Hi all.

I have been constantly searching for new "leads" for the GREAT FreeFD software that Don Lafontaine has created ever since his website was discontinued... and apprently along with the development of this project as well.

In case you don't know about it, the FreeFD suite is a freeware stand alone gauge package that gives you "Boeing Glass" for your simpit.  It is intended to run OUTSIDE the sim, on networked machines that are running FSUIPC and WideFS.  It includes the PFD, the ND, the EICAS, and a rudimentary synoptic (not really completed).  The ND display will display the famous "magenta" course line if you install a flight plan into it in the OLD Squawkbox format.  All in all it is VERY nice...and rivals Project Magenta in many ways.

Unfortunatley....it is apparently an abandoned project and it still has some small bugs and minor missing stuff.   But I have been using it in my pit for YEARS quite happily.

I keep HOPING that Don will resume work on it....... he had such a GREAT start going.......and suddernly it will pop back onto the flight deck building scene like a ton of dynamite.  But so far.... no such luck.

His last FreeFD website was created in 2003 after his original site was the victim of hackers.  It is LONG gone.

The News!

BUT... I just discovered that the Web Wayback Machine archive site HAS a portion of the FreeFD website located on it.  OK...so you can see a few of the last postings....great.  But the BEST news is that the hot links on the right top side of the following page STILL lead to the intact download files of the last and latest versions of the FreeFD software,  including the last patch to the ND display and the ND Navigation database.

Download and ENJOY!!

http://web.archive.org/web/20041011002146/http://freefd.homelinux.com/freefd/

Yahoo!!!!

best,

......john

Hi, I was really happy to read this. Thanks, it is rally grat help. I was searching for free Glass Cockpit software for a while and I gave up. Open GC is too far for me as I don't know much programming. And Project Magenta is $$$$$ you know...
Anyway, I am in the process of setting up a very low budjet cockpit on a desk. I tried free FD from the same computer that runs FS9, it didn't work much. Now I am thinking to purchase FSUIPC. My question is does free FD really work with wide FS  & FSUIPC? I thought I read somwhere in this forem FSUIPC doesn't support free FD.
Thanks again.

ermias,

If it doesn't work............. I better tell the computers in my simpit network that  ;).  For some reason.,.. they don't seem to know that.

Yes..... FSUIPC works just fine with FreeFD.  You need the combo of FSUIPC and WideFS to run FreeFD.  FSUIPC gets the dat in the sim extracted...and WideFS makes a program on a separate networked computer think that fs9 is actually running on it.

I am not sure about when Pete Dowson releases the NEW version of FSUIPC though... the one desiogned for FSX.   THAT situation is something that I hope is "backward compatible".  Otherwise my pit will be staying on fs2004.

best,

......john

John,
Thanks for the reply. I think I will stick to fs9 untill I learn the pros and cons about FSX even if it is very exciting. And it is also my hope the updated FSUIPC would be reverse compatible.

Regards, ermias

ermias,

For me and my simpit, FreeFD is THE key to the fact that it even exists.  When I discovered THAT.... it lead naturally to the idea of building a pit.  Without that software available for FREE.... the core flight display functions would not exist.  

I simply CANNOT afford stuff like Project Magenta.

FreeFD's implementation of the PFD and the ND (with the actual navigation course function) are the main components of the basic function of my pit.  Without those two specific items....... the other possible options available to replace them are nowhere near as complete or as functional or as easy to use or to set up.

It is a REAL shame that Don Lafontaine seems to have abandoned the FreeFD project he started.  BUT I can EASILY understand how "life" can get in the way of such a complex project being done totally for free.  So I certainly do not hold any negative feeliongs against him for dropping it.  Itis just the way it is.

The problem for me will come when the sim software moves ahead.... and eventually FreeFD in its present form (with the existing FSUIPC interface format) is no longer functional.

best,

......john

John,
I intirely agree with your idea. I will keep building my little simpit and stick to free FD. I am thinking to use a big TV set for the main view and three monitors for ND/PFD/EICAS including the standbys.  I have already bought the registration keys for FSUIPC and I am trying to get to know its functions. I am also researching to get some ideas as to how to build throttle quadrant for 767/757. I use CH Yoke and I really don't want to buy their throttle. (I really like the product though!) I kind of want to build one myself and try to buy com/Nav radio. I am closely reading the Flightsim's how to's for information.  Is there any simpit website that teaches the besics how to use rotary switches with digital segments to go with keyboard? I have this second idea to build the glare with all the auto pilot controls. I have been reading about your simulator and it is really great.  
Regards, ermias

I like free, it has a certain ring to it, don't you think?

