This Panel requires a computer operating system and video card that can span the display across two monitors. A working knowledge of how to set up the displays is assumed by the author.
[INSTALLATION]
The installation is the same as for any other panel, if you know what you're doing you can skip this..
1) Backup the folder called 'panel' in your aircraft folder so that you can change back to it if you need to.
2) Copy the folder called 'panel' into your aircraft folder.
3) Open the folder called Gauges and copy the contents into your main FS9 gauges folder. Warning if asked to replace a gauge the call is yours. If in doubt then backup the original gauge first!
That's it!
[Technical Bit]
This panel was developed and tested using Microsoft XP Professional and NVIDIA GTX275 and 8800GTX dual output video cards. The displays should be set for horizontal span using the card provider's software. With FS2004 running in full screen mode set the display resolution to 3200x900X32 or greater so that the 'cockpit view' displays scenery and planes that are not stretched or squashed.
If frame rate is a problem the displays can be used in the 'Windows' environment by setting the XP desktop to span both monitors and selecting a screen resolution that shows scenery and planes in the correct proportions as above.
This panel has not been tested using Windows VISTA and 7 operating systems. There should not be a problem provided the display can be horizontally spanned using the card providers software.
For the best effect both monitors should be the same model and make.
The default heading set by the 'Views' parameter in the Panel.cfg file, is the captain flying. When taxiing or on the runway, the centre line will be in the captain's window in the left hand monitor. When this forms a straight line ahead the aircraft's front wheels are on the centre line. This is a compromise which allows the 'cockpit view' to be spanned across both displays avoiding the need for separate windows. The 'cockpit view' zoom should set automatically. If the plane appears to skew down the runway then the 'cockpit view' zoom may not have set correctly and must be manually set to 0.50.
[Overhead Panel]
The Overhead panel is based on a photograph by Andy Dogaru. It can be spanned across two monitors in a four monitor setup where the two upper monitors are used to display the overhead panel.
[COPYRIGHT]
I have not made any of the gauges. They are either default or third party so credit goes to the original authors. The panel bit map is based on multiple sources and original artwork using Paint Shop. Where possible permission has been received from original authors. The Overhead panel is based on a photograph by Andy Dogaru who retains the copyright. If you recognise any other parts as yours then 'thank you' and your work is acknowledged. Remember that this panel is freeware and provided free of charge for the benefit of all flight simmers. It may not be modified, repackaged or uploaded to any site for sale, profit or reward without the permission of the original authors.
[Disclaimer]
Although I have never had any problems using this panel it is used entirely at your own risk.
29/Dec/2010
Alan M Harvey
Email: alanmharvey@gmail.com
