? FSX multi player tower into flyable aircraft for Ai spoting in free flight

[thejetjunkie 1]

Would like to view airport operations and ai aircraft from muti player tower in free flight. The only way I know how to do this would be to make the muti player tower in sim-objects,misc. into a flyable aircraft.Is that posible and how? The multi player tower interior views are very detailed and would be great for watching airport ai action from and for making videos.Not concerned about tower not having any external view textures.Any help please.

[n4gix 4,955]

You will find detailed instructions for enabling and using the "Tower" directly from the (now dead) "Horse's Mouth" here:

 

http://www.microsoft.com/Products/Games/FSInsider/missions/Pages/ListeningIn.aspx

There's a simple method that enables you to sit in the virtual control tower at an airport in Free Flight and listen to the AI controllers do their things and watch all the action out the window and on the radar. It's unsupported functionality, but it does work in the Deluxe version of FSX, which includes the Tower Controller feature in multiplayer. (Thanks to some folks on the Avsim forums for figuring this out!)

[spokes2112 179]

Another alternative to Fr. Bill's is make the tower an aircraft ( it wont be flyable after mods ) ... It makes setting up a viewing spot easier and is movable (via slew) and adjustable for height.

 

1. Copy the complete FSX\SimObjects\Misc\ControlTower folder and paste into FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes.. So not to fudge up the original.

2. In FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\ControlTower DELETE the sim.cfg file.

3. Copy the code below and save it into a new text file named "aircraft.cfg" in the FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\ControlTower folder.

4. Copy the .air file from the FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\Aircreation_582SL and paste it into the FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\ControlTower folder.

 

That's it.. Select "Control Tower" via the select aircraft menu under manufacturer, move to desired airport and slew to the desired location.

 

It is setup as a 150 ft tall tower as is, to adjust the height just adjust the numbers in the aircraft.cfg highlighted below using the same exact number but following the +/- signs. Reload the tower.

 

 

[contact_points]

point.0= 1, 4.50, 0.00, -150.0, 1600, 0.000, 0.51, 30.0, 0.25, 2.50, 0.75, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000

point.1= 1, -1.70, -3.08, -150.0, 1600, 1.000, 0.51, 0.0, 0.35, 2.50, 0.75, 0.000, 0.000, 2.000, 0.000, 0.000

point.2= 1, -1.70, 3.08, -150.0, 1600, 2.000, 0.51, 0.0, 0.35, 2.50, 0.75, 0.000, 0.000, 3.000, 0.000, 0.000

static_pitch = 0.00 //-6.8

static_cg_height = 150.0

 

It was tested with multiple heights from 50 - 500 ft. and used winds gusting up to 100 kts - it stayed stable..

 

Roman

 

[fltsim.0]
title=Tower
sim=Aircreation_582SL
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id_color=
atc_id=
ui_manufacturer="Control Tower"
ui_type="Tower"
ui_variation="Virtual Cab"
description="Tower Controller with Virtual Cab"

[fltsim.1]
title=Tower - No Cab
sim=Aircreation_582SL
model=NoCab
panel=
sound=
texture=
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id_color=
atc_id=
ui_manufacturer="Control Tower"
ui_type="Tower"
ui_variation="No cab"
description="Tower Controller without Virtual Cab"

[General]
category = airplane
atc_type=
atc_model=
editable= 
performance=

[CameraDefinition.0]
Title = Station 1
Guid = {13605371-4065-417d-8DB8-3FC66A3DBE7B}
Description = Tower Cab Position 1
Origin = Virtual Cockpit
SnapPbhAdjust = Swivel
SnapPbhReturn = FALSE
PanPbhAdjust = Swivel
PanPbhReturn = FALSE
Track = None
ShowAxis = FALSE
AllowZoom = TRUE
InitialZoom = 1.0
ShowWeather = Yes
InitialXyz = 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
InitialPbh = 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
XyzAdjust = TRUE
Category=VC
ZoomPanScalar = 1.0
ShowLensFlare=FALSE

[CameraDefinition.1]
Title = Station 2
Guid = {9B4E9F0A-55F5-44e3-9F3A-DF13C8D47844}
Description = Tower Cab Position 2
Origin = Virtual Cockpit
SnapPbhAdjust = Swivel
SnapPbhReturn = FALSE
PanPbhAdjust = Swivel
PanPbhReturn = FALSE
Track = None
ShowAxis = FALSE
AllowZoom = TRUE
InitialZoom = 1.0
ShowWeather = Yes
InitialXyz = 2.5, 0.0, -2.75
InitialPbh = 0.0, 0.0, 90.0
XyzAdjust = TRUE
Category=VC
ZoomPanScalar = 1.0
ShowLensFlare=FALSE

[CameraDefinition.2]
Title = Station 3
Guid = {04B9B8DC-D69A-451c-90C2-4143765D5589}
Description = Tower Cab Position 3
Origin = Virtual Cockpit
SnapPbhAdjust = Swivel
SnapPbhReturn = FALSE
PanPbhAdjust = Swivel
PanPbhReturn = FALSE
Track = None
ShowAxis = FALSE
AllowZoom = TRUE
InitialZoom = 1.0
ShowWeather = Yes
InitialXyz = .075, 0.0, -5.17
InitialPbh = 0.0, 0.0, 180.0
XyzAdjust = TRUE
Category=VC
ZoomPanScalar = 1.0
ShowLensFlare=FALSE

