Update from PMDG

[Victoroos 205]

20 hours ago, mwilk said:

Looks like P3D will stay on my computer for at least another 12-18 months as most of my flying is airliner.

Came the same conclussion.. installing p3dv5 again :P. ah well.

[dtrjones 356]

3 minutes ago, kevinfirth said:

I infer from that the following:

1. PMDG knew the capability of the SDK from day 1

2. They were led to believe that progress with it would be more rapid than it has been

3. RR has now had to change PMDGs plans because the functionality they need still isnt there

If this is the case, it begs the question what has changed and why?

Yes indeed, I think possibly a lack of progress in the SDK (2) has lead to a refocus of resources (3) so products near the finishing line (I.e. non MSFS product lines) can be released first. It's reasonable thing to do to and if there is any delay in SDK functionality coming through then there is no point sitting around waiting for Asobo to do something. 

[GSalden 4,654]

RR is a businessman. Now that he has seen that the SDK is too simple with many features still on the ToDo list and progress is very slow, he now refocuses as money has to be made....

He has a company to run...🤓

[kevinfirth 1,392]

5 minutes ago, GSalden said:

RR is a businessman. Now that he has seen that the SDK is too simple with many features still on the ToDo list and progress is very slow, he now refocuses as money has to be made....

He has a company to run...🤓

my point being unless he is very simple, (I do not believe that), or has been misled, the inadequacy of the SDK has been blindingly obvious to all since day 1...

[airlinejets 709]

Just now, GSalden said:

RR is a businessman. Now that he has seen that the SDK is too simple with many features still on the ToDo list and progress is very slow, he now refocuses as money has to be made....

He has a company to run...🤓

Certainly. Let's see what others can do, I'm sure Aerosoft or someone else will figure it out.

[Steve Halpern 176]

I usually do not jump into these threads... very interesting discussion here. I just would like to make several points. And even a small survey question!

1. Yes, it will take time to port years worth of C++ code to the new platform... Even if we had the full SDK today, it would take some time.

2. The universal inclusion of FS2020 on PC and Xbox is likely one of the major reasons for the required use of WASM.

3. And here is the point leading to the question: How many of us on the enthusiast forums are using Xbox as our main platform? Likely not many. The "advanced" simmer is PC only, where everything can be customized (hardware and software). Hypothetically, if there was a separate Flight Simulator 2020 Advanced Edition, even if it was $29.95 more, which was limited to PC only and allowed the C++ API's that 1000's of gauges are written for, would you buy it? Especially if it means waiting a lot less time for your advanced add-on?

The question is obviously to help make a point. But I would not be surprised if most folks would say "Yes" if it meant many advanced simulations available much sooner.

Over the years there as always been adaptation. FS2002 to FS2004, to FSX, to Prepar3D. This is the first major break from the classic system. I do hope Microsoft and Asobo consider other options. Without that, we will have to see what the SDK brings us!

[Chock 17,769]

I think we need to bear in mind it's not that the sim is actually incapable of 'doing stuff', it's that it has no SDK which firmly states: 'this is how you do stuff in order to be sure it will not break in the next update'.

We know this is true because we'd already seen pretty much within a matter of days that people were tarting up the default A320 and giving it way more capabilities than it came with out of the box. The difference being that when you are doing it for fun, you are not held to the standards one is forced to adhere to when making a product you expect people to pay well over a ton for.

It's also worth bearing in mind that in spite of what some people like to believe, PMDG's boss is not the arbiter of whether it is or is not possible to do something, nor is PMDG the only company capable of making a decent simulated airliner

Moreover, neither MS nor LM are in the business of making a product just to suit Bob Randazzo, or any other TPD boss either for that matter. Just because their roadmap doesn't suit a TPD, it doesn't mean they don't actually have one, it just might be one which some developers don't like.

At the end of the day, MS and LM don't owe any developer a living and in the case of MS in particular, part of their intention with MSFS and the fact that it has a marketplace, was to get some of that sweet add-on money, because in previous iterations of FS, they had to sit there and watch everyone else make money off their product whilst all the money they were going to get for it was already got. So if it suits MS to make it easy for Carenado to bang stuff out pretty quickly, then you can't blame them for doing that, because it was the plan from day one.

 

 

[airlinejets 709]

2 minutes ago, Chock said:

It's also worth bearing in mind that in spite of what some people like to believe, PMDG's boss is not the arbiter of whether it is or is not possible to do something, nor is PMDG the only company capable of making a decent simulated airliner

Finally, someone tells it like it is. My hope is that Asobo don't bend over backwards to accommodate PMDG. Let's move on, others will figure it out.

