FILE: README.TXT
***************************************************************************
* *
* X-Plane Plugin for GoFlight Cockpit Control Modules *
* Software Release 0.95 (Public Beta 2) *
* Release Notes and General Information *
* July 22, 2004 *
* *
***************************************************************************
I. Introduction
===============
The software accompanying this README file is a software "plugin" for use
with X-Plane flight simulator software from Laminar Research. This plugin
enables GoFlight GF-AC cockpit modules to control over 200 functions in
X-Plane aircraft and the simulator program itself.
This software was originally developed by Luis Balarin.
Recent enhancements have been added by Ben Supnik, Sandy Barbour, and Doyle
Nickless.
This release (v0.95, or "Beta 2") is an update to the first beta release
that was made available in May 2004.
II. What is a "software plugin"?
================================
In general, a "plugin" is a chunk of computer code that, when added to an
existing software program, it becomes a part of that program and adds new
capabilities that did not previously exist. Many add-on software packages
for flight simulator programs such as scenery and aircraft enhancements,
are considered "plugins" but are more commonly called "add-ons."
This plugin permits the X-Plane flight simulator to recognize and communicate
with many GoFlight cockpit control modules. In addition, the plugin allows
the X-Plane pilot to dynamically assign functions to all modules and their
controls without exiting the X-Plane program.
III. Hardware/Software Requirements
===================================
(a) GoFlight Modules
--------------------
At least one of the following GoFlight modules:
- GF-45 Display Panel (up to 7)
- GF-46 Multi-Mode Display Module (up to 7)
- GF-P8 Pushbutton Module (up to 7)
- GF-T8 Toggle Switch Module (up to 7)
- GF-166 Versatile Radio Panel (up to 7)
- GF-LGT Landing Gear/Trim Control (1)
- GF-MCP Advanced Autopilot (1)
- GF-TQ6 Throttle System (2)
For more information on GoFlight modules, visit the GoFlight Web
site at http://www.goflightinc.com .
(b) X-Plane
-----------
This Beta 2 release of the GoFlight Plugin for X-Plane has been mostly
tested with X-Plane version 7.41. For users of the prior 7.30 version,
the plugin should work fine, however, please feel free to report any
issues that you discover that you feel might be related to 7.30.
(c) Operating System
--------------------
For PC users: Microsoft Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP.
For Mac users: OS 9 or OS X.
IV. Highlights of this release
------------------------------
Highlights of this release include the following:
* GF-46 support has been added.
* A configuration UI is now accessible from within X-Plane, allowing
you to assign functions to all GoFlight modules without having to
exit the simulator program.
V. Installation of the X-Plane Plugin
=====================================
IMPORTANT: Please make a backup of any previous versions you wish
to keep, since only current versions of X-Plane will be
fully supported.
1. Copy the files XPGF.xpl and XPGF.ini to X-Plane's Resources\plugins
subfolder (C:\X-System <xxx>\Resources\plugins) where <xxx> is the
version of X-Plane being used with this plugin release.)
2. Run X-Plane. If using version 7.30 or older, go to the <Settings->
->Set Equipment> menu, and make sure "GoFlightInc Control Cockpit"
option is not on (should not be green).
In more releases of X-Plane beginning with 7.30, this option has
been removed from the Set Equipment menu.
VI. How to use the X-Plane Plugin
=================================
To assign functions to the controls on your GoFlight modules:
1. Run X-Plane.
2. From the main menu bar, select the "Plugins" menu.
3. From the "Plugins" menu, select "GoFlight", then "Assign Functions."
4. A window will now appear, allowing you to select each GoFlight module
and assign functions to it. The functions you assign are immediately
made active, so you can test many of them while the configuration
window is still displayed.
5. When finished assigning functions, click the "X" box in the top
left or top right corners of the configuration window.
VII. Known Problems/Issues
==========================
(1) ADF has a range up to 999.
(2) AP_IAS_MACH_SEL, AP_MACH, ADFH currently unavailable.
(3) Turning off AUTOPILOT(AP_MASTER) also turns off FLIGHT DIRECTOR
(AP_FLIGHT_DIR)
(4) AP_IAS automatically displays MACH above FL180. This is by X-Plane
design.
(5) XPDR_IDENT displays only but doesn't set it.
(6) Some RP48 knob functions are not yet working.
(7) DME modes on the GF-45 and GF-46 don't yet function.
(8) GF-MCP altitude sometimes gets "stuck" at a floor altitude, like
10000, and can't be reduced by turning the ALT knob. Workaround
is to use the on-screen control.
VIII. Software Revision History
===============================
2004/07/22 (v0.95; public Beta 2)
----------------------------------------------
* Added support for GF-46.
* Added menu-accessible configuration UI window.
