My PFC Jetliner Console

[selkan]

Hi Peter, I wonder if you may be able to offer advice. I short time ago, I started having problems with my Engine Switches on my PFC Jetliner Console. I normally use switches 1 and 2 for starting engines (737-800) and switches 3 and 4 for fuel input/cutoff. Switches 1 and 2 still worked, but 3 and 4 stopped working.

This coincided with a few other problems in my main Server P.C., and coupled with wanting a new faster harddrive, I decided to do a complete re-install; Vista 32 Ultimate, and FSX. I have nearly completed this major works, but my Engine Switches 3 and 4 are still not working. They show that they are working within the PFC Test Page. Also, when I try and use Switches 1 and 2 only to start engines, and auto latch at 20% N1, this is also not working. I have a registered copy of latest FSUIPC and WideServer for my network etc.

I have sent this information to PFC, but so far they don't know what might be wrong. In the past, I have always had a problem with my A/T Press Button Switches on Throttle Handles (to turnoff off A/T on my MCP Hardware), but was able to set this via the FSUIPC Interface (buttons & Switches). I have looked under the 'headings' here (include PM), but can't find anything to help with fuel/engine switches.

I was hoping you might be able to offer advice on how I might be able to set Switches 3 and 4 within FSUIPC, before it is concluded that something has actually gone wrong with the Console.

Thanks, Steven

[Pete Dowson]

Hi Peter, I wonder if you may be able to offer advice. I short time ago, I started having problems with my Engine Switches on my PFC Jetliner Console. I normally use switches 1 and 2 for starting engines (737-800) and switches 3 and 4 for fuel input/cutoff. Switches 1 and 2 still worked, but 3 and 4 stopped working.

The exact same thing happens to mine sometimes. They actually go intermittent. I did open it up once and reseated anything that looked moveable -- then they works fine for a while before starting to play up again. I think there's a design weakness in that area which makes them vulnerable.

but my Engine Switches 3 and 4 are still not working. They show that they are working within the PFC Test Page.

As I say, the problem does seem to be intermittent.

Also, when I try and use Switches 1 and 2 only to start engines, and auto latch at 20% N1, this is also not working.

Not sure what would be going wrong there. What actually happens? Is this with FSX or FS9? If you have that option set in the driver, then provided the starter is actually operating, the remaining actions are all in the PC -- unless it is getting a signal to tell it that the starter is moved to cut-off.

If you have a mixture of symptoms it is sounding a little like some sort of communications problem, though if so it is odd that your prime complaint is the same as one which has affected my own console from time to time.

In the past, I have always had a problem with my A/T Press Button Switches on Throttle Handles (to turnoff off A/T on my MCP Hardware), but was able to set this via the FSUIPC Interface (buttons & Switches).

Erthat makes less sense to me. Are you saying the same button works 100% when assigned via FSUIPC, but 0% when processed directly inside the PFC driver?

Regards

Pete

[Pete Dowson]

The exact same thing happens to mine sometimes.

I've just re-tested the switches and they are operating okay at the moment. At least, with FS9 and PFC driver 2.307 they work for a 2-engined aircraft with the mixture enabled by moving switches 3 and 4 to the "start" at the appropriate time. I can't make that go wrong -- so check your option settings for that.

With a 4 engined aircraft and the "auto" option selected for the mixture to be enabled automatically at 20% N2, all engines start okay when reaching the right speed.

I tested it too with FSX and PFCFSX.DLL version 4.34, and it's okay with thatso, sorry, all I can say that it is either the hardware itself playing up, or possibly some combination of options which doesn't work correctly. If the latter then obviously I need more information -- specifically version nmubers of everything, and the INI file.

Also, when I try and use Switches 1 and 2 only to start engines, and auto latch at 20% N1, this is also not working.

I cannot reproduce that here. Need more info -- version of the PFC DLL, version of FSUIPC, version of FS? Option settings in the PFC driver (PFC INI file?)

In the past, I have always had a problem with my A/T Press Button Switches on Throttle Handles (to turnoff off A/T on my MCP Hardware), but was able to set this via the FSUIPC Interface (buttons & Switches).

On this I have found what you may consider a problem, but isn't, but at present I'm not sure it is nor whether it is the same as yours.

First, I assume you HAVE set the "Main" tab option to use the buttons for A/T disconnect? By default, although they are labelled "A/T Disco" they are assigned as TO/GA buttons. I did this because the AT toggle switch is close to hand in any case, and having TO/GA close to hand is, in my opinion, more useful.

Second, the way the AT disco button works is to toggle the AT Arm switch off, then on again -- so the speed modes do get correctly cancelled in the A/P, but the AT Arm is still correctly set -- reflecting the actual switch position.

