Difference between revisions of "ProSimA320 System"

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==ProSimA320 System==
 
==ProSimA320 System==
 
===Introduction===
 
===Introduction===
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In the cockpit, pilots interact with an aircraft in various ways. There are switches, dials and levers to interact with the aircraft and there are indicators and gauges to read back states. All of these elements are represented in ProSimA320 System. For the software to operate correctly, ProSimA320 System needs to know exactly how these elements relate to your specific cockpit hardware.
+
ProSim320 System is the main server module of the ProSim320 suite. All other modules connect to this application in order to communicate with one another. The main use of this application, besides being a central hub for the suite, is to configure ProSim as well as checking the status of hardware and connected modules.
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Configuring ProSimA320 System is the process of assigning each of these elements to the physical switches, indicators, levers and dials that you have in your cockpit.
 
  
 
Foremost, ProSimA320 System is the multifunctional module that performs the following tasks:
 
Foremost, ProSimA320 System is the multifunctional module that performs the following tasks:
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*Automates ProSimA320 Suite updates.
 
*Automates ProSimA320 Suite updates.
 
*Provides debugging tools for connected hardware.
 
*Provides debugging tools for connected hardware.
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*Extensive hardware and software debugging tools provided.<br>
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*Extensive hardware and software debugging tools provided.
−
 
 
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===Module instances and directory names===
 
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* Only one instance of ProSimA320 System is allowed in the simulator setup.
 
−
* ProSimA320 Systems needs direct access to simulator platform and therefore must run on the primary computer.
 
  
 +
*'''Only one instance of ProSimA320 System is allowed in the simulator setup.'''
 +
*'''ProSimA320 Systems needs direct access to simulator platform and therefore must run on the primary computer.'''
 
====First start====
 
====First start====
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# Double click the file ProsimA320-System.exe in the ProSimA320-System directory on the primary computer for the ProSimA320 System module to start.
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#Double click the file ProsimA320-System.exe in the ProSimA320-System directory on the primary computer for the ProSimA320 System module to start.
−
# During initial startup of ProSimA320 System, a firewall warnings might be displayed. ProSimA320 System starts a built in web server and connects to the online ProSim-AR servers for license validation, so this is a normal procedure.
+
#During initial startup of ProSimA320 System, a firewall warnings might be displayed. ProSimA320 System starts a built in web server and connects to the online ProSim-AR servers for licence validation, so this is a normal procedure.
−
# If no license key has been entered previously ProSimA320 System will display a license key input screen on startup. Enter a valid license key or select 30 minutes free trial and press OK to continue. Internet connection is required for this step.
+
#If no licence key has been entered previously ProSimA320 System will display a licence key input screen on startup. Enter a valid licence key or select 30 minutes free trial and press OK to continue. Internet connection is required for this step.
−
# Read Terms and Conditions as displayed. Agree to continue or abandon use.
 
−
# First the splash screen appears for a couple of seconds after which the ProSimA320 System Interface is displayed
 
−
 
 
 
====ProSimA320 System window====
 
====ProSimA320 System window====
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* The ProSimA320 System Interface always displays a horizontal top navigation with the items “File”, “Config” and “Help”.
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*The ProSimA320 System Interface always displays a horizontal top navigation with the items 'File', 'Config' and 'Help'.
−
* Below is a horizontal navigation bar dividing the screen in tabs. The '''Main''' tab displays an overview of connected cockpit hardware and software, the other tabs display the current state of cockpit switches, indicators, gauges, gates, etc. These tabs are not used for making configuration changes, they are only used to display the current state of elements or to change the value of a switch in the software if no hardware switch for that particular function is connected.
+
*Below is a horizontal navigation bar dividing the screen in tabs. The '''Main''' tab displays an overview of connected cockpit hardware and software, the other tabs display the current state of cockpit switches, indicators, gauges, gates, etc. These tabs are not used for making configuration changes, they are only used to display the current state of elements or to change the value of a switch in the software if no hardware switch for that particular function is connected.
−
* While running your simulator software, verify that the ‘Simulator Connection’ on the main tab states "Connected". If not, check the troubleshooting guide here.
+
*While running simulator software, verify that the ‘Simulator Connection’ on the main tab states "Connected".
−
 
 
−
====Config->Configuration->Main====
 
−
 
 
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Used for general configuration settings. Recommended after initial setup.
 
−
 
 
−
====Config->Configuration->Drivers====
 
−
 
 
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Used to enable and configure drivers for cockpit hardware.
 