[abrams_tank 7,387]

I think Asobo and PDMG will find a way to make it work.  If it's true that there is commercial interest in MSFS, getting "study level" planes like PDMG into MSFS will help to sell MSFS in commercial markets down the road.  And then there are the hardcore simmers that require "study level" aircraft, who will spend money for years to come.  The assumption is, casual simmers will get bored of MSFS within a few months, and my guess is a lot of the XBox players fall into this category.  The hardcore simmers (probably many here in AVSIM count in this group) will be the ones spending money in the marketplace for years to come, especially if Asobo is saying this will be a 10 year project.

My guess is, the SDK is not mature enough at this point for complex airliners, but in 6 months to 10 months, it will probably be mature enough for PDMG and other 3rd parties to finish developing the complex airliners.  And when the SDK is mature enough, there will be a gradual increase of complex airliners being released for MSFS.

TLDR: There is some good $$$ for Microsoft and PDMG to get this to work, especially if it means a decent revenue stream over the 10 year estimated span of MSFS.  The $$$ will force both sides to jump through the hoops and it may take 6 to 10 months longer, but it will be done one war or another.

Edited September 27, 2020 by abrams_tank

[rksoftware 96]

A part of the SDK is SimConnect. Not sure how much of that PMDG is using  for their airplanes, but it shows how much more mature P3D SimConnect is.

Here you can see the MSFS SimConnect functions vs P3D SimConnect functions. MSFS has a long way to go, if they ever plan to catch up.

 

The MSFS SimConnect is far behind P3D’s SimConnect and lacks a lot of functions. I guess P3D’s SimConnect will be superior for many years.
The number of MSFS SimConnect functions are 72, not everyone working today
compared to P3D’s SimConnect functions that are more than 200, all working.

Will MSFS ever catch up, I just wonder?

Here is the MSFS SImConnect list:
General DispatchProc Working
SimConnect_Open Working
SimConnect_Close Working
SimConnect_CallDispatch Working
SimConnect_GetNextDispatch Working
SimConnect_RequestSystemState Working See Status of System Events
SimConnect_MapClientEventToSimEvent Working See Status of Sim Events
SimConnect_SubscribeToSystemEvent Working
SimConnect_UnsubscribeFromSystemEvent Working
SimConnect_SetNotificationGroupPriority Working
SimConnect_RequestDataOnSimObject Working
SimConnect_RequestDataOnSimObjectType Working
SimConnect_AddClientEventToNotificationGroup Working
SimConnect_RemoveClientEvent Working
SimConnect_TransmitClientEvent Working
SimConnect_MapClientDataNameToID Working
SimConnect_RequestClientData Working
SimConnect_CreateClientData Working
SimConnect_AddToClientDataDefinition Working
SimConnect_AddToDataDefinition Working
SimConnect_SetClientData Working
SimConnect_SetDataOnSimObject Working
SimConnect_ClearClientDataDefinition No error
SimConnect_ClearDataDefinition No error
SimConnect_MapInputEventToClientEvent Working See Status of Input Events
SimConnect_ClearInputGroup Working
SimConnect_ClearNotificationGroup Working
SimConnect_RequestReservedKey No error, no response
SimConnect_SetInputGroupPriority No error
SimConnect_SetInputGroupState Working
SimConnect_RemoveInputEvent Working
simconnect Exception (20: DATA_ERROR), and using its full path raises an Exception in KH side
SimConnect_FlightPlanLoad No error, no response
SimConnect_FlightSave No error, no response
SimConnect_GetLastSentPacketID Working
SimConnect_RequestResponseTimes Working
SimConnect_InsertString Not tested
SimConnect_RetrieveString Bad response Returns empty strings (either a data or server problem)
SimConnect_CameraSetRelative6DOF No error, no response
SimConnect_AICreateEnrouteATCAircraft Exception
SimConnect_AICreateNonATCAircraft Exception
SimConnect_AICreateParkedATCAircraft Exception
SimConnect_AICreateSimulatedObject Exception
SimConnect_AIReleaseControl Not tested depends on AI objects
SimConnect_AIRemoveObject Not tested depends on AI objects
SimConnect_AISetAircraftFlightPlan Exception
SimConnect_RequestFacilitesList bad response all facility lists are empty
SimConnect_SubscribeToFacilities No error, no response
SimConnect_UnsubscribeToFacilities No error, no response
SimConnect_SetSystemEventState Not tested Depends on Dialog mode
SimConnect_SetSystemState No error, no response Depends on Dialog mode
SimConnect_RequestNotificationGroup Not tested Depends on Dialog mode
SimConnect_MenuAddItem no error, no effect
SimConnect_MenuAddSubItem no error, no effect
SimConnect_MenuDeleteItem no error, no effect
SimConnect_MenuDeleteSubItem no error, no effect
SimConnect_Text Minimal support (TEXT_TYPE_PRINT_color) Simple text works, (TEXT_TYPE_SCROLLING_color) scrolling gives simple text, (TEXT_TYPE_MENU) menu gives no error-no response. (_color) color is ignored
SimConnect_CompleteCustomMissionAction Not tested
SimConnect_ExecuteMissionAction Not tested
SimConnect_WeatherCreateStation Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherCreateThermal Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherRemoveStation Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherRemoveThermal Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherRequestCloudState Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherRequestInterpolatedObservation Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherRequestObservationAtNearestStation Exception Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherRequestObservationAtStation Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherSetDynamicUpdateRate Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherSetModeCustom Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherSetModeGlobal Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherSetModeServer Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherSetModeTheme Not tested Deprecated
SimConnect_WeatherSetObservation Not tested Depreca

