PFC has disappeared from FSX Add-ons menu

[Jonahbird]

Hi Pete

I have used the full FSUIPC and PFC software for over 10 years. Both have always been indispensable and reliable. My PFC equipment is - Single Professional Console (non USB); Avionics; and rudder pedals.

My current software versions are FSUIPC4 4.84 and PFCFSX.dll 4.40

A recent change of unit positions, involving no new hardware and no software changes, has thrown up a strange problem.

PFC has disappeared from the FSX Add-ons dropdown menu. The latest PFCFSX.dll remained in the Modules folder. I have tried changing that, but the fault remains.

Initially I suspected a faulty cable, but X-Plane "sees" these units and continues to work properly. I think this eliminates any hardware fault.

I now suspect a file corruption somewhere, but where?

Do you have any ideas? I haven't tried a re-install of FSUIPC yet.

Best regards

Frank

[Pete Dowson]

My current software versions are FSUIPC4 4.84 and PFCFSX.dll 4.40

Current FSUIPC is 4.85. PFCFSX.DLL is up to 4.404 but the changes from 4.40 are insignificant.

A recent change of unit positions, involving no new hardware and no software changes, has thrown up a strange problem.

PFC has disappeared from the FSX Add-ons dropdown menu. The latest PFCFSX.dll remained in the Modules folder. I have tried changing that, but the fault remains.

Initially I suspected a faulty cable, but X-Plane "sees" these units and continues to work properly. I think this eliminates any hardware fault.

Hardware isn't involved. The PFC DLL does not need to detect the hardware to produce the menu. After all, inititially it allows you to specify the serial port actually in the dalogue so it obviously cannot be dependent on the hardware.

I now suspect a file corruption somewhere, but where?

That would be very unlikely. Check the signatures (right click, then properties-digital signatures) on the DLLs. If the FSUIPC one was corrupt it wouldn't work at all and you'd get a message.

Have you checked the FSUIPC4.LOG file? That's the first step. Show it to me (paste t here).

Note that I am on holiday from this evening (Monday) until Friday 24th August.

Regards

Pete

[Jonahbird]

Thanks for that rapid reponse, Pete.

The digital signatories are there, and show as simFlightGmbH timestamped 11/2/2012. FSUIPC4 shows the same name and a date of 17/7/2012.

The FSUIPC4.LOG file states:-

********* FSUIPC4, Version 4.84 by Pete Dowson *********

User Name="Frank Jones"

User Addr="jonesfrn8@aol.com"

FSUIPC4 Key is provided

WideFS7 Key is provided

Running inside FSX on Windows 7

Module base=61000000

47 System time = 12/08/2012 10:45:32

63 FLT UNC path = "\\RODNEY\Flight Simulator X Files\"

94 Trying to connect to SimConnect Acc/SP2 Oct07 ...

94 FS UNC path = "\\RODNEY\FSX\"

312 LogOptions=00000000 00000001

312 Wind smoothing fix is fully installed

312 G3D.DLL fix attempt installed ok

312 SimConnect_Open succeeded: waiting to check version okay

312 Trying to use SimConnect Acc/SP2 Oct07

14134 Running in "Microsoft Flight Simulator X", Version: 10.0.61637.0 (SimConnect: 10.0.61259.0)

14134 Initialising SimConnect data requests now

14134 FSUIPC Menu entry added

14165 \\RODNEY\Flight Simulator X Files\BA737 @ gate 102 Gatwick.FLT

14165 \\RODNEY\FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\PMDG 737-800NGX WL\B737-800WL.AIR

71527 Weather Mode now = Theme

71527 \\RODNEY\Users\Frank\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\FSX\Previous flight.FLT

232254 Sim stopped: average frame rate for last 97 secs = 5.8 fps

305013 System time = 12/08/2012 10:50:37

305013 *** FSUIPC log file being closed

Average frame rate for running time of 97 secs = 5.8 fps

G3D fix: Passes 20436, Null pointers 0, Bad pointers 0, Separate instances 0

Memory managed: 4 Allocs, 4 Freed

********* FSUIPC Log file closed ***********

Does this reveal anything?

Regards

Frank

[Pete Dowson]

The FSUIPC4.LOG file states:-

...

Does this reveal anything?

Yes. the exhange of data with SimConnect is not starting. After the line

14165 \\RODNEY\FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\PMDG 737-800NGX WL\B737-800WL.AIR

there should be several standard lines like this, occurring as soon as SimConnect starts providing all the needed data:

(This is from my own log).

