DreamFleet1

Well, so much for FS11 for now. Looks like nothing has changed over the years- LOL! All I will add is that I do not have to run my monitor at its max of 2560 x 1440, of course. I do not even run it at that normally. Right now I have it at 2048 x 1152. It's a 32" Viewsonic. 20 years ago I used to pay $1100 for 21" Viewsonic CRTs, this one was $275!

Looks like we're neighbors. You're the next city north of me!

Many thanks! We'll see how long I stay back- LOL! Anyway, the CPU is an Intel Core i7-8700 CPU @ 3.20GHz Also edited my post to reflect that. Not happy to hear about the video, MS said that was recommended, not minimum, but then again I have more than a passing familiarity with MS and what they say will work well. I used to buy a new machine with every new version. Back then, they paid for themselves!

Hello all, It's been almost 13 years, and perhaps some of you might recognize me (not sure if that's good!) If you do recognize me you'll know I am not new to MSFS, in fact far, far from it. I still have my MS DevCon badge from the '07 Seattle meeting! That was then, and this is now. Anyway, I'm debating getting the latest version, but that will not happen until the flight control hardware I want is back in stock, however in the meantime I could use opinions on my machine. MS says it should be more than adequate, but I want to know from those using the Sim. Dell XPS 8930 (8 months old) Intel® Core™ i7-8700 CPU @ 3.20GHz 32gb RAM 512gb SSD C: drive 2tb HDD Nvidia GTX1050 w/ 4gb (yes, I know, even more = better!) Many thanks for any opinions, and I'll see how this plays out!

As to what the future holds, I have no clue, but I do agree with you about FS9. As for me: I upgraded PCs each time a new version came out. Dell was always my choice. I didn't have time to waste to build anything custom. As to the Aces team; all great folks. My first contact at MS was with Hal Bryan, back in the FS2000 days. He's now with EAA! I pray that they offer the same support to 3rd party developers again- don't let us down. I hope to have to check on flights from FLL or MIA to to SEA, now that I'm living in Florida.

I started with FS98 20+ years ago, and I am speaking with folks behind the scenes and DF team members. We are paying VERY close attention to this. If MSFS comes back, we're coming back, and with all new aircraft too. Clean slate. Of course, I might make an exception for a re-do of Nels' Archer! We shall see, but, and at age 60, I've still got the stamina for another version or two, or four!

Tim, Did you read / follow what Razorback said above?

For the few of you having issues with the Dakota in Vista 32, please try this gauge update. NOTE: Consider this to be "beta" until we get feedback from you in this thread. Download the update here: http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/Previews/236/downloads/DF236_Gauges.zip Installation: 1. Unzip the file to a folder of your choice. Open the folder and look inside where you will find the following (2) files: df236.dll and rxp-DF236-Setup.exe. 2. Copy the df236.dll to the FSX/Gauges folder and overwrite the existing df236.dll 3. To play it safe, open up the FSX/Gauges folder and delete the following (3) files from it: rxpFLN.df236.dll, rxpFLT.df236.dll, and rxpGNS.df236.dll 3. Run the rxp-DF236-Setup.exe installer to install the revised Reality XP gauges that you deleted above. NOTE: ** When running the RXP installer there is NO need to re-install the Garmin trainer. ** This Update does NOT include the new Reality XP 32 bit GNS430W. This will follow in a later update. ** It is also important that you have read and followed the instructions concerning use of the Garmin Trainer in Vista, located in this thread: https://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?t=181505 Please report your findings to this thread. Thank you! :)

For those and only those who are experiencing texture issues with the Dakota aircraft models in SP1, please install these new SP1 models, which are available here: http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/Previews/236/SP1.html

