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Simfest Dispatch and BACARS V7.0.8

Started by Gary Oliver, Mon, 3 Feb 2020 19:44

Gary Oliver

All,

Following the release of the NG FMC pack I am pleased to support some features of the NG FMC and more pack which finally removes some of the bodges around wind uplinks from BACARS.

I just want to thank Hardy for his consistently brilliant network interface for developers.  I started making changes a few months ago to pass cirrus wind data from dispatch to BACARS in the hope that hardy will provide a network interface for the data in the instructor station. 

To my surprise with a little monitoring of the PSX port Hardy has already provided these features at release it would appear making the release of this update a few hours work on top of the pre work.


New Features in V7

-Wind Corridors automatically created when uplinking FLT INIT information from the dispatch centre and enabled.

-Weather SENT> bug fixed

-Sensibo integration to integrate real world airconditioning systems temperature on EICAS and control your aircon in your simulator from the overhead temp panels (message if you want to try this out)

-Loadsheet figures integrated

-PSX EFB for the iPad Support (More info to come on this)

-BAVirtual Integration for BACARS OOOI data

-VATSIM ATIS migrated to new reliable JSON data server.


Grab the new version from Here


More Information on Simfest Dispatch and BACARS

http://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=4584 - Simfest Dispatch
http://aerowinx.com/board/index.php?topic=2757.0 - BACARS Up to V4

Please note that the new website https://planning.simfest.co.uk has replaced the old dispatch link


If you have problems with grey screens when planning or not able to login to Simbrief I recommend following the below :-

Login to navigraph and simbrief on their own websites..

Go to: chrome://settings/cookies
Scroll down to: "Sites that can always use cookies"
Click on the "Add" button.
Enter: On the enter site line, add: "planning.simfest.co.uk"
Next: Check the box for "Include third-party cookies on this site"



Full change log

QuoteV7.0.8
======
-Updated to work with new NOAA weather URLs
-Cosmetic fixes on weather print outs.
-OOOI Times including touchdown report reliability improved by a small rewrite
-CARD assumed temperatures have been fine tuned a bit more

V7.0.7
======
-Fixes to Assume Temp calculation in CARD

V7.0.6
======
-Further fixes to PDC

V7.0.3
======
-Stopped installer deleting config file

V7.0.2
======
-Fixed PRE DEP CLR not working any more with VATSIM changes
-PRE DEP CRLNC SENT and SEND Caret works correctly
-Once a clearance is acked, accept will stay in small font until it is replaced

V7.0.1
====
-Updated with new Server details.

V6.1.1
====
-Message now displayed if Hoppie Send Fails
-Error checking on Hoppie Destination Field
-Fixed error where card would display the incorrect time on a Performance request
-Fixed issue with Arrival message time format

V6.1.0
======
-Resolved compatibility issues with PSX 10.151/2 - Requires 10.152 or later.
-All Dates and Times are now relative to PSX Time and not real time.

V6.0.9
======

-Fixed bug where performance data is not generated when at extremes of performance charts
-MACTOW Either comes from PSX or the MACTOW Entry if entered on Perf Print Out
-If Single Digit Assumed Temp Returned the Text is padded to display in the correct column
-Added Config File Entry DownloadVatsimATIS to allow disabling of VATSIM Data Download

V6.0.8
======
-More stablity fixes
-Changed INIT DATA REQ Behaviour, can now uplink without entering a flight number.

