found a way to do "cold & dark" mode without hassle

[adi518]

Few days ago I found out about freeware fsx/p3d launcher called "sim launcher 8.9", made by Maarten Boelens. This launcher replaces/skips fsx/p3d startup screens and is a huge, HUGE saver of headaches! The coolest feature it has, is the ability to connect with fsuipc and apply exclusive (set & forget) "cold & dark" mode. It means, you can easily set the program to start each aircraft in a "cold & dark" state. No need to start up a flight, turn Off everything, then save the flight etc'. This way, I can go through firing up an-2 each time I load a flight and have the full experience !

I wanted to provide a link to this app but I'm yet to have the author's permission. On Avsim library, there's only an older version from 2012. What I have here is 8.9 which is a fresh 2013 build. Author said he will release a completely revamped version soon.

[Pietrow]

May be of help:
File: SimLauncher_89.rar
Link: http://www.mediafire.com/download/fxvua ... her_89.rar

[adi518]

That's my link actually... lol.

Installing this is very straight forward... I included in my rar the "make runways" file needed from fsuipc website. You need to drag that into fsx/p3d root, run it once and then you can fire up the app.

After 2 weeks of working with this software and testing a large variety of aircrafts in "cold & dark", I can say this program works flawlessly! I found no reason whatsoever to go back to the old way of starting up fsx/p3d. Also mind, that whenever fsx startup screen is running, it's hammering your gpu because of the aircraft 3d viewer (doesn't matter which screen you are in the menu!). With this app, the problem is gone as there's no unnecessary 3d view to begin with. The fact no 3d is being initialized also makes it start up much faster!

[Pietrow]

In according with enclosed license, it is not forbidden to distribute this application if author's conditions are met.
Namely this one:
"2.3. The Software can be copied and distributed under the condition that original copyright notice and disclaimer of warranty will stay intact and the Licensee will not charge money or fees for the Software product, except to cover distribution costs."

The download link contents the whole package, including the license with copyrights and disclaimer. Sharing this link does not violate author's rights, as far as I understand it.

Anyway, I am very glad you mentioned this program as it is really good one and worth to try. As you said - time and headache saver.
Cheers!
Petr

[adi518]

Once I discovered it I couldn't help myself but make sure you guys know about it too!

Have fun !

[froggy]

turn Off everything

Does it work with the fuel valve?

[adi518]

Not the fuel selector, but I'm nearly certain it pulls the fuel valve to cut-off. Will check again with the an-2.

[froggy]

Will check again with the an-2

I have try it yesterday & so far i've been not able to save a flight with this valve off.
It still stay in open position when i reopen the flight.
Maybe someting i am doing wrong, but the cold dark options for systems & engines dont seems too complicate to use.

Thanks for your help

Regards

[adi518]

There's the fuel selection knob and the fuel value knob. Which one you refer to?

[froggy]

I am talking about the Red lever on ECU (right side) & not the fuel tanks selector on left side panel.
In the user manual:83. Fuel cut valve lever.
In fact its the only thing who not stay in off position.

[adi518]

New version is out. You can download 8.9 and use the update to grab 9.2.

[froggy]

New version is out. You can download 8.9 and use the update to grab 9.2.

Thanks for the heads up.
I just give a try, i got the pop-up window asking to update to 9.2 version.
I click yes, & the app is closing & nothing happen?
I also have give a try clicking to update from settings panel, same thing occur?

Regards

[froggy]

Ok problem solved, it was my firewall.

Regards

[Adamski_NZ]

Just to say *thank you* for the pointer to "SimLauncher". It's a great little utility! A note for newbies like me: you'll have difficulty finding the new v9.2. The latest (via the links) is v7.2 ... but it will update itself to 9.2 after install!

I also couldn't get to save the R.H. red knob (fuel cut-off) position to be stored between sessions.

Adam.

[adi518]

There's a completely new version of SLX. Different from the one posted here. It's still in rigorous beta testing though. The fuel cut-off is either a limitation with fsx or maybe a gauge design by sibwing that's not controllable via slx.

[Adamski_NZ]

The fuel cut-off is either a limitation with fsx or maybe a gauge design by sibwing that's not controllable via slx.

Yep - that's what I suspect. Not a huge problem though!

Looking forward to the next SLX!

[TigerTwin]

Thanks a million for that.
For years I have been irritated on this problem with FSX. Such a relief that it is gone at last.
Cheers
Lars