MaidenFan Posted February 24, 2011 Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 It looks like a whole new cockpit!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captaind172 Posted February 24, 2011 Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 It's looking great. One of my biggest complaints was the clarity of gauges; especially the readout for the altimeter setting. That was a pain when flying online with real weather. The night textures also look much better and I hope that the lighting level will be adjustable and be able to turn off when the plane is shut down. As a side note, I'd like to see this planes cockpit modeled in XP10. I like how you've modeled the current MU-2 but it doesn't mean you have to model only that specific MU-2 that you used as a template. I'd like to see a Garmin GPS that works with the HSI. The aircraft in the video has a Garmin 530/430, and a weather radar. It would be cool to see these things in my favorite add-on. Regardless, everything is looking great so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted February 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 We've got you covered on all points except the GPS and weather radar. Other than those, if you have the Falco, you'll have an idea of what this will be like...the lights will work just as in reality...no electricity, no lights! Lights will be fully adjustable on every rheostat exactly as in the real thing...and of course the instruments are all MUCH more legible! X-Plane has a "weather radar" instrument, but I'm holding off a bit to see what Austin comes up with for version 10. With a whole new weather engine, I'm not sure what he'll do regarding weather radar...and there's no room to put one in at the moment :-P. Once I've taken care of all those "original" complaints like resolution and some missing functionality, I'll look to start adding in some of these other features you mention.Regarding the GPS, a GPS simulation is a pretty tall order and one that is LONG LONG overdue in x-plane. It would take a very dedicated effort just to simulate a basic GPS. At the very least, I'll look into tying the HSI in with the GPS though the particular model of HSI in most of these MU-2s don't couple with the GPS...but I'll certainly see what I can do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dozer Posted February 24, 2011 Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 It's looking great. One of my biggest complaints was the clarity of gauges; especially the readout for the altimeter setting. That was a pain when flying online with real weather. The night textures also look much better and I hope that the lighting level will be adjustable and be able to turn off when the plane is shut down. As a side note, I'd like to see this planes cockpit modeled in XP10. I like how you've modeled the current MU-2 but it doesn't mean you have to model only that specific MU-2 that you used as a template. I'd like to see a Garmin GPS that works with the HSI. The aircraft in the video has a Garmin 530/430, and a weather radar. It would be cool to see these things in my favorite add-on. Regardless, everything is looking great so far. Boo - burn the Garmins, bring back the 1980s, give us a Loran if we're well-behaved else let us use radio navaids ;-)As for the v1.1.1 MU-2 altimeter, I've made a replacement here: http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=12337It's not particularly realistic as it uses the default X-Plane LED readout to replace the blurry pressure-settings display - but it is readable! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captaind172 Posted February 24, 2011 Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 Sounds great for the current update. It's my understanding that the GPS or lack of one is also an XP9 issue. I understand a fully functional GPS is a tall order. I wouldn't mind seeing one added down the line for XP10 even by another developer. It would just be nice to file direct and shoot GPS approaches, especially for online flying. A toggle switch between NAV 1 and 2 on the HSI would also be nice for IFR flights with no GPS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted February 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 A toggle switch between NAV 1 and 2 on the HSI would also be nice for IFR flights with no GPS.This is a common request but because the MU2 is not wired that way in reality, that feature will have to go in as an "alternate" after I'm satisfied I have the major functions taken care of first...but your request is "in the queue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dozer Posted February 25, 2011 Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 I have a theory it's possible to add stuff to existing aircraft's 3d cockpits by careful addition to the cockpit.obj file. I haven't tested it yet though. If it is true, then when XYZ System Simulations build a Garmin 150000, they could provide a 3d mesh, textures, cockpit.obj code for it (so you could create a new blank aircraft in Planemaker, add the XYZ Garmin 150000, load the sim and have a 3d cockpit consisting of the Garmin floating in front of you in some reference position). Then XYZ System Simulations, or enterprising MU-2 users, could provide the offsets to position it correctly in the MU-2's cockpit and specify exactly where XYZ's code needs to be inserted in the MU-2's files to make it appear and function in the MU-2. I haven't tested this though!I think it should be possible for users to add instrumentation to aircraft without requiring the extremely valuable time of the aircraft's authors. Is this an objectionable idea though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captaind172 Posted February 25, 2011 Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 A toggle switch between NAV 1 and 2 on the HSI would also be nice for IFR flights with no GPS.This is a common request but because the MU2 is not wired that way in reality, that feature will have to go in as an "alternate" after I'm satisfied I have the major functions taken care of first...but your request is "in the queue.That's understandable, you should complete it the way you envision it. It would just be a nice feature even if the original MU-2 did not come configured this way. It appears that the MU-2 has been reconfigured in all sorts of ways. I'd venture to say that an MU-2 could even have a Garmin G1000 installed, but I have not seen an MU-2 like that. The one I like the most is the one in that YouTube video I posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captaind172 Posted February 25, 2011 Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 I have a theory it's possible to add stuff to existing aircraft's 3d cockpits by careful addition to the cockpit.obj file. I haven't tested it yet though. If it is true, then when XYZ System Simulations build a Garmin 150000, they could provide a 3d mesh, textures, cockpit.obj code for it (so you could create a new blank aircraft in Planemaker, add the XYZ Garmin 150000, load the sim and have a 3d cockpit consisting of the Garmin floating in front of you in some reference position). Then XYZ System Simulations, or enterprising MU-2 users, could provide the offsets to position it correctly in the MU-2's cockpit and specify exactly where XYZ's code needs to be inserted in the MU-2's files to make it appear and function in the MU-2. I haven't tested this though!I