On 6/16/2022 at 7:17 PM, Fragtality said:

Hello Captains,

I have programmed a StreamDeck-Plugin because I couldn't find anything which suited my needs. The Result was and is "Pilot's Deck" which has already some happy Users in the Prepar3D Community for some time now.
With MSFS "touched down" on my PC I could test my Plugin with MSFS2020. It was directly working but was missing Hvar Support before. Now that this has changed with Version 0.7.0, I want to make it bit more known 🙂 

It connects via FSUIPC to the Sim, so it support MSFS2020 (FSUIPC7) and Prepar3D v4 & v5 (FSUIPC6) at the same time. Older Simulator-Versions would also be possible with their according FSUIPC Version installed (not tested).
Since it is a "normal Plugin" (does not use the Deck exclusively) you can mix and combine it with every other StreamDeck Plugin at the same time. Therefore it also supports every StreamDeck-Type at the same time (although I have no confirmation on the Mobile/App Variant).
The Plugin Supports multiple ways to trigger Things in the Sim (Lua-Scripts, Controls/Events, Offsets, Lvars, Hvars, FSUIPCs vJoys and vJoyDriver) and can read from any Offset and Lvar Value. So it can offer "dynamic" Buttons on the StreamDeck to represent the State of a Control on the Deck (Text or Graphical Representation). It is designed to be highly customizable and flexible for it to be configured and tweaked the way you want.
The whole Configuration / Mapping is done via the StreamDeck UI (the PropertyInspector of each Action) and the Actions behave like any other "normal Action". You change and arrange everything on the fly.
It is targeted for the "advanced FSUIPC User", so a basic Knowledge on what and how you can do with FSUIPC and how you can interface with an Aircraft is recommended. But not necessary, it's a good Opportunity to learn 😉 

Without further ado, here the link to the Project: https://github.com/Fragtality/PilotsDeck
The Readme is very extensive and should explain all Features and how it is installed and used. Take you're time reading it, I've took my Time to describe everything as detailed as possible 😅
For Full MSFS-Support you need at least Version 0.7.0 and at least FSUIPC 7.3.6 (with WASM) installed! A registered Version of FSUIPC is not strictly necessary, but highly recommended to use the full Potential.

Here an Example Image of what it can look like:

But you can give it a complete different "visual Style" through Configuration, Fonts and different Images!

Some pre-build / pre-configured StreamDeck Profiles for some Airplanes are available under Integrations. Even if you don't have an Aircraft (or that Sim) you can still use these as Examples on what and how it can be done!
For MSFS2020 there is currently: Fenix A320, PMDG 737-700 and FBW A32NX (although the FBW API tries to make it unnecessary complex -.-) 

If you have any Problems and Suggestions, feel free to contact me!

Happy Landings! 🙂 

Hello.

Do you have any idea how to toggle the GPS/NAV switch found in many GAs that often syncs with the CDi softkey in the Garmin GNS OR GTNs ?

I'm using a Mk2 and an XL and have Axis and Ohs AND FSUIPC. Can't find anything close.

Thnx.

I have answered in the FlightSimulator Forums: https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/introducing-pilots-deck-a-streamdeck-plugin/525266/13

Some Hints:
You don't need to quote unnecessarily things or post in multiple Threads to get my Attention. I watch all the Threads/Platforms where I publish the Plugin and will answer as soon as my (private) Time permits!
And I can only help you with my Plugin - I don't have and never will have anything to do with AAO. If I would have been happy with any StreamDeck Solution I would not have written my own Plugin 😉 

*Version Bump*

The Release with a big Plus 😄

Version 0.7.8:

