FSExpand Version 5.2.3 Released

Here we go again!  Now that the jet lag from my return from Japan is receeding a bit, I got to think about the simpit a bit again.

Gert at FSExpand has recently released a new version of the software .  This version moves further from it being targeted solely at GA type and "steam gauge" aircraft.... and adds in some gauges that fit the "heavies" and commercial and business jets.  So it is now right up my alley.

This is software that allows you to run stand alone gauges on separate PC's in the pit.  You can lay out custom panels with a selection of gauges that you configure to fit the panel.  It is sort of like designing panels for "in sim" use.  It is a nice concept.

I created a panel that is about 1/3 the size of a monitor screen to fill in the space to the left of my FreeFD PFD that I use.  See the picture below.... that shows the marker lights above a radar altimiter above a TAT SAT display.  Those gauges are running under FSExpand.  The PFD you see to their right is the FreeFD one.

I shot the picture below after I had disconnected everything.... which is why the altitudes don't match and why the framerate counter on the PFD is at "2".  With BOTH running on my ANCIENT 300 MHz Pentium II MMX machine ....... I get about 30 FPS on the FreeFD PFD display and very good performance out of the FSExpand software too.



See the "resources" listing at the top of this Forum for the FSExpand website info.  This is payware....but rather reasonable....... particularly when you compare it to Project Magenta  ....which is WAY putside my budget range.

I'll be doing a bit more testing....... but I think I'll be buying this software to fill in the remaining displays in the pit.

best,

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

Looks great!  Do you have any overall shots of the cockpit kinda like what you see with fisheye on Anet (only not fisheye lol)?

Ah yes, the "closet" approach... not having a wife, I'm going to make mine the objet d'art it deserves to be. I might even mount a rotating beacon on it. 

But yours looks good- I like the idea of having what appears to be a closet, with a big surprise inside!!!

So tell me... how are you ventilating that?

Quote:


rottydaddy,

Burried in all the other posts on my pit I mention that at the top of the structure.... over the door,  aiming upward at the white ceiling is a flashing red high intensity LED..... that is wired to the "beacon" lights switch on the overhead.  When the engines are on........ the beacon is on....and the pit indicates that "danger" to those "outside the aircraft".   

As to your second question...... fans my good man... fans.  I even have two real Boeing air circulators with the little directional nozzles and integrated swithces when you rotate them (EBay --$10). The fans 12VDC power supply is tied to the "recirc" cabin air switches on the overhead panel........ and if the "packs" are not on first ....there is no power to run them... and if the engines or APU are not on.... you can't start the packs.... and so on.  Trying to get as much realism built in there as possible.

It does take a checklist sometimes to get it up an running  .

best,

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

Quote:


Jake,

Not yet...... it is not completed enough for those kind of "final" shots.  But when it is...... I'll get some up here.

best,

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

Aircraft Maintenence

Just like in the real world............

A simpit needs periodic checkups and servicing.  Today I did some "inside the MIP" maintenence work on a video switch that decided that the contacts were just a tad dirty.

Not glamorous....... but necessary.

Real switches and other electro-mecahnical components have a life expectancy.  So this will be a constant part of the project.  Adds realism....as a real component goest south when you least expect it.  The video switch caused my ND and backup instruments display to fail "in-flight".   



Doing some more mental planning for the next steps....... more to come.

best,

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

Mike,

Hi and welcome to the Homebuild Cockpits forum.  Thanks for the kind words about my pit.

I'm gonna copy your question from here and start a new thread with a title the reflects the actual subject.  It should help get replies.  Look at that posting for any replys you might get to the question.

best,

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

On to Part 29.