GPS like interface possible

[pmb]

Dear Tim,

just a rough idea: Would it be possible to display the map in a GPS like interface? In a very simple way, this would mean hiding more or less all the program surface and replacing it by a frame like (e.g.) that of the default FSX Garmin GPS. In a more advanced version one might add functions to the buttons, perhaps. Perhaps a simple hot key could switch back and forth between the standard program interface and the GPS frame.

Point is, I have Plan-G running on a laptop in my little cockpit and am getting more and more real (Saitek) Cessna gear, while the interface of Plan-G still looks a bit, well, "computer-ish" instead of "plane-ish".

Overall, this is a splendid program. Since using Plan-G I never get lost (which happened now and then before).

Kind regards, Michael

[tim arnot]

Short answer, no. Unless you wanted to fund the development work (I'll do almost anything if you pay me enough ;)), but frankly, it would be cheaper to go out and buy a real (e.g.) Garmin 695 and hook it up.

[pmb]

Tim,

I don't have any clue about the price tag, however, if there are more folks interested in this I'd gladly contribute a certain amount of money. A real GPS might be an alternative indeed (never thought about this before), however, adding all the maps required (I often fly in NZ...) might make the fun really expensive.

Kind regards, Michael

[w9nwrwi]

Michael,

You might want to poke around this site and see if these products will help you.

Link:  http://fswidgets.com/shop/index.php

The have a nice forum and quick support to your questions.
If I remember correctly, I do not think the frame is re-sizeable but you could ask.

Regards,
Chuck

[pmb]

Thanks Chuck,

I read about it and might give it a try. It's just that I am so used to Plan-G and it works so well.

German distributor Apollo is developing something even better, perhaps:

http://www.apollosoftware.com/ADefault_en.aspx

Present version is not networking enabled, but a networking version is supposed to follow. Unfortunately, they don't accept credit card payments (folks have been bugging them for years now for that). 

Kind regards, Michael

[w9nwrwi]

Know what you mean about Plan-G, it always sits on one of my screens, no matter what else is running.
There is a network based USA only moving sectional map that is totally resizeable, but like I said USA only.
Also I don't how up-to-date they are on a date basis.
Maybe it will work for you until you can come up with something else.

LINK: http://www.blueskyscenery.com/index.html

Its called BSSMM, about 1/4 way down the screen.  It will work with FSX (requires FSUIPC) and also with X-Plane (requiring XPUIPC).

Good luck in your search.  I eagerly await Plan-G V3 for use with X-Plane.



Regards,
Chuck

[pmb]

Dear Chuck

the FSWidgets link was a hit indeed. They have a free (!) moving map, networking enabled and with a Garmin interface. You have to buy the (cheap) cloud based Navaids (a must have IMHO) and are done. Works without any problems.

One real downside is it's not scaleable. And, of course, it does not have the host of functions Plan G offers, so it's rather a complement to Plan G than a substitute, but as a Garmin based moving map it is nice.

Best regards, Michael