Magnum One

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Magnum One / Magnum One (Mid-American Digital) (Disc Manufacturing).iso / d4 / fspro93e.arc / FSPRO.DOC < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1990-01-01 | 41.5 KB | 933 lines

╔═════╗ ╔═════╗ ╔══════╗ ╔══════╗ ╔══════╗ ║ ╔═══╝ ║ ╔═══╝ ║ ╔══╗ ║ ║ ╔══╗ ║ ║ ╔══╗ ║ ║ ╚═╗ ║ ╚═══╗ ╔╗ ║ ╚══╝ ║ ║ ╚══╝ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╔═╝ ╚═══╗ ║ ╚╝ ║ ╔════╝ ║ ╔═╗ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╔═══╝ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚╗ ║ ╚══╝ ║ ╚═╝ ╚═════╝ ╚═╝ ╚═╝ ╚═══╝ ╚══════╝ FS-PRO Series 9.3P "Public Version" Released January 1990 "For your PC Flying enjoyment" ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ CONTENTS ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ INTRODUCTION SECTION ║ ║ Installation & System Requirements...................... 1 ║ ║ Automatic Installation Utility.......................... 1 ║ ║ Updating Previous Version of FS-PRO..................... 2 ║ ║ Pathways and the PARM.OVL File.......................... 3 ║ ║ Editing the PARM.OVL File............................... 4 ║ ║ Installation Summary.................................... 5 ║ ║ ║ ║ FS-PRO MODULES ║ ║ Adventures.............................................. 6 ║ ║ Creating Your Own Adventures............................ 7 ║ ║ Airport Directory....................................... 8 ║ ║ Searching Airports......................................10 ║ ║ Aircraft Data Base......................................11 ║ ║ Flight Planner..........................................12 ║ ║ Pilot's Calculator......................................13 ║ ║ FS-PRO File Handling....................................14 ║ ║ Using Demo-Adventures (MODPAK1.EXE).....................15 ║ ║ Help and Memo Pad.......................................16 ║ ║ Modetoad (Difficulty Flying Demo Adventures)............17 ║ ║ ║ ║ LINX BBS (Support Bulletin Board)............................18 ║ ║ ║ ║ (Rev: 01-01-90) ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ INTRODUCTION - "Welcome to FS-PROing!" ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ FS-PRO is a series of modules (programs) that allow you to use Flight Simulator as an educational tool and still have all of the fun with PC-Flying. With FS-PRO you can effectively manage your Flight Simulator MODES and create and maintain your own, personal library of flying scenerios; for yourself or to share with friends. Version 10 works with Microsoft's Flight Simulator Version 3 or 4. It's user selectable. Any version of FS-PRO below Series 10 will ONLY work with Flight Simulator 3. FS-PRO has evolved into a PC-Pilot's "dream machine" with many flight-related modules to discover. Create realistic FLIGHT PLANS for your flying adventures and play around with a powerful PILOT'S CALCULATOR. "Fly" your adventures right from the FS-PRO menu. We provide you with about 1200 Flight Simulator AIRPORTS that are already in a data base to which you can ADD up to 9,000 additional entries. You also get a nice selection of READY-TO-FLY ADVENTURES that demonstrate some practical and fun ways to use FS-PRO. We hope that you will enjoy exploring the FS-PRO system and flying some of the DEMO-Adventures. Whether you are a "serious" PC pilot or just enjoy occassional flying, FS-PRO will make your flights easier to load and, with flight plans, much more realistic. If you need assistance, you may write... TekMate 15307 Parkville Houston, Texas 77068 ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ INSTALLATION Section 1 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ FS-PRO will not run very well on floppy disks. The INSTALL program requires that you install FS-PRO on a fixed drive ONLY! And, if you have any RAM resident programs running then you will have to remove them prior to running FS-PRO. The algorithms and arrays used by FS-PRO require almost 500 kbytes of available RAM and may "collide" with some RAM resident software. FS-PRO requires a video driver for either CGA, EGA or VGA. Prudent space allocation for the executable files, overlays and INDEXED DATA BASE DIRECTORIES (Empty) is about 1.8 meg. As you create flight plans, adventures and, fill the AIRPORT and AIRCRAFT data bases, you will, obviously, increase disk space usage. We encourage you to print and read the README.1ST file located on FS-PRO System Disk #1. Then, simply put the same disk in either drive A: or B: and type INSTALL. ALWAYS USE THE AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION FOR FS-PRO ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ NOTE: If you attempt to install FS-PRO by using DOS commands, ║ ║ then please do NOT call TekMate for voice support. FS-PRO ║ ║ is a large software system that is VERY sensitive to paths ║ ║ and the automatic installation utility insures that these ║ ║ directory names and pathways are correct. ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ FS-PRO is not a complicated program to use or install. In fact, INSTALLATION is completely AUTOMATIC. We provide the program FSPI.EXE which will automatically create the proper directory \FSP on any logical fixed drive labeled C:\ to H:\. OTHER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Be sure that your CONFIG.SYS file is correct and your GRAPHICS and MOUSE drivers are loaded. (ANSI.SYS/GRAPHICS.COM) A normal (typical) CONFIG.SYS is perfectly alright. Just be sure that your FILES, DEVICE and BUFFERS statements are correct. FS-PRO doesn't require anything out of the ordinary and there have been no reports of any DEVICE or DRIVER collisions. PC/AT - Example CONFIG.SYS device=\dos\ansi.sys FILES=30 BUFFERS=24 REMOVE ANY PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF FS-PRO including directories, sub-directories and all files associated with previous versions. You can use FSPREP during the installation to automatically delete "old" versions without you having to do it from DOS. GETTING STARTED For purposes of simplification we are going to assume that you want to install FS-PRO on a fixed drive E. It can, however, be installed on any logical fixed drive. The OPTION is available when you run INSTALL (FSPI.EXE). ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ NOTE: We use a simple INSTALL.BAT file to run FSPI.EXE. If you ║ ║ type INSTALL and press ENTER, then following installation ║ ║ you will need to place System Disk #1 into the install ║ ║ drive to complete the BATCH operation. You may also type ║ ║ FSPI and press ENTER to install FS-PRO from a DOS command. ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ When you run the INSTALL program there is a HELP screen available. All you need to do is select INSTRUCTIONS from the INSTALL MENU and scroll through the text. Also, during the INSTALL routine you are asked to provide a response for the following: a) The HARD DISK partition for FS-PRO - C to H b) The floppy drive you will use for installing FS-PRO - A or B c) The path to Microsoft's Flight Simulator d) Your printer type and port e) Your video type - CGA,EGA or VGA If you select drive E:\ as the hard disk partition on which you want to install FS-PRO, then the following is created... E:\FSP Then, three (3) SUB-DIRECTORIES are created... E:\FSP\ADV E:\FSP\AIRPORT E:\FSP\AIRCRAFT The names should be obvious, but here is where the INSTALL program will put things after it makes the proper directories. Both the AIRPORT and AIRCRAFT directories have INDEXED pointers for ALPHABETICAL search, etc. They MUST reside in separate directories. Hence, AIRPORT and AIRCRAFT. It takes no longer to search for ZEBRA than it does for ACE. Each directory can contain a maximum of 9,999 individual entries. Since we provide a huge AIRPORT DATA BASE, we do not need to FORMAT a new one. However, we only provide 1 example AIRCRAFT (#2 - Cessna Skyhawk) and so we have to setup a NEW aircraft data base INDEX. As soon as you select a DRIVE partition, the first thing we do is create the proper DIRECTORIES and SUB-DIRECTORIES, previously mentioned. Then, we FORMAT a new data base for your AIRCRAFT directory. Finally, the INSTALL program copies the executable files to the FSP directory and, that's that! Well, not quite. During the installation process, we will prompt you for the PATH to your Microsoft Flight Simulator directory. Then we will unpack MODPAK1.EXE file into your Flight Simulator directory. These .MOD files match the ADVENTURES that we provide and MUST be included in your Flight Simulator directory before they can be "flown" by FS-PRO. These are DEMO flying scenerios. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ UPDATING FROM EARLIER FS-PRO SERIES Section 2 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Since you may have received a demonstration version of FS-PRO prior to this, we have included this reminder. Before you begin installing FS-PRO, please delete all previous FS-PRO files and directories. These include ALL files in... \FSP \FSP\ADV \FSP\AIRPORT \FSP\AIRCRAFT Then delete each directory and subdirectory. RD FSP\ADV RD FSP\AIRPORT RD FSP\AIRCRAFT RD\FSP The installation utility will advise you and prompt you to run FSPREP to prepare your disk for the new version of FS-PRO. