I would not use it for its effects as I fly a small number of payware well fitted in this regard but I was impressed by the smoothness of zooming in on a gauge and from gauge to gauge I saw on a couple of YT clips. Might be useful for a quick check of the compass when Heidi is in the Cub or looking down at the temp gauge on the P40 just pushing a button on my throttle.

 

Is it worth the hassle of installing (and learning how to operate !) for such a limited use and does it tax the fluidity of the sim (my system is borderline) ?

You do need a minimum of stable 20fps or the camera won't move smooth.

 

Worth it - yes totally. Time consuming to setup - yes. How many planes do you have? The more planes the more time.

 

I've shared my profiles in another thread if you do go ahead with it

The basic camera setups are not too complicated. The following steps are how I do the setups:

(Forgive me if I don't have the exact wording for the menus, as I'm away from my FSX PC and doing this from memory.)

 

1) Set up a flight with a default aircraft such as the 737 and once the flight starts, hit Alt key to get the FSX menu at the top. I then select "View" and chose the windowed view. This will allow you to see both the FSX cockpit view and the EZdok menu screen. I know you want to set it up for addon aircraft but by first seeing one already setup by EZdok, it will help you understand how to do one from scratch afterwards.

 

2) Then select "Addons" from the FSX menu at the top and select the EZdok addon. From there select "show EZdok menu" (or something like that.)

 

3) With most of the default aircraft, you'll already see some camera settings set up. On the left side of the EZdok screen, you'll see different cockpit views. On the next column you'll see exterior views. You can assign a key stroke or controller button to any of those views by first highlighting the view and then going to the upper right of the screen and clicking the window for assignment and then clicking any key or controller button to assign it to that view.

 

4) To create a new view, choose the next blank field and right-click to create a new camera and then give it a name. Then click on the FSX window and using the arrow keys and/or Page Up/Down keys, move the view to the location that you want. Once there, hit the #2 key on the number pad. You'll hear a "pinging" sound. Tweak the view further if needed and then hit the #2 key once again to save that view. Now go back to the upper right of the EZdok screen and assign a key or button to that view. That's pretty much it.

 

Just load an aircraft that you want to set up views for and follow the same steps as above. There are a ton of other options available, such as transition speed from one view to another, but the basics will get you what you want very easy. Then feel free to experiment with the options. I'm still a rookie when it comes to EZdok, even after having it since it's initial release, but I do feel confident enough to create new views and/or tweak existing ones.

 

Keep us posted if you do get it and let me know if you need any additional help.

READ the Manual before using it... Otherwise you would struggle and get frustrated like l was. You have to remove some of the FSX control settings assignement keys and and reassign them within EZDOK,,and complete this step first before doing anything else.

 

:)

 

Manny

Thanks guys appreciated, I think I understand better ! Looks like an overkill for what I want, have an easy and "cool" access to a couple of gauges in my one or two seaters ... I've to think about it further.

I ordered EZDOK twice and returned it twice. Just couldn't comprehend the setup instructtions. Guess I'm slow. Anyway, after watching some tutorial videos by a fellow named Eric Krueger (wyldbluyondr) I decided to give it one more shot. Sure glad I did.

He explains it in a straightforward, easy to understand way that even I could understand.

I love it and won't fly without it. Check out his videos on You Tube, titled EZDOK Tutorial and then decide.

 

Jim

Isn't there a new version coming out soon? Will there be a free upgrade?

For me it's the effects not the views that made me buy it. If I fly in turbulence or strong wind I really know it. If I land badly, I also feel it in my view

For me it's the effects not the views that made me buy it. If I fly in turbulence or strong wind I really know it. If I land badly, I also feel it in my view

 

Dan, does it bring anything more than A2A or RA aircraft already have ?

Yes, maybe with the Lancair you might already get some vibrations but Ezdok adds more.

 

In particular the dynamic head movement.

 

I've been practicing instrument approaches in the clouds with strong winds and turbulence and it's really showing - the plane virtual cockpit is looking like I'm being jostled around in my seat. The head movement is specific to the weather, winds, inertia from movement etc.

 

If you've ever felt like your plane is "on rails" then Ezdok can solve that if you fly with weather