Thank you for purchasing the Boeing 737-NG Panel Project, Version 2.2.
Designed for Microsofts Flight Simulator 2004, A Century of Flight.
By Kevin Sparkuhl
SkyDecks Panel Design
You are about to begin flying one of the most technologically advanced airliners of our time, the Boeing 737-Next Generation. This panel design, for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, incorporates custom designed 3-D bitmaps and gauges, recreating the feel of what it might be like to actually take the controls of this magnificent aircraft.
SkyDecks has made this project as realistic and practical as possible, having designed all new gauges to create the most realistic flight simulation experience available today. You will find many new features in this v2.2 build, and all the previous features from before, including the Navigational Display which shows all of the visual information which is normally seen in the FS9 GPS screen. This means that VOR's, NDB's, Airports, ILS aprons and yes, even the loaded flight plan, will appear on the Navigational Display just like the real thing. To complete the three CRT screens, you will find a detailed Primary Flight Display and an EICAS Display as well. Every gauge has been recreated to give a level of detail that you must see to believe, especially with the realistic back-lit panel lighting and the new fluorescent lighting effect, making the difficult night-time routes even that much more enjoyable to fly!
The New self-installing Version 2.2 features are:
An all new throttle-stack that features an integrated stabilizer trim indication gauge.
A new radio stack with digital readouts that are color matched to the autopilot windows.
A three-way panel lighting switch allowing you to turn on the fluorescent panel lights.
A pitot-heat switch that eliminates the airspeed indicator freeze-up in colder weather.
Fuel display switch that now reads in pounds per hour instead of gallons per hour.
Vertical speed wheel now rotates in the proper direction listed on the panel.
Six all new interior cockpit directional views, with six new alternate passenger wing views.
Correct wind directional arrow and readings that match the default Microsoft settings.
Additional features are:
Carefully detailed 3-D bitmaps and positioning of pop-up windows.
Page views for both the MFD and EICAS.
Fuel weight gauges that also display visual levels as well as numerical levels.
HUD integrated into the main panel view, patterned after the real thing.
All gauges carefully illuminated with "back-lit" text for easier night-time viewing.
An autopilot panel with digital readout windows and disengage bar.
An overhead panel with added switches including a correct Yaw Dampener.
...and much more!
FOREWARD
Our panels are designed to be as replacements for the "out of the box" default panels included within the Microsoft Flight Simulator series. They are designed to be visually realistic and yet easy to fly, without the need for large instruction manuals to be able to use them. Due to the nature of the panel and in also taking into account the virtual world, certain "embellishments of reality" are taken to create a functional panel while adding the convenience of having certain buttons at your fingertips. The placement of the "smoke-system toggle" and the NAV/GPS switch are examples of this. Carefully read the following instructions for installation. Most installation challenges can be avoided by following them exactly as stated.
THIS IS A SHAREWARE PRODUCT
This program will install the shareware evaluation version* of the SkyDecks Boeing 737-NG Panel Project v2.2. This evaluation version is not intended to be a fully-functioning panel until an upgrade package has been purchased and installed. However, this evaluation version will show you the clarity of the graphics and the basic operation of the panel, so that you may then choose whether or not to purchase the upgrade package. The three main CRT screens, the throttle stack and the radio stack will remain in an inoperative state until the upgrade files have been installed. In their place are static bitmaps to show you what they will look like once the upgrade files are installed. Purchase of the upgrade package comes with a full 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase.
The upgrade package utilizes the Flight1 Software Utility Wrapper to ensure a safe and pleasant online transaction through Flight1s secure web servers, and also comes with a full 30-day money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase. The cost of the upgrade package is $12.95 U.S. funds, payable through all major credit cards. An alternate method of payment may be available to those individuals who do not have access to a credit card.
*This is a shareware product; some functions are disabled until upgraded.
COMMENTS AND SUPPORT
**PLEASE DO NOT contact Flight1 Software with any support or purchase issues.
All inquiries should be directed to the following email addresses:
For support inquiries: support@sky-decks.com
For customer service inquiries: ksparkuhl@sky-decks.com
Any and all comments are welcome!
Please visit our website at http://www.sky-decks.com for updates and FAQ support.
INSTALLATION
*** Previous Precision Panels Customers, Please Continue on Past the Instructions Below ***
*** It is not recommended to install the panel to the default Microsoft Boeing 737-400. Please choose a third party add-on aircraft to use this panel with. For your convenience, an aircraft package has been assembled and is already configured to use this panel, and is available on either the AVSIM or SurClaro libraries as SD738w.zip.
