New DC-10 Panel Preparations - "PHASE 1 & 2"

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

Some limitations I'm aware of with the CLS DC-10 package (which I used once .... for a few hours only before discarding it .... and in saying that I'm not intentionally discrediting their efforts because I respect some people like and may favour their product) are as follows ....

1. As I recall (and unless something's changed since I last used it) "only one" DC-10 panel version/configuration was ever represented within the entire CLS DC-10 package .... whereas what George has customized a different panel version for each DC-10 group .... by way of their engine gauge standard (round analogue and tapes configurations both being represented) and which have also been calibrated (subject to FS limitations) in accordance with the known pweformances of the different engine types applicable to DC-10's .... and also in regard to engine gauge presentations/layouts too with N1 or EPR being the primary power indicators as is appropriate for each aircraft type/airline panel configuration (what we've done is represented of the modt common panel configurtions amomg these aircraft). The F/E sub panels (which could be regard as being the heart of these new DC-10 panels) also feature significant differences among them too .... again in accordance with aircraft type/airline configurations. Using our new simulations one will certainly get an appreciation of the differences which exist/ed among DC-10 panels. There's certainly enough difference/s to trap the unsuspecting or at least keep one alert and concentrating. "ALL OF THIS" .... has only been possible through "George's Genius" .... and without which we'd simply not have been able to do it at all.

2. As I recall also .... the CLS DC-10 package was only ever composed of a single soundpack for everything .... and which seemed to be someone else's rendition of the GE CF6-50 turbofan. DC-10's were powered by GE CF6-6 (DC-10-10 only), GE CF6-50 (DC-10-15/-30 only), and P&W JT9D (DC-10-40 only) .... the important factor here being each of these 3 engine types featured entirely (and unmistakably) different audio characteristics/tones .... and which is precisely what Benoit has represented for us from HQ R/W recordings of his own. Due to necessary panel/gauge imposed FDE edits these soundpacks have also been further updated for re-release as part of our new DC-10 project. Again .... this has only been possible thanks entirely to Benoit's audio knowledge, references, and meticulousness.

Combine all of our variety and customizing together .... and what one ends ends up with is a truly amazing product .... and which is precisely what I feel we've accomplished with these new simulation .... and which supported by many other features than I have time to discuss here

"THIS" is the way we try to do all of our simulations (and which is so easily done really) .... and the way these things should all be done .... if one's ever going to try'n properly market the DC-10 (or any other aircraft type too) properly .... only one's has to have "ONE HELL OF A DEVELOPMENT TEAM" (like Benoit, George, and Mike) behind one in order to be able to do it at all.

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

Another detail concerning the new DC-10 project release ....

We're also compiling a new manual. This's necesary to educate in regard to some of the the new panel features .... so .... the new documentation, being prepared at the moment, will be a little more extensive than some might previously have been accustomed to. This isn't on account of any increased complexity though (because as I earlier mentioned both default/ready to go .... and other more systems intence panel configuration scenario options are included within these new similations) .... but rather .... it's intended to assist in regard to other features built into these new panels/simulations .... among which GPU assisted engine starting (very rare on DC-10's since during my own time of being up close and personal with these aircraft, between 1979 and 1992, I only ever saw a GPU being used "once" for engine start and as the result of an APU outage on a UTA aircraft at AKL), APU assisted starting, fuel transfer, fuel dumping, and tailored cold & dark panel configuration scenarios too .... and all of which is now practiceable .... and which does require some additional detailed explanation. Whether one opts to use the default panel configuration .... or .... immerse themselves in a more systems intence (but certainly not difficuly) experience .... folk are encouraged to "read the new manual" .... and it's associated tutorials .... "after this new project is released". The time taken to do so will be most rewarding .... in the sense of promoting greater FS enjoyment and a real appreciation of what the DC-10 was like to fly using the technology of its time.

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[M.I.B.]

The CLS DC-10 package includes several versions of the old triholer, and that's something I really appreciated. But as you correctly pointed out Mark, the package indeed only features ONE panel and ONE soundset for all of those DC-10 subtypes, whereas in reality, as you're very well aware, the differences between cockpit instrumentation from aircraft version to aircraft version and from engine type to engine type, not to mention the sound the engines produce, are vast, and mighty important to replicate in a simulation.

