Milton's Lodestar Cockpit Problem

[jmbiii]

Milton, or anyone, the Lodestar is a great plane in FSX, however in both the VC and 2D panels there are quite a few switches and knobs that do not work. Like all the tuning knobs for the avionics or the autopilot switches and buttons. I've looked at the panel config files and everything appears to be there. The gauges all appear to display properly.
:confused: Can someone give me a tip on what to look for that might be missing or needed?

[familton]

The aircraft.cfg for the radios is not correct. There are no standby channels for the COM1, COM2., NAV1 and NAV2. Change the Radios section to:

[Radios] // availiable, standby frequency, has glide slope
Audio.1 = 1
Com.1 = 1, 0
Com.2 = 1, 0
Nav.1 = 1, 0, 1
Nav.2 = 1, 0, 0
Adf.1 = 1
Adf.2 = 1
Transponder.1 = 1
Marker.1 = 1

This will allow the radios to be tuned. I'll look at the autopilot. Bob.

[srgalahad]

When you say "don't work" do you mean the switches don't move. or they don't provide the function?

The avionics and AP all work fine for me - as long as the Avionics Master switch is set "on".
Without this the AP will not work, the ADF radios will be tunable but the VHF radios will not. Try selecting the master to "on" (you will likely see the tip of the switch showing through the cover when on.


Also, it helps to have "tool Tips" turned on to see, for the example, the ADF frequency.

The mouse points are:
ADF radios - just outside the "Vol" knob (scroll wheel works up and down) and mousing over the Band selector switch (green) will show the precise frequency dialed in.
VHF radios: MHz outside the larger of the knobs +/_ but scroll wheel only works in the up/down direction being used (right/left side of knob)
Decimal values are within the inner "Vol" ring - scroll wheel works up and down equally.
There is a bit of a conflict between the separate audio selector switches and the audio selectors on the individual VHF radios -use the discrete switches on the left side for best results.

All other switches function for me

[familton]

When you say "don't work" do you mean the switches don't move. or they don't provide the function?

The avionics and AP all work fine for me - as long as the Avionics Master switch is set "on".
Without this the AP will not work, the ADF radios will be tunable but the VHF radios will not. Try selecting the master to "on" (you will likely see the tip of the switch showing through the cover when on.


Also, it helps to have "tool Tips" turned on to see, for the example, the ADF frequency.

The mouse points are:
ADF radios - just outside the "Vol" knob (scroll wheel works up and down) and mousing over the Band selector switch (green) will show the precise frequency dialed in.
VHF radios: MHz outside the larger of the knobs +/_ but scroll wheel only works in the up/down direction being used (right/left side of knob)
Decimal values are within the inner "Vol" ring - scroll wheel works up and down equally.
There is a bit of a conflict between the separate audio selector switches and the audio selectors on the individual VHF radios -use the discrete switches on the left side for best results.

All other switches function for me

The original radios section in the aircraft.cfg had standby capabilities set (1). There are no standby radios. You could not tune the radios. My change above sets no standby capability and allows the radios to tune OK with the knobs. The autopilot works OK. There are no lights on the switches so you need Tooltips turned on to see what switches are on/off.

I added simicons for the radio, map, GPS and ATC and a trim gauge. If anyone wants it here are the panel.cfg additions:

gauge41=SimIcons!Avionics Icon, 867,529,20,20
gauge42=SimIcons!GPS Icon, 867,552,20,20
gauge43=SimIcons!Map Icon, 847,529,20,20
gauge44=SimIcons!ATC Icon, 847,552,20,20
gauge45=Beech_Baron!Pitch Trim, 1646,515,36,99

Bob.

[expat]

Was flying the L-18 when I saw this thread just now! My radios and AP work. What doesn't work are the engine starter switches. They turn over but don't catch (full rich, etc) either in the 2d or VC. Did I miss you need to tweak the starter_torque entry or something like that?

[Milton Shupe]

Was flying the L-18 when I saw this thread just now! My radios and AP work. What doesn't work are the engine starter switches. They turn over but don't catch (full rich, etc) either in the 2d or VC. Did I miss you need to tweak the starter_torque entry or something like that?

Try changing starter torque to .35

[Milton Shupe]

Milton, or anyone, the Lodestar is a great plane in FSX, however in both the VC and 2D panels there are quite a few switches and knobs that do not work. Like all the tuning knobs for the avionics or the autopilot switches and buttons. I've looked at the panel config files and everything appears to be there. The gauges all appear to display properly.
:confused: Can someone give me a tip on what to look for that might be missing or needed?

Looks like you did not get the upgrade here that corrected that problem and others, and added non-specular models to the package:

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?linkid=20135&catid=33

[expat]

Try changing starter torque to .35

Thanks Milton. Great to see how popular the new Lodestar is.

[jmbiii]

Thanks, Milton ! :wavey: That did the trick ! I must have been out cutting the grass back then and missed it.

[familton]

Thanks Milton. Is the 0.35 in the update? Bob.

[Milton Shupe]

Thanks Milton. Is the 0.35 in the update? Bob.