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ PATHWAYS AND THE PARM.OVL FILE Section 3 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Another software profile that we like is the ability to choose our own directory names and set our own paths. Software that "locks" you into what the authors liked might be perfect or may not suit your system. But, changing the DEFAULT FS-PRO paths can cause some novices a real nightmare. So, if you are not proficient using DOS commands, you should accept the DEFAULT parameters adjusting ONLY the colors, version and the PATH to your Flight Simulator program files. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ NOTE: Before calling TekMate for assistance, please triple check ║ ║ your PATHWAYS by using the built-in SETUP/UTILITY module. ║ ║ If you have tried to EDIT the PARM.OVL file with a text ║ ║ editor or EDLIN, please delete the file from the \FSP ║ ║ directory and type FSPU to create a FRESH one to EDIT. ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Most of the problems associated with FS-PRO can be directly attributed to improper pathways. Always, triple-check your FS-PRO paths by selecting UTILITIES (#7 - Main menu) and then SETUP (#1). You can easily edit the PARM.OVL file using this utility and see, at a glance, your path <M>AP. You can use the same module to easily check to see if things are in their proper directories. Use the "tag" menu items in the SETUP-UTILITY module to check for ADVENTURE files in the \FSP\ADV directory. Also, for a few demo flight plans (.FPN) and, the most important...if we can find any MODE files in your path to Flight Simulator (version 3 or 4). If you do NOT see any files in the directory windows, then you have path problems and you need to select SETUP menu item #1 to correct by editing <E>. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ EDITING THE PARM.OVL FILE Section 4 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ We provide you with a small selection of OPERATING PARAMETERS that you can change or amend anytime. But, the FIRST TIME is the "biggie." We create a small file called PARM.OVL when you first install FS-PRO. It contains the proper PATHS to the various directories, your name as you want it to appear on printouts and menu headers, the version of Flight Simulator you are using and the screen color selections. It is very important that you CHECK the default path settings before you attempt to use FS-PRO. Be sure that you check the path to Flight Simulator and the MODE files. We call it FLY in the default and you need to change it to match the location of your FS program MODE files if it is NOT the same. If you "unpacked" the demo adventures during the INSTALL process, chances are that the path is correct. The DEFAULT settings are: (Created by the INSTALL routine) FS-PRO DEFAULT PATH \FSP\ ADVENTURES & FLIGHT PLANS \FSP\ADV\ AIRPORT DATA Files \FSP\AIRPORT\ AIRCRAFT DATA FILES \FSP\AIRCRAFT\ We do NOT create the following directories: MicroSoft Flight Simulator E:\FLY\ MODE Files(keep with FS) E:\FLY\ ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ INSTALLATION SUMMARY Section 5 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ You must tell us the correct path to your Flight Simulator directory during installation. It may be changed anytime using the SETUP module. (See SETUP and UTILITIES) This version of FS-PRO will only work with Microsoft's Flight Simulator version 3. If you need FS-PRO to work with version 4, please see ordering information provided. If the file PARM.OVL is missing, FSPRO will return an error telling you that you MUST run FSPI.EXE to create the initial file. You may also run FSPU.EXE which will create a new PARM.OVL file. But, you will have to edit it to match your setup. Select SETUP from the main FSPRO menu and use the UTILITY module to edit any data in the file. Never use a text editor to alter the PARM.OVL file. If you do, then you can delete it, run FSPU to create a FRESH copy and EDIT it properly using the same module. You can change paths to your Flight Simulator files, Adventure files, Airport Directory and Aircraft Data Base. You can change the colors you want to use, add your name for prompts and version. Select this item from the MAIN MENU the first time you run FSPRO. You can edit or change data anytime. Some color selections will cause "blinking"...if you like it, it's all yours. Play with the selections until you get something pleasing. Good examples: Foreground Background 15 1 14 1 ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ FS-PRO ADVENTURES MODULE Section 6 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Using this module, you can fully document the MODES that are created by using Flight Simulator. For example, when you "fly" a particular setting that you like, you can save it by using the SAVE MODE function in FS. You are allowed to enter a complete description and a DOS filename for each MODE that you want to save. Even though