 3 //0=Electric, 1=Hydraulic, 2=Pneumatic, 3=Manual, 4=None

[attitude_indicators]
//Type: 0=None, 1=Vacuum Gyro, 2=Electric Gyro
attitude_indicator.0 = 1

[direction_indicators]
direction_indicator.0=1,0 //Gyro

[turn_indicators]
//Type: 0=None, 1=Electric Gyro, 2= Vacuum Gyro
turn_indicator.0=1,1 //Turn AND Bank

[vacuum_system]
max_pressure=5.15 //PSI
vacuum_type=1 //Type: 0=None, 1=Engine pump (default), 2=Pneumatic, 3=Venturi
engine_map=1

[pneumatic_system]
max_pressure=0.000000

[pitot_static]
vertical_speed_time_constant = 1 //Increasing this value will cause a more instantaneous reaction in the VSI
pitot_heat = 1.0 //Scalar on heat effectiveness, 0 = not available

[LIGHTS]
//Types: 1=beacon, 2=strobe, 3=navigation, 4=cockpit
light.0 = 3, -9.00, -15.11, 0.05, fx_navred
light.1 = 3, -9.00, 15.11, 0.05, fx_navgre
light.2 = 3, -23.30, 0.00, 4.55, fx_navwhi
light.3 = 2, -16.30, 0.00,-1.65, fx_strobe
light.4 = 2, -23.30, 0.00, 4.55, fx_strobe
light.5 = 1, -21.85, 0.00, 5.00, fx_beacon
light.6 = 4, -8.00, 0.00, 2.15, fx_vclight

[EFFECTS]
wake=fx_wake
water=fx_spray
dirt=fx_tchdrt
concrete=fx_sparks
touchdown=fx_tchdwn_s, 1

[fuel]
LeftMain = -7.8, -5.8, -0.8, 25.0, 0.0 //Longitudinal (feet), Lateral (feet), Vertical (feet), Usable(gallons), Unusable (gallons)
RightMain = -7.8, 5.8, -0.8, 25.0, 0.0 //Longitudinal (feet), Lateral (feet), Vertical (feet), Usable(gallons), Unusable (gallons)
fuel_type = 1 //Fuel type: 1 = Avgas, 2 = JetA
number_of_tank_selectors = 1
electric_pump=1

[airplane_geometry]
wing_area = 160.0 //Square feet
wing_span = 30.0 //Feet
wing_root_chord = 5.3 //Feet
wing_dihedral = 7.2 //Degrees
wing_incidence = 2.0 //Degrees
wing_twist = -2.0 //Degrees
oswald_efficiency_factor= 0.9 //Measure of lift effeciency of wing
wing_winglets_flag = 0 //Are winglets available?
wing_sweep = 0.0 //Degrees, wing leading edge
wing_pos_apex_lon = -6.4 //Feet, longitudinal distance from reference point, negative going aft
wing_pos_apex_vert = 0.0 //Feet, vertical distance from reference point, positive going up
htail_area = 27.0 //Square feet
htail_span = 10.8 //Feet
htail_pos_lon = -20.5 //Feet, longitudinal distance from reference point, negative going aft
htail_pos_vert = 0.0 //Feet, vertical distance from reference point, positive going up
htail_incidence = 3.2 //Degrees
htail_sweep = 0.0 //Degrees, horizontal tail leading edge
vtail_area = 11.0 //Square feet
vtail_span = 3.8 //Feet, tip to body
vtail_sweep = 40.0 //Degrees, vertical tail leading edge
vtail_pos_lon = -17.6 //Feet, longitudinal distance from reference point, negative going aft
vtail_pos_vert = 1.3 //Feet, vertical distance from reference point, positive going up
elevator_area = 24.4 //Square feet
aileron_area = 10.6 //Square feet
rudder_area = 4.9 //Square feet
elevator_up_limit = 28.0 //Degrees
elevator_down_limit = 21.0 //Degrees
aileron_up_limit = 20.0 //Degrees
aileron_down_limit = 15.0 //Degrees
rudder_limit = 24.0 //Degrees
elevator_trim_limit = 19.5 //Degrees
spoiler_limit = 0.0 //Degrees
spoilerons_available = 0 //Spoilerons Available?
aileron_to_spoileron_gain = 0 //Aileron to spoileron gain
min_ailerons_for_spoilerons = 0 //Degrees
min_flaps_for_spoilerons = 0 //Minimum flap handle position when spoilerons activate
auto_spoiler_available = 0
positive_g_limit_flaps_up = 4.0 //Design G load tolerance (positive, flaps up)
positive_g_limit_flaps_down= 2.0 //Design G load tolerance (positive, flaps down)
negative_g_limit_flaps_up = -1.5 //Design G load tolerance (negative, flaps up)
negative_g_limit_flaps_down= -1.5 //Design G load tolerance (negative, flaps down)
load_safety_factor = 1.5 //Design G load safety factor

