This is an add-on sub-panel which is intended to add cabin and crew voice announcements, ambient environment, and cabin muzak to your flight simming experience. While it was created for the addition to commercial aircraft it can be added to just about any aircraft you desire. The panel was tested for FS2004 and was not designed to operate in FS2002.
This began as a personal project to enhance and add life while sitting on the tarmac and during my flights. While there are some very nice commercial add-ons which in effect can do the same thing much better, I wanted a quick & simple approach which did not require a lot of pre-setup, where I could just slap this onto any aircraft and get up and going.
I finally completed it fully enough where I thought I could share it with fellow simmers and also as a way to say thank-you for all the great free add-ons coming out for FS2004 sort of giving something back to this great hobby. Many thanks.
Inside this package you should find the following:
A) A folder named FDSFX (contains the sound files)
B) A folder named Gauges (contains all needed gauges and data)
C) A folder named Photos (a few snapshots of the panel)
D) A file named FDSFX panel config text.txt, where one can use to copy and paste these sections of text into the proper aircraft panel.cfg file.
E) A file named FDSFX.bmp (the bitmap of the panel faceplate)
F) A file names FILE_ID.DIZ (explanation of package)
G) This file named README.txt and README.doc (both contain the same info its what you are reading right now).
Installation is meant to be as easy as feasible even if you have no experience editing panel information found inside an aircraft. If you are an experienced simmer with editing panels you may only need to look at the simple steps mentioned below to be on your way. Otherwise, I have included a step-by-step example on the default Boeing 737-400 for the rest of us.
3.1 Installation at a glance
There are few simple steps to this installation:
1. Unzip the FDSFXPNL.ZIP package file to a temporary folder. (Youve already done that in order to read this!)
2. Copy all the files in the Gauges folder to your FS2004 Gauges folder (.gau. .dat and .cab files).
3. Copy the FDSFX sound files folder (the entire folder intact) to your main FS2004 Sound folder.
4. Copy the FDSFX.bmp file to your intended aircrafts Panel folder.
5. Copy & Paste the text included in the file FDSFX panel config text.txt to the proper sections of your intended aircrafts panel.cfg file.
6. To add the optional FDSFX icon to your panel, Copy & Paste the line of text referring to this icon which is also found in the file FDSFX panel config text.txt, and fill in the proper gauge# and positioning coordinates.
7. Re-boot FS2004 and you should be ready to fly!
3.2 Step-By-Step Installation Example
Heres adding the panel to FS2004s default Boeing 737-400.
1. FIRST! Make a back-up of your original b737_400 panel.cfg file just in case. You never know!!! I usually just make a copy of the file and name it GINALpanel.cfg so I can still keep it in the panel folder should I ever need to revert back to it.
2. Unzip the FDSFXPNL.ZIP package file to a temporary folder.
3. Compare the files you just unzipped against section 2.- Package Contents to ensure every file is indeed there.
4. Copy all the files in the Gauges folder to your FS2004\Gauges folder: (C:\ \Flight Simulator 9\Gauges).
5. Copy the FDSFX folder (entire folder intact which contains all the sound files), to your main FS2004 Sound folder. We keep them separate from all the other sound files that way in order to find them easier when making changes.
6. Copy the FDSFX.bmp file to your aircraft/b737_400/panel folder.
7. Open the B737_400 panel.cfg file with a text editor (I find Notepad useful for this). Note there are different sections beginning with headers located inside brackets (example [Window00] or [VCockpit01]).
8. Starting with [Window Titles] we need to add a line of text in there so while running FS2004 we can select to open and view the FlightDeck SFX panel. Since the last window numbered there is 06 We will add the following:
Window07=FlightDeck SFX panel
9. Since we just added a Window07, we now need to add the information for the [Window07] section. Ive made it easy for you as all you need to do is copy the text in FDSFX panel config text.txt file and paste it into the panel.cfg file just after the [Window06] section. It should look like the following:
10. Thats all there is to it. Now close the Notepad windows, saving your changes (did you remember to make a back-up copy of the original panel.cfg file?). Start FS2004, select the Boeing 737-400, and start a flight.
While in the 2-D cockpit (while in windowed mode) select Views, Instrument Panel, and youll see at the bottom of the list FlightDeck SFX panel. Click on it and up pops the panel ready for you to begin your journey!
Note If the panel opens up exceedingly large, dont panic. Just grab the edges and resize it to a more manageable size or drag it to another monitor if you are running multiple monitors.
Now wasn't that easy? And because we have added the gauges and sound files to their proper folders just repeat steps 6-9 for each aircraft you wish to add the panel to. It will become second nature after youve done it a few times.