But alas, the CLS DC-10, like most CLS products, is what Just Flight (who markets CLS products) calls an F-lite simulation, meaning just that - light simulations, which look good and all in all do offer a basic but decent look and feel of the real airplane and its systems, but they're meant to be very easy to fly, so despite the realistic "feel" , they're actually very basic, omitting a lot of crucial real-life elements. But still, their DC- 10 is considerably more detailed than their 767 for example, I feel.

And as you said, some people simply prefers such lite simulations, not being that keen on realism. Besides, I believe it's been the most complete and realistic DC- 10 simulation available for FS9 so far, if I'm not mistaken. It's all but certain that is set to change now. Thing is, I was pretty much certain from the beginning the HJG DC- 10 will be vastly more "professional" than its CLS counterpart, judging by earlier work from the same authors, but I told myself I must wait until I can actually see and test the HJG product myself until I can be sure. But still, it's one of those things you can be sure about before actually experiencing it, FS9 will get the best DC-10 simulation made for that sim, some 14 years after launch. I'm looking forward to experience this upcoming masterpiece, this is really a big milestone and a huge gain for the world of "retro" flight simulation. But then again, this is what HJG is all about, despite the group's humble image of itself.

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

this is what HJG is all about despite the group's humble image of itself

Dorel .... you've just said it b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l-l-y in "that single sentence" .... and you've hit the nail "right on the head" as we say here in NZ

And in doing so you've also summarised .... and justified .... almost to perfection .... everything that I (myself) and my 4 counterpart in-house development team members here (Benoit, George, Mike, and Paul) have ever set out to try'n do .... some of which can't be achieved without imposing "a wee bit of complexity" (nothing that doesn't ultimately comply with standard FS file protocols of the past 18 years), but, which I also like think we support quite well too .... in terms of both the forum based manuals and service notes we provide along with our handling of general queries too .... 98% of all issues are very adequately resolved.

If we're not prepared to do what we do properly .... at least differently than a number of others have already done it in some cases (and however long it takes us to do it .... since we won't rush or be rushed) .... then .... there's simply no point in our doing any of it at all .... because there's absolutely no sense in our just reinventing the wheel .... and of course we/HJG don't make silly, simple, simulations. Aviation is a relatively sophisticated business .... and what we offer tends to reflect that to some extent and as it rightly should do.

We/HJG don't seek to compete with anyone else .... be it freeware or payware .... we just do, what we do, in accordance with our own abilities, knowledge of civil aviation, and in our own time and way.

Some folk like us and what we do .... others loathe us .... whilst others simply seek to publicly rubbish what we or anyone else does (we're quite aware of all that) .... BUT .... we remain unphased and indifferent in regard to either philosophy.

We don't say we're the best or the way we do things is better than anyone else.

All we simply do here is to try our best, to do our best, to give people something "nice" .... and at the end of the day we hope at least some respect our efforts in trying to do so.

And I think that (along with Dorel's analysis of us) pretty much sums-up HJG .... in a nut shell

Thanks for your comments .... "very, Very, VERY MUCH APPRECIATED INDEED" .... you've just made my day

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[M.I.B.]

I almost lost a tear or two, hehe. I wish I/us regular simmers could really make your day the way you guys make my/our day, every day, by way of your fantastic work in this field, but to my frustration, I'm afraid that's something I/we are never going to really be able to pay back. All we can do is bow our heads to all of you, and be thankful to the Moon and back for all the hard work you carry out in your own spare time, a great deal of which must be sacrificed in the process, and for offering it just like that, without expecting anything in return, other than folks go ahead and enjoy the fruits of your hard labor. That's what I call "making one's day". Every time I offer my written thanks to HJG, I do so with a certain sense of frustration and powerlessness, as I wish I could give something more in return, seeing how you guys just keep on revolutionizing the FS9 niche, and not only. I know about the donation to Simviation, which is something I intend on doing in the near future, (I need to change my credit card first), but I wish I could also send something directly to the HJG experts themselves, something like a first class ticket to Madeira, complete with bedtime story tellers. 

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

Every time I offer my written thanks to HJG, I do so with a certain sense of frustration and powerlessness, as I wish I could give something more in return

It's not the size or quality of any present that matters .... "it's the thought behind it that counts" .... since most of the time that simple "THANKS" is all any of us here like to read

"THANKS" again Dorel

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[alex94]

Is the glass cockpit modification for the md-10 a possibility down the line mark?

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

I'm not going to openly commit to that (either way) at this stage .... that's why I never responded to you comment regarding this earlier within this thread.