this is a wonderful feature, we can end up with hundreds of different MODES and it can get difficult trying to keep up with them and what they do. FS-PRO makes this a "snap." Also, it can get tedious setting up a MODE (views, position, weather, time, etc.) and the ENVIRONS are what set up the flight in the first place. Since it takes several minutes to set up a proper MODE, it should make sense to be able to fully document the MODE for future use and reference. If you ever want to share some MODES between friends, rather than just send or receive a MODE without identifying a useful purpose (whether for FUN or EDUCATIONAL) you can use FS-PRO to fully document each and every flight scenerio. The notes and COMMENTS feature, with a mini-wordprocessor, allows verbose MODE descriptions. (See examples included in ADVPAK1.EXE and MODPAK1.EXE self-extracting data files. These are automatically put in place during installation.) Our first release was based on a marvelous concept originated by Charles Gulick (COMPUTE BOOKS PUBLISHERS). He went to the trouble of actually flying and discovering many unique and wonderful flying adventures and shared them with all of us in his books... FLIGHT SIMULATOR ADVENTURES. We highly recommend his books. Check with your local book stores and computer dealers for Charles Gulick's books. With FS-PRO, you can create your own ADVENTURES and share them with friends...ALL READY SET UP WITH A USABLE MODE AND DESCRIPTION. With FS-PRO, flying any one of a thousand adventures, becomes a simple menu driven procedure. SO... this program was designed to help track and edit all of the different MODES that can be created using the MicroSoft Flight Simulator program. Since we do not write any files that can be immediately imported by Flight Simulator, we keep a list of small files that we call ADVENTURES which have the same name as the MODE except for a different DOS extension. Back in the old days, we had to enter a lot of data to fly an adventure (Flight Simulator Adventures 2.00). Thanks to the kind people at MicroSoft, they included this feature in their new brainchild so you can save MODES (Adventures) on-the-fly. (Pun intended.) Some of us have more time to "play" and can now share our "set-ups" with all of those who can only manage 10 to 20 hours a week at the controls. (Be honest now!) The tedious job of entering all of the data to set up an adventure is history. And, with FS-PRO Series 10, you will know a lot about the adventure before you fly it. If you want to keep a complete set of MODES and ADVENTURES as IFR lessons into every possible ILS airport provided and set up different possible weather conditions for each, you can begin flying for a purpose. And, you have "joined" the ranks of "serious" PC Pilots, worldwide. When you share MODES with friends, you can tell them about the adventure so they will be prepared with some idea of what to expect. For example, when you decide to save that special flying scenerio that you discovered, be sure to set all of the NAVAID frequencies that apply, weather and time considerations and then SAVE it by using the proper Flight Simulator commands. You also need to save your joystick, mouse and/or keyboard sensitivities. That way, you don't have to re-enter this pertinant information each time you, or a friend, want to fly the adventure again. When you return to the FS-PRO main menu, you may select item #2, CREATE AN ADVENTURE and your library of .MOD (mode) files will appear. When you select the MODE that you just SAVED, we create a corresponding file with an extension of .ADV and store it in the \FSP\ADV sub-directory. FS-PRO "reads" your mode file and displays the ADVENTURE MENU from which you can document and "fly" your scenerio time and time again. Normally, there will never be a need to EDIT any of the information in the FS-PRO adventure file. Perhaps, you will want to note the scenery disk required to fly a particular scenerio. Some of the information imported from the MODE file appears in the ADVENTURE MENU screen for your review. Mode Title (20 character name you give) Mode Name (DOS name entered when saved) North Position East Position Altitude ILS Frequency ILS Runway Beacon Frequency Transponder ATIS Frequency VOR #1 - Freq VOR #2 - Freq Scenery Disk Needed In addition to outlining the MODE ENVIRONS, you can add a full-page personal description of the MODE you are about to fly. The mini- wordprocessor supports most editor commands with wrap-around. Educational and FUN! IFR Lessons NAVAIDS You can prepare a complete, professional set of lessons for using avionics in navigation (IFR - to the capability of Flight Simulator). If you have WEATHER DYNAMICS and heavy cloud layers, a completed flight plan and the