I bought Radar Contact several years ago, and recently got in touch with JD who helped me get it upgraded so I can use in the sim again!

If’ you have ever wanted to use one of the best ATC add-on’s for flight sim, definitely check out Radar Contact!!

FSX uses .dds files, so you have DDS Converter 2, and DTXBmp. Photoshop is a necessity. You may use Abacus’ Repaint V2 maybe. Some people use bitmaps for their textures.

Holy cow, lots of info there! I’ll get better with time, and age. For now, my simple repaint! (I’ll make this available soon in the downloads section if anyone wants it)

View [Larger Image]

View [Larger Image]

View [Larger Image]

Did this happen because in order to move the code to their game studio and can aces, they had to change the title? Or does it mean that this is a “reworked” game, focusing less on simulator and more on just flying around?

This title is LIVE enabled, which makes me believe it’s a online multiplayer shoot em up. Good for dog fighting. Bad for simulation.

We’ll have to wait and see. For now, here’s a teaser video. Which, to me, looks more of a cinematic than actual gameplay.

More at http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight

You can access the Multiplayer Server Website here!

This server runs FSHost and will lets FS 2002, FS 2004/FS9 and FSX to connect to it! The website will show you who is connected, a Google map showing you where they are flying and any player connected info at the bottom!

I’m also going to start having a monthly hop/race that all of you can connect to and participate in! More info on this later. For now, give the server a test spin!

On top of the multiplayer server, I’m also running a Ventrilo server so that if you wish to do voice communication while you are flying and talk to fellow pilots, you are able to do so!

If you have any recommendations please feel free to send them my way! Other then that, use the server as much as you want!

Blue Skies!

Captain Riggins

Please let me know if you have problems viewing the videos. They default to HTML5, and should fall back to flash if they don’t.

Click the jump for more photos!

Click here to download the high quality versions of these photos!

The backside of the overhead showing the FDS SYS1, and the DB connectors that allow quick disconnect of the panels from the SYS1 without having to disturb the SYS1 at all.

And here are some forward shots of the first panel.

Those Blue LEDs in the bright state are BRIGHT! But, not this bright. The camera just picks up all the light. Sorry.

The 9 blue annunciators that have a dual state are:
2 ENG VALVE CLOSED
2 SPAR VALVE CLOSED
1 VALVE OPEN (Cross Feed)
1 L VALVE OPEN (Wing anti-ice)
1 R VALVE OPEN (Wing anti-ice)
2 COWL VALVE OPEN

You can also view an interactive 737 overhead here

(Note, the above is necessary only if you do not buy the FDS overhead panels, as they supply you pre built circuit boards for wiring dual state LED’s)

All Panels Mounted! (Not all DSUS fasteners used yet, until frame is completely mounted)

Hard to see sorry. Took 4 hours to glue all the annunciator tops on.

Now, why Fly Engravity vs FDS? The only reason was due to my budget. Last year I created a budget for this project. I put in roughly $4,000 for an FDS overhead. Well, a couple months or so ago, FDS acquired/joined with/partnered with (chose whatever word fits best) Sim Avionics, a game changer in the glass cockpit and systems logic that runs our sims. It is, funny enough, roughly 1/2 the cost of the FDS overhead to get this software through FDS. Unfortunately, I had to make a choice. Do I get a full FDS overhead? Or do I get an overhead elsewhere, AND Sim Avionics? Well, I want both So that’s why I went with Fly Engravity’s overhead. And might I add, yes, I have to do more work, but these are very high quality panels and I’m very happy and pleased with them! They look great and I will do my best to take some great photos!

1. Full 6DOF TrackIR support.
2. Improved “hide mouse cursor” algorithms.
3. Fixed “Acess violation” error when joystick unconnect.

4. It is possble now to change order of cameras in the cameras lists

5. Added “cockpit walls” to VC (limiter for camera movements in VC).
6. You can enable/disable EZCA when SLEW mode is active.
7. You can disable mouse hook “Disable middle mouse button” for issue problem with 3-dh addon which use middle mouse button.

