Hi Guys,
As you may have seen in Britjets videos and on our simfest streams we have developed an addon for PSX with the aim of simulating all of BA's ACARS functions within our simulator.
Several members of the forum have been testing it and we think it is in good enough shape to pass on to other users.
The main features are around the BA CARD system which reads from TopCat and our own performance tables to calculate performance figures for a given runway.
I have also made headway in intefacing to Hoppies Acars network.
Please feel free to report back any issues and I will try and get round to fixing them, or ask any questions here as the manual is a little lacking... sorry about that!
All menus in Small font will be added as time goes on.
http://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=5579.0
Requires .NET 4.5.1 available at http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=40773
Hope some of you find this useful.
Cheers
Gary
Simfest Technology Centre
Brilliant- Ta!
Will grab it tonight- so glad to see this!
Carl
Hi Gary,
can I list your add-on here? http://aerowinx.com/html/addons.html
Or do you fear there'll be too many questions and requests? :-)
Thank you for your contributions!
Cheers,
|-|ardy
Hardy,
No worries at all.
Cheers
Gary
Quote from: Hardy HeinlinThank you for your contributions!
Have you tried it? Maybe a little presumptuous ;)
Please refer any QA issues to the Testing Team Lead 'Triple7' :-)
I can't try it as I'm a Mac user :-)
Who has developed this add-on?
I need some names: by ...
Gary Oliver
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(throughly tested by BritJet/Triple7)
Quote from: Hardy HeinlinI can't try it as I'm a Mac user :-)
Oh no!
Will get it for my networked sim install- but please consider a port for Mac if at all possible!
Best- Carl
Hi Carl,
Reasons for windows only are :-
1) I am comfortable with c# from my non sim life
2) My Sim Runs on Windows and so i developed on windows.
A Mac version is out of the question I am afraid. Unless Mono Develop allows me to import the project and compile it.
I am a mac user myself but my sim world is all windows. Sorry
Gary
Gary-
Most grateful, and understood! Should the compiler work, no one would be happier than I. If not, beggars... etc.
Either way- ta!
C
Awesome work Garry, testing it now
Just ran a quick test...just awesome !
Thanks a lot for sharing this with us !
Thanks for this :D Would a Mac version work anyway as Topcat does not run on a Mac?
Perhaps you overlooked Gary's words: "...and for now will require a registered version of TopCat to Calculate V1 Figures."
(My added emphasis). ;)
Given some slightly dubious TOPCAT figures from time to time, I for one will be extremely happy if a TOPCAT-free version can be developed! :D
Cheers,
Brian
Brian,
That is the medium term plan.
Triple7 has been working on performance data from some BA tables he found.
There are still some questions around these figures, especially with regard to the figures from the PSX FMC calculated speeds but they seem pretty accurate to some real CARD figure samples we have.
Once we iron these out and have a catch up with hardy after his post 1.0.0.3 break we will transition to use these figures and retire TOPCAT from the solution.
All of these figures for RB211G or was it H engines... Triple7 may chime in shortly.
Cheers
Gary
G
hi,
I have a question here,
I run PSX BACARS, PSX connected, ACARS Connected
when requesting the performance after entering the data and clicking send the debug section of
PSX BACARS shows TOPCAT Found/ C:\\TOPCAT\\TOPCAT.exe
PushBack changed: 110150
Starting Card Creation
AC Number 12
The calculation progress bar hangs, loadsheet in 300s ,it stays that way .
I must do something wrong or overlook something.
Any help would be appreciated.
is there a special aircraft template to be used in TOPCAT maybe,?
thanks for any help
ivo
@Gary
> "That is the medium term plan..."
:) Understood, and thank you (and Triple7).
Cheers,
Brian
Ivo,
I just tested it without an aircraft configured in TOPCAT and it still works, as it looks for the aircraft in the main TOPCAT database.
Can you send me a screen of your 2 pages you filled in on the PERF REQ pages.?
goliver1984[at]gmail.com if you cant upload here.
Also do you have the latest Version of TOPCAT? I am running V2.7.4.
Which Windows version?
I would expect to see the following :-
Starting Card Creation
ACNumber: Xxx (mines 12)
Runway Number: x
Start Card Generate Header
etc...
Did you not see this? It does take a minute or so to run the calculation.
The loadsheet countdown will start after you have received your CARD data, and started engines... This is the final loadsheet that is sent out during the taxi once the dispatcher has entered the final load data and it gets sent via ACARS from the central BA computers for whatever region of the world you are in.
Hopefully we can sort this easily.
Cheers
Gary
Hi Gary,
thanks for your quick response, and most of all , thanks for making this available to us.
I run topcat version 2.73 and windows 8.1.
Will install 2.74 beta and try again, and make the 2 screenshots if it does not work.
ivo
hi Gary,
have Topcat 2.74 but it did not help.
here are the 2 screenshots.
thanks
ivo
http://www.hoppie.nl/forum/var/page_1.jpg
http://www.hoppie.nl/forum/var/page2.jpg
Hi Ivo,
Can you please try the version here :-
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ix2t91cot6uxqtt/PSXBACARS_IVO_DEBUG.zip?dl=0
And send me a copy of the debug.txt file it creates.
Cheers
Gary
Hi Gary,
tried the ivo debug version.
here is the link to the debug txt file.
Again thanks for your kindness to help me out.
http://www.hoppie.nl/forum/var/debug.txt
ivo
Ivo,
Thanks for that.
I have uploaded a new test version, can you run this one and see what happens in the debug.txt?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/61d4amlbe1k2kco/PSXBACARS_IVO2.zip?dl=0
Just a thought. What are your regional settings in windows? , or . as decimal seperator too?
I've only tested on UK, English, . as a decemal seperator, DDMMYY as Date Time?
Cheers
Gary
Ivo,
It turns out it it didn't work with the , decimal seperator.
I have fixed it though in V1.91 which is here :-
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v6zkwz3bpop4thh/PSXBACARS_V1.91_Update.zip?dl=0
Just unzip the EXE and overwrite.
Cheers
Gary
hi Gary,
messages crossed,
just tried your initial version 1.8 and it works perfect.
did change my local time and decimal settings to English/UK, so a . instead of a ,
do you want me to test the last one with decimal set to , ?
ivo
Hi Gary,
last version 1.9a works both with . or , as decimal setting.
Thank you very much for your help and contribution .
ivo
G'day,
I'd love to use this program but I'm having some trouble getting PSXBACARS to start.
I've installed it and have a valid copy of TOPCAT and PSX running on the same Windows 7 computer running .NET Framework 4.5.1 and Java SE Development kit 8 Update 40.
I can get the AcarsDispatcher program to open, and after adding my ACARS logon to the AcarsDispatcher.exe config file, I can get it to exchange information between Hoppie's ACARS dispatch and TOPCAT ACARS programs, though nothing appears in PSX.
When I try to open PSXBACARS (normally or as administrator) it just hangs, then fails with the message " PSXBACARS has stopped working."
Is there some order I need to start the programs in or additional dependencies that I don't have?
Many thanks,
James.
PSXbacars is stand alone so there is no dependency on the other apps.
When you installed it did you use the installer in my original link? That needs to be running first, if you patched it with the latest version in this thread then you will also need the new config file in that zip too.
Did anything get written to the debug log file? How very odd
Cheers
Gary
Can I just clarify I dont need Topcat to actually run the app and use only the pushback feature?
Correct... Although if Triple7 gets on with it we wont need it for Performance either soon :roll:
I hade the same problem in the beginning,
BACARS stopped working after a few seconds.
For me it was the firewall of bitdefender that caused this .
Disable all your firewalls and try again,if it then works you have to grant acces to BACARS
hope this helps
Ivo
Quote from: Gary OliverCorrect... Although if Triple7 gets on with it we wont need it for Performance either soon :roll:
Indeed. It's not as if he has anything else to do...
I would except these humps of junk keep taking my attention away 😤
https://twitter.com/bt77w/status/587567919208464384
G'day again,
No luck I'm afraid, still crashes before even opening the window, even with my firewalls / antivirus disabled. I installed it on another laptop and same problem. No debug text is created, I guess it crashes too early to create one.
Never mind, I'll try again in a few updates :)
Thanks a lot for the help!
James.
James,
There's got to be something specific to your setup. There are enough people running it elsewhere, but obviously we arnt covering this specific issue.
Can you do me a favour and post a screen shot of your Bacars directory in windows explorer with details view selected please? I can only fix it with a bit of help.... Don't expect it to "just work" in a future version if I don't know what to fix :P
Cheers
Gary
Thanks for the ongoing support Garry!
Here's the requested screenshot, I hope it helps.
http://www.hoppie.nl/forum/var/BACARS_directory.JPG
James
James,
No worries.
Very strange, nothing out of the ordinary there..I have checked I get the same time stamped files.
Can you take a look in the application Log for some Error Events which are showing up as either 'Application' or '.NET Runtime'.
As you most likely know these can be found in Start > Run > Eventvwr and then navigating to Windows Logs > Application.
In the event details of these there should be some text detailing why Bacars has failed to load. Please either copy the text here or a screen shot, whatever you prefer. Both events would be helpful.
Cheers
Gary
Hi Gary,
There is an error for .NET Runtime as follows:
Application: PSXBACARS.exe
Framework Version: v4.0.30319
Description: The process was terminated due to an unhandled exception.
Exception Info: System.ArgumentException
Stack:
at System.Drawing.Font.CreateNativeFont()
at System.Drawing.Font.Initialize(System.Drawing.FontFamily, Single, System.Drawing.FontStyle, System.Drawing.GraphicsUnit, Byte, Boolean)
at System.Drawing.Font.Initialize(System.String, Single, System.Drawing.FontStyle, System.Drawing.GraphicsUnit, Byte, Boolean)
at System.Drawing.Font..ctor(System.String, Single, System.Drawing.FontStyle, System.Drawing.GraphicsUnit, Byte)
at PSXBACARS.MainForm.InitializeComponent()
at PSXBACARS.MainForm..ctor()
at PSXBACARS.Program.Main()
There is also an Application Error as follows:
Faulting application name: PSXBACARS.exe, version: 1.8.0.0, time stamp: 0x5515873a
Faulting module name: KERNELBASE.dll, version: 6.1.7601.18798, time stamp: 0x5507b485
Exception code: 0xe0434352
Fault offset: 0x0000c42d
Faulting process id: 0x87c
Faulting application start time: 0x01d0782cd9f57635
Faulting application path: C:\\PSXBACARS\\PSXBACARS.exe
Faulting module path: C:\\Windows\\syswow64\\KERNELBASE.dll
Report Id: 2990d930-e420-11e4-ae82-002215f289f0
Many thanks,
James.
James,
Do you have a set of fonts in c:\\windows\\fonts called 'Segoe' ?
If not they may be missing, or corrupt. There appears to be a few people having this issue on Windows 7
Update to them here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2729094
Person missing fonts here.. http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_update/windows-7-update-missing-segoe-ui-fonts/42506a5e-0d35-42e5-aa84-6131acd94c60?tab=question&status=AllReplies#tabs
an sfc /scannow may fix the problem apparently.
If you have no luck ill look at using an alternative font in the GUI.
Cheers
Gary
G'day,
Still not working I'm afraid, though I feel like we're getting closer to the problem.
I do have the Segoe fonts installed. Scannow didn't identify any faults. I tried re-installing the Segoe fonts, the Segoe update, .NET framework and BACARS. I also tried changing my system language from Australian English to US English because I saw this caused similar crashes online.
The crash error no longer appears, though BACARS still doesn't start and it still appears in Eventvwr with the same faults. The ACARS dispatcher still works though, is this based on the same font and software? I don't really understand why one would work and one wouldn't.
Would it be too much trouble to try the software with a different front?
James,
That is a damned good point actually! I wonder why dispatcher works but BACARS doesn't.
I tried all combinations of regional settings yesterday and couldn't break it either.
I wonder if it is a windows 7 thing, will have a think.
Standby.
Cheers
Gary
Hi gary, I am having trouble running this when Topcat is not installed. The app fails to load with the error:
Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: CLR20r3
Problem Signature 01: PSXBACARS.exe
Problem Signature 02: 1.8.0.0
Problem Signature 03: 550c5ab3
Problem Signature 04: PSXBACARS
Problem Signature 05: 1.8.0.0
Problem Signature 06: 550c5ab3
Problem Signature 07: 88
Problem Signature 08: 35
Problem Signature 09: System.NullReferenceException
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.48
Locale ID: 2057
Additional Information 1: 0a9e
Additional Information 2: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
Additional Information 3: 0a9e
Additional Information 4: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
Read our privacy statement online:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=104288&clcid=0x0409
If the online privacy statement is not available, please read our privacy statement offline:
C:\\Windows\\system32\\en-US\\erofflps.txt
Hi Gary,
I had instal PSXBACARS on my server but when I start it I got this massage (PSXBACARS has stopped working).
Please any idea how to fix this problem.
Thanks
Best regards,
Anas
Hi,
Can you send me the application errors listed in the event viewer , the same as James above...
Windows 7 by any chance?
Cheers
Gary
Godatum,
I'll make sure it doesn't need Topcat in the next version.
Too busy to make any code changes at the moment, as having a small redesign of the sim room.
Cheers
Gary
Hi Gary,
Thank you for quick reply.
Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: CLR20r3
Problem Signature 01: PSXBACARS.exe
Problem Signature 02: 1.8.0.0
Problem Signature 03: 5515873a
Problem Signature 04: System.Drawing
Problem Signature 05: 4.0.30319.34209
Problem Signature 06: 53489a75
Problem Signature 07: 67f
Problem Signature 08: 6c
Problem Signature 09: System.ArgumentException
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.1
Locale ID: 1033
Additional Information 1: 0a9e
Additional Information 2: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
Additional Information 3: 0a9e
Additional Information 4: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
Read our privacy statement online:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=104288&clcid=0x0409
If the online privacy statement is not available, please read our privacy statement offline:
C:\\Windows\\system32\\en-US\\erofflps.txt
Hi,
Hopefully there is another event at the same time with more useful information?
Cheers
Gary
Gary-
As someone who flies PSX on a networked dual PC setup AND a rMBP + iPad I was wondering if there had been any more thought about compiling BACARS for the Mac? If it is complex no worries, but if it is feasible- I'd be delighted.
Either way- thank-you- 'tis wonderful :)
Best- Carl
Looks like there may be an issue with windows 7. Has anyone successfully tested on 7?
8.1 only at home for me nowadays
Yup. Working fine for me on Win7.
Cheers,
Jon
For those experiencing the weird crash on start up can you try updating your .NET frame work with this download?
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=40773
The program is compiled for .NET 4.5.1 but those crash reports above reference .NET 4.0.
I am struggling to reproduce the issue.
Cheers
Gary
V1.95 Released
www.psxaddons.com/bacars
V1.95
====
RS232 Interface Added for Cabin Call Panel, just hook up pins 6/1/5 up to a USB FTDI Cable to make a real 747 cabin call panel work.
