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 FS2004 / FSX 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 / FSX running in full screen mode set the display resolution to 2048x768 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. The 'cockpit view' zoom should be set to around 0.5.
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 make and model.
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.
[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 a photograph taken by Tim de Groot who retains the copyright, modified using Paint Shop. If you recognise any other part of this panel as yours then 'thank you' and your work is acknowledged. Remember that this panel is freeware and is provided free of charge for the benefit of all flight simmers.
[Disclaimer]
Although I have never had any problems using this panel it is used entirely at your own risk.
07/June/2010
Alan M Harvey
Email: alanmharvey@gmail.com