ADVENTURE to accompany each lesson, you can begin flying for a purpose. Or, instructing someone else. You can maintain the Pilot's Logbook and point to the adventure name and track your flight time for that specific adventure. If you have problems, note them in the COMMENTS file and print it. When you get the time, back to the grindstone and practice, practice, practice. I'f you go to the trouble of saving a "good" flight adventure as a MODE, make sure that it's useful, fun and exciting. As realistic as possible. STUNT Flying Of course, flying under bridges and landing on a carrier sure is relaxing. And, for sight seeing we like to use the Lear; makes for nice coastal flights trimmed up on autopilot at 1600 feet. We know a fellow who enjoys stunt flying. One of his favorites is dive-bombing the Golden Gate from 3000 feet and dropping full flaps to clear the 90' span in a power hungry climb that wrings us out just watching. He even drops in on the Bird Man of Alcatraz landing on the tiny island and, taking off successfully only to fly upside down 90' off the water and under the Golden Gate. Since STUNTS are his favorites, he has hundreds of adventures stored in his library that ALL have something to do with stunt flying. He is all setup to practice the aerobatic manuevers entering the procedure, in a recovery from a procedure and mechanical failures during practice. TRAINING Beginners Some users have reported developing a set of private pilot flying lessons that a beginner can enjoy. They cover everything from taxiing to cross country flights with tracking aircraft to show attitude positions in stalls, flares, etc. The teaching possibilities are the most promising use for FS-PRO. Microsoft's FLIGHT SIMULATOR, transcends being a video game if all of the features are used. It is a marvelous program that, in our opinion, should win the "Lifetime Achievement" award for perfection. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ CREATING AN ADVENTURE OF YOUR OWN Section 7 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Fly a scenario and save the MODE using Flight Simulator. After you save the MODE you can run FS-PRO and search for the new MODE. Select FS-PRO main menu item #2 - CREATE AN ADVENTURE. A "scrolling" window appears with all of your MODES listed alphabetically. You position the highlight bar over your selection using the arrow keys and press ENTER (Return). FSPRO reads the data out of the MODE file and presents it to you for viewing or editing. Once you read the comments you may then select <F>ly and we will run Flight Simulator using the MODE you selected. You may PRINT, RENAME and/or DELETE any ADVENTURE and MODE. When you RENAME an adventure, the MODE is also renamed along with other associated pointer files. When you elect to PRINT an adventure from the menu, it will also show you the DESCRIPTION FILE before printing. If you don't want to change anything, just press ESCape and it will print the entire adventure (LPT1 to LPT3). ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ AIRPORT DATA BASE Section 8 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ With this module you can keep an airport directory with up to 9,999 listings. You can add and delete airports and EDIT a generous data base of information on each airport. You can SEARCH for airports by NAME, STATE or VOR identifier and list to screen or printer. We provide you with about 1200 airports already installed in a data base when you use the automatic INSTALL routine. These data come in a self-extracting file called AIRPORT.EXE and are extracted automatically during the INSTALL process. The airport data base contains the pertinant information for using the FS-PRO Flight Planning module. (See Flight Planner) Flight Simulator and SubLogic scenery disk maps do not use latitude and longitude to position airports and graphics to your screen. Instead, the maps are created on a Lambert Conformal Conic projection overlay. This is why airports are located at a North and East "grid" position instead of latitude and longitude. And, they correspond to the sectionals that come with each scenery disk purchase. For accurate calculations, always check to make certain that the NORTH and EAST numbers in the data base match the information printed on the sectionals. FS-PRO has algorithms that calculate the distances between airports and the flight planner will also convert the Flight Simulator "grid" points to latitude and longitude so that you can coordinate your PC flying with "real" sectionals. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ AIRPORT GRAPHICS Section 9 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Not provided with the public DEMO version of FS-PRO. