Does anyone have any experience with these? I have a desktop and a laptop computer connected over a wireless 802.11g network, identical FS2002 installations, and I'd like to put a glass cockpit on the laptop. I thought WideFS would do this but it is apparently only a communications program and requires additional software to display the gauges. I'm looking at OpenGC http://www.opengc.org/index.html as my best bet - the price is right and the screenshots look pretty good. The drawbacks are that it uses the X-Plane Nav Database, and it seems a little out of date and possibly unsupported.

Right now you have a few options. First, is the one you have identified, which is certainly cost-effective. What is unclear on that set-up is how the software uses MSFS or third party flight plans, as it does not have an FMS. These types gauges were designed for reduced pilot workload, esp. in the area of navigation. In the ideal, all the pilot has to is load up the flight plan, take off and follow the FD either by hand or using the auto pilot. Without the FMS or ability to load an FP, they are not used to their full capability. Second is Project Majenta, where you can buy a full fledged set of Boeing or Airbus gauges, MCP and even an overhead. However, the price is brutal, really brutal - well over $500 for the set. http://www.projectmagenta.com/You can also buy an RJ set of gauges for about $100 from PM, but at present, there is no FMS interface. This system will import FS flight plans, so this may be the best high quality value out there. PM also has a GA panel as well. Now, this company is available over at Simfligh http://www.airsimtech.com/RunScript.asp?p=ASPPg0.asp, and they are offering Airbus gauges. Pricy as well, and I know nothing about them. That's what I know. I use the PMDG on three monitors without the networked second computer. This works reasonably well for me and only costs the price of the airplane. Best,Colin

Thanks,Project Magenta was cost prohibitive, especially as I wish to install this application as a "just for fun" thing. I don't want or need the client (laptop) computer to have any input on the server computer, I just want it to show some major gauges functions - sort of like a minipanel but I could leave the server (desktop) computer free to explore alternate views while monitoring major functions on the client.I'm surprised this type of application has not been explored in more depth.

Do a search for FreeFD, similar to Project Magenta, but free.The guy who makes it has currently taken the downloads away thought, due to developing a new bigger and better FreeFD, but copys of the orgiinal (which work great!) are out there on the file sharing networks (EMule etc).....

Thanks. If found FreeFD but, as you mentioned, the downloads have been offline since at least January. I'll check the p2p networks.I got OpenGC installed and working but, contrary to the screenshot evidence, the only functional gauge is the PFD.