V1.91
====
WT/BALANCE only sends if Selected else invalid entry
ACARS Reports now Saved on CLOUDCARS Logbook (www.psxaddons.com/cloudcars) - WIP still
Decimal seperator of "," now works for those countries that use it.
V1.8
====
Fixed Button Handling code to stop pages overriding each other
Updates Vpilot Volume to that of the VHF L selector on the right ACP.
Uplinked Messages now split on ^ character
Updated Dispatch Station to Send ACARS Messages too
Menu Handling now no longer skips 2 menus back.
Crew Details can now be overwritten by user
VATSIM ATIS and MET now received as a TELEX message
TELEX Messages now printable
Stored Uplinks now overwrite older messages
Dispatch Client now support recieving of messages
Missing 5th Line of Acars Menu Added
Perf Req now on LSK6 as per real BA CDU
WT Balance Menu Now Working (Need to work on what actually gets send back)
Stored messages can be deleted with DELETE in scratchpad and then LSK the Message
Todo
===
Remove Topcat dependancy and add in PSXPerf
Cloudcars
Hi Gary,
I've installed V1.95. It opened, and as far as I can tell works perfectly, though I'm still working my way through all the functions.
I don't know what you changed, but it definitely did the trick. Many thanks for all your support during the troubleshooting! You're a scholar and a gentleman :).
Best wishes,
James.
James,
No worries!
QuoteI don't know what you changed
That makes two of us :P Good to hear its working now though.
Cheers
Gary
Hello Garry,
Thanks for this great add-on. Unfortunately I can only select BACARS from the 3rd (center) CDU. Is it intentional or did I miss something ?
Regards
Hi JP,
This is intentional, same as the real aircraft apparently :mrgreen:
Cheers
Gary
Thanks for the quick answer. In the real aircraft you can select ACARS from any CDU you want via the MENU page. Maybe there is an exception for the BACARS on BA airplanes ?
The cheap option? :)
Unfortunately I don't have the hardware 3rd CDU in my cockpit. The cheap solution for me too :mrgreen:
Cheers
I'll look at adding an option to display on any CDU in the next update for you.
Cheers
Gary
Great news. Thank you so much !
Regards
Hey Gary,
just tested your BACARS - unfortunately, it just crashes the FMC as soon as I select any FMC entry added by BACARS. The FMC becomes unresponsible. I connect to PSX over the local wired network from a Windows machine (BACARS) to a Linux machine (PSX). DOTNET Framework installed is 4.5.1, as suggested.
@Hardy: Even if I disconnect the BACARS client and load another situation, the BACARS menu entries are still there and will crash the FMC if selected. It's great, nonetheless, that the rest of the simulation is staying rock stable.
Cheers
Dennis
What do you mean by "FMC" and "FMC crash"? I have never used BACARS (I'm on the Mac), but I'm sure it does not add FMC entries. Or does it? Does it enter INIT REF values or ...?
Cheers,
|-|ardy
Dennis,
Never seen this before in testing, just to confirm you are using V1.95? You mean the
Have you tried hitting the MENU button once or twice on the CDU to return to normal? We did have an issue where it was trying to override other pages due to a code error pre V1.95...
I have a V2.0 ready to go but I am just sorting out some logistics around the performance database before release, this also fixed a few inner coding issues around pages.
Cheers
Gary
PS: I have not tested connecting to a PSX instance which isn't running on Windows. I will test with OSX PSX Server tonight.
Gary-
As a user of PSX on Windows 7 and Mac OS I can't thank you enough! Thrilled to read this.
Best- C
Quote from: Gary OliverPS: I have not tested connecting to a PSX instance which isn't running on Windows. I will test with OSX PSX Server tonight.
V2.0 is now available.
Main thing to note is it no longer uses TOPCAT to do the calculations which means the figures will match those on PSXPERF which seems to do a good job of matching the BA figures on the RB211G Engines.
****Important******
You will need the TOPCAT database from c:\\programfiles(x86)\\common files\\topcat\\database.tdb and copy this to the Resources folder within the PSXBACARS Folder in order for it to be able to use the TOPCAT runway lengths database.
You also will need to remove any old versions from add/remove programs before running the installer. Future versions will now update automatically without needing to do this.
******************
www.psxaddons.com as usual for the update.
Change Log as follows:-
V2.0
=====
Top Cat Replaced by PSX Perf Modules
Intersections Now Supported in CARD Data
You will need to copy an existing TOPCAT Performance Database from c:\\programfiles(x86)\\commonfiles\\topcat to the root of
PSXBACARS install in order to get the runway database for performance data calculation (note TOPCAT is not called)
V1.96
=====
Card now Clears when leaving PERF REQ Page as per real aircraft
Card Entries now blank screen during processing in line with real aircraft
Option to override PSX Default ACARS - Not Supported at this stage.
Using the PERF REQ page and then other pages in the FMC should no longer cause overriding behavour
Will Now open without TOPCAT being installed but the Performance Data REQ will no longer work
Fixed "Invalid Entry" Eror when going back into SIM page after first open
Imports TOPCAT Database Files in preperation for Bennys Perf Data
Loading now Asyncronous to speed up loadtimes
METS now works
Cheers
Gary
V2.0.1 is now available which fixes a reversed VR and V2 in the Performance Data.
@Gary, @Hardy: I've been using BACARS v1.96 for testing. Sorry, I rather meant CDU than FMC. By "crashing" I mean that there is no response to any LSK press or other key presses from the CDU in question. Sometimes, there will be an
flag behind the BACARS entry when the regarding LSK is pressed, but nothing happens after that when any key on the CDU is pressed - including the MENU key of course. There are no blank pages, the MENU page just freezes after selecting the BACARS entry and the CDU (center CDU in my case) just seems to stop working. Cycling the regarding CB has no effect.
EDIT: Just tested v2.01, but with same results as above.
@Hardy: Even if I disconnect the BACARS client, stop the PSX server, and restart PSX without the server being started - as long as the last .situ file is loaded, the BACARS CDU entries are still there and the CDU refuses working. I have to load another situation to "reset" the CDU.
EDIT: Just tested connecting BACARS through Hoppie's Psx Router to PSX ... this constellation is working fine.
Cheers
Dennis
The situ stores the text displayed on the CDU, even if the add-on that has generated the text is no longer connected. That's normal. So, after situ loading, the add-on specific prompts may be displayed, but not necessarily functioning.
This may happen to the MENU page as well. The CDU keys may be linked with an add-on while the CDU display may still show the MENU page if the add-on fails to send its own text to the CDU display. The add-on must overwrite the display with new text.
If the MENU page is displayed but not functioning after an add-on is disconnected, the MENU page is not really reset and relinked with the CDU keyboard. To see the true MENU page after such a problem, press the MENU key on the CDU.
Cheers,
|-|ardy
Quote from: Hardy HeinlinTo see the true MENU page after such a problem, press the MENU key on the CDU.
Hi Hardy, this is not working, also. CDU still frozen. The whole problem seems to be rather specific to my configuration, isn't it? Luckily, BACARS is running fine when connected through Psx Router, so I don't worry. :D
@Gary: Is there any chance that you, in the future, will publish a few lines of documentation for BACARS? ;)
When the CDU doesn't work after add-on disconnection, is there any entry in Logs/error.txt?
Quote@Gary: Is there any chance that you, in the future, will publish a few lines of documentation for BACARS? ;)
If someone writes it for me :-)
There was a manual but i forgot to include it in the latest release. Will try and get something written before the next version
Quote from: Hardy HeinlinWhen the CDU doesn't work after add-on disconnection, is there any entry in Logs/error.txt?
No, there's no entry in the error log.
I've uploaded a situ file. If of any use, feel free to
download it.
Quote from: Gary OliverWill try and get something written before the next version
Great, thanks!
QuoteThere was a manual but i forgot to include it in the latest release. Will try and get something written before the next version
Actually I note there is "Manual" word file in the Resources folder - but I think it is the early version before vers 2.0 and higher.
I'm just trying out using some of the pages - what would be useful for those of us who haven't used some of these functions in real or simulated life is just a few 'workflow' examples of typical steps in using BACARS. Thanks for sharing with the community.
Cheers,
Torrence
I have been asked to do a video of a setup from C&D...perhaps I could include BACARS in that...
Peter
Hi peter
That would be amazing, because your Videos are great and for people like me, that have nothing to do with flying in "real life", It would be very intersting to see what is involved in flying or what procedures are needed.
Suggestion for Usage notes in Manual: Include a note/reminder for in filling in Perf req to use *only* airports currently serviced by BA. This is noted in the BACARS add-on description, but I overlooked it when setting up some tests of 2.0.1 and couldn't figure out why BACARS was apparently hanging up after sending the Perf req. No printout but no error messages either. When I checked all the info I realized that the situ I was using was for an EHAM departure and, sure enough, FlightAware tells me BA doesn't have flights from there :) . Adding this to the checklist for setting up BACARS should be sufficient, but I also wondered if the real life software would generate a 'not in database' message if a non-BA field was entered.
Cheers,
Torrence
Torrence,
Bacars should work for any airport in the TOPCAT database not just BA ones. You just won't get any Ba specific information at the end of the print out.
Can you send me the example that caused Bacars to hang and I'll check it out.
Cheers
Gary
QuoteBA doesn't have flights from there :)
Company policy:
No take-offs/landings below sea level ?
8)
Well spotted Martin!
V2.0.2 available here (https://www.dropbox.com/s/4x365kz84zb6k22/PSX%20BACARS-V2.0.2.zip?dl=0)
resolves the issue of airports below sea level.
Ha - I thought my manifest for that flight was a bit damp!
Can't resist a link to my other hobby (photography) - vaguely related to Dutch operations at neg elevations.
http://torrence-johnson.artistwebsites.com/featured/cows-below-sealevel-torrence-johnson.html
Cheers,
Torrence
Guys,
New Version
V2.0.3 Available Here (https://www.dropbox.com/s/zp28gcbnwml7r9i/PSX%20BACARS-V2.0.3.zip?dl=0)
V2.0.3
======
Much more error checking against the data passed to and from Btriple7's Perf.DLL as it doesn't seem to do any :-)
KSEA and any other airports which provide a decimal point in the runway heading now work
If CARD Data is invalid the program will no longer hang, it will just print an error
Once CARD has been recieved the SENT> Caret now becomes SEND> to enable a resend of perf req
V2.0.2
======
No longer hangs when trying to calculate perf data for an airport below sea level
Removed options to replace PSX ACARS menu as this didn't work very well.
Error Handling added incase of PSXPerf.DLL failing to compute a value
Cheers
Gary
Hi Gary,
Thank you very much for the update!
Any chance to get a bit more explanation on how to get the SATCOM/Skype functionality up and running?
Can't seem to get it to work :(
Cheers,
Sylvain
Sylle,
Sorry I started re writing the manual and the draft got put into the installer so it removed the skype sections.
Basically if you use the Skype Tab in BACARS to configure your CDU line items and skype addresses.
Install Skype on the Same PC as BACARS
Setup Skype hot keys so that Start Call is PGDN is End Call and PGUP is Accept Call it should all work.
Cheers
Gary
BACARS 2.0.4 Beta is now available
Here (https://www.dropbox.com/s/9m23p8bqi9ayq8q/PSX%20BACARSV2.0.4.msi?dl=0)
V2.0.4
======
-No longer trys to send data on a closed socket (internal)
-Corrected formatting of V speed table
-WXRAIS Uplinks now show as 'METAR UPLINK' instead of a preview of the message in the uplink menu
-UI Cross Thread exceptions mostly fixed (internal)
-Now automatically tries to copy the performance database if it doesn't exist.
-ACARS Final Report will be sent once on blocks 10 minutes after engine shutdown (Needs Testing)
-Includes latest perf.dll which now supports pressure altitudes up to 10,000ft
Cheers
Gary
Thanks Gary for explaining the Skype implementation. I'll try that out!
Regards,
Sylvain
Hi Gary,
Thanks for the app! v2.0.3 ran without issues on my rig. After installing* v2.0.4 [Beta], I continuously receive below message upon requesting initial perf data, regardless of the location** (tried with EGKK, EGLL). Rolling back to v2.0.3 once again presents me with the expected output.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ERROR CALCULATING CARD
CHECK RUNWAY + ICAO
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please note that v2.0.4 successfully copies the topcat db to C:\\PSXBACARS\\Resources directory.
File version -
PSX.Perf.Core.dll (1.0.0.0)
PSX.Bacars.Core.dll (1.0.0.0)
* uninstall v2.0.3, remove PSXBACARS folder, restart machine, install v2.0.4.
** same problem regardless of runway chosen
Any help with tshoot'n is appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Dejan
Dejan,
We noticed a few issues around this over the weekend too. I think it may be down to a perf.dll mismatch.
Once I have recovered from last nights approach I will take a look at get a new tested release out.
Sometime this week hopefully :-)
Thanks again
Gary
All,
Yes sorry there was a bit of a cock up in the Perf.dll for 2.0.4. I managed to find some time for some updates.
BTrip7 and Peter are helping out with a manual for those asking, not yet ready though for this release.
V2.0.5
======
-Can now recieve more than 5 message uplinks rather than before when after 5 no more new messages appeared
-Card Performance DLL update to deal with new 1000ft tables
-Can now delete Messages
-Can Read/Delete Uplinked Messages with either Left or Right LSKs
-ATIS/WXR Automatically Prints on Receive
-ACARS MESSAGE EICAS Memo Now Works on AIS and Messages
-ACARS MESSAGE MEMO Clears Upon Viewing Uplinked Menu
-Non Functioning WX/AIS Now in Small Text
-ATIS Contains PSX D-ATIS As well as VATSIM ATIS
-Message Uplink Menu now reads all messages and allows scrolling through uplinked messages with NEXT and PREV Page Keys
-ACARS Final Loadsheet is now sent through as an ACARS Message with
-ACARS Messages can go on to more than 2 pages now
-Fuel Onboard Figures Now Provided on Loadsheet
Download Here
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4o1xprplklhtntn/PSX%20BACARS-V2.0.5.zip?dl=0
I can't try BACARS yet as I don't have a PC... Mac only... but it looks like a fine addition.
One question: can the user reconfigure the units from tons to pounds?
Hi Will,
As BA stuff is all in KGS that's what everything was coded for.
Cheers
Gary
Well, that's a loss for folks like me who think in pounds, but an obvious win for fidelity to BA ops. There may be a Windows machine in my future someday, and if there is, I'll look forward to trying BACARS out.
Thanks
Will,
I'll add a lbs option in the next version then :D
Standby for 2.0.6
Cheers
Gary
Busy day of updates again today... Sorry no lbs setting yet..
V2.0.6
======
-(B1) Menu Page No Longer Corrupt on Hitting MENU Key
-(B2) Card Now Arrives as an ACARS Message too
-(Bx) ERASE Button on WXR/AIS Now Clears the IDENT
-Clicking an Uplinked Message will take you to Page 1 of uplinked message if a previous one has already been opened on a further page.
-(B3) Removed Random
Continuing BACARS Update week....