Get it here! http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=34429

Check out the Quarter I placed next to the card for size reference

The old setup below. The 9800GT is on the bottom in this photo.

The NEW setup! The GTX 285 is a monster compared to the 9800GT!! (9800GT on top, middle is 8800 for eicas and bottom is GTX 285) And unlike the 9800GT which requires one aux power connection, the GTX 285 requires TWO extra power connections. (Bottom left) I’m glad I have a 1000 watt power supply!

And now, what about performance? Drum roll. (Set on UNLIMITED) At 10,000 feet getting about 150 FPS!

UPDATED: Here’s another shot! Would YOU want to fly through that?

Blue Skies!

Click this link to head to AVSIM to read about the UsePools=0 and HIGHMEMFIX=1 tweaks.

Please read the disclaimer and use at your own risk. But if it works, could give you some serious performance increases!

I came across this site from Captain Chuck Harman, which gives you a image map of the 737 Forward and Aft overhead panel. If you click a section it enlarges. Finally, clicking on a button, switch or gauge will give you it’s purpose and/or explanation!

Definitely check it out!

http://www.fsbreak.net

This is a 1.14 updater.
This updater need installed full 1.13.2 or later.

Some features as “Enhanced HAT-switch mode” not included in manual and need visual explanations. See video here:

Improvements and new features:

1.It is possible now to use modification keys: CTRL, SHIFT, CTRL+SHIFT in keyboard shortcuts assignments for switching between cameras.

2.Now EZCA has fully functional support of multiple (up to 3) joysticks.

3.Now it is possible to move the camera point of view with joystick buttons.

4.Now it is possible to rotate the point of view up and down with joystick HAT-switch in the default FSX Spot View camera. At first you should remove assignments for the keyboard shortcuts A, S, shift-A, shift-S in FSX controllers setup menu, and reassign them in EZCA Define keys menu.

5.Middle mouse button emulation with joystick button or keyboard shortcut added. The emulation has two modes: Hold and Toggle. It can be set up in Define Keys menu

6.Added new mode for HAT-switch. Alongside with the conventional panoraming mode it is possible now to switch between cameras with joystick HAT-switch. For example, forward: Pilot view, left: left window, right: right window, Backward: some instrument panel. Switching between the modes is made by pressing and holding one of Joystick buttons assigned in Joystick Configuration menu.

Note, that control engine is completely new. We apologize for the enconvenience, but it will be necessary for the user to remap all the keyboard and joystick buttons assignments and set all settings in “General settings” page again. Before you do that, open Options/Joystick configuration menu and select joystick controllers you wish to use with EZCA.

Download link here:

http://www.ezdok-software.com/resources/files/EZCA-Update-1.4.zip

One thing I noticed is that no matter what manufacture you go with, they don’t have realistic landing light switches.They might have white caps but they do not look like a 737′s landing light switches.

If you look in the Builders Links & Info section, you’ll see that Simparts.de sells replica landing light switches for €36 each.

I live in the US so with the current conversion rate, I’d be looking at nearly $200 for replica switches.

So I decided to look around and happened to find a site online that sells real aircraft parts. (I have a few listed already in the builders section) Turns out, they had 4 landing light switches, in excellent condition, for only $160! REAL parts, in excellent condition, cheaper then replica parts! What a score!

I placed the order today and should be receiving them in the weeks ahead! Very happy I found these!

“90 days, 45 lessons, basics of virtual aviating, ALL FREE”

Very cool! Check them out!

Also I found out that I could go into the model.cfg file for the default 737 and comment out (by adding two // in front of the interior line) the virtual cockpit panels. So, I’m in VC view, but the panels and everything are gone. So, in my sim, this works great! I still have an “outside” view, with the effects… no software/virtual panels but can still pan around like in a VC.

Here are a couple youtube videos:

You can see some of my screenshots using this software here

To This!

I just want to thank all the manufactures out there of hardware and software alike, that have spent countless hours making this dream of mine possible!