−
 
 
−
====Config->Configuration->Combined config====
 
−
 
 
−
Used to assign hardware indicators, gauges and switches to software functions.
 
−
 
 
−
====Config->Database====
 
−
* In the Navigraph database section - verify that the Navigraph database is loaded (installation described in the [[Installation]] chapter of this manual) - if not, reinstall.
 
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* In the Terrain data section - verify that the terrain database is available - if not, reinstall.
 
−
* In the Scenery database section - select the path to the installation directory from your back-end simulator (Lockheed Martin Prepar3D® or FSX) and click on "Build database". Remember to repeat this step after making changes to your installed scenery.
 
−
 
 
−
====Help > Updates====
 
−
 
 
−
Opens the ProSimA320 version manager, which displays the current installed version number and the expiry date of the update subscription and contains 3 tabs:
 
−
* '''Releases''' - Used to download and install regular ProSimA320 updates
 
−
* '''Add ons''' - Used to download ProSimA320 Flight Model updates and other add-ons
 
−
* '''Pre-releases''' - Used to download and install ProSimA320 beta releases
 
−
 
 
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ProSimA320 System will notify when new releases become available (depends on the setting in Config->Configuration->Main/Updates). In order to install a new version, click on install next to the desired version in the ProSim737 version manager. Update will be automatically downloaded and distributed to all the connected ProSimA320 modules.
 
−
 
 
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In between releases, the ProSim-AR team constantly creates beta releases for testing purposes. Beta releases may be installed however can contain untested functionality. To receive notifications for new beta releases check the box ‘Monitor beta releases’ in the Config->Configuration->Main
 
−
 
 
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===Hardware Configuration===
 
−
Cockpit hardware can be divided into two groups:
 
−
 
 
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====Specific hardware====
 
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Specific hardware are modules that can tell ProSimA320 exactly what the state of specific switches / function  is. These are usually plug and play panels like radios or FCU. This hardware requires little configuration.
 
−
Examples are all CPFlight or Cockpitsonic components as well as some FDS cockpit modules.
 
−
 
 
−
====Generic hardware====
 
−
Generic hardware are parts that provide a set of input and output signals which don’t have a specific function. These boards are usually generic I/O boards. With this hardware, ProSimA320 needs to be configured in detail.
 
−
Examples are FDS SYS boards, Phidgets boards, PoKeys and joystick cards.
 
−
 
 
−
===Supported hardware (click on link for instructions)===
 
−
 
 
−
====[[CPflight Hardware|CPFlight]]====
 
−
 
 
−
====[[FDS Hardware|Flightdeck Solution]]====
 
  
−
Skalarki
+
===Configuration===
 +
When clicking on 'Configuration' from the Config Menu dropdown, the configuration window will open.
 +
=====Main tab=====
 +
On the main tab, some of the basic settings of ProSim can be set up, such as the interface between ProSim and P3D/FSX: FSUIPC or SimConnect.
  
−
FSCockpit
+
Most settings can be left as how they are set by default; others require manual experimenting, such as gauge smoothing and LED intensities. If ProSimUtils is used, as in the screenshot, please make sure to select it from the Acars Profile dropdown menu here.
 +
=====Drivers tab=====
 +
Hardware drivers can be enable- and disable in the Drivers tab, which is required for hardware to interface with ProSim.
  
−
====[[CockpitSonic Hardware|CockpitSonic]]====
+
Some manufacturers have their own, dedicated driver(s). Other hardware, for example Saitek Flight products (yoke, rudders) do not have dedicated drivers, but require the 'DirectInput support for joysticks'-driver to be enabled. This driver allows generic hardware to communicate with ProSim. Please refer to your manufacturers' manuals for setup details, or visit the for support!
  
−
====[[Flight Illusion|Flight Illusion]]====
+
To enable a driver, click on the checkbox next to 'Enabled', and again to disable the driver. Some drivers also offer advanced options. These can be configured by clicking on the designated 'Advanced'-button. Please refer to the hardware manual for further instructions.
 +
=====Combined config tab=====
 +
The combined config tab is by far the largest and complex tab of ProSim, and allows the configuration of buttons, switches, lights, and even custom sounds as explained on the [[ProSim737_Audio]] page
  
−
====[[DirectInput devices (Game Controllers)|DirectInput devices (Game Controllers)]]====
+
At the top of the window, the latest input that has been detected by ProSim is shown, next to 'Latest Input'. This is useful to check whether or not a button, switch or control axis is being (correctly) detected by ProSim. Also, when assigning buttons, switches and flight control axis, the desired button can be selected, switch or axis and automatically assign the latest input received by ProSim by pressing on the 'A' button next to the desired button, switch or axis.
  