V6.0.7
======
-Stop pages getting stuck in between FLT INIT and CREW
-BACARS remains active even after reloading situation
-Changes to stop BACARS disappearing with real CDU
-Now Tied into ACARS L AC CB
-Added Landing Report
-ATIS Formats all updated
-Added Landing score calculation
-Final Flight report now in BA Format.
-Changing BACARS page during INIT DATA REQ no longer causes strange things to happen.
-Added Prelim Loadsheet after entering FOB and clicking Y
-FLT INIT PRINT Report now accurate
-Fixed LBS FOB Entry
-Added Every Single BA Performance Correction Code
   04  3 mm – 6 mm (0.1 – 0.25 in) Standing Water – Full Power T/O
   05  7 mm – 10 mm (0.25 – 0.4 in) Standing Water – Full Power T/O
   06  11 mm – 13 mm (0.4 – 0.5 in) Standing Water – Full Power T/O
   07  3 mm – 6 mm (0.1 – 0.25 in) Slush – Full Power T/O
   08  7 mm – 10 mm (0.25 – 0.4 in) Slush – Full Power T/O
   09  11 mm – 13 mm (0.4 – 0.5 in) Slush – Full Power T/O
   10  Compacted Snow – Full Power T/O
   11  10 mm – 20 mm (0.4 – 0.8 in) Dry Snow – Full Power T/O
   12  21 mm – 30 mm (0.8 – 1.2 in) Dry Snow – Full Power T/O
   13  31 mm – 40 mm (1.2 – 1.6 in) Dry Snow – Full Power T/O
   14  41 mm – 50 mm (1.6 – 2.0 in) Dry Snow – Full Power T/O
   20  Braking Action Medium – Full Power T/O
   21  Braking Action Medium to Poor – Full Power T/O
   22  Braking Action Poor or Unreliable – Full Power T/O
   31 1 A/C Pack On
   36 FAM V Sys. Inop – Single Pack Operation
   40 Autospoilers Inop
   56 Full Power Take-Off
   61 Landing Gear Extended – Full Power T/O
   64 2 Brakes Inop – Deactivation Tool used
   65 2 Brakes Inop – Line Capped/Brake Removed
   66 Anti-Skid Inop – Full Power T/O
   67 Demand Hydraulic Pumps 1 or 4 Inoperative
   70  17 Percent Aft CG
   71  21 Percent Aft CG
   72 TO1 Thrust Rating
   73 TO2 Thrust Rating

V6.0.6
======
-Updated Message formats when printing
-Print Prompt now changes when pushing print on uplinked message page
-Tidy up of message printing
-Stop PERF page randomly showing up on printing


V6.0.5
======
-Removed CDU Sim Menu Change for Real CDUs as caused issues with new EFB
-Reduced ACARS Report Submission time to 1 minute as we keep missing them
-Updated Flight Board Update to better match new layout
-ATIS Printouts now formatted correctly
-ATIS now reads VATSIM datafile properly
-ACARS Message Printing Format made more realistic
-Fixed Doors Time
-Flightboard now updates to GATE CLOSED on doors shutting

V6.0.3
======
-Added Option to override PSX Time for Visuals Generators :-

         Go to INIT/PRES FLT P2/2 and Enter the following in FLT TIME Box (will not override value in CDU)

             M1 - Minus 1 hour from PSX Time (changes as time passes)
          P2 - Plus 2 hours from PSX Time (changes as time passes)
          1230 - Set time to 1230Z (will not change)

-Added .ToUpper() on ACARS Messages to stop off spec messages breaking the CDU
-Reduced blanking time to try and stop real CDU hanging
-Fix URL encoding for emails with + signs in them

V6.0.3
======
-Added Sim Menu Option for those running real CDU's with PSX.NET (Ask Gary for details)

V6.0.2
======
-Many fixes for when running real CDU's with cockpit concept MCDU Board
-Fixes to screen blanking to use proper PSX spec rather than a bodge
-Minor UI fixes
-Fixes to ACARS Menu Ordering
-Defects menu removed as per final BA ACARS release
-Temp Box now 2 characters not 3
-Fixed issue with more than 99 tonnes of fuel causing issues on INIT/PRE FLT 2/2
-Added Doors Closing Times to INIT/PRES FLT

V6.0.1
======
-Bug fix for TLS Issues preventing Weather from being obtained

V6.0.0
======
-Updated to use VATSIMs new V3 data feed as the old one will be removed soon.
-Jumped on the 2021 Dark mode bandwagon

V5.1.2
======
-More Error checking on ATIS Printing
-More Debug on ATIS printing
-Ability to turn off Landing score in config file

V5.1.0
======
-Compatabile with PSXInfo Landing Data
-Logs landing data to simfest dispatch/planning system for top gear leaderboard
-Removes PSXInfo score after 15 seconds from EICAS
-Landing Pilot is defaulted to Captain incase crew forget to fill in
-Landing Pilot now in the correct column on CDU

V5.0.9
======
-Updated for SimSwitch NAME function
-Updated to fix Typo in DEFECT REP that shows up when using real CDU via ARINC