Are you sure you are not simply misinterpreting this action? It does the job you want, disconnecting the speed control, even though it leaves the AT armed ready to re-engage a speed mode or TO/GA subsequently.

Regards

Pete

[selkan]

Hi Pete, I am probably going to have to get back on a couple of items, but this might help you.

I am using FSX; when starting engines using switches 1 and 2 only, they spool up engines, but upon reaching 20% N1, they die on me, and the process is repeated and repeated until I stop it by putting switch in the down position and back to center.

I am using the latest PFC.Dll dated 22/01/09, I am pretty sure this must be version 4.34

I am using FSUIPC Version 4.421

I used to run FS9, and had no problems (with appropriate drivers)

With regard to my A/T button, I do need to check I have it properly enabled in my PFC Main screen. It does however work 100% of the time using the FSUIPC interface, and 0% using PFC Drivers only. I should mention however that it does not come back to the 'on' position reflecting the actual switch position, so in the event of a go-around, I have to mannually flick it off and on again.

I am not sure how to attach an PFC INI file to a post like this, can you tell me how, or an e-mail address I can send to (I know how to do that!)

Just one other point which might help. Prior to my re-install of Vista, etc etc, I was getting a problem sometimes with switch number 4 when shutting down engines. Sometimes it would work, sometimes not. It did however always work after a few 'goes' at it.

[Pete Dowson]

I am using FSX; when starting engines using switches 1 and 2 only, they spool up engines, but upon reaching 20% N1, they die on me, and the process is repeated and repeated until I stop it by putting switch in the down position and back to center.

This is with which aircraft? The default 738 and 744 both work okay here. FSX does appear to need the fuel switched on earlier than fS9, around 18%, but 20% always works too. It should be 25% according to stuff I've rad, at least for the 737, but FSX certainly won't get that far.

Maybe it's something to do with the aircraft model you are using? You've not mentioned it. Always test with default aircraft.

If not, then I suspect your options aren't set correctly for this mode.

I am using the latest PFC.Dll dated 22/01/09, I am pretty sure this must be version 4.34

Strange. I don't know what you've got there. I've not released any version of PFCFSX.DLL since 14th December 2008, and that was 4.34. The DLL called PFC.DLL is for FS9 and that's still at version 2.307 from 9th October 2008. What's the problem with quoting the version number for me? It is shown in the log, on the screen in the options, and it is in the properties of the DLL itself (right-click, Properties-Version)!

With regard to my A/T button, I do need to check I have it properly enabled in my PFC Main screen. It does however work 100% of the time using the FSUIPC interface, and 0% using PFC Drivers only.

Yes, well of course if you program it to send AT Arm Toggle or Off it will disarm the AT. That is not what I intended to happen with the AT Disco button. It sounds like you just don't like it doing what to me seems sensible -- that is flicking AT Arm off and back on so that all vertical/speed modes are disengaged and you are back on manual throttle control till you engage another such mode. If you call that 0% operating, fine. I don't.

I should mention however that it does not come back to the 'on' position reflecting the actual switch position, so in the event of a go-around, I have to mannually flick it off and on again.

Of course. That's inevitable the way you've done it. But please yourself. Personally i prefer having the TO/GA on those throttle buttons (as the console doesn't come with the TO/GA buttons normally fitted too). Otherwise you have to find and preess the N1 button to enable TO/GA. The AT Arm switch is to hand in any case.

I am not sure how to attach an PFC INI file to a post like this, can you tell me how

Load it into Notepad, or any other text editor, select it all and select copy. In your message insert. It is that simple. If you think it is too long and makes the message hard to read, select it in the message and use the "List" button to encapsulate it.

Just one other point which might help. Prior to my re-install of Vista, etc etc, I was getting a problem sometimes with switch number 4 when shutting down engines. Sometimes it would work, sometimes not. It did however always work after a few 'goes' at it.

I still think your switch 3/4 problems are hardware related. I had problems with those. Since i fiddled about re-seating the hardware connections behind them they've been fine.

Regards

Pete

[selkan]

Hi Pete, I went to try things again this morning, and having 'wiggled' switches 3 and 4 a couple times, they decided to work properly again. I think therefore that it must be a Hardware issue. You mention 're-seating' your switches. Can you give me a brief description of what you actually did. I have thought of asking PFC for a couple of new switches, which I am sure I could re-wire.

I have therefore decided not to send a long copy of the INI at present. I am using Default 737-800, as I run ProjectMagenta Software on my network, and they say to always run with default aircraft.

