C172 Panel – full size panel

[alfletcher 5]

Hi everyone,

 

Very sorry for the delay.

 

The reason for this is because I realized (in the debugging phase) that the electric system coded in XP10 is not very realistic. For example, turning off the avionics master switch or the navcom1 radio did not release the power drained from the battery. Flaps could be actuated even with the master battery switch off... So to bypass these and many others weird behaviours and make my panel closer to the real thing, I rethink and built a parallel electric system completely from scratch.

 

Remember, in my project, all electric instruments would be independently controllable, all breakers, all switches (almost) working for real. So, if an electric failure occur, like an alternator malfunction (i.e. broken belt), you would be able to turn off the device of you choice according to the emergency procedure found on the checklist.

 

I’m sure everybody would be stunned by the amount of details in put in this panel, then you will understand why it took me so long (more than 2 years actually)...

 

Cheers

[alfletcher 5]

A quick update...

 

Since my last post I worked very hard (you have no idea) to find a walkaround for the problematic electric system. Now, everything is up and running for the navcom1 radio, so I’ll apply the same technique for the rest of the stack. I’m now sure to be able to release the project before christmas.

 

+

[Pascal_LSGC 298]

Keep up the very promising work !

Good to see you found your way around the electrical system glitches.

 

Pascal

[alfletcher 5]

Hi simmers.

 

Like every beginning of year, I’m completely devoted to work. Hopefully, in two weeks, I’ll be able to finish my project.

In fact, the panel is done and 100% functional. I just want to submit it to LR for approval before releasing it.

 

Here two more pictures of the modified stock C172SP.

 

http://www.talisman-...es/C172WP-1.png

http://www.talisman-...es/C172WP-4.png

 

Since my last post, in December ( :blush: ), I debug a lot of details and I can assure you’ll be amaze to see a 2D panel not so boring.

I plan to post a video of the aircraft in action... very soon.

 

Cheers

Alan

[rojantrojan 17]

Hi simmers.

 

Like every beginning of year, I’m completely devoted to work. Hopefully, in two weeks, I’ll be able to finish my project.

In fact, the panel is done and 100% functional. I just want to submit it to LR for approval before releasing it.

 

Here two more pictures of the modified stock C172SP.

 

http://www.talisman-...es/C172WP-1.png

http://www.talisman-...es/C172WP-4.png

 

Since my last post, in December ( :blush: ), I debug a lot of details and I can assure you’ll be amaze to see a 2D panel not so boring.

I plan to post a video of the aircraft in action... very soon.

 

Cheers

Alan

 

Looks superb Alan. The coloured tabs on the left side, are they all checklists?

 

Cheers

 

Rhydian

[alfletcher 5]

Ha ha,

 

In fact, they are trigger for different things, like Checklists visibility, and 3 weather related actions (for immediate VFR, IFR or Actual conditions, or to set the visibility range.) All in one click.

Very handy for training purpose.

 

Thanks for your interest.

Alan

[rojantrojan 17]

That sounds like a great idea. Those actions would make it ideal for a flight school or for general training purposes. The graphics are crystal clear. You've done a great job. Also, did you manage to find anybody willing to take it on as 3d cockpit?

 

Rhydian

[alfletcher 5]

Not yet. But I’m not sure if it will be done one day.

 

Personally I don’t feel good in a 3D cockpit, with everything distorted like a fish eye.

I made my wide panel very close (in term of point of view) to a real C172, while sitting in pilot seat.

Remember that I model and render it (with radiosity and HDR) using a 3D software (Cinema 4D) and actually,

no game engine can approach this quality of image, which took hours to compute.

 

So for now it would be it.

+

[rojantrojan 17]

Not yet. But I’m not sure if it will be done one day.

 

Personally I don’t feel good in a 3D cockpit, with everything distorted like a fish eye.

I made my wide panel very close (in term of point of view) to a real C172, while sitting in pilot seat.

