Panel addons

[Falcon Fixer]

OK, I'm a newbie. Used to fix 'em, never flew 'em. I love this thing. Anyhow, I have the zipped file for the Viper cockpit and don't know how to/where to install the file after I unzip. I keep getting the "basic" cockpit that came with the Viper download. Airplane downloaded fine;, just don't know how to handle the cockpit lalyout. Also, using elevator trim or elevator pitch with my Logitech cordless 2.4 ain't worth a hoot - I'm all over the altitude range! Thanx, Tom F. :-?

[Gypsy_Baron]

OK, I'm a newbie. Used to fix 'em, never flew 'em. I love this thing. Anyhow, I have the zipped file for the Viper cockpit and don't know how to/where to install the file after I unzip. I keep getting the "basic" cockpit that came with the Viper download. Airplane downloaded fine;, just don't know how to handle the cockpit lalyout. Also, using elevator trim or elevator pitch with my Logitech cordless 2.4 ain't worth a hoot - I'm all over the altitude range! Thanx, Tom F. :-?

If you've unziped the new panel to a TEMP location, as I always do, you should see a folder named "panel".
If you are going to add this panel to an existing aircraft and plan on keeping the original panel as well, again
as I usually do, rename the new panel folder to "panel.1" or "panel.alt" or any addendum of your chosing.

You can now simply copy, or move, that re-named folder into the aircrafts folder. It should be on the same
"level" as the original panel folder, the model, sound and texture folders.

Now, open the "aircraft.cfg" file and you will find one or more  [fltsim.x] sections, where "x" is a number 0,1,2,3 etc.
In each section you will see entries similar to the following:

[fltsim.0]
title=Super Hornet
sim=Super Hornet
model=stand
panel=
sound=
texture=VX
...plus alot more stuff....

Note the "panel=" line. Here is where you specify WHICH panel variation you want to use for
that variation of the aircraft. If your new panel folder is "panel.2" then simply make this line
read "panel=2".

You're almost done.
If there is a "gauges" folder in the location where you unziped the new panel, as many panels do,
you will need to transfer those gauges over with the new panel folder. You have two options
here....you can copy the gauges to your FS9 main "gauges" folder or you can keep them seperate
by putting them into the new "panel.2" folder. ( Copy the files contained within the "gauges"
folder, not the folder itself.  I.E. copy any .gau, .cab and any sub-folders )

Other folders you may find would be "sound" and "effects". You can copy the contents of these
folders into your main FS9 folders of the same name.

That should get your new panel up and running.

As to trim, I have a Saitek X-45 and use one of my hats for trim increments.
The FS9 incremental trim can be rather course on some aircraft. You just need to
input it a little at a time. I;ll leave any other solution to someone that has the same
stick as you.

Hope this gets you going OK,

  Paul

[Hagar]

If you've unziped the new panel to a TEMP location, as I always do, you should see a folder named "panel".
If you are going to add this panel to an existing aircraft and plan on keeping the original panel as well, again
as I usually do, rename the new panel folder to "panel.1" or "panel.alt" or any addendum of your chosing.

You can now simply copy, or move, that re-named folder into the aircrafts folder. It should be on the same
"level" as the original panel folder, the model, sound and texture folders.

An easier method is to rename the existing Panel folder to Panel.0 or whatever suits you, then paste the new one in just as it comes. This will back up the original in case of problems & saves all that Aircraft.cfg editing.

Otherwise excellent advice.

[Falcon Fixer]

Got it....Thanx, Tom

[ashaman]

As to trim, I have a Saitek X-45 and use one of my hats for trim increments.

You saying you can use a POV hat switch to trim?

If you did please share how you did it. I mean, I was able to use such only under X-plane because it allows you to use the hat switch for other uses than views, but was NEVER able to make FS use the POV switch for anything else than moving the virtual head.

It'd be VERY useful.

[Gypsy_Baron]

As to trim, I have a Saitek X-45 and use one of my hats for trim increments.

You saying you can use a POV hat switch to trim?

If you did please share how you did it. I mean, I was able to use such only under X-plane because it allows you to use the hat switch for other uses than views, but was NEVER able to make FS use the POV switch for anything else than moving the virtual head.

It'd be VERY useful.

I simply programmed my stick POV Hat 2 as "buttons".

I set the forward position to send "Num 7" for incremental nose down trim
I set the back position to "Num 1" for nose up.
Left position "Ctl+Num 4" left aileron trim
Right position to "Ctl+Num 6" for right aileron trim.

It helps to have your mouse pointer showing the trim tooltip reading
as it is easy to overtrim with the incremental steps.  Even without
a "readout" though, I can trim for level filght or desired climb rate
by toggling back and forth until I stabilize on the desired path.

   Paul

[Hagar]

[quote]
It helps to have your mouse pointer showing the trim tooltip reading
as it is easy to overtrim with the incremental steps.

[Gypsy_Baron]

It helps to have your mouse pointer showing the trim tooltip reading
as it is easy to overtrim with the incremental steps.  Even without
a "readout" though, I can trim for level filght or desired climb rate
by toggling back and forth until I stabilize on the desired path.

If you have an X45 I don't understand why you don't use the the rotary controls for trim. They're perfect for that job.

Just never got around to playing with the rotaries. I do use them in Aces High. I'm assuming that in the FS9/FSX
controller configuration that you can define those axis to the trim functions.

  Paul

[beaky]

It helps to have your mouse pointer showing the trim tooltip reading
as it is easy to overtrim with the incremental steps.  Even without
a "readout" though, I can trim for level filght or desired climb rate
by toggling back and forth until I stabilize on the desired path.

If you have an X45 I don't understand why you don't use the the rotary controls for trim. They're perfect for that job.

I use one of my X45 throttle pots for prop control and one for mixture, and the little hat switch on the throttle for trim. To me, clicking repeatedly feels more like the little nudges on the trim wheel in real life, but clicking wouldn't seem right for adjusting mixture and prop pitch. Very much a matter of taste, but- ahem- my way is best, naturally.

Works pretty well, although it's a little coarse. I use that hat for aileron trim, too, but never bother using that. FS9 is not very good with aileron or rudder trim... I always end up chasing it back and forth.
Any plane that needs aileron trim usually has an autopilot-I say let "Otto"  do that.

I sure hope I finish my simpit before I die, so I can have a real trim wheel...  :D

[ashaman]

I simply programmed my stick POV Hat 2 as "buttons".

Never been able to. FS obstinately keeps recognizing the damn thing as a device in itself without discriminating its position.

Much better the way it's recognized under X-plane. Every damn position IS a different button there.


PS
Might be that FSUIPC can help me in that endeavor? Have to try ASAP. :-/