Flight Deck Solutions

mauriceb · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 8:36 am Post subject: PDMG 737NG and FDS hardware

I have a question which shows my ignorance about cockpit building, but if I don't ask, I'll remain ignorant Confused

. I currently only use the PDMG 737NG add-on to MS Flight simulator. What I would like to start with is replacing the FMC functionality of the PDMG product with a 'real' FMC (FDS version) and project Magenta software. In other words, I am wondering if these 2 products are compatible or if I must use the vanilla version of the 737 that is provided with FS9. I really love the PDMG add-on since it simulates almost all the real controls of a 737, but I think I read somewhere that what I want may not be possible.

If someone could enlighten me about this topic, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Maurice

bwr014 · Joined: 10 Mar 2004 Posts: 1064 Location: Netherlands

Hi Maurice,

I think there are some options to use both... so far i know Stef have a setup like this running.

Stef.... you can fill this in? Smile

gr.
Frans M
frans@flightdecksolutions.com
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Frans M
www.airbus320.nl

dnoize · Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 643 Location: Netherlands

Sure,

In the download section of the Project Magenta site, you can find some patches and fixes to make the PM software compatible with the PMDG, thus just using the flight model.

Read the enclosed txt files thorougly because its not really an intuitive installating. It involves some copying, etc...no installer.

go here:
http://www.projectmagenta.com/downloads/update.html

and look for the MODS section, there you will find the PMDG files.
How to's are included in the archives.

Stef
_________________
www.boeing737ng.com - the 737 simulator project

Fjorko · Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 19 Location: Bristol, UK

Can the same MODS be used for the 800/900 series by PMDG ?
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mauriceb · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 12:35 pm Post subject:

Great!!!! This is what I was hoping for. I do appreciate the quick responses.
Thanks again
Maurice Very Happy

Tomlin · Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 926

Stef...Been wondering some addition stuff here. How about the FDS MCP/G1 Combo, reckon that would work and maybe the FDS center pedestal w/some in/out cards like the upcoming FDS ones?
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Eric Tomlin
Learjet 45

Waycross, Ga (KAYS)
http://www.flightlevel180.org

Bob Reed · Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 59 Location: Upstate New York

The short answer to your question is no. The PM CDU will not talk to the PMDG auto pilot. The PM CDU will talk to the stock FS737 AP ok but not the PMDG. The only way to get the PMDG flight model to work is remove the PMDG AP all together. THere are some folks who have worked hard and got some of the other panels to work but the AP is out. THey use there own code for this and will not allow anyone to have the offsets. I know this is not what you want to hear but that is how it works. Confused

Fjorko · Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 19 Location: Bristol, UK

dnoize · Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 643 Location: Netherlands

no what it says is that you dont use the PMDG panels at all.

the mods make you use the PM MCP, EFIS, CDU and glasscockpit with the PMDG flightmodel.

So you dont use the pmdg mcp, efis, etc anymore.....just the flightmodel.

So your hardware cdu would be talking to Project Magenta and Project Magenta will be talking to FS using the PMDG flightmodel.

So its not the hardware CDU talking to the PMDG CDU, but to the Project Magenta CDU.

I thought i made it clear in my previous post, but appearently not clear enough Wink

in other words, the MODS remove the PMDG mcp/cdu and make PM functional with it.

In regard to interfacing hardware to PMDG: forget it
There's a few offsets that can be read, but virtual none that can be written. Thus rendering it impossible to connect hardware.
Next to that they use many own (secret) ofsets and allso their overheads logics are based on custom (non standard) offsets.

Stef
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www.boeing737ng.com - the 737 simulator project

Fjorko · Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 19 Location: Bristol, UK

Do these MODS apply to ALL PMDG aircraft or just the 600/700 series.

The reason I ask is that I fly the 800/900 series - so I would like to know if those mods can be used in my scenario as well.

Many thanks
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mauriceb · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:49 am Post subject:

MLCrane · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 50 Location: London, UK

pcos · Site Admin Joined: 03 Nov 2003 Posts: 1831

I think what alot of the folks are realizing is:

PMDG/PIC/Level-D type software is "Desktop" software.
Designed as a High end, Super Enthusiast package...

Project Magenta on the other hand is designed to go beyond that in terms of expansion. With PM Systems you can actually expect (over time) to have a fully functional setup.

The ability to communicate to.. as well as to take information out is the key here.
Magenta is designed that way exactly. PMDG is communicating inside of itself but not externally in a way that we can get in and work with.

I use both here.
When I am running FS on my desk or on the Laptop I use PMDG. Right now its the B747. I also enjoy the B747-200 Ready For Pushback pacakge. This is a handful as many of you know.
If I was confident enough I would build a B747-200 in a heartbeat. Problem is we just can't communicate with RFP. Shame!

These Desktop packages are typically .gau driven. Meaning that one file is in the package and is the heart and soul ..

PMDG and the others could make communication possible but the amount of effort it would take to cover all the various hardware out here (No standards) would be impractical. I can understand.
Enrico should be commended for his speed in working in this area. He is full time on his package and resonds very quickly to the Pro and the Enthusiasts..

PC

Fjorko · Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 19 Location: Bristol, UK

MLCrane · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 50 Location: London, UK