The firepanel including the cargo is ready.

http://secure.simmarket.com/fsps-boeing-737ng-fire-system.phtml

System Description
Realistic fire panel and cargo panel. 100%
- Realistic handle lockers function
- Realistic bottle squibs
- Realistic solenoid valves
- Realistic Loops (A&B) for fire panel
- Realistic bottle pressure according to OAT
- Realistic Wheel Well function
- Realistic EXT Tests

Failures (Fire panel) with auto reset after correct action
- Engine 1 Fire
- Engine 2 Fire
- APU Fire
- Wheel Well Fire
- Loop failures
- Bottle leakage’s

Cargo panel 100% realistic
- Realistic Loops (A&B)
- Realistic FWD & AFT circuits
- Realistic arm and disch functions

Failures (Cargo panel) with auto reset after correct action
- Loop failures
- Bottle leakage’s
- FWD & AFT smoke

Fire system and sixpack system is very related together. So, for realist sixpack system you need the FSPS sixpack system.

Regards,
Achilles

Photos here!

Here’s some samples from her flight out of KLAX. Not too bad for a 5 year old trying to do a pattern! Someone has a 737 in their backyard now haha.

And here is the fire extinguisher panel! (I’ll be building the fire box soon. Not sure why the picture looks blue, they are grey)

I resized the pedestal to a 2 row unit as this simmer did which will help out with space.

Here is the pedestal during a test fit. One coat of primer so far, will sand and paint this weekend. Will order more panels and radios in the next couple of weeks!

Backlit testing the fire panel

The radios worked right out of the box!

And they look GREAT! VERY HAPPY WITH OPENCOCKPITS RADIOS!

It’ll work with project magenta, over a network, and packs a lot of stuff for the price!

Check it out!

Heres the direct link to the software: http://www.aivlasoft.com/products/index.html

I HIGHLY recommend ever simmer have this, no matter what your sim setup is!

Take a look!

I took the copilot seat to handle communications on landing, but overall everything went really well for his first flight! (A rough landing but thats to be expected!)

Great job Pat!

I’m partial to the amber/yellow digits so I’ve picked those up:

COM Radio

NAV Radio

ATC / Transponder

However, I found another sim builder with a similar issue.In his case, he made a really nice looking 2 row pedestal. I think I will do the same.

(Below, the pedestal from http://www.boeing737sim.se/index.html)

Eren showed me several features of the motorized unit today via Skype and what I saw was VERY impressive! I’m starting to wish I had ordered a motorized unit! Simple fear of what the other products have offered in terms of burnt out cards and motors was the primary reason I ordered a non motorized unit. But all in all from what I saw today, I think Revolution has the far superior product on the market. It looks AMAZING!

It’s beautiful, its a piece of art to be cherished for eternity.

I have setup the unit and it’s working great! Enjoy the pictures below and if you are thinking about ordering a TQ, I highly recommend Revolution-Simproducts. They offer top quality hardware, and are always there to help you out. Check them out today!

You can find all of my posts regarding Revolution and the progress of my TQ here.

Eren was up till past 3am his time asking me of the package was ok. There was a little damage thanks to UPS dropping the box. But Eren got on Skype video with me today and were able to fix all the issues right away. How is THAT for service!!

The unit is incredible and the level of service from Revolution-Simproducts was amazing. Pre sales, they answered all my questions in a timely matter. Ordering from them was simple. During the construction process they continually updated me with new photos of my TQ as it was being built. That was very impressive to do that. They even sent some video! Finally they got the unit shipped in a timely matter as well, and as I said, Eren stayed up till 3am tracking my package, once it arrived he emailed me saying it had arrived! He wanted to make sure it was intact and didn’t have any damage. WOW!

Ordering and talking with Revolution-Simproducts has been one of the most gratifying and satisfying experiences I’ve ever had, ever. And on top of that, their TQ looks AMAZING!!!!!!! Here’s some unpacking photos!

Basically, it’s live tracking of aircraft all over the world. You can not only do the typical put in a flight number and track it, you can even put in the airport ICAO code (IE KLAX) and see everything arriving and departing from there! WILD!

Lots of fun. And after an hour I figured out how to show live local traffic right on the sidebar here!

