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jordanal

TopCat + PFPX + 737NGX / Weights (How To)

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I don't know if anyone might find this useful, but here is how I got TopCat + PFPX to match the weights used by the various PMDG 737NGX FMC's. This was all calculated and recorded by loading 737 variants (both mixed-class and single class seating [they are different]) and zeroing-out the fuel and payload and then recording the basic FMC dry weight (DOW). I then loaded full passengers (no fuel) to record the ZFW for each class, then added full fuel (46057 all cases) and noted the MTOW.

PLEASE NOTE: In order for TopCat, PFPX, and the 737NGX FMC to match exactly, USE ONLY ADULTS, with weights preset to 175 lbs per adult, in the TopCat and PFPX preferences. Don't use children or infants in your plans. 175 lbs is what the 737 FMC uses when populating the 'seats filled' in the FMC. So when the PFPX OFP tells you C8 Y128, you load 8 first-class and 128 in Y class (coach), and match the cargo distribution from TopCat - your FMC weights will be a perfect, spot-on match. :)

TopCatPMDG737MixedClass-PayloadDistro_zp


The biggest headache using TopCat and PFPX (prior to launching FS) is determining if the desired 737NGX variant is a single-class or mixed-class configuration.  I personally like realistic livery.ini configs and keep them as originally created. To determine the respective livery.ini file before firing up FS, I use a free program (from the AVSIM library, I think) called AIRCRAFTER. I load it up and drill down to my desired PMDG 737 variant I wish to use for the flight. I then have AIRCRAFTER open the texture folder for the chosen livery and I inspect the livery.ini file. Near the bottom of the livery.ini file, there is a line similar to 'singleconfiguration=1', which defines a single-class variant, or if set to zero, indicates a mixed-class variant. This is irrespective of the fact that you could simply change the class (single or mixed) once you load up the livery in a FS session, and change it in the FMC Aircraft options to match your PFPX and TopCat weight calculations (number of seats).

The following TopCat configurations were noted directly from the PMDG 737NGX FMC, which will be used as templates when creating each PMDG 737NGX aircraft variant in TopCat and PFPX. These TopCat config files should be located in your TopCat install-path ..\TopCat\Configurations. Create the file-name (bold) and copy the content into each file.

Boeing 737-600 PMDG Mixed Class.txt

[GENERAL]
Aircraft=PMDG B736 Mixed Class
Units=LB

[CONFIGURATION]
Config=C8 Y111
Pax=119
Cargo=11200
Fuel=46057
DOW=80200
MZFW=112200
MTOW=144000
MLW=128928
Assumed=Y
Derate=Y
Combine=Y

[AIRCRAFT]
aircraft.0=B737-700_GE

[TRIM]
wing_root_chord=18.900
wing_area=1348.000
wing_span=113.000
wing_sweep=25
wing_pos_apex_lon=-34.000
empty_weight_CG_position=-48.170
MAC_Shift=0.10

[MAC_LIMITS_ZFW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;26
mac.1=80000;17.8;27.0
mac.2=104000;15.7;31.7
mac.3=121700;14.1;33.2

[MAC_LIMITS_TOW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;27.7
mac.1=80000;17.8;28.7
mac.2=104000;15.7;33.4
mac.3=140000;12.5;36.4
mac.4=140500;12.4;36.25
mac.5=153500;15;33.3
mac.6=155000;19.7;28.5

[MAC_LIMITS_LDW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;27.7
mac.1=80000;17.8;28.7
mac.2=104000;15.7;33.4
mac.3=140000;12.5;36.4
mac.4=140500;12.4;36.25
mac.5=153500;15;33.3
mac.6=155000;19.7;28.5

[PASSENGER_STATIONS]
station.0=8;-48.350;First;1
station.1=120;-48.350;Coach;2

[CARGO_STATIONS]
station.0=12200;-48.350;Fwd Cargo;3
station.1=15000;-48.350;Aft Cargo;4