1) DONT TRY TO INSTALL ANY GARMIN TRAINER ON YOUR OWN - USE THE ONE SUPPLIED WITH THE INSTALLER. - When launching the installer, DO select the "Garmin Trainer" install option in the RXP installer. It will copy the installer files into the following folder in case you need to reinstall the trainer only directly. C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Reality XP\Common\GnsTrainer\Inst430 If you do select the option, the installer will also AUTOMATICALLY start the Trainer installer. At this stage, when the Garmin installer prompts you, CHOOSE a simple folder with less than 8 chars. We recommend: C:\GNS430\ This shall solve all your issues. NB: the reason for the issue is Vista UAC. We do include a small program in the installer that is supposed to change the folder access rights, but it seems it may not be working properly for now. For the most technical readers, this program is copied into your: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Reality XP\Common\GnsTrainer\ The filename is: chgTrainerRights.exe You can try reinstalling the Trainer in the default folder, then open a console window, launch the program with the trainer installation folder as command line, like: chgTrainerRights.exe C:\Program Files\Garmin\GARMIN 400 Series Trainer\ in order to see if this works on your system. 2) for the "FPL LOCK" message, please, as mentioned in the Dakota User's Manual, download and read the Garmin Manual. Basically, it means you are loading the GNS with a flight plan, which is using a waypoint not found in the database. You can choose which database you want the GNS to run with. This message is normal. Regards, Jean-Luc Dupiot Reality XP

DreamFleet and Reality XP are pleased to announce the release of the Piper Dakota for FSX. Based on the real Piper Dakota, N8086N, owned by DreamFleet's founder, Lou Betti, the DreamFleet Dakota is the first-ever FS GA aircraft to feature a complete set of Reality XP's new "Gauge XTreme" smooth running Flight Line T and Flight Line N gauges in both the 2D panels and Virtual Cockpit. In addition to their high fidelity operation, these gauges also feature completely dimmable gauge backlighting. To top things off; Reality XP's Garmin GNS430, GMA340 Audio Panel, and GTX327 Transponder are also installed. The Dakota is DreamFleet's first aircraft to feature a choice of 3, different 2D panel resolutions for different monitor sizes selectable from within the cockpit. Offered for the price of $34.95 the DreamFleet Dakota for FSX is the follow up to the very popular DreamFleet Dakota for FS9. Aside from the Reality XP gauges, the Dakota features a highly detailed Virtual Cockpit, the ability to remove the landing gear fairings, two engine sound sets, choice of male or female pilot models, Ten included liveries, and many other features. Learn more about the DreamFleet Dakota by visiting the DreamFleet website. http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/Previews/236/preview_home.html

DreamFleet and Reality XP are pleased to announce the release of the Piper Dakota for FSX. Based on the real Piper Dakota, N8086N, owned by DreamFleet's founder, Lou Betti, the DreamFleet Dakota is the first-ever FS GA aircraft to feature a complete set of Reality XP's new "Gauge XTreme" smooth running Flight Line T and Flight Line N gauges in both the 2D panels and Virtual Cockpit. In addition to their high fidelity operation, these gauges also feature completely dimmable gauge backlighting. To top things off; Reality XP's Garmin GNS430, GMA340 Audio Panel, and GTX327 Transponder are also installed. The Dakota is DreamFleet's first aircraft to feature a choice of 3, different 2D panel resolutions for different monitor sizes selectable from within the cockpit. Offered for the price of $34.95 the DreamFleet Dakota for FSX is the follow up to the very popular DreamFleet Dakota for FS9. Aside from the Reality XP gauges, the Dakota features a highly detailed Virtual Cockpit, the ability to remove the landing gear fairings, two engine sound sets, choice of male or female pilot models, Ten included liveries, and many other features. Learn more about the DreamFleet Dakota by visiting the DreamFleet website. http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/Previews/236/preview_home.html

Hi Stan, I learned the 430 by using the trainer standalone (it has its own simulator mode) along with referring to the manual. I spent several hours with it and then with use in the real plane that was it. You are going to have to spend several hours with it easily to learn all the functions and to be able navigate around its many functions with some ease. Not sure what you are talking about with the file menu and map view, for if you want to go KSEA to CYVR you just use a Direct to using the Direct button and enter CYVR and hit enter a couple of times. For more complex routes you would enter a flight plan, all explained in the Garmin manual. :)