−
====[[Phidgets|Phidgets]]====
+
All buttons, switches and sounds have been divided into categories, ranging from electric systems to fuel and from flight controls to warning systems.
  
−
====[[PoKeys|Pokeys]]====
+
By clicking on a category, a drill-down list will unfold. Depending on the possible options within a certain category, further dropdown menus will be present.
 +
====Database====
 +
The database window shows the actual status of all three databases ProSim uses:
 +
#The Navigraph database: this database contains navigational data; SIDs, STARs, VORs, and more.
 +
#The scenery database: this database contains all simulator scenery currently installed and an initial version is created when ProSim320 System is run for the first time. '''This needs to be rebuild every time an add-on scenery content has been installed'''
 +
#The terrain database: the terrain database is used to display ND terrain, when clicking the EFIS button 'TERR'. ProSim has its own database, which can be downloaded directly through the Database window or from the Prosim-AR.com downloads section.
 +
====Help dropdown====
 +
The help dropdown menu gives access to updates and licenses, amongst some other features.
 +
====Web Access====
 +
Quick access to the [[Instructor_Operating_Station]] is possible via this window. Note it is the web application. For more info, refer to the [[Instructor Operating_Station]] page.
  
−
Flight Simulator Center / Poldragonet
+
Notification of available updates are upon start-up of ProSim320 System in case download add-ons are needed, such as the [[Visual_Flight_Model]] or beta-versions of ProSim System. As seen in the image below, the 'updates'-window is divided into three separate tabs:
 +
*Releases: Stable releases, versioning as vX.X (F.e. v3.01, v4.02, etc.)
 +
*Addons: Add-ons released by ProSim, such as the Prepar3D Module and the [Visual_Flight_model]
 +
*Pre-releases: Beta versions of ProSim320. Versioning as Vx.xbx (F.e. V3.02b5, V4.10b12, etc). Advised only for advanced users, or if advised by ProSim.
 +
All releases and pre-releases are accompanied by release-notes. These are also posted on the forums.
 +
====Licenses & About====
 +
This is the legal part of ProSim320. Opening this window will show the copyrights, as well as the currently linked software licence- and update keys. Two buttons are shown:
 +
*Purge cached licenses: Note currently linked licence keys will be removed. Use this button when reinstalling Windows or when migrating to a new computer.
 +
*Register licenses: Use this button after using the 'Purge cached licenses'-button to enter new software- or update licence keys.

Latest revision as of 20:04, 1 July 2021

1 ProSimA320 System

1.1 Introduction

ProSim320 System is the main server module of the ProSim320 suite. All other modules connect to this application in order to communicate with one another. The main use of this application, besides being a central hub for the suite, is to configure ProSim as well as checking the status of hardware and connected modules.

Foremost, ProSimA320 System is the multifunctional module that performs the following tasks:

  • Performs as a central hub for all ProSimA320 Suite modules.
  • Manages the simulation of aircraft systems.
  • Features a webserver for the Instructor Operating Station (IOS).
  • Distributes audio and navigational data to relevant modules.
  • Interacts with the image generator.
  • Validation of the user license key for the ProSimA320 Suite.
  • Manages geographical databases.
  • Connectivity of cockpit hardware.
  • Performs ProSimA320 Suite version update.
  • Automates ProSimA320 Suite updates.
  • Provides debugging tools for connected hardware.
  • Extensive hardware and software debugging tools provided.
  • Only one instance of ProSimA320 System is allowed in the simulator setup.
  • ProSimA320 Systems needs direct access to simulator platform and therefore must run on the primary computer.

1.1.1 First start

  1. Double click the file ProsimA320-System.exe in the ProSimA320-System directory on the primary computer for the ProSimA320 System module to start.
  2. During initial startup of ProSimA320 System, a firewall warnings might be displayed. ProSimA320 System starts a built in web server and connects to the online ProSim-AR servers for licence validation, so this is a normal procedure.
  3. If no licence key has been entered previously ProSimA320 System will display a licence key input screen on startup. Enter a valid licence key or select 30 minutes free trial and press OK to continue. Internet connection is required for this step.