Now if that was easy enough for you, as a little extra, I have made it so you can add the FDSFX icon onto your panel so you can click on & off to quickly display or hide the panel (just like clicking on-off the GPS). And you dont need to be a panel designer. Just think, no need to pause your flight, click Views, Instrument panel, etc. Interested? Then read on
3.3 Installing the FlightDeck SFX panel icon
Since we already have been working with the B737_400 well continue with this aircraft by now adding an icon to the 2-D cockpit panel.
1. Open the B737_400 panel.cfg file again with Notepad and go to the section [Window00].
2. Youll see information about the main panel and a list of all the gauges. Go to gauge40 and add the following text right below gauge40:
3. Now re-start FS2004 and select the B737_400 aircraft to refresh the changes you made. You should now see a FlightDeck SFX Icon just to the left of Kneeboard icon. Nifty eh?
Now you can add the icon to other aircraft panels as well but icon locations on panels are usually found in different locations. How do I know how to place it in the correct position?
This is not difficult but does take a minute or two to place it using the correct coordinates. Take a look at the line of text we just added:
The set of numbers represent location coordinates. 167 and 10 are the vertical and horizontal positions and the 12,12 are the size of the icon.
The 737 was easy because I gave you the numbers to use. There are a couple of ways I can think of to place your icon.
A) Use a panel designer program where you can add the icon and just drag it around and place it where you want it.
B) If thats not an option, what I do is look at the [Window00] gauges of the panel I want to add it to and look at the gauges of the other icons. It might look something like:
gaugeXX=SimIcons!GPS Icon, XXX, XXX, XX, XX
The icon gauges are usually grouped together and you should see a pattern there as to there general placement based on the numbers (like all the icons end with 16,16 so all the sizes of each icon will be the same size).
Throw some numbers in for those Xs close to those you see listed in the other icons and start the panel to check the results. You dont have to re-start FS2004 each time you make changes to the numbers, just reselect the same aircraft to reload and see your changes.
You may have a little trial & error with this to edge the icon in the correct direction. Just practice its not an exact science.
This may be redundant but just to make sure, while in your aircrafts 2-D cockpit to open the panel in windowed mode:
1. Click on Views
2. Click on Instrument Panel
3. Click on FlightDeck SFX Panel
If you are in full screen mode you will need to first press ALT to see your options bar. Or if you have installed the icon, you can just click on that.
When you open the panel it will open usually in the upper left hand corner of the screen. I have noticed with some aircraft and panel combinations it will open exceedingly large. No matter as you can resize the image (or window if in windowed mode) to your desired size. I usually drag over to a second monitor so I dont have to keep opening and closing it.
The switches are arranged to operate in a somewhat logical fashion; top-to-bottom, left-to-right, for easier operation (especially comes in handy when on approach at KORD - during a snowstorm - with 100% AI - at night!)
The AMBIENCE and MUZAK switches are initially set for continuous looping. The TURBULENCE switches will reset automatically since there may be occasions during your flight where youll encounter choppy weather more than once. The rest of the switches stay flipped on (indicated with illuminated green), even after the announcement has completed. This allows for easy indication where you last left off and which switch you would select next.
Lets go through each switch with the default sound files included. This default voice-set is meant to be a good generic group of announcements for a wide variety of commercial flights. The Captains voice you are hearing is yours truly.
GATE
This 8 minute file provides ambient background sound while parked at the gate. This is to give some life while your in the ockpit preparing for your flight, making initial settings, etc. The effect actually starts out in the main terminal (flight announcements, echoes). About 4 minutes in youll hear a loud announcement to serve as a clue you should be well into your flight preparation as you will now hear people moving about the boarding gate and finally you can hear people boarding the craft and getting seated If you listen closely you can even
hear the main cabin hatch close. A good indication to get going!
I usually start this switch immediately because of its long length.
MUZAK
You have three choices for cabin music while your patrons board or disembark the plane. I find the worse type elevator music the better! Included are a few samples but of course your taste in
elevator music will differ from mine.. I also usually start thisimmediately as well at the beginning of the flight and
at the end.
GATE DEP
Gate departure is used as a welcome aboard type message as well as an indication to be seated so we can pushback. I flip this on about 4-5 minutes into boarding.
PUSHBACK
After I get IFR clearance (or just clearance), and things have settled down in the main cabin I click this for the captain to make his greetings as well as his intentions to pushback momentarily.
(After ATC clears my taxi request, its here I usually begin my pushback. I use Rob Barendregts Groundhandling gauges for this (RCBgh-31.zip), which adds a lot more realism to the pushback sequence and I highly recommend this freebie add-on.