As we begin to bring products into FSX we have some decisions to make as to the order of releases. So this simple poll might help us. Indeed the Dakota will be first for FSX, but after that I have to decide which of these two should follow. Archer III or Beech A36. Anything we bring into FSX will be fully SP2 / DX10 compatible. These will not be FS9 models brought into FSX. This poll is non-binding and as such the results may or may not be followed by DF, but we would still like your input. Thanks. :)

Here you go! :) https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/downloadsUpdates.jsp?product=010-00182-11&cID=194&pID=119

Aside from addressing any issues and/or providing support for our DreamManager or Text-o-Matic utilities, DreamFleet does not provide support in regards to helping you repaint aircraft ("how to" advice) However, other customers may feel free to provide such assistance. It is out of the scope of us providing templates and utilities to also provide advice or education in regards to repainting aircraft using our templates. The time simply does not exist for us to do this. While you may feel free to ask "how to" questions at our support forum, please do not expect DreamFleet staff to provide the answers. If we do provide such answers they will be at our discretion. Thank you for your understanding.

This FAQ forum is a read-only forum. As time passes, DreamFleet Staff will post questions / answers / information here. You may scan the various thread subjects, or perform a search using relevant key words. Thank you. DreamFleet 727 Development Team

Greatest Airliners:727 (version 2) List of changes, additions and features. MAIN PANEL * Engine fire handles no longer light up when the fire handle is pulled, they only light in the event of a fire or during the fire circuit test. * Stab out of trim light now correctly only lights when the trim is outside the normal trim range AND the autopilot is engaged. * Take-off call outs can now be set using the Airspeed Indicator reference bugs (using the provided performance tables) and have the First Officer correctly call various call-outs during the take-off roll including: ‘fuel flows, normal’, ‘V1, rotate’, ‘V2’ ‘positive rate’ etc * Hydraulic pressure gauge now displays the correct pressure * Pneumatic brake pressure gauge now displays the correct pressure * In the Super27’s, the engine gauges display different values for engine 2 as this engine is different to the other 2 OVERHEAD PANEL * Engine start switches now operate in flight start as well as ground start * Dome light switch now operates the VC dome lighting fully independently of all other lighting functions. APU PANEL * Fire Test can now be done with just the battery on; previously required the APU to be running. * Fire Test no longer illuminates the Fire Warning Light. * Pulling the fire handle no longer causes the alarm bell to ring. * Fuel dump in Transit lights are changed to blue. * Leading edge flap and slats test switch is now correctly spring loaded to the centre position. FLIGHT ENGINEERS PANELS * #2 fuel tank pumps now have a higher output pressure than #1 and #3 tanks and will override those pumps and feed the engines when all cross feeds are open. * APU Bleed air pressure should now shows 36-42 PSI with no packs on and approx. 15 PSI with packs on. Engine start not possible with packs on. * Oxygen gauges now show correct levels THROTTLE/RADIO PANEL * For the Super27’s, the engine 2 reverser handle has been removed (both 2d and VC) * Transponder is now fully Squawk Box 3 compliant LIVERIES – 67 OF THEM! * The main product now includes 32 liveried 727’s. We are also releasing a further 35 ‘official’ Dreamfleet repaints and these will be available via download for online customers and included on the CD for those that prefer to purchase this way. AIRCRAFT MODELS * Taxi lighting has been strengthened to illuminate the ground using just taxi lights by themselves * The control wheel/yokes can now by clicked to remove them from the VC to give a clearer view of the HSI, and of course clicked to bring them back again. * The Super27’s feature replacement ‘pod’ engines at no.1 and no.3. These are JT8D-217’s (as seen on the MD-80 series) and feature working thrust reverser ‘buckets’. They also have modified engine 2 tailpipes as these aircraft have had the engine 2 thrust reverser mechanism removed as part of their Stage III noise compliance conversion. The product now includes; 727-100 in both passenger and freighter configurations. 727-100 Super27 with winglets in passenger configuration. 727-200 in both passenger and freighter configurations. 727-200 with winglets in both passenger and freighter configurations. 727-200 Super27 with winglets in both passenger and freighter configurations. That’s 9 different 727’s, each of which can be setup to use either a conventional analogue flightdeck or an updated semi-glass EFIS one, no VC, hi-resoltion VC or low resolution VC. FLIGHT MODELS Despite being very highly regarded in all internet forums, there were in fact a number of issues that we wanted to address. As a result of hours spent on the telephone with real world current 727 pilots, this update is considered to be not only as accurate as the previous one in terms of it 'flying by the numbers', but also full of the characteristics that make the 727 what it is. These changes include * Better ground handling * Accurate pitch change in reaction to flaps being extended/retracted – you will need to trim! * Correct reaction to very positive roll control inputs – the spoilerons are now working * Corrected rudder effect to increase turn rate by ensuring minimal slip in turns – manual rudder input should not be used in turns. * And of course, the Super27 models include more power, in fact a lightly loaded –100 Super27 will accurately climb at an alarming rate! MANUALS * Now include black text and mostly colour pictures * Additional performance tables added to cover the Super27’s * Re-edited and now include clickspot links between indexes and information CD * This will become available during January 2006 and include an abbreviated printed version of the main manuals included in pdf form. Yes, that’s a printed manual.