[FUEL]
tank.0=-51.380;4
tank.1=-44.780;1
tank.2=-51.380;7


;1  Centre Tank
;2  Centre Tank 2
;3  Centre Tank 3
;4  Left Main Tank
;5  Left Aux Tank
;6  Left Tip Tank
;7  Right Main Tank
;8  Right Aux Tank
;9  Right Tip Tank
;10 External Tank 1
;11 External Tank 2

Boeing 737-600 PMDG Single Class.txt

[GENERAL]
Aircraft=PMDG B736 Single Class
Units=LB

[CONFIGURATION]
Config=Y129
Pax=129
Cargo=11200
Fuel=46057
DOW=80200
MZFW=114000
MTOW=144000
MLW=128928
Assumed=Y
Derate=Y
Combine=Y

[AIRCRAFT]
aircraft.0=B737-700_GE

[TRIM]
wing_root_chord=18.900
wing_area=1348.000
wing_span=113.000
wing_sweep=25
wing_pos_apex_lon=-34.000
empty_weight_CG_position=-48.170
MAC_Shift=0.10

[MAC_LIMITS_ZFW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;26
mac.1=80000;17.8;27.0
mac.2=104000;15.7;31.7
mac.3=121700;14.1;33.2

[MAC_LIMITS_TOW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;27.7
mac.1=80000;17.8;28.7
mac.2=104000;15.7;33.4
mac.3=140000;12.5;36.4
mac.4=140500;12.4;36.25
mac.5=153500;15;33.3
mac.6=155000;19.7;28.5

[MAC_LIMITS_LDW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;27.7
mac.1=80000;17.8;28.7
mac.2=104000;15.7;33.4
mac.3=140000;12.5;36.4
mac.4=140500;12.4;36.25
mac.5=153500;15;33.3
mac.6=155000;19.7;28.5

[PASSENGER_STATIONS]
station.0=148;-48.350;Coach;2

[CARGO_STATIONS]
station.0=12200;-48.350;Fwd Cargo;3
station.1=15000;-48.350;Aft Cargo;4

[FIXED_STATIONS]
station.0=0;-48.350;Placeholder;1

[FUEL]
tank.0=-51.380;4
tank.1=-44.780;1
tank.2=-51.380;7


;1  Centre Tank
;2  Centre Tank 2
;3  Centre Tank 3
;4  Left Main Tank
;5  Left Aux Tank
;6  Left Tip Tank
;7  Right Main Tank
;8  Right Aux Tank
;9  Right Tip Tank
;10 External Tank 1
;11 External Tank 2

Boeing 737-700 PMDG Mixed Class.txt

[GENERAL]
Aircraft=PMDG B737 Mixed Class
Units=LB

[CONFIGURATION]
Config=C8 Y128
Pax=136
Cargo=11900
Fuel=46057
DOW=83000
MZFW=118700
MTOW=153500
MLW=128928
Assumed=Y
Derate=Y
Combine=Y

[AIRCRAFT]
aircraft.0=B737-700_GE

[TRIM]
wing_root_chord=18.900
wing_area=1348.000
wing_span=113.000
wing_sweep=25
wing_pos_apex_lon=-34.000
empty_weight_CG_position=-48.170
MAC_Shift=0.10

[MAC_LIMITS_ZFW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;26
mac.1=80000;17.8;27.0
mac.2=104000;15.7;31.7
mac.3=121700;14.1;33.2

[MAC_LIMITS_TOW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;27.7
mac.1=80000;17.8;28.7
mac.2=104000;15.7;33.4
mac.3=140000;12.5;36.4
mac.4=140500;12.4;36.25
mac.5=153500;15;33.3
mac.6=155000;19.7;28.5

[MAC_LIMITS_LDW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;27.7
mac.1=80000;17.8;28.7
mac.2=104000;15.7;33.4
mac.3=140000;12.5;36.4
mac.4=140500;12.4;36.25
mac.5=153500;15;33.3
mac.6=155000;19.7;28.5

