Search the Community

Hi, this is the tutorial you'll find in the GNS V2 X-Plane User's Manual, until the X-Plane SDK offers plugins a more elaborate way to add any 'gauge' to a 3D cockpit. Introduction: differences between X-Plane and FltSim panels in FltSim, there are panels, there are gauges that can be configured on a panel, a gauge is a flat render surface where bitmaps are drawn to and animated over. In the virtual cockpit, FltSim automatically translate and renders the flat gauge surface to the 3D polygon of the panel. From a gauge point of view, it doesn't make a difference, FltSim does this behind the scene. For the user point of view, just add a gauge to a VC section of the panel config, and FltSim displays it. In X-Plane, there are panels only, and stock gauges/parts only. Everything else is custom-drawn on the screen every time X-Plane redraws the screen. X-Plane has 2 different panels: the 2D and the 3D. Each offer a 'render surface' and it is up to the aircraft 3D model to tell a particular rectangle area from the render surface gets drawn to a particular polygon. Compared to FltSim, there is no user-accessible way to configure a 3D panel. Our plugin has to do many things on its own, but in this department, it internally re-creates the notion of 'per aircraft panel' configuration (our RealityXP.GNS.ini file). With this, it can have per-aircraft configuration, which tells on which panel(s) and at which coordinates you'd like to render the GNS gauge (2D/3D). However, if an aircraft model does not map the 3D panel render surface to a polygon, unlike FltSim, you won't be able to display the gauge on the 3D panel. To this effect, we've been discussing with X-Plane developers and they are willing to find a way for plugins like ours to be able to 'create' a 3D panel render surface from the plugin even if the aircraft model lacks it. Next comes the bezel and the mouse interaction. Our plugins (GNS and GTN) offer 3D panel click spots. This means than 'drawing' our gauges with their bezel, you get a flat rendered gauge with working clickspots located on the gauge bezel. It would then look like a flat rendered texture but it is working. A 3D model of the bezel gives the depth of the actual gauge, and permit you configuring the GNS/GTN to render 'screen only'. It is just visually more pleasing. Replacing any aircraft default X-Plane GPS requires a few easy steps. This chapter is a step-by-step guide to replace the aircraft default GPS with the Reality XP GNS 530W/430W V2 on the stock X-Plane 11 Baron 58. Find gauge panel coordinates The first step consists in finding where to draw the gauge to the 3D panel. Start X-Plane 11 with the Baron 58 and wait until the aircraft is ready on the tarmac. Press the CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+SPACE keys to save the panel preview snapshot. Select Plugin | Reality XP GNS | GNS 1 | GNS 530W 1 if not already opened. Exit X-Plane 11. Open the saved panel preview snapshot with any paint program, like "Paint" included in Windows: XPlane\Aircraft\Laminar Research\Baron B58\cockpit_3d\-PANELS-\Panel_Preview.png In the paint program, zoom to the centre section where you find the default GPS screen. Write down corners coordinates (pixels highlighted in red below) compute display width like this: width = (X2 - X1 +1) = (534 - 275 + 1) = 260 compute display height like this: height = (Y2 - Y1 + 1) = (550 - 356 + 1) = 195 Add the RXP GNS 530W Gauge to the 3D panel The second step consists in configuring the GNS 530W to display in the 3D panel. With notepad or any other text editor, open the following file: XPlane\Aircraft\Laminar Research\Baron B58\RealityXP.GNS.ini Locate the section header: [GNS_530_1] Right below the section header, locate the line starting with drawto = . Type a new render target to the end of the list. For example: drawto = WINDOW, Garmin_530_screen Add the following text to create a new section at the end of the file, then save and exit notepad [GNS_530_1.Garmin_530_screen] visible = true nobezel = true frame.type = PANEL3D ; display position and dimension (left,top,width,height) frame.rect = 275,668,260,195 Note: frame.rect is the actual render position and size: X1 is the left value, the width and height are the value computed in the previous steps. The top value is computed like this: top = "height of Panel_Preview.png" - Y1. In this example: top = 1024 - 356 = 668 Fly the RXP GNS 530W When you are done, open X-Plane 11, select the Baron 58 and open the GNS 530W 1 configuration panel. Enable Use X-Plane GPS Commands option then Accept to close the panel. Your GNS 530W displays in the 3D panel, and the bezel knobs and keys are working!