2.0.7 is available Here (https://www.dropbox.com/s/t18pljyv0j1khky/PSX%20BACARSV2.0.7.zip?dl=0)
V2.0.7
======
-SIGMETS Functionality Added
-Passenger Figures no longer more than the capacity of BA Aircraft! Oops
-TOW will not longer be bbb.b when MENU button is pressed before Final Loadsheet is received.
-If ACARS FLT INIT Data has been entered then default page for FLT INIT is 2/2
-ACARS TO field now 7 characters
-ACARS Free text Now validates line length and to length
-
-Page x/y Prompts on the following pages now corrected into small font
-CDU Page Titles are now actually in the middle of the screen rather that one character to the right
-Oceanic Clearence TO box now only 8 characters
-Oceanic Entry Point Box now 5 characters
-ACARS Message OLD/NEW text no longer indented on truncated messages
-METS Now also includes the Requested Airport as well as the alternates
-FLT INIT REQ Response no longer shows as a random uplinked message
-Performance Figures now take longer to calculate just like real life
Did the pounds option (fuel quantity, aircraft weights) make it in yet? :-)
Gary,
Question please:
With the 2.06 and now also with 2.0.7, the msi-installer says... that:
"a more recent version is already on this computer",
which is not the case, of course.
What to do ?
Hesssel
Hessel,
I think there was an issue with 2.0.5 which caused this.
If you remove any old versions from control panel > programs and then run the installer all should be fine.
Cheers
Gary
Wilco !
Thanks Gary.
Hessel
Hi Garry,
What about the possibility to select BACARS from any of the 3 CDU's ?
Regards
JP,
Again on the list... I just wanted to get the existing features working correctly before adding more.
Cheers
Gary
Hey Gary,
I don't know if it's due to a new version of Skype but the SatCom section isn't working for me and it may be how the hotkeys you mention here are set up in Skype. The version of Skype that I have (version 7.6.0.105 - says it's the latest) only is able to do hotkeys with Shift, Control or Alt plus a key. This means I can't just use PgUp as a hotkey but must set it as CTRL + PgUp or the like.
Can you advise how to proceed so I can get this working?
Thank you :)
Steve
Same here unfortunately... I can launch a call but no longer accept or end from the C CDU with BACARS 2.07 with the latest skype version.
Cheers,
Sylvain
Maybe we need to look at something else for satcom as Skype has basically removed any APIs we can use.
Will investigate further
Cheers
Gary
Thanks Gary! looking at the simfest stream now... Great job!
Hello, I need some help here. I cannot get BACARS to work with my PSX, especially the ACARS communication part.
I can see the BACARS menu and option on the third CDU in PSX. Performance database and PSX connections are okay (green), but it always says ACARS: Failed.
All my addons (PSX, P3D, BACARS, Visual PSX, PSX Weather, etc) are running on the same pc. So PSX IP is 127.0.0.1 on port 10747.
I have requested hoppie.nl/acars to resend me my ACARS logon code by Email.
In the BACARS (PSX.Bacars.UI.exe), in Hoppies logon field, I have entered the code received by mail, I have checked upper and lower case but it does not work, ACARS: failed is in red.
Edit : Okay. I have downloaded the latest version 2.0.7 found a few pages up and it seems to be working now...!!!
Stephane
HI Gary ,
Thanks for this!
Can you explain a bit more on the RS232 connection to the call panel? -
Q's:
IM using a FTDI Friend USB interface, is this OK?
Do we need to assign a COM port in Bacars? If so, how? (My window shows "RS232 failed to open")
Pins 1 & 5 on the panel are Tx and Rx, Where does pin 6 (Return) go on the FDTI?
cheers and thanks again!
FC
I'm also having a problem with BAACARS 2.0.7
1 OF 1
- 01 OCT 2015 08:10
G-CIVI
A/C PACKS ON
KJFK/13R
W/C 050/12 TEMP 11C
DRY RWY ANTI-ICE OFF
QNH BBBB MACTOW 18.0
DAY: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
NIGHT: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
PERF CORRS
NONE
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
275.0 REQUESTED TOW
( . ) FMC CALC TOW
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
ERROR CALCULATING CARD
CHECK RUNWAY + ICAO
NOTES
ALL ENGINES INITIATE TURN
AT 300FT RA. CLIMB AT V2 PLUS
10KT TO 1510FT QNH (1500FT
HAA). SET CLB1 THRUST AT 1510FT
QNH (1500FT HAA).
It says it doesnt know the runway KJFK 13L. And also the entered QNH (I entered 1013) comes back in the output as BBBB.
Also, in the message 'title', it comes back as BBBB as well
https://www.dropbox.com/s/06fwbwue9yorl0n/bbbb.jpg?dl=0
Gary,
Is there anyway the BA prompt on the INIT page be changed/removed to allow use by a different airline?
Looking at using it along with Hoppies ACARS during WordlFlight.
Looking to use GTI prefix.
Many thanks
Darren
Darren,
I will add that to the next version..
I hope to find some time before world flight. I will also look through this thread and try and implement all the requests and bug fixes.
Sorry my day job has been a bit busy recently to spend any time coding at home.
Cheers
Gary
Hi Guys,
New version of BACARS, including requests by Darren, Doug,Sylle, Steve and Will. Also allowing PDC requests in time for world flight.
Sorry I didn't get round to making it work on all the CDU's... I started and then it became very messy and I ran out of time. Hopefully in V2.1.0...
V2.0.9
======
-Airline Code Now configurable in Config File (two letters)
-Acars Prompt now configurable in config file (Suggest 6 characts or less)
-Resolved a couple more errors which can prevent a performance figure being generated (aka Doug Snows bug report)
-Fixed Skype End and Accept Call. Configure Advanced > Hotkeys in Skype for Answer CTRL+PGUP and HangUp CTRL+PGDN in Skype
-Config File Entry UnitsofMeasure Now allows LB to be used.
-Acars PDC Clearence Now Available
V2.0.8
======
-FLTINIT page 2 logic now based on ACARS OUT Time
-Removed RS232 Cabin Call and Motu8 Support from the Module as this is now in PSX.NET
-More Code Preperations into joining the PSX.NET project, this will be the last standalone
version of BACARS which will be merged into the PSX.NET project.
-Navigation Database is now included as agreed with Navigraph who allow us to ship
an out of date Navigation Database. An updated version can be downloaded from www.navigraph.at
The author ackowledges TOPCAT who their creation of the database format and recommend purchasing TOPCAT
for performance calculations for the rest of their FS Fleet and PFPX for PSX Flight Planning.
-Acars Dispatch UI Updated to show positions of ACARS aircraft
-You can now view all cloudcars reports from the Acars UI.
Awesome, but I noticed that with QNHs greater than 1000, they errored out
1 OF 1
- 13 OCT 2015 22:10
G-CIVR
A/C PACKS ON
EGLL/27R
W/C 280/09 TEMP 08C
DRY RWY ANTI-ICE OFF
QNH 1000 MACTOW 18.0
DAY: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
NIGHT: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
PERF CORRS
NONE
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
311.0 REQUESTED TOW
( . ) FMC CALC TOW
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
F/L TOR 3902
*********
*FLAP 20* TOPL:430
*********
ATOW TEMP V1 VR V2
313.0 59 152 155 163
311.0 59 152 155 163
309.0 59 150 150 159
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
NOTES
ALL ENGINES USE FCOM 1 NOISE
ABATEMENT PROCEDURE TERMINATING
ALT 4000FT QNH. BETWEEN THE
HOURS OF 0700-2250 LT USE
NOISE ABATEMENT PROCEDURE
REDUCING THRUST WHERE POSSIBLE.
IF T/O IS ANTICIPATED BETWEEN
2251-0659 LT USE SAME NOISE
ABATEMENT PROCEDURE WITH
FULL T/O THRUST.
Hi Doug,
I can generate CARD data with QNH above 1000, are you sure?
Cheers
Gary
Just used 1019 and got BBBB
1 OF 1
- 13 OCT 2015 23:10
G-CIVR
A/C PACKS ON
KLAX/25R
W/C 280/12 TEMP 29C
DRY RWY ANTI-ICE OFF
QNH BBBB MACTOW 18.0
DAY: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
NIGHT: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
PERF CORRS
NONE
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
314.0 REQUESTED TOW
( . ) FMC CALC TOW
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
ERROR CALCULATING CARD
CHECK RUNWAY + ICAO
NOTES
But dropped it to 1000 and all is well
1 OF 1
- 13 OCT 2015 23:10
G-CIVR
A/C PACKS ON
KLAX/25R
W/C 240/11 TEMP 25C
DRY RWY ANTI-ICE OFF
QNH 1000 MACTOW 18.0
DAY: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
NIGHT: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
PERF CORRS
NONE
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
318.0 REQUESTED TOW
( . ) FMC CALC TOW
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
F/L TOR 3685
*********
*FLAP 20* TOPL:411
*********
ATOW TEMP V1 VR V2
320.0 59 144 155 163
318.0 59 144 153 161
316.0 59 144 154 162
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
NOTES
ALL ENGINES - NORTHERLY SIDS
That is VERY odd! Using 2.0.9 here...
1 OF 1
- 13 OCT 2015 23:10
VH-OJU
A/C PACKS ON
KLAX/25R
W/C 280/12 TEMP 29C
DRY RWY ANTI-ICE OFF
QNH 1019 MACTOW 21.0
DAY: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
NIGHT: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
PERF CORRS
NONE
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
314.0 REQUESTED TOW
( . ) FMC CALC TOW
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
F/L TOR 3685
*********
*FLAP 20* TOPL:414
*********
ATOW TEMP V1 VR V2
316.0 61 152 155 162
314.0 61 152 155 162
312.0 61 152 156 163
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
NOTES
ALL ENGINES - NORTHERLY SIDS
VENTURA SID - AT HEAVY WTS
THIS SID IS PREFERENTIAL
FOR NOISE ABATEMENT AND TERRAIN
CLEARANCE. CASTA/FIXIT/MUELR/SEBBY/GORMAN
SIDS - CLIMB AHEAD FOR 8NM
OR UNTIL IT IS KNOWN THE COAST
CAN BE CROSSED HEADING NORTH
AT 5000FT QNH OR ABOVE AND
SSA ACHIEVED. NOTE LOOP SID
REQUIRED CLIMB GRADIENT
TO 10000FT AND GABRE SID REQUIRED
CLIMB GRADIENT TO 12000FT
CANNOT BE MET AT WTS REQD FOR
LHR SECTORS. PLEASE ADVISE
ATC OF CLIMB GRADIENT LIMITATION
AND REQUEST SEBBY SID INSTEAD.
ALL ENGINES - SOUTHERLY SIDS
- NO RESTRICTIONS PROVIDED
HT RESTRICTIONS AND SSA ACHIEVED.
ENGINE FAILURE - NORTHERLY
DEPARTURES ENGINE FAILURE
BEFORE 5000FT - TURN ONTO
HEADING NOT GREATER THAN
270M. ENGINE FAILURE AFTER
5000FT - NO RESTRICTIONS
PROVIDED HT RESTRICTIONS
AND SSA ACHIEVED. NOTE HIGH
GROUND/SSA TO THE NORTH/NORTH
EAST AND NORTH WEST. ENGINE
FAILURE - SOUTHERLY SIDS
- NO RESTRICTIONS PROVIDED
HT RESTRICTIONS AND SSA ACHIEVED.
NOTE SOME OF THESE SIDS USE
RADAR VECTORS - THESE HAVE
NOT BEEN ANALYSED AS NO ROUTE
PUBLISHED. ENSURE TERRAIN
CAN BE CLEARED BEFORE ACCEPTING
ANY VECTORS TO THE NORTH AND
EAST OF THE AIRFIELD.
Quote from: Gary Oliver on Tue, 13 Oct 2015 22:56
-Fixed Skype End and Accept Call. Configure Advanced > Hotkeys in Skype for Answer CTRL+PGUP and HangUp CTRL+PGDN in Skype
Hi Gary,
The Skype End Call and Accept Call still isn't working for me. Does Skype have to be on the same computer as PSX? or the same as BACARS as these are on two different computers for me. I can ring out to users using BACARS but not accept or end a call.
I have double checked all the hotkeys.
Doug and Steve,
The issues you are both having are bothering me, it all seems to work here.
Can you send me an email to goliver1984[at]gmail.com I would appreciate it if I could team viewer in at some point to try and debug the issues.
Cheers
Gary
Hi Guys,
V2.1.0 should now resolve the skype issue completely. Sorry there was some debug code left in 2.0.9 which meant it would only have worked on my computer.
Also a small tweak to PDC
V2.1.0
======
-Remarks on PDC no longer insert ---- after text
-METARS now include TAFS
-PSX ETA Now Included in Hoppie Progress reports
-ACARS Messages clear after 1 minute from EICAS
-Fixed Bug where seatbelts were not detected properly so the cabin would be secure even though the signs wern't on
-Fixed a silly bug where skype wouldn't work on any other computer but my own!
-Fixed a bug in PDC Clearence where the flight number would become the Destination airport.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tdnfuhp4t74lntl/PSX%20BACARS-V2.1.0.zip?dl=0
Cheers
Gary
V2.1.1
======
-Acars and Card Data now reset on Power loss to the ACARS sub system
-Acars Dept and Dest now update with FMC Dept Dest Updates
-Input validation on Wind Speed / Direction improved
-Fixed Issues where sent ACARS Messages were not being split properly into multiple lines
-Oceanic Clearence Request now available
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jrrouhnai7y76iz/PSX%20BACARS-V2.1.1.zip?dl=0
Downloaded a Zip that states 2.1.1 but BCARS GUI header says 2.1.0
1 OF 1
- 15 OCT 2015 20:10
G-CIVI
A/C PACKS ON
KJFK/22R
W/C 000/00 TEMP 25C
DRY RWY ANTI-ICE OFF
QNH BBBB MACTOW 18.0
DAY: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
NIGHT: CLG NIL
VIS 150M
PERF CORRS
NONE
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
321.0 REQUESTED TOW
( . ) FMC CALC TOW
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
ERROR CALCULATING CARD
CHECK RUNWAY + ICAO
NOTES
NONE
Doug,
Im intregued as to what is happening to cause bbbb in the QNH, thats very odd.. Any chance of a video or a step by step what buttons you press?
HercMighty,
Oh yes my mistake, the 2.1.1 zip contains 2.1.1 just with the wrong caption in the gui.
Cheers
Gary
Gary and Doug et al.
I've not been testing BACARS in the depth you guys are (don't have the knowledge of how this is really supposed to work). However, just to add to the database of glitches, I've seen the QNH BBBB Card error pop up several times. Since I know the program is still in development I've just treated this as either 1. my error in input or 2. some random error like not getting a valid Winds download or something. As far as I remember in all of my BBBB cases, re-entering the Perf request usually got a valid response.
For what it's worth ... great addition to the preflight planning and set up. Thanks a lot.
Cheers
Torrence
Gary probably knows this already, or it may have been mentioned already, but ... just in case it may help debugging it: In the network, in PSX's FMC variables, the route origin ICAO code reads "bbbb" when boxes are shown on the FMC RTE page (no airport entered). Lower case "b" is a box character in the internal FMC font. And there may be three origin airport strings: of route 1, route 2, and route 0 (MOD RTE).