and here is P3D

SimConnect_AddClientEventToNotificationGroup	Used to add an individual client defined event to a notification group.
SimConnect_AddToClientDataDefinition	Used to add an offset and a size in bytes, or a type, to a client data definition.
SimConnect_AddToDataDefinition	Used to add a Prepar3D simulation variable name to a client defined object definition.
SimConnect_CallDispatch	Used to process the next SimConnect message received through the specified callback function.
SimConnect_ChangeVehicle	Used to change the user’s vehicle.
SimConnect_ChangeVehicleWithExternalSim	Used to change the user’s vehicle and override the sim to use a specific External Sim instead.
SimConnect_ClearClientDataDefinition	Used to clear the definition of the specified client data.
SimConnect_ClearDataDefinition	Used to remove all simulation variables from a client defined object.
SimConnect_ClearInputGroup	Used to remove all the input events from a specified input group object.
SimConnect_ClearNotificationGroup	Used to remove all the client defined events from a notification group.
SimConnect_Close	Used to request that the communication with the server is ended.
SimConnect_CreateClientData	Used to request the creation of a reserved data area for this client.
SimConnect_FlightLoad	Used to load an existing scenario file.
SimConnect_FlightPlanLoad	Used to load an existing flight plan.
SimConnect_FlightSave	Used to save the current state of a scenario to a scenario file.
SimConnect_GetLastSentPacketID	Returns the ID of the last packet sent to the SimConnect server.
SimConnect_GetNextDispatch	Used to process the next SimConnect message received, without the use of a callback function.
SimConnect_MapClientDataNameToID	Used to associate an ID with a named client date area.
SimConnect_MapClientEventToSimEvent	Used to associate a client defined event ID with an Prepar3D event name.
SimConnect_MapInputEventToClientEvent	Used to connect input events (such as keystrokes, joystick or mouse movements) with the sending of appropriate event notifications.
SimConnect_Open	Used to send a request to the Prepar3D server to open up communications with a new client.
SimConnect_RemoveClientEvent	Used to remove a client defined event from a notification group.
SimConnect_RemoveInputEvent	Used to remove an input event from a specified input group object.
SimConnect_RequestAttachPointData	Used to request attach point positions and orientations from a simulation object.
SimConnect_RequestClientData	Used to request that the data in an area created by another client be sent to this client.
SimConnect_RequestDataOnSimObject	Used to request when the SimConnect client is to receive data values for a specific object.
SimConnect_RequestDataOnSimObjectType	Used to retrieve information about simulation objects of a given type that are within a specified radius of the user’s vehicle.
SimConnect_RequestMobileSceneryInRadius	Used to retrieve mobile scenery objects that are within a specified radius of the user’s vehicle.
SimConnect_RequestMobileSceneryDataByID	Used to retrieve data about a specific mobile scenery object using its object ID.
SimConnect_RequestJoystickDeviceInfo	Used to request the name and number of currently connected joystick devices.
SimConnect_RequestNotificationGroup	Used to request events are transmitted from a notification group, when the simulation is in Dialog Mode.
SimConnect_RequestReservedKey	Used to request a specific keyboard TAB-key combination applies only to this client.
SimConnect_RequestSceneryComplexity	Used to request the current scenery complexity setting.
SimConnect_RequestSessionDuration	Used to request the duration of the current scenario in seconds.
SimConnect_RequestShadowFlags	Used to request the current shadow flag settings.
SimConnect_RequestSystemState	Used to request information from a number of Prepar3D system components.
SimConnect_RequestTrafficSettings	Used to request the current traffic settings.
SimConnect_RequestVersion	Used to request license type and version numbers of P3D and SimConnect.
SimConnect_SetClientData	Used to write one or more units of data to a client data area.
SimConnect_SetDataOnSimObject	Used to make changes to the data properties of an object.
SimConnect_SetInputGroupPriority	Used to set the priority for a specified input group object.
SimConnect_SetInputGroupState	Used to turn requests for input event information from the server on and off.
SimConnect_SetNotificationGroupPriority	Used to set the priority of a notification group.
SimConnect_SetSystemEventState	Used to turn requests for event information from the server on and off.
SimConnect_SetSystemState	Used to access a number of Prepar3D system components.
SimConnect_SetTrafficSettings	Used to set the current traffic settings.
SimConnect_SubscribeToSystemEvent	Used to request that a specific system event is notified to the client.
SimConnect_SubscribeToSystemEventEx	Used to request that a specific system event is notified to the client. Flags allow you to request a blocking callback.
SimConnect_TransmitClientEvent	Used to request that the Prepar3D server transmit to all SimConnect clients the specified client event.
SimConnect_UnsubscribeFromSystemEvent	Used to request that notifications are no longer received for the specified system event.
