Post by Virtual_Captain on Jul 7th, 2011 at 8:13pm
With the 777, 707, B-52, etc. - I am not sure if there will ever be a 2.5 patch. I hope I’m wrong, but meanwhile I will attempt to fix what is in my power to fix.
I’m creating this thread as a work-in-progress for the various issues I am attempting to correct. My goal is to use this thread for feedback and help as I make the corrections. Once completed, I’ll package up all my work here and update this post with release/download info.
Some of the remaining bugs with version 2.4 reside in the aircraft’s model. This means only CS can make these changes with the model’s source file. The good news is some of these issues can be fixed manually with a hex editor, bypassing the need for the source files.
For example, this is how I fixed the Heading Select switch bug in the vc. Previously, the switch would remain stuck in the ON position requiring the user to open up the 2D panel to shut it off.
In the hex editor image above, the highlighted value is the click event for the heading select switch…it is incorrect. Instead of reading AP_12_007_SW2_POS, it should be AP_12_007_SW2_POS_CLICK. Once I made this correction to the model, the switch worked properly.
Another example is the Oil Quantity Test button. It was broken; instead it moved the oil pressure needles when tested. After some hex editing and a small line of code to one of the gauges…they now work as intended.
Unfortunately, this process is limited and certain issues cannot be fixed this way. Also, the HSI Nav1 problem needs a totally new gauge that will be able communicate with the 727 "sys logic" in order to get Nav2 information. I have some ideas as a workaround that I still have to test out....but the only true fix will be from CS.In addition to this, the pressurization system is FUBAR’d and I probably won’t even touch the thing. I've changed my mind...will look into the press system.
I’m sure CS would not appreciate me offering modified versions of their model for download. To prevent this, I will offer these changes via a “byte patcher” installer. This means my download will only contain the data needed to be changed without containing any of the product’s assets. Without the original files, the patcher will be useless hex data.
Other issues already fixed:
Black Engine Smoke
Currently, you have to manually activate the smoke system by using the “i” key. Furthermore, with this approach you get unrealistic smoke that doesn’t take into account if an engine is offline. For example, if engines 1 and 3 were off, you would still get smoke from all 3 engines instead of only engine 2.
I made a new gauge to correct this. The black smoke is now automatically engaged based on throttle position. Also, the smoke is tied to each engine now, so if you lose engine 1, you lose the smoke too. I can tweak this further based on user feedback.
Properly Working Tail Skid
Tail skid now works likes the real thing (fixed typo also). Instead of having to manually extend it via the tail hook command; now it automatically extends and retracts with the landing gear. I’ve also fixed the annunciator light to function like the real thing which is how Lou described it in another thread. Now the tail skid light briefly illuminates while the skid is transitioning from open to close and vice versa.
Other issues to be fixed:
Will be announced throughout this thread as I work on them.
I’m creating this thread as a work-in-progress for the various issues I am attempting to correct. My goal is to use this thread for feedback and help as I make the corrections. Once completed, I’ll package up all my work here and update this post with release/download info.
Some of the remaining bugs with version 2.4 reside in the aircraft’s model. This means only CS can make these changes with the model’s source file. The good news is some of these issues can be fixed manually with a hex editor, bypassing the need for the source files.
For example, this is how I fixed the Heading Select switch bug in the vc. Previously, the switch would remain stuck in the ON position requiring the user to open up the 2D panel to shut it off.
In the hex editor image above, the highlighted value is the click event for the heading select switch…it is incorrect. Instead of reading AP_12_007_SW2_POS, it should be AP_12_007_SW2_POS_CLICK. Once I made this correction to the model, the switch worked properly.
Another example is the Oil Quantity Test button. It was broken; instead it moved the oil pressure needles when tested. After some hex editing and a small line of code to one of the gauges…they now work as intended.
Unfortunately, this process is limited and certain issues cannot be fixed this way. Also, the HSI Nav1 problem needs a totally new gauge that will be able communicate with the 727 "sys logic" in order to get Nav2 information. I have some ideas as a workaround that I still have to test out....but the only true fix will be from CS.
I’m sure CS would not appreciate me offering modified versions of their model for download. To prevent this, I will offer these changes via a “byte patcher” installer. This means my download will only contain the data needed to be changed without containing any of the product’s assets. Without the original files, the patcher will be useless hex data.
Other issues already fixed:
Black Engine Smoke
Currently, you have to manually activate the smoke system by using the “i” key. Furthermore, with this approach you get unrealistic smoke that doesn’t take into account if an engine is offline. For example, if engines 1 and 3 were off, you would still get smoke from all 3 engines instead of only engine 2.
I made a new gauge to correct this. The black smoke is now automatically engaged based on throttle position. Also, the smoke is tied to each engine now, so if you lose engine 1, you lose the smoke too. I can tweak this further based on user feedback.
Properly Working Tail Skid
Tail skid now works likes the real thing (fixed typo also). Instead of having to manually extend it via the tail hook command; now it automatically extends and retracts with the landing gear. I’ve also fixed the annunciator light to function like the real thing which is how Lou described it in another thread. Now the tail skid light briefly illuminates while the skid is transitioning from open to close and vice versa.
Other issues to be fixed:
Will be announced throughout this thread as I work on them.