Fltdir is a program to allow complete control of the FS4 autopilot from the keyboard.
The only thing that I ever wanted SGA to do was give a fully functional Vor2 and Adf. After seeing Charlie Gulick's T&AMOD, I thought that there might be a way to get Adf relative bearing to display on the communications strip. I wasn't able to accomplish my purpose but I was able to make the VOR2/ADF toggle in two simple, closely located, key strokes: ` <esc>. In the process of doing this, I wound up making a flight director that gave keyboard control of the FS4 autopilot.
This program is not the same as Charlie Gulick's "Flypal". If you don't already have Flypal, send Charlie $18.00 and get it. It's a worthwhile purchase. Send your check to:
Charles Gulick
2810-C East Ashley Drive
West Palm Beach., FL 33415
Phone: 1-407-642-7704
CIS: 71241,321
Once FLTDIR.ADV is loaded, the following keystrokes are available:
KEY FUNCTION
0 Toggle Altitude Lock On & Off.
\ Up increment of Altitude Lock in 100' steps.
/ Down increment of Altitude Lock in 100' steps.
' Stop altitude incrementation and lock on new altitude.
8 Magnetic variation adjust.
e Toggle Heading Lock On & Off.
w Left turn incrementation of Heading Lock.
r Right turn incrementation of Heading Lock.
x Stop heading incrementation and lock on new course.
a Above ground altitude.
t Trim setting, relative. Zero trim is nuetral.
` Toggle adf on & off. Should be followed by pressing <esc>.
6 Toggle TAS reading.
9 Toggle Vor1 Lock on and off. (For what its worth.)
j Raise cockpit view level. Also jacks plane up in air!
z Autopilot master switch.
It is possible to set the altitude and heading locks on and adjust them with the autopilot master switch off. Nothing happens until the Autopilot master switch is turned on.
My experience has been that it usually is more efficient, when changing altitude, to disengage the altitude lock, climb to altitude and lock on, then make small incremental changes in altitude (\/'). The same holds true for heading lock (werx).
For the initial operation of heading hold to work properly, the magnetic variation must be entered. If you don't enter the variation then you will swerve off course (by the amount of local variation) when engaging the heading hold. For instance: in the FS default scenery, the variation at SFO is 38. The best way to determine variation is:
1) Boot up FS4 at desired location.
2) After the compass settles down, note your present course.
3) Enter the Autopilot menu (5 F) and note the heading displayed.
4) Subtract the heading displayed from you present course.
Remember, The Fltdir.adv only controls the existing FS4 autopilot and has nothing to do with the FS4 autopilot's control of any particular plane. The FS4 autopilot works best with agile planes and is very sluggish with heavy planes.
The program is uploaded to Compuserve FSFORUM and may be freely used, modified and reissued by anyone, for any non-commercial purpose.
I'd be most interested in any comments or suggestions. I hope that this information will inspire others to explore the ADV method of improving FS4 and that you will share your knowledge.