EFB provides all necessary flight information available ‘right at your fingertips’ in digital format, such as:

1. Aeronautical Charts
2. Route Information
3. Flightlog
4. Airport Information
5. Checklists
6. Documents Library
7. NOTAMs

Here are the picts so far!

So I’m walking along and all of a sudden, I see an animated LAX, with a jet that takes off! On top of that, they have the restaurant there and the cones that change colors! How cool is that!

The problem was, it only displayed the PC time. It would not let you display FS time/Zulu time. Sure, you can set the PC clock to zulu time, but I just didn’t want that.

The next thing I tried was a $100 LCD from Fry’s that is used with a reverse camera for a car.

This LCD has composite in, so coming out from the video card it would work great! PROBLEM.. it’s a 16:9 screen. IE Widescreen. There are no controls to change the aspect ratio, so, the chronometer from project magenta was oval shaped. Strike two.

Then, I recalled people (even FDS) using PSOne screens for their CDU’s and thought I’d give them a try. I ordered two off Ebay, about $45 each.

I went to Radioshack and bought a stereo mini 8 plug (that has 3 connectors, NOT 2…) and has a female RCA end. From there it’s just RCA to the video card, done! (You can see the connector in this photo, its the silver one)

And the result is….

WOW!

This is running another copy of the PFD project magenta software, with the chronometer on and the only thing showing. The PSOne screen has a white border around it that shows a little through the FDS clock hole. I solved that by putting a little piece of paper on the right side. When viewed straight on, you can see it (as in this photo) but from the captain’s chair you do not see it, neat!

And here is a video of the chronometer and the CDU in action!

Just got an update from them today, including pictures of their all new full metal flaps lever, stronger trim axis bar and a new security lock mechanism for flaps. (For example, it would prevent you from setting flaps 15 if the lock is set at 5)

And, they are going to email customers photo updates of their TQ during it’s construction, to which all will be posted here when those start coming in! (I however don’t feel it’s right to post the photos they are sending us showing how they are making their product better. Too easy for someone to copy them)

There is nothing like wondering “what state” your order is in, and so far these guys have proven the ability to keep their customers updated. What great customer service!

Man, this email had 11 new things they are doing to make their product even more rock solid. Changing certain parts to metal frame work, better switches, using different parts to make things hold better. And then, included a series of new photos!

What a great company, to keep their customers up to date about the development and continued improvement of their product! I really, really like them so far, and can’t wait to get my TQ!

Also, shipping is expensive (like $650 dollars) and when I asked them why it’s so high, they not only emailed me back saying well, it’s got a long trip, it’s packed in a huge wooden box with metal frames and weights a ton, they also sent me photos of the shipping box. Wow! They also mentioned if they don’t ship it like this, I’ll get 2 TQ’s instead of one.. broken. And that cost includes insurance which is really the smart thing to do here.

Anyhow, I’m excited to get this on the production line! They said lots going on so probably about 7 weeks to get it done. In the mean time, here are some photos!

And their video!

So, this morning I decided I’d investigate why my Fire Warning light on my glare wasn’t coming on. I fiddled with the TSR settings, checked off a couple boxes and then well nothing worked. After checking them on, suddenly, my Fire Warning light worked. Go figure. My guess, a bad config file or setting in one and unchecking/rechecking those boxes resolved it.

Of course, since TSR is the one doing the logic, you can only initiate failures (that show up on real hardware) within TSR. FSX’s failures light like the software panels in FSX, but won’t interact with pmsystems or TSR it seems. Ohwell. Just means if I want to automatically do failures, I have to buy pmInstructor. Who’d of thought?

OK, I guess that was too easy for me. Because then I started on all these minor issues that I have just put aside, until today. I wanted to have better overspeed and stall sounds. I got those working properly in pmsounds.

Then, I wanted to finally find something for the tire scrubber sound and braking sound to be used with the autobrake pro of the TSR software. (Through pmsounds) I found some sounds, and now have those working, cool!

After that I found better cockpit sounds, better apu starter sounds, and a whole slew of other 737 sounds. I updated those in pmsounds, killer!

