3D cockpit - how do you navigate around it?

[Ray Proudfoot 8,534]

I see the PMDG777 has been released without a 2D panel. Something of a first for PMDG. Having never used a 3D panel could you please explain how you navigate around it. Does it need a TrackIR headset?

 

Thanks.

[devgrp 1,233]

Get Ezdok or you can use A and S to cycle thru the default views

[Fabo 212]

No, you definitely don't need it.

 

Basically you could just use your mouse to look around after pressing spacebar (I believe), but EZdok can be highly recommended.

[Ray Proudfoot 8,534]

Thanks chaps. Ezdok looks useful but at 35USD it's not cheap especially on top of the 777 price.

 

But this was just an enquiry in how you use a 3D panel so should I get the 777 then I'll start with the mouse.

[scandinavian13 5,192]

 

 

But this was just an enquiry in how you use a 3D panel so should I get the 777 then I'll start with the mouse.

 

For what it's worth, I just use my mouse and the spacebar to look around.  It gives a little more precision than the hat switch on your hardware.  Hold the spacebar and move the mouse to look around.  From there, you can get an emulation of the 2D panels by hitting the 'A' key, which flips between the various panels.

[3-2-1-Now 126]

Various views are defined, accessible via "A"/"Shift+A".

 

I use spacebar and mouse to look around. One of the nicer features of FSX.

 

I found it a major advantage to set the update rate in PERF to 15 for all options. I get over 60 FPS on the ground at default Heathrow.

 

Best regards,

Robin.

[Boomer 1,619]

I know its costly, but IMHO nothing beats TIR for immersion, I wont fly without it, combat (FalconBMS) or tube liner.

[Fabo 212]

Well a well built freetrack gives the TrackIR a run for it's money... not being exactly cheap, the Trackir thing...

[Ray Proudfoot 8,534]

Thanks everyone for your help. First things first. I need to get the computer first then set-up FSX. So that's the next six months taken care of! :biggrin:

 

After that it's a case of trying 3D and see how I get on with it. My biggest concern is when on finals having a decent view of the runway and sufficiently large PFD / ND to assist with the landing.

 

Clearly things have come on a long way since the early days of virtual cockpits. I've always been a 2D pilot and for the last 10 years have run Project Magenta Boeing cockpit on a separate PC. I'll continue to do that for the 737-800 but for Concorde and (maybe) the 777 I want to give 3D a try as so many people swear by it.

 

TrackIR is another option and a friend has it so I could borrow it and see how that goes. The ingenuity of developers never fails to amaze me. :smile:

[g_precentralis 191]

In final, I adjust my seat position, undock PFD and put it in the bottom left corner, adjust view direction strait forward and move cursor our of screen in order to gain a few fps. Then, I'm ready for landing.

[EricLilly 6]

Does track IR hurt framerates for any of you that use it ???

[juniz 24]

I use a program called x-mouse. There i can map the middelmouse button to simulate pressing the enter key.

 

Then just map the enter-key in fsx to panview.

 

works the same way as using the spacebar.

[g_precentralis 191]

Yea, I use side button at mouse mapped for space button via roccat control panel.

[rickjake 228]

When I finally made the switch to 3D, EZdok was the Holy Grail for me.  I set up 4 main views (pilot seat), overhead, FMC, And throttle quadrant. These 4 views resemble the traditional 2D panels. I then assign the four views to my Hat switch on my yoke. I can switch very quickly between views when needed without having to find that center sweet spot every time you go back to the main view.  You can create additional views if you want to assign them to switches, keyboard shortcuts or as suggested in previous posts, cycle through them.

 

I now have setup all my aircraft this way, and find myself using the 3D cockpits in all my planes, even the ones I previously only used the 2D views.

 

For those simmers that are finding it hard to let go of 2D, I strongly would recommend giving EZdok a try as you can basically create your own "2D like" views.

 

I also have Trackir but I never use it. I find the movement distracting when I want to look down at my paper charts or 2nd computer. I know you can turn if off, but I just can't get used to it. Maybe I should give it some more time. But for now, I love EZdoc.

[downscc 1,327]

After that it's a case of trying 3D and see how I get on with it. My biggest concern is when on finals having a decent view of the runway and sufficiently large PFD / ND to assist with the landing.

As mentioned, the PFD can be "undocked" moved and resized, and using the FD you really don't need the ND right in front of your nose.. also, as other mentioned, using spacebar/mouse works. Really does, I changed the default keycommand for the spacebar to toggle on/off so I don't have to hold it and I use a trackball instead of a mouse. Easier on my ergo and takes less desktop. I was leary of 3D when I started testing the MD-11 but feel in love with it and rarely ever use 2D any more. The only advantage to 2D is you don't have to suffer the FSX viewpoint shifting during accelerations. Can't think of any other.