Remember that I model and render it (with radiosity and HDR) using a 3D software (Cinema 4D) and actually,

no game engine can approach this quality of image, which took hours to compute.

 

So for now it would be it.

+

 

Yes I see what you mean. The panel does look very high resolution. It really is superb. Can't wait to see it in action on video.

 

Rhydian

[alfletcher 5]

Great news. My project is done.

I’ll make it public this saturday morning. Freeware!

 

 

P.-S. one happy member received the privilege to test it before everyone. He was flabbergasted!

 

Stay tuned...

[jasonX 24]

Looks very impressive, obviously a lot of work gone into this, as GA is my preference I am looking forward to it. :smile:

 

Regards

[rojantrojan 17]

Hi all,

 

Alan has kindly allowed me access to take a first look at his 'Cessna Wide Panel' project and I've posted some screenshots in the Avsim Screenshot section. I'll try and get a video up as soon as possible so you can see everything in motion!

 

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/401872-cessna-wide-panel-for-x-plane/

 

Alan has done an absolutely SUPERB job of this! It's a high resolution panel, but It's very fast to load up, even on my modest system (core i7 920, 6Gb RAM, ATi 4870!) The panel is done to a VERY high standard, it's extremely sharp and clear and I was pleasantly surprised when I first loaded it up. The gauges are really fluid and easy to read. The tabbed interface has some really useful pop-up checklists for normal and emergency procedures and are very quick to navigate around. There are also a few quick access tabs for various flight conditions, and with the beauty of X-plane can be loaded up instantly, directly from the panel. The sounds are brilliant (I'm a broadcast sound person, it takes a lot to impress me here), the engine specifically is really gutsy, I explained to Alan last night I think I may have woke the neighbours cranking the volume up, and there are some nice touches like the primer pump sound and battery 'whine' (I always love that sound!!!)

 

There are also some really nice features such as working fuses, windscreen ice effects, flight control lock, a flight computer and some great animations like moving propeller, throttle and mixture, a fully working radio stack and autopilot, the ignition key 'wobbles' in flight, which is really neat, I only just discovered that today, it's those subtle details that really bring this 2D panel to life! I can see this being very useful to a student pilot in a flight school, especially with everything at your fingertips.

 

This sort of panel reminds me of the old school now (sigh) 2D panels that were used in the Fly! franchise. I realise in this day and age that it's easy to dismiss a package like this, in an era of 3D virtual cockpits, but this is a fantastic rendition of the Cessna 172 that visually comes to life, I think it's quite unique and really easy to use and fly.

 

The fact that this is freeware is unbelievable, skilled projects like this is why I am in this hobby. It looks like some serious work has gone into making it, Alan you should be proud of it.

 

But, what aircraft type is next??? You really can't stop now!!! I would love to see a twin engined panel.

 

Fantastic project and absolutely great fun! Thanks.

 

Rhydian Yeoman

[alfletcher 5]

For the first time, the full resolution panel (be sure to zoom slightly cropped sidewise) and the ReadMe file included in the installer archive to come this saturday (March 9, 2013).

http://www.talisman-...P-WidePanel.jpg

 

Alan

 

 

 

 

C 1 7 2 S P – W I D E P A N E L P R O J E C T

 

Copyright © 2013 Talisman illustration design – Alan Fletcher / Alain Fréchette. All rights reserved.

All art material contained in this archive is exclusive copyright of Talisman illustration design. No art files within, in part or in whole, may be copied, modified, re-distributed, disassembled, re-packaged or in any way be exploited for any commercial purpose without the express permission of Talisman illustration design.

 

Any comment, suggestion mail to: alfletcher2@yahoo.ca

 

 

-------------------------

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

-------------------------

Fast CPU (Multi core recommended)

Fast GPU with 1 Gb vram

Large screen (minimum 1920 px wide, 2048 px+ recommended)

X-Plane 10 running at 64 Bit mandatory for smoothness

 

--------------

INSTALLATION

--------------

Unzip the file «C172SP_WidePanel_C.zip» and copy the extracted content into your .../Aircraft/General Aviation folder.