Finally, I had never addressed the issue of flaps within the PFD software. (That runs as an EICAS for my middle screen) If I set flaps 5, it would show 1 on the eicas. If I set flaps 15, it would show 5. So, I went into the PFD, the EICAS and the FO PFD software and set the aircraft type to CDU.

I then went into the CDUType file (that is OUTSIDE netdir…) and set in all my flap settings. The flap pos and rel pos should be the same. IE 1 and 1, 5 and 5, 15 and 15, 30 and 30, etc.

So FINALLY… if I call Flaps 15, it shows 15 on the EICAS.

Holy cow, really cool to get all those little things out of the way and working, finally!

They let me know the non-motorized unit is backlit capable for an additional cost. I said lets do that. And on top of that, they are adding in manual trim for me at their cost! That is so cool! These guys ROCK!!

Very communicative, up front and willing to do things for their customers. That is exactly why I’m going to buy their TQ and not Throttletek’s!

http://www.revolution-simproducts.com

1. Open pmsounds

2. Click Edit SoundList

3. Add these two lines to the bottom of the soundlist file:

overspeed, 036D, .0, 1, CYC
stall, 036C, .0, 1, CYC

4. Close the file and save.

5. Click Edit INI File

6. At the bottom of the file add in these lines. Note there is a space before type, disabled and volume.

File=overspeed.wav
Type=main
Disabled=Off
Volume=default

File=stall.wav
Type=main
Disabled=Off
Volume=default

7. Close the file and save.

8. Download these two files. You should right click these, chose save as, and put them into your pmsounds/sounds folder.

Stall Warning
Overspeed

9. Quit PM Sounds, start up FS9/FSX, launch PMSounds and you should be good to go!

Looks like they have a motorized and non motorized unit as well. I’ve emailed their sales department for more information and availability.

So, maybe not getting the desktop flyer Throttletek unit was a blessing!

I told Roberto I was ready to place my order, and he sent me the paypal address and asked me for my address to calculate shipping.

During that time, I sent him the cost via Paypal for his unit, $649.99

I then get an email back from him saying shipping from El Salvador to me in Los Angeles is $90 so total cost is $649 (though the site says $649.99?) + $90 + 4% PAYPAL FEES, total of $768.

Hmmm.

Well, I sent him the $90. Why am I as a customer going to pay a Merchant (Roberto) his Merchant Fees?

He sent me an email back very nicely saying “Thanks I will need the 4% of paypal fees for the total!”

I replied informing him why would I pay his Merchant Fees… sorry that’s silly. If I as a business choose to accept credit cards, well the (company) that authorizes said card of course is going to ding the merchant 3-4%. That’s just how it goes. But I as a customer am not responsible for that. A merchant of course can accept other forms of payment but in the long run, is going to get dinged anyhow.

I get charged $12 / month by my bank for having a business checking account. I don’t change that back to my customers, it’s a cost of business.

Roberto stated those fees are part of ebay and not paypal and since it’s their fee not his he won’t pay it. (Of course, it IS his fee, charged TO him BY PayPal to USE THEM as a SERVICE to ACCEPT PAYMENTS.. then he is passing the buck onto his customers. I just feel that is wrong)

He did however offer to accept a check or money order, which was cool. I just don’t feel comfortable sending a check of that size to someone.

Too bad too, was really looking forward to it. I guess I’ll just put this towards the full sized, to scale unit.

Good luck to everyone who buys it. I still think it’s a great unit and in it upon itself looks FANTASTIC! But this is just a conflict on interest between two businessmen. He said everyone else has paid the 4%. Well, that’s their choice of course. I stand behind my beliefs and won’t ding my customers fees I have because of my business.

So, sadly, I had to ask Roberto to please refund the paypal payments (which he did immediately) and am not going to be ordering this throttle.

Bummer.

Matt

Seems I’ve caused a debate: http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php?p=93793#post93793

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWtdtuspnoM

Strange airports and nice places in FSX.

Mont Saint-Michel

This attraction is only present in FSX
Mont Saint-Michel (Mount Saint Michael) is a small island off the coast of Normandy,
France, and home of an old abbey.