5906 \\LEFT\FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\B737_800\Boeing737-800.AIR

91844 System time = 13/08/2012 10:21:31, Simulator time = 10:19:59 (09:19Z)

93469 Starting everything now ...

182562 PFC Menu entry added

In your case FSUIPC is not getting off the starting line. It won't be servicing any of the offsets let alone loading other DLLs.

Are you starting with FS in Paused or Slew modes perhaps?

Could you add these lines to the INI file (in the [General] section), please, and try again. Show me the resulting log:

Debug=Please

TestOptions=x800

This should give me a bit more information on why it isn't starting.

Oh, and please update to 4.85.

Regards

Pete

[Jonahbird]

Hi Pete

First re 4.85. It isn't showing in Schiratti.com. Where can I get it?

Regards

Frank

[Ian P]

Hi Frank,

The latest versions of Pete's modules can always be found under the "Updated Modules" thread, under "Download Links" at the top of this forum.

Here's a direct link: http://forum.simflight.com/topic/66139-updated-modules/

Cheers,

Ian P.

[Pete Dowson]

First re 4.85. It isn't showing in Schiratti.com. Where can I get it?

As well as checking in the Download Links subforum (where interrim updates are available too), the version provided by Schiratti is actually 4.85, it is just the wording on that page hasn't been updated. I don't have control over the page, I depend on Enrico updating it.

Regards

Pete

[Jonahbird]

Hi Pete

I have now installed version 4.85 and have made the INI amendments and tried another FSX start. I normally start in Full Screen mode.

The new FSUIPC4.LOG reads:-

********* FSUIPC4, Version 4.85 by Pete Dowson *********

Running inside FSX on Windows 7

Module base=6C680000

User Name="Frank Jones"

User Addr="jonesfrn8@aol.com"

FSUIPC4 Key is provided

WideFS7 Key is provided

47 System time = 13/08/2012 12:10:12

47 FLT UNC path = "\\RODNEY\Flight Simulator X Files\"

78 Trying to connect to SimConnect Acc/SP2 Oct07 ...

78 FS UNC path = "\\RODNEY\FSX\"

297 LogOptions=00000800 00000001

297 Wind smoothing fix is fully installed

297 G3D.DLL fix attempt installed ok

297 SimConnect_Open succeeded: waiting to check version okay

297 Trying to use SimConnect Acc/SP2 Oct07

14165 Running in "Microsoft Flight Simulator X", Version: 10.0.61637.0 (SimConnect: 10.0.61259.0)

14165 Initialising SimConnect data requests now

14165 FSUIPC Menu entry added

14181 ## EV_SIM=stop

14181 \\RODNEY\Flight Simulator X Files\BA737 @ gate 102 Gatwick.FLT

14181 \\RODNEY\FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\PMDG 737-800NGX WL\B737-800WL.AIR