For maximum experience copy, one by one, the provided «Resources files» into their corresponding X-Plane Resources folder (don’t forget to make a copy of the original files in case of problem).

 

Enjoy!

 

I recommend the usage of the excellent plugin X-Hobb (http://forums.x-plan...&showfile=11770).

 

-----------------

VERSION HISTORY

-----------------

Ver 1.0 – March 9, 2013

Initial Release

 

----------------

MAIN FEATURES

----------------

Project entirely developed in PlaneMaker (no plugin involve)

Match the specifications of the C172SP model modified for training purpose like a P model (160 HP, carburated, 30° max flap setting)

A fuel injected, 180 HP version will be released later.

 

Custom HD panel 2048 x 1840 pixel (implemented into the stock C172 from X-PLANE/www.dmax.it)

(2D version only / 3D cockpit disabled)

Day and Night textures

Custom livery

Custom sounds (Engine/Prop, Ground roll and contact, Skid, Ignition/Starter, Master/Avionics Switches, Primer, Breakers, Key set, Autopilot warn, Trim wheel, Flaps, Rain and Wind)

 

 

--------

WARNING

--------

This project required hundreds of hours of labor and thinking to make it as close as possible to the real thing. I pushed to the limit the hacking concept of X-Plane in many ways, using wrong dataref to trigger actions and instruments. The electrical system for example is highly customized to bypass some strange behaviours found initially in the coding of X-Plane. Due to the complexity of this project (just open it to see by yourself) DO NOT ATTEMP to modify the «.acf» file provided. Doing so is at your own risk. Keep the original ZIP file for backup purpose.

 

 

------------------

ENGINE INSTRUMENTS

------------------

Electrical signal from each engine instrument sensor wired to INST breaker

FUEL (L-R) GAUGE

No special feature

 

EGT / FF GAUGE (Exhaust Gas Temperature/Fuel Flow)

EGT Ref moveable needle

 

OIL TEMP / PRESS GAUGE

No special feature

 

VACUUM / AMMETER GAUGE

Ammeter needle show real time current from/to the Battery (reflecting electrical load in use)

 

CARB TEMPERATURE GAUGE (Carburated model only)

Custom instrument (never seen before in any aircraft)

Keep needle out of yellow arc if power setting is below green arc in icing conditions

A red light illuminates if icing level get critical

 

HOBBS METER

No special feature (X-Hobb plugin recommended for realism)

 

----------

ELECTRICAL

----------

VOLTMETER / THERMOMETER °C/°F (using O.A.T. / Volt button)

Instrument display Voltage on startup

 

DIGITAL CLOCK

4 Time mode (using Select/Control buttons)

Local Time (LT)

Zulu Time (UT)

Flight Time (FT – Automatic Start/Reset on starter engage, decimal presentation)

Timer mode (ET)

 

STARTER

Real key system (Removable)

Key rotates in starter (5 positions)

Keychain (in starter) react to aircraft movement in flight

Custom sound

 

MASTER SWITCHES

ALT (controls the Alternator, 28 Volt-60 amp. system)

BAT (controls Battery power, 24 Volt-696 watt/hour)

Custom switch sound

 

 

ROCKER SWITCHES (No special feature)

Custom switch sound

FUEL PUMP (fuel injected model only, not released yet)

BCN (beacon light, rotating red light on top of vertical stabilizer)

LAND (landing light, white light on pilot side wing)

TAXI (taxi light, white light on pilot side wing)

NAV (navigation lights, red on pilot wing tip, green on co-pilot wing tip)

STROBE (strobe light, Flashing white on top of vertical stabilizer)

PITOT HEAT (pitot tube heating, for icing condition)

 

AVIONICS SWITCH

Power Avionics Bus 1 & Bus 2

Must be ON for Radio Stack operations

Custom switch sound

 