Depart from Granville (LFRF) and follow the coast to the south. The island with its abbey
will soon be easy to spot.

The Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls are one of the worlds largest waterfalls, situated on the Zambezi
River on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The waterfalls are animated and with
sound in FSX.

Start at Victorial Falls Airport (FVFA) in Zimbabwe. After takeoff fly heading 010� for 10
nm and locate the falls visually. Now cross the border to Zambia and fly heading 350� for
7 nm and land at Livingstone Airport (FLLI). This airport has been named after

Area 51
This is a FSX only tour.
Its A testing facility the airport is home of several runways, the longest one of 23000 ft.
And no – you won’t be able to find any official charts that reveals the existence of the base.

Make a 75 nm flight from Las Vegas (KLAS) to the airport or run the mission Secret Shuttle

in FSX where you’ll see UFOs in the area.

Flight Simulator X – UFO Spotted Over Area 51
Thats is a mission in FSX,its named secret shuttle

http://www.youtube.c…h?v=MH7oSZC-LIo

The Egyptian pyramids

from Cairo (HECA) and initially fly heading 240. You will now pass the city of Cairo,
including some mosques, and then cross the Nile. Soon you will reach the famous Giza
pyramid .Looking south from Giza you will see other minor pyramids. All the pyramids are
also a great sight at night.

The Hollywood Sign

See the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, California. Takeoff from Santa Monica Airport

(KSMO) and fly heading 030 for 10 nm.
The sign is inside the Burbank class C airspace (4800 ft – GND) of Bob Hope Airport (KBUR)

An Amusement park

In the default scenery you’ll find amusement parks with roller coaster and observation
wheel. The parks are all similar but located at difference places. Here’s a couple of

places where you can find them:

Coney Island, New York City: Takeoff from KJFK and fly heading 260. The park is located

next to the coastline.

San Diego: Takeoff from KSAN and fly heading 295. The park is likewise located next to the
coastline.

Walt Disney World

Takeoff from the small Epcot Center (44FD) and fly north to the Spaceship Earth (looks
like a big golf ball). Continue north to the Cinderella Castle
Apparently some may have been inspired by the theme park when naming the local arrival
routes: Goofy Five and Minee Three.

The Niagara Falls

Depart from the Canadian side at St. Catharines/Niagara District Airport (CYSN), climb to
3500 ft, and fly east until you reach the Niagara River. Follow the river to the south to
the waterfalls. Then turn east and follow the river until you have Niagara Falls Airport
(KIAG) on your left hand where you land

ALL KIND OF Strange airports and places in fsx.

a list of strange places and airports in Flight Simulator. In some cases they are
Its incorrectly represented due to errors in the software, scenery, or mesh etc.

1) ENDI: Major terrain mesh bug

2) 9AK8: This airstrip is located near several other airstrips. The problem is, that the

airstrip elevation is 200-300 ft below the other airstrips.

3) KSZP: Terminal buildings very close to runway. Dangerous for crosswind landings

4)EKVG: Special (but true) exit ramps at both runway thresholds if you run out of runway

5)YXFV:FSX shortest runway (100 ft) with a light mast and a couple of buildings on the

runway. The two visual runway threshold numbers are placed on top of each other.

Two Himalayan airports with difficult approaches

http://www.simtours.net/paro.php

http://www.simtours….ounteverest.php

Alright, so I get home, hook up the new projector and test for that pattern of lines. ITS THERE AS WELL!

No, this is not the same image from the other post. This is a picture taken of the new projector. First thing, I checked serial numbers. Did I send the new one back? Nope, different serial number, so this is the new (refurbished) one.

Alright, now, this happens even with nothing but power connected, so it’s not the computer, video card, cable, etc. I tried a different power cord, different extension cord, same problem.

So, I call my brother to run this past him. We go back and forth, and finally he goes “Could there be another light source reflecting off the lamp?” I said “No, there is nothing else lit in the room.”

But then, that got me thinking, wait a minute. 2 weeks ago, I put up two cardboard tops as templates to figure out how to cut the real ones out of wood.. Here’s what it looks like.

