Glass Cockpit

WarHorse47

WarHorse47

SOH-CM-2024
I've been giving some thought to updating one of my a/c with a glass cockpit. I found that CLS and Mindstar have a Garmin 1000 cockpit, but the prices seem a little steep. Although both are packed with all kinds of features and functionality, what I really want to know is their impact of framerates. :kilroy:

So... has anybody got any of these packages, and if so, what are your impressions?

https://www.commerciallevel.com/webshop.php?actie=pshow&pid=40&groep=7

http://www.mindstarprods.com/aviation/index.html

And my second question is...:isadizzy:

...might there be any similar freeware gauge packages I might be overlooking?

Thanks

--WH
 
Hey WH,

If the plane you are upgrading is one of mine, the Kodiak or the Epic LT, then the Mindstar will not work with them. My ratio is not the same size as his, so they will not function properly and possibly will CTD, especially with wide screen monitors.

I havent heard of the other group. I'll have to track them down and see what they have.

On freeware, I myself do not know of anyone that has created a freeware version of these panels. It would be nice though. If you were in FSX, you could trade out the stock Garmins into something, but they are not loaded with alot of 'gadgetry'.

Nick Pike had created one ages ago. The thing was filled with tons of features and was in FS2004 gauge code. I do not know if he is still around and if he is offering his panel still. It had realistic menu systems for navigating into the systems of the screens. Very nice... But it ate alot of RAM in rendering and idling code. If your computer is pretty powerful, then it shouldnt be an issue.



Bill
 
If the plane you are upgrading is one of mine, the Kodiak or the Epic LT, then ...
Click to expand...
Actually no, Bill. I have neither. At least not until your comment. I had to go take a look, and the Kodiak is now in stable. Took a few short flights. Very nice. Very FPS friendly. :icon_lol:

Yes, if you come up with any glass panel suggestions, let me know. BTW, its for a twin. Not sure if that makes any difference except for engine gauges.

Thanks. :ernae:

--WH
 
WarHorse,

I can't comment on the CLS offering but I do have the Mindstar G1000 package. I've used it in the Flight1 C172 with quite a bit of success and it was somewhat helpful when I went to get checked out in a newer G1000 Skyhawk with my local flying club.

The Pros:
Framerates have been relatively good even on my old non dual core Athlon.
For the most part the visuals are dead on accurate with the real Garmin.
Responsive product support.
Continued, but slow product development.

The Cons:
Price - granted a substantial amount of work has gone into it!
It doesn't seem to work well with anything other than a piston single.
A number of secondary G1000 screens and functionality are not implemented.
Updates are few and far between.
You will want to get the betas from Mindstar to make it more useful.

In summary it is a good package and I think they are using it to produce the G1000 gauges for the coming Eaglesoft Diamond Twinstar. Still, I think if I was looking to get a package for sim only use I'd look very carefully at the FS2X package here:

http://www.fspilotshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=1941

If you are looking for something for real world training I'd go for the Garmin G1000 Trainer sold directly by Garmin. It runs about the same cost as any of the FS gauge packages but it is dead on accurate and will help tremendously with learning the button pushing and knob twirling!

Hope this helps!
 
you know what they say about glass cockpits, dontcha?
























































people who fly in them shouldn't throw stones!
HA HA HA HA HA HA !!!!! :icon_lol:
sorry, i just couldn't resist
 
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