[PASSENGER_STATIONS]
station.0=8;-48.350;First;1
station.1=120;-48.350;Coach;2

[CARGO_STATIONS]
station.0=12200;-48.350;Fwd Cargo;3
station.1=15000;-48.350;Aft Cargo;4

[FUEL]
tank.0=-51.380;4
tank.1=-44.780;1
tank.2=-51.380;7


;1  Centre Tank
;2  Centre Tank 2
;3  Centre Tank 3
;4  Left Main Tank
;5  Left Aux Tank
;6  Left Tip Tank
;7  Right Main Tank
;8  Right Aux Tank
;9  Right Tip Tank
;10 External Tank 1
;11 External Tank 2

Boeing 737-700 PMDG Single Class.txt

[GENERAL]
Aircraft=PMDG B737 Single Class
Units=LB

[CONFIGURATION]
Config=Y146
Pax=146
Cargo=11900
Fuel=46057
DOW=83000
MZFW=120500
MTOW=153500
MLW=128928
Assumed=Y
Derate=Y
Combine=Y

[AIRCRAFT]
aircraft.0=B737-700_GE

[TRIM]
wing_root_chord=18.900
wing_area=1348.000
wing_span=113.000
wing_sweep=25
wing_pos_apex_lon=-34.000
empty_weight_CG_position=-48.170
MAC_Shift=0.10

[MAC_LIMITS_ZFW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;26
mac.1=80000;17.8;27.0
mac.2=104000;15.7;31.7
mac.3=121700;14.1;33.2

[MAC_LIMITS_TOW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;27.7
mac.1=80000;17.8;28.7
mac.2=104000;15.7;33.4
mac.3=140000;12.5;36.4
mac.4=140500;12.4;36.25
mac.5=153500;15;33.3
mac.6=155000;19.7;28.5

[MAC_LIMITS_LDW]
mac.0=75000;18.0;27.7
mac.1=80000;17.8;28.7
mac.2=104000;15.7;33.4
mac.3=140000;12.5;36.4
mac.4=140500;12.4;36.25
mac.5=153500;15;33.3
mac.6=155000;19.7;28.5

[PASSENGER_STATIONS]
station.0=148;-48.350;Coach;2

[CARGO_STATIONS]
station.0=12200;-48.350;Fwd Cargo;3
station.1=15000;-48.350;Aft Cargo;4

[FIXED_STATIONS]
station.0=0;-48.350;Placeholder;1

[FUEL]
tank.0=-51.380;4
tank.1=-44.780;1
tank.2=-51.380;7


;1  Centre Tank
;2  Centre Tank 2
;3  Centre Tank 3
;4  Left Main Tank
;5  Left Aux Tank
;6  Left Tip Tank
;7  Right Main Tank
;8  Right Aux Tank
;9  Right Tip Tank
;10 External Tank 1
;11 External Tank 2

Boeing 737-800 PMDG Mixed Class.txt

[GENERAL]
Aircraft=PMDG B738 Mixed Class
Units=LB

[CONFIGURATION]
Config=C12 Y150
Pax=162
Cargo=16400
Fuel=46057
DOW=91300
MZFW=136100
MTOW=174700
MLW=146300
Assumed=Y
Derate=Y
Combine=Y

[AIRCRAFT]
aircraft.0=B737-800_GE

[TRIM]
wing_root_chord=18.900
wing_area=1348.000
wing_span=112.58
wing_sweep=25
wing_pos_apex_lon=-43.800
empty_weight_CG_position = -57.77
MAC_Shift=0.09

[MAC_LIMITS_ZFW]
mac.0=79823;10;25.9
mac.1=86822;9.85;27.65
mac.2=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.3=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.4=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.5=146299;19.15;31

[MAC_LIMITS_TOW]
mac.0=79823;10;27.2
mac.1=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.2=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.3=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.4=161068;12.8;32.77
mac.5=172670;14.8;30.08
mac.6=174198;16.95;25.10

[MAC_LIMITS_LDW]
mac.0=79823;10;25.9
mac.1=86822;9.85;27.65
mac.2=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.3=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.4=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.5=146299;19.15;31

