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Post by stansdds on May 19, 2009 16:58:55 GMT -5
Ok, here's a critical review. Overall, I really like it and it's a tremendous improvement. I do have some suggestions.
1. Remove the autofeather switches from the pilot and copilot panel, the one on the throttle stand is sufficient.
2. The suction gauge is tiny, way too small. I'd recommend enlarging it and moving it down to the same row as the fuel quantity gauges.
3. Replace the clock on the pilot and copilot's panel with a gyro compass. One clock (the one in the center panel) is sufficient, but there is currently no gyro compass (directional gyro) and real aircraft usually have at least one gyro compass.
4. Remove the prop reverse lever from the pilot and copilot's panels, the one under the throttles is sufficient.
5. Remove the ADI switch from the pilot and copilot panel and place one ADI switch in the center panel.
6. The engine cooling flap annunciators in in the overhead panel do not illuminate as they do in the 2D panel.
I have not the chance to check it in FSX, maybe I will tonight. These observations were made in FS9.
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on May 19, 2009 18:13:01 GMT -5
Thanks, I will fix many of these things.
The reason that I duplicate things on the main panel from the pedestal is that these are things that I need to get to during a normal flight, and I like everything to be in the default view. I have been thinking about grouping these in the panel.cfg file so those that want to comment them out (by adding // to the front of each one) can do so if they so desire.
Thanks,
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Post by Ricardo Miranda on May 19, 2009 18:40:56 GMT -5
Hi! Those extra switches on the default view are actually a blessing! One can use everything without having to use the Hat switch! Think of them as redundancy items! ;D This is one of the very few VC that I managed actually fly with! So, thank you Tom for thinking that not all of us have fancy gear like TrackIR or something like that! Soft Landings!
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Post by Mike on May 20, 2009 6:37:17 GMT -5
Hi Tom,
Had a chance to do a couple of flights in the new VC, and I think it's a huge improvement. The only things I've found are some holes in the cockpit on the placard above the light switches, and the duplicated switches don't appear to talk to each other. For example, switching on ADI on one switch doesn't have any effect on the others. Also, I'd like to be able to see the BMEP gauge and also have an OBI gauge visible in the VC.
Can I suggest the folowing, please? 1) Change the gauges around in the middle panel so that RPM2 is covered by the throttle, and have the BMEP gauge visible. This would bring the VC closer to the layout of the 2D panel. I really like to see the BMEP gauge, as I use this to ensure that moxture is set properly. 2) Move the gear lights, prop reverse and note pad etc to the lower left corner of the center panel. This creates space for moving the clock into that space, useful for timing manoevers in IFR conditions, as you would in real life. Then put an OBI gauge ito the space vacated by the clock. 3) I agree that the suction gauge needs to be a bit bigger, if space can be found. 4) Some of the duplicated gauges such as ADI could be removed to the console or overhead, to have only one. Gauges such as this are those that you shgould not be operating in a hurry, unlike the prop reverse, which I understand why you've duplicated. 5) I'd like to see an uninterrupted view left and right, as with the DC-6 and Connie, when you use the 4 and 6 keys on the number pad.
Having said all that, it's brilliant. I was able to do almost everything in the VC, except set the OBI. As one who used to ignore VC's, I've now become something of a convert, and now spend much more time in VC mode, than in 2D.
Thanks for all your hard work on this. The Convair is my favourite twin, and it's great to see it improved like this.
Cheers, Mike
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on May 20, 2009 10:12:35 GMT -5
Hi,
Thanks for the critique. I will try to accommodate everything you mention, if I can also meet my requirements of having most things visible in the default view I will need during the flight (I hate panning). I will check the ADI switch, but it seemed to "clone" its setting for me last time I checked.
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on May 20, 2009 12:53:17 GMT -5
Hi again, OK, I think I have the gauge layout set up better. Here's a pic of the default panel using a widescreen monitor (it's one gauge narrower on the right on a normal square monitor): And here is the entire panel: As you can see I've accommodated most requests, but not all. The vacuum gauge is next to the OBI gauge. Any further suggestions? There is a real switch to the lower right of the pilot's panel; I can't tell if it is the ADI switch though. I don't know where it was on the real thing. The duplicated autofeather and reverse switches can be commented out in the panel.cfg file if desired. BTW, I've uploaded a new version of the beta file (link above) in case you want to try this on your system. The fixed autofeather switch is in there, along with some improved feather buttons - try them out too. They should stop and start the engines pretty much automatically. If you see the prop pitch going back and forth after feathering, it's your prop RPM control fighting the gauge. If you've feathered engine 1, just press E1, then move your RPM control to Full Fine (forward), then press E2 and control your other engine's RPM normally. Press E12 to get control of both engines back (i.e after unfeathering number 1). You'll need to readjust the RPM after unfeathering. I'm still working on the views with the Num pad, but they will be done soon. Thanks for your help,
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on May 20, 2009 12:54:33 GMT -5
PS. I've decided to swap the clock and the fuel flow gauge, so pilots with square monitors will have the clock in the default view too.
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Post by Ricardo Miranda on May 20, 2009 13:12:13 GMT -5
Hi Tom! This is still looking even better! Thanks! BTW, where did you see a "square monitor"? You mean a 1:1 like the Medium Format 6x6? I want one, please! ;D Soft Landings!
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Post by eddiejez on May 20, 2009 14:51:43 GMT -5
Hi Tom, I like the new gauge layout good work ! best regards Edd
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on May 20, 2009 15:21:15 GMT -5
LOL! By "square monitor" I mean the normal 4:3 CRT monitor proportions. I have a 22" widescreen monitor, and I used a 1280 x 720 resolution (windowed) at zoom 0.75 for these pics. This is the panel.cfg file found in the Widescreen Monitors folder.
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Post by Ricardo Miranda on May 20, 2009 15:30:31 GMT -5
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Post by stansdds on May 20, 2009 16:50:33 GMT -5
Looks much, much better.
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on May 20, 2009 16:52:17 GMT -5
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Post by stansdds on May 20, 2009 18:05:26 GMT -5
I use Track IR, so I have no problem looking around for things. The vacuum gauge is probably not something that will checked all that often, so placing it to the left of the pilot's panel is a good idea.
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Post by dc6tryer on May 21, 2009 0:34:10 GMT -5
Hi, I don't have anything useful to say about gauge placement , but this whole VC is looking so good now, it's difficult to think how it could get any better. All the points raised about size and location has been so positive and constructive and it just makes me realise what a joy this site is . Andy.
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