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DCSFlightpanels (DCSFP) thread. Saitek Pro Flight Panels & DCS


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Posted
Also, are you going to support saitek pro flight instrument panels as well?

 

Support for FIPs is underway now. See this post for a test build:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2655978&postcount=283

 

One issue we are experiencing is that one or two FIPs will stop responding at some point while the other one or two will continue to work (I am testing with three FIPs). We'd like to see if others are having the same issue.

 

Thanks,

Paul

Posted

So this means if I use just one, it should be fine?

And btw do you handle just one panel and the user switching the display on the panel? Or do you handle just one panel per function, with no switch possible?

I do not own those panels yet, but I'm considering buying one...

Favorite modules : Huey, F-86F, F14 and P-51D

Quest 2, RTX 3080, i7 10700K, 16 Gb of RAM, Pro Flight Trainer PUMA helicopter setup, Warthog HOTAS with two force sensitive stick, custom cockpit and a GS-Cobra dynamic seat.

Posted

@harf4ng--One FIP seems to work without any issues. However, I think the test build I linked might still show a lag in data transfer to the FIP, which means it gets behind the on-screen/in-cockpit gauge. This lag is not always seen, so we're interested in hearing about that as well. A more recent test build, not put out yet, seems to have cured the lag issue.

 

So far only two A-10C gauges have been modeled, the HSI and VSI. You can cycle among these gauges on one FIP by using the up/down buttons on the bottom of the FIP.

 

Thanks,

Paul

Posted

Thanks for all those infos. Still wondering if I'll buy this, or just put a screen below and display the instruments on this other screen. (and so replace my triple screen setup by one screen for view, one screen for panels, and unsure for the third one...) As end of the year I'll probably moving to the rift, so all those fancy panels will be of no use to me ^^

Favorite modules : Huey, F-86F, F14 and P-51D

Quest 2, RTX 3080, i7 10700K, 16 Gb of RAM, Pro Flight Trainer PUMA helicopter setup, Warthog HOTAS with two force sensitive stick, custom cockpit and a GS-Cobra dynamic seat.

Posted (edited)

Do we have to use google chrome for dcs bios?

And can we hope dcs bios to support more modules?

 

Thanks

 

Oh and do you have a help file somewhere? I have an issue with this software, I cannot access the top menu : file, options, help. When I click on them, the menu opens then closes immediatly...

Edited by harf4ng

Favorite modules : Huey, F-86F, F14 and P-51D

Quest 2, RTX 3080, i7 10700K, 16 Gb of RAM, Pro Flight Trainer PUMA helicopter setup, Warthog HOTAS with two force sensitive stick, custom cockpit and a GS-Cobra dynamic seat.

Posted
Do we have to use google chrome for dcs bios?

And can we hope dcs bios to support more modules?

 

No, it is not necessary to use Google Chrome with DCS-BIOS or Flightpanels. It's just a tool that can be helpful with development or troubleshooting.

 

The latest module to be given DCS-BIOS support is the Ka-50 Black Shark. It has not yet been implemented in Flightpanels, but the test build linked in a post above does have some basic Ka-50 capability, mainly with the Radio Panel, I believe. It will be a while before the Ka-50 is fully supported in Flightpanels. Regarding other modules and DCS-BIOS, I'm not sure what the plans are from that community.

 

Regarding the menu bar issue you are having, I don't have any comments myself.

 

Thanks,

Paul

Posted

Hi harf4ng!

 

And can we hope dcs bios to support more modules?

If you have a particular airframe you would like to have supported you can yourself start the process of adding it. FSFIan knows the process and can direct you. Their thread is here and DCS-BIOS is here.

You don't need to be a programmer or anything to add a new airframe, just patience and time.

 

When I click on them, the menu opens then closes immediatly...

Do you mean a single click on the menu opens and closes the menu? Do you have any special configurations for "Accessibility" active in Windows? All clicks are double clicks?

Posted

If I use the FIP as the HSI with the FP Software, are the two rotary on the FIP functional? I mean can I use them to adjust the Heading and Course?

 

Another question: Is there a list what kind of data the Multi Panel is able to show? I only use i for APU rpm and ALT

Windows 10 | i7-8700K@5GHz | 2080 Ti | Intel Z370 Chipset | 32GB RAM@1866 MHz | SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 1TB| Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS w. FSSB R3 Mod | Saitek Switch Panel + Radio Panel + Multi Panel + FIP + Flightpanels Software | MFG_Crosswind | TrackIR5 | TM Cougar MFD Pack | Obutto R3volution | 1 x LG38 | GAMETRIX KW-908 JETSEAT

Posted
If I use the FIP as the HSI with the FP Software, are the two rotary on the FIP functional? I mean can I use them to adjust the Heading and Course?