[PASSENGER_STATIONS]
station.0=12;-57.450;First;1
station.1=148;-57.450;Coach;2

[CARGO_STATIONS]
station.0=20794;-57.450;Fwd Cargo;3
station.1=22625;-57.450;Aft Cargo;4

[FUEL]
tank.0=-62.120;4
tank.1=-54.670;1
tank.2=-62.120;7


;1  Centre Tank
;2  Centre Tank 2
;3  Centre Tank 3
;4  Left Main Tank
;5  Left Aux Tank
;6  Left Tip Tank
;7  Right Main Tank
;8  Right Aux Tank
;9  Right Tip Tank
;10 External Tank 1
;11 External Tank 2

Boeing 737-800 PMDG Single Class.txt

[GENERAL]
Aircraft=PMDG B738 Single Class
Units=LB

[CONFIGURATION]
Config=Y174
Pax=174
Cargo=16400
Fuel=46057
DOW=91300
MZFW=138200
MTOW=174700
MLW=146300
Assumed=Y
Derate=Y
Combine=Y

[AIRCRAFT]
aircraft.0=B737-800_GE

[TRIM]
wing_root_chord=18.900
wing_area=1348.000
wing_span=112.58
wing_sweep=25
wing_pos_apex_lon=-43.800
empty_weight_CG_position = -57.77
MAC_Shift=0.09

[MAC_LIMITS_ZFW]
mac.0=79823;10;25.9
mac.1=86822;9.85;27.65
mac.2=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.3=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.4=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.5=146299;19.15;31

[MAC_LIMITS_TOW]
mac.0=79823;10;27.2
mac.1=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.2=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.3=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.4=161068;12.8;32.77
mac.5=172670;14.8;30.08
mac.6=174198;16.95;25.10

[MAC_LIMITS_LDW]
mac.0=79823;10;25.9
mac.1=86822;9.85;27.65
mac.2=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.3=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.4=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.5=146299;19.15;31

[PASSENGER_STATIONS]
station.0=174;-57.450;Coach;2

[CARGO_STATIONS]
station.0=20794;-57.450;Fwd Cargo;3
station.1=22625;-57.450;Aft Cargo;4

[FIXED_STATIONS]
station.0=0;-57.450;Placeholder;1

[FUEL]
tank.0=-62.120;4
tank.1=-54.670;1
tank.2=-62.120;7


;1  Centre Tank
;2  Centre Tank 2
;3  Centre Tank 3
;4  Left Main Tank
;5  Left Aux Tank
;6  Left Tip Tank
;7  Right Main Tank
;8  Right Aux Tank
;9  Right Tip Tank
;10 External Tank 1
;11 External Tank 2

Boeing 737-900 PMDG Mixed Class.txt

[GENERAL]
Aircraft=PMDG B739 Mixed Class
Units=LB

[CONFIGURATION]
Config=C12 Y162
Pax=174
Cargo=11100
Fuel=46057
DOW=94600
MZFW=136100
MTOW=174700
MLW=146300
Assumed=Y
Derate=Y
Combine=Y

[AIRCRAFT]
aircraft.0=B737-800_GE

[TRIM]
wing_root_chord=18.900
wing_area=1348.000
wing_span=112.58
wing_sweep=25
wing_pos_apex_lon=-43.800
empty_weight_CG_position = -57.77
MAC_Shift=0.09

[MAC_LIMITS_ZFW]
mac.0=79823;10;25.9
mac.1=86822;9.85;27.65
mac.2=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.3=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.4=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.5=146299;19.15;31

[MAC_LIMITS_TOW]
mac.0=79823;10;27.2
mac.1=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.2=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.3=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.4=161068;12.8;32.77
mac.5=172670;14.8;30.08
mac.6=174198;16.95;25.10

[MAC_LIMITS_LDW]
mac.0=79823;10;25.9
mac.1=86822;9.85;27.65
mac.2=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.3=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.4=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.5=146299;19.15;31