Greatest Airliners:727 (version 2) List of changes, additions and features. MAIN PANEL * Engine fire handles no longer light up when the fire handle is pulled, they only light in the event of a fire or during the fire circuit test. * Stab out of trim light now correctly only lights when the trim is outside the normal trim range AND the autopilot is engaged. * Take-off call outs can now be set using the Airspeed Indicator reference bugs (using the provided performance tables) and have the First Officer correctly call various call-outs during the take-off roll including: ‘fuel flows, normal’, ‘V1, rotate’, ‘V2’ ‘positive rate’ etc * Hydraulic pressure gauge now displays the correct pressure * Pneumatic brake pressure gauge now displays the correct pressure * In the Super27’s, the engine gauges display different values for engine 2 as this engine is different to the other 2 OVERHEAD PANEL * Engine start switches now operate in flight start as well as ground start * Dome light switch now operates the VC dome lighting fully independently of all other lighting functions. APU PANEL * Fire Test can now be done with just the battery on; previously required the APU to be running. * Fire Test no longer illuminates the Fire Warning Light. * Pulling the fire handle no longer causes the alarm bell to ring. * Fuel dump in Transit lights are changed to blue. * Leading edge flap and slats test switch is now correctly spring loaded to the centre position. FLIGHT ENGINEERS PANELS * #2 fuel tank pumps now have a higher output pressure than #1 and #3 tanks and will override those pumps and feed the engines when all cross feeds are open. * APU Bleed air pressure should now shows 36-42 PSI with no packs on and approx. 15 PSI with packs on. Engine start not possible with packs on. * Oxygen gauges now show correct levels THROTTLE/RADIO PANEL * For the Super27’s, the engine 2 reverser handle has been removed (both 2d and VC) * Transponder is now fully Squawk Box 3 compliant LIVERIES – 67 OF THEM! * The main product now includes 32 liveried 727’s. We are also releasing a further 35 ‘official’ Dreamfleet repaints and these will be available via download for online customers and included on the CD for those that prefer to purchase this way. AIRCRAFT MODELS * Taxi lighting has been strengthened to illuminate the ground using just taxi lights by themselves * The control wheel/yokes can now by clicked to remove them from the VC to give a clearer view of the HSI, and of course clicked to bring them back again. * The Super27’s feature replacement ‘pod’ engines at no.1 and no.3. These are JT8D-217’s (as seen on the MD-80 series) and feature working thrust reverser ‘buckets’. They also have modified engine 2 tailpipes as these aircraft have had the engine 2 thrust reverser mechanism removed as part of their Stage III noise compliance conversion. The product now includes; 727-100 in both passenger and freighter configurations. 727-100 Super27 with winglets in passenger configuration. 727-200 in both passenger and freighter configurations. 727-200 with winglets in both passenger and freighter configurations. 727-200 Super27 with winglets in both passenger and freighter configurations. That’s 9 different 727’s, each of which can be setup to use either a conventional analogue flightdeck or an updated semi-glass EFIS one, no VC, hi-resoltion VC or low resolution VC. FLIGHT MODELS Despite being very highly regarded in all internet forums, there were in fact a number of issues that we wanted to address. As a result of hours spent on the telephone with real world current 727 pilots, this update is considered to be not only as accurate as the previous one in terms of it 'flying by the numbers', but also full of the characteristics that make the 727 what it is. These changes include * Better ground handling * Accurate pitch change in reaction to flaps being extended/retracted – you will need to trim! * Correct reaction to very positive roll control inputs – the spoilerons are now working * Corrected rudder effect to increase turn rate by ensuring minimal slip in turns – manual rudder input should not be used in turns. * And of course, the Super27 models include more power, in fact a lightly loaded –100 Super27 will accurately climb at an alarming rate! MANUALS * Now include black text and mostly colour pictures * Additional performance tables added to cover the Super27’s * Re-edited and now include clickspot links between indexes and information CD * This will become available during January 2006 and include an abbreviated printed version of the main manuals included in pdf form. Yes, that’s a printed manual.

