FMGS - Installation Guide
FMGS - Installation Guide
Installation Guide
Version B39.0
Version 39.0
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Installation Guide
29/ 04 / 2014
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CONTENTS
Click on a chapter in the table below to jump directly to its page.
Recent additions/modifications are marked with the symbol.
1. Foreword......................................................................................3
2. Read carefully before installation..............................................5
2.1. Compatible Operating Systems...................................................................5
2.2. Interface to Microsoft Flight Simulator ...................................................5
2.3. NavData .....................................................................................................5
2.4. Flight Simulator A320 Flight Model.............................................................6
2.5. If an older version is already installed........................................................6
2.6. One or more Computers ? ......................................................................6
2.7. Displays Fonts .........................................................................................7
3. Installation....................................................................................8
3.1. Installer...........................................................................................................8
3.2. Axis Calibration Buttons Setup..............................................................10
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1. Foreword
A320 FMGS software is a freeware solution to replicate the real Airbus A320's Flight
Management & Guidance System (FMGS) and main electronic instruments for Microsoft's
Flight Simulator. My aim with this software is to achieve the greatest realism possible,
given the limitations of FS, my free time and my programming skills. As of this writing, the
following systems are (partially) modeled:
FMGS
Stand-By instruments
I started this project to fit my home-cockpit hardware. The commercial alternatives are very
expensive, their price tag is prohibitive regarding the money I want to spend on a FS
hobby.
All commands can be interfaced with hardware through FSUIPC.
The Software can be interfaced with the following hardware (non exhaustive list):
OpenCockpits IOcards,
CockpitPassion,
Skalarki I/O,
CockpitSonic.
Check the manufacturer guide, and also the Hardware Module folder after installation.
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If you have any questions, remarks or anything you want to say, you can do so either via
e-mail ( jeehell at jeehell.org) or through MyCockpit.org forums.
This Guide details how to install the software on one or more computers.
DISCLAIMER:
This software should cause no harm to your computer. In the very unlikely event
damage occurred to your system, I won't take any liability. Use at your own risk.
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2.3. NavData
Before launching installation, you should install the navigation database (navdata)
Caution : current version of JeeHellWare A320 FMGS B32 does NO longer use
Navigraph Level-D 767 navdata.
The only supported format so far is included in Aerosoft NavDataPro
exclusively available through Aerosoft :
Aerosoft does not offer so far a test database, you'll have to buy at
least one AIRAC.
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3. Installation
3.1. Installer
Since B22 version, the software has an installer application.
Avoid installing in a folder such as C:\Program files ! It is recommended to keep
the default path : C:\A320FMGS .
The installer will ask which components to install. Install only the components you
need on that computer.
Do not forget to select the hardware modules if you use them.
On the computer where Flight Simulator is running (and only on that computer),
install these mandatory modules :
If you use several computers, you' ll need to run the installer on each of them.
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If this is the computer where FS is running, the box at the top of the window should
be automatically checked.
If this is a remote computer, the box is unchecked, and it is required to fill in the IP
address of the Server computer (where FS runs). This is a very important step!
Do not modify the default ports, unless you need to (port routing...). Clicking on the
Default values button will reset to default settings.
Clicking Done will finish the installation.
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both in FS and in
To calibrate an axis, click in the corresponding white box, then move the joystick
axis you want to configure until it is detected..
A window pops up to allow calibration: you have to move the axis to the
max/min/middle positions and click on the button corresponding to the position the
axis is in.
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The cursor indicates the current position of the axis and the blue area is the neutral
zone, in which the axis has no effect.
Do not hesitate to fill in relatively big neutral zones (around 10% is usually OK for
regular joysticks)
AILERONS is the roll axis,
ELEVATORS is the pitch axis,
RUDDER is the yaw axis,
TILLER is the nose wheel steering axis.
LEFT BRK et RIGHT BRK are the differential braking axis.
CPT is for Captain side, FO for First Officer side.
Regarding the Thrust Levers (THR LVR 1 & 2 for engine 1 & 2), click on THR
LVR1 : lower left area of the application becomes active, and allows you, depending
on your setup, to configure a single axis for both levers or one axis for each lever.
Tuning the course of the Levers:
Put your lever at the maximum thrust position, select TOGA in the list. Put an
error of about 1000 (here, an absolute range is needed NOT a percentage)
then click the Set button.
Move now your lever to what would be your FLX/MCT position (not too far
from TOGA, but quite more than the error you put above). Select FMX/MCT
in the list, put an error of 1000 to 3000, click Set (again, an absolute range
is needed for THR LVRs, NOT a percentage) .
Repeat for each detent..
Note that if you leave an error of 0 or a too small value, you may not be
able to select the proper detents, and it will have effects on the flight
handling!
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Fine tune after trials to get the best values you need for error around
each detents.
Clicking on Save Controls Configuration will save the settings you've applied
already. It is a good idea to save regularly your work when configuring.
SPOILERS axis is configured on the same principles as ailerons or elevators axis.
FLAPS axis is a bit different (see next picture) : the window offers five positions.
Put the lever in each position then click the button corresponding to it. Do not forget
to put an error zone again!
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Joystick Buttons : you can also use joystick buttons to operate almost any
switches/buttons of the cockpit.
Click on Joystick Buttons button, a new window appears (see next picture).
Push a joystick button, its joystick name and button number will appear.
You can now select an action for when you push the button, and another
action when you release the button.
An action ID (i.e. which switch of the cockpit is used) can be selected by
double clicking on gray boxes (marked by the arrows N1 on the picture). A
list with all actions will be displayed.