14181 ##: ST_SIM=stop

44242 ##: ST_SIM=stop

49109 ##: ST_SIM=stop

51605 ##: ST_SIM=stop

54164 ##: ST_SIM=stop

56722 ##: ST_SIM=stop

59281 ##: ST_SIM=stop

61808 ##: ST_SIM=stop

64366 ##: ST_SIM=stop

66893 ##: ST_SIM=stop

70123 ##: ST_SIM=stop

72650 ##: ST_SIM=stop

75302 ##: ST_SIM=stop

78110 ##: ST_SIM=stop

80700 ##: ST_SIM=stop

83289 ##: ST_SIM=stop

85801 ##: ST_SIM=stop

88312 ##: ST_SIM=stop

90855 ##: ST_SIM=stop

93804 ##: ST_SIM=stop

95722 ## EV_START

95722 ## EV_SIM=start

97142 ##: ST_SIM=start

99747 ##: ST_SIM=start

102352 ##: ST_SIM=start

104895 ##: ST_SIM=start

107422 ##: ST_SIM=start

109950 ##: ST_SIM=start

112508 ##: ST_SIM=start

115035 ##: ST_SIM=start

117641 ##: ST_SIM=start

120293 ##: ST_SIM=start

122820 ##: ST_SIM=start

124895 ## EV_STOP

124895 Sim stopped: average frame rate for last 29 secs = 6.3 fps

124895 ## EV_SIM=stop

133490 ##: ST_SIM=stop

134379 ## EV_START

134379 ## EV_SIM=start

136064 ##: ST_SIM=start

138654 ##: ST_SIM=start

141758 ## EV_STOP

141758 ## EV_SIM=stop

141946 ##: ST_SIM=stop

150214 System time = 13/08/2012 12:12:42

150214 *** FSUIPC log file being closed

Average frame rate for running time of 35 secs = 6.3 fps

G3D fix: Passes 18646, Null pointers 0, Bad pointers 0, Separate instances 0

Memory managed: 4 Allocs, 4 Freed

********* FSUIPC Log file closed *** *******

Incidentally, for some time I have been unable to close FSX by its normal exit route. I get a Windows tablet saying "MFS has stopped working" and I have to close with the close option it offers. Could that be part of the same problem?

Regards

Frank

[Pete Dowson]

Meanwhile, I have made the INI amendments and tried another FSX start. I normally start in Full Screen mode.

The new FSUIPC4.LOG reads:

That looks exactly like it would if you'd never gone to "fly now" mode, as if it was still in the FS initial selection screen when you terminated it! FSUIPC can't do anything until in Flight Mode.

Look:

Average frame rate for running time of 38 secs = 6.1 fps

my FSX installation, using Vertex 3 SSDs on SaTA 6Gb/s ports and on an i5-2500K clocked at 4.8GHz takes at least 60 seconds to get to flight mode, and then has frame rates in the 30's or more. How you can fly at 6 fps I don't know, but it certainly looks like it never got to Flight Mode. Here are examples of what the log looks like once things start happening:

57172 ## WHYSTART: SOON: (0366=N || (0264=Y && 3365=Y)) && (3D00=Y || (0580=N && 0264=N))

57172 ## ... and no class #32770 window!

57172 ## WHYSTART: NOTYET: (No#32770=Y && time=Y && 3365=Y && seeStart=Y && startime=N)

58000 ##: ST_SIM=start

58703 ## WHYSTART: NOTYET: (No#32770=Y && time=N && 3365=Y && seeStart=Y && startime=N)

59047 ## WHYSTART: NOTYET: (No#32770=Y && time=N && 3365=Y && seeStart=Y && startime=Y)

60531 ##: ST_SIM=start

60531 ## WHYSTART: NOTYET: (No#32770=Y && time=N && 3365=Y && seeStart=Y && startime=N)

61547 ## WHYSTART: NOTYET: (No#32770=Y && time=N && 3365=Y && seeStart=Y && startime=Y)

61734 ## Starting everything now ...

Can you confirm that you did actually get to Flight Mode, with the Add-Ons menu, and the frame rate got up to flyable levels? If you did I don't understand what is going wrong. It isn't getting many if any needed signals from SimConnect -- not even the clock updates. This is why I thought it might be in Paused mode. Did you check that? You didn't say before.

If you think everything is correct and 'ready to fly', I think I'll need to see a SimConnect log -- see the FAQ subforum for how to get one of those. It may get quite big, so ZIP it up and send t to petedowson@btconnect.com.

I'm running out of time today. Then it will be 24th or later!

Incidentally, for some time I have been unable to close FSX by its normal exit route. I get a Windows tablet saying "MFS has stopped working" and I have to close with the close option it offers. Could that be part of the same problem?

Maybe. There are quite a few different problems which cause threads to hang, especially with complex addons like PMDG aircraft.

One thing to try. Change the aircraft to a default one and save a new default flight. Try then resloading with default, into Flight mode, before changing back to the PMDG. I have read a lot of reports that say starting with an advanced aircraft can often cause problems.

Oh, and do try with 4.85 of course.

Regards

Pete

[Jonahbird]

Hi Pete

I have installed 4.85. Thank you for the pointer (Ian -Thanks to you too).

The complex PMDG does seem to be the problem. I did as you suggested and restored the Ultralight at Friday Harbour as the default. All the PFC units work in that start up. Also I was able to close without having two bites at the cherry.

The 737NGX seems to have been the cause. Now I know a bit more about these drivers, I may be able to discover how best to run the 737. I rarely look at fps (since the advent of FSX). I have had no difficulty in flying the 737, but will be watching fps closer in future.

