Fine tuning aircraft to one's own specifications

[Sid2008]

Hi folks,
I want to begin by wishing everyone a merry Christmas (no political correctness tolerated here ).

I would like to start a thread where FS 9 lovers can learn and share how to fine tune airvraft to their own specifications. I know that there is a lot of talent among our members, so, hopefully, this will be both an intersting and informative thread.

Let me begin by something that annoyed me for a long time. I want the ATC id for BA aircraft to be Speed bird. I tried this all of Jen's old BOAC aircraft (DC-4, Argonaut, de Havilland Albatross, etc.) and it worked fine. However, I could never get Cap'n Sim's BOAC and BA 707s to be referred to as Speed bird.

So here is the question: suppose I want an aircraft to be identified by ATCs to be a name of my choice, say "Meathead", how do I go about doing it?

Another modification question: I own the only 737-200 simulation with VC, namely the Aero sim version. When I downloaded the Delta Airlines textures, the cockpit windows in the VC were nearly opaque. Someone once said that there is a way to make cockpit windows in VC more transparent. How can this be done?

Thank you folks, and keep this thread alive.
Sid

 

[FengZ]

For ATC id, you have to do two things.

1. Edit the aircraft.cfg and write in the correct data: ATC_id=Speed Bird

2. Now you'll need to install Edit Voice Pack and use this program to "teach" FS2004 on how to pronounce the words "Speed Bird." You might even find this file on AVSIM somewhere. However, since you've mentioned that the other planes work under Speed Bird, then you can skip this step; FS9 already knows how to say this word. So simply do step 1.

For the VC problem: i don't own this aircraft, but it's probably a texture issue. Look for the texture (maybe something like VC_Glass, or glass, etc) and simply replace the Delta Airlines one with the original texture that came w/ the installer.

-feng

 

[WarHorse47]

Here is my approach, starting with this example from my SkySim Sea Vixen:

[fltsim.5]
title=De Havilland Sea Vixen D3 XP924 RAe Llanbedr
sim=Sea_Vixen
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=XP924D3
kb_checklists=CVIX_check
kb_reference=CVIX_ref
ui_manufacturer=de Havilland
ui_type=Sea Vixen D3
ui_variation=D3 XP924 RAe
atc_id=XP924
prop_anim_ratio=1.12
atc_type=Vixen D3
atc_airline=ROYAL NAVY
atc_flight_number=DR717
description=Vixen D3 XP924 operated by RAe Llanbedr during 1989 where it was used for pilotless aircraft trials and sported the distinctive drone colour scheme.
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[General]
performance=* Weight: 27,950 lbs Max 41575 lbs * Power:2 x 11000 lbs thrust * Max speed @ SL: 621 kts *
editable=0
atc_type=DEHAVILLAND
atc_model=SEAVIXEN
Category=airplane

I've colored the important parts.

With this example the ATC will recognize my type and model as a de Havilland Sea Vixen as coded by the atc_type and atc_model. The atc_model for Sea Vixen was created using EditVoicePack as Feng described.

This specific aircraft is identified by the airline and flight number entries as Royal Navy DR717. 'Royal Navy" was also created with Edit Voicepack using parts from exisitng callsigns.

If you leave the atc_airline and atc_flight_number entries blank, then the ATC will use the atc_type and atc_id entries and recognize me as de Havilland DR717.

One thing I do before making changes is to research the standard FS9 types, models and callsigns. I have a printed copy of the ATC Voicepack SDK in a binder at my computer.

Another trick I've applied is to copy voices between the callsign, airline and model entries using EditvoicePack. For example, with the WBS Mustangs I could use atc_airline=Army, but instead I like atc_airline=MUSTANG. "Ding Hao!" therefore is recognized as Mustang 315 - the last three number of the BuNo.

--WH

 

[Willy]

To get the ATC to use non-default names, you'll need voice edit pack and do your own editing.

A little explanation of the atc= bits in the aircraft.cfg

atc_id= tailnumber not to exceed 7 digits, 6 is the most common in the default install & can be letters or numbers. ex: NC8739

atc_airline= name of the airline, can also be AIR FORCE, ARMY, NAVY or MARINE too. LUFTWAFFE comes with voiceeditpack install.
atc_flight_number=Numbers only (at least I've never got letters to work). up to 4 digits ex: 8465 For military aircraft, I usually use the last 3 digits of the tailnumber

Airline/flight number example: Navy 739

[General]
atc_type=aircraft manufacturer ie: LOCKHEED
atc_model=model ie: P38

ATC will say Lockheed P-38

These will allow the ATC function to name the aircraft properly. If the names used are not in the default or added to the files, you'll have silent spots in the ATC.

Hope this make a little sense...

Willy