At this point, youve already extracted the contents of "sdp737ng.zip" to a temporary folder and are reading this document. To fully install the panel, you will need to perform the following steps:
1. Run the SD737NG-install.exe to install the basic files associated with the program.
2. Install a configuration file to whichever aircraft you plan to use the panel with.
3. Run the SD737NG-purchase.exe to purchase and extract the upgrade package files.
4. Run the SD737NG-upgrade.exe to install the upgrade package.
1. INSTALLING THE BASIC FILES
Clicking on the SD737NG-install.exe will install the files for the evaluation version of the SkyDecks Boeing 737-NG panel. The auto-install program will install the basic files needed to run the panel into the following default location:
Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator 9\
2. INSTALLING THE CONFIGURATION FILE
What needs to happen now is to install the new panel configuration file to whichever aircraft you choose your new panel to fly with. Let's say you have a Flight-FX 737-800 already installed and you want my panel to work with this aircraft... this is what you do:
Sub-Step 1 - Re-naming the panel folder
Decide which aircraft you want to use your new panel with and open it's aircraft container folder. These folders are located inside Flight Simulator 9\Aircraft\***chosen aircraft name***. Inside your chosen aircraft folder you will see additional folders, namely the "model", "panel", "sound" and "texture" folders.
If you want to save the original panel in this folder for future use, you will need to make a back-up of it. Doing this is easy. I suggest that you simply re-name the existing panel folder to "zpanels" or whatever name you choose. By doing this, the game will now ignore the existing panel folder (thus making a backup of the original panel files) so you that can create a new panel folder in its place. You will now copy and past a new panel folder to replace the one you just renamed.
Sub-Step 2 - Installing the new panel folder
Go to Flight Simulator 9\Aircraft\SkyDecks\ConfigurationFiles\B737-NG. Open this folder and inside you will find your new "panel" folder to replace the one you just re-named. Copy this new panel folder and paste it to the aircraft container folder of your chosen aircraft, and thus replacing the one you just renamed. Understand? You changed one panel folder and are now replacing it with the new one... okay? You are now finished installing the evaluation version of this panel. You may choose to fly it at this point and decide upon the upgrade which follows.
3. PURCHASE AND EXTRACT THE UPGRADE PACKAGE
Once you have decided to purchase the upgrade files, go back to your temporary folder and locate the SD737NG-purchase.exe identified by the red airplane Flight1 icon. Make sure your internet connection is active and click on the upgrade .exe to begin the purchase dialog box. When you complete the transaction and your purchase is approved, the upgrade files will be extracted to your hard-drive, along with your key file and proof-of-purchase information. Please make a back up of this key file as you will be prompted to do. This will enable you to unlock your software in the future should you need to re-install it at a later time. The upgrade file, key file and proof-of-purchase information will be extracted to the following location:
C:Program Files\Sky-Decks Panel Design\
4. INSTALLING THE UPGRADE PACKAGE
Go to your C:Program Files\Sky-Decks Panel Design\ directory, and open this folder. Inside you will find the SD737NG-upgrade.exe, your key file and your proof-of-purchase. Click on the upgrade.exe to install the upgrade package to your system. Once the upgrade.exe has been completed, you are now ready to begin flying with your fully functional panel!
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***** IMPORTANT *** IMPORTANT *** IMPORTANT *** IMPORTANT *******
******* PREVIOUS PRECISION PANELS CUSTOMERS PLEASE READ *********
*********** THE FOLLOWING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS *************
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If you have purchased the Precision-Panels Boeing 737-NG Panel Project Version 2.1, you may use your key file to unlock the new upgrade files. You're going to need your original key file and also the "last four numbers" from the credit card you used to purchase your original product. Those numbers will be your "password" for unlocking the new package. You'll need to find these two items before we can begin so if you don't have them, make sure to gather them up now.
A Word About Passwords
If you cannot find your "last four numbers" password used for your order, you may submit a request to Flight1 Software for retrieval of the password. SkyDecks does not keep on hand any password information used for your purchase. Password requests will be sent only to the original e-mail address used for the order. If you changed e-mail addresses, you will need to submit to Flight1 a request for an e-mail change. Please be aware that Flight1.com processes e-mail address changes with a high level of security, so be prepared to submit to them detailed original order data. If you need to contact Flight1 Software to retrieve a password, please visit the following secure link:
https://www.flight1.com/view.asp?page=lostpwd
A Word About Key Files...