Out of interest here is the latest FSUIPC.LOG:-

********* FSUIPC4, Version 4.85 by Pete Dowson *********

Running inside FSX on Windows 7

Module base=6EB50000

User Name="Frank Jones"

User Addr="jonesfrn8@aol.com"

FSUIPC4 Key is provided

WideFS7 Key is provided

47 System time = 13/08/2012 13:03:05

47 FLT UNC path = "\\RODNEY\Flight Simulator X Files\"

390 Trying to connect to SimConnect Acc/SP2 Oct07 ...

390 FS UNC path = "\\RODNEY\FSX\"

609 LogOptions=00000800 00000001

609 Wind smoothing fix is fully installed

609 G3D.DLL fix attempt installed ok

609 SimConnect_Open succeeded: waiting to check version okay

609 Trying to use SimConnect Acc/SP2 Oct07

3027 Running in "Microsoft Flight Simulator X", Version: 10.0.61637.0 (SimConnect: 10.0.61259.0)

3027 Initialising SimConnect data requests now

3027 FSUIPC Menu entry added

3042 ## EV_SIM=stop

3042 \\RODNEY\Flight Simulator X Files\Ultralight.FLT

3042 \\RODNEY\FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\Aircreation_582SL\Aircreation_582SL.AIR

3042 ##: ST_SIM=stop

33135 ##: ST_SIM=stop

35678 ##: ST_SIM=stop

38314 ##: ST_SIM=stop

40935 ##: ST_SIM=stop

43540 ##: ST_SIM=stop

46114 ##: ST_SIM=stop

48719 ##: ST_SIM=stop

51262 ##: ST_SIM=stop

53914 ##: ST_SIM=stop

55006 ## EV_START

55006 ## EV_SIM=start

55053 ## WHYSTART: SOON: (0366=Y || (0264=N && 3365=Y)) && (3D00=N || (0580=Y && 0264=Y))

55053 ## ... and no class #32770 window!

55053 ## WHYSTART: NOTYET: (No#32770=Y && time=Y && 3365=Y && seeStart=Y && startime=N)

55505 System time = 13/08/2012 13:04:00, Simulator time = 13:03:09 (20:03Z)

56036 ## Starting everything now ...

56067 AES Link established

57175 Advanced Weather Interface Enabled

62354 PFC Menu entry added

133974 Sim stopped: average frame rate for last 78 secs = 19.6 fps

230180 Sim stopped: average frame rate for last 55 secs = 19.8 fps

267386 \\RODNEY\FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\PMDG 737-800NGX WL\B737-800WL.AIR

269086 Aircraft="Boeing 737-836NGX British Airways Virtual Winglets"

328835 Sim stopped: average frame rate for last 58 secs = 16.0 fps

544647 Sim stopped: average frame rate for last 109 secs = 6.9 fps

609465 Sim stopped: average frame rate for last 24 secs = 7.9 fps

624613 System time = 13/08/2012 13:13:29, Simulator time = 21:08:56 (20:08Z)

624613 *** FSUIPC log file being closed

Average frame rate for running time of 347 secs = 13.6 fps

G3D fix: Passes 34730, Null pointers 0, Bad pointers 0, Separate instances 0

Memory managed: 162 Allocs, 162 Freed

********* FSUIPC Log file closed ***********

It still looks like an interrupted process to me. Is that extra info the result of the lines you told me to add to the INI?

Pete, thank you for the interest you have taken and the help you have given, especially as there is packing to do :). Have a great holiday.

Regards

Frank

[Pete Dowson]

The complex PMDG does seem to be the problem. I did as you suggested and restored the Ultralight at Friday Harbour as the default. All the PFC units work in that start up. Also I was able to close without having two bites at the cherry.

Okay. Once FSX is up and running okay you should be able to load the PMDG (or a flight which loads it) without problems. Not sure about the closing though.

The 737NGX seems to have been the cause. Now I know a bit more about these drivers, I may be able to discover how best to run the 737. I rarely look at fps (since the advent of FSX). I have had no difficulty in flying the 737, but will be watching fps closer in future.

In FSX, unlike FS9 and before, FPS isn't be most important factor, unless it is less than about 15 when it can start to make landings difficult because of the responsiveness, or lack thereof. Smoothness is more important, and FSX is capable of beeing smoother at lower frame rates than FS9.

Out of interest here is the latest FSUIPC.LOG:-

Looks fine. You can remove those extra INI lines now. I note that the time to "everything read to fly" is greater than before, by some margin. Maybe some of this is memory caching?

56036 ## Starting everything now ...

Regards

Pete