Difference between revisions of "ProSimA320 System"

Revision as of 08:34, 1 June 2018

1 ProSimA320 System

1.1 Introduction

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.

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:

• 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.
  

1.2 Module instances and directory names

• 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.

1.2.1 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 license validation, so this is a normal procedure.
3. 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.
4. Read Terms and Conditions as displayed. Agree to continue or abandon use.
5. First the splash screen appears for a couple of seconds after which the ProSimA320 System Interface is displayed

1.2.2 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 your simulator software, verify that the ‘Simulator Connection’ on the main tab states "Connected". If not, check the troubleshooting guide here.

1.2.3 Config->Configuration->Main

Used for general configuration settings. Recommended after initial setup.

1.2.4 Config->Configuration->Drivers

Used to enable and configure drivers for cockpit hardware.

1.2.5 Config->Configuration->Combined config

Used to assign hardware indicators, gauges and switches to software functions.

1.2.6 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.
• 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.

1.2.7 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

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 ProSimA320 version manager. Update will be automatically downloaded and distributed to all the connected ProSimA320 modules.

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

1.3 Hardware Configuration

Cockpit hardware can be divided into two groups:

1.3.1 Specific hardware

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.

1.3.2 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.

1.4 Supported hardware (click on link for instructions)

1.4.1 CPFlight

1.4.2 Flightdeck Solution

Skalarki

FSCockpit

1.4.3 CockpitSonic

1.4.4 Flight Illusion

1.4.5 DirectInput devices (Game Controllers)

1.4.6 Phidgets

1.4.7 Pokeys

Flight Simulator Center / Poldragonet