If by chance you've misplaced your key file, a new one can be created in its place. You will need to write SkyDecks and we will send you a replacement. Please know also, that if you should find your old key file, it will no longer function. Please delete it from your files. To obtain a replacement key, please write to the following email address only:
keyfiles@sky-decks.com
Once you have obtained both your key file and your password, we can begin with the installation. Click on the SD737NG-prcpXX.exe with the red airplane icon, and when the purchase dialog box opens, click on the reinstall software option, making sure to have ready the last four digits password for reinstalling the software. You will then be asked to navigate to your key file and enter it to unlock and extract the upgrade files for your use. The upgrade file will be extracted to the following default location:
C:Program Files\Precision Panels\
At this time we suggest that you rename the Precision Panels folder to SkyDecks Panel Design so that future files or upgrades may be installed correctly. Again we apologize for this inconvenience, however we needed to use the Precision Panels tool kit to create this upgrade for you, and the program would not allow us to perform this function for you. Please rename the Precision Panels folder to reflect the following: C:Program Files\SkyDecks Panel Design.
Go to your C:Program Files\SkyDecks Panel Design\ directory, and open this folder.
Inside you will find the SD737NG-upgrade.exe. Click on the upgrade.exe to install the upgrade package to your system. Make sure to back up your key file for future use. It is best to keep them in the new SkyDecks directory you just created. Your files are now in place, and all thats left to do is to re-install your panel configuration file to the aircraft that you have chosen to use your panel with. To do this, please carefully follow the instructions in step 2 above, Installing the Configuration File.
INSTALLING THE CONFIGURATION FILE
What needs to happen now is to install the new panel configuration file to whichever aircraft you choose your new panel to fly with. Let's say you have a Flight-FX 737-800 already installed and you want my panel to work with this aircraft... this is what you do:
Sub-Step 1 - Re-naming the panel folder
Decide which aircraft you want to use your new panel with and open it's aircraft container folder. These folders are located inside Flight Simulator 9\Aircraft\***chosen aircraft name***. Inside your chosen aircraft folder you will see additional folders, namely the "model", "panel", "sound" and "texture" folders.
If you want to save the original panel in this folder for future use, you will need to make a back-up of it. Doing this is easy. I suggest that you simply re-name the existing panel folder to "zpanels" or whatever name you choose. By doing this, the game will now ignore the existing panel folder (thus making a backup of the original panel files) so you that can create a new panel folder in its place. You will now copy and past a new panel folder to replace the one you just renamed.
Sub-Step 2 - Installing the new panel folder
Go to Flight Simulator 9\Aircraft\SkyDecks\ConfigurationFiles\B737-NG. Open this folder and inside you will find your new "panel" folder to replace the one you just re-named. Copy this new panel folder and paste it to the aircraft container folder of your chosen aircraft, and thus replacing the one you just renamed. Understand? You changed one panel folder and are now replacing it with the new one... okay? Your panel configuration file is now properly in place and you are now finished installing the panel upgrade.
After completing the installation, you may then delete the Precision Panels folder from inside FS9 as it is no longer needed. It is located in the following directory:
There are several features you will need to familiarize yourself with before using them. Some or most of them you might already be familiar with. Should you require any help with the autopilot or how to tune in your radios, please refer to the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 learning center. There you will find several topics that are related to flying with the autopilot and other subjects.
The Multi-Function Display, or MFD
The MFD used in the SkyDecks Boeing 737-NG panel is revolutionary in the fact it can display all the visual information that you would normally see within the FS2004 default GPS system. Because of this, you can display NDB, Airport, ILS apron and loaded flight plan information from within the default GPS system. Doing so is easy. Refer to the following illustration to familiarize yourself with the buttons that activate the display.
MFD Control Panel Switches
Toggling the various control switches will display/hide several functions within the MFD to customize your display. Perhaps you dont wish to view the localizer or glide-slope indicators, or you prefer to have the ADF2 arrow hidden for the moment. You can choose how you wish to view your information.
You can also choose the rosette view ND by turning the Range-View off and clicking the MFD page view button. Or, with the Range-View on, you can eliminate the ND expanded view by using the page view option for a better, unobstructed view of the map.
Sub-panels
Pressing the icons in the lower-left of the panel will bring up the various sub-panels within the system. Most of them you are already familiar with. By pressing them individually, you will familiarize yourself with the function of each one. A few of them are listed below.
By pressing "Shift" + "1" through "8" buttons, you can open the various sub-panels provided. An Icon switch for each function is located in the lower-left of the main panel, and will display or hide each function.
"Shift" + "1" Displays / Hides the Main Panel.
"Shift" + 2 Displays / Hides the Panel-fluorescent lights on.
"Shift" + "3" Displays / Hides the Overhead Panel.
"Shift" + "4" Displays / Hides the Throttle Quadrant.
"Shift" + "5" Displays / Hides the GPS Display.
"Shift" + "6" Displays / Hides the Radio Stack.
"Shift" + "7" Displays / Hides the HUD Display.
"Shift" + "8" Displays / Hides the Landing Chart.
"Shift" + "9" Displays / Hides the Static Flight-Yoke.