Helper Functions	Description
SimConnect_InsertString	Used to assist in adding variable length strings to a structure.
SimConnect_RequestResponseTimes	Used to provide some data on the performance of the client-server connection
SimConnect_RetrieveString	Used to assist in retrieving variable length strings from a structure.
AI Object Specific Functions	Description
SimConnect_AICreateEnrouteATCAircraft	Used to create an AI controlled aircraft that is about to start or is already underway on its flight plan.
SimConnect_AICreateNonATCAircraft	Used to create an aircraft that is not flying under ATC control (so is typically flying under VFR rules).
SimConnect_AICreateParkedATCAircraft	Used to create an AI controlled aircraft that is currently parked and does not have a flight plan.
SimConnect_AICreateSimulatedObject	Used to create AI controlled objects other than aircraft.
SimConnect_AICreateSimulatedObjectEx	Used to create AI controlled objects other than aircraft. Extended for use with disabled simulations and Owned objects
SimConnect_AICreateObjectWithExternalSim	Used to create an AI object, overriding the sim to use a specific External Sim instead.
SimConnect_AIReleaseControl	Used to clear the AI control of a simulated object, typically an aircraft, in order for it to be controlled by a SimConnect client.
SimConnect_AIReleaseControlEx	Used to clear the AI control of a simulated object, typically an aircraft, in order for it to be controlled by a SimConnect client. Extended to be able to remove the AI entirely.
SimConnect_AIRemoveObject	Used to remove any object created by the client using one of the SimConnect AI creation functions.
SimConnect_AISetAircraftFlightPlan	Used to set or change the flight plan of an AI controlled aircraft.
SimConnect_AISetGroundClamp	Used to enable/disable ground clamping on a specific SimConnect owned SimObject.
Camera Specific Functions	Description
SimConnect_AddPostProcess	Used to add a post process effect to the specified camera.
SimConnect_AddPostProcessMainCamera	Used to add a post process effect to the main camera.
SimConnect_CameraPanToView	Used to smoothly transition the view of the specified camera to the view of the specified target camera.
SimConnect_CameraSetRelative6DOF	Used to adjust the user’s aircraft view camera.
SimConnect_CameraSetRelative6DofByName	Used to adjust the specified view’s camera.
SimConnect_CameraSmoothRelative6DOF	Used to smoothly transition the view of the main camera to the specified location.
SimConnect_CameraSmoothRelative6DOFByName	Used to smoothly transition the view of the specified camera to the specified location.
SimConnect_CameraZoomIn	Used to adjust the zoom of the camera.
SimConnect_CameraZoomOut	Used to adjust the zoom of the camera.
SimConnect_ChangeView	Used to change the camera used by the main view.
SimConnect_CloseView	Used to close a view.
SimConnect_CreateCameraDefinition	Used to create a new camera definition.
SimConnect_CreateCameraInstance	Used to create a new camera instance from a camera definition.
SimConnect_DeleteCameraInstance	Used to remove a camera instance from a camera definition.
SimConnect_DockView	Used to dock a view.
SimConnect_MainCameraPanToView	Used to smoothly transition the view of the main camera to the view of the specified target camera.
SimConnect_MainCameraZoomIn	Used to adjust the zoom of the main camera.
SimConnect_MainCameraZoomOut	Used to adjust the zoom of the main camera.
SimConnect_OpenView	Used to open a new view.
SimConnect_RemovePostProcess	Used to remove a post process effect to the specified camera.
SimConnect_RemovePostProcessMainCamera	Used to remove a post process effect to the main camera.
SimConnect_RequestCameraFov	Used to request the field-of-view of a given view (horizontal and vertical). See SIMCONNECT_RECV_CAMERA_FOV.
SimConnect_RequestCameraRelative6DOF	Used to request the XYZ delta offset from the eyepoint reference point, as well as the pitch, bank, and heading of the main view.
SimConnect_RequestCameraRelative6DofByName	Used to request the XYZ delta offset from the eyepoint reference point, as well as the pitch, bank, and heading of a given view.
SimConnect_RequestCameraSensorMode	Used to request the current sensor mode of a given view.
SimConnect_RequestCameraWindowPosition	Used to request the current window position of a given view.
SimConnect_RequestCameraWindowSize	Used to request the current window size of a given view.
SimConnect_RequestMainCameraFov	Used to request the field-of-view of the main view (horizontal and vertical). See SIMCONNECT_RECV_CAMERA_FOV.
SimConnect_RequestMainCameraSensorMode	Used to request the current sensor mode of the main view.
SimConnect_SendCameraCommand	Used to simulate user inputs to control camera movement and rotation.
SimConnect_SetCameraFov	Used to change the FoV (Field of View) of a camera.
SimConnect_SetCameraHorizontalFov	Used to change the horizontal FoV (Field of View) of a camera.
SimConnect_SetCameraSensorMode	Used to change the sensor mode of a camera.
SimConnect_SetCameraVerticalFov	Used to change the vertical FoV (Field of View) of a camera.
SimConnect_SetCameraWindowPosition	Used to set the window position of the specified view.