SAFETY MESSAGE
This I use for the flight attendants safety announcement, dos & donts, etc. Depending on the length of my taxi I will either start this while pushing back or the beginning of my taxi.
SAFETY VIDEO
Gotta have the good ol video about the aircraft and its safety procedures. This I usually start right after the Safety Message while taxiing. Not sure if that is against FAA regulations to be moving while during the message but I have been on many flights where they do so go figure.
TAKEOFF
A final reminder to the crew from the captain usually just before take-off clearance or if I am #1 or #2 in line.
CLIMB
This I click on mostly when I can find the time! So busy climbing, setting gauges, auto-pilot, etc., usually a 1000-2000 feet up Ill get to it.
CRUISE
Upon hitting our cruise altitude I click this to let the captain say howdy, and give a little flight info.
MEAL SERVICE
If I am on a long enough flight I will feed em.
MOVIE
Same with beginning the movie. The label may be getting a bit dated as it seems the term in-flight video entertainment is more appropriate the days but try getting that label on the panel!
BEGIN DESCENT N
ame implies whats happening. As soon as I get ATC clearance to descend I flip this. This tends to happen around 20-25 minutes before landing.
ON APPROACH
I click this on around 10-15 minutes before landing as a final reminder to the passengers to take their seats.
ON FINAL
A final message to the crew to make final preparations for landing. Before you engage landing gear.
TAXI TO GATE
Taxiing to the gate, this is a farewell and thank you message.
GATE ARRIVAL
Need to make sure those passengers stay seated so I flip this a moment or two before I line up with the gate.
The nice thing about this panel is that it is so easy to customize to suit your tastes. Right click on any switch and a pop up window will appear to allow changes. To change the sound file you want to play for that switch, just choose a new file. You can select a .mid, .mp3, .wav or .wma file and it does not actually have to be in the FDSFX sound folder. It can be anywhere on your hard disk. Again, we just put them in one folder in order to find them easily. If you add additional sound-sets you can drop them in your FDSFX sound folder as well.
Then click as to whether you want to play the sound file once (Play Once) or continuously (Play Looping).
You can adjust the volume output by setting the volume 0-100. Each file can be adjusted individually which comes in handy when mixing and matching different announcements from different sources, not to mention the different characteristics of soundcards, PCs, and aircraft particulars.
When you're finished press Select File and you will immediately hear what you selected at the volume you selected. Not quite right? Right-click again and adjust.
In actuality you can assign any sound file to play with any switch. So you could, for example replace the Meal Service sound file with a pushback delay or go around announcement (if you have created one). However, keep note then of what goes where as it could be confusing if you do this to a lot of switches.
(Tip: place your mouse over the switch and the name of the sound file assigned will appear. So its a good idea to give descriptive names to your sound files)
Additional voice-sets are encouraged to be created and distributed. If youre are like me, I tire of hearing the exact same message flight after flight after flight. So it would be nice to add some variations via additional voice sets to the pool to select from.
If you know of a female flight attendant(s) who would like to have her voice heard by thousands of flight enthusiasts, give me a buzz at socalmarcus@yahoo.com.
One nice thing I discovered when embarking on my first add-on project is the pleasure of discovering that this was a collaborative effort. I certainly could have not created this add-on alone and so I want to publicly thank the following for their support, generosity and creativity.
David Randolph Whose original idea was the basis for my modifications and enhancements to this project.
Robert L. Clark For his amazing new gauges. The timing of their release was perfect. I hope I have done them justice.
Devon Leslie For some of his announcements. Stay tune for a completely new voice set release from him perhaps next year.
Alain Capt With the courtesy of Alain Capt, some "Muzak" sound files performed by this add on, comes from the "ACS Crew feature" used in several ACS freeware which can found on www.acsoft.ch". Be sure to check out his site.
Douglas Dawson Through his inspiration and trial & error on gauge design keeping the project moving forward when I hit some brick walls. Thanks for the input.
This is freeware. Not to be sold in any way or means as part of a pay product or to be part of any other product without written permission of the author. Additional voice sets are welcomed and encouraged to be created and added to flight simulation sites for download. Use at your own risk. Not responsible for any problems, conflicts, deletions, incompatibilities or crashes related to using this add-on on with your FS2004 program and/or your computer system. Not affiliated with any corporation or airline, this is provided for fun and love of commercial aviation simulation. Logos and copyrights are the respective property of their corporate owners.
8. In Conclusion
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Please be advised I am no expert when it comes to airline announcement protocol. I put together something I believe is fairly true to real world operations but really just for pure enjoyment purposes. With that said, I welcome all comments, ideas or suggestions