I am using PFCFSX.dll and it is Version 4.3.0.0 (I know I called it PFC.dll, which I do know is for FS9)

While writing, I wonder if you could comment on the following. I have just started to reset everything in th PFC Menu, and I see that when I went to the 'Yoke Buttons Tab', nearly all options for views right, left, rear right/left etc etc have gone from the drop down menus. I have the Jetliner Yoke; is there any other way to set these views up? I did try using the 'key press' option and then appropriate Number Pad number, but didn't seem to work very well.

Many thanks, Steven

[Pete Dowson]

Hi Pete, I went to try things again this morning, and having 'wiggled' switches 3 and 4 a couple times, they decided to work properly again. I think therefore that it must be a Hardware issue.

Yes, it sounds exactly the same as the intermittent problem I had. Must be a bit of a design weakness in that area.

You mention 're-seating' your switches. Can you give me a brief description of what you actually did. I have thought of asking PFC for a couple of new switches, which I am sure I could re-wire.

The last time I did it was so long ago I don't recall, and I'm not taking it apart just now because it is working fine and the purchaser is collecting it this afternoon! ;-)

Anyway, all I did was take the screws out holding that panel (just two on each side I think, and by the look of it), carefully lean the panel so I could get into the back of it, and widdle/tighten/check every connection or plug-in I could see might be associated with those switches. Then screw it back in place. I can't really describe it in any more detail. If in doubt, best to get PFC's advice.

I am using PFCFSX.dll and it is Version 4.3.0.0 (I know I called it PFC.dll, which I do know is for FS9)

Best, if you want any support,to keep it up to date, please. I know the changes listed probably don't affect you a lot, but still. I always need to compare with what happens here, and I always use the latest. 4.34 is current.

I have just started to reset everything in th PFC Menu, and I see that when I went to the 'Yoke Buttons Tab', nearly all options for views right, left, rear right/left etc etc have gone from the drop down menus.

How do you mean, "gone"?

See the buttons at bottom right? Predefined set 1 provides Panning, like a hat, on the right rocker buttons, with no assignment when released. Predefined set 2 provides the discrete views as you describe, with reset to forward when released. The panning is best for virtual cockpits, the discrete views best for the 2D ones.

And no matter which set is selected, all of the usefully assignable FS controls are there in the drop-down, including the ones you mention. PFC gets this list from FS, using pointers and readouts provided by FSUIPC, so if it isn't appearing there it presumably isn't appearing in FSUIPC's assignment drop-downs either. Which means you have something seriously wrong with your installation -- either FSX is corrupt or FSUIPC4 isn't connecting correctly with SimConnect. Check your FSUIPC4 version (current is 4.40 but there's a better 4.438 in the Updates) and the FSUIP4.log file, see if any problems are reported.

But update your PFCFSX first please.

Regards

Pete

[selkan]

Hi Pete, I think my FSX installation may be currupt. On looking on the available aircraft page, under Boeing, I only have one 737 and one 744 available; no other liveries, which I know should be four or five for each.

I went to the PFC Download page for PFCFSX.dll, and there is only one item there for downloading, Version 4.3. Can you tell me how to get Version 4.34?

Also from your downloads page I could only find FSUIPC 4.4, I am looking for Version 4.438; had a look in PM Updates page, but could not find?

With regard to 'Yoke Buttons' In the drop down menus, I used to get about eight view options, i.e. right/left/forward right/forward left/rear left/rear right etc etc. At present it is only giving me about three or four options, and all left views only! Perhaps, as you say there is something wrong with installation, so I am going to re-install FSX and SP's.

Thanks for now

[Pete Dowson]

I went to the PFC Download page for PFCFSX.dll, and there is only one item there for downloading, Version 4.3. Can you tell me how to get Version 4.34?

I don't support PFC's own software page, sorry. ALL of my Fs related software is ALWAYS available, courtesy of Enrico Schiratti, on the http://www.schiratti.com/dowson page, as is surely made quite clear in all my documentation as well as in the Announcements above.

However, currently that also only shows 4.30. I will need to give Enrico a nudge about that.

Interim updates are always provided here, in the Forum, and you will certainly find 4.34 in the Updates Announcement here, as well as the latest versions of many other things. (That's what I meant when I said "but there's a better 4.438 in the Updates").

I am constantly surprised by how many visitors and posters here never look at the Announcements. I post loads of things in those which I feel folks should know. I don't know how else to do it, but it plainly doesn't work and I don't understand why. :-(

Regards

Pete

[selkan]

Hi Pete, I have now found up to date FSUIPC 4.438 and PFCFSX .dll 4.34

You are quite right of course, I should have hunted a little further!

For now I think we can close this 'run', so many thanks for all your help.

Steven