SimConnect_SetCameraWindowSize	Used to set the window size of the specified view.
SimConnect_SetMainCameraFov	Used to change the FoV (Field of View) of the main camera.
SimConnect_SetMainCameraHorizontalFov	Used to change the horizontal FoV (Field of View) of the main camera.
SimConnect_SetMainCameraSensorMode	Used to change the sensor mode of the main camera.
SimConnect_SetMainCameraVerticalFov	Used to change the vertical FoV (Field of View) of the main camera.
SimConnect_UndockView	Used to undock a view.
SimConnect_CaptureImage	Used to capture an image of a view.
SimConnect_BeginVideoStream	Used to begin a video stream of a view.
SimConnect_EndVideoStream	Used to end a video stream of a view.
Facilities Data Functions	Description
SimConnect_RequestFacilitiesList	Used to request a list of all the facilities of a given type currently held in the facilities cache.
SimConnect_SubscribeToFacilities	Used to request notifications when a facility of a certain type is added to the facilities cache.
SimConnect_UnsubscribeToFacilities	Used to request that notifications of additions to the facilities cache are not longer sent.
Menu Specific Functions	Description
SimConnect_MenuAddItem	Used to add a menu item, associated with a client event.
SimConnect_MenuAddSubItem	Used to add a sub-menu item, associated with a client event.
SimConnect_MenuDeleteItem	Used to remove a client defined menu item.
SimConnect_MenuDeleteSubItem	Used to remove a specified sub-menu item.
SimConnect_Text	Used to display a text menu, message window, or scrolling or static text, on the screen.
Structured Scenario Specific Functions	Description
SimConnect_CompleteCustomMissionAction	Used to complete the scenario action specified by a GUID.
SimConnect_ExecuteMissionAction	Used to execute the scenario action specified by a GUID.
SimConnect_RequestFlightSegmentCount	Used to request the number of Flight Segment objects in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestFlightSegmentDataByGUID	Used to request information about a Flight Segment object in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestFlightSegmentDataByIndex	Used to request information about a Flight Segment object in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestFlightSegmentRangeData	Used to request information about a specific range of a Flight Segment object in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestGoalCount	Used to request the number of Goal/Group Goal objects in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestGoalDataByGUID	Used to request information about a Goal/Group Goal object in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestGoalDataByIndex	Used to request information about a Goal/Group Goal object in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestMissionObjectiveCount	Used to request the number of Mission Objective objects in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestMissionObjectiveDataByGUID	Used to request information about a Goal/Group Goal object in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestMissionObjectiveDataByIndex	Used to request information about a Goal/Group Goal object in the active scenario.
SimConnect_ResolveGoal	Used to resolve a goal to specified goal state.
SimConnect_RequestChildGoalDataByIndex	Used to request information about a mission objective or group goal’s children.
SimConnect_GenerateFlightAnalysisDiagrams	Used to generate diagrams as shown in the flight analysis UI which can be used, for example, to examine ILS landing performance.
SimConnect_RequestLandingTriggerCount	Used to request the number of Area Landing Trigger or Airport Landing Trigger objects in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestLandingTriggerLandingInfoCount	Used to request information about a Landing Trigger object’s landings in the active scenario.
SimConnect_RequestLandingTriggerLandingInfoByIndex	Used to request information about a specific landing of a Landing Trigger object in the active scenario.
Weather Specific Functions	Description
SimConnect_WeatherCreateStation	Used to add a weather station.
SimConnect_WeatherCreateThermal	Used to create a thermal at a specific location.
SimConnect_WeatherRemoveStation	Used to remove a weather station.
SimConnect_WeatherRemoveThermal	Used to remove a thermal.
SimConnect_WeatherRequestCloudState	Used to request cloud density information on a given area.
SimConnect_WeatherRequestInterpolatedObservation	Used to send a request for weather data that is interpolated from the weather at the nearest weather stations.
SimConnect_WeatherRequestObservationAtNearestStation	Used to send a request for the weather data from the weather station nearest to the specified lat/lon position.
SimConnect_WeatherRequestObservationAtStation	Used to send a request for the weather data from a weather station identified by its ICAO code.
SimConnect_WeatherSetDynamicUpdateRate	Used to set the rate at which cloud formations change.
SimConnect_WeatherSetModeCustom	Used to set the weather mode to user-defined.
SimConnect_WeatherSetModeGlobal	Used to set the weather mode to global, so the same weather data is used everywhere.
SimConnect_WeatherSetModeServer	Deprecated.
SimConnect_WeatherSetModeTheme	Used to set the weather mode to a particular theme.
