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FlightGear Newsletter April 2012: Difference between revisions
→Garmin 196 GPS: Switch to {{fgdata source}} to fix the broken Gitorious links and point to the current FGData locations, and removed the name "Gitorious". This makes the text of this section still relevant.
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== Development news == | == Development news == | ||
[[File:Random buildings in San Francisco.jpg|thumb|left|270px|Random buildings in San Francisco.]] | |||
=== Random buildings === | |||
In an effort to improve the scenery in cities, towns and villages with minimal impact to framerate, Stuart has been working on automatically generated "random buildings". The idea is to have FlightGear itself generate buildings with randomized size, shape and texture in a very efficient manner, and builds on the work that he and Tim Moore did on random vegetation a couple of years ago. This is now available in [[git]]. | |||
Building generation is configurable through <tt>materials.xml</tt>, and documented in <tt>Docs/README.materials</tt>. It is designed to be flexible enough that we can have different types of cities in Europe compared with the USA or Africa. The current texture used for the buildings is a proof of concept, and rather limited by Stuart's artistic abilities. If anyone is interested in creating a better texture, please get in touch with Stuart on the mailing list or forums. | |||
Building generation is configurable through materials.xml, and documented in Docs/README.materials. It is designed to be flexible enough that we can have different types of cities in Europe compared with the USA | |||
== | One of the main aims of this work is to minimize frame-rate impact. If you are running git, and have the time to test the new feature, please fill in [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=16204 this poll] on the forums so we can gather information on whether it has succeeded. Read more at [[Random Buildings]]. | ||
=== | === Additional scripting APIs === | ||
Several advanced aircraft have created Flight Management System (FMS) and [[Control Display Unit]] (CDU) implementations using custom [[Nasal]] code to model modern airliner/bizjet avionics, with some (or no) interaction with the already existing [[route manager]] implemented in C++, and often with code that overlaps. | |||
There's now an effort to improve this, while keeping the complex, especially aircraft-dependant functionality in Nasal so it can be tailored and extended easily. Work has started on improving the existing Nasal scripting interface such that modern avionics can be more easily modeled in scripting space, for additional information please check out [[Nasal Flightplan]]. | |||
== Interview with a contributor (Sam Clancy) == | == Interview with a contributor (Sam Clancy) == | ||
''In each edition we have an interview with a contributor. Suggestions for possible questions are available on [[interview questions]], you are invited to come up with new questions and interview ideas obviously! Anyone is free to write an interview (with him-/herself or others) for next month's newsletter | ''In each edition we have an interview with a contributor. Suggestions for possible questions are available on [[interview questions]], you are invited to come up with new questions and interview ideas obviously! Anyone is free to write an interview (with him-/herself or others) for next month's newsletter!'' | ||
'''[http://www.flightgear.org/contributors/ Read | '''[http://www.flightgear.org/contributors/ Read previous interviews at our website's archive].''' | ||
* '''How long have you been involved in FlightGear?''' | * '''How long have you been involved in FlightGear?''' | ||
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The satisfaction you get when something works! Maybe that's because I'm not the most technically minded, hehe. | The satisfaction you get when something works! Maybe that's because I'm not the most technically minded, hehe. | ||
'''[http://www.flightgear.org/contributors/ Read | '''[http://www.flightgear.org/contributors/ Read previous interviews at our website's archive].''' | ||
== In the hangar == | == In the hangar == | ||
All the way back in May 2011, we addopted a new status-rating system for aircraft. So far, only a few have actually been rated, as can be seen in the list 'hockenberry' set up at [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApzphjA4w05ndF94Y2F0bzJTbHQ5QTJXZXJRcUVRbWc&hl=en_US Google Docs]. If you're an aircraft developer and your aircraft is/are not on the list, please consider rating their status. All you'll need to know/do is described at [[Formalizing Aircraft Status]]. If you'd just like to get started contributing to FlightGear, this would also seem like an excellent way to get started. | All the way back in May 2011, we addopted a new status-rating system for aircraft. So far, only a few have actually been rated, as can be seen in the list 'hockenberry' set up at [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApzphjA4w05ndF94Y2F0bzJTbHQ5QTJXZXJRcUVRbWc&hl=en_US Google Docs]. If you're an aircraft developer and your aircraft is/are not on the list, please consider rating their status. All you'll need to know/do is described at [[Formalizing Aircraft Status]]. If you'd just like to get started contributing to FlightGear, this would also seem like an excellent way to get started. | ||