Yes they are used exactly for that.

 

Another question: Is there a list what kind of data the Multi Panel is able to show? I only use i for APU rpm and ALT

No list. The amount of data available to DCS-BIOS is so vast that it is really not possible to filter out what could be relevant for A-10C pilots or not. There will be support via FIP to output data in figures/numbers later on. So you can yourself configure data to be shown including texts -> "Eng. 1 temp : xyz°C" where xyz is converted data from DCS-BIOS. I've planned to have six rows for this and where the side buttons and lower knobs can be used for key emulation.

 

I will continue on FIP development as soon as I have more time.

Posted

I have removed the FIP test version. There are technical problems that I haven't yet been able to solve/locate.

Posted

NOOOOO, you cant remove the test version :smilewink:

I ordered one FIP two days ago :)

 

On the other side, I have more time to tweak my cockpit a little bit

Windows 10 | i7-8700K@5GHz | 2080 Ti | Intel Z370 Chipset | 32GB RAM@1866 MHz | SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 1TB| Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS w. FSSB R3 Mod | Saitek Switch Panel + Radio Panel + Multi Panel + FIP + Flightpanels Software | MFG_Crosswind | TrackIR5 | TM Cougar MFD Pack | Obutto R3volution | 1 x LG38 | GAMETRIX KW-908 JETSEAT

Posted

I don't know where I've been, but I was not aware of the financial problems Mad Catz, owners of the Saitek brand, have been going through until very recently. I was also told of price gouging for their products. I checked this out on Amazon and could not believe what I was seeing. $150 FIPs priced at $450 or more. $140 yoke at $450 as well. I went to Saitek's on-line store and, while the prices are still what they used to be, everything was showing as out of stock. I called Saitek to find out what's going on.

 

The bottom line is that they are in the process of manufacturing more product and expect their inventory to be back up by May. So, my advice would be to hold off on any purchase at these outrageous prices and continue to check all sources for availability and best price in a few months.

 

Thanks,

Paul

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Hi; Just a quick question to ascertain whether its a problem with the program or I have a bad Multi Panel or something else.

 

Is anyone else having a problem with the Multi Panel not initializing when you start Flightpanels?

 

Situation: When ever I start FP, all panels function normally with the exception of the Multi panel. Currently I have to unplug the MP from the usb and plug it back in and then it is recognized by FP and works perfectly until FP is shut down.

 

--hitting the refresh icon in FP has no effect on the MP.

--its not the usb port cause I have tired every port on the computer.

--its not the computer cause my system sees the panel and it functions normally with FSX. The MP not being recognized only happens with FP

 

I only ask to see if someone else has another fix before I use the fix I came up with.

 

(My fix): Put a reset switch in the usb line. That way I can start FP hit the reset for the MP and all works as it should.

Posted
Is anyone else having a problem with the Multi Panel not initializing when you start Flightpanels?

 

The Multi Panel often appears non-responsive when I start FP, but all I have to do to wake it up is press the white "AP" button a few times. It cycles between dark, blinking and on, so you may have to press it a few times for it to go dark again, but the LED panel should be on at that point.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Paul

Posted

pdmarsh

 

Tried your suggestion, no go. buttons sw's dials work fine but it still doesn't wake up the led no matter how many times I press them.

 

Thanks for your help

Posted

Cool mod for this cool mod

 

On a youtube adventure today and stumbled across this mod for the radio and multi panel. a little steep on the price but adds a better set of encoders and a new board that adds the push button on the encoder as the act/stby button.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.motivemods.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=MM-SA-RP

Win 10 Pro - Intel I7 12700k@4.9ghz water cooled - ASUS TUF Z690 -EVGA RTX 3080 12G Hybrid - EVGA 1000W PSU - 32GB 3200 G-Skill XMP- Reverb G2 -Custom mip and side panels - Leo Bodnar  BBI32x2, BBI64x4 - TM Warthog HOTAS - TM Cougar MFD's x 3 - TM TPR pedals

Posted
pdmarsh

 

Tried your suggestion, no go. buttons sw's dials work fine but it still doesn't wake up the led no matter how many times I press them.

 

Thanks for your help

I too have the same issue with the led readout. Every once in a while it comes on but most of the time it doesn't.

