Gauges - xml format ?

[Jake7_70]

Hi guys - not been on here for quite some time.

The last time I was on I received some great help.

I've recently downloaded a freeware Hawk T1 and the problem I've got is with the Gauges folder.

I copied the Hawk Gauge folder into the FS2002 Guage folder but when I try to fly it, the gauges are not there - the cockpit is just black.

A lot of the files within the Hawk guage folder are XML files - is this normal ?

Any help to display the cockpit guages properly would be greatly appreciated !

Thanks in advance guys.

[WebbPA]

XML gauges in FS02 is not uncommon and should not cause a problem.  It sounds as if you have incorrectly installed the entire gauges folder instead of individual gauge folders like this:

FS2002/Gauges/HawkGauges/Gauge1

Should be:

FS2002/Gauges/Gauge1

If that doesn't work post a link to the download.

[Jake7_70]

Thanks for the reply Webb.

When I installed the files I copied the entire contents of the Guages folder into the FS2002 Guages folder - I thought that this was the correct way ?

Have I done it the wrong way ?

[WebbPA]

I don't know the contents of the gauges folder that you copied so I couldn't say.  It should look like this:

FS2002/Gauges/Gauge1
FS2002/Gauges/Gauge 2

Gauge 1 and Gauge 2 are folders.

Not

FS2002/Gauges/HawkGauges/Gauge1

You don't want that additional sublevel.

[Jake7_70]

Thanks Webb...

That's the way I've installed the Gauge files.

I cant think what the problem could be - as I said, for the cockpit view I just get a black screen - all the other views are fine.

Thanks very much for your help anyway.

[WebbPA]

If you want to post a link to the download I'll give it a try.

[Jake7_70]

Hi Webb.

To access the downloads website you have to be a registered member.

I've got the Zip File which I'd certainly send you if that would be of any use to you ?

I've been having a look at the files and folders within the Zip Folder and I think I'm getting pretty confused to be honest....

It's not that straight forward (at least to me) as there's 3 different aircraft in there - all with their own files and folders!

Anyway, as I said, I'd gladly send you the Zip File if you'd be interested in having a look ?

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

Jake

[Apex]

Hi Jake,

Try this (specific to FS02):

You should copy only the 'contents' of the folder (the actual gauge files), not the 'folder including contents'.  The gauge files should then be visible separately within the FS02 Gauges folder.  There also is a 'cabinet' folder inside that gauges folder, a little blue cabinet folder icon.  Copy the entire actual 'cabinet with it's contents' into FS02 Gauges.

Also, as you said, there are 3 different aircraft there.  Copy each aircraft 'folder' into the FS02 aircraft folder.  

I just last night downloaded the same aircraft, but have since deleted everything when I realized I already had this download from a previous payware purchase, so I'm working from memory and much experience here.  I think I checked out the panel, no problems.

If this problem persists, then: Are you having this problem with any other aircraft?  I have had some black-screen panel problems in the past, but with all my experience here, may not be able to be more specific than this.  I'll think about it, tho.

Good luck, let us know what happens.  

[Jake7_70]

Apex your a star !

That certainly seems to of sorted out most of the problems. I've installed quite a few aircraft before but this one seems to of given me problems.

Most of the instruments seem to be there now but just one thing......on pressing the GPS button (which is now visible) I'm just getting a small black box appearing, any idea how to sort that out ?

Also, has this aircraft got a beacon switch as there isnt one displayed.

I'm pretty sure I've installed all of the files in the correct FS02 folders.

Sorry about all this but I'm still a bit of a novice with FS02.

Thanks guys.

[Apex]

Far out!  Really glad to hear that worked!  Don't know about the beacon light thing, but the GPS, maybe.  I'll need a couple of days tho, very busy right now on less important non-FS stuff.  I'll let you know.  Cheers!!

[Apex]

GPS: You need to fix the panel.cfg file so it can read the FS2002 GPS; right now it's looking for a FS04 (FS9) GPS which isn't there:

Open the panel.cfg file in Notepad:
Here's the path:
My Computer>Local Drive(C)>Program files>Microsoft Games>FS2002>Aircraft>T1>Panel (folder)

When you open the panel folder, you'll see a bunch of bitmaps (BMP files) and a file called "Panel".  That's the panel.cfg file.  Open that file with Notepad (click twice, if it doesn't open directly you'll get a box with instructions.)

Scroll down to [Window 0x], don't know exactly which one.  Look for this:
gauge00=FS9GPS! or FS9Garmin, something like that.  

Change the line to:
gauge00=GPS!GPS, w,x,y,z

"w,x,y,z" are the four trailing numbers which specify screen location and size. Make sure you get the commas exactly as I specified, with no trailing coma.  If you see something like: '_300' or whatever on the original FS9 line, delete it.  You might want to back up the entire panel folder first just for the sake of confidence.  

I think that will work.  

You will have to do this separately in each different aircraft folder.

[Jake7_70]

Once again Apex - you a star !

Apologies for the delay in replying - only just viewed your last
post.

I've managed to sort it out following your instructions.

Thank you so much. Thanks to you I've also learned a little about how FS02 works behind the scenes.

So, problem solved !

Thanks very much for the help / advice, really appreciate it !