A small update, but big news!

It has been a long time coming I know, but Lockheed Martin has finally released Prepar3D version 4 with a 64-bit architecture. While this does not solve every problem with the ESP (FSX-based) software, it does make a difference.

I have already purchased and installed P3Dv4 HotFix 1 (version 4.0.28.21686) on my desktop test platform and, so far, it does provide better visual range, smoother operation, and a new interface. And, most importantly, I no longer have to worry about running out of VAS memory on long flights! But, everything is not perfect… yet.

It will take some time for the various third-party add-on developers to update their products for this new 64-bit application. I’ve installed and tested a few that are out already, such as:

• ORBX’s FTX Global Base
• ORBX’s FTX Global OpenLC North America
• ORBX’s NA Regions: Central Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Southern California
• HiFi’s Active Sky 2016 (and the P3dv4 Beta)
• FSUIPC5
• FSDreamTeam’s Ground Services X (GSX)
• EditVoicePack 5.5.2
• Flightbeam KPHX
• FS Global Ultimate – Next Generation FTX

So far, they all seem to be working fine. I can definitely turn the graphic sliders in P3Dv4 up higher without the same frame rate hit as with v3. I even have land and & sea traffic at 20%. And, the autogen & LOD radius are larger allowing for much more scenery to be visible without as many issues. And this is all while still running on my i7 4970k with a GTX 970 video card.

Finally, I am currently testing the latest version of ProSim 1.50 on my desktop before moving it to the sim hardware. There will be some firmware upgrades I need to do first to fully support it. More to come!

UPDATE 5-9-2018: P3Dv4 version 4.2 (4.2.21.24048) is installed and pretty much all the add-ons I have work now. ProSim737 is up to version 2.04, and it also works fine. The sim is so much fun!

As 2016 is passing along quickly, it seemed a good time to provide a overall update. Also, a major milestone in my cockpit building adventure has been reached. With the rudder pedal installation, I have finally removed the last piece of non-737 specific hardware in my cockpit. No more GA equipment means a full Boeing commitment.

More importantly, I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to all of my visitors for your continuous support. Maintaining this site motivates me as much as the flying does, so I appreciate all of your comments, feedback, and questions!

So far, I currently have the following hardware installed:

• JetMax SKTQ
• Simujabs B737 Yoke Control Column
• Simujabs B737 Rudder Pedals
• IPECO 737 Pilot Seat
• CPFlight MCP Pro
• CPFlight EFIS Pro (x2)
• CPFlight Forward Overhead Panel
• CPFlight Aft Overhead Panel
• CPFlight Complete Pedestal
• Flight Illusion Flap, Yaw Damper, & Chronometer gauges
• Programmable 24-key keypad
• My custom Flight Officer-side control panel/displays

I built a mobile wooden base to mount it all on. This allows me to move the entire simulator to get behind the MIP and access my two computers:

• Primary PC
• Avionics PC

On these computers, I have the following software installed:

• Lockheed Martin Prepar3D v3 (P3D) – Primary
• Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) – Secondary
• ProSim737 (avionics suite)
• Orbx FTX Global Base (scenery update)
• HiFi Technologies ActiveSky Next (weather engine)
• REX 4 | Texture Direct (texture updates)
• PrecipitFX (precipitation textures)
• Navigraph Manager (AIRAC Navdata updates)
• Ultimate Terrain X v2 USA (terrain/meh updates)
• My Traffic 6 (AI traffic)
• AivlaSoft EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)
• FSDreamTeam GSX (ground services)
• Taxi2Gate KSEA (airport scenery)
• FlightSimSoft PFPX (flight planning)
• FlightSimSoft TOPCAT (performance calculations)
• WPSlider’s ProSimUtils (CDU applications)
• Pete Dowson’s FSUIPC (SimConnect interface)
• Pete Dowson’s WideFS (not in use yet)

I wrote a few articles along the way to explain some processes I went through and resources I discovered:

• Overhead Overload (Overhead Panel selection)
• What the Yoke? (Yoke selection)
• Tricking Addons with P3D/FSX Steam
• Kick Your Keyboard Out (Adding a Keypad)
• Choosing Your Charts
• The Bill Bulfer Books

I also added an External Links page to act as an online directory for the many products and other simmers out there today.

TIP: Don’t forget to check out my Visuals page, it is like a running timeline of my cockpit build!

Back when I decided on building only half of the cockpit (SSTD), this is what I imagined it looking like. Now, it is time to just fly the thing. Perhaps I will finally start using my VATSIM account and look at virtual airlines to join. Either way, I think I have finally earned some time off to just enjoy it.

Of course, this does not mean I am actually finished. Are we ever really done? I do have a list of things I am considering in the near future:

• A better audio setup with multiple speaker locations
• SimWorld gauges if they are better than the Flight Illusion ones
• Motorized Throttle Quadrant
• Perhaps a more realistic column yoke and/or pedals
• More scenery/airports

As for the distant future, and if I can find the space, perhaps I will be able to expand. In that case, the list grows even longer:

• Entire cockpit shell and interior
• Full dual-seater MIP
• Linked Yokes/Rudder Pedals (perhaps with feedback)
• Three projectors and wraparound screen

I know some people may not find this post all that interesting, but it does allow me to keep track of where I was, where I am, and where I want to go with the simulator. I hope it was informative and thank you again for stopping by.

P.S. A keen eye will note the model in the photograph is the new Boeing 737-8 MAX. I am just an avid 737 fan and will be keeping my as it is. Going to the MAX cockpit is not feasible right now, and I like all the buttons, knobs, and switches in the NG!