As I also mentioned (to you) previously .... HJG "seldom ever" announces it's plans/intentions and prefers, instead, to just "surprise people" .... from time to time.

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[alex94]

Ah yep

[delyboy]

For my two penny’s worth “ A Great Big Thanks to all you guys and you just keep surprising us, most appreciated !

[George Carty - HJG]

Jul 6, 2018 14:48:47 GMT M.I.B. said:

Besides, I believe it's been the most complete and realistic DC- 10 simulation available for FS9 so far, if I'm not mistaken. It's all but certain that is set to change now. Thing is, I was pretty much certain from the beginning the HJG DC- 10 will be vastly more "professional" than its CLS counterpart, judging by earlier work from the same authors, but I told myself I must wait until I can actually see and test the HJG product myself until I can be sure. But still, it's one of those things you can be sure about before actually experiencing it, FS9 will get the best DC-10 simulation made for that sim, some 14 years after launch. I'm looking forward to experience this upcoming masterpiece, this is really a big milestone and a huge gain for the world of "retro" flight simulation. But then again, this is what HJG is all about, despite the group's humble image of itself.

What do you mean by "retro" flight simulation exactly – do you mean the fact that HJG simulates mostly steam-gauge jetliners, or do you mean that they still use FS9 as their primary development platform (as opposed to FSX, Prepar3D or X-Plane)?

Just asking,

George

[M.I.B.]

Hi George, by "the world of retro flight simulation", I was referring to the simulator platform, not the aircraft types being reproduced. So yes, that means HJG's main focus on FS9, which is a "retro flight sim". It's amazing to see this particular simulator platform receiving its most advanced simulations yet for a number of aircraft NOW, in this day and age, so many years after its release. And as die-hard FS9er, or as an FS9 extremist, I am delighted about this.

I feel the term "obsolete" doesn't really properly describe FS9. This sim is still highly relevant now, and it doesn't look like that's gonna change anytime soon. So I think FS9 is not your average "obsolete platform", but rather, as it aged, and as it got superseded by newer, superior products, FS9 simply became a lighter simulator, which perfectly fulfills the needs of many simmers, who just don't need all the bells and whistles of newer sims, or cannot be bothered to use those for various reasons. So FS9 still has a considerable niche out there. And to see a number of aircraft (and sometimes sceneries too) being replicated nowadays in the highest quality so far in this sim (or for the first time), is just amazing. It's even more amazing when such products are freeware.

I didn't even realize my "retro" remark could also be interpreted to mean "retro flying machines". But yes, you guys also revolutionize "the world of retro flight simulation" in that sense as well, referring to retro birds, in addition to the retro sim platform.

[George Carty - HJG]

Jul 9, 2018 18:53:53 GMT M.I.B. said:

Hi George, by "the world of retro flight simulation", I was referring to the simulator platform, not the aircraft types being reproduced. So yes, that means HJG's main focus on FS9, which is a "retro flight sim". It's amazing to see this particular simulator platform receiving its most advanced simulations yet for a number of aircraft NOW, in this day and age, so many years after its release. And as die-hard FS9er, or as an FS9 extremist, I am delighted about this.

Well here's a really retro Boeing 707 panel I did in the late '90s – it's for FS95! (The analogue machmeter was an innovation, as I had to reverse-engineer the GAU file machine code as Microsoft didn't start doing SDKs until FS98.)



George

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

It's amazing to see this particular simulator platform receiving its most advanced simulations yet for a number of aircraft NOW, in this day and age, so many years after its release.

That's why they call FS9/FS2004 "The Simulator That Won't Die"


Back around 2009 we had someone here whom wanted to advocate a petition .... "on this forum" .... as their statement to try'n persuade M$ "not to" abandon FS after it announced its intention of doing so.

I was never particularly impressed or in favour of that petition .... simply because (from the perspective of a small group of developers like us/HJG) with every successive version of FS that was released (usually every 2 years) it was necessary have to recompile what had already been previously released in order for it to be able work properly within the next successive version of FS.

I've been associated with HJG since 2000 .... and saw this constant imposition during HJG's transition from FS2000 to FS2002, then to FS2004, and finally to FSX.

When Tony, Nick, and myself .... in conjunction with Pete DALY/SIMVIATION.COM .... salvaged the old/original HJG from the abyss (it was about to disappear forever) back in early 2006 the only reason we did so was to try'n ensure that everything which had been released prior to then remained available for as long as we could justify .... simply so those whom wished to continue enjoying it (how many other FS groups have disappeared in the past along with all of the products they once offered) could do so.

