Howto:Add instruments to a cockpit: Difference between revisions

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Adding instruments consists of a few major steps:
Adding instruments consists of a few major steps:


1. Identify the instrument needed to be added. Search the web for images and descriptions of instruments, there are many, some with the exact model numbers and manufacturer's name.
1. Identify the instrument needed to be added. Search the web for images and descriptions. 2. Locate an aircraft with a similar instrument
 
2. Locate an aircraft with a similar instrument


3. Copy the instrument files into the folder of the aircraft you want to update
3. Copy the instrument files into the folder of the aircraft you want to update

Revision as of 05:23, 18 May 2012

Adding Instruments to existing models

Many of the aircraft offerred for download on the Flight Gear Aircraft Download page are detailled and complete. Some models, however lack instrumentation, and in many cases only the basic instruments are available.

Fortunately, adding new instruments is a relatively easy task. I have done this a few times myself, and the biggest difficulty is actually placing the instrument accurately, not to get it working. I have added a DME unit to the Beech 1900D and also an ASI to the DHC-8-300Q.

For aircraft that are already released under the GPL licence, instruments can be re-used in other aircraft. (Check this )

Adding instruments consists of a few major steps:

1. Identify the instrument needed to be added. Search the web for images and descriptions. 2. Locate an aircraft with a similar instrument

3. Copy the instrument files into the folder of the aircraft you want to update

4. Edit the file that specifies the instrument and its location.

A Real life example

Let's update the instruments of the Dash8-300Q for a start.

The existing aircraft, version v20101217 from the version 2.6 aircraft download page has the following set of basic instruments ( Radios will be covered later)

  • Air Speed Indicator (ASI)
  • Altimeter
  • Artificial Horizon

We can see that our aircraft is lacking the following

  • Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)
  • (certain other instruments that will be covered later)