=== New aircraft === | === New aircraft === | ||
[[File:ATC-FS.png|thumb|270px|ATC-FS]] | |||
==== ATC FS: A new ATC mode for FlightGear ==== | |||
ATC-FS (ATC, with flightstrips) is an [[air traffic control]] (ATC) aircraft, with the purpose to help an ATC controller keeping track of the aircraft around his airport as well as helping him guide the aircraft on approach and departure and aircraft just passing through his airspace. It can be added to FlightGear just as a regular aircraft and is built with XML and nasal. Read more at [[ATC-FS]]. | |||
==== Embraer 195 ==== | ==== Embraer 195 ==== | ||
A new [[Embraer 195]], developed by the group FGBr for | A new [[Embraer 195]], developed by the Brazilian group FGBr for FlightGear version 2.4 and 2.6 can soon be found at at: [http://www.grupofgbr.com.br their website]. | ||
[[File:Embraer - 195 em desenvolvimento (2)..jpg|400px]] [[File:Embraer - 195 em desenvolvimento..jpg|400px]] | [[File:Embraer - 195 em desenvolvimento (2)..jpg|400px]] [[File:Embraer - 195 em desenvolvimento..jpg|400px]] | ||
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=== Updated aircraft === | === Updated aircraft === | ||
[[File:Cessna_337G_Skymaster.png|thumb| | [[File:Cessna_337G_Skymaster.png|thumb|270px|The Skymaster is now ready for FlightGear 2.6]] | ||
The | ==== Cessna 337G Skymaster ==== | ||
The [[Cessna 337G Skymaster]] received an update, making the plane ready for FlightGear 2.6 and some more nice improvements. The Skymaster now has an autostart function, new autopilot, checklists and "utility" dialogs, new heading indicator, 2 new liveries, new splash screen, new cockpit animations and new shaders, and a complete new [[ELT]] system. Some more? Well, the 337G is now able to crash due for hitting the ground or excesive G loads. | |||
Thanks to these updates, this aircraft was chosen to be Aircraft of April. Scroll down to [[#Aircraft of the month|Aircraft of the month]] to watch the video review. | |||
==== MiG-21bis ==== | |||
[[MiG-21]]bis had a major update; 3D model is cleaned and remaped, new texture is added. Cockpit is remodeled and it has new instrument arangement. Aditional weapons are added with full [[Bombable]] support. Small fixes in FDM include more efficient flaps and hardpoint weights. | [[MiG-21]]bis had a major update; 3D model is cleaned and remaped, new texture is added. Cockpit is remodeled and it has new instrument arangement. Aditional weapons are added with full [[Bombable]] support. Small fixes in FDM include more efficient flaps and hardpoint weights. | ||
==== | ==== Zivko Edge ==== | ||
The [[ | The [[Zivko Edge 540|Zivko Edge]] by Torsten Dreyer was already a great airplane, Jentron worked the FDM over and now its quite capable of tumbling and spinning with rough handling. | ||
[[File:10huog1.jpg|thumb|270px|A DR400 fitted with GPS-196 instrument.]] | |||
=== Garmin 196 GPS === | |||
The PAF team is proud to announce the arrival in git of the Garmin 196 GPS instrument. This GPS fits perfectly into light aircrafts such as the [[Robin DR400]], microlight aircraft or helicopters. The source code is available in the fgdata repository. | |||
=== | To include this GPS in your aircraft, simply follow {{fgdata source|path=Aircraft/Instruments-3d/garmin196/README|text=those guidelines}}. A full howto is also available {{fgdata source|path=Aircraft/Instruments-3d/garmin196/doc/doc-en.htm|text=here}}, while [http://www.flightgear.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=15433&p=151735&hilit=garmin#p151735 a thread on the international forums] has been opened. | ||
== Scenery corner == | == Scenery corner == | ||
=== Birds in | === Birds in FlightGear === | ||
''Written by VicMar'' | |||
[[File:Sea_Gulls_2.png|thumb|270px|Seagulls]] | |||
Every so often I get fed up modelling buildings, so I think of other (often silly) things I can model for FlightGear. I have already made several low-poly models which can be used with AI scenarios. This time I have created an animated seagull. | |||
There are | By attaching him, and variations of him, as sub-models to an invisible rotating base, you can have several seagulls circling above any model which has an .xml file. | ||
There are two standard sub-model entries which can be added individually or together to an existing model’s .xml file. Each will add four seagulls: | |||
