FSX Times - FIP Gauge Store

WHAT'S NEW

WHATS NEW

2021-May-12	MSFS	New Just Flight PA28R Arrow III Gauges, including
		AFD, ALT, ATT, HSI, TCR, VOR1, VOR2

2021-May-09	MSFS	Updated Multi-Shared VOR1 with GPS navigation feature
		Updated C152 VOR2 with GPS navigation feature

2021-Apr-30	MSFS	Modified Aircreation 582SL Gauges for an MSFS Free Version

2021-Apr-18	X-Plane	Updated XPL_GaugeSwitcher to version 11

2021-Apr-03	MSFS	New MSFS_GaugeSwitcher released

SYSTEM REQUIREMENT

What are FIP Gauges ?
FIP stands for the Flight Instrument Panel manufactured by Logitech (or by Saitek before the company was sold to Logitech). It is the hardware on which the gauges in this store are displayed. So they are called the FIP Gauges.

More information about the device could be found from here: https://www.logitechg.com/en-hk/products/flight/flight-simulator-instrument-panel.html

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Which Operating System (OS) is compatible with the FIP Gauges ?
All my gauges are developed to be run on Logitech's Flight Instrument Panel (FIP) under Microsoft Windows Environment (Windows 10 Recommended) Only.

All my gauges are NOT COMPATIBLE with MacOS, either local or network.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
What Hardware is required to use the FIP Gauges ?
You will need at least one piece of Saitek/Logitech Flight Instrument Panel (FIP), as all my gauges are developed to be used on the panel.

My FIP gauges WILL NOT REPLACE or DISPLAY the instrument in the virtual cockpit on the monitor screen. All my gauges are developed to be used and displayed on the FIP.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
What Software is required to use the FIP Gauges ?
Firstly you will need either the Microsoft's Flight Simulator X or Lockheed Martin's Prepar3D. Or X-Plane 11 if you are intended to use the Gauges developed for X-Plane.

In addition, you will need the corresponding device drivers for the Logitech (Saitek) Flight Instrument Panel (FIP). It could be the default drivers (i.e. Logitech Drivers) coming with the FIP, or SPAD.neXt, an enhanced software driver from a third-party developer.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Which Logitech Driver is recommended for the FIP Gauges ?
For FSX and P3D, the recommended Logitech Drivers for my gauges is version 8.0.132.0.

The newer version 8.0.150.0 is also supported, however.

If you are using the driver version 8.0.132.0 without any issue, there is no need to update to the newer version 8.0.150.0 as the new version is using a different file structure which will cause incompatibilty to the gauges you already installed.

If you update your driver to the newer version 8.0.150.0 after installation of my gauges, you will have to reinstall ALL the gauges again. See my Post 521 here.

For X-Plane, the Logitech X-Plane plugin 8.0.132.0 is recommended as the automatic installer of my gauges is based on it.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Can your Gauges be run on Mac (OS) Computer ?
No !

All my gauges are developed to be used under Windows Environment Only.

All my gauges are NOT COMPATIBLE with MacOS, either local or network.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
What is SPAD.neXt ?
Like all computer hardware, the Logitech's Flight Instrument Panel (FIP) requires a dedicated driver (a piece of software) to work with the computer and the flight simulator. The driver is included in the FIP package.

SPAD.neXt is a third-party FIP driver that offers advanced features that are not supported by the Logitech FIP driver. However, SPAD.neXt is a payware and needed to be purchased separately. Details from here: https://www.spadnext.com/home.html

SPAD.neXt is NOT mandatory. But some of my gauges, such as those under the A2A_SPNeXt category, MUST RUN with SPAD.neXt, because these gauges need to work with the extra features provided by SPAD.neXt. Otherwise, these gauges will not function properly.

You could find the driver requirement information in the details of each gauge.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
What is For SPAD.neXt ONLY on the menu bar ?
The For SPAD.neXt ONLY check box is used to filter Gauges that are developed for and to be used with SPAD.neXt ONLY.

If you are using the Logitech FIP drivers, DO NOT choose these Gauges. They will not run properly with the Logitech FIP drivers.

If you are not certain with what you are planning to get, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance first.

ORDER FULFILLMENT

I just placed my order, where is (are) the Download Link(s) ?
At the moment, all orders are processed by hand and my location is in UTC +8.