[Reference Speeds]
flaps_up_stall_speed = 61.0 //Knots True (KTAS)
full_flaps_stall_speed = 50.0 //Knots True (KTAS)
cruise_speed = 124.0 //Knots True (KTAS)
max_indicated_speed = 148 //Red line (KIAS)

[keyboard_response]
//Breakpoint speeds (knots) on the keyboard increments of control surfaces.
//Speed at which the incremenet is reduced to 1/2 and 1/8 respectively.
elevator= 100.0, 180.0
aileron= 200.0, 1000.0
rudder= 200.0, 1000.0

[autopilot]
autopilot_available= 1
flight_director_available= 0
default_vertical_speed= 700.0
autothrottle_available= 0
pitch_takeoff_ga=8.0
max_pitch=10.0
max_pitch_acceleration=1.0
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt=2.0
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt=1.5
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt_breakpoint=20000.0
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt_breakpoint=28000.0
max_bank=25.0
max_bank_acceleration=1.8
max_bank_velocity=3.00
max_throttle_rate=0.10
nav_proportional_control=9.00
nav_integrator_control=0.25
nav_derivative_control=0.00
nav_integrator_boundary=2.50
nav_derivative_boundary=0.00
gs_proportional_control=9.52
gs_integrator_control=0.26
gs_derivative_control=0.00
gs_integrator_boundary=0.70
gs_derivative_boundary=0.00
yaw_damper_gain = 0.0

[forcefeedback]
gear_bump_nose_magnitude=6000 ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_nose_direction=18000 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_nose_duration=250000 ; in microseconds
gear_bump_left_magnitude=6000 ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_left_direction=35500 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_left_duration=250000 ; in microseconds
gear_bump_right_magnitude=6000 ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_right_direction=00500 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_right_duration=250000 ; in microseconds
ground_bumps_magnitude1=3250 ; 0 - 10000
ground_bumps_angle1=8900 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
ground_bumps_intercept1=5.0
ground_bumps_slope1=0.48
ground_bumps_magnitude2=750 ; 0 - 10000
ground_bumps_angle2=9100 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
ground_bumps_intercept2=0.075
ground_bumps_slope2=1.0
crash_magnitude1=10000 ; 0 - 10000
crash_direction1=01000 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
crash_magnitude2=10000 ; 0 - 10000
crash_direction2=9000 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
crash_period2=75000 ; in microseconds
crash_duration2=2500000 ; in microseconds

[stall_warning]
type=1
stick_shaker=0

[deice_system]
structural_deice_type=0 //0 = None, 1 = Heated Leading Edge, 2 = Bleed Air Boots, 3 = Eng Pump Boots

I'll go over it now to see if what you provided is there. Any other thoughts or guidance would be welcomed.

[B0ikat]

The PA28-180 is an AI model. The reason it does not show up is mainly due to not having a "panel" folder. It can be made "flyable" by adding a panel from a similar aircraft and knocking off the ".ai" from the "Sound.ai" folder in the PA-28-180 folder. Or, you can download and install the "Flyable" PA28-180 from the download page and install it. (Make sure you download the "Flyablepa28-180" by Bob Chicilo, since it has a new .cfg file and "sim" file in addition to the panel and sound file). Just paste those folders and files into the PA28-180 folder and over-write the .cfg file.

http://simviation.com/1/search?submit=1 ... 0&x=15&y=6

I did not find a PA28R-200, but did find a 201:

http://simviation.com/1/browse-Props-62 ... =1910#1910

That said, if you want to customize them to reflect your real world aircraft, you will want to learn all the fun bits, like repainting and panel tweaking.

[B0ikat]

PS: The PA28-180 does not have a VC, but since it's an FSX native, I *think* you can add one from a similar aircraft. I seem to remember a toot on that, but I cannot seem to locate it...

[Jetranger]

that's cool, that ya fly one for real !!

I sent ya a PM too check it out !!!

[OldAirmail]

Are you looking for quality Pipers, or just the best freeware pipers?

Carenado Piper Archer Arrow

[pete]

Payware doesn't necessarily equal 'quality' nor does freeware indicate non quality .....

Much freeware is better than much payware - period.

There are some great freeware PA-28's out there

http://simviation.com/1/search?submit=1 ... 28&x=0&y=0

Speaking as a real PA-28 pilot I can vouch that the one at the top of that listing (spikes) won't disappoint (among others)

[rp101646]

http://www.wolfgang-picheta.de/
COPY AND PASTE OR DO A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR THE ABOVE WEB SITE. YOU WILL FIND A FREE PROGRAM CALLED FLUSIFIX FOR FSX. I have had similar problems with addon aircraft not showing up. This program has a function that will search all aircraft in your flight sim folder and give you results of aircraft not registered with FSX CONFIG. You then select the option to register the aircraft to the FSX CONFIG. This has worked for me in mostly all instances when a aircraft does not show up in your list. Also, this program has several options to tweak FSX without going into the FSX config files. Hope this helps. THIS IS A FREEWARE PROGRAM AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.