Cheers,
|-|ardy
Sorry I can't be more help. In Belgium on a work trip, and I dont travel with my PC laptop, just my mac.
Guys,
I think I managed to find where in the code the default QNH of bbbb is being populated from as it is being dealt with slightly differently to the rest of the CARD variables. Fingers crossed this has fixed it, if in the future it fails it will fall back to a default QNH of 1013.
Cheers
Gary
Download
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i1p8nld8058fbrq/PSX%20BACARS-V2.1.3.zip?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/i1p8nld8058fbrq/PSX%20BACARS-V2.1.3.zip?dl=0)
Change History
V2.1.3
======
-Added Fix for QNH being invalid
V2.1.2
======
-Fixes Loadsheet TOW, FUEL and ZFW Calculations which didn't quite add up
-Fuel onboard figure is now a figure taken from the dispatcher at off blocks rather than live from the EICAS.
Sounds good, Gary
I'll keep an eye on getting funny QNH. Suggests to me that maybe my bbbb issues were from finger issues (I use a touch screen for entry) with QNH entries to start with?
Cheers,
Torrence
Torrence,
I initially thought that but it cant have been finger issues as when hitting SEND> the inputs would have been validated and passed a check to see if they were valid. It appears that somewhere between that being done and the variables being passed to the calculation method they reverted back to bbbb.
Cheers
G
Hi,
Might I ask were CLG stands for in the rapport?
Ivo
Also a small question here, what should I enter in the address field in order to get pdc clearance ?
And thanks a lot for sharing your work !
Just bumping the topic.
If anyone is monitoring, I'm interested in understanding how PDC (and oceanic) clearance work in BACARS.
What address should be used ? And is it supposed to be functional or just cosmetic ?
All the best.
Charles
I briefly talked to Gary about this awhile back. It interfaces with VATSIM when the controller is online.
https://forums.vatsim.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=51232&hilit=cpdlc
Cheers,
Jon
Thanks a lot !
That clarifies things. I can stop looking for something that does not exist...
Charles
Hello,
I have a question. On the FLT INIT page I have always the REAL UTC time instead of the time that I selected in the sim. So for example the simulator time is 1224Z, real UTC is 2307Z. If I go OUT now, the BACARS give me an OUT-time of 2307Z. The OUT-time in the "normal" PSX-ACARS is correct (2307Z). Is there a way to change this in BACARS?
I hope you understand my question. Thanks and a happy new year!
Minor question re BACARS using the "lb" option in the config file:
The Perf req routine works fine, get reasonable V speeds etc. The final load sheet that comes later however seems to have mixed units, with ZFW in kg and bbbbb in the takeoff wt (I think, I'm not looking at output right now).
Cheers,
Torrence
Hi Guys,
Hopefully i will have some time in the next few weeks to look into the few issues listed above.
cheers
Gary
All,
V2.1.4 is now out.
This should have fixed the bugs reported above. I have also added an Auto PDC reply which will take a PDC request and your route from the FMC to provide a PDC Clearance.
Change Log:-
V2.1.4
======
-Fixed bug where PSX Data could be corrupted
-UTC Time now reported from Simulator Time and not PC Clock Time (for MichaDF)
-Final Loadsheet now supports lbs properly (for Torrence)
-New Config Entry 'AutoPDC' which will simulate a PDC clearence (for Tango4)
Download Link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/mnhyjw3a3ocungc/PSX%20BACARS-V2.1.4.zip?dl=0
Quote from: Ivo de Colfmaker on Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:30
Hi,
Might I ask were CLG stands for in the rapport?
Ivo
I have no idea... its always NIL though ;-)
Install ?:
When I run the 2.1.4 msi file I get an error ("newer version already exists on computer") and it stops. Way to get around?
Cheers,
Torrence
Ah! I forgot to update the version in the file. Just uninstall the old one from add/remove programs first
Check - I just noticed that the BACARS screen still lists v2.1.0 although I'm running 2.1.1. Will add/remove - just have to make sure some of my backup info doesn't disappear in the process (like Hoppies Logon code).
Thanks,
Torrence
Quote from: Gary Oliver on Fri, 29 Jan 2016 20:12
All,
V2.1.4 is now out.
-New Config Entry 'AutoPDC' which will simulate a PDC clearence (for Tango4)
Many thanks ! I never thought you you have developed the function !
Very kind of you.
Charles (tango4)
Thank you very much! :)
Micha
Re: DATA for BACARS?
It's my understanding from the manual that the ACARS data functions require VHF C to be tuned to DATA freq. I hadn't worried much about the radio panel C until I was experimenting with malfunctions settings the other day and got a PANEL FAIL on the C tuning panel. I needed to tune the FO R panel to VHF C DATA to get data communications back on the PSX native ACARS (ACARS request functions showed VOICE ONLY after the failure). I assume BACARS should in principle do something similar but currently tuning VHF C off of DATA doesn't seem to have any effect. Is it possible to have BACARS check for VHF C DATA status?
Thanks for all the additions.
Torrence
Torrance,
You are right there is no check for vhf comms.
I will add this.
G
I can't remember at the moment; does the network provide the ACARS com status to add-ons?
Do you still have your EICAS message checker, Gary?
You could check if either of these advisory messages are shown:
DATA LINK SYS
DATA LINK LOST
Cheers,
|-|ardy
Ah I remember Hardy we did look at doing this. Maybe I didn't finish implementing it though.
Minor questions re FLT INIT, Gary
If I park the aircraft after landing and perform the parking etc. checklist, then come back for new flight - what conditions blank the FLT INIT fields for the new flight? Just trying a few things it looks like I have to take all power off the ship and go to cold and dark to start up with a blanked BARCARS INIT page for the next flight.
What does BLK time calculate? On my flights the OOOI times all are correct but I get something like "-21.0" for BLK time.
Where/when does fuel remaining come from - it doesn't seem to take a keyboard input after parking.
Load sheet seems to work OK with LB now after fix.
Thanks
Torrence
Version 2.1.6 out following a few updates yesterday and today.
V2.1.6
======
-ACARS Data Now Reset on First Load
V2.1.5
======
-Final Fixes applied to Weather/ATIS Requests causing issues with data corruption
-Oceanic Clearances now generated if config file setting 'AutoOceanic' is set (set by default)
Question re Oceanic Clearance
Tried this on a EGLL-KJFK route (similar to Britjet Tutorial flight) - have ver 2.16 with AutoOceanic set to "true" in config file but what gets printed out is the PDC instead. Are there other requirement on the entries in BACARS that I'm missing?
Cheers,
Torrence
Ah! Small bug there... I'll try and fix it over the next few days... Sorry
Torrence,
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1qes7t2z8il3k9j/PSX%20BACARS%20V2.1.6.msi?dl=0
New MSI here to fix the problem... You may need to remove the old one if the MSI complains when upgrading.
Cheers
Gary
Hmm - thanks, but can't get upload of file to Dropbox for some reason right now. Get continuous "This file is uploading ..." message but no completion.
Torrence
Sorry obviously didn't finish uploading before I shut my laptop down.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dpn1t4o9wmsvkxc/PSX%20BACARS%20V2.1.7.zip?dl=0
Thanks Gary,
When trying to use the CPD function I get the FLT NO ON INIT REQ message, then nothing more. I tried the Message page but just the prior ATIS stuff was available. The only change I made was from KG to LB in the Config file.
What am I missing?
Thanks,
Jon
Did you enter a flight number within the BACARS subsystem. It requires one on the FLT INIT page. This is not the same as the FMC flight number.
Oceanic Clearance seems to work fine with the latest internal fix.
Thanks,
Torrence
Hi Gary, I'm experiencing an odd error. When running PSX and BACARS on a single machine, it all works fine. But when running them separately it does not. BACARS connects OK and the BACARS and SIM lines appear in the CDU. But clicking on them does nothing, only <ACT> appears.
V2.2.0 is available here
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tovf7tfwkew9614/PSX%20BACARS-V2.2.0.zip?dl=0
The Flight board stuff we added will be available to all users in the future, for example flightboard.simfest.co.uk
Changes :-
V2.2.0
======
Release Version
V2.1.9
======
Flightboard Updating Added For Simfest Sim
Flightboard Updating Now supports multiple users
Twitch Streaming Remarks Attribute in ACARS class to allow twitch program to pick up Streaming Option
Twitch Streaming Camera attribute in ACARS class to allow camera switching from within the CDU
Minor Changes in the Performance Message format to match the later BA reports
V2.1.8
======
Ensures ACARSINFO.XML updated regulally
V2.1.7
======
-Internal Updates
V2.1.6
======
-ACARS Data Now Reset on First Load
-Fixed Issue where if a PDC has been requested before an oceanic the oceanic will not come through
A bit of a major change in this one.
The App now concentrates on doing BACARS only with the rest of the functions taken off to PSX.NET which will no doubt be released fullly shortly.
V3.0.1
======
-More tidying up of playing nicely with other PSX Addons
-Keyboard no longer overrides other addons
V3.0
====
-Removed Features Now Controlled by PSX.NET
-UI Tidy Up
-Now Uses Touchdown Data from PSX
-Added Support for CloudCars V1.0
-Added Support For Flightboard V1.0
V2.2.2
======
-Updated VATSIM ATIS Datafeed URL
V2.2.1
======
-New config Item Disable QS191 (Qi) which stops bacars breaking PSX.NET.Push
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7cyn4sp8knh62yg/PSX%20BACARS%20V3.0.1.zip?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/7cyn4sp8knh62yg/PSX%20BACARS%20V3.0.1.zip?dl=0)
Egggggggcellent- Ta!
C
Great work Gary. Am I right in thinking all I need is the latest version of BACARS? Or do I still need PSXPerf and Topcat? Sorry if it has been mentioned previously.
Cheers,
Felix.
Gary-
Performance and ATIS/METAR working splendidly (without copying the TOPCAT file over)..... BTW as I sometimes use a CloudCars login... is there actually a record of my atrocious performance anywhere accessible ;)?
Looking forward to Mark's continued arm twisting and a comprehensive PSX.NET en suite :)
Ta!
C
Regarding the PDC and oceanic clearances I'm able to send out but I don't receive a reply via the CDU, only on the acars log. Am I doing something wrong?
Cheers,
Felix
Felix,
That is correct. They just send an ACARS message which I was expected would be replied to via an uplinked message. This is how the simulated works anyway. Not sure what happens when you do this with VATSIM.
I will have a play during VATSIM cross the pond this weekend.
Carl,
It all logs to a SQL backend which is hosted in AWS. I have been meaning to get around to setting up a webpage to show this info. I'll send you a copy to your email of what it has for you.
Cheers
G
Carl,
I cannot see anything in the database from when it was purged around 20th September 2016 in preperation for the V3.0 release.
However Felix looked like he had a nice flight from Heathrow to JFK on the 17th... A most pleasing 155fpm landing bang on VREF at 5 degrees nose up.. Good work! Compared to my 700fpm smashing it into somewhere in Greenland at the end of september...
Cheers
G
How excellent!
I have played around with it this afternoon with the EGLL controller on VATSIM. I managed to get my PDC across to him but my response never came via BACARS. It only showed up the Hoppies log on the website.
Felix.
Did you check the unlinked messages?
Yeah - I managed to telex other a/c with success but the PDC cdplc only came through on hoppies log - on the website. Not bacars.
Gary-
Thanks for looking... probably best for all 'round ;)
C
I see the problem....
I will try and get it fixed tomorrow morning
Many thanks Gary!
Felix
All,
A quick update before world flight....
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bx1719quljk3d8z/PSX%20BACARS%20V3.0.3.zip?dl=0
Sorry I havn't had chance to finish off the CPDLC stuff.
V3.0.3
======
-Updated In Time to Come From Engine Shutdown not doors opening
-Updates to Flight Board for World Flight
V3.0.2
======
-Added Sesma Events on Print out (not in CloudCars)
-Monitors, Gear, Flaps, Vref at 2000ft,1500ft or 1000ft gates in line with stable approach criteria
Much appreciated Gary! Really looking forward to WF and Peter shepherding us ducklings around....
Ta!
C
Another small update following some testing with QF25...
V3.0.4 here :- https://www.dropbox.com/s/qaj96crgwthogie/PSX%20BACARS%20V3.0.4.zip?dl=0
V3.0.4
======
-Now Uses FMC FltNumber for any communication with Hoppies ACARS which is your ATC callsign and not the actual BA flight number
-PDC should now work properly when online
-Oceanic Clearence page no longer shows BA even when using another airline
Hi Gary,
very nice. I'm just taking my first steps with BACARS so please excuse when I ask funny questions. :) Just two quick ones.
- I am happy to have a hoppie ACARS connection. But can I wonder if I can configure it such that it reports to a different ground station, that is other than BAW (say e.g. STV-OPS)?
- okay one "funny" question ... are there more details available on Cloudcars? I wonder because I have a maybe similar, still unpublished, work (an Xacars-compatible PSX client) and I wonder there is overlap here and how much effort I should spent to finish it.
Thanks,
Markus
Hi Gary,
I am running windows 10 with the latest update to PSX. I have installed BACARS and it seems to be connecting and running perfect. I managed to follow Britjets tutorial and everything went well. I do get a Acars failed message on the main menu of the BACARS connection screen. I went to Hopies site and got a logon code which I entered along with my email on the connection screen, is their something else I need to do?
Thanks, John
Markus,
At present all flight repotrs are sent to a SQL server running in AWS. I was planning on writing a web front end so people can view their own data, although other tasks have got in the way.
I will add an app.config setting to choose the ground station in the next update.
JohnH,
That is odd, it should just work. I wonder if any of my previous changes around the flight number have caused a reported failure here. Have you tried making sure there is a Flight Number entered in the RTE page?
Cheers
Gary
JohnH,
That is odd, it should just work. I wonder if any of my previous changes around the flight number have caused a reported failure here. Have you tried making sure there is a Flight Number entered in the RTE page?
Cheers
Gary
[/quote]
Thanks for the reply, I checked and I do have a 'Flight Number' entered on the RTE page.
v3.0.5 is available at
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3uuzbsdu2kkuw6u/PSX%20BACARS%20V3.0.5.zip?dl=0
V3.0.5
======
-Updated PERF REQ pages to match latest photos of BA 744s CDUs sent via twitter
-Fuel Remaining on ACARS Report No Longer Blank
V3.0.4
======
-Now Uses FMC FltNumber for any communication with Hoppies ACARS which is your ATC callsign and not the actual BA flight number
-PDC should now work properly when online
V3.0.3
======
-Updated In Time to Come From Engine Shutdown not doors opening
-Updates to Flight Board for World Flight
Thanks Gary!
Latest version is now available from
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rgryfh2w97xiq0j/PSX%20BACARS%20V3.1.0.zip?dl=0
Fixes....