Therefore, it may take up to 18 hours (mostly shorter) for me to send you the Gauge(s) upon receiving your order(s).

Also, there's a chance that the email containing the Download Link(s) is filtered in your spam folder. Please check if the email is there or not.

If you do not receive the link(s) within 18 hours, contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.

Thanks for your patience.
I am existing user of your Gauges. Will I get Discounts for your other similar Gauges ?
Very likely. Feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com).
The Download Link(s) no long work.
ALL Download Links expire in 7 days from the date of delivery. Please keep the files in a safe place after download for future use.
I make a wrong order, can I Cancel it and Get a Refund ?
It is POSSIBLE ONLY BEFORE the Download Link(s) of the Gauge(s) is (are) sent.

Please understand that my Gauges are software products. Once Download Link(s) is (are) sent, order fulfillment is completed.

Refund is NOT POSSIBLE after Download Link(s) is (are) sent.

Therefore, if you are not certain with what you are planning to get, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance first.

INSTALLATION

Is the Installation of your Gauges Complicated ?
No. Installation is pretty simple.

Each of the gauge package (either BUNDLE or SINGLE) comes with an installer. Just unzip the package and run the installer, then follow the instructions shown on-screen, if any. The whole process involves just a few mouse clicks in general.

See the FIP Gauges Installation Guide here.

If you need assistance, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com).
I am using SPAD.neXt. Can I install your Gauges ?
Yes you can.

Just unzip the package and run the installer. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to select the directory where you want to store the Gauges. Then,
1. Start up SPAD.neXt with the FIPs
2. Go to the FIPs section in SPAD.neXt
3. Select any FIP in your set up
4. Choose the Add Gauge option on the right
5. Click Add Location button on the left to select the directory you just created from the installer.
After specifying the directory where the Gauges are stored, you can then add the Gauges to SPAD.neXt.

See the FIP Gauges Installation Guide here for more information.

COMPATIBILITY

Are your FSX/P3D Gauges Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS / FS2020) ?
YES !

Except those gauges that are specifically developed for X-Plane, all existing FSX/P3D Gauges can be run with the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) via Logitech's MSFS plugin, or the latest FSUIPC, or SPAD.neXt.

BUT DO NOTE THAT since most of my FSX/P3D gauges are originally developed for specific aircraft model in FSX/P3D, their styles and layouts might have some differences from those instruments on the same or similar aircraft in MSFS. Some features, as a result, might not function exactly the same in MSFS as in FSX/P3D.

If any FSX/P3D gauges that are fully matching the styles, layouts and features of similar gauges in MSFS, they'll be marked as FSX/P3D & MSFS or having a remark of For FSX/P3D & MSFS in their Details Information pages.

But again, all other FSX/P3D gauges without the MSFS marking are still compatible with MSFS and can be run in MSFS, except that there might be some differences in styles, layouts and features implemented.

At the moment, a number of MSFS-specific gauges are being developed. They are coming soon.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Are your X-Plane Gauges Compatible with MSFS ?
NO !

They are not compatible with MSFS. The X-Plane Gauges ONLY work in X-Plane.
Are your Gauges compatible with FSX and P3D ?
Yes. Except those gauges that are marked specifically for X-Plane, all my FSX/P3D Gauges are compatible with FSX, FSX-Steam and P3D either via Saitek/Logitech FIP drivers or SPAD.neXt.

If you are not certain with what you are planning to get, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance first.
Are your Gauges compatible with FSX-SE ?
Yes. All my FSX/P3D Gauges are compatible with FSX-SE either via the Saitek/Logitech FIP drivers or SPAD.neXt. See my Post 370 and 371 about activating FIPs in FSX-SE below.

370: Activate Saitek Driver in FSX-SE

371: exe.XML Edit for FSX-SE
Are your Gauges compatible with FS 2004 ?
No.

According to the specifications of the FIP, the hardware is compatible with FSX, P3D and X-Plane running under Windows Environment only.

So my Gauges are NOT COMPATIBLE with FS 2004.
Are your Gauges compatible with X-Plane ?
ONLY those Gauges listed under the XPL (XP-Logitech) and XP_SPNeXt (SPAD.neXt) categories are compatible with X-Plane, and for X-Plane 11 running under Windows Environment only.

