Reworked ecams for default A321 FSX

Post by **GaryG** » 02 Jan 2010, 20:19

Hello All,
To all the experts in XML out there, where is the best starting point for XML programming. Besides, is there any IDE for this? I know some C programming, but only basic and wish to get a little deep in XML to make some useful gauges.

Regards,
PAIRBUSBEST

Post by **Alexis** » 03 Jan 2010, 12:32

http://www.fs2x.com hands down. YOu can also find some help and sripts at the FFDS and FSDeveloper fora.

Post by **GaryG** » 03 Jan 2010, 14:09

Thanks a lot alexis, much appreciated.

Post by **GaryG** » 11 Jan 2010, 23:02

Hi all

With some experimenting and stuff, I succeeded in doing an Avionics master switch in the Airbus A321, FSX. I`m so happy that I can start the cold and dark cockpit now

However, I linked this to the seatbelt sign, hence I lost the cabin sound. But that isn`t much of a matter right now.

Just to demonstrate that I am a bit willing and capable.

This is the very beginning.

Regards

P.S. -----> a very good A321 panel mod check it out by Stefan Liebe: http://www.fs2000.org/index.php/downloa ... s?start=10

FSX ONLY !!!!!!!!!

sknepper · Post by **sknepper** » 11 Jan 2010, 23:10

Thanx for the link there PAIRBUSBEST

Nice the new PFD gauges with acceleration and things. I am a happy boy now.

Post by **GaryG** » 12 Jan 2010, 08:54

Yes everybody needed it

Post by **GaryG** » 16 Jan 2010, 18:09

A little bit update.

I am modifying a bit the default ECAMS of the A321 FSX.

So Far:

*Added a new warning in the ECAMS
*Autothrottle activates after % throttle amount. Disactivates below it (Like the real)

Enjoy your week-end.

Regards

sknepper · Post by **sknepper** » 16 Jan 2010, 20:12

PAIRBUSBEST wrote:A little bit update.

I am modifying a bit the default ECAMS of the A321 FSX.

So Far:

*Added a new warning in the ECAMS
*Autothrottle activates after % throttle amount. Disactivates below it (Like the real)

Enjoy your week-end.

Regards

Sounds good. I knew there was something missing. Keep us updated on the progress.

Post by **GaryG** » 17 Jan 2010, 07:31

Thanks Sean

Hope it will be so decent that I will release it perhaps.

Post by **GaryG** » 18 Jan 2010, 22:29

A little update from my side.

NOTE: THIS IS MY VERY FIRST GAUGE = NO FLAMING PLEASE.

With that cleared, the pictures below show the status of the gauge, the ECAM. Please note that things can change from now and then depending on what I find most suitable. I will be able to ask certain questions to certain extent.

Constructive criticism is appreciated.

This is for FSX ONLY if it will ever be released.

Enjoy

P.S. -- I am ONLY doing the ECAM... The PFD is from Stefan Liebe.

Post by **Alexis** » 19 Jan 2010, 00:29

Nice! Keep us updated!

sknepper · Post by **sknepper** » 19 Jan 2010, 21:11

Wow, the facts are looking amazing

. Maybe a hidden talent there for you Pairbusbest. Curiousity killed the cat in me. If you want some help just pull on the line

. Keep up the good work.

Post by **GaryG** » 19 Jan 2010, 21:15

Thanks to both of you

@ Sean : Yes it might be a talent, who knows

Regards

Post by **GaryG** » 20 Jan 2010, 22:25

A little update from my side:

* removed the lbs/h and substituted them with kg/h
* improved throttle percentage needle
* added N2 & ff values

enjoy

Post by **GaryG** » 21 Jan 2010, 23:08

a very little update today since I was messing around with GIMP.

So:

* Added F.O.B number (needs prositioning)
* ECAM messages: APU AVAIL changed to APU BLEED and below, you can see the difference when the knob is turned to BLEED: APU.

Enjoy guys

Before:

After:

Post by **GaryG** » 23 Jan 2010, 22:53

Hi all,
I just tested my gauge in the PA A319 aircraft... for some reason, the "Update", which performs the Engagement of the autothrottle does not work on the aircraft, on the default A321 does. The rest of the gauge works flawlessly.

Any suggestions please?

Regards

Post by **GaryG** » 25 Jan 2010, 18:06

Just wanted to tell you that I am still working on the gauge even though there have been no printscreens and updates. However if someone has a solution to the problem above please do tell it to me. :mrgreen:

sknepper · Post by **sknepper** » 25 Jan 2010, 21:06

Sounds good there, who's been very busy? The problem may be something missing in the panel.cfg for the A319, or have you got a copy of the default A321 panel directory under the A319? By my logic it should not be a problem. After brain-storming I thought it could not be the camera postions for the cockpit otherwise everything else would also be wrong. I will brain-storm again and think what it may be.

deccas1391 · Post by **deccas1391** » 26 Jan 2010, 00:14

I just downloaded this and used it in the A321.... and I'm impressed with the electronic checklist that is there. Does anyone know if there's a way to make similar electronic checklists for other aircraft?

