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Got 2D cockpits in my FSX Demo.

Matt

Daube is talking about side view windows in 2D panels, not the panels themselves. These were introduced in FS2000 as the default aircraft had no DVC or even a VC due to the graphics engine not supporting interior views. I suspect the 2D panel will eventually become reundant.

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Yes I was about to write that
Of course, some will complain about the extra-cost, but I see it exactely in the same way as those modern joysticks or steering wheels with separated pedals, that made people used to gamepad or keyboard complain as well

For the side views, it was the origin of the complaints, but this whole discussion is actually focus on ALL the panel.

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Indeed Paul. That's always seemed the way to go to me & I'm surprised it's taken so long. I've already seen a few 3rd party aircraft for FS9 with no 2D panel at all.

PS. It's supposed to be "As real as it gets" & I never thought that 2D panels were realistic.  I think you either love 'em or hate 'em.

I only use the VC for taking shots...

All of my flying is done with the 2D panel...

Cheers,
Ashar (2D Panel All the WAY)

I've suddenly remembered another reason why I like 2D Panels....

In the Panel Folder they appear as .bmp files which can be loaded into Paint Shop Pro and the X-Y location in which to allow me to add another dial, switch, radio, etc, is presented.
I then add the object to Panel Notepad file giving the X-Y coordinates*.
(I do it all the time)......!

I dont think this can be done so easily, directly in 3D Virtual Cockpit panels...?

Paul.....Hands up for 2D panels!........!

*..Don't argue....it's the way I do it... ...!

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Sure it's convenient, but modifying the shape of a panel to include more switches is not realistic at all, in fact this is anti-realistic, since the switches are not in the correct place any more.

For the comment about the trim position, gears position etc... in the forward VC view, don't forget that in the VC you can move you head briefly to look down and check this stuff, just like a real pilot would lower his eyes for a second to check everything.

I understand that 2D panels ease the flight a lot, since you get everything you need directly on the screen without having to look for it. But personnaly, FS2004 wa my first "real" introduction to detailled VC, and I remember I was really having fun discovering that this or this switch was hidden behind the yoke or on the left of the panel in real life. In the 2D panel you don't get that "pilot environment" feeling.

Additionnaly, when it comes to looking outside, I really like the fact that I'm able to approach a runway on the right (or the left) of my plane while keeping an eye on the gauges. In 2D cockpit, you cannot get 2D working gauges when you're looking 45 degrees right. The same applies (and may even be a better example) to formation flying, when you look toward the followed plane without loosing your gauges. This is not possible in 2D cockpit.

Finally, the track IR is really eliminating all the "problems" linked to the manipulations of the point of view. If a real pilot as to look at the switches hiddent behind his yoke, he will just put his head forward so that he can see them. With the track-IR, you actually do exactely that, just like the real pilot, that is: realistic.

But I mean, even without the track IR, simply using modules like F1view or active camera would allow you to move your head quickly enough in the VC. And now FSX is coming, and it will allow you to add as many view points in your VC as you want, so nothing will prevent you from adding one view in front of the instruments (for easier handling, like the radio stuff mentionned earlier in this post for example), far from the instruments to get better view, left-right cockpit place, etc... Just like you would bring different 2D panel parts in FS9.