Negative; it's just a robust start setting.

[familton]

Negative; it's just a robust start setting.
Hi Milton. OK. Thanks. It looks like its set to 0.03 *** in the newest version. I'll change it to 0.35. Bob.

[familton]

If anyone wants camera definitions for the tail, right wing and left wing here they are. Just add them after the General Section in the aircraft.cfg. Bob.

[CameraDefinition.0]
Title = "Tail"
Guid = {5c1df273-034b-4e7f-953a-9d5e26f1646c}
Description = Looking forward from behind the aircraft
Origin = Center
SnapPbhAdjust = Swivel
SnapPbhReturn = FALSE
PanPbhAdjust = Swivel
PanPbhReturn = FALSE
Track = None
ShowAxis = FALSE
AllowZoom = TRUE
InitialZoom = .75
ShowWeather = Yes
InitialXyz = 0, 3.5, -28.0
InitialPbh = 5, 0, 0
XyzAdjust = TRUE
Category=Aircraft
MomentumEffect=TRUE
ClipMode=Minimum



[CameraDefinition.1]
Title = "Right Wing"
Guid = {C690EAFD-223A-42d0-99E0-681ADF93BB59}
Description = View from the right wing tip looking at the cockpit
Origin = Center
SnapPbhAdjust = Swivel
SnapPbhReturn = FALSE
PanPbhAdjust = Swivel
PanPbhReturn = FALSE
Track = None
ShowAxis = FALSE
AllowZoom = TRUE
InitialZoom = 0.4
ShowWeather = Yes
InitialXyz = 15, 1.9, -2.1
InitialPbh = 6, 0, 270
XyzAdjust = TRUE
Category=Aircraft
MomentumEffect = FALSE
ClipMode=Minimum

[CameraDefinition.2]
Title = "Left Wing"
Guid = {f25dfa2e-fd2e-4b89-81e2-0575cbcb60de}
Description = View from the left wing tip looking at the cockpit
Origin = Center
SnapPbhAdjust = Swivel
SnapPbhReturn = FALSE
PanPbhAdjust = Swivel
PanPbhReturn = FALSE
Track = None
ShowAxis = FALSE
AllowZoom = TRUE
InitialZoom = 0.4
ShowWeather = Yes
InitialXyz = -15, 1.9, -2.1
InitialPbh = 6, 0, 90
XyzAdjust = TRUE
Category=Aircraft
MomentumEffect = No
ClipMode=Minimum

[napacon]

First off I LOVE this plane..as we all do..BUT now that we are improving it ,I got a question...Lights Trailing lights...Any thing I can do?? Thnx All


http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/beana51/screenshot1011_zpsuexomcsa.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/beana51/media/screenshot1011_zpsuexomcsa.jpg.html)

[Milton Shupe]

First off I LOVE this plane..as we all do..BUT now that we are improving it ,I got a question...Lights Trailing lights...Any thing I can do?? Thnx All


http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/beana51/screenshot1011_zpsuexomcsa.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/beana51/media/screenshot1011_zpsuexomcsa.jpg.html)

Well, Sir, those are taxi lights on your gear, not to be used on your takeoff run :-) but unfortunately they can only be controlled by the landing lights switches in FS9 VC. So, before you go outside, turn off the landing lights.

Otherwise, you can remove or comment out those lights in the Lights section of the aircraft.cfg. they are clearly identified, 2 entries, light 7 and 13.

[napacon]

Well, Sir, those are taxi lights on your gear, not to be used on your takeoff run :-) but unfortunately they can only be controlled by the landing lights switches in FS9 VC. So, before you go outside, turn off the landing lights.

Otherwise, you can remove or comment out those lights in the Lights section of the aircraft.cfg. they are clearly identified, 2 entries, light 7 and 13.


Thank You Sir...Will do......

[familton]

Her's what I have in the lights section. The gear taxi lights are 8 and 9 not the ones mentioned above.

[LIGHTS] // types: 1=beacon, 2=strobe, 3=navigation, 4=cockpit, 5=landing, 6=Taxi, 7=Recognition, 8=Wing, 9=Logo, 10=Cabin

light.1 = 3, -34.500, 0.000, 3.340, fx_navwhi //tail white nav
light.2 = 3, -34.500, 0.000, 3.093, fx_navred //tail white nav
light.3 = 3, -1.072, -32.710, 3.890, fx_navred //left wing
light.4 = 3, -1.072, 32.710, 3.870, fx_navgre //right wing
light.5 = 2, -6.151, 0.000, -1.010, fx_strobe //belly strobe
light.6 = 1, -27.021, 0.000, 5.440, fx_beacon //tail beacon
light.7 = 1, -6.200, 0.000, -3.440, fx_beacon //belly beacon
light.8 = 6, 3.100, -7.044, -4.480, fx_taxi_ju //left gear taxi light
light.9 = 6, 3.100, 7.044, -4.480, fx_taxi_ju //right gear taxi light
light.10 = 7, 15.700, 0.000, 0.055, fx_taxi_ju //Nose Warning Light
light.11 = 8, -0.367, -2.241, 4.186, fx_taxi_ju //left wing ice light
light.12 = 10, -14.904, 1.342, 2.870, fx_cabinlites //right side
light.13 = 10, -5.761, 0.000, 3.028, fx_cabinlites
light.14 = 10, -14.904, -1.342, 2.870, fx_cabinlites //left side
light.15 = 4, 4.00, 0.00, 3.80, fx_vclight

[Milton Shupe]

Lights 8&9 are the ones you need to remove or comment out.

