Pilot View

Pilot View

Send emails to sandybarbour at xpluginsdk dot org

NOTE
I have had a couple of emails asking when this plugin will work in XPlane V9.
This plugin already works in XPlane V9.
However do not use Ctrl 'O' to enable the plugin as this will cause a conflict with XPlanes' native 3D cockpit.
You may see the cockpit shuddering if you use Ctrl 'O'
Always use the Plugin Enable and Disable.

V1.5.1
Fixed problem when no TrackIR software is present and plugin would crash when enabled.

V1.5.0
Added Engine Vibration Effects.

V1.40 - 23rd February 2007

Added movement limits to the head positions.
A hotkey can be defined to toggle the limits off and on (see the INI file below)
Only the currently selected preset will have the limit enable toggled.

To set up the limits do this.
Select the preset that you want to apply limits to.
Use the movement keys as normal to move the head to the position that you want to apply a limit.
Use Cont/Step to have the head move continuously.
When the head is at the correct position press the appropriate button, X1, X2 etc.
These are laid out in a logical manner.
All 6 positions must be defined, once that is done make sure the enable check box is checked.
Do this for each head preset that you want to apply limits to.
You can have limits enabled for one head and disabled for the rest.
Once you have all the preset heads set up press the Save button.
A "PilotViewLimits.dat" file will be saved to the current aircraft directory.
Like the other Pilot View files this will be loaded automatically when the aircraft is loaded.

V1.31 - 16th January 2006

When the TrackIR is not receiving data the plugin will use the last data instead of using the zero position.

V1.30 - 18th November 2006

I have tested this with my TrackIR and it is working properly.
I will be keeping the older version here for a while.
Also planned is a proper pdf User Guide when time permits.

PilotViewVersionHistory.txt

Mac OSX

PilotViewMac.zip

Linux

PilotViewLin.zip

Windows

PilotViewWin.zip

New features.

INI file added.
This allows setting autostart and hotkey assignments.

Hotkey INI File defintions.

HotkeyINIDefinitions.txt

Sample INI File (The hotkeys are the one I used on windows and may not work on all platforms)

PilotView.ini

When no TrackIR is present or enabled the hat switch will work.
This requires the appropriate button assignments in XPlane for 3D cockpits.

New Effects Panel added.
This adds G effects that can be enabled or disabled.
The Effects panel allows Effect parameters to be adjusted.
These are saved in a file called PilotViewEffects.dat which is stored in the current aircraft's directory.
This file will also store the enabled state.

When the plugin can't find a PilotView.dat file it will get the default 3D view and store that in preset 1.
This also happens when you clear all presets.

Presets work slightly differently.
Clearing a preset will leave the view as it is.
This allows you to slightly alter the view and set it again by clicking on the preset button.

If you want to copy an existing preset and then modify it do this.
Select the preset you want to copy by clicking on its button, this must have the checkbox beside it enabled.
Then click on the preset that you want to copy to, this must have the checkbox beside it disabled, in order to store the preset.
Now move the view around for the new preset.
Remember to save when you are happy with all the presets.

Thank to El Toppo for testing and feedback on this version

V1.20 - 2nd November 2006

Removed test window that was stopping some mouse clicks getting through to the panel.

V1.10 - 15th August 2006

Added Enable/Disable menu options.
These allow the plugin to run with only one menu selection.
This only works if you have already setup and saved a preset data file.
This is more useful with the TrackIR.
Use the disable menu option to allow Xplane to run normally.

Plugin Description

NOTE - This only handles 5DOF, roll is still missing in Xplane.

This is a plugin that allows the pilot to be positioned in a 3D cockpit.
A Control Panel allows 8 positions to be stored per aircraft.
These can then be recalled using the Control Panel.
The windows version will allow you to use a TrackIR device.

Brief description of usage for Versions Prior to V1.30.

Do not use Ctrl 'o' to go to 3d Cockpit mode as the plugin will automatically select 3D cockpit mode..
Select Control Panel from the PilotView plugin menu.
Use the movement buttons to move the pilots head.
Select the "Cont Mode" check box for continous movement.
Once you are happy then store it in a preset using the preset button.
Then once you have all your presets remember to save them.
This create or overwrite a file called PilotView.dat in the current aircraft's directory,

The presets work like this.
Initially the checkbox is not checked, this means that there is no preset there and you can store a preset.
So when you press the button it stores your preset and sets the checkbox.
This means that preset has data stored and is effectively read only when you press the button.
If you want to store over an active preset do this, unselect the checkbox, then press the button.
This overwrites the preset and then sets the check on again so that it is read only.

Pilot View is only active when the main control panel is visible.
Press the load button and it will load a data file if it exists and activate the first active preset.

However if the control panel is visible and you load another aircraft this is what happens.
I look for a data file and if it exists I load it and set the first active preset on.
This saves having to press the load button and you are at the cockpit position stored in the preset.
The file is always loaded from the current aircraft's directory,

TrackIR Usage

NOTE

This uses the my VirtualCamera Title in the TrackIR control software.
Do a check for game updates to make sure that you have this.

Select TIR Enable PilotView plugin menu to turn on the TrackIR device
Select TIR Disable PilotView plugin menu to turn off the TrackIR device.

When the TrackIR is enabled you can move the head about using the control buttons.
If you select "Cont Mode" the TrackIR will be disabled but you can move the pilot's head fast in the cockpit.
When you have reached the area in the cockpit just turn off "Cont Mode" and then you can fine tune with the control buttons and the TrackIR active.
You can then store that as one of the presets.
The TrackIR can be used to move in x, y, z, pitch and heading.
Roll is not available in Xplane but I have coded it in the plugin anyway, it is just set to zero.

At the moment the TrackIR axis are not selected in the control panel.
You have to do this the first time you want to use the TrackIR.

I may default these to be on in the next version;
To return to normal, close the Control Panel and press Ctrl 'o'

Plugins 1.20 Version

Mac OSX

PilotViewMac.sit

Linux

PilotViewLin.tar.bz2

Windows

PilotViewWin.zip

Videos

F4Highlands.mov (25MB)

PiperHighlands.mov (10 MB)