OK. So RXP in v2 of its Garmin GNS series has provided the function to import flight plans that conform to the Garmin .flt file specification. Great! I am using that function to populate my most-often used flight plans into the v2 GNS gauges. My routine is to thoroughly plan each flight using a real world flight planning site that can enrich the experience with real weather including winds aloft. The addition of the RXP .flt plan import simplifies the process as now I can complete my flight planning, create the .flt file, and easily import it into my RXP GNS. That eliminates the need to enter the plan a navpoint at a time before flying. I have gained experience with three different real world flight planning sites that are very good for flight planning in general, and each has a Garmin format .fpl file export or download. And better yet, none of the three sites are fee or subscription based for the features you need for a flight simulator plan. Why is the new RXP GNS import feature so great? There are a lot of possibilities! If you purchased either the RXP v2 GNS 430 or the v2 GNS 530, you have not one, but two instances of that GNS to use. 430_1 and 430_2, or 530_1 and 530_2. If you purchased the Complete RXP GNS package you will have RXP2!GNS430_1 and RXP2!GNS430_2, as well as RXP2!GNS530_1 and RXP2!GNS530_2. A total of (4) gauges. There is a limit of (20) flight plans that a GNS430 or 530 can store, but each gauge has it's own memory. If you are strategic about how you store flight plans and how you configure the individual GNS gauges into your various aircraft panels, you can store many many flight plans. Example: for aircraft where I have only one GNS430 configured, I use either 430_1 or 430_2 based on the flight plans I have stored in each. That conforms my use to the type of flights I fly in the particular aircraft. My shorter route flight plans go say into my 430_2 and the 430_2 then goes into the panel of aircraft like the A36 Bonanza or C182 Cessna that I use for shorter flights. My longer route flight plans then go into 430_1, which I have configured into the Beech C90 King Air, Beech Turbine Duke v2, and my HondaJet., all of which I use for longer flights. Make sense? For aircraft where I have (2) RXP v2 GNS430 gauges in the panel, both a 430_1 and a 430_2, I have access to all of the flight plans across both gauges. If you are not already aware, when you have two of these gauges in a panel you are able to activate a flight plan in either of the GNS gauges and use the features of both GNSs with that flight plan. There is then little need to have the same flight plan in both. I have the complete package and do the same for 530_1 and 530_2. And if I have a 530 and a 430 in an aircraft I pick the _1 or _2 for each to maximize my stored flight plan choices when I fly that aircraft. Now, back to the subject of planning and importing flight plans... I plan to summarize three real world flight planning sites that can write Garmin .flt files that can then be imported into the RXP v2 GNS gauges. The process works generally well with all three. For two of these three real world sites you must register as a user. Those are Fltplan.com and iFlightplanner.com. At each you will also need to build a pilot profile and the profile must include configuration of at least one aircraft type. In both cases that will require a tail number. Do not be daunted. You do not need a pilot's license for either, I found that entering a dummy tail number was successful. A tail number that does not exist. You can check that your tail number does not match a real world USA registration at "registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Inquiry.aspx" (Note; cut and paste the link as getting to it with an embedded link appears to be forbidden) The experiences I will share of the three sites are not intended as recommendation of the sites themselves, but instead just a look at the differences in the functions of creating and then downloading flight plans at each site. I will post them here as replies in this topic to keep it all together. I plan to post the first two, Skyvector.com and iFlightplanner.com today. It will likely be Tuesday before I can post a message on FltPlan.com.