:-) Regards, [link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx2/forum_banners/LOU.gif] Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming an FMC to do it for you?[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

We sometimes do get questions on the right FS settings for realism and on the sensitivities of controls that are recommended for our planes. I would like to share what I use while developing the Bonanza and Baron and will continue to use for the ones to come. A) Realism settings: General full right P-factor middle Torque middle Gyro middle Crash tolerance full right I have chosen the middle on P-factor, Torque and Gyro to leave adjustment possibilities for personal taste and design the flight dynamics with these settings to be as close as I can get them to the information received from our supporting aircraft owners. B) Sensitivities settings: This is very hardware dependant and can be further influenced by the proper calibration of your input devices. I use CH yoke and pedals which versus conventional joysticks have a wider actuation range and therefore allow softer control inputs. To understand what FS does when changing the Sensitivity slider position and the zero zones, you can either watch your plane from the outside and zoom close to the control surfaces, secondly press “y” to switch to yaw mode or watch the data in a registered FSUIPC (which allows you to do more corrections if your calibration does not deliver the proper results. Step one is to properly calibrate your input device in windows. Having done set the sensitivity slider to the maximum and the zero sliders to the minimum, so that the controls do not show movements, the plane does not move around or you get 0 values in FSUIPC. Step two is to adjust the sensitivity slider. What FS does is to time delay your control inputs when set to lower than maximum values. Starting from maximum slider position, you can see that by observing the plane or the values the following: If you move your axis fast to the max, you will see the control surface move synchronized or the values going right to the max which should be 16384. If you set the slider lower, you will see that the control surface movement or the values will increase with a time delay, thus softening short term inputs into the controls and therefore in the reaction of the plane. At minimum slider position it will take a couple of seconds until the maximum deflection is achieved. Now, as we expect our planes in good shape, the recommendation is clear: Minimize your zero zones on all axis and max out sensitivities, unless you have a lot of noise in your device which causes trouble. In case of that, a soft increase of zero zone can help for the mid position and a soft reduction in sensitivity can help in the deflected positions. Best regards and enjoy flying DreamFleet planes! Alexander Metzger DreamFleet Flight Dynamics Engineer