V3.1.0
======
-Now received ACARS messages whether destined for ACARS FLT NO or FMC FLT NO
-Crew Data Init Request Works again
-If ACARS message is not on page one and you try to go to the next page it no longer shows a blank screen
-When removing ACARS messages if the page is cleared then you are no longer left on an empty page of acars messages
-Selecting < stored downlinks shows an invalid entry rather than not doing anything
-Defect Reporting Pages Added, These save off to Cloudcars
-Added simulation of 'PA IN USE' when seatbelt signs turned off for first time (Cabin service announcement), and when turned on (please fasten seatbelts etc)
-Added debug output of how many messages sent to PSX a sec
-debug.txt now logging any exceptions which occur
-OOOI times now work even when spanning across midnight
-Fuel Remaining now displays LBS correctly if LB selected in Config File
-PDC Request via Hoppie Telex proved to be working correctly
-ACARS messages which are received with more than 24 characters a line are now chopped up by BACARS to ensure they display. This was seen when testing
Clearences as above, as they get put on one long line. The message interestingly could still be printed
-Clearences issued by the euroscope plugin are now received and parsed correctly with success/standby/not avail too
-Automatic PDC message now uses FMC flight number/vatsim callsign to maintain consistency
-Defect Rep Menu now returns to acars menu when ACARS prompt selected.
Gary-
Just downloaded and flighting... thrilled with BACARS already- this is even better!
Ta!
C
Thanks Goli
Jon
Thanks Gary.
Hi Gary,
Three very quick questions for you.
Apologies if they've already been answered.
1) Could you confirm that performance data sent by BACARS are for RB211-524G only ?
2) do you plan to add landing performance some day ?
3)do you plan to add take off EPR ?
Thanks a lot for your hard work on that software.
Charles
Charles,
Yes for G engines
Landing data and EPR are not part of the ba acars system as far as I am aware ?
Cheers Gary
Thanks for your answer Gary.
Would you mind confirming that with Peter, especially regarding EPR setting ?
In all performance software that I know of, it always gives you the V Speeds associated with a power setting, especially for reduced power take off. The reason I think is to avoid any gross mistake when inputting the temp.
For example if one day the output of the takeoff perf calculation is 36 degrees and you input 63, you are going to have a much lower thrust setting. If you cross check thrust against a known reference, there is a chance you realise your mistake before it is too late.
Regarding landing data, I just have no idea, but it does seem possible the function was not available in the real one as those computations are less complex than the takeoff ones.
Charlee
I have a BA Perf Manual for the 747, their landing data is table-based and published in the manual for those regular airports the 747 would go to, and no EPR setting in here (2013 manual).
Thanks for the info, Doug.
By any chance, is there any BA manuals that you would be able to share via PM ?
Don't worry if you can't I know this can be sensitive info.
Charles
The latest BA manuals refer to the Next Gen FMC which is now uniform across the fleet, so there will be significant differences between these and PSX.
Peter.
Thanks for chiming in, Peter.
If you followed my initial question above, do you remember that:
In the Takeoff performance that you received via ACARS, along with the V-Speeds and assumed temp, did it include an EPR setting too ?
And if yes, is this mandatory information to perform a reduced thrust takeoff or is it optional ?
Charles
NextGen FMC??
Does that mean that the BAW 74s may be able to do RNP-AR at some point?
Quote from: tango4 on Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:30
In the Takeoff performance that you received via ACARS, along with the V-Speeds and assumed temp, did it include an EPR setting too ?
And if yes, is this mandatory information to perform a reduced thrust takeoff or is it optional ?
Charles
No - it didn't, and why would it need to?
The EPR is established by the FMC once you put in the assumed temperature or fixed derate as appropriate.
Peter.
Well, I know that some airlines do provide thrust setting in their take off report and assumed that it was mandatory (obviously I was wrong).
The reason I was given by other pilots is that it was used as a cross-check to avoid big entry mistakes. For example if you are supposed to type 30 assumed temp and you mistakenly type 60, (possibly because you misread on the paper) you might not notice it. But if you have an associated thrust setting you have an additional safety layer. (The probability that you misread BOTH numbers is quite low).
Anyway, thanks for the clarification, much appreciated, as always !
Charles
I forgot to mention (although it is probably obvious) that the thrust setting was "for reference" and usually not an exact value, as opposed to assumed temp.
Meaning you are inputting the exact assumed temp as provided in the takeoff perf calculations, then you look at the thrust setting computed by the FMC, and compare it with the figure on your paper. It will probably not be exactly the same but it should be roughly the same. Meaning at this point if there is a big discrepancy you probably made a mistake.
Charles
From what I remember I did calculate the expected EPR too to allow me to cross check that the assumed temps were giving the expected power setting in PSX. Maybe Gary can glean that an add it as an option?
Gary,
For some unknown reason my In time fills itself in sometimes 1 minute after out time for e.g:
OUT: 0835Z OFF: 0849Z
On: 18:02Z IN:0836Z
BLK TIME
00:01
I'm using the latest version.
What am I doing wrong?
F
Felix
That's a confirmed issue as I reported it as well. Gary's had it as well.
I wonder if it has anything to do with not arming the doors during pushback then re-setting the park brake whilst doors are still manual.
F
Same problem here. Will investigate
I was just wondering with regards to your set up Gary - you seem to use your centre cdu for PSX.NET functions. Is this correct?
F
Quote from: DougSnow on Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:33
NextGen FMC??
Does that mean that the BAW 74s may be able to do RNP-AR at some point?
As things stand the only BA aircraft that can do an RNP AR approach is the 787.
Peter.
Quote from: Felixsaddler on Wed, 1 Mar 2017 14:15
I wonder if it has anything to do with not arming the doors during pushback then re-setting the park brake whilst doors are still manual.
F
Fixed in V3.2.0 - Not uploaded yet.
V.3.2.1 Now available
https://www.dropbox.com/s/x9jivle20ftr6j2/PSX%20BACARS%20V3.2.1.zip?dl=0
V3.2.1
======
-Added delay to ATIS generation
-ZFW on Loadsheet should now be correct
-Click on PSX Connected Tile now resets ACARS Menus if Bacars 'gets stuck'
V3.2.0
======
-Added Perf Code 82 to reduce TOPL by 87 KGS if IFE antenna Fitted
-Updated TOPL on CARD to display 1 decimal place
-Notification ACARS message to tell you Wind updates are available.
-Fix for Random IN times being 1 minute after out times
Sorry there is a small issue where the WXR/AIS is broken in 3.2.1.... Fixing and testing in the sim now, will update tomorrow
Sorry about the false start with 3.2.1
V3.2.2
=======
-Longer Delay on Wind Uplink Changes
-Resolved Broken ATIS Generation from V3.2.1
-BACARS menu Disappearing found to be legacy code in PSX_JOY.. Resolved
-Performance Message Format corrected as per examples from BA
-Performance MSG visibility data now correct if in database.
-Correctly shows G ENG not H.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lps4pa6d7t4ej4i/PSX%20BACARS%20V3.2.2.zip?dl=0
Hi Gary,
After a bit a a break from PSX I have fired it up again and carried out a few updates, including BACARS to 3.0.5.
I then noticed that the SIM option had disappeared and looking at the release notes this looks like it occurred at 3.0. and is now controlled by PSX.net (Doors, Pushback), I still run PSX with FSX using Visual PSX and do not use PSX.net.
So I downgraded to 2.1.7 the SIM option is now there and once selected <ACT> is shown against the selection and no page giving me the option to select doors/pushback.
I uninstalled BACARS and renamed the c:\BACARS to old and did a new install, I went back to an older version 2.1.6 still had the same result. PSX is running at 10.1.1 beta 35. Maybe I need to do some more clearing out of old files.
I just wondered if you knew of a quick fix or had encountered this before. I appreciate that the newer versions and features are your top priority :)
Many thanks for your efforts.
Graham.
Graham,
If you need the sim pages this can be achieved with psx.net.doors and .groundservices with a much much better interface. Note this is different from the external sim module and can be run independent of the visual generator.
When I get some time this week I aim to get a version ready to release possiblly within the next day or two.
I highly recommend using the latest 3.2.2 release of BACARS as so much else is fixed in it.
With regards to clearing out old files the only thing bacars installs will be to the c:\bacars directory.
Gary,
Many thanks for getting back to me.
I did not fully appreciate what PSX.net had to offer (as can be gathered by my dumb question) and assumed it was for visuals only.
I will upgrade to BACARS 3.2.2 and tinker with PSX.net.
Thanks for your help.
Graham.
The version of psx.net I released on a previous post should work as long as you go into the modules folder and right click each dll and "unblock it" in the properties window.
You only needs the doors and ground services dlls in there too
Gary,
All updated and installed and it is brilliant.
A bit late to the party but well worth it :).
Thanks for all your efforts very much appreciated .
Graham.
Wow its been nearly a year since the last 'official' release of BACARS.
BACARS 4.0.4 is now released and is available at https://www.dropbox.com/s/hy9o597bp91nfar/PSX%20BACARSV4.0.4.zip?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/hy9o597bp91nfar/PSX%20BACARSV4.0.4.zip?dl=0).
Change Log
V4.0.4
======
-Setting Ready to board to Yes will now start prefuel in PSX (Can be turned off in Config File is Required)
-Intersection selected state no longer gets overwritten, so you can actually request none intersection card again
-Leading Zero Added to Temperature if less than 2 characters on CARD
-Card now accepts M or - for temperature
-Perf Request Always Opens on Page 1
-Perf Req Sent Prompt now appears in small characters and cannot be resent before previous CARD appears
V4.0.3
======
-All 4 Perf Correction codes are now reset when CARD resets.
-Solved issue where Weather page can get stuck on Sent and not reset
V4.0.2
======
-Changes PSX CG even if 'Cg Varies with fuel distribution' is set
V4.0.1
======
-PERF REQ Page is always blank when opening as per real aircraft
-Changed ACARS automatic Report timer to 5 minutes to allow time for Landing Pilot to be entered.
-Ready to Board Prompt Works
-Acars Report Sending Reset Acars System
-Acars report send only works after an in time and when at a standstill.
-WXR/AIS page tided up to show sent caret as well as fixed a long standing bug where double clicking send causes a WXR request failure
V4.0.0
======
-Now takes over the PSX ACARS SubSystem, Up versioned to V4 to celebrate the fact its reliable enough to not require a fall back :-)
-Prefuel is now set upon performance uplink
-Alternates Database Updated (Thanks Simon Kelsey!)
-Wind Uplink from Dispatch Centre Now Built into BACARS, Doesn't Require PSX.NET (Thanks Benny!)
V3.8.4
======
-GUI updated to show misconfiguration items in red
-Uplinks will no longer all fail if one of them fails.
-Clicking of the Hoppie Icon allows you to send an ACARS message.
V3.8.3
======
-Flight number nolonger adds leading zeros meaning if you put BA175 into the dispatch website it will work instead of trying to find BA0175
-Added configuration options on the GUI
-Route file is now stripped of cost index, alt and runway as per real world
V3.8.1
======
-Added Tiles to show status of route uplinks
-Now Sets MacTow from PSX Dispatch Uplink
V3.7.0
======
-Internal Changes
V3.6.0
======
-Various Preperations for PSX Dispatch Center
-Hoppie interaction now on uses 3 letter airline code for both ACARS flight Number and CDU Flight Number
-Sets ZFW based on Dispatch Center flight plan ZFW
-Pads uplinked crew data to 5 characters
-Supports DataLink Route and Winds from PSX.NET.Dispatch
V3.5.0
======
-CARD Failure now states SYSTEM ERROR CONTACT FTD as per real world BA
-ZFW Now changes by a random amount simulating loadsheet adjustments
-ACARS Messages now deleted on FLT INIT Flight Number Change
-Flight Number entry can now include the airline code
-Missing Runway Label on PERF REQ Page 2 added back
-2 More Perf Correction Code Entries added in line with NGFMC
-Added Estimated MACTOW Field to PERF REQ P2
-Ready to Board Added to FLT INIT
-Perf Codes entered with 1 character now pad to 2 characters
-Updated Init Pages to match NGFMC
V3.4.2
======
-ACARS Message Printing now says who its from
V3.4.1
=======
-Support for Crew Data Init from Sql Table
-TOR now TORA on print out
V3.4
=======
-Support for Active Flight in SQL Database for Simfest Sim
V3.3.1
=======
-Updated to work with new Performance DLL giving a common code with web card.
-Updated Vis Section to have upper case units not lower case
-All ACARS messages are now printed by default
V3.3.0
=======
-Removed Wind Uplink Handler.. Became very annoying and only useful on long flights
G-BYGA KJFK BAW0178 180218
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE MSG
1 OF 1
BAW0178 180218
G-BYGA G ENG
A/C PACKS ON
KJFK/31L
W/C 320/23 TEMP 2C
DRY RWY ANTI-ICE ON
QNH 1020 MACTOW 20
DAY: CLG NIL
VIS 600FT
NIGHT: CLG NIL
VIS 600FT
PERF CORRS
NONE
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
298 REQUESTED TOW
( . ) FMC CALC GR WT
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
UNABLE TO GENERATE CARD
CHECK AIRPORT AND RUNWAY
NOTES
NONE
What are the instructions for setting up BACARS?
I cant get passed the "PSX Not Connected" red button. In addition to the PSX IP do I need to enter my email address/Hoppies Logon? If so how is a logon obtained?
Quote from: Hammerstan on Fri, 23 Feb 2018 10:29
What are the instructions for setting up BACARS?
I cant get passed the "PSX Not Connected" red button. In addition to the PSX IP do I need to enter my email address/Hoppies Logon? If so how is a logon obtained?
If you go to this page
http://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=4584.0
you will find a link to the manual which explains everything and includes a tutorial on using PSX.NET.dispatch suite.
John
Hi all, with v 4.0.5 and PSX Dispatch, it won't download the route file when pressing INIT DATA REQ. The ROUTE and PLAN status is red. Route location is C:\PSX\Aerowinx\Routes Not sure where the logs are?
Error in Schedule Display in Dispatch Center when STA time is after midnight UTC
Noticed this since I fly a lot of afternoon flights with West coast USA departures which take off before 0000 UTC and land after.
eg.
KLAX Los Angeles KDEN Denver STD 2230 STA 0029 Total Time 2201
As far as I can tell this doesn't affect any of the actual times used for the flight plan - just the Schedule Board display.
Cheers,
Torrence
Hi GodAtum,
I had the same trouble. The problem was the different Email address on PSX BACARS. It seems that it must be the same as the login Email address of Simfest Dispatch. Correct it on PSX BACARS, quit, restart, then it worked.
My PSX BACARS is V4.0.5.
Cheers,
Naoya,
New Update of BACARS Here:-
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wezev10qa4achsi/PSX%20BACARSV4.0.9.msi?dl=0
V4.0.9
======
-Fixed Line Spacing on ACARS Messages sent via the dialog in BACARS
-Updated PSX Dispatch Schedule to work with flights that cross midnight UTC
-Updated CPDLC for more error checking and to use correct message types and ID's
V4.0.8
======
-Ability to Acknowledge PDC Requests that come in from VATSIM
-VATSIM PDC Format updated slightly to be 100% compatable with the vSMR plugin
-PDC Simulation is now turned off by default, turn it on in the config file if you require it
-Further Updates to ACARS Message Handling
V4.0.7
======
-Internal Changes
V4.0.6
======
-Resolved Issue With ACARS Chime Only Working on first ACARS message Received by BACARS
-ACARS Chime will now chime when using the TELEX message send feature.
