Alex, if you open the file again, it will show 'white' as it should be inbedded (and hidden again) into the new 'texture'.bmpThe best way to make sure you have changed the file is go into FS and get in the plane version you are modifying.Here is my sequance (at least it works for me):1) Open DXTBmp2) Load 'normal image' and selct the file I want to change3) Go to the alpha channel window to the right and select the 'send to editor' icon.4) Modify the alpha channel in the editor (my case is Photoshop)and save5) Go back to DXTBmp and selct the 'refresh after edit' icon below the alpha channel6) Go up to file7) Save as 'extended image' (I allow the the default file type given in DXTBmp)repacing/copying over the 'origional'. If I open that file in DXTBmp it will again show a 'blank' alpha channel color as it once again becomes 'imbedded' into the file.Hope that helps you out...Now I gotta stop watching the Browns get killed my dem Steelers and get ready for Christmas! ;)Merry Christmas all...

>>>>>Unfortunatly the F1's VC lighting is very poor. You are>>practically forced to fly in in 2D mode at night. >>You think? I fly it day and night exclusively in the VC. >What I particularly like is that having only the gauge>lighting on results in no light pollution - enabling me to see>outside better on approach/landing.The F1 172's VC has options for backlit gauges only, or the addition of a soft white dome type lighting across the panel. I think it looks good too. BTW-- As to the Carenado Piper 180 & trim, I have not used that model. My flight dynamic comments don't apply to it.L.Adamson

ah that makes sense that it wouldn't show up anymoreThanks for the tips and happy holidays.so the files I have to edit to give them black alpha are Cessna206_1_L.bmp and Cessna206_2_L.bmp ??

..yep...and VC XXX_LI'm sure you will figure it out ;)

>The F1 172's VC has options for backlit gauges only, or the>addition of a soft white dome type lighting across the panel.>I think it looks good too. >Really? Please do tell, because I've tried everything (even reading the manual ;) ) and could not find out how to do this. The two light switches at the throttle/mixture stack does not help much either, as they seem to be 'dummies'.Was this an update?...great aircraft with great documentation and tutorials. I wish they would update it a tad...perhaps when the FS comes out...it does not need much, mostly cosmetic.

>>>The F1 172's VC has options for backlit gauges only, or the>>addition of a soft white dome type lighting across the>panel.>>I think it looks good too. >>>>Really? Please do tell, because I've tried everything (even>reading the manual ;) ) and could not find out how to do this.>The two light switches at the throttle/mixture stack does not>help much either, as they seem to be 'dummies'.>Try this......Set time at night. If just the backlighting for gauges is on, then hit the "L" key, and the dome light should come on. Landing and taxi lights can be turned off with switches behind the yoke. Dome light is tied to the "nav" light switch, as I remember. Might have been an update too, but it's been awhile. With the dome on, the VC looks much like the 2D cockpit.edit: Two pics, backlight gauges only, and dome light with taxi/landing lights off. Both in virtual cockpit.

The Carenado 182RG / 206 and the Flight1 172R are all excellent choices. I would also highly recommend the Reality XP Flightline T gauges to go along with them, they are very, very smooth, precise and realistic gauges which I find allow you to fly much more precisely.

Aw heck, why stop at just the FLT gauges...go for the while 'shootin match'... ;) http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/136646.jpg:D

>Aw heck, why stop at just the FLT gauges...go for the while>'shootin match'... ;) >I agree! :D http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/136647.jpg

I'm wait'n for someone to release a Cessna like that.......but in the mean time, I have my wonderfull Eaglesoft Cirrus' (Cirri ?) to fly...and they come awefull close to that.;)

David:If possible, please email me your panel.cfg incorporating the T into the F1 172. I'm having a bit of trouble with the zoom panel.Thankstash511[at]hotmail.com