V5.0.8
======
-Changed all Hoppie Position, Reports etc to send to the LongAirlineCode, not always BAW

V5.0.7
======
-Fixed missing file in installer that prevented Weather/AIS from returning

V5.0.6
======
-Internal Test Version

V5.0.5
======
-Wind Data Now Imported into PSX Wind Corridors from CIRRUS
-PSX Wind Corridor settings set when running BACARS to use them with random variation

V5.0.4
======
-Update to use VATSIM JSON DataFeed
-Fix BAV Position Reporting
-VATSIM ATIS now in uppercase
-ATIS now will always return from VATSIM if requested rather than come back blank

V5.0.3
======
-Remove NG Style FLTINIT

V5.0.2
======
-Fixed Oceanic Remarks not working
-Fixed WEATHER AIS Page getting stuck
-METAR/ATIS reports now tidied up

V5.0.1
======
-Added validation on ETE to ensure theres no Dots in it Should be format HHMM
-Support added to send flight reports to BAV (refer to BAV forums on how to enable this)
-Added BAV Position Update
-Fixed Loadsheet pax figures only working for Gary.
-Adding a Sensibo API key will display room temperature on EICAS as U/D Figure
-Only Send Arrival Message if an arrival stand is returned
-BAV position now updates every 5 seconds
-BAV position update now uses FLT INIT Dest/Dept instead of FMC values

V5.0.0
======
-Revisions on Final Loadsheet Now show // next to the changed items
-Loadsheet PAX Figures now match those in Dispatch Center Loadsheet if available
-Wind Uplink Bodge Removed
-Wind info from flightplan downloaded from web server now in preperation for integration with dispatch and NG FMC when it comes.
-Added Delay to FLT INIT 1/2 and 2/2 Page
-Added Delays to all pages


V4.1.1
======
-Attempted to solve issue of ZFW not changing properly in PSX
-Update to enter email address into ActiveFlight Database so everyone can use flightboard and iPad App

V4.1.0
======
-Removed bbbb's from the flight report
-Arrival Information Message Generated during descent from Dispatch

V4.0.9
======
-Updated Navadata for Perfomance Calculation to AUG18.
-Fixed Prefuel Override when using a number with decimal places
-Changed Display of ACARS Uplinks to use small font. 
-FOB Value validation Added
-FOB Value will now add a decimal point if not added
-Unchecking Ready to board will now stop prefueling

Gary Oliver

For those who have downloaded before this point, please can you redownload and run the installer... small cock up :-)

JohnH

Hi Gary,

I don't have the NG FMC yet (am waiting for Aerosoft Usa to offer the update). Are you saying the new Bacars update will take the 'wind information' generated by PSX Dispatch/Simbrief and copy it to the Corridor box automatically.

Thanks in advance, John

Gary Oliver


JohnH

that's brilliant, thanks so much for your continued updates for PSX dispatch and Bacars. I use them every flight!

John

Gary Oliver


Martin Baker

Hi Gary, many thanks for getting this update out so quickly after the NG release and for all the add-on support you give for PSX.

I've just installed BACARS 5.05 from the link. It prints a PERF REQ as expected, but it doesn't print any WX/AIS outputs - the PSX printer light never comes on. I've tried it with MET and ATIS selected for several airports (both arrival and departure) but no luck. Please can you help?

Many thanks,

M

GodAtum

Thanks for this, such amazing work and I am so excited to play with it! A bit confused about how to use ActiveSky with the new weather stuff though?

Gary Oliver

Martin,

I tested that quite extensively yesterday as some changes were made around that.  Have you got a hoppie login code entered? I wonder if it's broken without one.

Britjet

I have the same problem as Martin - I think it is a Hoppie logon issue - no matter what I try I can't get his number/letter sequence to work. Not even with cut/paste..
Peter.

Jeroen Hoppenbrouwers

The ACARS backend has a spy function so that you can see whether your requests actually got through:

https://www.hoppie.nl/acars/system/log.html

If you don't see anything at all here under your callsign, you know there is a data item missing somewhere in your setup.

You can also verify whether the backend itself works ok; if you see others' messages, it is working.