• Added Support for the SD Plus!
  • The Actions "Display Value with Switch", "COM Radio" and "Display Gauge" are also available on the Encoders
  • You can set separate Commands for Left, Right and TouchTap (no Hold or Long-Touch)
  • The Normal/Long Press (called Main and Second Command now) are mapped to pressing the Dial
  • Besides having more Commands to set, they behave the same as their KeyPad Variant
• Simple "Value Manipulations" possible on all Variables used as Command
  • Increasing/Decreasing by a defined Step with an optional Limit
  • Sending a Sequence of Values
  • The Calculator Command now understands two Templates for increasing/decreasing L-Vars and triggering K-Vars (SimEvents) without the Need to write full RPN Code. Especially the Template for inc/decreasing is very useful on the Encoders for Left & Right (on L-Var based Aircrafts. Else prefer Controls/K-Vars).
• "Toggle Switch" now available on all Actions and all non-Variable based Commands (except vJoys)
  • A separate Variable to Monitor can now be configured
  • But still only available for the Main Command
• Reset Value renamed to "Reset Switch." Available on all Variable-based Commands (except vJoys) and all Actions 
• A new Option called "Hold Switch" available on all Commands except vJoys. Because it will act like a vJoy! With that Option but you can directly configure the Commands (or Values) for down/pressed and up/unpressed in the StreamDeck UI!
• The Dynamic Button now allows to define an "Image Map". It works roughly like the Value-to-Text Mappings: You can map Values to Images, as many as you like (so more than 3 States are possible now!)
• The Format options now also allows to add leading Zeros
• The Plugin now has an Installer as the recommended Way to install it. It will check the basic Requirements and informs which are missing.
• The Plugin now uses the WASM Module from Mobi-Flight (Requirement now)
  • Situations where new L-Vars could not be read because FSUIPC ran into its Limit are gone now!
  • That also enables the Plugin to read any A-Var (SimVar) -they can be accessed without the Need for the myOffsets File. And generally accessing them by Name instead of an arbitrary Hex-Number - but you have to get the Units right, though.
  • FSUIPC is still the main Connection Method (and thus Requirement) for anything but X-Plane.
  • The Plugin is just using something else in the Background for LVars, HVars and Calculator. Nothing to reconfigure in your Profiles.
• The Plugin now includes ImportProfiles Tool to make it a little bit easier to use your own/downloaded Profiles for Switching
  • It asks for the DeckType and imports every Profile from the \Profiles Subfolder to the Plugin manifest
  • The selections are saved on each run. It will only ask for new Profiles (handy on Plugin Updates)
  • The old empty and preconfigured Profiles Whiskey, X-Ray and so on are not needed anymore. They can be deleted if never used.
• Some Improvements in the Property Inspector
  • Added a small Image Preview in the Property Inspector for every Image Selection
  • Renamed and Reordered some Options so that there is a bit more commonality, e.g. using the Terms Command and Variable throughout 
  • Tried to improve the Appearance a little bit, but my CSS-Skills are just INOP ^^
• The Default Image drawn when not connected is now closer to the current Configuration so that changes can be better previewed. A Value of 0 is assumed.
• The Readme was completely overhauled ... which is hopefully an Improvement!
• Much Rewrites/Refactors in the Background and Bugs I found on the Way ;D
• Airbus Profiles/Integrations with the new Features: FSLabs, Fenix, ToLiss. The FBW too, within the possibilities given ...

Edited February 10, 20233 yr by Fragtality

*Version Bump*

Just a little Maintenance

Version 0.7.9

• L-Var Names can now contain Colons : and Dots .
  (For Names like A32NX_ENGINE_N1:1 or A320.audio.1.tone)
• Version-Checks for the Installer improved, i.e. does not fail with StreamDeck SW 6.1
• Requirements increased: FSUIPC 7.3.19, NET 7.0.4
• Libraries updated

*Version Bump*

Version 0.7.10

• Fixed: DataRefs containing only 1 Character long Names where not recognized (The first Name in the Path still needs to be at least 2 Character long!)
• Fixed: Offset-Addresses where sometimes registered as L-Var (and thus a L-Var with that Name was created)
• Fixed: Links in the Installer pointed to the wrong minimum .NET Version (listed for completeness, was already fixed in the 0.7.9 Binary after the 3rd April)

*Version-Bump*

Versions 0.7.11:

• Installer: added Argument to disable MSFS Checks
• Installer: "Pump" Check improved ( #33 )
• Installer: Updated Dependencies to the latest available Versions
• Fix for Calculator L-Var Template not working with L-Vars ending on L
• Improved Calculator L-Var Template and Value Manipulator: An additional Reset Value can be configured. When the Variable is equal to the defined Limit it will be set to the Value of Reset
• Updated to StreamDeck SDK 6.1 (now the new Minimum)
• Updated Libraries

*Version-Bump*

Version 0.7.12 Released.

Installer:

• Improved: UI does not hang while doing the Installation Steps
• Added: Automatically installs/updates .NET 7 and MobiFlight WASM Module

 

Plugin:

• Improved: Continuous Input (e.g. turning an Encoder) does not block the Displays being updated
• Changed: Poll-Time decreased to 100ms (the Plugin will poll the Sim / update the Displays more often)
• Libraries Updated

You're the best Fragtality!

Has anyone made a profile for the default MSFS aircraft?

1 hour ago, level7 said:

You're the best Fragtality!

Has anyone made a profile for the default MSFS aircraft?

Thanks!
Not that I'm aware of.