MY,  Quote, unlined exclamation point etc, problem is that I seem to lack common sense .. I think.

That is to say that the gauges  are beautiful, they function well, but HOW does one make an instrument panel for these, along with the addition of other instruments?

My instrument panel consists of taking a 737-200 main bitmap, repainting it with Paint Shop Pro 8, and used FSPanel Studio to place gauges that are from my FS 2002 libraries.  functional, though not complete, as I havent made the AP-MFD so that "gauge" is on my instruent panel along with a few others I can remove, rearrange, then add other gauges as the two tower panels take shape.

I have a 17 inch monitor flat screen (not panel) for the instruments, and an old 13 inch monitor on top for the windsreen, that will be updated AFTER all else is done.

To control my switches and rotary encoder switches I will be using Hagstrom Electronic s Keyboard encoders ( VERY inexpensive) NO CODE to write, works and plays well with  Peter Dawsons utility, all on one computer.

wrote on Oct 14^th, 2006 at 4:58pm:

That is to say that the gauges  are beautiful, they function well, but HOW does one make an instrument panel for these, along with the addition of other instruments?

cwloew,

In case I haven't said it before, welcome to the Homebuilt Cockpits Forum.

Take a look at the middle to later threads in the series that documents my cockpit construction project.  It'll show how I am doing it.  

At the moment I am trying out FSExpand along side of FreeFD on some monitors which are hidden behind a MDF panel facing.  This is the technique that many simpit builders use.

Here's a shot of a part of the MIP:

http://www.simviation.com/yabbuploads/FSExpand2.jpg

The FreeFD PFD is on the right and a custom panel form FSExpand is on the left with the markers, a radio altimiter, and a temperature display.


There are lots of images of how others are approaching it too in some other threads.  Spend some time looking around the older threads here.

If you have the time, I'm sure that everyone who hangs out down here in the "asylum"  ;)  would love to see pictures of what you are doing.  Post some here, if you can.  (Just make sure that you follow the SimV image upload rules posted on the upload page. )


best,

.....................john

This is not any kind of CONFIRMED information.... just a supposition I have based on some various references which I have found in looking around the net a bit........ BUT..........

I THINK that I have discovered where Don LaFontaine (author of the FreeFD software) has been putting his programming efforts of late:


http://www.elliesystems.com/


So if this is actually his website ....... it looks like he has shifted from the whole freeware concept to a payware one.  Unfortunate.... but understandable, given the huge amount of time it takes to write this kind of code....and to support it with the user base.

If his efforts on FreeFD are any indication... the new stuff listed on the new website will likely be "first class".  The BIG question is what will the PRICE be?  As of this date (1/1/07) ....there are no prices listed on the website.  I assume that he will try to undersell Project Magenta...... however even if it is SIGNIFICANTLY less than PM.......... it still likely won't be considered "cheap" by most!  ;)

More info as I figure it out some more.... or anyone else can certainly post what you know here too.  

best,

.......................john

John, this looks really great. Even if I may not afford to buy it, I still can't wait to see its demo if they have one. At the same time it is good to know that a rival is coming towards PM's "monopoly" which will gradually, I hope, will make the prices go down a little. Let's hope...at least. At the moment I am quite happy with my Free FD.
Thankyou for letting us know at the new years time!!!!
Regards, ermias

Index To Other Threads Here Relating To FreeFD


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1158082766


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1145410144


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1100371209


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1066868321


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1191244626

Hi all, I know this thread is about FreeFD but since that's no longer in production I can recommend http://www.cockpitware.com/index.html. It's free, it's in current development and it can be run remotely across a network.

There's another post somewhere in here that references this software but it's such a great find - not to mention a perfect  replacement for FreeFD - I thought it deserved to be mentioned in this sticky.

