Hi folks, I'm new to the world of simulated flying and moving up through the variations of planes learning new skills as I go, so I apologize for my ignorance. One of my favourite planes is the Aerosoft Twin Otter DHC-6. However, I find it's GPS/AP (if that's what it is) very awkward and difficult to understand and use. I was quite embarrassed flying online despite my attempt to learn via the documentation (Check my post here.) I would like to become more proficient at flying the DHC-6 but don't feel confident I will understand it's Bendix/King systems. The stock GPS' in FSX default aircraft, like the Garmins, I feel are much user friendlier and provide greater flexibility with flight planning etc. My question ... is there anyway I can substitute, or replace, the current Twin Otter navigational system with some other, like the Garmins, whether FSX stock or 3rd party?

IMHO you would get most satisfaction from learning to use the KLN 90B. Is there no manual included with Aerosoft DHC-6? You can certainly add the stock FSX GPS 500. Just go to any stock FSX aircraft that you know sports that gauge in it's instrument panel.

1. Go to FSXDirectory/SimObjects/Aircraft/Lear45/Panel
2. Open "panel.cfg" with Notepad
3. In the [Window Titles] section, locate the Window titled "GPS" and note the Window Number ("02" in this case.)
4. Now locate the [Window02] section:

   [Window02]Background_color=0,0,0size_mm=456,378position=8visible=0ident=GPS_PANELwindow_size=0.500no_luminous=1gauge00=fs9gps!gps_500, 0,0

5. Now you need to insert that entire section (entiore means until the next section starts) into the panel.cfg of your DHC-6
6. Go to FSXDirectory/SimObjects/Aircraft/DHC-6/Panel <-- NOTE: Approximate directory!
7. Make a back-up of the DHC-6 "panel.cfg" file
8. Open "panel.cfg" with Notepad
9. In the [Window Titles] section, locate the Window titled "KLN96" (approximate name!) and note the Window Number (I assume "05" in this case.)
10. Now locate the [Window05] section
11. Replace the entire DHC-6 [Window05] section with the Lear 45 [Window02] section.

Cheers, - jahman.

Even better if you fly a classic a/c like the VC10, L1011 etc. You'll have to learn how to use the Delco Carousel INS which was the first INS navigation system installed costing as much as a small aeroplane! http://www.simufly.com/ins/It's one of the best gauges availablevololiberista

Hi The Aerosoft DHC6 Modern panel variant which is the only one fitted with the KLN90B, already has a pop-up Garmin 256 added along with a pop-up panel that has the autopilot from the stock Maul, as do the others, the only thing it does not have fitted is a NAV/GPS toggle switch but you can always assign a joystick or keyboard shortcut to operate that function. I hope it helps. Jim Hodkinson

Thank you all for your support.Jahman - thanks for your detailed instructions on substitution. I feel better now knowing that such an option exists. There is no doubt that the Bendix/King is a very powerful navigation system, and I will continue to gain a better undertstanding how to use it effectively. I do have the documentation for it that came with the DHC6 manual, but find it difficult to follow. Certianly a lot of functions are beyond a newbie's grasp of understanding of relevance, but I hope in time ... Vololiberista - I checked out your suggestion, and again, am thankful you passed me onto another resource. Me thinks that the learning curve for a pioneering navigation system could be a bit of a challenge ... something for a rainy day maybe.And finally Jim, I was not aware of your insight. I'm assuming I must have the "modern panel" variant as you say its the only one that has the nav system of discussion in it. How do I access the Garmin 256 and Maul AP? I have to say with all my fumbling around I haven't came across it. Cheers.

Vololiberista - I checked out your suggestion, and again, am thankful you passed me onto another resource. Me thinks that the learning curve for a pioneering navigation system could be a bit of a challenge ... something for a rainy day maybe. Cheers.

Bear in mind that pretty much all commercial a/c still use inertial navigation. Using only GPS for updating purposes. So, if you have never used INS, IRS etc etc before then it's usefull to learn it.vooliberista

Hi again It's not really insight as much as I have had them for a while now, but back to the issue in hand, fortunately all the twin Otters from Aerosoft seem to have been allocated the same keyboard key combinations for these units, which are as follows… Shift + 3 for the Maul Autopilot And Shift + 4 for the Garmin unit Or you could always use the top menu in FSX by pressing the Alt key and selecting Views>Instrument Panel>AP for the Autopilot or Views>Instrument Panel>GPS for the Garmin. And that’s about it really. I hope it helps. Jim Hodkinson