Software Configuration
pmCDU and pmMCP
Both software modules are running on a small
PC
with a Mini-ITX Motherboard. The computer is placed
near the CDU display units. Both CDU's are based on
the 'old' FDS design. As MCP I use an 'old' RS232
version of the CPflight MCP. Both software modules
are running very reliable. Once in a while the
navigation data need an update. The data update is
provided by Navigraph. Every 28 day a new cycle is
published. Not for free, but for an acceptable price.
pmCDU is sharing data, e.g. aircraft file, METAR request, and weather radar images, with other components via the NetDir directory, which is typically setup on the same computer as pmCDU is installed.
pmSystems
pmSystems is the heart of the flight deck and
simulates the complex system logic of the aircraft.
pmSystems interacts with the controls
and indicators of the overhead, the six-pack, and
the fire panel. Moreover pmSystems communicates with
the glass cockpit, the MCP, the CDU over an own TCP/IP
based data link and through
FSUIPC with the Microsoft
flight simulator and add-ons. pmSystems is a very sofisticated but not fully
perfected. There is some room for improvement, e.g.
the logic of the electrical bus systems and the
hydraulics system.
pmGetWeather
The utility provides the METAR data for the
CDU on pilot request and the satellite image for the
weather radar. For the
weather radar PM uses the NASA radar image,
available on the internet. Unfortunately NASA does
not provide the satellite image for Europe and Asia
anymore for quite some time. However, I was
not affected by this problem because I'm using SA_WX1.6 for the generation of the weather radar
image, which generates the radar image from the FS
weather.
Meanwhile i do not use pmGetWeather anymore for
the METAR data. I compiled an own utility, I call it
'GetMETAR' which gets
the requested METAR data from the 'ActiveSky
2012' current weather
snapshot'. For more Information click 'here'.
SA_WX1.6 Weather
Radar
SA_WX1.6 is a simulation of the Collins WXR2100
weather radar equipment. SA_WX generates very
realistic the weather radar image out of the FS9
weather data and exports the image to the NetDir of
Project Magenta. With the weather radar set to ON
the radar sweep is displayed at the Navigation
Display. Unfortunately there is no official source
anymore to buy the program. The topic has been
discussed several times at
www.mycockpit.org. It is also discussed that the
author supposedly has issued a freeware license code
after he had withdrawn the program. Search for 'sa_wxr.lic'
at the forum of mycockpit.org. Needs some
research, but its worth because to my knowledge
there is no alternative program available.
Generation of the weather radar image by SA_WX. The image
is based on data from the 'Current Weather Snap Shot'.
The generated image is then stored in the PM NetDir.
Pick-up of the image by the PM glass cockpit
software.
FSSymphony
- Management of the Forward Panel controls and indicators, e.g. auto brake selector,
display unit selectors, gear lever with lights, light test, display unit intensity control,
ground proximity controls, and miscellaneous annunciator lights.
- ADFS indicators for A/P, A/T, and FMC
- SYS-TEST sound control (G/S + Pull Up + Wind Shear)*
- Braking sound control*
- Steering sound control*
- GPWS Mode 4A - 4B - 5
- BRAKE ACCU PRESS for brake accumulator gauge
For more information regarding FSSymphony click: here
* in combination with pmSounds
SIOC Script
With the project growing also the SIOC script has
grown over the years, from a few lines to several hundred lines. The most extensive part of the
script deals with the FWD Overhead and pmSystems
offsets. Other
parts of the script are controlling the following
functional areas:
- AFT Forward Panel (radios
for communication and navigation, weather radar,
transponder, fire panel, push back control, radio management, PTT control for IvAp.
- Miscellaneous
functions, e.g. Power-On and 'Cold and Dark' management