Ian

READING THIS?  PLEASE SEE HERE:

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1178891468/0#0

JBaymore wrote on Jan 1^st, 2007 at 1:29pm:

This is not any kind of CONFIRMED information.... just a supposition I have based on some various references which I have found in looking around the net a bit........ BUT.......... I THINK that I have discovered where Don LaFontaine (author of the FreeFD software) has been putting his programming efforts of late: http://www.elliesystems.com/ So if this is actually his website ....... it looks like he has shifted from the whole freeware concept to a payware one.  Unfortunate.... but understandable, given the huge amount of time it takes to write this kind of code....and to support it with the user base. If his efforts on FreeFD are any indication... the new stuff listed on the new website will likely be "first class".  The BIG question is what will the PRICE be?  As of this date (1/1/07) ....there are no prices listed on the website.  I assume that he will try to undersell Project Magenta...... however even if it is SIGNIFICANTLY less than PM.......... it still likely won't be considered "cheap" by most!  ;) More info as I figure it out some more.... or anyone else can certainly post what you know here too.   best, .......................john

CONFIRMED!

Looks like the Entegra Avionics has a moving map diaplay. Hmm wonder how much it will cost? I wouldnt mind buying into his products, I hop the price is right!

Ohhh Ahhhh Look at Key Sim too!

http://www.elliesystems.com/Store/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=413

JSpahn wrote on May 20^th, 2007 at 11:24am:

Ohhh Ahhhh Look at Key Sim too! http://www.elliesystems.com/Store/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=413

I could swear that I visited the site a while ago... and the price for Keysim was only something like $30.   :-?

best,

..................john

Ellie Systems proposed prices are now posted at the site:

http://www.elliesystems.com/Store/productslist.aspx?CategoryID=4&selection=2

The whole 777 suite will cost you about $240.  Not exactly FREE FD.   ;)  But still way, WAY better than some other options, like Project Magenta.

The nice thing is that the various components apparently will be available separately... a smart move.  The ND alone for example is $59.  


best,

..............john

Well if Free FD is any indication to the quality of his work then 240 is a good deal!

JSpahn wrote on Jun 14^th, 2007 at 9:30pm:

Well if Free FD is any indication to the quality of his work then 240 is a good deal!

Yeah... there si no question about the QUALITY of Don's work.

FreeFD.........even unfinished is a NICE piece of software.

best,

.....................john

Looking at that product I would like to see some other stuff to make it more complete. The 777 package would be nice, but it is very much like freefd my guess is the only benefit you would get would be the updated nav data and a bug free EICAS. I would also like to see a set of airbus gauges, 737, 747, and maybe some general aviation style(although FSXpand does a pretty good job at this)

Im also a bit disappointed there is no cdu.

If there was a weather radar integrated in the nav display it would be a no brainer.

Another panel I would want would be a good gps, still haven't found anything other then the google maps plug-in from those wideview guys.

Well, very odd situation over on the Ellie Systems online store.

The proposed prices for the new 777 Suite gauges have now been RAISED from what I posted a few days ago.

The PFD and the ND are now "proposed" priced at $79, while the standby gauges are now at $59 and the EICAS is now at $89.

Sorry about the change....... I had nothing to do with it.   ;)

best,

.......................john

JSpahn wrote on Jun 15^th, 2007 at 12:38pm:

If there was a weather radar integrated in the nav display it would be a no brainer.

Yeah.... that would be a REALLY nice situation.  Or have them integrate witl the existing SAWX gauge the way PM's ND already does.

best,

.....................john

Now the prices are pending again?

Yeah,

I sent them a message about it with a little "fatherly advice".   ;)

best,

...................john

The Ellie Systems 777 glass cockpit software is now very close to release.  Still no firm prices posted.  Don Lafontaine is now "visible" and answering questions in the Ellie Forums.

I asked about the possible integration of the existing SA_WXR weather radar module... and Don said he'd likely do that.... so that is REALLY great news.

Might not be "free" FD........ but it looks to be good.

best,

.....................john

Awesome at some point I think this is gonna make its way into my pit. The ND and MFC might be my only investment with the EICAS coming from fsxpand.

Thanx for the info,
John

Helpful FreeFD "Tips"

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1178891468


http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1158082766

Hiya Guys...
Just founf this post. Interesting stuff. Got Freefd years ago..then my h/d got fried..lost freefd...Now found it agian thanks to you  ;D

I've got a few GF-modules and I sort of thought of building a  Homebuild Cockpit..Thing is I'm no good at design work...so any one got a design that you can share? Will probably build out of MDF...

Regards,
Derick

Hopefully some time soon Ill have some progress to report...see I got twins on the way and I need to put a good show on for the wifey.

John Baymore has a great series here in homebuilt cockpits up in the stick section. ;)