We never imagined HJG would still be in existence now .... and .... whilst we did anticipate improving what was earlier offered (thanks to the genius of people like Benoit, George, Mike, and Paul .... these guys are the core of HJG .... supported equally by our texture team too) we never imagined it/HJG would begin offering all of the other simulations it now offers .... considering when we started all we offered then were the B707/B720/C-135, CV-880, CV-990, and DC-8 .... but "nothing else".

What's actually materialized since then though .... with our introduction of the ARJ/BAe, B717-200, B727, B737, CARAVELLE (thanks to AFG), CONCORDE (thanks to FSFT), DC-9, DC-10, L-1011, MD-80/90, and MERCURE (thanks to Mario NORIEGA).... plus other aircraft types we're also currently looking at too .... is something we never planned or set out to do .... so .... I think it's fair to say that whilst what we've done has come as a complete surprise to many we've also actually surprised ourselves too .... AND .... all that's happened has only really been possible because M$ development of FS stopped at FS2004/FSX .... and because we finally didn't have a platform that was going to be changed on us and which is really only what's promoted our being able to do what we've so far done so far and are currently continuing to try'n do.

I'm just glad M$ development stopped when it did .... and that petition (and it wasn't the only one either I believe) never went anywhere

Had this not been the case .... THEN .... HJG would certainly have disappeared long ago .... absolutely no doubt about it.

It's our inability to be able to easily advance rather than any reluctance to do so that sees HJG focussed on its current FS2004 (predominantly) and FSX platforms .... in the way we exploit currently these I mean.

Of course we'd like to be able to do more/go with the flow .... into proper FSX nativity, possibly the realms of VC's, and maybe even court P3D too .... but .... it's simply "not practical" for a small group like us/HJG given the limitation of resources at our disposal.

Doing so .... if that's ever going to happen at all in the future and in regard to what we currently offer .... will be up to someone else to do, but, "not me".

I do have a number of new tricks/projects up my sleeve still .... and which I'd like to get released here, but, I do also see my retirement from the public side of FS looming in the future too .... but in the meantime .... I've a lot of work to do with some very talented/friends (our development team) whom I respect and enjoy working with, so, I guess I'd better "get on with it" .... so we can get this particular project "out" .... and the next show "on the road"

here's a really retro Boeing 707 panel I did in the late '90s – it's for FS95

WOW .... that's getting back a bit .... and how things have advanced since then.

Looking at that production, and comparing it with what was available at the time, that would have been "the bee's knees" .... back then

George loves B707's folks (as you can see) .... and DC-10's now too .... I think the latter is probably "my fault"

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

Getting back to this new DC-10 project ....

Another detail we'll be including is an "alternative FDE suite" as well as our new official HJG version FDE .... both lots of FDE having been further updated

The official FDE which accompanies each of our new DC-10 aircraft base packs will be FS2004 and FSX compatible .... and customized for use with our new panels only.

No other FDE suite will work with our new DC-10 panels (due to the new systems these each feature that require FDE influence) other than that which we provide .... and nor will any other non-HJG produced DC-10 panel work properly with our new official FDE either.

HOWEVER ....

Each aircraft base pack will contain a sub folder named "NO HJG PANEL" .... and within this folder we'll be providing a separate "alternative FDE" which is intended for use with our current/soon to become old DC-10 panels .... as well as "non-HJG produced DC-10 panel options too.

Despite our providing this alternative FDE suite folk will need to be aware that our intention will be to only provide support for the new aircraft base packs, panels, sounds, and textures (and data generally) that "we provide" .... we can't very well provide support for panels we didn't build.

Our current DC-10 soundpacks have also been further updated (this is necessary with any engine related FDE modification). These need to be used only with the FDE suites we provide also. The DC-10 soundpacks provided by us are aircraft type specific and must be used with the intended aircraft base packs/FDE's only .... or .... they "WILL NOT" work as we intend.

In fact all HJG offered soundpacks must be used with the correct/recommended aircraft base packs/FDE's provided by us or these will not result in the intended audio/tonal characteristics (like-wise non-HJG supplied soundpacks are not engineered to properly interact with our aircraft base packs/FDE's either) .... so .... always bear this in mind in regard to "anything" we offer.

Mark C
AKL/NZ