ryanbatc
September 11th, 2014, 07:25
I recently purchased the P3D version of Flight1's new GTN 750 gauge (it's basically the same as the FSX version). At present this is a popup window in most VC's, because no one (except Milviz I believe) really has a nice 3d integration yet... I'm sure it will change. F1 included a simple config gauge which creates a 2d popup in any plane in your inventory. There are other options like auto tune course etc in the config program.
I'm still an RXP user in FSX but this new GTN gauge makes me consider the FSX version.... it's that good. The navdatabase is updatable with the proper file or files (pretty much like RXP 530/430W). The touchscreen format works very well with user mouse input. While at present there is no linkgps=on equivalent (linkgps=on allowed the data from RXP to display on third party gauges like the Carenado TBM etc), F1 is working on adding these variables so the gauge will be fully compatible with third party aircraft. I believe they are also working on a crossfill to share the flight plan between the 750 and 650. Realair are going to integrate these units into their products (in the form of a 3d gauge bezel like they did with RXP) as well as their upcoming Turbine Duke v2.
Anyway, the product does some really cool things that my old RXP unit never could. GTN can place airways into your flight plan, you just add the first fix on the airway, then click that fix, and a sub menu pops up where you can add the airway, then add the exit point. It shortens the amount of work, especially compared to the old RXP where you'd have to add the fixes along the airway if it bent. GTN also does a nice job of calculating Vertical Speed Required, a bit of a VNAV that RXP claimed to have, but I could never get it working. VSR readout can be configured to display on the main map navigation page, and or the unit will give you a flashing MSG when it's time to descend at your profile rate. You can also do track, heading, or north up in the map view. There's a few more features new and improved from the RXP but I haven't gone over the entire manual yet.
The price was a bit frustrating for me as it's $15 OVER the cost of the FSX version... seems the new trend is to sell two separate versions and jack the price up for P3D... argh. But since I couldn't have RXP in P3D this was worth it to me.
Anyway I recommend it for P3D and once more devs integrate it will be lovely in both sims. It's definitely better than the old 530/430W especially once F1 adds the variables to talk to third party addons.
I'm still an RXP user in FSX but this new GTN gauge makes me consider the FSX version.... it's that good. The navdatabase is updatable with the proper file or files (pretty much like RXP 530/430W). The touchscreen format works very well with user mouse input. While at present there is no linkgps=on equivalent (linkgps=on allowed the data from RXP to display on third party gauges like the Carenado TBM etc), F1 is working on adding these variables so the gauge will be fully compatible with third party aircraft. I believe they are also working on a crossfill to share the flight plan between the 750 and 650. Realair are going to integrate these units into their products (in the form of a 3d gauge bezel like they did with RXP) as well as their upcoming Turbine Duke v2.
Anyway, the product does some really cool things that my old RXP unit never could. GTN can place airways into your flight plan, you just add the first fix on the airway, then click that fix, and a sub menu pops up where you can add the airway, then add the exit point. It shortens the amount of work, especially compared to the old RXP where you'd have to add the fixes along the airway if it bent. GTN also does a nice job of calculating Vertical Speed Required, a bit of a VNAV that RXP claimed to have, but I could never get it working. VSR readout can be configured to display on the main map navigation page, and or the unit will give you a flashing MSG when it's time to descend at your profile rate. You can also do track, heading, or north up in the map view. There's a few more features new and improved from the RXP but I haven't gone over the entire manual yet.
The price was a bit frustrating for me as it's $15 OVER the cost of the FSX version... seems the new trend is to sell two separate versions and jack the price up for P3D... argh. But since I couldn't have RXP in P3D this was worth it to me.
Anyway I recommend it for P3D and once more devs integrate it will be lovely in both sims. It's definitely better than the old 530/430W especially once F1 adds the variables to talk to third party addons.