Post by **GaryG** » 26 Jan 2010, 07:28

sknepper wrote:Sounds good there, who's been very busy? The problem may be something missing in the panel.cfg for the A319, or have you got a copy of the default A321 panel directory under the A319? By my logic it should not be a problem. After brain-storming I thought it could not be the camera postions for the cockpit otherwise everything else would also be wrong. I will brain-storm again and think what it may be.

It`s not with the camera positions because if I press the button manually it will work, FSX IS reading the variables as well but not implementing the action

.. However as a gauge, it still works, we`ll see that later but it is coming along nicely in my opinion. I added those.. the XX when engine shuts off.. do you know what I am talking about?

deccas1391 wrote:I just downloaded this and used it in the A321.... and I'm impressed with the electronic checklist that is there. Does anyone know if there's a way to make similar electronic checklists for other aircraft?

Please do not confuse Stefan`s gauges with my ECAM. I will tell when it is out therefore if you downloaded it, it is surely not mine.

deccas1391 · Post by **deccas1391** » 26 Jan 2010, 09:16

Really? Sorry about that. I must've misread it and downloaded one thinking it was yours. Either way, I look forward to it

Post by **GaryG** » 26 Jan 2010, 09:52

deccas1391 wrote:Really? Sorry about that. I must've misread it and downloaded one thinking it was yours. Either way, I look forward to it

Absolutely no problem Deccas. Keep following it since I will soon upload a new screenshot of the ECAMS.

Thanks and Regards

deccas1391 · Post by **deccas1391** » 26 Jan 2010, 10:52

I'll be sure to keep following it. I'll follow pretty much anything that makes FS more realistic

Thanks

Post by **GaryG** » 29 Jan 2010, 21:20

Hi Guys,
So happy today I continued slightly my work.. Hope I will continue to improve it over the weekend.

Some screenies here. i know about the fuel flow issues, don`t worry. That is on the magnificent, Project Airbus A319.

I sincerely hope that someone can help me with the issues about auto Key commands in XML, since they are not working with this model and working with default A321. :S

Anyways. Enjoy

PAIRBUSBEST

Post by **Alexis** » 29 Jan 2010, 22:49

Progressing nicely! Keep pushing it!

Post by **GaryG** » 30 Jan 2010, 07:16

Thanks

Atomic_13 · Post by **Atomic_13** » 30 Jan 2010, 13:31

Gotta list thing add-on down to my 'MUST HAVE' list

sknepper · Post by **sknepper** » 30 Jan 2010, 20:22

Was interpreting the fsx.cfg file and found that certain add-ons put their variables into there as the FSX program contantly reads certain variables out of it. The syntax is not so easy to understand, someone will, but there are certain .xml variables that people have put into the fsx.cfg file. Maybe that's a pointer for you, Pairbusbest, with the key assignments, etc.?

Post by **GaryG** » 31 Jan 2010, 07:26

thanks for the reply Sean, I will try to give it a shot. Thanks

A321 · Post by **A321** » 01 Feb 2010, 13:26

Great

Post by **GaryG** » 03 Feb 2010, 17:56

Sorry I know it`s been a while, but if you want any good news, I can tell you that I`ll resume my work on it from tomorrow since tomorrow I`ll finish my exams.

Cya guys.

Post by **GaryG** » 05 Feb 2010, 19:45

Hi all,
Pheewwww, I must say it was a busy day today trying to introduce some ecam messages, searching all over the web for authenticity, etc.... a very repetitive work but still enjoyable. Now, ecam messages currently being displayed and need some modifications are:

* APU AVAIL/ APU BLEED -- depends if the apu is on and whether it`s bleeding or not. See image.
* PARK BRK --- Self explanatory no?
* IGNITION --- This shows up when the switch is turned to ignition mode.
* LDG LT -- Landing lights turned on.
* LDG INHIBIT... This is a simple message to show that the aircraft is close to land... in the future will implement that simple checklist.

Intentions for the right side ecam messages..

*AUTO BRK LO/MED/HI
*NW STRG DISC

Meanwhile enjoy the images.

Any comments appreciated.

