31.05.2002

Yes, I have started to work on a panel again. This time it is for FS2002 and is almost entirely made with the new XML Gauge technology. The panel looks similar to the FS2000 version I started to make but I use all the new FS2002 features. I stopped trying to invent the wheel again and I also feel that it is acceptable to leave out some fancy features in the interest of getting somewhere with it.

Main focus is to have a readable panel which supports flying instead of an overloaded panel with fancy features but gauges hardly readable. I also do not have 3D panels (maybe later) and struts etc but when finished there will be every single button and dial available for a realistic procedure in the cockpit.

At the moment I am trying to tackle the connection of XML gauges with C gauges to get some sound and other features into it.

So stay tuned – more to come.

03.11.2001

Hard to believe but I am still working on the project. I didn't have much time because of my real life work but there has been progress. The homepage shows the current picture of the panel and here is the main center panel with lighting effects:

So do not despair - we will have a panel and the way it looks it will probably be FS2002 compatible by the time it comes.... 

16.06.2001

Some update...
Yes, I am still working on it and did quite a bit of ground work learning about FS2K and new methods. There is new sound code and I think those light effects for the overhead panels are looking great!

29.04.2001

Well, here I start again from scratch. I have moved the FS98 version of my panel to another web-page and start new with a FS2K version.

So far there is only a first background image study and humble steps in understanding the new techniques required to make proper FS2K gauges but we are getting there.

This panel will be a complete system. Where I was limited under FS98 with DLL errors and memory restrictions etc this will all be a thing of the past in FS2K (or so I hope).

This panel is designed to be running under 16k colors with FS2K PRO and all patches. There will be a as complete as possible replication of aircraft systems and all relevant overhead or other panels are included. I also am designing special failure modes in which allow to have very interesting emergency scenarios in the future. 

Let's not kid ourselves - it will take a long time because I do not have as much spare time as I would like to but we will get there at some stage. Hopefully MS will not change the next version of FS too much so the gauges (which are all custom made) wil be usable also in future versions of FS.

I am trying to recruit as much help as I can from my friends at FPDA and hope that we will have a great panel for free some time in the FAR future. I plan to make the panel pretty modular. This should allow to make partial releases and then extend the panel one by one. 

I am not looking forward to the manual that needs to be written but again, maybe one of my friends can help here. This panel will most likely NOT be usable by non-pilots without a rather comprehensive manual.

So, that is the idea - sth to look forward to.

Want a great BAe aircraft for the old version right now? Then look at the IADG web-site!