Looking for a compatible flight planner? https://skyvector.com/ Works great. More info here: https://skyvector.com/forum/skyvector-now-can-export-flight-plans-foreflight-garmin-dynon

Is there a list of all 3rd perty addon aircraft that supports the RXP products in the panel on P3D v4? I am ready to buy but finding it difficult finding this support listing. Thanks. Devon

Hi, I'd thought it would be helpful for our customers to have a place where they can link to videos of the GTN in action. You can learn so much when seeing how someone uses the RXP GTN Touch in an actual flight, not only about the GTN feature set, but also about how to apply this knowledge in the context of an actual virtual flight. So let me start opening this forum thread with a video I've just stumbled upon. This video by Blu Games aboard the Carenado S550 Citation II shows some of the new Reality XP GTN 750 Touch VNAV functions , and I personally just find the overall 'feeling', scenery and aircraft stunningly realistic!

Little Navmap This free flightplanner can save flight plans in the Garmin .GFP format for importing into the GTN. For the latest version 1.66 released Oct 9, 2017 Little Navmap version 1.66 Little Navmap user manual

Don't miss this discussion for everything 'Flight Planning' related! Although for the GNS V2, this discussion is a gold mine of information about various flight planning tools:

Seems to be a problem connecting to F1 E-Commerce (version 3.2) for RXP 2.3.6 update. I'm able to connect and reinstall (update) with Windows 10 ...but no luck with Windows 7 Enterprise.

Where can I find a list of the L:vars mentioned in this cryptic entry in the RealityXP.GNS.ini file: ; use legacy GNS WAAS 3rd party aircraft panel variables (L:Vars). UseLegacyVars = false I'm needing to set up the modeldef.xml file so that customers can use their mouse to control the units in the VC and I don't see a list of them anywhere...

Am a relatively new user to X-Plane 11.2 and was wondering which aircraft out of the box will work with the touchscreen RXP GTN750? I have the default C172 working well and am considering purchase of other add-on aircraft that use the great GTN750. Any advice would be wonderful. Thanks.

Hi, I'd thought it would be helpful for our customers to have a place where they can link to videos of the GTN in action. You can learn so much when seeing how someone uses the RXP GTN Touch in an actual flight, not only about the GTN feature set, but also about how to apply this knowledge in the context of an actual virtual flight. So let me start opening this forum thread with a video I've just stumbled upon, posted by Marshall: You're welcome to contribute and add links to videos you think might help others!

I scoured the previous topics here and was unable to find a good discussion. Thought I had seen one, but it was likely embedded in responses within a topic whose subject title was for a different matter. Has anyone developed a harmonious balance that gets the VC screen brightness and the 2D popup screen brightness for the GTN close(r) to one another? I seem to see three parameters or settings in play. In the .ini file there are Rheostat,Display (0 - 100), and Brightness and Brightness,Screen (-100 to 100). Then in the gauge System menu there is the Backlight/Manual Offset (0 - 100%). The aircraft within which I seem to have the greatest difference is the A2A C182, but I would like to hear from users who have developed a set of settings that balance the two screens more equally. And is there or are there additional settings I have not considered? Contributions to this discussion most welcome.

The GTN Tutorial videos at the Garmin website are covering all there is to know to get started with the GTN with ease. I recommend you tour the features in a hands-on approach here: Garmin GTN Learning Center Videos

Hello, I purchased the 750/650 combo and absolutely love them. However, I am totally in over my head when it comes to getting them to integrate into the 3D panel. I was able to find bluebell2's file to integrate the 2 duel 750's in the 172 default and they work great. Are there any other resources that could help me get the 750/650 installed in my Carenado 1900d and Cessna 208? Have searched around and could not find much to help a novice like myself. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Ken

1. Start with an unmodified panel.cfg file. This is the original panel.cfg that installs with the aircraft: 2. Run F1GTN750PA42.exe. 3. Launch sim. Panel before installing RXP GTN750: http:// 4. Goto menu | add-ons | Reality XP GTN Setup Aircraft. http:// Check on No Bezel http:// http:// http:// 9. Review Reality XP GTN Touch FltSim.pdf.