Regards

PAIRBUSBEST

A321 · Post by **A321** » 05 Feb 2010, 19:47

Great

Post by **GaryG** » 09 Feb 2010, 19:30

Hi guys,
Got some great news today. Do you remember telling you that the Autothrottle didn`t work on the PA aircraft? Well, I hopefully found a workaround. It worked marvellously on the A319

For those who are interested, the problem was the the repeat times that the code was executed, listed as "Frequency". For the default, leaving it 0 is fine, but for other aircraft it needs to be adjusted. I set it to 50, which I think it means 50 times a second.

For me it`s great news.

Regards people.

PAIRBUSBEST

Post by **GaryG** » 10 Feb 2010, 19:55

Hi all,
just a few screenies on my side showing the promised. Not much more to tell.

Regards.

Post by **GaryG** » 14 Feb 2010, 18:57

Hi all

A bit happy today, managed to push things a little bit more. So:

*Added a T.O. inhibit
*Added a small checklist.

Check it out by opening the thumbnails below.

Please Feed-back. I need your praises and complaints

regards

Post by **GaryG** » 15 Feb 2010, 16:59

Just want to ask whether anybody knows the LDG memo?

Please if someone knows it send me a pm.

Thanks

Post by **GaryG** » 21 Feb 2010, 15:40

A little update...

Actually, I think that most of the work has been done. Due to my limitations of XML knowledge and info, I think I will implement some small things just to make it more accurate. As everybody know, it is very difficult to make it exactly as it`s real counter-part, but don`t worry, I will tell when it`s ready. Unluckily, lack of feedback makes me think that things are perfect.

Aren`t they?

Regards.

Post by **GaryG** » 24 Feb 2010, 11:07

Optimizing a bit the gauge.

For example:

*Non-overlapping messages
*Changed colour and position of the throttle indicator.

keep watching

Post by **GaryG** » 26 Feb 2010, 22:31

Wanted to say, no news, good news

Trust me, it is coming along nicely...for a beginner

Post by **GaryG** » 28 Feb 2010, 10:57

Hi all,
I just want to say that the gauge is extremely close to completion.

Regards.

Atomic_13 · Post by **Atomic_13** » 02 Mar 2010, 12:42

That's great news! Been waiting for it to be done. No hurries

Post by **GaryG** » 02 Mar 2010, 13:03

Indeed... However, yesterday I got to know a method that can improve my gauge effectively. Therefore, let`s hope it will meet my and your expectations.

Regards.

Post by **GaryG** » 04 Mar 2010, 10:34

Soon finalized.

I will post some screenshots if I`ll be able later today.

Stay tuned.

Regards

Post by **GaryG** » 05 Mar 2010, 08:44

So hello all,

Just a little screeny of the current situation. Now there are simulated detents on the ecams, but that does not represent the gates that the thrust leavers actually being put into, only the range in which they are..

enjoy

Post by **GaryG** » 06 Mar 2010, 12:01

RELEASED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally the gauge is released and downloadable from avsim.

check it out.

Direct link:

http://library.avsim.net/search.php?Sea ... &Go=Search

Please feedback if you downloaded it.

sknepper · Post by **sknepper** » 06 Mar 2010, 21:47

Hello Pairbusbest. I am downloading it now as we speak. From all the chats I'm sure it will be like getting a big birthday present

. I will let you know, once I've tried it out on a few flights, what I think of the improvements.

Post by **GaryG** » 07 Mar 2010, 09:07

Thanks Sean... I really need feedback about this....

fcerven · Post by **fcerven** » 07 Mar 2010, 23:09

PAIRBUSBEST wrote:Thanks Sean... I really need feedback about this....

Hi PAIRBUSBEST,

I have installed your ecams in the Project Airbus A320 which has been updated with the Default A321 VC from FSX SP2. Did a couple of short hops below 10K feet and it seemed to work well. I have not taken it above 18K feet yet to test your most recent update.

I did have one question, though. In preparation for takeoff, I am unable to extinguish the red T.O. Inhibit message on the right side. Could you tell me the conditions necessary to extinguish this warning? I must be missing something. I would go to an operating procedure for the PA aircraft but am unaware of any.

Other than that, all switches live in the VC and pop-up panels seem to reflect correctly on the ecams.

Thanks for the update and Good Flying

Post by **GaryG** » 08 Mar 2010, 11:01

Thanks for your reply. Do give me feedback. However, to all those who HAVE NOT downloaded the gauge, please be a bit patient because there was a little misunderstanding from my side when updated the new one. So please be patient, I will tell you when it is the complete gauge.

To reply to you about the T.O. Inhibit, the conditions are the aircraft should be on ground and flap position greater than 0.

So if you want to remove it, either take-off or flaps retracted.

Regards and extremely sorry for the misunderstanding that took place. Hopefully will be fixed soon.

PAIRBUSBEST