[familton]

Lights 8&9 are the ones you need to remove or comment out.

Hi Milton. I just changed the overhead bmp and added a taxi lights toggle switch. Works Great.

[Milton Shupe]

Hi Milton. I just changed the overhead bmp and added a taxi lights toggle switch. Works Great.

Great! Sorry that the 3D VC switch would not function correctly.

[familton]

Great! Sorry that the 3D VC switch would not function correctly.

I only fixed the 2d panel. I never use the VC. Bob.

[Milton Shupe]

I only fixed the 2d panel. I never use the VC. Bob.

Bob,

I thought something was strange in that your lights section is different than mine.

You apparently do/did not have the last release of the Lodestar package.

The Taxi lights do work separately from the VC Taxi light switch, but you are correct in that the 2D panel had no taxi light switch and the landing light switch there turned both on.

Sorry, I do not remember all the details from the aircraft versions I release so it takes a bit of investigation to freshen my memory.

If the lights are operated from the VC, they do work correctly.

[familton]

Bob,

I thought something was strange in that your lights section is different than mine.

You apparently do/did not have the last release of the Lodestar package.

The Taxi lights do work separately from the VC Taxi light switch, but you are correct in that the 2D panel had no taxi light switch and the landing light switch there turned both on.

Sorry, I do not remember all the details from the aircraft versions I release so it takes a bit of investigation to freshen my memory.

If the lights are operated from the VC, they do work correctly.

I looked at the VC which I never did before. There are two taxi switches:

[familton]

I just re-installed the Lodestar into a Temp folder from the FSXLodestar.zip that I downloaded the other day. Here is the lights section which is the same as I posted above. Why are there 2 images of the switch as shown above?

[LIGHTS] // types: 1=beacon, 2=strobe, 3=navigation, 4=cockpit, 5=landing, 6=Taxi, 7=Recognition, 8=Wing, 9=Logo, 10=Cabin

light.1 = 3, -34.500, 0.000, 3.340, fx_navwhi //tail white nav
light.2 = 3, -34.500, 0.000, 3.093, fx_navred //tail white nav
light.3 = 3, -1.072, -32.710, 3.890, fx_navred //left wing
light.4 = 3, -1.072, 32.710, 3.870, fx_navgre //right wing
light.5 = 2, -6.151, 0.000, -1.010, fx_strobe //belly strobe
light.6 = 1, -27.021, 0.000, 5.440, fx_beacon //tail beacon
light.7 = 1, -6.200, 0.000, -3.440, fx_beacon //belly beacon
light.8 = 6, 3.100, -7.044, -4.480, fx_taxi_ju //left gear taxi light
light.9 = 6, 3.100, 7.044, -4.480, fx_taxi_ju //right gear taxi light
light.10 = 7, 15.700, 0.000, 0.055, fx_taxi_ju //Nose Warning Light
light.11 = 8, -0.367, -2.241, 4.186, fx_taxi_ju //left wing ice light
light.12 = 10, -14.904, 1.342, 2.870, fx_cabinlites //right side
light.13 = 10, -5.761, 0.000, 3.028, fx_cabinlites
light.14 = 10, -14.904, -1.342, 2.870, fx_cabinlites //left side
light.15 = 4, 4.00, 0.00, 3.80, fx_vclight

[Milton Shupe]

Do you have tooltips turned on Sir?

If so, you would see that the 3rd switch is labeled "strobe lights", not taxi lights.

I should also mention that the one taxi light switch will turn on both the taxi lights on the gear.
However, the Landing light switches also turn on the damn taxi lights and the taxi light switch will NOT turn them off.

These are issues with FS9 model xml and its the best I could do with the crap aside from deleting it all.

You will just have to deal with it.

Sorry.

Frankly I am tired of talking about the Lodestar or Harpoon issues. They are released and I am finished with them.

[familton]

HI Milton. Yes I have Tooltips turned on. I always use them. Since I don't use the VC I never noticed the 3rd switch function. I understand your position. I was just making it right on the 2d panel which now works OK for me.

In one of my posts above I added a trim gauge and did not realize that there was already one on the overhead.

Thanks for the GREAT plane. I like it and fly it a lot. Bob.

[MM]

Just a quick salute to Milton and the team for the wonderful Lodestar. This is an historically important aircraft, an excellent design that just missed the market before the war intervened. It is a real joy to have a brilliant rendition that captures the character of the aircraft and gives us all a chance to "re-live" those golden days of aviation. Kudos!

(Our little group are now loosely reenacting Ernie Gann's 1941 legendary delivery of Lodestars to Brazil. Hope that no one sabotages our oil tanks.)