Hi, this is the tutorial you'll find in the GNS V2 X-Plane User's Manual. Although for the GNS, the same applies identically to the GTN, until the X-Plane SDK offers plugins a more elaborate way to add any 'gauge' to a 3D cockpit. Introduction: differences between X-Plane and FltSim panels in FltSim, there are panels, there are gauges that can be configured on a panel, a gauge is a flat render surface where bitmaps are drawn to and animated over. In the virtual cockpit, FltSim automatically translate and renders the flat gauge surface to the 3D polygon of the panel. From a gauge point of view, it doesn't make a difference, FltSim does this behind the scene. For the user point of view, just add a gauge to a VC section of the panel config, and FltSim displays it. In X-Plane, there are panels only, and stock gauges/parts only. Everything else is custom-drawn on the screen every time X-Plane redraws the screen. X-Plane has 2 different panels: the 2D and the 3D. Each offer a 'render surface' and it is up to the aircraft 3D model to tell a particular rectangle area from the render surface gets drawn to a particular polygon. Compared to FltSim, there is no user-accessible way to configure a 3D panel. Our plugin has to do many things on its own, but in this department, it internally re-creates the notion of 'per aircraft panel' configuration (our RealityXP.GNS.ini file). With this, it can have per-aircraft configuration, which tells on which panel(s) and at which coordinates you'd like to render the GNS gauge (2D/3D). However, if an aircraft model does not map the 3D panel render surface to a polygon, unlike FltSim, you won't be able to display the gauge on the 3D panel. To this effect, we've been discussing with X-Plane developers and they are willing to find a way for plugins like ours to be able to 'create' a 3D panel render surface from the plugin even if the aircraft model lacks it. Next comes the bezel and the mouse interaction. Our plugins (GNS and GTN) offer 3D panel click spots. This means than 'drawing' our gauges with their bezel, you get a flat rendered gauge with working clickspots located on the gauge bezel. It would then look like a flat rendered texture but it is working. A 3D model of the bezel gives the depth of the actual gauge, and permit you configuring the GNS/GTN to render 'screen only'. It is just visually more pleasing. Replacing any aircraft default X-Plane GPS requires a few easy steps. This chapter is a step-by-step guide to replace the aircraft default GPS with the Reality XP GNS 530W/430W V2 on the stock X-Plane 11 Baron 58. Find gauge panel coordinates The first step consists in finding where to draw the gauge to the 3D panel. Start X-Plane 11 with the Baron 58 and wait until the aircraft is ready on the tarmac. Press the CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+SPACE keys to save the panel preview snapshot. Select Plugin | Reality XP GNS | GNS 1 | GNS 530W 1 if not already opened. Exit X-Plane 11. Open the saved panel preview snapshot with any paint program, like "Paint" included in Windows: XPlane\Aircraft\Laminar Research\Baron B58\cockpit_3d\-PANELS-\Panel_Preview.png In the paint program, zoom to the centre section where you find the default GPS screen. Write down corners coordinates (pixels highlighted in red below) compute display width like this: width = (X2 - X1 +1) = (534 - 275 + 1) = 260 compute display height like this: height = (Y2 - Y1 + 1) = (550 - 356 + 1) = 195 Add the RXP GNS 530W Gauge to the 3D panel The second step consists in configuring the GNS 530W to display in the 3D panel. With notepad or any other text editor, open the following file: XPlane\Aircraft\Laminar Research\Baron B58\RealityXP.GNS.ini Locate the section header: [GNS_530_1] Right below the section header, locate the line starting with drawto = . Type a new render target to the end of the list. For example: drawto = WINDOW, Garmin_530_screen Add the following text to create a new section at the end of the file, then save and exit notepad [GNS_530_1.Garmin_530_screen] visible = true nobezel = true frame.type = PANEL3D ; display position and dimension (left,top,width,height) frame.rect = 275,668,260,195 Note: frame.rect is the actual render position and size: X1 is the left value, the width and height are the value computed in the previous steps. The top value is computed like this: top = "height of Panel_Preview.png" - Y1. In this example: top = 1024 - 356 = 668 Fly the RXP GNS 530W When you are done, open X-Plane 11, select the Baron 58 and open the GNS 530W 1 configuration panel. Enable Use X-Plane GPS Commands option then Accept to close the panel. Your GNS 530W displays in the 3D panel, and the bezel knobs and keys are working!

The GTN Tutorial videos at the Garmin website are covering all there is to know to get started with the GTN with ease. I recommend you tour the features in a hands-on approach here: Garmin GTN Learning Center Videos