XPL (XP-Logitech) Gauges requires the Logitech Plugin for X-Plane.

XP_SPNeXt Gauges requires SPAD.neXt to run properly in X-Plane.

The XPL (XP-Logitech) Gauges and XP_SPNeXt Gauges are NOT COMPATIBLE to each other.

All other Gauges developed for FSX and P3D platforms will not function in X-Plane.

If you are not certain with what you are planning to get, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance first.
Are your Gauges compatible with SPAD.neXt ?
For FSX/P3D, all my Gauges developed for these two platforms are Fully Compatible with SPAD.neXt.

For X-Plane 11, only those Gauges specifically marked with "SPNext" are compatible with SPAD.neXt.

Other X-Plane 11 (XP-Logitech) Gauges are developed to be run under the Logitech Plugin for X-Plane. They are Not Compatible with SPAD.neXt.

If you are not certain with what you are planning to get, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance first.
Are there Guidelines on Selecting Gauges ?
Yes. Here's the FIP Gauges Selection Guide, which general describes how to choose the most appropriate gauges.

If you are not certain with what you are planning to get, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
What are the Differences among Gauges that look Similar ?
Most of my Gauges are developed specifically for specific aircraft in order to achieve the best matches in terms of designs, features, specifications and operation responsiveness.

Surely there are certain kinds of Gauges, such as Attitude Indicators, Directional Gyros, VORs, ADFs, etc, which are less unique to general aircraft, and they may still be operational on a number of different aircraft.

But as said, there will be differences (either subtle or significant) in terms of designs, features, specifications and operation responses while using the Gauges on aircraft they are not developed for.

For those Gauges that are identical and fully operable on more than one aircraft, such as the Wet Compass under FSX/P3D Cessna Shared, I will have the appropriate aircraft models listed with it.

If you have any of my gauges on hand, try it on the aircraft you like to play with to see if it works or not first.

Also, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) if you have questions.
Are your Gauges compatible with Mac OS ?
No !

All my gauges are developed to be used under Windows Environment Only.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.

DOCUMENTATIONS

FIP Gauges Installation Guide
FIP Gauges Installation Guide - A Guide for Gauge Installation

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
FIP Gauges Selection Guide for FSX/P3D Platforms
FIP Gauges Selection Guide - A Guide for selecting the most appropriate Gauges.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.

GAUGES - MSFS (FS2020)

Can your FIP Gauges be run on Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS / FS2020) ?
YES !

Except those gauges that are specifically developed for X-Plane, all existing FIP Gauges for FSX/P3D can be run on the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) via Logitech's MSFS plugin, or the latest FSUIPC, or SPAD.neXt.

BUT DO NOTE THAT since most of the FSX/P3D gauges were originally developed for specific aircraft model in FSX/P3D, their styles and layouts might have some differences from those instruments on the same or similar aircraft in MSFS. Some features, as a result, might not function exactly the same in MSFS as in FSX/P3D.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
MSFS Gauge Comparison Chart
Following is the key instruments charts for all default propellers and turboprops in MSFS implemented or to be implmented. Click image to Enlarge.

Refer here for more information.

Feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance if you have any question.

GAUGES - A2A_SPNext

What is SPNeXt and why is it added to the A2A Group of Gauges ?
SPNeXt is the short form of SPAD.neXt, a third-party driver for the FIP. When it is associated with a gauge or a gauge group, it means that the gauge or the gauge group requires SPAD.neXt to run properly.

Since most gauges developed for A2A aircraft require SPAD.neXt, the short-form of the driver SPNext is therefore added to emphasize the requirement of it.

If you are not certain with what you are planning to get, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Can I run the A2A Gauges with the Logitech FIP Drivers ?
NO.

Most A2A Gauges use local variables (Lvars) that Saitek/Logitech FIP Drivers don’t support.

They can only be run properly with SPAD.neXt.

Although there are a few A2A Gauges don't use Lvars, their designs, features and operation responsiveness are customized for the A2A aircraft specifically in order to get the best match.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Can the Non-A2A Gauges be run on A2A aircraft ?
Yes, some Gauges originally developed for the default or other third-party aircraft can be run on the A2A aircraft. However, it is ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN the A2A aircraft does not require local variables (Lvars) from these Gauges.