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ SEARCHING AIRPORT RECORDS Section 10 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ You have certain SEARCH options available in the AIRCRAFT and AIRPORT data bases. SEARCH ROUTINES The search options include: AIRPORT NAME (or as much as you spell correctly) VOR NAME OR IDENTIFIER (ditto) STATE OR COUNTRY (only 2 letters) We have tried to include as many fields as practical for our airport directory. The 20 individual fields provide enough information about an airport that we will need for our series. Some of the information may not be important to you but we even provide you with a phone number field(s) for the actual airport (for those who want to call their local FSS for current conditions). A NOTES field in provided in the AIRPORT DIRECTORY that you may use for mentioning scenery disks, etc. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ AIRCRAFT DIRECTORY Section 11 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ If you are an aircraft buff, you may enjoy looking up facts on different airplanes, especially vintage and military and storing them in your AIRCRAFT DATA BASE. You can keep over 9500 different aircraft types in our directory and SEARCH for them by NAME, NUMBER, # ENGINES or MANUFACTURER. Students can use the CENTER OF GRAVITY (CG ARM) element to do some preliminary weight and balance calculations using the FS-PRO Pilot's Calculator module. We only provide one file for your aircraft data base (Cessna Skyhawk). But, it was pre-indexed for up to 9,999 entries. It only occupies disk space as you fill it up with new entries. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ FLIGHT PLANNER Section 12 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ When you are flying for a purpose it is handy to FILE a realistic FLIGHT PLAN. With this module, you can fill out a garden variety, VFR flight plan (sans WX information) including an unlimited waypoint entry. You can select your DEPARTURE and DESTINATION airports from your AIRPORT DIRECTORY and we will calculate the distance and general initial heading for your flight. We provide you with a 16 point compass display showing your initial heading and distance for your flight in nautical miles and kilometers. You can enter such things as TIMES, FUEL, GROUNDSPEED, etc. and we will calculate your flight parameters. Then, you can enter all of your CHECKPOINTS and we calculate each LEG parameter and provide a screen display or printout. We FLAG some things such as FUEL WARNINGS, etc. If you elect to use the <W>ind calculator, then FS-PRO will correct your course and groundspeed and calculate a new ETA, automatically. A handy feature is the CHECKPOINT SUMMARY option. You can see at a glance most of your TRIP parameters and notice lapses in your checkpoints, times, etc. Finally, you can make the "trip" and write your "actuals" in next to your printed FLIGHT PLAN. We have tried to provide realism to our modules so that students will have an opportunity to get used to normal, run-of-the-mill stuff required to fly a plane. Obviously, some of our calculations are not within VFR guidelines and should not be used to post a real FAA certified flight plan. The AIRPORT DIRECTORY feeds information to the FLIGHT PLANNER with the WORLD COORDINATES (Lambert Conformal Conic Projections). Flight parameters concerning location, great circle distance and initial headings are calculated from this data. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ PILOT'S CALCULATOR Section 13 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ This module was added to demonstrate some of the weights and balances calculations, dew point, time and other simple weather related considerations. For example, if you selected the NUMBERS menu item, you can import the AIRCRAFT data into a weights & balance calculator. When we installed FS-PRO, we added a single dummy file to your AIRCRAFT data base. (Number 2) You can import the Center of Gravity (CG) arm of the aircraft, it's fuel and ramp weights into the calculator to work on the MOMENT and TAKE-OFF weights. Other options are a simple chain calculator, sunrise & sunset calculations based on current date and the airport selected from your AIRPORT records and a simple dew-point calculator and time-zone display. The <W>ind calculator is identical to the one used in your flight planner module. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ FS-PRO FILE HANDLING UTILITIES Section 14 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ The SETUP and UTILITY module is used immediately following the installation to make certain that your PATHS are correct. In addition to editing the PARM.OVL file and amending your setup parameters, the UTILITY module can be used to "tag" multiple FS-PRO files for copying to floppy disks or mass deleting old, useless files. After you decide which files you wish to work with (MODE, FLIGHT PLAN or ADVENTURE) you can make your selection at the UTILITIES main menu. Just "tag" the files in the NEXT window by pressing the SPACE BAR or ENTER. Use the arrow keys to move past other files. You may UNTAG by pressing again or typing <U>untag all and start over. Notice, that as you TAG files the information windows to the right of the screen show you the number of files and bytes that you have tagged. When you press ESCape, we will store the filenames in a HOLDEN PEN pending your selection to COPY or DELETE or QUIT and return to the previous menu. For example, suppose that you had created 40 new FS-PRO adventures with exciting descriptions, a few flight plans and, of course, the accompanying MODES. Now, you want to send them to a friend so that he can enjoy your new adventures. Use the FILE HANDLING UTILITIES to "tag" your .MOD files, .ADV files and .FPN files that belong to the 40 adventures and copy them to a formatted floppy. Then, your friend is ready to put the files into the FS-PRO and Flight Simulator directories and he's ready-to-fly. You can create a ModPak (an archived file containing one or more complete ADVENTURES ready for using with FS-PRO) by combining all of these files into a single archived file. (.ARC, .LZH, .ZIP, etc.) The files are so small that you can "store" hundreds of adventures in a single ModPak. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ USING MODPAK1.EXE - Our Demonstration Adventures Section 15 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ We provide many example MODES, ADVENTURES and DESCRIPTIONS with FS-PRO. The MODE files should be put in with all of your other MODE files and Flight Simulator. They were created with Flight Simulator and are ready-to-fly. (See Modetoad) You can read about the ADVENTURE and then go flying. These do not require any additional scenery disks to operate. They use the Flight Simulator default system scenery disk that comes with your purchase. If, during the INSTALL process you chose NOT to unpack the demos you need to copy MODPAK1.EXE into your Flight Simulator 3 or 4 directory and RUN the program by typing MODPAK1 and pressing ENTER. This will EXTRACT all of the adventure files so you can now hop in your favorite Cessna or Lear and fly off into a bunch of wild and crazy flying adventures. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ HELP and MEMO PAD Section 16 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ We had a few requests to put in an on-line HELP routine and there were several options open on how to achieve this. An OVERLAY was the first choice (and, perhaps the easiest) but, we wanted to offer the end-user the opportunity to develop their OWN help screens. This was done primarily to allow parents to write HELP screens for their children which would be personal and could be changed anytime. Or, for teachers to leave memos to students. The entire HELP module is just the same TEXT editor that you can use throughout FS-PRO. We have provided the original HELP files and you can create your own or write a complete FS procedure manual for your children. You can access the HELP module from the MAIN MENU "Utilities" selection #7. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ MODETOAD - Matching "Foreign" Modes Section 17 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ DIFFICULTY FLYING DEMO ADVENTURES If you have difficulty running the demo adventures, chances are that you will need to use the FS-PRO MODETOAD utility to change our initial MODES to "match" your hardware sensitivities. Be sure to carefully READ the following. As you know, Flight Simulator allows you to use a variety of devices to control the aircraft; keyboard, joysticks (1 or 2), mouse and other external controllers can be used. Also, the sensitivity of the devices differ from device to device and machine to machine. When you exchange FS-PRO adventures (ModPaks) with friends, each of you needs a way to make the other's MODES work with your hardware. MODETOAD allows you to change all of the "foreign" modes to MATCH your hardware; automatically and instantly. CREATING YOUR OWN MODEL Create a MODE, using Flight Simulator, named SETUP. Make sure that you have completed the sensitivity adjustments, selected devices and flight parameters to MATCH your system before you save it. In other words, be sure that this MODE "flys" just like you want it to. Radio frequencies and other MODE parameters are not required for MODETOAD so these are not important. However, your joystick selections and sensitivities, mouse, auto-coordination parameters are. Give