[CameraDefinition.3]
Title = Station 4
Guid = {9AE691DA-0FAD-4e3b-9D44-1100C98E43A5}
Description = Tower Cab Position 4
Origin = Virtual Cockpit
SnapPbhAdjust = Swivel
SnapPbhReturn = FALSE
PanPbhAdjust = Swivel
PanPbhReturn = FALSE
Track = None
ShowAxis = FALSE
AllowZoom = TRUE
InitialZoom = 1.0
ShowWeather = Yes
InitialXyz = -2.72, 0.0, -2.2
InitialPbh = 0.0, 0.0, 270.0
XyzAdjust = TRUE
Category=VC
ZoomPanScalar = 1.0
ShowLensFlare=FALSE

[Radios]
// Radio Type = availiable, standby frequency, has glide slope
Audio.1       = 1
Audio.2       = 1
Com.1         = 1, 0
Com.2         = 1, 0
Nav.1         = 0, 0, 0
Adf.1         = 0
Transponder.1 = 0
Marker.1      = 0


[LIGHTS]
light.0 = 1, 0.00, 0.00, 10.00, fx_vclight


[WEIGHT_AND_BALANCE]
max_gross_weight= 1300.0
empty_weight    = 1000.000

reference_datum_position= 0.000, 0.000, 0.000
empty_weight_CG_position= 0.000, 0.000, -200.00

station_load.0 = 170.0, 2.0, 0.0, -4.0
station_name.0 = "Pilot"

empty_weight_roll_MOI   = 170000.0
empty_weight_pitch_MOI  = 152000.0
empty_weight_yaw_MOI    = 177000.0
empty_weight_coupled_MOI=   0.0

[fuel]
Center1= -2.70, 0.00, -3.80, 10.00, 0.00
fuel_type=1.000000
number_of_tank_selectors=1
electric_pump=0
engine_driven_pump=0

[airplane_geometry]
wing_area               = 0.0
wing_span               = 0.0
wing_root_chord         = 0.0
wing_dihedral           = 0.0
wing_incidence          = 0.0
wing_twist              = 0
oswald_efficiency_factor= 0.0
wing_winglets_flag      = 0
wing_sweep              = 0.0
wing_pos_apex_lon       = 0.0
wing_pos_apex_vert      = 0.0
htail_area              = 0
htail_span              = 0
htail_pos_lon           = 0
htail_pos_vert          = 0
htail_incidence         = 0
htail_sweep             = 0
vtail_area              = 0
vtail_span              = 0
vtail_sweep             = 0
vtail_pos_lon           = 0
vtail_pos_vert          = 0
elevator_area           = 0
aileron_area            = 0
rudder_area             = 0
elevator_up_limit       = 0.0
elevator_down_limit     = 0.0
aileron_up_limit        = 0.0
aileron_down_limit      = 0.0
rudder_limit            = 0
elevator_trim_limit     = 0.0
spoiler_limit           = 0
spoilerons_available    = 0
aileron_to_spoileron_gain  = 0
min_ailerons_for_spoilerons= 0
min_flaps_for_spoilerons   = 0
auto_spoiler_available     = 0
spoiler_extension_time     = 0
positive_g_limit_flaps_up  =  4.0               //Design G load tolerance (positive, flaps up)
positive_g_limit_flaps_down=  4.0               //Design G load tolerance (positive, flaps down)
negative_g_limit_flaps_up  = -2.0               //Design G load tolerance (negative, flaps up)
negative_g_limit_flaps_down= -2.0               //Design G load tolerance (negative, flaps down)
load_safety_factor         =  1.5               //Design G load safety factor

        //0  Class
        //1  Longitudinal Position        (feet)
        //2  Lateral Position             (feet)
        //3  Vertical Position            (feet)
        //4  Impact Damage Threshold      (Feet Per Minute)
        //5  Brake Map                   (0=None, 1=Left, 2=Right)
        //6  Wheel Radius                (feet)
        //7  Steer Angle                         (degrees)
        //8  Static Compression           (feet)  (0 if rigid)
        //9  Max/Static Compression Ratio
        //10 Damping Ratio               (0=Undamped, 1=Critically Damped)
        //11 Extension Time              (seconds)
        //12 Retraction Time             (seconds)
        //13 Sound Type

[contact_points]
point.0= 1,  4.50,   0.00, -150.0, 1600, 0.000, 0.51, 30.0, 0.25, 2.50, 0.75, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.1= 1, -1.70,  -3.08, -150.0, 1600, 1.000, 0.51,  0.0, 0.35, 2.50, 0.75, 0.000, 0.000, 2.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.2= 1, -1.70,   3.08, -150.0, 1600, 2.000, 0.51,  0.0, 0.35, 2.50, 0.75, 0.000, 0.000, 3.000, 0.000, 0.000
static_pitch     = 0.00 //-6.8
static_cg_height =  150.0