You can then select wich event is associated (either Push, Release or Toggle
events) (arrows N2). Most events DO REQUIRE both events to work
correctly.
In most cases, you should only use the same action ID and associate a
Push/Release event to the joystick Push/Release actions (as on the picture).
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4.2. Updates
The starter will automatically launch an update tool which checks online if a new
update is available.
Updater.exe may trigger firewall alarms (see no above on security software).
Follow the instructions of the application to download the new version if available.
Note: if you installed the software on more than one computer, you need to run the
update on each computer of your network. Otherwise, you may get errors while
running the software.
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The FMGS Server creates on its first launch a set of files, after about 2
minutes of calculations. These 8 files with a .bin extension are located in
the navdata folder (C:\A320FMGS\Navdata), and weighs about 350 MB.
The 8 files must then be manually copied to all clients computers, in the
same folder on the remote computer (C:\A320FMGS\Navdata).
On following runs :
You do not have anything particular to do. The .bin files are optimized to
run the software much faster.
If you used a different path for Navdatapro, you'll have to manually copy the
navrecord.dat file, delete the old .bin files, and proceed like a first run.
Simply delete the 8 .bin files then proceed as for a first run.
Server says Connected for all components (even for remote PCs).
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On the OVHD panel, click on BAT1 & BAT2 korries (indication OFF comes
white).
Check:
Note : connection of the applications to the server can also be checked by doing a
right click then option, on each application.
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When you save the settings, they are stored in a file called XXX.ini , where XXX
is the instrument name. Delete that file to restore manufacture settings.
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This is useful when you have several sound cards and want to separate the engines
sound from the warning sounds.
Note JeeHellWare A320 FMGS does not contain any aircraft sound (engines,
aerodynamic sounds etc...). Those sounds are played by FS9/X, and you must
install your own addon sounds. I recommend Daniele Frattini sound pack.
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Please read the User Guide (separately available) which you'll find helpful to
conduct your first flights.
Read the Experts Guide (separately available) where the following points are
detailed:
turning on the APU (make sure batteries and fuel pumps are ON)
connecting the External Power (Add-on Menu EXT PWR) then click on the
AVAIL korry and make sure Bus tie is ON.
Q2. I move my joysticks and throttle levers in all directions, but nothing moves
inside FS?
A. You first need to setup your Controls in the FMGS Config.exe software! Check
chapter 3.2 of this guide.
Q3. Can everything run on the network?
A. In theory yes. But it is MORE THAN LIKELY that you'll have troubles if you
deport the FMGS server and the AP/FBW. Those two modules should stay on the
Flight Simulator computer.
Q4. All instruments and panels are black...
A. You need electrical power, see the first question...
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Q5. Is it mandatory to use analog axis for the side-sticks an thrust levers?
A. If you want to actually fly, yes. There is no way to accurately emulate the
joysticks/throttle with keyboard equivalents, you need at least 4 axis (on 1 or more
joysticks)
Q6. I use FSUIPC to command the OVHD inputs, do I nevertheless need to launch
the OVHD software? And what about the upper OVHD?
A. Yes, the OVHD software contains the whole logic as well as the graphic
interface. However, you can rescale it to your need or minimize it to the task bar, to
hide it. The upper OVHD can be closed, its logic is contained in the lower OVHD
process.
Q7. Most cfg files in the FMGS folders are unreadable?
A. The files that are not readable must not be modified by hand, they are created
and modified by the software only.
Q8. The instruments are ON, but PFD and ND only show red flags such as HDG or
ATT?
A. You need to align the IRS. To do so on the upper OVHD:
switch on the ADRs on the upper OVHD
Switch the IRs selectors on NAV (normal alignment, for a quick alignment,
select them back OFF then back NAV again quickly)
When IRS alignment is complete, you need to initialize the IRS position
through the MCDU INIT A page, after departure and destination fields are
filled.
Read the User Guide for more information.
Q9. I cannot start the engines, help!!
A. To start an engine, it needs:
Electricity: make sure batteries are on, and APU or External PWR is used
Bleed Air: either from the APU Bleed (make sure it is switched ON) or from
the ground HP (add-on menu GND HP). For the Engine N2, make sure the
X-Bleed valve is open.
Then on the upper OVHD, go to the Engine start panel (you can make it
appear in the right click menu). Place the mode selector on IGN/START, then
flick the engine master switches ON.
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Q14. I try to use F5-F8 keys for the flaps, but it does not work?
R. Almost all controls must be assigned from FMGS_Config.exe application. The A320
being very complex, FS systems are somewhat too simple, and I had to bypass most of
FS internal systems. This way, FS is merely the aerodynamics model and visual system.
Q15. When I start FSX I have an error message about an old scenery??
A. There can be two messages on FSX/P3D startup:
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The first one is indeed an error, the second one only a reminder.
The navdata system uses the file from Aerosoft navdatapro and also FS BGL files
data to mix real data to FS scenery coordinates (all RWYs are not always
accurately positioned in FS).
Thus, it needs to scan FS scenery files, which is not possible when FS is running (it
protects its own file).
On first installation, you must let my software run without FS running for a while
(until the progress bar in navDBapp disappears...), so it can build its own database.
Otherwise you get the first message.
After that, the software can run after FS, but in that case it will not scan FS scenery
anymore. So the second message appears, to remind you that if you installed a new
scenery add-on, it is wise to close FS to allow a proper scenery scan by my
software.
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