Throttle-Stack
The new throttle-stack is designed after the current 737-Next Generation series. You may use the cursor in the center of the throttle levers to increase them both at once, or you may place your cursor to the outer edge of the given throttle lever to increase it individually. Placing the cursor over the stabilizer trim indicator activates the adjustment of the stabilizer trim. Use the mouse wheel or left click on either the + or - sign to increase or decrease the adjustment.
If the plane is on the ground and the spoiler arming switch is accidentally engaged, the spoiler lever will not move to the retracted position. This is because the spoilers will automatically deploy if the aircraft is on the ground, and thus you will need to press the forward-slash (/) button on the keyboard in order to restore the spoilers to the retracted position.
Radio
When you place your cursor over the standby frequencies within the radio-stack, you may tune the frequency to your desired setting. Press the transfer button in the center of the frequency you are tuning to make it the active frequency.
Heads-Up Guidance Display
The Heads-Up Guidance Display, or HUD for short, is designed for night-time and low visibility use during precision instrument landings. Due to the fact that this panel is designed to be used with third-party add on aircraft, the sight-line of this gauge may be out of alignment for your particular aircraft. The SkyDecks version of the HUD is meant to be used in conjunction with other add-on HUDs that utilize a full-screen system. However, you may adjust the viewing height to better align the HUD during approach by using the shift + enter or shift + backspace as you normally would for adjusting the pilots viewing height.
New Cockpit Interior Views
This panel has been optimized for aircraft models that do not have a virtual cockpit, specifically the Flight-FX 737-NG series. These views are taken from actual photographs of a 738-NG model and have been sized for proper perspective when looking out the windows inside the cockpit. You can activate these views by pressing the number pad keys as in the following illustration:
Interior Cockpit Views and Related Keys
The panel configuration file has the ability to view passenger wing views of your aircraft, if your particular model has visible wings in cockpit viewing mode. This configuration was made to be used with the Flight-FX Boeing 737-800 model. If you have a model other than the Flight-FX Boeing 738, and your model does have visible wings but cannot view them correctly, you may need to adjust these views accordingly. You can do so by adjusting the WINGS AND ENGINES VIEWS section of the panel configuration file. Change the last value in the EYE setting to adjust your views according to your tastes. You will find highlighted, the section that is required to be adjusted within the panel configuration file.
You can activate the passenger wing views by using the number pad keys while pressing the number 5 key first and then the associated view key, "1","4","7","9","6" and "3".
Locking the Interior Views
If you prefer an extended view of the cockpit or passenger wing views without the need of holding down the keys continuously, you may lock them in place by using the following command.
Hold down the key(s) for the chosen interior view you wish to lock. As soon as the view appears, press the shift key and hold it for about two seconds, then release all keys and the view is locked. To unlock the view press the number pad 5 and any other number key several times.
Acknowledgements:
I would like to thank Jan, Bill, Eugen and those that post at the AVSIM panel design forum for their patience and help. Also a big thank you to Project Fokker 10070, for allowing me the use of their GPWS gauge for this project and whose work inspired me to begin creating 3D bitmaps for panels and gauge creation.
LEGAL INFORMATION and END-USER AGREEMENT:
SkyDecks Boeing 737-NG Panel Project v2.2, Copyright (c) 2004, SkyDecks Panel Design. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution without prior written consent is prohibited.
These files are made available as shareware and are copyrighted. Any unauthorized reproduction and or distribution of these files without prior written permission from SkyDecks Panel Design is prohibited by law.
YOU MAY NOT:
Modify these files or use them for any commercial purpose, or any public display, sale or rental.
De-compile, reverse engineer, or disassemble any files unless written permission has been granted to do otherwise by SkyDecks Panel Design.
Transfer these files to any other person or entity. You also agree to prevent any unauthorized copying of these files.
OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS:
Although this software package is sold as shareware, it is copyrighted and is protected by worldwide copyright laws and treaty provisions. They may not be copied, reproduced, modified, published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way, without prior written permission by SkyDecks Panel Design. Except as expressly provided herein, SkyDecks Panel Design does not grant any express or implied right to you under any patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secret or any other intellectual property or proprietary right.
DISCLAIMER:
These files are provided "as is" without any express or implied warranty of any kind including warranties of merchantability, title, no infringement of intellectual property, or fitness for any particular purpose. In no event shall SkyDecks Panel Design be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, business interruption, loss of information) arising out of the use of or inability to use the materials, even if SkyDecks Panel Design has been advised of the possibility of such damages. SkyDecks Panel Design has the right to change without pre-notifications its software products and/or related documentation for improvements.
SkyDecks Panel Design does not warranty the accuracy or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these files. SkyDecks Panel Design may make changes to these files, or to the products described therein, at any time without notice, but makes no commitment to update the files herein.