[GeneralEngineData]
engine_type= 0
Engine.0= -3.5, 0.0, -3.1
fuel_flow_scalar= 1.000

[piston_engine]
max_rpm_mechanical_efficiency_scalar=1.000
idle_rpm_mechanical_efficiency_scalar=1.000
max_rpm_friction_scalar=1.000
idle_rpm_friction_scalar=1.000
cylinder_displacement= 17.75
two_stroke_cycle = 1
compression_ratio= 11.5
number_of_cylinders= 2
max_rated_rpm= 1.000
max_rated_hp= 1.0
fuel_metering_type= 1
cooling_type= 1
normalized_starter_torque= 0.300
turbocharged= 0
max_design_mp= 0.000
min_design_mp= 0.000
critical_altitude= 0.000
emergency_boost_type= 0
emergency_boost_mp_offset= 0.000
emergency_boost_gain_offset= 0.000
fuel_air_auto_mixture= 0
auto_ignition= 0
power_scalar=1.000

[propeller]
propeller_type= 1
propeller_diameter= 5.85
propeller_blades= 3
propeller_moi= 5.26
beta_max= 0
beta_min= 0
min_gov_rpm= 0
prop_tc= 0
gear_reduction_ratio= 3.47
fixed_pitch_beta= 22.000
low_speed_theory_limit= 40.0
prop_sync_available= 0
prop_deice_available= 0
prop_feathering_available= 0
prop_auto_feathering_available= 0
min_rpm_for_feather= 0.0
beta_feather= 0.000
power_absorbed_cf= 0.000
defeathering_accumulators_available= 0
prop_reverse_available= 0
minimum_on_ground_beta= 0.0
minimum_reverse_beta= 0.0
thrust_scalar=1.0

[Reference Speeds]
flaps_up_stall_speed= 24.000
full_flaps_stall_speed= 24.000
cruise_speed= 1000.560
max_indicated_speed=1000.000000


[keyboard_response]
elevator=150.000000,250.000000
aileron=150.000000,250.000000
rudder=150.000000,250.000000

[Views]
eyepoint = 1.10, 0.00, 0.34

[autopilot]
autopilot_available=0
flight_director_available=0

[flight_tuning]
cruise_lift_scalar         = 1.0
pitch_stability            = 1.0
roll_stability             = 1.0
yaw_stability              = 1.0
parasite_drag_scalar       = 1.0
induced_drag_scalar        = 1.0
elevator_effectiveness     = 1.0
aileron_effectiveness      = 1.0
rudder_effectiveness       = 1.0
elevator_trim_effectiveness= 1.0
aileron_trim_effectiveness = 1.0
rudder_trim_effectiveness  = 1.0

[Electrical]
max_battery_voltage           = 12
generator_alternator_voltage  = 13
max_generator_alternator_amps = 33
electric_always_available  = 1

[brakes]
toe_brakes_scale=1.0
parking_brake=1

[Flaps.0]
type=0

[stall_warning]
type=0
stick_shaker=0

[attitude_indicators]
attitude_indicator.0=0

[turn_indicators]
turn_indicator.0=0

[pitot_static]
pitot_heat=0

[vacuum_system]
max_pressure=0

[pneumatic_system]
max_pressure=0

[MagneticCompass]
Compass.0 = 1               // Vertical compass (no dip errors)

[direction_indicators]
direction_indicator.0 = 0   //No direction indicator

[hydraulic_system]
normal_pressure=0.00

[deice_system]
structural_deice_type=0

Edited 17MAY13 - added [Radios] section and under [Electrical] added "electric_always_available = 1" Edited May 19, 2013 by spokes2112

[thejetjunkie 1]

Thank-You Fr.Bill and Roman. Turned tower into Aircraft following your instructions. Works Great!will add greatly to my Airport videos. Thanx Agin!

[Bob Familton 14]

I thank you Fr.Bill and Roman. I have mine setup with some of the windows that I use all the time open at all times. I also went into the AFCAD of the airports I want to use it at and set a particular extra parking spot so I don't have to slew the location of the tower. I have set it up in all 4 airfields of the Team SDB U.S. Airfields, Vol. 1 and love it. It reminds me of the old Mobile Control Tower I used to use in FS9 which won't work completely right in FSX. It's neat that you can set both the tower and ground frequencies up at one time so you can hear both.  Bob.

 

[kehoshi 1]

4. Copy the .air file from the FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\Aircreation_582SL and paste it into the FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\ControlTower folder.

 

 

Where do I find this ".air" file as I cannot find it in the FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\Aircreation_582SL location.

[tgibson 11]

Look for file type:  AIR file.  You probably do not have display file extensions turned on in Windows Explorer/My Computer.

[kehoshi 1]

Look for file type:  AIR file.  You probably do not have display file extensions turned on in Windows Explorer/My Computer.

 

Found it and all is now o/k.

[spokes2112 179]

I uploaded a version of this tower in to the file library. It includes a "front end" to adjust the tower height nearly on the fly.  It is here. 

[kehoshi 1]

Absolutely super, just what I wanted.