So I had this idea, and I want ot see what others think of this possible approach.

Originally I was planning on using FreeFD for most of the guages on the main instrument panel like the PFD, ND, and Upperand lower Engine information system.  I was also thinking of eventually somehow setting up an FMC or a Garmin GPS on the center pedestal. 

I just had this "brainstorm" though.

What if I take one of the networked computers and use WideVew on it along with FSUIC and WideFS.  Then install Fs2004 on it (which WideView is designed for).  Then create a custom panel that includes ONLY something like the ND instrument display out of one of the freeware aircraft.  That way any flightplans set up in the fs2004 sim itself will load directly into the ND unit that is installed in my pit.  Yhis gets around the fact that the FreeFD ND has to have an external flightplan done in Squakbox format.

Same issue could be done with the Garmin unit.  If I creat a "panel" that is only the Garmin unit out of the fs2004 sim...... then that is the only thing displayed on the machine that is running WideView.  So the framerates should be pretty good... cause there is no exterior views or cockpit other than the single instrument.

Heck... I could use the RealityXP payware instruments too in this fashion.

So tell me why this is a good or a bad idea.

best,

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

Hi John,
            as you say, a stand alone program for XML gauges would be ideal and solve a lot of problems.

  Has anyone tried to see how FS does it and adapt this to work with Wide Client,  so that you can put whatever gauge you want on whatever monitor in the network.

      .....Adrian W

Hey John,
               tell me , I've been looking at the modules file in FS9 and there's a dll called panel.dll.

Am I right in thinking that this is effectively a subroutine for the FS panels?

If so, is there a way to link this dll with wide client to do the job we want it to do ?

Could be that half the work is already done for us !

   best..... Adrian W.