<model> | <model> | ||
<path>Models/Fauna/SeaGull_Origin.xml</path> | <path>Models/Fauna/SeaGull_Origin.xml</path> | ||
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</offsets> | </offsets> | ||
</model> | </model> | ||
The above option is already available | The above option is already available. An other model, that can be added by changing the <code><path></code> to <tt>Models/Fauna/SeaGull_Origin_2.xml</tt>, has been sent for inclusion in the model database, and should be available very soon. | ||
These entries can be altered to your own preference, or if you so wish you can alter the individual | These entries can be altered to your own preference, or if you so wish you can alter the individual seagull variations, which can be found in <tt>[[$FG_ROOT]]/Models/Fauna</tt>. | ||
Who says we have to be serious all the time? Have fun | Who says we have to be serious all the time? Have fun and enjoy! | ||
=== TerraGear === | === TerraGear === | ||
As you might be aware there is constant genapts850 development going on, to bring the apt.dat 850 format features (and beyond) to FlightGear. This work has now been merged into the official | As you might be aware there is constant genapts850 development going on, to bring the apt.dat 850 format features (and beyond) to FlightGear. This work has now been merged into the official [[TerraGear]] git repository for general consumption. Work is still ongoing to bring in missing features like some special light variants, runway shoulders and different textures. Some bad bugs have been fixed recently and there are even Windows binaries available from our build server. | ||
=== Scenery Data === | === Scenery Data === | ||
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== Aircraft of the month == | == Aircraft of the month == | ||
Because of its very nice latest developments, the Cessna 337G Skymaster has been chosen to be Aircraft of April. | |||
{{#ev:youtube|zEziMvdLorw|400|Aircraft of the Month - Cessna 337G Skymaster}} | |||
== Airport of the month == | == Airport of the month == | ||
International Airport of Guarulhos (SGBR) in Sao Paulo City, Brasil is available for download at [www.grupofgbr.com.br grupofgbr.com.br]. | |||
[[File:International_Airport_Of_Guarulhos.jpg|800px]] | [[File:International_Airport_Of_Guarulhos.jpg|800px]] | ||
[[File:International Airport Of Guarulhos (1).jpg|423px]][[File:International Airport Of Guarulhos (2).jpg|377px]] | [[File:International Airport Of Guarulhos (1).jpg|423px]][[File:International Airport Of Guarulhos (2).jpg|377px]] | ||
== Screenshot of the month == | == Screenshot of the month == | ||
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== Suggested flights == | == Suggested flights == | ||
=== Central Karakoram range === | === Central Karakoram range === | ||
Let's explore one of the highest regions of the planet - the central Karakoram with the densest concentration of mountains of 8000 m and above. We're going to need a good climbing performance for the trip - even the frozen | Let's explore one of the highest regions of the planet - the central Karakoram with the densest concentration of mountains of 8000 m and above. We're going to need a good climbing performance for the trip - even the frozen plateau of Baltoro glacier, above which K2 and Gasherbrum V and VI loom, is more than 13,000 ft high. | ||
[[File:Karakoram1.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Circling Gasherbrum I]] | [[File:Karakoram1.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Circling Gasherbrum I]] | ||
Take off from Skardu airport in Pakistan (OPSD). Skardu has a reasonably long (11,944 ft) runway at just 7,316 ft elevation, so you can take a jet, but for instance the Twin Otter is more stylish. | Take off from Skardu airport in Pakistan (OPSD). Skardu has a reasonably long (11,944 ft) runway at just 7,316 ft elevation, so you can take a jet, but for instance the [[De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|Twin Otter]] is more stylish. | ||
South of Skardu lies Deosai park, a famous high plateau, but we turn initially east. There's a chain of lakes which is the Indus river. After about five miles, the Shigar river merges with the Indus. Turn slightly left and follow the Shigar, then follow it into a long and broad lake-filled valley stretching into north-western direction. | South of Skardu lies Deosai park, a famous high plateau, but we turn initially east. There's a chain of lakes which is the Indus river. After about five miles, the Shigar river merges with the Indus. Turn slightly left and follow the Shigar, then follow it into a long and broad lake-filled valley stretching into north-western direction. | ||