Moreover, it is very likely that there are differences in terms of appearances, features, specifications and operation responsiveness when using these Gauges on the A2A aircraft.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Are the A2A Gauges compatible with X-Plane ?
No.

The A2A Gauges are designed specifically for FSX and P3D. They will not function in X-Plane.

ONLY those Gauges listed under the X-Plane categories are compatible with X-Plane 11.

If you are not certain with what you are planning to get, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance first.

GAUGES - Mooney Bravo

Why the L Fuel and R Fuel Indicators on the ENG1_R1E is TURNED OFF by Default ?
Like many small aircraft, the Mooney Bravo doesn't have cross-feed fuel function both in real-life and in simulation.

But in FSX/P3D, when the plane is started with NO tank selected in the first place, it will use both fuel tanks by default. It's a known bug.

On the ENG1 and ENG2,
I put a red LED next to the "L FUEL QTY" and "R FUEL QTY" to indicate the active tank being used, as well as to serve the feature of fuel selectors.

When both LEDs are dimmed while the engine is running, it means NO tank is selected.   In other words, BOTH tanks are used in a "buggy" condition.

To better simulate the situation, either "buggy" or normal:

On ENG1_R1C,
Backgrounds of both L and R Fuel QTY gauges remain ON, and both LEDs in OFF state by default in design.

So simmers can keep flying under the "buggy" situation unnoticeably, if they wish.

After the left or right tank is selected via the knobs on the FIP, the associated LED will turn ON accordingly.   And the plane will return to normal -- meaning no more "buggy" flying with both tanks.

The ENG1_R1E
is the enhanced version of the R1C, on which

Backgrounds and LEDs of both L and R Fuel QTY gauges are by default in OFF state, in order to draw simmers' attention to the "buggy" situation.   And alert them to select a tank via the knobs on the FIP.

Different from the R1C that has both the L and R Fuel QTY turning ON simultaneously,

ONLY the background of the selected tank will be turned ON in this enhanced version. This serves to enforce the recognition of the active tank being used.

GAUGES - Generic G5

Generic G5 PFD Feature Descriptions
Generic G5 HSI Feature Descriptions
Are the Generic G5 Gauges Equivalent to the Real Garmin G5 ?
No !

The Generic G5 Gauges (either the FSX/P3D or the X-Plane version) are NO EQUIVALENT to the real Garmin G5.

The Gauges were developed based on the Garmin G5 and are offering many features and functions available on the Garmin G5 to be played on various Flight Simulators, including FSX, FSX-SE, P3D and X-Plane.

However, they will NOT fully function and operate as the real Garmin G5.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Are the Generic G5 Gauges Operating as the Real Garmin G5 ?
In some ways, yes.

But due to hardware and software differences, the Generic G5 Gauges are in no way be operated the same as the real Garmin G5.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Why Some Features mentioned in the G5 Feature Descriptions Not Functioning ?
All features on the G5 Gauges are functional only when corresponding "signals" are sent from the flight simulator. If the simulator doesn't provide the signal required for a specific feature, the feature, of course, will not be available.

For example, the C172SPs in either FSX/P3D or X-Plane are not equipped with any Flight Director function. Therefore, when the Generic G5 PFD is used with the C172SP, the Flight Director feature on the G5 PFD, of course, will not function.because there are no "Flight Director Signals" sent from the aircraft.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Why Bearing Pointer & Indicator are Not Shown in the Generic G5 HSI ?
The Bearing Pointer and Bearing Indicator on the G5 HSI will only appear when corresponding signals are received from the aircraft. If there are no signals sent from the aircraft, they will not appear.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Why Flight Directors are NOT Shown on the G5 PFD ?
All featuers and functions on the FIP Gauges are based on the signals sent from the aircraft being used.

If the aircraft (say the C172SP) doesn't come with the Flight Director feature, there will be no signals of the Flight Director to be sent from the aircraft to the G5 PFD.

Under such circumstances, the Flight Director (neither single- nor double-cue) of course will not be shown on the G5 PFD.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.