As you can see, there is some light that casts on the tip here. There is no way around that due to the size of the room the sim in in. However, you don’t see the shadow on the projector screen because it’s below your eye point.

BUT… could the projector be casting light off this cardboard, and that light be reflecting UP back onto the screen? You can’t see in this shot, but on the front / bottom of the cardboard that is on the FO’s side, along the edge is clear packaging tape! Which is REFLECTIVE… DOH!!!!!!!!!!! (Smack’s Forehead!)

I removed the tape and guess what… my mystery lines vanished…

You can see above, where I ripped off the clear packing tape. And the mystery lines are now gone. The oddball thing is, I left the projector ON for that one hour on the Vista login screen just before I put up these cardboard template tops.

To boot, the lines MATCHED the Vista login screen! So it seemed likely that this was burn in from that hour long view of the vista login screen… Sigh.

I’m glad it’s resolved. Many thanks to my brother who saved my ass and ended my day on a high note. (and to Karl and Ron on the FDS forums for their helpful insight and recommendations/suggestions)

Too bad I have a refurbished projector now and Epson has my brand new one.

(Smack’s Forehead again)!!!!

I must say these pictures don’t do them justice, they look GREAT!!!

But, it’s been solved. It was light reflecting off the top of my cardboard template cutouts… off some left over packing tape that was reflective… and reflecting light back up to the screen.

More here. Short story, my brand new projector was fine… Epson now has it. I have a refurbed…. Lesson learned.

UPDATE 11/10/09 2pm: Epson overnighted me a new projector, it arrived today wow. I immediately removed it, put the bad one in and sent it back. Its going back ground ugh.. But Epson put a hold on my card for over $600 until the old one returns to them. So I wanted to send it back ASAP. It should get there Friday, or Monday. Anyhow, I’m going to setup an A/B box tonight. No way I want another projector ruined!!

Original Post: Well, my Epson EX70 projector is ruined. There are a lot of myths out there about LCD burn in, esp. when it comes to projectors. Some say it doesn’t happen, others say it does. There are pages of posts about image retention, or image persistence. (Where the LCD pixels don’t relax and remain in a certain state, like burn in but not really burn in) Ok, so, if you cast a shadow over the image, here is what you see:

As you can see, that’s not normal! NOW… I DID leave the Vista startup/login screen on for something like 45 minutes. And as it turns out, these lines match up with that login screen.

So, that being said, some thought this was “image persistence”, and that if I left the projector off for a few days this would go away. Well, 3 days  later, with it not plugged in, the image was still there. Another recommendation, to leave an entire white image on the screen for several hours, didn’t fix it. Nor did “jscreenfix” do anything to resolve the issue. Others have argued hey, projectors are used for presentations and static images are left on for long periods of time. This should not happen.

This morning, I called Epson. They are cross shipping me a new projector via 2 day FedEx, NICE! They did put a hold on my card for the cost of the new projector (over $600) incase I don’t return the old one. Ouch! But, the minute the new one arrives, I’ll be sending out the bad one right away to get that taken care of.  I’m setting up a A/B switch box today, A will be a cheap 19″ LCD screen, to get the sim started up and going. When I’m ready to fly… it’ll get switched to the overhead projector from now on.

So the point of this story? See here. DO NOT LEAVE A STATIC IMAGE ON YOUR PROJECTOR FOR A LONG TIME! If someone tells you LCD Projector burn in is hog wash, just look at my photos above.

Despite a possible busted projector, I’m really pumped to see this happen! I had bought the Cloud9 KLAX package years ago, and was bummed to see it was never updated for FSX. Now, maybe it will!

Here’s the update page!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EuykB7yCOU

Now, there is an area that displays some of that goofy pattern. If I have the projector on, but the pc off (Which displays solid blue) I can see the pattern (kinda whiteish) if I put an object nearby to cast a shadow in the area. (But not directly blocking the area) Its there, I can see it.

Some have said leave the projector off for 3 days, because its not burn in but “image persistence”. Others have said use jscreenfix. I’m going to leave it off for 3 days first and then go from there.

Enjoy!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5XSy1HAg1g