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GE View 2: HttpX 2.0 and EarthProxy 1.2

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Thank you to Robbie McElrath for the release of HttpX v.2.0 and EarthProxy v.1.2. Thanks also to Jeff Schallenberg and Roman Stoviak for assistance with testing.

HttpX.dll v.2.0 provides full duplex read/write capability of Flight Simulator Variables and Events across the panel set each update cycle via http protocol. It accommodates number and string values from A: (read), C: (read/write), E: (read), L: (read/write), P:Variables (read) and K:Key Events (write). It does not read .MDL exclusive L:Vars. HttpX works with FSX, FSXA, FSX Steam and P3D, but not FS9.

As of April, 2017, HttpX javascript API documentation is ongoing and will be uploaded to the BlackBox website when complete.

Since browsers primarily use http, HttpX enables development of web pages that communicate with Flight Simulator. Applications such as web browser/tablet/smart phone based HTML-JavaScript gauges, MFDs, GPS, and GE View are possible. I also like to mention a related project, WebSimConnect by Marcin Lizer. It’s advanced and broad in scope, and a visit to WebSimConnect.webs.com is worthwhile.

GE View 2: The original application using HttpX.dll was Google Earth (GE) View. With HttpX module 2.0, now 360 degree pan views controlled by a joystick POV (HAT) switch are possible. The screenshot below shows the Google Earth view on take-off at Frankfurt am Main (EDDF) while pushing the joystick HAT switch to the right. The 3D building elevation views are remarkable.

Departing Frankfurt am Main (EDDF) Rwy 7R: Google Earth view looking right

 

ATTACHED FILES:

- HttpX.dll version 2.0

- EarthProxy.exe version 1.2: This application launches Google Earth desktop client, reads GE camera angles calculated by the Compound_Rotation gauge, communicates with Flight Simulator and generates the GE KML instructions.

Version 1.2 accommodates a one or two pc configuration. Using two machines, Flight Simulator is run on one pc and EarthProxy/Google Earth is run the other. Both machines must be connected to the same network.

GOOGLE EARTH DESKTOP CLIENT: Google Earth users may recall that Google retired the Google Earth browser plug-in (Earth API) in December, 2015 because browsers were deprecating NPAPI, upon which Earth API was built, owing to internet security concerns. The Earth API plug-in was the foundation of the original GE View application we released a few years ago. EarthProxy, on the other hand, does not utilize the GE browser plug-in, but instead works with the main Google Earth product, Google Earth Desktop Client, which does not have the NPAPI security vulnerabilities. Your web browser need not be open to run EarthProxy.

- Compound_Rotation.xml: A small XML gauge that calculates 3D rotation angles necessary to orient the Google Earth camera while panning. It performs background computations and does not appear on your panel. Compound_Rotation uses Tom Aguilo’s XMLTools module to capture HAT switch (pan view) azimuths needed for the rotations. XMLTools can be freely downloaded here (FSX) or here (P3D). If XMLTools is not installed, GE View will still operate, but without pan view capability - the view will always be forward.

GE View is easy to use. Following the one-time HttpX v.2.0, XMLTools and Compound_Rotation installations, the User can start GE View by double clicking EarthProxy.exe.

Feedback is solicited.

Regards,

Bob


NEW VERSION OF GOOGLE EARTH: Google released a new version (9.0.31.6) of Earth on 18 April, 2017. It’s browser based (Chrome only) so no download and install is necessary. Many features of desktop client v.7 were removed although KML support remains, and some new ones were added to make it more informative than before. Google has not yet provided a javascript API, so for the time being, a version of G.E. View for use with Google Earth v.9 isn’t being developed.

As far as I know, there isn’t any word on Google’s plans for Earth Desktop Client (v.7) or Desktop Client Pro (v.7). If Google eventually deprecates Earth Desktop Client, then GE View users should switch to Earth Pro and still use HttpX.dll 2.0 and EarthProxy.exe 1.2. It seems unlikely the Google will deprecate Earth Pro anytime soon as many businesses use that product.

ATTACHMENTS:

GE View 2.0 Files

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What is the current status?  Are there any detailed installation guide to implement this on my FSX-SE?  Sounds incredible!!

 

Larry

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At what URL can I check that the httpx.dll proxy is working? I tried http://localhost:54321/ but only get "{}" - while Google Earth is running perfectly with EarthProxy...


Regards,

Allan Jensen

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