To simply verify your logon code, you can use this one:
https://www.hoppie.nl/acars/system/send.html

And if you doubt about your code, re-register and the system will re-send if you still have a valid code. Take care that copy-paste is always the safer option than read-and-type. Characters such as 1 and l, and i and l, and 0 and O are very easy to mess up.
https://www.hoppie.nl/acars/system/register.html

There are ACARS clients that auto-register for you. FSLabs has a few. If these manage to get their own code, they will likely disable your old code without you noticing.

Hoppie

tango4

Hi Gary,


I have a question regarding performance calculation in BACARS (using your web planner(http://ba747card.us-west-2.elasticbeanstalk.com/) for testing purposes. I hesitated between asking here or creating another thread, tell me if you prefer this option).


My question is about Packs Off Take Off.
Out of curiosity I ran several tests to understand the effects on performance.
I lock all conditions:, weather, runway, I stick with antiice off and dry runway,etc and compare the results with the option packs on or off to see the difference.
I willingly use rather short runways to make sure the runway is limiting.


The only difference i see is that assumed temp is a bit higher and V1 a bit higher with packs ON. But there is no difference in TOPL: I assumed that PACKS OFF take off would allow for a greater TOPL (or allow to reduce wear on the engine for a given weight).


Am I missing something regarding this TOPL not moving ?


Cheers.


Charles


Martin Baker

Quote from: Britjet on Tue,  4 Feb 2020 11:25
I have the same problem as Martin - I think it is a Hoppie logon issue - no matter what I try I can't get his number/letter sequence to work. Not even with cut/paste..
Peter.

Peter, when I installed BACARS 5.0.5 I had to re-enter my Hoppie logon details and the boxes remained red as though the details weren't accepted. But when I restarted BACARS all looked normal and green. Did your login details work after a restart?

V best, Martin

Martin Baker

Quote from: Gary Oliver on Tue,  4 Feb 2020 10:25
Martin,

I tested that quite extensively yesterday as some changes were made around that.  Have you got a hoppie login code entered? I wonder if it's broken without one.

Hi Gary and thanks for your reply. I entered my Hoppie login code and after a BACARS restart had green boxes so presume that was all ok. I'm going to have another go in a minute - sometimes these things take a bit of time to settle down - I'll report back. V best, Martin

Britjet

Quote from: tango4 on Tue,  4 Feb 2020 16:43

The only difference i see is that assumed temp is a bit higher and V1 a bit higher with packs ON. But there is no difference in TOPL: I assumed that PACKS OFF take off would allow for a greater TOPL (or allow to reduce wear on the engine for a given weight).


Am I missing something regarding this TOPL not moving ?

Charles

Charles - No, I don't think you are missing anything - Packs OFF should give an increase of about 2000kg.
Triple7 might wish to comment here..

Peter

Britjet

Martin,
I just got another logon code from Hoppie's website and all is now good.
Some previous confusion over the letters and numbers, as Hoppie says, no doubt.

Thanks Hoppie..
Peter

Martin Baker

Quote from: Britjet on Tue,  4 Feb 2020 18:51
Martin,
I just got another logon code from Hoppie's website and all is now good.
Some previous confusion over the letters and numbers, as Hoppie says, no doubt.

Peter

Thanks Peter - if that solved the issue with WX printouts then I will try doing the same. M

tango4

Quote from: Britjet on Tue,  4 Feb 2020 18:46
Quote from: tango4 on Tue,  4 Feb 2020 16:43

The only difference i see is that assumed temp is a bit higher and V1 a bit higher with packs ON. But there is no difference in TOPL: I assumed that PACKS OFF take off would allow for a greater TOPL (or allow to reduce wear on the engine for a given weight).


Am I missing something regarding this TOPL not moving ?

Charles

Charles - No, I don't think you are missing anything - Packs OFF should give an increase of about 2000kg.
Triple7 might wish to comment here..

Peter


Many thanks Peter.

Gary Oliver

Okay so we are happy the Hoppie Code fixes the Weather bug.  Would anyone be offended if we made a Hoppie Code mandatory?  Otherwise theres a bit of recoding required that we could use the time for more exciting things on :-)

Regarding the Performance Figures we know there are a few things to look at. We just need to get Btriple7 enthusiastic again!

Britjet

Hi Gary,
Sorry - I've sorted the Hoppie Login but I'm still not getting any weather..
Incidentally - for the update - I just ran the new MSI over the previous installation. Would this have any effect?
Peter