*Version-Bump*

Plugin updated to Version 0.8.0

Major Plugin Overhaul - it is basically a new Plugin under the Hood!
Please make an Export/Backup of your Profiles your created with PilotsDeck! The Intention is that existing Profiles just continue to run (with a bit smaller Fonts), but it is better to be safe than sorry

 

Installer

• Improved UI
• Check & Installs all Requirements (either automatically or by starting the Setup for you)
• Check for the vJoy Driver now tests for the Brunner Version/Fork - which should work on both Win 10 & 11
• Ability to remove the Plugin (including all Customizations!)

New Profile Manager Application

• Enables easier Profile Installation in a few Clicks - extracts & copies the Files for you, assists with adding the Profiles to the StreamDeck, automatically removes old Profiles on Updates
• Own Package Format to distribute Profile Files, Images and (Plugin) Scripts as one File
• Allows much easier Profile Mapping to switch Profiles automatically depending on the Aircraft (or Sim)
• Profile Switching now only can switch back to specific Profiles when the Simulator exits
• These Profile Mappings will automatically be transferred to new Profiles on (Profile) Updates

Plugin

• Property Inspector is now tabbed to allow easier Navigation
• Option to add a Guard (Image & Command) to an Action (Guard Images can also use Image Mappings)
• Added Image Mapping to more Actions
• Top and Bottom Image for the Korry Action can independently enabled/disabled
• Most Actions can now be used on an SD+ Encoder (except Simple Button and Gauge Dual)
• B-Var Support added - per default handled as Command-only but can also be used as a Variable
• Added dedicated Command Type for K-Var (allows to define a Sequence)
• HVAR Command supports passing a Value to the H-Var
• New Calculator ("C:") Variable to read the Result of Calculator/RPN Code (read only)
• Added Internal (X:) Variable to share Data within the Plugin
• Added Copy and Paste Buttons to all Actions to share single Actions between Users (or to copy between a Keypad and Encoder)
• Added a new "Composite Action" that gives you much Freedom to design your own Action (Display and Command wise) - most Feature Requests should be now possible with that Action (and can even replace Actions that would only be possible with Lua Scripts)
• This new Action is configured through its own dedicated "Action Designer" UI (opened via the Property Inspector)
• The Script now has its own Engine to run Lua Scripts (does not need external Engines like FSUIPC or FlyWithLua anymore)
• The Functions of these Lua Scripts can be directly addressed as a Variable or Command - like all other Variable/Command Types
• Multiple Script Types available to be run on-demand (Variable, Command) or constantly when the Session runs
• The Scripts can read all Variables and send all Commands the Plugin supports
• FSUIPC7 is now only the secondary Connector for MSFS - it is possible to use it without FSUIPC7 installed if needed!
• Remote X-Plane Setups are now supported
• Images can now be stored in Sub-Directories to better Organisation of different Packs and easier Navigation
• Image Drawing overhauled - Images are now drawed on top of each other (i.e. on the Dynamic Button)
• Added an Icon in the System Tray / Notification Area to restart the Plugin or show the Developer UI
• The Developer UI offers Links to some Reference Source to look up Variables or Commands and to access the Plugin's Folders easier
• The Developer UI has also a Monitor View to look up the current Aircraft-String/-Path or the Plugin's State, Ressources & Statistics
• Changed vJoy Driver Library to the Brunner Fork
• Plugin Configuration is now persistent between Updates and allows much more Tweaking
• Removed Error Image (and Error State)
• Sim Connection, State Handling Variable Handling completely overhauled
• Moved to .NET 8 (LTS) and upped minimum OS to Window 10

*Version-Bump*

Plugin updated to Version 0.8.6

NOTE / IMPORTANT
A Backup of your Profiles is recommended!
This Update fixes the Font-Scaling Issues experienced by some Users after the 0.8.0 Release (especially when using a shared Profile from someone else). Due to the Nature of the Bug and to provide a clean Solution going forward, the Plugin will adjust the Font-Sizes to keep the same visual Size on the StreamDeck (once, when an Action appears for the first Time).
Or put differently: the Plugin tries it best so that your Actions look the same as before. Due to rounding there is Margin of Error of 0.5 - so that is the worst the Text will be "off" in (visual) Size 😉 The Recommendation to make a Backup is mainly to keep the Ability to go back to the previous Version, but the Update is intended as a simple "drop-in" as usual.

But there is a Caveat: The Conversion of an Action has to be done under the Windows Font-Scaling / DPI Setting it was created to lead to the correct / intended visual Result:

• If you're a Profile Author, you need to update/convert your Profiles on your PC and then distribute the Profiles as an Update to your Users (just navigate through all Pages/Folder of a Profile, export, distribute).
• If you're a Profile User, you need to ask the Author to provide an updated Profile. The Profiles I share will be updated shortly.