 

BREAKER PANEL

Push-to-reset and switch/breaker types

Avionics board (Upper row)

AVN FAN (no dataref available yet)

AUTO PILOT (power the AP device)

GPS (power the Garmin 430 device)

NAV COM 1 (power the navcom1 radio)

NAV COM 2 (power the navcom2 radio)

ADF (power the ADF receiver)

XPNDR (power the transponder device

 

Master board (Lower row)

FLAP (power the flap actuator)

INST (power the engine instruments needles)

AVN BUS 1 (power the Avionics Bus 1 including: GPS, NavCom 2, ADF and Transponder)

AVN BUS 2 (power the Avionics Bus 2 including: Intercom, NavCom 1 and Autopilot/servos)

TURN COORD (power the electric gyro)

INST LTS (power the instruments lights)

ALT FLD (power the Alternator / pull out in case of over voltage indication)

WARN (no dataref available yet)

 

 

------------------

ANNUNCIATOR PANEL

------------------

Blinking test mode

L Low fuel R

Illuminates if tank level fall below 5 gallons (L or R or both)

 

Brakes

Illuminates if brakes (park or pedal) applied (even partially)

 

Oil Press

Illuminates if oil pressure fall below 20 PSI

 

L Low Vac R (two vacuum pumps, supply suction to both heading and attitude indicators)

Illuminates if suction fall below 4.5 inch of Hg

 

Volts

Illuminates if Alternator fail (or engine off)

Illuminates if Battery overcharge

 

-------------------

HNAV SELECTOR PANEL

-------------------

Nav signal source (NAV1 or GPS) used by Autopilot for navigation

If Autopilot HNAV engaged, using this button will disconnect it

 

-----------

RADIO STACK

-----------

All 7 instruments release their electrical load if Master Avionics if turned OFF, or if turned OFF individually

Master Avionics must be ON for operations (min. electrical power required 22 V.)

 

INTERCOM (Bendix KMA 26)

Goes ON as soon Master Bus powered

Mike knob controls radio output device (Transmit icon «T» illuminate on corresponding navcom radio)

Buttons (green led illuminate if device selected for hearing / Receive icon «R» illuminate on corresponding navcom radio)

Electrically wired to breaker AVN BUS 2 (linked to the failure system)

 

GPS (Garmin 430 / XP stock version)

Could be switch ON-OFF individually

20 sec. initializing delay on startup

Electrically wired to breakers AVN BUS 1 and GPS (linked to the failure system)

Must be ON for Autopilot operations

 

NAVCOM 1 (Bendix KAP 155A)

Could be switch ON-OFF individually

Big & clear LCD display (with ghost led segments)

10 memory bank (use CHAN button to select. Use Plane Maker to change frequencies C172_WidePanel/RADIO STACK/NavCom1 Radio/Com1 Channel Bank)

Nav Vol knob (must be ON for hearing signal)

Receive icon «R» illuminate if device selected (intercom button) for hearing

Transmit icon «T» illuminate if device selected (intercom mike knob) for transmitting

Timer mode (same dataref as clock timer due to actual X-Plane limitation)

Electrically wired to breakers AVN BUS 2 and NAV COM 1 (linked to the failure system)

Must be ON for Autopilot operations

 

NAVCOM 2 (Bendix KAP 155A)

Could be switch ON-OFF individually

Big & clear LCD display (with ghost led segments)

10 memory bank (use CHAN button to select. Use Plane Maker to change frequencies C172_WidePanel/RADIO STACK/NavCom2 Radio/Com2 Channel Bank)

Nav Vol knob (must be ON for hearing signal)

Receive icon «R» illuminate if device selected (intercom button) for hearing

Transmit icon «T» illuminate if device selected (intercom mike knob) for transmitting

Timer mode (same dataref as clock timer due to actual X-Plane limitation)

Electrically wired to breakers AVN BUS 1 and NAV COM 2 (linked to the failure system)