-Telex Send now shows as a saved uplink and is handled like a normal ACARS message
V4.0.5
======
-Fixed bug with PSX ZFW varying wildly after start
-Final Loadsheet MACTOW now correct even if using an uplink of crew data
-Fixed no loadsheet if FOB not entered on ACARS Page
-FOB Figure now overrides Prefuel value so you can add to flightplan fuel and then prefuel it pressing 'ready to board'
Hi,
on my side the following problem:
On the Simfest UK site I set up the 744, but on the advanced FLT Plan options the amount of cargo is maximum 39 tons, which reminds me an the 737.
Did I missed something there ?
Thx for 4.0.9!
Best
Steffen
You forgot the mandatory beer load?
Hoppie
Stefan,
Bare in mind my 744 model is a 744 Lite model with the reduced MTOW and no Stab Tank at the moment. I will add the proper full size 744 in the next few days when we agree my logic for the rest is correct.
Using the example
FROM/TO FLIGHT A/C REG VERSION CREW DATE TIME
AMS LHR BAW9207 GBNLL 14F86J30W145M 3/8 27AUG18
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
LOAD IN COMPARTMENTS 35583
PAX CABIN/BAG EST 28585 137/110/11/3 TTL 261
PAX 11/83/26/154
BLKD 0
****************************************************************
TOTAL TRAFFIC LOAD EST 64168
DRY OPERATING WEIGHT 176901
ZERO FUEL WEIGHT EST 247208 MAX 251743
I use the following Logic...
If PAX and CARGO are both AUTO it will select a random number of PAX between 0 and 275 (note this is a super hi J BA config) and then the cargo will be between 0 and 35 tonnes.
You can then override either figures individually or at the same time. Note that changing the PAX increases the ZFW and the cargo figures are added to that.
I was guessing with the weight of the pax and their bags a 744 would be able to carry about 35 tonnes of Cargo above the weight from the passengers? However with Max ZFW at 251 on the Lite 744 you are right you cannot get to MAX ZFW.
What do we think a sensible value is?
Also on my todo list is to fix the Trip and Takeoff Fuel values which are currently the same on the loadsheet, although the weights do add up.
Hi Gary,
thanks for the explanation. Now I understood.
And Thank You for all this cool stuff !!
Best wishes
Steffen
Hi Gary,
Learning my way along with BACARS - I've upgraded to V4.0.9 (but had the same trouble in previous version).
Everything on the main ACARS window is green, apart from the actual ACARS button - it's red with a message ACARS:Failed.
I can type myself a message which happily comes out of the printer, but the button remains red.
What am I doing wrong?
Cheers,
Roger.
Does BACARS sit on top of my message queue?
If so, did you register a logon code and is it still valid?
http://www.hoppie.nl/acars/system/register.html
Hoppie
Hiya - I don't have a login for your system - thought it was optional?
Edit: Just created one and now I have a blue button and the message: ACARS:Idle
Yay! All green after creating flight plan and downloading it - thanks Hoppie. RTFM as usual... :-)
\o/
Did a training flight from EGKK to EGLL - remembered to do pretty much everything (especially to connect the APU before stopping the engines (oh yes!).
Pressed 'send' on the ACARS and it's just stuck on 'sending...' - been like it for 15mins.
It prints ok - I have a printout in my hand, for posterity, but no luck with sending the report - still stuck on 'sending...' as I write.
I really have read the manual this time, honest!
I'll hate myself when you tell me what I'm doing wrong, but i just can't see it.
Any help appreciated.
Cheers,
Roger.
BAW1403 correctly sent a few messages, but BAW never picked them up. Your side seems OK.
http://www.hoppie.nl/acars/system/log.html
Hoppie
Thanks for the info Hoppie - weird.
At least there's a record _somewhere_ of my first successful PSX flight.
So if your server has picked up the PIREP, does that mean that when BAW wakes up it'll go automatically from you?
I guess what I want to know is, should i continue to wait with the ACARS saying 'sending...', in the hope that it'll eventually be recorded in my OOOI, or am I wasting my time?
M*A*S*H is on the telly and I want to go and watch it, lol! ;-)
By the way ... a little cosmetic hint for the BACARS coders:
Quote from: http://www.hoppie.nl/acars/system/message.html?msgid=2080816
Nose Wheel FPM:71
Main Gear FPM:494
CentreLine Offset:-36
Threshold Dist:2338
TouchDown Pitch:2.3
TouchDown Bank:0.0
TouchDown Crab:0.6
Dev From VREF4
"Dev From
VREF" is actually deviation from the
speed bug -- which is usually set to VREF + 5 or higher.
VREF + 4 wouldn't be nice. The above quote is actually speed bug + 4 which is nice. Allowed tolerance is 0..5 kt.
Cheers,
|-|ardy
If only my landing fpm were acceptable too...
Oh, actually had a look at the Simfest figures - not too bad after all.
Quote from: RogerH on Sun, 9 Sep 2018 21:19
At least there's a record _somewhere_ of my first successful PSX flight.
Yes but it only lasts 24 hours!
Quote
So if your server has picked up the PIREP, does that mean that when BAW wakes up it'll go automatically from you?
Yes. Look at some messages in the queue: they all have a Received time, but not all have a Relayed time. When Relayed, the intended receiver has picked them up.
Quote
I guess what I want to know is, should i continue to wait with the ACARS saying 'sending...', in the hope that it'll eventually be recorded in my OOOI, or am I wasting my time?
I guess that the BACARS program in some way was unsure whether the queue got the message. ACARS does not wait until the intended receiver acks the message by returning another message. The acking is done invisibly to the pilots. In my simulated system, by some "ok" return over the same TCP socket (web HTTP transaction). In the real ACARS system the ack return is really a separate block, thus message, but pilots don't see it.
My real SATCOM box shows this kind of block exchange if you next-page into the technical stuff. It's a great help to debug an aircraft... you can really see a lot of stupidity by just following the block exchanges. Some can be fixed by updating Iridium provisioning, others by towing the aircraft out of the hangar, yet others by registering the SIM card... endless problems...
However, pilots write up "NO DATALINK" instead of using their phone to craft a 10-second video of the tech page and solving the mystery instantly... then ground techs hit the LINK TEST button, which says PASSED after 15 seconds, then write up "NO FAULT FOUND, AIRCRAFT RELEASED BACK TO SERVICE."
And then the e-mailing starts :-)
Hoppie
;D
Hi all,
Firstly, thanks for such a brilliant simulaotr and all the addons - they're great and I'm learning a lot!
But I still have a problem with BACARS.
Despite several attempts, I can't get it to record my flight at the Simfest Dispatch Centre.
I have green in all boxes in the BACARS GUI and can download the route etc. at the beginning of the flight. But when I come to send the report I get stuck. I fill in my name as ROGER in LDG PILOT then press SEND. The scratchpad says 'SENDING...' but just stays like that indefinitely.
I can 'print' the report and get my virtual piece of paper from the printer, so it seems the flight has been recorded, but no joy actually sending it to BACARS and it remains stubbornly absent from the OOOI page.
I've had a look at the log on Hoppie's ACARS network page, and it says the flight has been relayed, eg:
Msg# From To Type Received Relayed
2083567 BA1450 BAW telex 16-16:46Z 16-16:46Z
2083566 BA1450 BAW telex 16-16:43Z 16-16:43Z
2083565 BA1450 BAW progress 16-16:43Z 16-16:43Z
But it's not appearing in my OOOI section. Is there just a time I have to wait before it appears?
Hoping you can help.
Thanks,
Roger.
Not sure but I believe the pilot name should be 5 letters no spaces?
John
Sorry, my bad - typo. Should read "my name as ROGER in LDG PILOT"
Quote from: RogerH on Sun, 16 Sep 2018 17:55
I've had a look at the log on Hoppie's ACARS network page, and it says the flight has been relayed, eg:
Msg# From To Type Received Relayed
2083567 BA1450 BAW telex 16-16:46Z 16-16:46Z
2083566 BA1450 BAW telex 16-16:43Z 16-16:43Z
2083565 BA1450 BAW progress 16-16:43Z 16-16:43Z
Yup. SATCOM transceiver works as designed. It's the ground system (again).
Sim stuff is just as real life, waaaaaaay too often...
http://www.fans-cra.com/report/de-identified/list/
Hoppie
(washes hands)
The BACARS OOOI system doesn't use the hoppie network to save the data.
I'll have a look and see if I can see anything obvious... but low on Sim time at the moment.
Thanks Gary.
Edit - Hi Gary, with Worldflight only a month away, I'm sure your time is very limited, but if you have the chance I'd appreciate you having a quick look at this to see if there's something obviously wrong?
Hi Gary,
with Worldflight only a month away, I'm sure your time is very limited, but if you have the chance I'd appreciate you having a quick look at this to see if there's something obviously wrong?
With apologies to the forum admin for bumping the thread :-/
Cheers,
Roger.
Just wanted to report a bug?
KJFK on RW31L, perf page produces a sheet with:
QuoteSYSTEM ERROR CONTACT FTD
CHECK RUNWAY + ICAO
Hi Gary
Thanks for that really really cool tool. I have a silly question: Is there something like a "ACARS FOR DUMMIES" sort of thing to get you started, if you never had anything to do with acars? I read the part in hardy's manual. Still i found it quite hard to find my way into it. Do you know if anyone made something like an Acars guide to help a complete newbie understand the system and how to use it properly? Thanks!
Kind Regards
Beat LSZH
Quote from: beat578 on Wed, 9 Jan 2019 09:54
Hi Gary
Thanks for that really really cool tool. I have a silly question: Is there something like a "ACARS FOR DUMMIES" sort of thing to get you started, if you never had anything to do with acars? I read the part in hardy's manual. Still i found it quite hard to find my way into it. Do you know if anyone made something like an Acars guide to help a complete newbie understand the system and how to use it properly? Thanks!
Kind Regards
Beat LSZH
I'm on the same boat :-)
Gentlemen,
There are a couple of videos I did with Simfest Dispatch Centre about a year ago that explain the process of using dispatch centre and BACARS however it doesn't cover everything.
Step 1 - Planning - https://youtu.be/BoBTL9S0UDk
Step 2 - Onboard - https://youtu.be/I3OMbxtrX-Q
Simon has kindly offered to write a manual for the entire BACARS solution which will be released when its ready. In the meantime hopefully the video will help.
Cheers
Gary
It's not the full manual, but I find the PSX.NET.Dispatch Guide covers a lot of the aspects of using BACARS that I found confusing at first.
Quick question: a few weeks ago I tried BACARS briefly, connecting it from a windows machine (with PSX.Net) over the network to a mac running PSX. It aoounced the connection OK from the windows side but I wasn't able to use it in PSX - the ACARS CDU basically just froze. I'll try it again soon when I get PSX running on the windows machine too - was this what caused the problem (PSX and BACARS on diffferent machines) or could there have been something else getting in the way?
General ACARS stuff is also available here:
http://www.hoppie.nl/acars/
Don't try to use the details on interfaces as those of course are different, but why ACARS exists and so is still ok. And Wikipedia also has stuff.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACARS
> There are a couple of videos I did with Simfest Dispatch Centre about a year
> ago that explain the process of using dispatch centre and BACARS however it
> doesn't cover everything.
Very nice, thank you.
One quick question though ... is adding additional airlines (or airline codes) anti-faff or are there any requirements for that?
Cheers,
Markus
Markus,
Just tell me what you want and I can add it. A 5 minute job.
Cheers
G
Great, thank you.
If you don't mind adding a fictional airline, STV / Stevens would be great. :D
Looking at what I have flown recently using PSX:
DLH / Lufthansa
CLX / Cargolux and ICV / Cargolux Italia
KAL / Korean Airlines
CCA / Air China and CAO / Air China Cargo
NCA / Nippon Cargo Airlines
UPS / UPS
PAC / Polar Air Cargo would help too...
I think KLM / KLM would be missing, too.
Cheers,
Markus
p.s.
I have a list with 20 more current operators of the 747/747F ... not sure if it makes sense to have all operators in the dispatch, which might be used only sporadically?
Quote from: Markus Vitzethum on Fri, 11 Jan 2019 10:11
I think KLM / KLM would be missing, too.
KLM / Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij
:-P
Hi Jeroen
Maatschappij is an interesting word- the KL in KLM is easy: "royal air travel" - but doing a quick search on the web, Maatschappij seems to have more complicated meanings, from "an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization" to something more like "company" which I assume is the applicable nuance for KLM.
By the way, I assume that the recent launch that put the final IRIDIUM satellites in place will result in good things for your systems - if the US gov ever gets back to work properly :(
Cheers,
Torrence
"Maatschappij" indeed varies from "society" to "company" and in this case definitely is a commercial company. I'm not ready to write "KLM / Air France" just yet, I admit.
Since about a year I have been seeing remarkable improvement in Iridium's reliability. Before, there was a 7-minute complete signal gap about once every two hours, as a dead satellite/L-band transceiver passed over. Iridium wisely replaced the most dead satellites first. The last six to be replaced RSN are of remarkably good health for the old block-one satellites. We are now nearing 99.9% reliability with the occasional "oops" when Iridium reboots a satellite right over our head (otherwise we would not notice).
FAA shutdown = delay during shutdown + delay during catch-up with same resources = 6 weeks at least. More like 8-12. So whatever was planned in March is already down the drain. This will reach far into June, we're afraid.
Hoppie
Quote from: Gary Oliver on Thu, 10 Jan 2019 16:42Just tell me what you want and I can add it. A 5 minute job.
Gary
Here are the ICAO/IATA codes for the model files HH kindly made available that I produced for the community. I have also added the default weight measurement (KG or LB) since that can be changed for BACARS output too.
A good starter for 10 I think?
ACT Airlines RUN 9T KG
AirBridgeCargo ABW RU KG
Air Atlanta Icelandic ABD CC KG
Air Cargo Global CCC CW KG
Air China Cargo CAO CA LB
Air Hong Kong AHK LD KG
Air India AIC AI KG
Asiana Airlines AAR OZ LB
ASL Airlines TAY 3V KG
Atlas Air GTI 5Y KG
British Airways BAW BA KG
CAL Cargo Airlines ICL 5C KG
Cargologicair CLU P3 KG
Cargolux CLX CV KG
Cargolux Italia ICV C8 KG
Cathay Pacific Cargo CPA CX KG
China Airlines CAL CI LB
China Cargo Airlines CKK CK LB
Corsair CRL SS KG
El Al Israel Airlines ELY LY KG
EVA Airways Cargo EVA BR KG
Kalitta Air CKS K4 LB
KLM KLM KL KG
Lufthansa DLH LH KG
Korean Air Cargo KAL KE LB
National Cargo Airlines NCR N8 LB
Nippon Cargo Airlines NCA KZ LB
Martinair Cargo MPH MP KG
Polar Air Cargo PAC PO KG
Qantas QFA QF KG
Rossiya Airlines SDM FV KG
Sky Gates SAY U3 KG
Sky Lease Cargo KYE GG KG
SWItalia CSU IW KG
Silk Way West Airlines AZG 7L KG
Singapore Airlines Cargo SIA SQ KG
Suparna Airlines Cargo YZR Y8 KG
Thai Airways International THA TG KG
UPS UPS 5X LB
Virgin Atlantic Airways VIR VS KG
WAMOS Air PLM EB KG
Western Global Airlines WGN KD KG
Well done ...