1.1.2 ProSimA320 System window

  • The ProSimA320 System Interface always displays a horizontal top navigation with the items 'File', 'Config' and 'Help'.
  • Below is a horizontal navigation bar dividing the screen in tabs. The Main tab displays an overview of connected cockpit hardware and software, the other tabs display the current state of cockpit switches, indicators, gauges, gates, etc. These tabs are not used for making configuration changes, they are only used to display the current state of elements or to change the value of a switch in the software if no hardware switch for that particular function is connected.
  • While running simulator software, verify that the ‘Simulator Connection’ on the main tab states "Connected".

1.2 Configuration

When clicking on 'Configuration' from the Config Menu dropdown, the configuration window will open.

1.2.1 Main tab

On the main tab, some of the basic settings of ProSim can be set up, such as the interface between ProSim and P3D/FSX: FSUIPC or SimConnect.

Most settings can be left as how they are set by default; others require manual experimenting, such as gauge smoothing and LED intensities. If ProSimUtils is used, as in the screenshot, please make sure to select it from the Acars Profile dropdown menu here.

1.2.2 Drivers tab

Hardware drivers can be enable- and disable in the Drivers tab, which is required for hardware to interface with ProSim.

Some manufacturers have their own, dedicated driver(s). Other hardware, for example Saitek Flight products (yoke, rudders) do not have dedicated drivers, but require the 'DirectInput support for joysticks'-driver to be enabled. This driver allows generic hardware to communicate with ProSim. Please refer to your manufacturers' manuals for setup details, or visit the for support!

To enable a driver, click on the checkbox next to 'Enabled', and again to disable the driver. Some drivers also offer advanced options. These can be configured by clicking on the designated 'Advanced'-button. Please refer to the hardware manual for further instructions.

1.2.3 Combined config tab

The combined config tab is by far the largest and complex tab of ProSim, and allows the configuration of buttons, switches, lights, and even custom sounds as explained on the ProSim737_Audio page

At the top of the window, the latest input that has been detected by ProSim is shown, next to 'Latest Input'. This is useful to check whether or not a button, switch or control axis is being (correctly) detected by ProSim. Also, when assigning buttons, switches and flight control axis, the desired button can be selected, switch or axis and automatically assign the latest input received by ProSim by pressing on the 'A' button next to the desired button, switch or axis.

All buttons, switches and sounds have been divided into categories, ranging from electric systems to fuel and from flight controls to warning systems.

By clicking on a category, a drill-down list will unfold. Depending on the possible options within a certain category, further dropdown menus will be present.

1.2.4 Database

The database window shows the actual status of all three databases ProSim uses:

  1. The Navigraph database: this database contains navigational data; SIDs, STARs, VORs, and more.
  2. The scenery database: this database contains all simulator scenery currently installed and an initial version is created when ProSim320 System is run for the first time. This needs to be rebuild every time an add-on scenery content has been installed
  3. The terrain database: the terrain database is used to display ND terrain, when clicking the EFIS button 'TERR'. ProSim has its own database, which can be downloaded directly through the Database window or from the Prosim-AR.com downloads section.

1.2.5 Help dropdown

The help dropdown menu gives access to updates and licenses, amongst some other features.

1.2.6 Web Access

Quick access to the Instructor_Operating_Station is possible via this window. Note it is the web application. For more info, refer to the Instructor Operating_Station page.

Notification of available updates are upon start-up of ProSim320 System in case download add-ons are needed, such as the Visual_Flight_Model or beta-versions of ProSim System. As seen in the image below, the 'updates'-window is divided into three separate tabs:

  • Releases: Stable releases, versioning as vX.X (F.e. v3.01, v4.02, etc.)
  • Addons: Add-ons released by ProSim, such as the Prepar3D Module and the [Visual_Flight_model]
  • Pre-releases: Beta versions of ProSim320. Versioning as Vx.xbx (F.e. V3.02b5, V4.10b12, etc). Advised only for advanced users, or if advised by ProSim.

All releases and pre-releases are accompanied by release-notes. These are also posted on the forums.

1.2.7 Licenses & About

This is the legal part of ProSim320. Opening this window will show the copyrights, as well as the currently linked software licence- and update keys. Two buttons are shown:

  • Purge cached licenses: Note currently linked licence keys will be removed. Use this button when reinstalling Windows or when migrating to a new computer.
  • Register licenses: Use this button after using the 'Purge cached licenses'-button to enter new software- or update licence keys.
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