Win 10 Pro - Intel I7 12700k@4.9ghz water cooled - ASUS TUF Z690 -EVGA RTX 3080 12G Hybrid - EVGA 1000W PSU - 32GB 3200 G-Skill XMP- Reverb G2 -Custom mip and side panels - Leo Bodnar  BBI32x2, BBI64x4 - TM Warthog HOTAS - TM Cougar MFD's x 3 - TM TPR pedals

Posted
I don't know where I've been, but I was not aware of the financial problems Mad Catz, owners of the Saitek brand, have been going through until very recently. I was also told of price gouging for their products. I checked this out on Amazon and could not believe what I was seeing. $150 FIPs priced at $450 or more. $140 yoke at $450 as well. I went to Saitek's on-line store and, while the prices are still what they used to be, everything was showing as out of stock. I called Saitek to find out what's going on.

 

The bottom line is that they are in the process of manufacturing more product and expect their inventory to be back up by May. So, my advice would be to hold off on any purchase at these outrageous prices and continue to check all sources for availability and best price in a few months.

 

Thanks,

Paul

I just purchased a second radio panel from pilot mall for about $145.00 after shipping. But it seems amazon and eBay are the greater sources of gouging.

Win 10 Pro - Intel I7 12700k@4.9ghz water cooled - ASUS TUF Z690 -EVGA RTX 3080 12G Hybrid - EVGA 1000W PSU - 32GB 3200 G-Skill XMP- Reverb G2 -Custom mip and side panels - Leo Bodnar  BBI32x2, BBI64x4 - TM Warthog HOTAS - TM Cougar MFD's x 3 - TM TPR pedals

Posted
I just purchased a second radio panel from pilot mall for about $145.00 after shipping. But it seems amazon and eBay are the greater sources of gouging.

 

You did good. Hopefully, Saitek will get inventory up again and stabilize prices all around. Also, sorry to see you are having trouble with the Multi Panel display. I wish I had a suggestion to try.

 

Paul

Posted

Hi, New to the forums and wanted to thank you guys for this mod. I have the switch, multi and radio panels together with two fips working [Thanks to algerad3]. A couple of questions,

1, do you accept donations? I am enjoying these panels alot and would love to see further development.

2, Along those lines, support for the radio in more moduals?

3, if not possible, perhaps utilize the switch, dial and button inputs as generic? ie without display.

Thanks again for a great mod.

Hawkeye60

"Yeah, and though I work in the valley of Death, I will fear no Evil. For where there is one, there is always three. I preparest my aircraft to receive the Iron that will be delivered in the presence of my enemies. Thy ALCM and JDAM they comfort me. Power was given unto the aircrew to make peace upon the world by way of the sword. And when the call went out, Behold the "Sword of Stealth". And his name was Death. And Hell followed him. For the day of wrath has come and no mercy shall be given."

Posted
I have removed the FIP test version. There are technical problems that I haven't yet been able to solve/locate.

 

Hi ArturDCS,

 

I'm the developer of the Passerelle Lua Module (formerly Saitek module for Lua) which is used in some Lua module in DCS.

 

Could you be more specific about your problem?

Posted (edited)
Could you be more specific about your problem?

Hi!

My main problems are:

 

  • lack of other C# programmers (it is getting somewhat complicated & time consuming)
  • difficult to replicate errors
  • OS support and testing, Win 7, Win 10 etc.

I have programmed support for the Saitek FIP and I have got really great support from Mad Catz (and pdmarsh!) but there are problems with the FIPs freezing and I just haven't been able to locate the problem. My own PC has USB problems of its own so it is a bit difficult to know where the bugs are.

Either way the biggest problem is that this project needs more C# programmers.

Edited by ArturDCS
grammar
Posted

OK. Is this problem occuring only with your PC? Is it OK for pdmarsh?

 

Is the current failing code available somewhere so that I can check what's going on?

When does it freeze exactly? and doing what?

 

Thanks

Posted
OK. Is this problem occuring only with your PC? Is it OK for pdmarsh?

 

Is the current failing code available somewhere so that I can check what's going on?

When does it freeze exactly? and doing what?

 

Thanks

 

Well the FIPs freeze, what exactly happens I don't know. The images are not being updated for some reason so the FIP appears to be frozen.

 

We have slightly different behavior on our computers, my computer loses the USB connections to the other panels when I use FIPs and for example the radio panel at the same time. BUT my PC has had USB problems for a long time. I think it is a problem with the mobo.

pdmarsh FIPs stops working (frozen) without error messages from Flightpanels, no messages in Windows error log.

 

Now, I do believe it is in Flightpanels something not working 100% (as it always have been) but to track that down is a real pain in the ***. I can't get any further now.

 

I will update the repository and upload a test build for those that want to try it.

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