Looks like very little is missing ... I just notice CAO (Air China Cargo), CKK (China Airlines Cargo) and QTR (Qatar Cargo). And possibly CMB (Air Mobility), UAE (Emirates Cargo) and THY (Turkish Cargo) using leased airframes but their own callsign.
And STV / Stevens, of course :-)
Markus
Quote from: Markus Vitzethum on Mon, 14 Jan 2019 08:37
Well done ...
Looks like very little is missing ... I just notice CAO (Air China Cargo), CKK (China Airlines Cargo) and QTR (Qatar Cargo). And possibly CMB (Air Mobility), UAE (Emirates Cargo) and THY (Turkish Cargo) using leased airframes but their own callsign.
Air China Cargo - edited.
China Cargo Airlines CKK CK - added.
QTR - do not operate the 744, only a single 748F.
CMB - (US Air Mobility Command) - Usually flown by US carriers under contract i.e. GTI, CKS etc so would retain actual company ACARS identity.
THY - Turkish Cargo - Operated by ACT Airlines on behalf of Saudi Arabian Airlines but sometimes do operate on behalf of Turkish Airlines under the Callsign 'CARGOTURK'.
UAE - The former TNT 744 OO-THC was returned to ASL Airlines in 2017 & is now flying as B-1340 for Suparna Airlines.
Re "Cargo Airlines": I think the official name is "CAL Cargo Airlines".
|-|
Quote from: Hardy Heinlin on Mon, 14 Jan 2019 16:03
Re "Cargo Airlines": I think the official name is "CAL Cargo Airlines".
List edited - thanks Hardy :D
Re: Units text in BACARS Loadsheet header
Hi Gary,
Was switching from BA based based flight to UAL the other day (looking at simulating that UAL flight the other day that ended on the tarmac at Goose Bay) and noticed that when I set up the Dispatch default options for a UAL flight with weights in LB, that Loadsheet came out with the correct lb numbers alright but still has "ALL WEIGHTS IN KILOGRAMS" in the header text. I guess old Wayne doesn't check metric conversions ...
The UAL OFP numbers are also OK (lb) but this format doesn't seem to actually specify units anywhere as far as I can tell. Still learning my way around the various new flight plan formatting options for Dispatch.
Cheers,
Torrence
Torrence,
I shall had a word with Richard, Wayne, Mike and co :)
I'll update that one evening this week.
Cheers
Gary
Re: Units
Quote: I shall had a word with Richard, Wayne, Mike and co :)
Don't be too hard on them. I know a lot of British blokes who are still deeply traumatized by having to drink their pints out of glasses with 1/2 Liter Plimsoll lines - but let's not get into EU/Brexit country. Even this friendly forum might not be able to stand it :).
Cheers,
Torrence
Torrence,
When I lived in Germany I loved the metric system... A 'Large Beer' converted to 1.3 Pints... Most pleasing!
Still didn't get used to km/m as a measure of distance though!
Dispatch Centre (or is that Center for UAL?) has been updated to correctly display the right unit on the load sheet. We also recruited a few new dispatchers. Turns out new recruit Drew Peacock is very familiar is the smaller measurements of LBS :-)
You will also notice the updates include additional changes to support the Simfest Dispatch iPad App. Do you have an iPad? I am looking for more testers. (No I am not writing an Android version before anyone asks)
Cheers
G
PS: Yes last time the Simfest team discussed brexit it ended in a riot, with someone leaving the team of their own accord for absolutely no reason whatsoever :-)
PPS: Airline Updates to follow later, I want to rewrite it and also tie it in with my idea for PSX Fleet (in hommage to PS1 FlightLine)
Thanks, Gary
Re: "Centre" Indeed US English would normally be "Center", but I can't complain, having been born in a town named "Rockville Centre" on Long Island and there are still lots of 'quaint' shops (in New England particularly) with names like Ye Olde Whatever Shoppe (although most people don't know the 'Y' is just a stand-in for a character used in Old to Middle English writing that was phonetically pronounced "Th").
Re: iPad testing - at the moment only iPhone (with a couple of good checklist apps that I use occasionally) with all main PSX computing being done with Windows based computers. Might go to iPad for standalone cockpit functions, maps, Dispatch if you develop it. I've not been impressed by Android pads for most aviation stuff to date.
Checklist idea - I've been wondering if an AI (Alexa or Google) 'skill' or program could be developed for standardized cockpit checklists, both challenge and response. PSX checklists read by FO are currently great, but do lack a check to see if you make the correct response - I try to verbalize these when doing a flight, but admit that if I get hurried sometimes a response will end up as 'Yeh, whatever ..."
Cheers
Torrence
Quote from: torrence on Thu, 24 Jan 2019 21:09
Checklist idea - I've been wondering if an AI (Alexa or Google) 'skill' or program could be developed for standardized cockpit checklists, both challenge and response. PSX checklists read by FO are currently great, but do lack a check to see if you make the correct response. [...]
That would make them almost Airbus check lists... written (screen) only, but with auto-advance to the next item when the system sees you've already done it.
Hoppie
Hi. I now have BACARS connected - changing the PSX server to the instance on the same PC as BACARS seemed to be the solution. However, I can't get it to connect with the flightplan I've made on the Simfest Dispatch.
Do I need PSX.NET also to make this work? Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Martin
You just have to be connected. If you follow the Tutorial PDF (the let's fly section) you can see how you enter your flightnumber into acars. After submitting it, all the data will be downloaded automatically.
Quote from: beat578 on Thu, 7 Feb 2019 12:19
You just have to be connected. If you follow the Tutorial PDF (the let's fly section) you can see how you enter your flightnumber into acars. After submitting it, all the data will be downloaded automatically.
Thanks - on the 2nd flight I tried it worked, and I got IOIO details too - what a great add-on!!!!
Dear Gary
Another silly Question: I just studied the Simbrief tutorials and also the Flightplan explanation. Finally I start to be able to read it.
I see that your Site connects to Simbrief for calculation of flightplans. Is it possible to Do it the other way round as well? I mean: Can I import flightplans created in Simbrief (or what would be amazing, created with steven Bells Files in PFPX) into your system, so they can be used with BACARS? Or can BACARS exclusively use the files created in PSXDispatch?
I don't get all the connections into my brain yet. There are so many great tools out there, but I still have a bit troubles to see what goes with what and where to put things...
Thanks a lot! Kind Regards
Beat LSZH
PS: On the BACARS Homepage, the Link still points to the 4.04 BACARS Version, not the newest one.
Is it possible for BACARS to use the ATC function on the FMC for CPDLC on VATSIM?
Toga,
We dont support any of the CPDLC functions via BACARS. I understand Chris Collins would looking at a CPDLC plug in for PSX.
Cheers
G
Bacars seems to send psx into spasms on my system. Interferes with the Vnav, wind uplinks and makes weird things happen. Is this a known phenomenon?
Toga,
Not at all, not reported by anybody so far, and we have had it running for over 1500 hours in our own simulator with no issues.
It will correct a wind uplink by taking the data from your flight plan generated on simfest dispatch with those requested. Obviously for this to work you will need to be running some kind of real weather addon.
I would offer an option to turn the wind uplink, but with Hardys wind corridor feature coming in the future I dont really want to spend any time on that feature.
Have you see the dispatch tutorial video? Hopefully it will explain how BACARS is intended to be used in a flight.
What other weird things are happening? Are you running any other addons with it that we arn't?
Cheers
G
Yeah I didn't suspect there were any issues as i've seen you guys using it frequently.
I'm using it with xview, perhaps thats where the problem lies. I'll have to do further testing to see whats causing the issues. I'll report back with something useful!
Toga,
Send me a mail to goliver one nine eight four [at] gmail.com and we can talk via something more real time to get this sorted.
Cheers
G
Ok, will buzz you tomorrow! Cheers.
It's gotta be an issue with xview, surely.
Gary,
Had a chance to test it out and all seemed fine this time. Only difference was i didn't touch the wind uplink function.
Toga,
I will see if I can do you a version of BACARS that doesn't do the wind uplink so you can use them again.
Cheers
G
It's ok, Gary. No need to go out of your way, particularly with hardy's plans to introduce wind corridors etc. I'll just wait for that.
Cheers!
Gary,
Is there anyway BACARS is able to retrieve and print a loadsheet with the data from PSX dispatch?
Toga,
Not at the moment, but we did figure this would be quite a nice feature to have. I know the BA airbus fleet receive their loadsheet x minutes before departure.
As far as I am aware this doesn't happen on the jumbo with only the final loadsheet sent on taxi out? Unless any Jumbo pilots can correct me here.
However I think for our sim world we finally have a use for that WT/BAL Request button that doesn't appear to do anything real world :-)
Cheers
G
I read somewhere the 747 now needs ETOPS? is there a way to add that to the simbrief generation on your dispatch website?
Mr. Bell's PFPX files have EROPS contingencies within them.
HTH- C
As far as I know, the ETOPS/EROPS/whatever summary for four-engined airplanes is:
* Four-engined planes can go 180 minutes from a runway without any special provision.
* The 747-8 got a special cert for 330 minutes.
It is not just proven statistical engine reliability. Fire suppression etc. is included.
Hoppie
ETOPS: "Engines Turn Or Passengers Swim" - I've seen that in a number of places. I still get nervous on 2 eng flights (of whatever model) from LA to Hawaii as we approach the approximate mid-point (old point of no return), when you are committed to continue to the islands on one engine if necessary - and no little atolls or even mid-ocean Coast Guard vessels on weather station anymore if you have to ditch. I know, I know - they have run the numbers to certify the ETOPS ... but I still get nervous.
Added information - When even 4 engines were not enough - Pan Am Flight 6
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_Am_Flight_6 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_Am_Flight_6)
I remember this one vividly. I was 12 yrs old at the time and my dad had just taken command of USCGC Gresham, based in Alameda, CA near Oakland. The cutters there shared the rotation for maintaining Ocean Station November with cutters from Long Beach - the Pontchrartrain had the duty when the Pan Am ditching occurred. Made a real impression on the CG family - reminded everyone they weren't just out there to box the compass for 30 day deployments, sending up weather balloons, although that was their primary function, along with radio communications with aircraft, in the pre weather satellite days.
There is an FAA OpSpec (B344) for 4-Engine ETOPS beyond 180 minutes from an adequate airport for passenger aircraft. And when they operated 747s, no US airline took the FAA up on it, and limited their 747s to 180 minutes from an adequate airport.
There is no requirement for ops under ETOPS, even beyond 180, for US-registered all-cargo 747s.
Interesting, Doug
For dispatch is there an automatic check for meeting the 180 min requirement or is route selection limited to those that are known to be compliant? I would assume there aren't too many possible, non-pathological, routes where you couldn't make an adequate airport in 3hrs even with two engines out?
Cheers
Torrence
Interesting to see that interpolation of winds aloft from 'real' data is still a hot PSX topic. Reminds me of when we were trading spreadsheets to do this for PS1 :)
T
Its usually route selection with a known radius, for other than Central US - South Pacific, or across the South Atlantic, you've got to work really hard at not being 180.
Thanks - what I figured basically.
Cheers
Torrence
Hi. I've been using BACARS for 3 months and it's great, but in the last couple of weeks on the weather request page, SEND has become SENT and it's no longer possible to send a request. I don't think anything has altered in my setup and I've tried restarting several times - any idea what the issue might be?
Thanks,
Martin
Hi Martin
This issue cropped up about a year ago. Search for topic " BACARS WX/AIS Problem ". Yours is probably the same - trying to SEND a new request before the print out from a previous request completes will virtually 'jam' the printer. One work around is just to treat it as a feature and don't do that. Gary also suggested getting rid of some xml files and that worked for me - not sure he has gotten around to fix in the code yet.
Cheers,
Torrence
Quote from: torrence on Mon, 20 May 2019 19:33
Hi Martin
This issue cropped up about a year ago. Search for topic " BACARS WX/AIS Problem ". Yours is probably the same - trying to SEND a new request before the print out from a previous request completes will virtually 'jam' the printer. One work around is just to treat it as a feature and don't do that. Gary also suggested getting rid of some xml files and that worked for me - not sure he has gotten around to fix in the code yet.
Cheers,
Torrence
Brilliant - all sorted - many thanks Torrence, and sorry for not spotting the dedicated thread.
Just in case anyone looks here, go to the Resources folder in the BACARS directory and delete the 2 .xml files.
Thanks again,
M
Question re: Printing flight plan from SimBrief
Trying to get printable version of flight plan - used to to work fine with the "download OFP" button to get a hard copy or PDF file of flight plan, but when I tried it today the FLIGHT PLAN button just produces a screen flash but no file. Info is all there in the scroll down box but I can't seem to find a way to get a printable version. What am I missing?
Cheers
Torrence
Problem resolved, I think. The system now generates the OPF pdf file and sends it to my Downloads without opening it on screen. Perfectly reasonable - I just have to make note to open it and put it where I want it for the flight.
Cheers,
Torrence
Torrence,
I haven't made any changes to simfest dispatch in months now.
It sounds like a setting your browser has changed to automatically download PDFs rather than show them in the browser.
Cheers
G
I know the effect. Some of my browsers convinced themselves that flat text files should be saved immediately instead of either display in the browser or open in a text editor. You can fumble this setting back in Windows, somewhere. It changes occasionally. Especially at night.
Hoppie
Thanks - I suspected something like that might be going on. Not worth a lot of digging - for this purpose I'm just adding a note in my BACARS flows to go to Downloads and print and/or move the OPF pdf to whatever folder I'm using for my flightbag on that flight. Not sure the text-only thing is only culprit though - the OPF contains all the route and weather maps etc., while the Loadsheet which is just text pops up on the screen as usual when button is pushed. Windows is a likely co-conspirator - so many things get 'improved' and changed in the background with daily updates now. But I guess I really don't want to go back to buying a new set of floppies every yearly update cycle :).
Cheers,
Torrence
Hi Gary,
just continue here from your suggestion in the Audio for Vatsim thread...
> Using simfest dispatch should simplify things alot for you if you wanted to go
> that route (happy to make changes for this to be viable for you if needed).
Done for the last three flights and happy with it. But a few observations I made:
- Decimal seperator: looks the "arrival fuel" is calculated with the decimal seperator as by Windows default settings. That would be a comma and not a decimal point on my German language Windows. E.g. arrival fuel is shown as "13,1" in the PSX CDU. But this value is also uploaded to CLOUDCAR and seems to break a few things server-side. (e.g. average fuel for this flight).
Moving PSXBACARS to my windows computer using imperial units fixed this issue.