 

ADF (Bendix KR 87)

Could be switch ON/OFF

Big & clear LCD display (with ghost led segments)

ANT, ADF and BFO receiving Mode with icons

Flight time mode (decimal presentation, use same dataref as clock FT mode due to X-Plane limitation)

Electrically wired to breakers AVN BUS 1 and ADF 1 (linked to the failure system)

 

TRANSPONDER (Bendix KT 70)

Could be switch ON-OFF

Big & clear LCD display (with ghost led segments)

Flight level, and squawk mode icons (SBY, ON, ALT) including test mode

VFR (1200) button

Electrically wired to breakers AVN BUS 1 and XPNDR (linked to the failure system)

 

AUTOPILOT (Bendix KAP 140 - 2 axes)

25 sec. initializing delay on startup / Self test intro

Device always engage in ROL / VS mode on startup (or after disconnect)

Very close to actual device including blink mode

Big & clear LCD display (with ghost led segments)

Servos status led (linked to the failure system)

Custom disconnect sound

Due to PlaneMaker limitation, ALT/VS button could not be stacked, so I placed them side by side

Electrically wired to breakers AVN BUS 2 and AUTO PILOT (linked to the failure system)

Probably the nicest simulation of a King KAP 140 autopilot that you’ll find in any freeware airplane

 

Autopilot will disconnect if

Breaker AUTO PILOT is pulled out

Breaker GPS is pulled out

Breaker NAV COM 1 is pulled out

Breaker AVN BUS 2 is pulled out

Breaker TURN COORD is pulled out

Avionics Switch toggle

Master Bus power OFF

GPS device power OFF

Nav Com 1 power OFF

Trim wheel activated

 

Autopilot will not engage if

GPS OFF

NavCom1 OFF

Breaker TURN COORD is pulled out

 

------------------

FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS

------------------

Large & clear numbers

All 6 instruments could be individually covered with a «failed cap» for training purpose (click on the instrument face)

 

AIRSPEED INDICATOR

True Air Speed (TAS) knob with moveable card (including zoom function)

 

ATTITUDE INDICATOR

Pitch indicator drove by XP code

 

ALTIMETER

Kollsman window (including zoom function)

Needle reacting if Alternate Static Port used

 

TURN&BANK COORDINATOR

Electric gyro with custom sound (if Master Bus alive)

Electrically link to breaker Turn Coord

 

HEADING INDICATOR (Gyro Compass)

 

VARIOMETER

Needle reacting if Alternate Static Port used

 

----------------

NAV INSTRUMENTS

----------------

VOR 1 (uses NavCom 1 signal)

Localizer-Glide slope needles

 

 

VOR 2 (uses NavCom 2 signal)

Localizer needle only

 

ADF

Needle drove by XP code

Fixed card with sync knob

 

MAGNETIC COMPASS

Real ball effect (not plain ribbon)

Jerky motion in turbulence or velocity change

Click on the instrument to trigger E6B flight computer

 

---------

CONTROLS

---------

YOKES

2 Axes (pitch & roll) movement (with scale effect)

Locked at startup (removable Control Lock plate)

Separate texture shadow (to increase 3d perception)

 

RUDDER PEDALS

Reacting to input device (joystick ou rudder pedals)

 

THROTTLE

1/4 inch mark visible on shaft (for starting procedure)

Separate texture shadow (to increase 3d perception)

 

MIXTURE

Coarse (pull) and Fine (rotate) mode

Separate texture shadow (to increase 3d perception)

 

CARB HEAT (Carburated model only)

Separate texture shadow (to increase 3d perception)

 

PRIMER (Carburated model only)

Mandatory usage before each flight (2 stroke minimum)

Fully animated

Custom sound

Separate texture shadow (to increase 3d perception)

 

FLAPS ACTUATOR

Master Bus must be alive to actuate

Moving indicator pin

Custom sound

 