think it should be possible for users to add instrumentation to aircraft without requiring the extremely valuable time of the aircraft's authors. Is this an objectionable idea though?That's an interesting idea, do you think it would be able to function with existing code and gauges, like the HSI and autopilot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted February 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 I think it should be possible for users to add instrumentation to aircraft without requiring the extremely valuable time of the aircraft's authors. Is this an objectionable idea though?Not objectionable at all if it's your own project...but it's my opinion the effort would outweight the reward very very rapidly. "Adding in 3D" to any cockpit object is not as straightforward as it sounds....we explored that idea long ago but the *.obj format doesn't really lend itself to those kinds of additions. It's possible for sure...but it would be an exercise in "can I do it?" I think.captaind172...I agree that variations would be nice and I certainly hope to get to that point. There is a G600 equipped MU2 though that is really nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacoba Posted February 25, 2011 Report Share Posted February 25, 2011 I think the X-Plane in panel GPS/Moving Map has a looooooooooooooooooooong way to go before something like the G600 or G1000 could be done right.Its sad but the GPS is one of the poorest points in XP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted March 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 State of the night texturing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dozer Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Makes me feel cheerful to look at that Tom! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cram20 Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 amazing! who want to have it...Thakn you for the work!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksgy Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 Just asking: would it be more real if you add some more yellow to the light color...? maybe...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted March 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 maybe....I'll tint the color towards the end of the night texture work based on photos I have of night ops in the MU2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted March 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 OK...Here's the list I compiled today...scratched off items got completed today.Get GPS power workingGet Radio switches workingAdd Gear Door animationSetup controls to initial positions: cold/dark & runningGyro slave switch glass animationYoke show/hide/animateannunciator test lightsfire handles and simulationAP console texture fixADF draw order wrongAdd ADI flags, animate to DC powerOverhead switch illuminationHSI AP direction knob issuelanding light animationOverhead controls plugin logicSet more panel light regions to respond proper to rheostatsSo once this list starts to dry up, you'll know I'm really close....though there's some good programming associated with the overhead switches. Now if some of those things on the list don't make any sense to you...since they're working in the current version, recall that I redid the entire plugin from scratch and have to reprogram a few items to utilize the new system. As things stand now..for relatively normal operation in good conditions, everything is working properly. So a few more special touches and we'll be there....and what's an update without a screenshot. It's the same old panel shot...but you might note that the panel as a whole has a much cleaner, clearer and consistent look....and don't forget you get a fully featured Garmin GTX330 transponder...a lot better than the V1.1.1 piece of junk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dozer Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 You should add Compile list of remaining tasks to that list for completeness!It's looking very good Tom; nice to see the return of the panel behind the autopilot controls atop the glareshield! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted March 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2011 Nothing to show, but the work does goes on...mostly behind the scenes engine stuff. What you see in the last couple of screenshots will be what you'll get visually. I just need to make everything work as it should from a cockpit interaction point of view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted March 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 Was doing some testing and I decided to record it. I was using the computer mic so it picks up keyboard and mouse clicks and some low audio from the computer speakers. Video doesn't do it justice at 40+ fps and high resolution. If you watch in in HD, you can see how much clearer things are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lukasz Posted March 29, 2011 Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 My first payware aircraft ever and one of the favourite planes. I've considered it to be perfect, and it was, but now you've made it even better. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted March 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 Thanks for the sentiment lis..but it has a long way to go...and I won't stop till it's darn near perfect, it's an addiction this guy. I still have to redo all the 3D that is NOT the cockpit panel; however, I'm the type that likes to get everything working properly before I make everything pretty. Many others do it the other way around but I generally don't so there's still lots of eye candy yet to come once I'm happy with the cockpit, engine and systems models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted April 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2011 Do watch the following videos.....and note the engine sound and rate of acceleration just before the engine settles at idle. The RPMs "jump" very quickly between about 55% and 72% (idle) as the engine comes into it's "powerband".... I'll post my simulation in a couple of hours for comparison! I have had a VERY successful day getting the engine simulation working darn near 100% accurate to the real thing! How real? I keep thinking I screwed up the plugin but it's the procedure I keep screwing up! Oh yea....the propeller locks are simulated too!...at least within reason! If you shut down improperly and try to restart (in the same x-plane session) you won't be able to get the engine going unless you utilize the unfeather procedure properly (I hope...still testing every possible situation, but looks good so far). Eventually, I'll maintain persistence across x-plane sessions so that if you forget to shut down properly..then the next time you start up the sim, you'll have to utilize proper procedure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyler Posted April 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2011 Ok..make sure you check out the videos in the post above first...because those are the videos I'm referring to in THIS video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simmo W Posted April 3, 2011 Report Share Posted April 3, 2011 Now the MU looks even scarier, nice procedural detail Tom. Good to hear your voice/accent finally! So is that done with Gizmo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.