- Hoppie ATC message. PSBACARS seems to use the ATC callsign for progress ads-c messages. Good. But my flight still generates messages using a second callsign, either BAWxxxx or SExxxx callsign (BAW with the BA short airline code, SE with Stevens airline code) for e.g. telex message or status messages.
I wonder what needs to be done to get only messages with always the same callsign?
- ATC messages are always being sent to BAW. Is this fixed or user configurable?
Is the final pirep send to CLOUDCARS with the Hoppie ATC system or directly to the server? If the former is true, than I understand why it's a fixed address.
Cheers,
Markus
Markus,
BACARS is specifically not touching the CPDLC part of the world as Chris Collins had made a start on this a few years ago.
I will catch up with him after the Audio For VATSIM launch and see where his roadmap is, if hes not got it on his radar I might make a start.
Cheers
G
I am unable to logon, my PC anti-virus software is saying it is a threat and blocking the connection and closing the BACARS app. I've disabled the anti-virus firewall as well as the windows10 firewall and still get the same message. I've never had any problems before.
can someone show me how to make the connection and what to do with the anti-virus software so I can make the connection to Hoppie network?
thanks in advance
Temp. fix: disable anti-virus software
Quote from: Gary Oliver on Tue, 8 Oct 2019 14:11
Markus,
BACARS is specifically not touching the CPDLC part of the world as Chris Collins had made a start on this a few years ago.
I will catch up with him after the Audio For VATSIM launch and see where his roadmap is, if hes not got it on his radar I might make a start.
Cheers
G
It's not rocket science. I simplified the tech as much as I could, 10+ years ago, and you probably can hack it up in a day. The hardest part is the log administration. See the 2005 AD :-)
Hoppie
Hi everyone,
I signed with simfest dispatch, created a flight plan (actually many) but have issues with zero fuel weight and fuel. For example the created load sheet will say ZFW of 472,000 lbs. and fuel of 137,000 lbs. But when I use acars (input my flight number) the weight come out way different than planned like ZFW of 550,000 lbs. and fuel of 73,000 lbs.
It doesn't matter how many times I try the ZFW always comes out way heavy like almost maxed out and does not match the created loadsheet. Also, the tutorial video shows the Center cdu as:
acars
bacars
I do not see bacars, just acars. Perhaps that may be the issue? I have the latest version on PSX and bacars.
thank you for any help
Can you confirm that you have LBS set in the BACARS config file?
I must admit I don't remember doing a test of the fuel loading with PSX in LBS mode?
We use KGS, will see if i can get round to fixing this at some point after Audio For VATSIM work is finished, and world flight :-)
Cheers
G
Hi Gary,
Unfortunately the LB settings do not work. I changed it back to KG loaded up a BAW livery to see if the ZFW and fuel would work. The ZFW was spot on but the fuel was almost half of what was shown on the loadsheet. I can manually adjust it for the time being. Thanks for looking in to it when you can.
fly safe
I assume you hit Ready To Board to make it show a Y in the box? This gets the pre fueling started.
It was the Y in the box that did it. I will use KG for now, thank you again for your help
fly safe
Merry Christmas
On my WEATHER AIS page
there is a permanent SENT at 5R nothing I do makes SEND reappear.
this is preventing any requests for any weather/ATIS etc
This has been the case more months and many restarts of BACARS and PSX
No selections or ERASE will bring back the SEND prompt
Anybody know how to fix this condition?
Thanks,
Mark
Hi Mark,
when you start PSX BACARS v4.0.9 are the boxes PSX IP, PSX PORT, Short airline, Long Airline,PSX Route Folder, PSX Connected, PerfDB, AltnDB contained in a green box?
John
yes all there, thanks John
Maybe I should modify or replace the .Config file?
I'll see if I can find a backup
I would try re-downloading PSX Bacars v4.0.9, right click on the download and select uninstall. Then using the same download reinstall the program.
John
That did the trick.
Thanks John
Mark
Mark,
Sorry for the late reply. There is a bug that if you leave the WXR/AIS page whilst a METAR request is underway or change the ICAO code it will get stuck into this loop.
For now edit the c:\psxbacars\resources\ACARSDATA.xml file and find the following line
<WxrSendCaret>SENT></WxrSendCaret>
Change this to
<WxrSendCaret>SEND></WxrSendCaret>
This is fixed in a later version, however this is quite a bit update and needs some more work before I can release it.
Cheers
Gary
Gary,
Thanks very much, I can now avoid it happening.
Great add-on for realism, thanks.
Look forward to the update.
Regards,
Mark.
The download link is not working for me anymore?
try searching for
Simfest Dispatch and BACARS
I cannot seem to find a download for 5.0.5 either.
I can get into Simfest dispatch but cannot locate bacars downloadable.
The PSX addon link gives a 404 error.
Cheers,
Alex B
Alex
try this post,,
http://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=5579.0
John
Got it...
Thank you:)
Alex B
The provided link to BACARS seems to be dead.
I have found the bacars V.5.1.0 version:
http://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=5579.msg65655#msg65655
Please could someone help me.
I'm using BACARS 5.1.0.0
I'm logged in and PSX is connected. And PerfDB and AltnDB are green. Everything else is blue.
I'm entering an airport IDENT in the WX/AIS - WEATHER AIS and selecting METS and ATIS and then sending. Nothing comes back to the printer.
If I send with no airport IDENT entered it sends back a blank printed sheet with ACARS MESSAGE and FROM:WXRAIS
The debug file looks like this.
Thank you.
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1658;
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1657;
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1656;
ok
ok
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1655;
ok
ok
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1654;
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1653;
ok
ok
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1652;
ok
ok
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1651;
Button Handler 55
Enabling ATIS Timer
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1650;
ok
ok
Calling Generate ATIS
Sending Qs485
Sent
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1649;
Called Finish ATIS
ok
ok
PSX ATIS Returned: KRNO O 010650Z ^EXPECT RWY 25^TRANS LVL 180^25003KT 10SM CLR^04/01 A3031 RMK^AO2 SLP264 T00391083^10150 20022 51013^^
Requesting Hoppie ATIS
Entering Hoppie.ATIS bbbb
FUEL:Qs438=d107395;107355;107355;107395;0;0;0;0;0;42950;1648;
Hi Chris,
This problem has been mentioned in another post confirmed by several people so let's hope Gary can fix the problem.
John
Hi John,
Many thanks.
Chris.
Quote from: funkyhut on Tue, 1 Dec 2020 07:06
Please could someone help me.
I'm using BACARS 5.1.0.0
I'm logged in and PSX is connected. And PerfDB and AltnDB are green. Everything else is blue.
I'm entering an airport IDENT in the WX/AIS - WEATHER AIS and selecting METS and ATIS and then sending. Nothing comes back to the printer.
I'm also having this problem with the latest BACARS. If I select METS (alone or in combination) there is no printout, neither does the light appear on the printer. If I select anything else, either alone or in combination but *without* METS selected, it works as normal.
M
I still have this Problem es well, no matter if I use mets or anything else,I have the send button and after some time, the fields to enter the icao come back, send changes back to send but nothing ever came out of the printer. It worked flawlessly before, I don't know what I did change that it won't work anymore. I miss the weather reports, it's complicated to get everything it out the instructor page.
Tested this out in the sim tonight and it worked for me (typical!) I shall try and have an investigate to see if i forgot to release an update.
Gents,
Version 5.1.2 has been upload here :-
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dqp1vbsjf4in2hv/PSX%20BACARS-5.1.2.msi?dl=1
I have tested this thoroughly and am experiencing no issues, however I have also added alot of error checking and debugging is it doesn't.
Can you give this a try and let me know.
All testing has been done with PSX set to Download METARS and set weather based on the download.
Cheers
Gary
Quote from: Gary Oliver on Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:15
Gents,
Version 5.1.2 has been upload here :-
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dqp1vbsjf4in2hv/PSX%20BACARS-5.1.2.msi?dl=1
I have tested this thoroughly and am experiencing no issues, however I have also added alot of error checking and debugging is it doesn't.
Can you give this a try and let me know.
All testing has been done with PSX set to Download METARS and set weather based on the download.
Cheers
Gary
Gary, Thanks very much for the update. I just tried v5.1.2 and after selecting WX/AIS then enter CYYZ, arrival and select MET, send nothing gets returned. If I don't select MET and select everything else it prints out as expected. I can confirm PSX set to download Metars is selected as well as set weather based on the download.
John
Can you send me the debug.txt file John? goliver1984 [at] gmail.com
Hi Gary thanks a lot I will try it out as soon as possible. Mabe you should also update the link in this topic so all purple load the same bacars version.https://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=5579.0
Kind regards beat lszh
Quote from: Gary Oliver on Fri, 19 Feb 2021 19:59
Can you send me the debug.txt file John? goliver1984 [at] gmail.com
Content of debug.txt has been sent. Thanks John
Hi Gary. I have v6.0.0.0 now, and green lights everywhere, but the weather still isn't printing. Here's the contents of my debug.txt after a few attempts to print various combinations of options. All best, M
PSXBACARS V6.0.0.0
===============================
Loading XML Config
Loaded XML Config
Button Handler 55
Enabling ATIS Timer
ATIS Timer Called
Called Generate ATIS
Calling Generate ATIS
Generating METAR
Catch Triggered
Button Handler 55
Enabling ATIS Timer
ATIS Timer Called
Called Generate ATIS
Calling Generate ATIS
Generating Sigmet
Sigmet Loaded
Called Finish ATIS
Finished Generate ATIS
Disable Timer
WXR Page Drew
Button Handler 55
Enabling ATIS Timer
ATIS Timer Called
Called Generate ATIS
Calling Generate ATIS
Sending Qs485
Sent
Finished Generate ATIS
Disable Timer
WXR Page Drew
Qs485=MYNN J 211720Z ^EXPECT RWY 10^TRANS LVL 180^09016KT 9999 SCT020^BKN030 OVC080 22/19^A3026^^
Called Finish ATIS
PSX ATIS Returned: MYNN J 211720Z ^EXPECT RWY 10^TRANS LVL 180^09016KT 9999 SCT020^BKN030 OVC080 22/19^A3026^^
Requesting Hoppie ATIS
Button Handler 55
Enabling ATIS Timer
ATIS Timer Called
Called Generate ATIS
Calling Generate ATIS
Sending Qs485
Sent
Finished Generate ATIS
Disable Timer
WXR Page Drew
Qs485=MYNN J 211720Z ^EXPECT RWY 10^TRANS LVL 180^09016KT 9999 SCT020^BKN030 OVC080 22/19^A3026^^
Called Finish ATIS
PSX ATIS Returned: MYNN J 211720Z ^EXPECT RWY 10^TRANS LVL 180^09016KT 9999 SCT020^BKN030 OVC080 22/19^A3026^^
Requesting Hoppie ATIS
Button Handler 55
Enabling ATIS Timer
ATIS Timer Called
Called Generate ATIS
Calling Generate ATIS
Generating METAR
Catch Triggered
Button Handler 55
Enabling ATIS Timer
ATIS Timer Called
Called Generate ATIS
Calling Generate ATIS
Called Finish ATIS
Finished Generate ATIS
Disable Timer
WXR Page Drew
Button Handler 55
Enabling ATIS Timer
ATIS Timer Called
Called Generate ATIS
Calling Generate ATIS
Generating METAR
Catch Triggered
Button Handler 55
Enabling ATIS Timer
ATIS Timer Called
Called Generate ATIS
Calling Generate ATIS
Generating METAR
Catch Triggered
I honestly dont get it!
We all have the same files, we all have the same PSX settings, it works on my development PC, it works in my sim on a seperate PC and its still not working for you guys.
Any thoughts?
Ah ha! If I dont use my own email in the config I get TLS errors! I think we might be getting somewhere!
Same here no weather print with version 6.0, Imentioned it also in Tthe 6.0 folder...
Steff
Ah Ha! Fixed It!
A while back I put some stuff into BACARS for my own use which allows me to hook into BA Virtual to post my flights instead of using their own client.
As part of this I forced the connection to use TLS1.2.
This then means that any further connections are TLS1.2 made by the program.
It seems that the weather service now only accept TLS1.2 connections and this bit of the code wasn't called for anyone else.
I have now moved this to the correct area and uploaded V6.0.1 to fix it.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gynsqmqe4wnmjf0/PSX%20BACARS-V6.0.1.msi?dl=1
Give that a go.
Cheers
G
Hi Gary, can we expect a 744Cargo setup in the planning tool ?
best
Steff
Steff,
Let me know what you're thinking and sure no worries I can add next time I am doing some dev work.
Cheers
G
Hi Gary,
I just tried out to set in the preferences B744 max Pax to 6 and max Cargo to a number of 120 tons to fake the cargo aircraft. Doesn´t work. Seems the cargo setup stopps at 99 (two numbers) tons. It doesn´t work up from three numbers like 100.
May be I am wrong, so I need help to set up a Cargo-744.
Thanks for your help.
But, if this brings you away from programming a Standalone Vatsim client, disregard all my questions... :-)
Is the balkony already painted btw.? :-)
Steff
Steff,
I have added the B744CARGO aircraft type for you and fixed a few more issues.
Balcony still not painted :-)
Cheers
G
A big THANK YOU, dear Gary!
Steff
Hi Gary,
it´s me again.
Planning with your wonderfull tool for a cargo flight results in a max ZFW of about 251 tons. Planning only in Simbrief it is about 276969 tons, which is the MZFW of our fleet.
I can not change this value by myself.
So, I need your kind help again...
Sorry...
Steff
Steff,
Updated for you just now.
Thanks
Gary
My hero!
Thx
Steff
Hello Gary,
where could one download the updated Cargo version for the PSX software?
Thank You kindly!
Andre,
There is no update needed for BACARS I have just updated the planning portal at https://planning.simfest.co.uk to support cargo.
If there's anything you think we need in BACARS to support this then let me know and I can make the required changes.
Cheers
G
Gary,
thanks for your clarification. I am sorry as I got confused between BACARS and PSX.NET. I hope it is OK to ask for PSX.NET help here as well. :)
I would like to ask, how I can activate Cargo version in the PSX.NET.
I am using following versions:
PSX.NET: 1.0.0
Doors: 1.1.0
Ground Services: 1.0.0
It is such an amazing add-on!
Thank you!
I just realized that was using older PSX.NET version. This morning I downloaded correct version and it has now cargo versions as well. I am sorry about this confusion. Now, all is good.
Thanks again for your commitmnet to this community!
Sincerely,
Andrej,
Ah good news! Was going to take a look tonight for you.
Cheers
G
Quote from: Martin Baker on Wed, 9 Jan 2019 19:58
Quick question: a few weeks ago I tried BACARS briefly, connecting it from a windows machine (with PSX.Net) over the network to a mac running PSX. It aoounced the connection OK from the windows side but I wasn't able to use it in PSX - the ACARS CDU basically just froze. I'll try it again soon when I get PSX running on the windows machine too - was this what caused the problem (PSX and BACARS on diffferent machines) or could there have been something else getting in the way?
Hello Gary,
I have the identical issue but I use Linux instead of OSX. The Client is windows of course. Any Idea?
Take your time, I enjoy simfest for now :)