SimConnect_WeatherSetObservation	Used to set the weather at a specific weather station, identified from within the Metar data string
Observer View Specific Functions	Description
SimConnect_CreateObserver	Used to create an observer view.
SimConnect_RequestObserverData	Used to request all data for a specific observer.
SimConnect_MoveObserver	Used to move an observer using an xyz translation.
SimConnect_RotateObserver	Used to rotate an observer around a specified axis.
SimConnect_SetObserverPosition	Used to place an observer at a specific world position.
SimConnect_SetObserverRotation	Used to set an observer’s specific rotation.
SimConnect_SetObserverLookAt	Used to have an observer look at a world position.
SimConnect_SetObserverLookAtEx	Used to have an observer look at a world position round world corrected.
SimConnect_ObserverTrackLocationOn	Used to have an observer track a world position (round world corrected) using an above ground level altitude and accounting for changes in elevation.
SimConnect_ObserverTrackLocationOff	Used to disable continuous tracking of the previously specified world position.
SimConnect_SetObserverFieldOfView	Used to set an observer’s field of view.
SimConnect_SetObserverStepSize	Used to set an observer’s linear and angular step size.
SimConnect_SetObserverFocalLength	Used to set an observer’s focal length (in meters).
SimConnect_SetObserverFocusFixed	Used to switch an observer’s focus between local and world.
SimConnect_SetObserverRegime	Used to switch an observer’s regime (terrestrial, tellurian, or ghost).
SimConnect_SetObserverZoomLevels	Used to set an observer’s zoom level.
SimConnect_ObserverTrackEntityOn	Used to enable continuous tracking of the specified entity.
SimConnect_ObserverTrackEntityOff	Used to disable continuous tracking of the previously specified entity.
SimConnect_ObserverAttachToEntityOn	Used to attach an observer to the specified entity.
SimConnect_ObserverAttachToEntityOff	Used to detach an observer from its attached entity.
SimConnect_SetObserverSceneryOrigin	Used to switch an observer’s scenery origin mode (target or self).
Ground Info Specific Functions - Overview	Description
SimConnect_RequestGroundInfo	Used to request a grid of ground altitudes at a specific lat/lon.
SimConnect_RequestGroundInfoOnSimObject	Used to request a recurring grid of ground altitudes based on a SimObjects lat/lon.
Synchronous SimConnect Specific Functions - Overview	Description
SimConnect_RequestSynchronousBlock	Used to request a blocking callback.
SimConnect_SynchronousUnblock	Used to release a blocking callback.
SimConnect_SetSynchronousTimeout	Used to set the error timeout length for blocking callbacks.
SimConnect_SubscribeToSystemEventEx	Used to request that a specific system event is notified to the client. Flags allow you to request a blocking callback.
External Sim Specific Functions - Overview	Description
SimConnect_RegisterExternalSim	Used to register this client as an external sim provider.
SimConnect_UnregisterExternalSim	Used to unregister this client as an external sim provider.
SimConnect_RegisterExternalSecondarySim	Used to register this client as an external secondary sim provider.
SimConnect_UnregisterExternalSecondarySim	Used to unregister this client as an external secondarysim provider.
SimConnect_AttachExternalSecondarySimToSimObject	Used to attach an External Secondary Sim to an existing SimObject.
SimConnect_DetachExternalSecondarySimFromSimObject	Used to detach an External Secondary Sim from an existing SimObject.
SimConnect_AICreateObjectWithExternalSim	Used to create an AI object, overriding the sim to use a specific External Sim instead.
SimConnect_ChangeVehicleWithExternalSim	Used to change the user’s vehicle and override the sim to use a specific External Sim instead.
Attach Sim Specific Functions - Overview	Description
SimConnect_AttachObjectToSimObject	Used to create a SimObject and attach it to an existing SimObject.
SimConnect_AttachSimObjectToSimObject	Used to attach an existing SimObject to another existing SimObject.
SimConnect_ReleaseSimObjectFromSimObject	Used to release a SimObject from another SimObject.
Attach Weapon Specific Functions - Overview	Description
SimConnect_AttachWeaponToObject	Used to create a Weapon and attach it to an existing SimObject.
SimConnect_ClearWeapons	Used to remove all Weapons from a SimObject.
Effect Specific Functions	Description
SimConnect_CreateEffect	Used to create an effect at a location or attach it to an existing SimObject.
SimConnect_RemoveEffect	Used to remove an effect.
Recorder Specific Functions	Description
SimConnect_PlaybackRecording	Used to playback a specified recording from a specified start time to a specified end time.
SimConnect_StartRecorder	Used to trigger the Prepar3D Recorder to start recording.
SimConnect_StopRecorderAndSaveRecording	Used to trigger the Prepar3D Recorder to stop recording and either prompt the user or save the recording with a specified file name.
SimConnect_RequestRecordingInfo	Used to request information on a recording.
SimConnect_RequestBookmarkInfo	Used to request bookmark information on a recording.
Deprecated Functions	Description
SetCameraRenderSettings	Deprecated
SetCameraColorizationMode	Deprecated