* Fixed some performance issues with indicator updating.
* Can now add and remove modules while plugin is disabled, and re-
detect all modules by re-enabling plugin without exiting the sim.
2004/04/15 (redesignated v0.80; public Beta 1)
----------------------------------------------
* Integrated GFDev static library into plugin DLL.
* Numerous GF-MCP enhancements.
* Converted README to GF-style format.
2003/06/10 (V6.7.1)
-------------------
* SDK4 Implemented with X-Plane Version 6.70
* Version number changed to match X-Plane Release
* AP_HDG. Fixed problem showing negative values.
2003/02/20 (v1.0.0B)
--------------------
* SDK2 Implemented. Special thanks to Ben Supnik and Sandy Barbour.
* PARKING_BRAKE now works properly.
* GF-T8: BEACON_LTS, NAV_LTS, STROBE_LTS, PANEL_LTS functions added
* GF-MCP: Now displays proper status of each LANDING_GEAR.
* GF-T8: XPDR_IDENT function(s) added.
2003/02/06 (v0.9.8A)
--------------------
* Modified Code: Due to bug using COM2 and Sandy Barbour was kind to
fix it.
2003/02/01 (v0.9.7A)
--------------------
* BATTERY_MASTER: Now sets on/off all GF hardware display.
* AVIONICS_MASTER: Now sets on/off GF-45/166 hardware display.
* GF-166: (FunctionL) NAV1_NAV2_TOGGLE and COM1_COM2_TOGGLE functions
added.
2003/01/29 (v0.9.6A)
--------------------
* Modified Code: Some 'access violations' were reported and Sandy Barbour
was kind to fix it.
* AP_IAS. Modified to properly set/display MACH or IAS. Thanks to Ben
Supnik for the tip.
* GF-MCP: AP_APPR_HOLD is now functional.
* GF-P8: AP_GPS_HOLD function added.
2003/01/27 (v0.9.5A)
--------------------
* Fixed Bug: In some cases sim will crash after a few minutes. Thanks
to Sandy Barbour for taking the time to look and fix the code.
* Renamed command AP_LNAV_HOLD to AP_LNAV (GF-P8)
* Renamed command AP_VNAV_HOLD to AP_VNAV (GF-P8)
* Added support for AP_DISENGAGE (GF-MCP, GF-T8)
* GF-MCP: Reassigned AP_NAV1_HOLD with AP_LNAV
2003/01/26 (v0.9.4A)
--------------------
* Fixed Bug: Sometimes activating flaps will change the landing gear display
lights
* MAC implementation code inserted. Thanks to Ben Supnik for his invaluable
help.
2003/01/20 (v0.9.3A)
--------------------
* XPGF.ini File added for x-platform compatability (Win-Mac)
* Fixed Bug: When unit (GF45,GF166) was connected and not assigned sim will
crash
2003/01/17 (v0.9.2A)
--------------------
* Modified code to prevent reentrant interface.
2003/01/17 (v0.9.1A)
--------------------
* Added support for GF-T8 up to 7 unit(s).
* Added support for GF-P8 up to 7 unit(s).
2003/01/13 (v0.9A)
------------------
* Initial release for X-plane V6.5+. Thanks to the X-Plane Plug-In SDK
development team! (http://xplane.aviate.org/xpsdk/index.html)
IX. Contacting GoFlight
=======================
If you wish to reach us, please note the following contact information:
=====================================
Worldwide Headquarters (GoFlight USA)
=====================================
Mailing Address:
11855 SW Ridgecrest Drive
Suite 205
Beaverton, Oregon 97008
USA
Order: 1-866-312-9884 toll free
Now Order Online, Factory-Direct from GoFlight, using your
credit card or PayPal. (www.goflightinc.com/order.html)
Phone: 503-671-9317
Fax: 503-671-0168
E-mail: support@goflightinc.com (for technical support-related issues)
info@goflightinc.com (general questions or comments)
Also, visit our Web site; http://www.goflightinc.com .
X. Legal Stuff
==============
Windows, Windows 98, Windows 2000 Windows Me, and Windows XP are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
OS 9 and OS X are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
All other products or product names mentioned herein are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright © GoFlight Inc. All rights reserved.
***
*** END OF FILE: README.TXT
***
Download Driver Pack
After your driver has been downloaded, follow these simple steps to install it.
Expand the archive file (if the download file is in zip or rar format).
If the expanded file has an .exe extension, double click it and follow the installation instructions.
Otherwise, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
Find the device and model you want to update in the device list.
Double-click on it to open the Properties dialog box.
From the Properties dialog box, select the Driver tab.
Click the Update Driver button, then follow the instructions.
Very important: You must reboot your system to ensure that any driver updates have taken effect.
For more help, visit our Driver Support section for step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.