 

Installer

• Fixed using wrong .NET Runtime on new Installs / Updates
• Set FSUIPC 7.5.1 as Target Version
• Set StreamDeck SW 6.8.1 as Recommended Version

 

Plugin

• Fixed Font-Scaling affected by Windows' Text Scaling/DPI Setting
  • Render DPI is now fixed at 96 DPI (the pre-0.8.0 Default)
  • Font-Sizes will be automatically converted to keep the same visual Size
  • The Conversion uses the current Windows DPI, so it is only correct on the PC where an Action was designed
  • The Conversion is only applied once when an Action becomes visible for the first Time on the new Plugin Version
• Improved Session-Ready-Detection for 2024
  • Slightly, as the SDK allows - Asobo has no Interest in improving a Situation that exists since 2020 🤷‍♂️
• Added MSFS 2024 SDK Links to the Developer UI / QRH View
• Added Button in the Developer UI to open the Profile Manager from there
• Manifest Version corrected
• Updated SDK / Libraries

 

Profile Manager

• Fixed Links not working for Profiles with Spaces in the Filename (Package Installation)

I have setup up a button assignment in FSUIPC (FSUIPC sees the joystick and I bind the button to a preset). Previously I have setup two vjoysticks. Using the latest pilotdeck plugin I have created a simple Stream deck button which uses the AllSims: vjoy driver. in the command address I use the joystick number (as assigned by vjoy feeder:1) and button number separated by a colon. I press the button in the steamdeck and nothing happens (the deck shows the yellow triangle). In the vjoy feeder app i can press the button and MSFS responds correctly. What am i doing wrong? I should add that FSUIPC sees the joystick# as E.

1 hour ago, damoncmor said:

What am i doing wrong?

I honestly don't know ... something, maybe!? 

I see that you try to give Information, but unfortunately it confuses more than it helps.

- Why would an Assignment in FSUIPC matter at all?
- Two what Type of vJoys previously? Why does that matter?
- Latest Plugin Version means what exactly in Numbers?
- The Brunner Fork of the vJoy Driver was installed during Plugin update/installation?
- Why would it matter what Character FSUIPC has assigned to the vJoy Device?
- Where are the Logs?
- A copy of that non-working Action?
 

Sorry I am a bit of a newbie. I simply want to use of the command address in the pilotsdesk simple button (the command type is All sims: Vjoy Driver) in connection with a FSUIPC vjoy binding to a MSFS2020 preset. In your documentation it says under the All Sims: Vjoy Driver command type I can use vjoystick id number:button number in the command address to basically bind the streamdeck button to a virtual joystick button. I am using the vjoy feeder to verify that the virtual joysticks (1 and 2 are setup correctly). What is weird is that the #1 joystick and button is working (1:1 as command address) but when I change the command address to 2:1 to invoke the 2nd joystick is doesn't work. Even though when I activate the button on the second joystick through vJoy Feeder it works. I am just looking for some hints as to why it wouldn't work. I hope this is clear.

2 hours ago, damoncmor said:

I hope this is clear.

Nope. I asked for specific Information which you didn't provide. Support/Troubleshooting is a Two-Way-Process 😉 

It is now even more unclear what you are trying to build there. I can't see a sound Reason for a Chain of PilotsDeck -> vJoy -> FSUIPC -> MSFS. StreamDeck can talk to both FSUIPC or MSFS directly.
A vJoy Driver Command is mostly only used when the Sim doesn't provide any (good) Way to send a Command directly (i.e. Load Custom Cameras in MSFS, Push-and-Hold Buttons in X-Plane which don't really work/make Sense when triggered with command_once). So I'd understand PilotsDeck -> vJoy -> MSFS, but still can't follow what FSUIPC has to do with that.

Further more, using FSUIPC is only really needed when there are 3rd Party Addons using Offsets to share Data or if you have some existing Stuff (e.g. Scripts) in FSUIPC which you want to continue to use with PilotsDeck. Else mostly everything else FSUIPC can Read or Send is in the End a SimVar or SimEvent that the Plugin could directly send to MSFS.

And even if there is a very specific FSUIPC Use-Case where "something" can only be bound to a Joystick - FSUIPC has its own vJoy Facility.

Maybe the Problem is the Feeder App acquiring the Device and thus blocking it maybe? I don't even know where you got that App from, since the vJoy Fork you should have installed doesn't have that.

So please provide the Logs. Else you have to figure it out yourself, got no Time Seek-and-Hide 😉