[Mace 1,901]

37 minutes ago, Steve Halpern said:

I usually do not jump into these threads... very interesting discussion here. I just would like to make several points. And even a small survey question!

1. Yes, it will take time to port years worth of C++ code to the new platform... Even if we had the full SDK today, it would take some time.

2. The universal inclusion of FS2020 on PC and Xbox is likely one of the major reasons for the required use of WASM.

3. And here is the point leading to the question: How many of us on the enthusiast forums are using Xbox as our main platform? Likely not many. The "advanced" simmer is PC only, where everything can be customized (hardware and software). Hypothetically, if there was a separate Flight Simulator 2020 Advanced Edition, even if it was $29.95 more, which was limited to PC only and allowed the C++ API's that 1000's of gauges are written for, would you buy it? Especially if it means waiting a lot less time for your advanced add-on?

The answer is of course, "yes" for me, but correct me if I'm wrong here:  The current effort by Asobo (and others) to create a largely comprehensive SDK is exactly what you describe in #3, above, correct? i.e. Asobo are creating tools/processes that allow for C++ gauge code to be ported over to MSFS.

Perhaps the MSFS SDK will provide new tools/methods that are equally as powerful as C++ to create gauges for the sim.   Perhaps it will not.  We shall see.

37 minutes ago, Steve Halpern said:

The question is obviously to help make a point. But I would not be surprised if most folks would say "Yes" if it meant many advanced simulations available much sooner.

Over the years there as always been adaptation. FS2002 to FS2004, to FSX, to Prepar3D. This is the first major break from the classic system. I do hope Microsoft and Asobo consider other options. Without that, we will have to see what the SDK brings us!

Do you remember the old .gau files, like the ones from the FS98 days?   Wasn't there a major break when they went to .dll's?   It was so long ago now I can't remember the details.

[Steve Halpern 176]

2 hours ago, Mace said:

Do you remember the old .gau files, like the ones from the FS98 days?

Here is some good reading leading up to more modern history... http://www.fspanelstudio.com/help/index.html?typeofgauges.htm

If Microsoft split the sim into two different flavors... one for advanced PC use and another for mid-level simulations on Xbox, that would be best for many developers. I am sure things will progress to a certain level with WASM, SimConnect, and the SDK. I just feel two entirely different simulator groups with different goals would be better served by two different branches of FS2020.