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Passing a few lakes, you reach finally Baltoro glacier continuing the river valley stretching eastward. Ever climbing, follow the glacier till you reach some kind of T-junction. The glacier arm reaching north leads to K2 (which sadly isn't really there in Flightgear), but just ahead of you are the still rather impressive peaks of Gasherbrum V, VI and I - circle the range and make some pictures! | Passing a few lakes, you reach finally Baltoro glacier continuing the river valley stretching eastward. Ever climbing, follow the glacier till you reach some kind of T-junction. The glacier arm reaching north leads to K2 (which sadly isn't really there in Flightgear), but just ahead of you are the still rather impressive peaks of Gasherbrum V, VI and I - circle the range and make some pictures! | ||
A good way back to Skardu is to go about 10 miles sourth from the Gasherbrum peaks, then head due west. To your west, you can see the long valleys fall away from the high ranges, to your right is the still glacier-covered high Karakoram. On a clear day (really good visibility selected) you can see the distinctive peak of Nanga Parbat appearing straight ahead on the horizon. The valley of Skardu is quite a distinctive feature and finding back VFR should not be a problem. | |||
A good way back to Skardu is to go about 10 miles sourth from the Gasherbrum peaks, then head due west. To your west, you can see the long valleys fall away from the high ranges, to your right is the still glacier-covered high Karakoram. On a clear day (really good visibility selected) you can see the distinctive peak of | |||
== Wiki updates == | == Wiki updates == | ||
Throughout April, various aspects of the wiki have been changed or updated. The wiki software is now running the latest stable release, providing better security and usability. A side effect of this update is a bunch of new features | Throughout April, various aspects of the wiki have been changed or updated. The wiki software is now running the latest stable release, providing better security and usability. A side effect of this update is a bunch of new features, together with some new extensions that were installed. | ||
Some of the most noticeable changes include: | Some of the most noticeable changes include: | ||
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* Vector is the '''new default style''' of the wiki. It comes with a more advanced search box (moved to the top right of the page), showing suggestions of articles that you might be looking for. | * Vector is the '''new default style''' of the wiki. It comes with a more advanced search box (moved to the top right of the page), showing suggestions of articles that you might be looking for. | ||
* A '''new editor''' provides a more extensive interface for editing articles online. | * A '''new editor''' provides a more extensive interface for editing articles online. | ||
* '''Aircraft categories''' have been cleaned up and now match the categories on (the English) Wikipedia. Please see [[:Category:Aircraft]] for an overview of available categories, before categorising an aircraft article. ''No'' aircraft articles should be categorised | * '''Aircraft categories''' have been cleaned up and now match the categories on (the English) Wikipedia. Please see [[:Category:Aircraft]] for an overview of available categories, before categorising an aircraft article. ''No'' aircraft articles should be categorised with <code><nowiki>[[Category:Aircraft]]</nowiki></code>, use the subcategories instead! | ||
At the same time the portals and main page have been redesigned, providing a cleaner and more attractive look. Over the last four years, the portals became long lists of links (some links even managed to get listed three times in the same portal), making it hard for anyone to find what he/she is looking for. The new portals are far from complete; in the upcoming week(s), all old links will be reconsidered and, when appropriate, re-placed in one of the portals. | |||
Feedback on all of this is extremely appreciated! Feel free to share your thoughts in the (new) [[FlightGear wiki:Village pump|Village Pump]]. | |||
== | == Useful link == | ||
* [http://www.aircharts.org www.aircharts.org] provides fast, simple access to aerodrome charts. This includes STIDs, STARs, Approach Procedures, IAPs and the ICAO-standard aeordrome chart itself. It also provides en-route charts for the USA and most of Europe. IFR flight planning just became a lot easier! | |||
== And finally ... == | == And finally ... == | ||
=== Contributing === | === Contributing === | ||
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* The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer. | * The [[OpenRadar]] project is looking for a new maintainer. | ||
* The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer. | * The [[FGFSPM]] (FlightGear Package Manager) is looking for a new maintainer. | ||
[[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2012 04]] | [[Category:FlightGear Newsletter|2012 04]] | ||