the MODE a title like "FS3 SETUP MODEL" or something to identify the NEW mode. Then, name the DOS file SETUP and SAVE it. Remember, when you SAVE a mode, always give it a DOS filename or Flight Simulator will "create" a name constructed out of the first 8 letters of your title description. These can get to be jibberish and you may have difficulty locating modes by their DOS filename. Also, Flight Simulator always "tacks" on the extension of .MOD so you do not need to worry about anything but an 8 character name. Now, when you run MODETOAD, always select SETUP.MOD as your MODEL. It can be selected from your library, as usual, by high lighting the file name and pressing ENTER. After you select your MODEL, another screen will pop up displaying the MODEL'S current parameters. All you have to do to TURN ON a change is to enter one of the VALID ENTRIES that appear in the prompt box as you scroll with the arrow keys. You can simply duplicate each of the fields and they will REVERSE color. If the field does not change color, then it will NOT be copied to the foreign modes. You must change EVERY item to REVERSE color before MODETOAD can detect a CHANGE command. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ NOTE: If any of the 20 fields are NOT shown in reverse color then ║ ║ when you decide to change <A>ll of your MODES these items ║ ║ will NOT be changed. FS-PRO will ONLY change those items ║ ║ which you want to alter. Even if the current values of the ║ ║ items appear, you will still need to duplicate them by ║ ║ entering a valid command. Change all 20 items to reverse. ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ When you have completed your selection of items to change, press ENTER. Another menu screen will appear listing all of the mode parameters that will be changed. Only those items that have been changed will be listed. If you want to return to change some more before you alter the "foreign" modes, just exit and start over. You can select to change that single MODE or MASS MATCH any foreign modes to your system by selecting <A>ll modes. Or, you may exit and start over without altering anything. Be certain to copy all MODE files to your current Flight Simulator path as seen in the SETUP PATH MAP screen of the UTILITIES module. As you collect MODES and ModPaks, always copy the accompanying MODE (.MOD) files into this directory and then run MODETOAD to convert them to your system specifications and sensitivities. Then, you are ready to <F>ly away on an adventure. ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ LINX BULLETIN BOARD (Support) Section 18 ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ If you purchase the program, you are entitled to JOIN our FLY conference on LINX BBS for FREE. If you have a modem, you may call anytime and leave the sysop a <C>omment and by the next time you call we will have upgraded your privilege level to access this PRIVATE conference. We offer many additional flight-related programs for you to download and use. LINX (Lincoln's eXchange) has been on-line since January 1, 1983. Each user gets 100 minutes on-line every day, FREE and without any upload obligation. We have over 10,000 users from 18 foreign countries and all of the United States. (1-1-90) We maintain the most current and useful public domain software available. No games...except for those who would stoop low enough to refer to Flight Simulator as a "game." In January ('90) we celebrated 6 years of continuous, FREE, public service. You can meet some of the best users of any BBS in the world. Interesting and stimulating conversations are exchanged in our PUBLIC and FLIGHT forums message centers. Many users are top industry employees and work in "leading edge" technologies. This user group is a great RESOURCE from which you can get information on almost any subject. Join in on discussions in such disciplines as astronomy, amateur radio, flying, business, life forms, aerospace and whatever interests you. You're certainly invited to hop on board whether you purchase our program or not. Leave us a message if you get a chance. We operate PCBoard - single node - (713) 440-7364 Modem settings are: 8N1 (1200 to 2400 baud) 24 hour operation All popular protocols supported (X,C,Y,Z,A) We seem to stay busy, so please keep trying. TekMate LINX BBS (713) 440-7364 300-2400 8N1 24 Hrs GOOD SOFTWARE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE Flight Simulator is a trademark of SubLOGIC Corporation used under license by Microsoft Corporation. (Right off the Flight Sim Box) PKWARE & ZIP2EXE (C) PKWARE, Inc. FS-PRO (Series 9.3) Copyright 1988, 1989, 1990 - Joe Lincoln - All Rights Reserved ModPak (tm) - Reg U.S. TM Off 15307 Parkville - Houston, Texas - 77068