The BlackSwift Nest

EWG1886 had a very good idea by requesting in version 1.2 the possibility to change the LED colors depending on the state of the flaps and the gear.

Here is the corrected version of the software in which two new notations have been introduced in the LEDs section for this purpose.

The links below allow you to download ZIP files that just contain the new release of the executable and a text file that explains how to modify the INI file. Download the file, extract its contents in a blank folder, replace your current EXE with the one provided here and modify your INI file with a text editor such as the Windows Notepad.

New users must first download the complete installation pack before.

Download the english version
Télécharger la version française

See also: X52 Pro Interface for FS9 - Version 1.2

Here's the new release of the X52 Pro Interface for FS9!

In addition to the features of the previous releases, I fixed a problem with the blinking "Fire E" button when stalling or overspeeding. Also, the other GUID of the controller has been added (thanks to Ben Chan and CheeseJai who sent me their GUID). I changed the documentation to correct a mistake (thanks to Brian Dahl).

I also added the ability to display the fuel quantity in pounds or kilograms (requested by Thomas from EDDF)

And finally, I added a new feature: the ability to change the color of one or more LED when the autopilot is engaged. For instance, the Fire A and Fire B buttons may be lighten in green when the autopilot is off, and are in red when the autopilot is on. I love this: there's no static lights now. I'm searching for other events to change colors... I'll change my controller into a christmas tree!

The comments and remarks published after the initial release of the software were taken in account in this new release. I also added new features I needed for my own flights.

This new version is downloadable right now in replacement of the previous one.

There are four new features: a new page that allows you to set the transponder code and ADF frequency; a new page containing the checklists from INI files you can modify by yourself, INI files that are specific to aircraft types; a new page that gives the ability to review the airports and runways characteristics: position, altitude and NAV aids; the ability to set the LEDs colors on the controller and the throttle pad.

In addition to these new features, I did modify the code to handle in a better way the SoftButton callbacks, resulting in a better interaction while scrolling or clicking the SoftButton.

As requested, here's a link to a ZIP file containing some documentation and a VB6 module that would be useful for creating your own programs to interface the X52 Pro Flight Control System and your favorite game.

http://blackswift.free.fr/files/do-vb6.zip

See also: http://blackswift.free.fr/blog/index.php?/archives/3-X52-Pro-Interface-for-FS9.html

Landing at Calvi Saint-Catherine, Corsica Island (LFKC)

Click on picture for larger image

I did it. I didn't like this empty MFD while flying. So, I did develop a piece of code that displays information about the current flight in Flight Simulator 2004 into the MFD.

Now, I'm really happy. I can select my COM frequencies from the X52 Pro throttle pad, I have information about my position at any time, I have data about the weather and so on.

If you're interested in such a piece of code, you may download it from here.

The software is available in french or in english.

I use for my flights datasheets I create. On these datasheets, I write down all the known information about an airport: location, altitude, radio frequencies, ILS frequencies, names, direction and entry point, and airport charts.

I find these datasheet very useful, so I think you would be interested in using them...

I'll add times to times new datasheets. For now, there a nine of them concerning french airports.

Today is a great day. I finally received my new joystick for the Microsoft Flight Simulator: the Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System, and the Saitek Pro Rudder Pedals.

Since some weeks, my old joystick was making strange noises and was very hard to move. Repaired many times, I had to expect a new day handling the screwdrivers, the grease and the soldering iron... So, instead of spending again my time, I decided to replace the joystick, and I selected the new Saitek model: the X52 Pro, with the rudder of the same manufacturer.

First thoughts...