[PASSENGER_STATIONS]
station.0=12;-57.450;First;1
station.1=148;-57.450;Coach;2

[CARGO_STATIONS]
station.0=20794;-57.450;Fwd Cargo;3
station.1=22625;-57.450;Aft Cargo;4

[FUEL]
tank.0=-62.120;4
tank.1=-54.670;1
tank.2=-62.120;7


;1  Centre Tank
;2  Centre Tank 2
;3  Centre Tank 3
;4  Left Main Tank
;5  Left Aux Tank
;6  Left Tip Tank
;7  Right Main Tank
;8  Right Aux Tank
;9  Right Tip Tank
;10 External Tank 1
;11 External Tank 2

Boeing 737-900 PMDG Single Class.txt

[GENERAL]
Aircraft=PMDG B739 Single Class
Units=LB

[CONFIGURATION]
Config=Y186
Pax=186
Cargo=11100
Fuel=46057
DOW=94600
MZFW=138200
MTOW=174700
MLW=146300
Assumed=Y
Derate=Y
Combine=Y

[AIRCRAFT]
aircraft.0=B737-800_GE

[TRIM]
wing_root_chord=18.900
wing_area=1348.000
wing_span=112.58
wing_sweep=25
wing_pos_apex_lon=-43.800
empty_weight_CG_position = -57.77
MAC_Shift=0.09

[MAC_LIMITS_ZFW]
mac.0=79823;10;25.9
mac.1=86822;9.85;27.65
mac.2=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.3=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.4=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.5=146299;19.15;31

[MAC_LIMITS_TOW]
mac.0=79823;10;27.2
mac.1=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.2=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.3=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.4=161068;12.8;32.77
mac.5=172670;14.8;30.08
mac.6=174198;16.95;25.10

[MAC_LIMITS_LDW]
mac.0=79823;10;25.9
mac.1=86822;9.85;27.65
mac.2=134409;7.99;30.5
mac.3=138298;8.96;30.72
mac.4=144500;9.61;30.9
mac.5=146299;19.15;31

[PASSENGER_STATIONS]
station.0=174;-57.450;Coach;2

[CARGO_STATIONS]
station.0=20794;-57.450;Fwd Cargo;3
station.1=22625;-57.450;Aft Cargo;4

[FIXED_STATIONS]
station.0=0;-57.450;Placeholder;1

[FUEL]
tank.0=-62.120;4
tank.1=-54.670;1
tank.2=-62.120;7


;1  Centre Tank
;2  Centre Tank 2
;3  Centre Tank 3
;4  Left Main Tank
;5  Left Aux Tank
;6  Left Tip Tank
;7  Right Main Tank
;8  Right Aux Tank
;9  Right Tip Tank
;10 External Tank 1
;11 External Tank 2

Now, create your aircraft in TopCat similar to below. Please note, the aircraft registration text is important in that it must be identical to aircraft registration numbers created in PFPX. It is these reg #'s that tie the two programs together when sending OFP data from PFPX to TopCat, as well as adding Max Takeoff and Landing Data to the OFP when initially creating the flight plan in PFPX.

 

I chose to name my TopCat PMDG 737 aircraft after the models and add a -M for Mixed load configs and add a -S for Single load configs.

An example of my PMDG 737-S details can be seen;

TopCatPMDG737-S_zpse322f2db.jpg

 

NOW, for some configuration fun in PFPX...

Please note, as of this article, PFPX v1.04 Update was just released with a lbs rounding error fix which directly relates to the topic of this article.

PFPXv104UpdateWeightsFix_zpseced65ec.jpg
 

Now open up your PFPX preferences page and set the Adult weights to 175 lbs and the baggage weights to the same value used in TopCat - the specific baggage values are not important, as long as they are the same in both TopCat and PFPX.