Issues with installing the Garmin trainer software are extremely rare, however, if you have triend everything else, here are a few more suggestions: Try installing the Garmin trainers available directly from the Garmin web site. They come both as a full installer and as a zip file: http://www.garmin.com/products/gns430/# http://www.garmin.com/software/simulators/TRAIN430.EXE http://www.garmin.com/software/simulators/TRAIN430.ZIP Have you disabled any anti-virus or firewall software prior to trying the install ? A recent post suggests that for Norton Antivirus, even disabing it still keeps certain associated processes running, which have to be manually stopped. If this is what you use, it might be worth checking. Are you running with full Admin Rights ? Are you selecting a "simple" install directory like C:\Garmin ? Lastly, and a bit of a long-shot, what partition type is your HD, NTFS or FAT32 ? I recently had a problem with the full IWI install that was eventually tracked down to the format type. This was a file-number-limit with FAT32 partitions, and I doubt it relevant, but ..... Alastair Monk Support Staff

DreamFleet is currently expanding its programming operations, and is seeking individuals to join our programming staff. Qualified individuals must possess the following: ** C/C++ programming experience with proven track record working with the Microsoft Panel and Gauge SDK. ** Appreciation of when not to use Object Oriented Programming. ** Desire to be a member of a talented, motivated, passionate team. ** Ability to analyze situations and assist in providing strategic direction for the team ** Ability to work within schedule constraints. ** Ability to schedule one's own tasks realistically. ** Sufficient written and oral communication skills in the English language. ** Self-starter - with the ability to work productively with minimum supervision ** Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Ability to remain current on all aspects of cutting edge programming as it relates to the video game industry. ** Experience using the Visual Studio development environment a plus. ** Experience programming gauges in XML is a plus. ** Experience working with graphics programs such as Photoshop/Paint Shop Pro is a plus. ** An avid gamer / flight simmer with a passion for creating great products. Interested and qualified individuals only should contact DreamFleet's Louis Betti at: loubetti@earthlink.net Complete details will be provided at that time, and all correspondence will be kept in strictest confidence. Please, no e-mail to me unless you are interested and qualified. Thanks [/font color = black] :-) Regards, [link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/Forum_Banners/LOU.gif] Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming an FMC to do it for you?[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

Hello all, For those new to using what is essentially a "real" Garmin 430 that is in the Archer III or A36, take the advice of someone who owns a real Garmin 430 that is in a real plane. 1. Download the 430 manual(s) from Garmin, and open it in a Window. http://www.garmin.com/products/manual.jsp?product=010-00139-11 2. Run the 430 Trainer on its own, no need to run the Beech A36. 3. Now, with manual on one half of your screen (the top half should work), and the trainer on the other half (the bottom half) this is very easy. The trainer will allow you to conduct simulated "flights", easier than if you had to do the same in the A36. As you read the manual, you can play with all the functions. 4. Transfer what you have learned to the Archer III or A36, just as I did with the real 430 in my Piper Dakota. This is how I learned to use the real 430, and I would do it this way again. :-) Regards, [link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/Forum_Banners/LOU.gif] Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming an FMC to do it for you?[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

This applies to any product that uses Text-o-Matic. If you are making any changes to settings in your aircraft.cfg file, for whatever reason, you must also make these same changes to the "master" aircraft.cfg that is used by Text-o-Matic, otherwise you will lose these changes each time you run T-o-M. This "master" aircraft.cfg can be found along the path: FSxxxx\Flight One Software\Text-o-Matic\Data."name of aircraft"... Example: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator 9\Flight One Software\Text-o-Matic\Data.DFA36 It is located in the appropriate "Data." folder that carries the name of the aircraft you are modifying the aircraft.cfg file on. Example: for the Cessna 310, the folder is named: Data.F1310 This only applies to changes NOT related to the aircraft description; in essence, the sections titled {fltsim.0}, {fltsim.1}, etc. should NOT be carried over to this master aircraft.cfg file. Only if you make changes to flight dynamic values, and the other sections of the .cfg. These types of changes must be copied over to this master aircraft.cfg. It would also be very wise to make a backup copy of this master aircraft.cfg file before making changes to it.