ALTERNATE STATIC AIR

Affect Variometer and Altimeter needles if actuated (always check twice to detect static port cloggage)

 

LIGHT RHEOSTAT

Panel light level control

Instruments light level control

 

CABIN HEAT

Allow hot air into cabin if cold outside (help to melt frost on windshield)

 

CABIN AIR

Allow cool air into cabin (no other function yet)

 

PARK BRAKE

Animated Lock-Unlock position (drag handle left-right)

 

TRIM WHEEL

Wheel animation drove by XP code

Custom sound

 

FUEL SELECTOR / FUEL SHUTOFF VALVE

 

ELT SWITCH

No dataref available yet

 

 

---------

SPECIAL FX

---------

PROPELLER

Visible at all time

Aspect changes depending of speed prop

Prop angle randomly set at startup matching outside view (3D model)

 

HEADSET

On sunshade at startup (click on it to hide. Click on the plug to show it again. No other function yet)

 

E6B FLIGHT COMPUTER

Pressing on the face of the magnetic compass trigger this handy instrument (visible on the right side of the panel)

 

WINDSHIELD

FROST effect

Variable opacity depending of OAT

Could melt using Cabin Heat control (some time needed, be patient)

Don’t forget to replace the default (2d_snow_flakes.png) texture by the one supplied for max effect

 

RAIN effect

Rain drops (still and moving)

Prop wash (cool)

Don’t forget to replace the default (2d_rain_drops.png) texture by the one supplied for max effect

Custom sound

 

SUNGLARE effect

Moves according to sun position and time of day

Don’t forget to replace the default (scratches.png) texture by the one supplied for max effect

 

DYNAMIC SHADOWS

Panel shadow

Hard shadows (sunny days) / Moves according to sun position and time of day

Soft shadows (cloudy days) / Variable opacity, depending of external light attenuation

 

GLOVE BOX

Contain POH and First Aid Kit (for preflight checklist, could be missing sometime)

 

EXTINGUISHER

Working gauge (needle could be out of green arc randomly)

Will help extinguishes cabin fire in future update

 

CARBON MONOXID DETECTOR CARD

Center will turn dark after cabin fire

(No dataref available yet for real purpose)

 

SIDE TABS

Checklist

Normal & Emergency

Click on side tab to show/hide

8 tab, easy navigation

Click on tab to jump to OR click on page to scroll down

Click on the checklist header (top part) to close

Reset to tab 1 on startup

 

Doors

Open-Close Icon (for checklist purpose)

Trigger doors mouvement

 

Seatbelt

On-Off Icon (for checklist purpose)

Trigger seatbelt state

 

WEATHER

Visibility

To increase the visibility in preset increment (1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, 30, 50 or 100 statute miles)

Visual annunciator provided for feedback (stay ON for 3 sec)

 

Actual

For real weather conditions (time will be set to now and real-weather downloaded from the net)

Will work only «One Time» (first time press) due to some PlaneMaker limitation

 

VFR

For immediate VFR conditions (no cloud, 15 sm visibility)

 

IFR

For immediate IFR conditions (3 cloud layers, 6 sm visibility, no rain)

[alfletcher 5]

Saturday, March 9, 00Z at Greenwich so...

 

As promised, my project if officially available. Hope you’ll enjoy it.

Since it is freeware, your comments would be my only reward.

 

Fly safe!

 

Here the link to the installer:

http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=18737

 

Alan

[albertodurero 14]

As i told you at org forums...

 

Just the most wonderful thing I'v  seen for x-plane long time ago!.

 

Fantastic job!

 

The panel is so good and well done that I can't take my eyes off of it! I don't see the scenery.

 

And what a wonderful weather effects!". And many other things!. And fantastic fps!.

 

Thank you very much.

 

You proved 2d panel force even these days. Great job!.

 

I can't wait without asking you a question: When will the next one be? You can't leave us alone.

 

You made a chef d'oeuvre.

 

Thank you again.