PFPXWeightPreferences_zps01113ae5.jpg
 

Now open the Aircraft database in PFPX and create the same list of PMDG 737NGX aircraft, just as you did in TopCat, keeping the aircraft registration numbers exactly the same as those created in TopCat. You can use the Aircraft Template feature when creating the PMDG aircraft, juts make sure you change the engine variants for each, before saving.

PFPXPMDGAircraft_zps03560416.jpg

When creating each PFPX PMDG aircraft, make sure you populate the weights and numbers exactly as you did in TopCat, which again, were originally derived from the actual PMDG FMC.

PFPXAircraft737detailsexample_zps36c60f4

As you can see, now we can use the PMDG 737-S (single class) with all the basic weights pre-populated, to work with both TopCat, and the PMDG FMC for the specific model. Remember, use only the adult weights and confirm your final ZFW in both TopCat and the PMDG FMC - they should be exactly the same. At the top, you can use the 'Takeoff' and 'Landing' buttons to calculate the MAX aircraft performance data, which will only be display the performance results OFP.  This has nothing to do with getting the OFP data into TopCat - next step.

PFPXwithPMDG737_zps06aca7aa.jpg
 

Next we will use the calculated PFPX flight to completely pre-populate the TOPCAT GUI for final performance calculations. Remember, both PFPX and the full version of TopCat must reside on the computer.

Press the 'Send To' button at the top of the Screen to begin the process of exporting the entire OFP directly TopCat.

PFPXSendToTopCat_zps88ce9d6b.jpg

As you can see, we now have a completed TopCat form prepopulated, ready for use with the PMDG FMC.

PFPXexporttoTopCat_zps46080584.jpg

Hope this helps a few folks.

  • Upvote 18

Regards,
Al Jordan | KCAE

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I just put in manual zero fuel weight into topcat.  Its so much easier and then input into the FMC of the NG the ZFW.  No need to worry about passenger weight etc.  

But the post is very informative but as Tabs said its just weight in the plane and it all equals the same.

  • Upvote 2

Sean Green

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I just put in manual zero fuel weight into topcat.  Its so much easier and then input into the FMC of the NG the ZFW.  No need to worry about passenger weight etc.  

But the post is very informative but as Tabs said its just weight in the plane and it all equals the same.

Yes, that's an on obvious option and I do that currently with the fuel-load (total only) in the FMC. But if you would like to enter the number of passengers per section 8/8 and 119/128 for example, it is the 'Adult' weight of 175 lbs that makes that happen as calculated in both TopCat and PFPX.

Regards,
Al Jordan | KCAE

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Will the weight calculations in pounds convert to kilograms if KGS is selected as the unit of weight? Or does it need a complete set converted into kilograms

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Honestly I don't know.  I personally always use lbs (typical American, I know. )  LOL...  I also set all my livery.ini files for each 737NGX variant to lbs as well.  You might repeat the above effort and launch each of the 737 mixed and single class variants, for each model (-600, 700, 800, and 900).  and note the kgs for each, noting the important weights (DOW, max fuel, MTOW, max ZFW, etc).

 

Then create a set of TopCat config files using kgs and the set PFPX aircraft to the same weights.  Basically repeat what I did above using kgs.

 

You might also record the proper TopCat config files with kgs here in this thread, for others to use as well.


Regards,
Al Jordan | KCAE

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Hi Al, ive tried pasting your values into one of the existing topcat configs with a view to saving them with thename you have given them.

But the text just goes into one lrge block instead of line by line. When I save as your filename and start Topcat its not listed in the configs that I can select.

What have I done wrong?

Phil

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As for the TopCat profile to the two preceding questions, when creating a TopCat Aircraft, you first have to select The Aircraft Setup 'Type' to Boeing 737-700 for either B736 or the B737 Configs, or the B737-800, then you'll see either the PMDG 738 or B739 configs we created above.  TopCat only came with two aircraft type PMDG B737 or PMDG B738 aircraft profiles, one of which has to be select before chosing the configs type.

 

As for the configs file code boxes above  not paisting correctly, I'll have to repost those now as I can't edit the original post - it was a result of the dumb code-boxes and selecting "line 1" which put line-number in front of each of the rows.

