Nobody likes long readmes but please read through this, there's some useful information.
TESTED ONLY IN FS9 AND INTENDED FOR 1280x1024 DISPLAY RESOLUTION!
If you want to use this panel in FS2002, you will need to edit the panel.cfg file to change the GPS to the FS2002 version. I did not do this as a test, no promises.
This is not intended to be a super-accurate depiction of a real 727 panel, but rather to be optimized for using the plane in the Flightsim environment, particularly Virtual Airlines. I have tried to keep the spirit of the 727 intact - NO GLASS COCKPIT!!! The highly visible glideslope, a tremendous fuel computer and the elimination of a panel-blocking separately-windowed radio stack all help to make the cockpit a very accessible and pilot-friendly toolset. I think you will find this layout particularly good for handling tight situations - high traffic, IMC in nasty weather, etc. Additionally the individual engine switches give you completely independent power control, no more "coupling" of engines 2 & 3.
INSTALLATION:
IMPORTANT - You need FS2002's CONCORDE gauge set for this panel, not included with this download for size considerations. If you do not have these gauges in your FS9 GAUGES directory (file name is CONCORDE.GAU) this can be found on the Simviation site.
1) Copy or move all the gauge files from the enclosed GAUGES folder to your FS9 GAUGES folder. You do not need to overwrite anything, gauges that I have customized have unique names.
2) If you like, rename your present 727's PANEL folder to something like "PANEL_ORIG" and copy the enclosed PANEL folder directly. This way you retain your original.
3) If you choose not to copy the entire folder as described above, copy or move the contents of the enclosed PANEL folder to your 727's existing PANEL folder. Overwrite any duplicate file names.
4) The [Radios] section of your 727's AIRCRAFT.CFG file will probably need to be edited. It should look like this (you can copy/paste this section directly):
[Radios]
// Radio Type = 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 =1,0
Transponder.1 =1
Marker.1 =1
If the standbys remain active (a 1 instead of a 0 in the second position) you won't be able to tune your frequencies manually.
ILLUMINATION COLORS:
There are four choices of instrument night illumination. The sample .jpgs will give you a preview. The default PANEL.CFG uses the green lighting. To change to one of the others, copy the corresponding .cfg file over the top of PANEL.CFG. For example, copying YELLOW_PANEL.CFG to PANEL.CFG will change to the yellow night lighting. Be sure to copy these instead of renaming, so you can always switch back to a different scheme.
THE DMES:
I never use the DME 1 and don't have it on my own panel. It was added by request kind of as an afterthought, and it looks a bit out of place. If you want to get rid of it (recommended), edit all of the panel.cfg files to comment out (with double slashes "//") or just delete the line for gauge number 77, the line referring to "cf722carp_dme1". It will then disappear from your panel.
OPERATIONAL NOTES:
There is a separate panel switch to the left, which allows you independent control of panel and Nav lights.
The "OH BCN" switch (above, left) controls only the topside rotating beacon (at least on my Mike Stone 727 model). The bottom beacon is activated together with the strobes using the Anti Collision light switch.
There is a taxi light switch included, but some models of the 727 do not have taxi lights implemented, only landing lights. The switch is there for those of you who do have this option, but the switch will be inoperative on some 727s like Mike Stones FS2002 models.
The fuel computer has a multitude of display modes which can be explored by pressing buttons repeatedly. Note that there is no reset button. Usually the fuel computer will reset itself after flight. If it does not do so, one way to force it to reset (before pushing back, eg.) is to switch to a different aircraft and then back again. There might be other ways of which I am not aware.
The autopilot is the traditional 727 type. Vertical speed is controlled with the pitch knob. HDG is changed with a knob mounted low, next to the HSI. You can preset altitude with a digital window up top. There is a GPS/NAV switch on the HSI and also on the dash panel, for quick reference.
ILS approaches can be done two ways. Preferred is the traditional: dial in the ILS approach frequency on NAV 1, and set the autopilot to ARMED with Approach Mode selected, NAV (not GPS), and be sure Altitude Hold is disabled. Then just fly a reasonably good interception course and the A/P will "take over" when it seizes the beam, usually about 16 miles out. Then all you have to do is manage your speed. This will give you an accurate approach, right to the threshold, at least as I have tested at KCMI and PANC. You can also use the GPS Approach feature but be aware that the 727's turn rate may be way too slow to keep up, best to be more or less lined up before using a coupled GPS approach. The GPS approach on my model will give you very accurate horizontal placement BUT YOU MUST MANAGE THE ALTITUDE YOURSELF USING GPS APPROACH! The aircraft will behave as though it is trying to descend properly, but don't be fooled or you and your passengers (or cargo) be ant food in the weeds.
Finally, there are a number of oral warnings enabled. The terrain and glideslope warnings are a bit aggressive. I recommend flying some ILS practice circuits in VMC over hilly terrain to get a feel for when the warnings are routine fibs and when it's really time to shove the throttles. PAJN (Juneau, Alaska) is an excellent rehearsal area.
COPYRIGHTS, ET. AL.:
As far as I know every gauge and bitmap included is widely available with other downloads and, as far as I can determine, I'm not infringing on anyone's proprietary claims by distributing this panel. None of the gauges or bitmaps originate from payware, to the best of my knowledge.
My thanks to the many talented programmers and artists who have contributed their efforts and to Ed Struzynski for his marvelous Panel Editor. Thanks to their countless hours we can all enjoy a practically unlimited set of custom options.
I welcome any comments and suggestions for improvement. Enjoy and fly safe!
