Michael Carter
02-24-2009, 01:37 AM
After many, many test flights, re-configuring the panel file, and other hair pulling events, I've finally figured out why my engine gauges are disappearing.
As daytime changes to dusk, and then to dark, the panel lights automatically brighten. They do this on the real 727 too with the aid of the light sensors on the MIP.
The problem starts at dusk when the panel lights pop on. That's when the engine gauges disappear. I accidentally discovered this by mis-striking the 'L' key while doing something else. Probably changing the view. The gauges were already gone and I was looking around or doing something else in that area of the keyboard. As soon as I struck the 'L' key the gauge stack reappeared.
On a third test flight tonight from London to Birmingham the gauges disappeared yet again after eliminating the background bitmap, and after changing the background color to 0,0,0. I thought that the bitmap might have not loaded with the gauges and then all of a sudden would pop up over the entire panel.
No, that's not the problem.
If the panel disappears all I have to do is press the 'L' key and poof, there they are. This also turns off all external lights I have on, and screws with the FSUIPC switch programming. To turn all the external lights back on, I can use the switches, which after being actuated are now all in the off position even though the external lights are on, or I can open the overhead window screen and turn them all on with the trackball.
Not a very attractive solution in either case.
At least now I know the 'why'. Now I have to figure out the solution. It has something to do with gauge lighting and the way the DF727 panel is designed.
There's always a new challenge around the corner with the 727.
EPR bezels installed:
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h146/boeing722/EPRbezels.jpg
As daytime changes to dusk, and then to dark, the panel lights automatically brighten. They do this on the real 727 too with the aid of the light sensors on the MIP.
The problem starts at dusk when the panel lights pop on. That's when the engine gauges disappear. I accidentally discovered this by mis-striking the 'L' key while doing something else. Probably changing the view. The gauges were already gone and I was looking around or doing something else in that area of the keyboard. As soon as I struck the 'L' key the gauge stack reappeared.
On a third test flight tonight from London to Birmingham the gauges disappeared yet again after eliminating the background bitmap, and after changing the background color to 0,0,0. I thought that the bitmap might have not loaded with the gauges and then all of a sudden would pop up over the entire panel.
No, that's not the problem.
If the panel disappears all I have to do is press the 'L' key and poof, there they are. This also turns off all external lights I have on, and screws with the FSUIPC switch programming. To turn all the external lights back on, I can use the switches, which after being actuated are now all in the off position even though the external lights are on, or I can open the overhead window screen and turn them all on with the trackball.
Not a very attractive solution in either case.
At least now I know the 'why'. Now I have to figure out the solution. It has something to do with gauge lighting and the way the DF727 panel is designed.
There's always a new challenge around the corner with the 727.
EPR bezels installed:
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h146/boeing722/EPRbezels.jpg