Does anyone know of a program that can open and edit gauge (.gau) files? I am trying to edit some gauges but cannot open them. Any help is greatly appreciated!Thanks,Matt

Hi MattIt can't be done as .gau files are binary-compiled and they're actually .dlls by another name.-Dai

So then how are gauges developed for panels?

They're programmed with C/C++ and compiled into binary code inside the IDE. Search for 'sd2gau28.zip' in the file library - it's a tutorial on how to get started programming C-gauges.-Dai

So then how are gauges developed for panels?

The alternative to dll's are XML gauges.XML gauges are not compiled so they can be modified at any time.It

Does anyone know of a program that can open and edit gauge (.gau) files? I am trying to edit some gauges but cannot open them. Any help is greatly appreciated!Thanks,Matt

Compiled gauge files (.gau) are protected by copyright. Modification and redistribution is not legal, just FYI.They are actual compiled software, just like FS9 is itself.

I just had a look at sd2gau28.zip. This is an amazing document!Dai, sincere thanks...I

Compiled gauge files (.gau) are protected by copyright. Modification and redistribution is not legal, just FYI.They are actual compiled software, just like FS9 is itself.

I never intended to redistribute them, I just wanted to change the audio that is built into the GPWS of one of my aircraft. I didn't realize that it's not legal to even just edit them for personal use, but again I had no intention of redistributing.Thanks to everyone else for all the help as well!

Compiled gauge files (.gau) are protected by copyright. Modification and redistribution is not legal, just FYI.They are actual compiled software, just like FS9 is itself.

XML files and their associated bitmaps are also copyright.

I never intended to redistribute them, I just wanted to change the audio that is built into the GPWS of one of my aircraft. I didn't realize that it's not legal to even just edit them for personal use, but again I had no intention of redistributing.Thanks to everyone else for all the help as well!

It's not illegal to modify them for personal use.In many cases, you can use a standard PE file editor to extract bitmaps or sound files, modify them, and them reinsert them into the gauge file. The reinserted section has to be exactly the same size as the original, though.If it's an FSX gauge file that's been signed by the author it's a little more complicated, as FSX won't load the gauge if it's modified after being signed. After making your modification you have to remove the digital signature from the .gau or .dll file, and then FSX will load it (after asking you if the unsigned file is OK). You can use a freeware python program called disitool.py to remove the digital sig from executables when you do those sorts of mods.RegardsBob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

It's not illegal to modify them for personal use.

That would depend on which country you live in, as well as the EULA you agreed to.

That would depend on which country you live in, as well as the EULA you agreed to.

It depends on what you mean by "not legal". If you mean a criminal offence then adaptation for personal use is not a criminal offence in many countries, including the UK and EU. It is infringement of copyright which is a civil offence. It bnly becomes a criminal offence if its done in the way of business, or if it seriously affects the copyright oowner's interests.However, in the UK the concept of Fair Dealing - "private study and research" - provides an exemption and a lawful user may feerly adapt and make as many copies as he likes for his personal use.EULAs are private agreements and subject to the overiding law. Microsoft, who can afford good lawyers, knows this and my FS9 EULA states "It is illegal to make unauthorized copies.." It also acknowledges that " If this ... was acquired outside the United States, then local law may apply." In fact, they will apply.In reality, the only remedy available to a copyright owner is to sue in the civil courts for damages. He would have great difficulty in proving damages in the case of personal use and just wouldn't bother.

I'm pretty certain I stated that 'modification and redistribution is illegal'.I'm pretty certain I stated that personal use modification is based on the EULA and local law.Thus I'm pretty certain I'm 100% in my statements.

I'm pretty certain I stated that 'modification and redistribution is illegal'.I'm pretty certain I stated that personal use modification is based on the EULA and local law.Thus I'm pretty certain I'm 100% in my statements.

Thank you for the clarification. I was responding to:

It's not illegal to modify them for personal use.

That would depend on which country you live in, as well as the EULA you agreed to.

where you seemed to be suggesting that modification for personal use can be illegal. We now seem to be in agreement that personal use modification is not illegal.

Thank you for the clarification. I was responding to:That would depend on which country you live in, as well as the EULA you agreed to.where you seemed to be suggesting that modification for personal use can be illegal. We now seem to be in agreement that personal use modification is not illegal.

Nope... I don't agree it's not illegal. I agree it's based strictly on the EULA and local law.