This is just discussion here. I just think Microsoft could profit from an advanced version of the sim only for PC.

Edit: To answer the #3 question... Yes, the goal is for them to make a wrapper which re-interprets the C++ code. But that does not mean it will be a 1 to 1 conversion. It will be great if it was... because development can work more or less within a single branch of code. Some developers still need to develop for professional use in Prepar3D, so it causes major development issues if it is not close to 1 to 1. If it is .75 to 1, and 25% of your code has to be re-written (plus a restructure of your converted code to work with the rewrites), that could be a major development drain.

If they did allow C++ gauges straight up, that would open up so much, because the Xbox user base does not require the advanced addons like the PC base. The decision to not allow DLL files is much bigger than folks may realize (or maybe folks do). I do hope they reverse course to some degree, because if we had C++ today everything would be quite different. Or that the WASM wrapper is truly a 1 to 1 conversion in the end.

 

Edited September 27, 2020 by Steve Halpern

[Dillon 2,197]

I'll have to say I'm a little ticked scenery for the whole country of Japan is getting released when major issues with the core sim and the SDK still unresolved. Which one is more important?  We still don't have 'fall' scenery going into October yet Japan has to get done.  I hope this won't be FLIGHT all over again with bad decisions leading the way instead of common since winning out. Cart before the horse is what seems to be happening where a major developer is having to pull back.  I fired of P3D today and if I had to go back to that would be a sad day.  There's no comparison to FS2020 but like I said before Microsoft always figures out a way to mess things up in the chase for cash.  I wonder if the port to XBOX is now the new priority because it sure isn't the SDK or fixing the core sim. Very Frustrating...   

[duckbilled 310]

7 minutes ago, Dillon said:

I'll have to say I'm a little ticked scenery for the whole country of Japan is getting released when major issues with the core sim and the SDK still unresolved. Which one is more important?  We still don't have 'fall' scenery going into October yet Japan has to get done.  I hope this won't be FLIGHT all over again with bad decisions leading the way instead of common since winning out. Cart before the horse is what seems to be happening where a major developer is having to pull back.  I fired of P3D today and if I had to go back to that would be a sad day.  There's no comparison to FS2020 but like I said before Microsoft always figures out a way to mess things up in the chase for cash.  I wonder if the port to XBOX is now the new priority because it sure isn't the SDK or fixing the core sim. Very Frustrating...   

Probably figured it would increase sales in Japan.

I do think MS/AS needs to be accommodating as possible with third party developers - it was their announcements that they were supporting MSFS that pushed me to buy it. I wouldn't have bought it if they hadn't jumped on board. That being said, I'm a little word not allowed that RR waited so long to say this stuff. If he came out with these statements on August 19, he could have saved some of us a little money, and there would be more incentive for MS/AS to complete the SDK, so they could boost sales in the enthusiast market. As someone mentioned, he is in a tough place - if he tells the truth, he throws MS/AS under the bus. If he doesn't provide enough information, he looks bad.

Really, none of this would be an issue if MSFS was released in a more complete state. The alpha seemed like a deliberate process, but with the beta, it seemed like MS/AS just said f it - release the beta, say it is finished, and ask forgiveness later. I think MS saw an opportunity with the gaming market (pandemic fatigue, perhaps), and they forced Asobo to release it before they wanted to.

[Will Fly For Cheese 1,710]

2 hours ago, kevinfirth said:

I infer from that the following:

1. PMDG knew the capability of the SDK from day 1

2. They were led to believe that progress with it would be more rapid than it has been

3. RR has now had to change PMDGs plans because the functionality they need still isnt there

 

If this is the case, it begs the question what has changed and why?

A good analysis of the gen.

PMDG have figured they can't build and fly anything in MSFS without the frames being 2-8 FPS.

We have a problem with this. But mostly Robert has a problem with this.

Optimisation, optimisation followed closely by more optimisation.

It's the only way we're going to see complex aircraft in the sim, and that's definitely going to take a year or two.

I don't particularly like PMDG staff - but they've got the numbers bang on with regard to how long it's going to take to develop a 737 (for example) for MSFS. Because they're severely limited by MS/ ASOBO and what the sim will allow.

At least they're being honest about it. (Think ORBX and the abomination that was London Landmarks - that was plain, ugly, arrogant avarice)

 

 

Edited September 27, 2020 by Will Fly For Cheese