 

TopCatAircraftTypeampConfig_zpse79a71a6.

 

Also, PLEASE NOTE - I forgot to mention one important field/box above while creating each of the PMDG aircraft profiles in the PFPX Aircraft Database.  Christian explains the box specifically, that uses the TopCat aircraft performance profile - you can read his description of the feature in the PFPX support forum here:

 

http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/72225-topcat-integration/#entry516623

 

You can actually see in my PFPX Aicraft Editor window above in my OP, in the Takeoff and Landing Performance section, I have the TopCat Performance Module set to the PMDG B737-700 CFM56-7B22 module, selected using the associated 'Edit' button.  Chose the B737 for both the B736 and B737 aircraft, and chose the B738 module for your B738 and B739 aircraft.  Not much else we can chose until realistic TopCat aircraft performance profiles are created specifically for the PMDG 736 and 739 variant aircraft.


Regards,
Al Jordan | KCAE

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OK, instead of manually reproducing the code-boxes above, let's see how much trouble I can get in with the mods.  I've attached the PMDG TopCat profiles (text files) to this post.  If all goes well and you can download the text files, and save them to your ..\TopCat\Configuration directory.  Then, continue creating the TopCat and PFPX aircraft as described in my OP above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Upvote 3

Regards,
Al Jordan | KCAE

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Excellent info Al, thanks for sharing this!


Jeff Hendershot
"Roger, Roger...What's Our Vector, Victor?"

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Sorry, I have to ask this question...

In the USA, per Federal Air Regulations, the standard weights for adults is 190lbs for Apr 1-Oct 31 and 195lbs for Nov 1-Mar 31.  Children weights are 85lbs and 87lbs respectively.  Can we use these weights as long as we adjust the max payload and divide by 190 (or 195)? ...or is there something here I'm missing?

 

 

I just put in manual zero fuel weight into topcat.  Its so much easier and then input into the FMC of the NG the ZFW.  No need to worry about passenger weight etc.  

But the post is very informative but as Tabs said its just weight in the plane and it all equals the same.

I'm also inclined to agree with this...however, we do need the profiles in TopCat for the variants, so this is great information nonetheless. 

Many thanks!

Dave Lamb

FAA Licensed Aircraft Dispatcher

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David,

I'm in no position to provide conjecture to your seemingly knowledgeable weight regulations.  But, what I have provided, 175 lbs per person, is what truly works with the way the PMDG 737NGX aircraft models were coded.  If you want the number of seats filled and the weight to match across all three programs, you have to set it accordingly.


Regards,
Al Jordan | KCAE

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David,

I'm in no position to provide conjecture to your seemingly knowledgeable weight regulations.  But, what I have provided, 175 lbs per person, is what truly works with the way the PMDG 737NGX aircraft models were coded.  If you want the number of seats filled and the weight to match across all three programs, you have to set it accordingly.

 

Sounds like 175lbs is the number....

 

Thanks!

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Al, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your work.  As a longtime TOPCAT and NGX user, I was always wishing for a proper NGX specific profile, and now we have it!  We were previously limited to the PMDG profile for the FS2004 addon. 

 

Not a knock against you, but I just wish there was a way for the payload screen in the NGX FMC to match 100% what we see in the payload manager in TOPCAT, in terms of the passenger and cargo distribution.  The zero fuel weight is correct of course, but there will be a big difference in CGs, and I would think, trim settings between the two.  I know Tabs had said weight is the important figure, but what about cg?  See screenshots below:

 

Topcat

 

NGX FMC

 

 

I have, and will continue to disregard the CG setting recommendation in TOPCAT.  We have always been instructed not to trust TOPCAT in this regard, just use the FMC as it is really the best app for this purpose.  But I just wish the FMC would match the passenger/cargo numbers of TOPCAT, perhaps it's my OCD and also a FSX limitation, or custom coding by PMDG that TOPCAT or any external load program is not equipped to handle.

 

Any thoughts?

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