GAUGES - Baron 58

What are the differences between the FSX/P3D Default B58 Gauges and Carenado B58 Gauges ?
Although the FSX/P3D Default B58 and the Carenado B58 are named the same and look identical, the gauges they use are different. The following table highlights the differences between them in terms of appearance and operation compatibility.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.

GAUGES - X-Plane

Are your Gauges compatible with X-Plane running MacOS ?
NO !

All my Gauges are NOT COMPATIBLE with MacOS, either local or network.

They are developed to be used on Logitech's Flight Instrument Panel (FIP) under Windows Environment Only.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
What is XPL and What are XPL Gauges ?
XPL stands for X-Plane Logitech.

So XPL_Gauges are used to classify the group of Gauges running with Logitech X-Plane Plugin under Windows environment.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
What is XP_SPNeXt ?
SPNeXt is the short form of SPAD.neXt, which is a third-party driver for the FIP.

When it is associated with a gauge or a gauge group, it means that the gauge or the gauge group requires SPAD.neXt to run properly.

Since Logitech Plugin and SPAD.neXt can be used to operate FIPs under X-Plane environment, and since the codes required by these two drivers are different, therefore, two different groups of gauges are developed accordingly.

Note that Gauges developed for Logitech Plugin and SPAD.neXt are NOT Interchangeable, and they can ONLY be used under the drivers they are based on.

All Gauges under the XP_SPNext Group CAN ONLY BE RUN with the third-party driver - SPAD.neXt. Remainings are run with the Logitech Drivers.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Can I swap XPL Gauges with XP_SPNext Gauges, or vice versa ?
NO !

They are not compatible to each other and cannot be used interchangeably.

If you are using the Logitech X-Plane plugin for FIPs, select ONLY those Gauges from the XPL category.

If you are using SPAD.neXt, choose ONLY those Gauges from the XP_SPNext group.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
What are the differences between the XPL Gauges and the XP_SPNext Gauges ?
All Gauges under the XPL_Default and XPL_GENERIC Groups are to be run with the Logitech X-Plane plugin.

All Gauges under the XP_SPNext Group are to be run with the third-party driver -- SPAD.neXt.

They XPL Group and XP_SPNext Groups are not compatible to each other nor interchangeable. So, if you are using the Logitech X-Plane plugin for your FIPs, select gauges from the XP_Default and XP_GENERIC categories; otherwise, choose gauges from the XP_SPNext Group.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Are there any instruction about adding Logitech X-Plane Plugin for FIPs ?
See my Post 471: Adding FIP Plugin to X-Plane here

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Can I use the X-Plane Plugin from Saitek for XPL Gauges ?
Although the older X-Plane plugin from Saitek is more or less the same as the new X-Plane plugin from Logitech, it is still recommended to use the newer Logitech X-Plane plugin as the installer of my gauges is based on it.

In addition, the automatic installer WILL NOT WORK with the older Saitek plugin.

Also, using the newer Logitech X-Plane plugin is good for future update as well.

See my Post 471: Adding FIP Plugin to X-Plane here.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
In addition to the XPL and XPL_SPNext Groups of Gauges, are your other Gagues compatible with X-Plane ?
NO !

ONLY those Gauges listed under XPL and XP_SPNext categories are compatible with X-Plane, and mainly X-Plane 11.

All other Gauges designed for FSX/P3D environment will not function in X-Plane environment.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Are your XPL Gauges compatible with X-Plane 10 ?
Yes, in most cases.

All my XPL Gauges are developed for X-Plane 11. However, since virtually all codes (except new ones) in X-Plane 11 are derived from X-Plane 10, the gauges therefore should work in X-Plane 10, as long as the codes being used are the same.

Full compatibility CANNOT be guaranteed, however.
Why the XPL Gauges do not show up or only display the first Gauge on the FIPs after installation ?
This happens when the Gauges are used the first time.

Just load up a flight session in X-Plane. Then press the Up/Down buttons on the FIPs to select the desired gauges you want to display.

The system will be remembered.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Where are the XPL Gauges after installation ?
The XPL Gauges are stored under X-Plane 11's "Resources\plugins\XSaitekProFlight\Data" directory after installation.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
I am using SPAD.neXt. Can I choose XPL Gauges ?
NO !

SPAD.neXt is NOT COMPATIBLE with XPL-Gauges.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Will you complete the XP_SPNext C172SP Set ?
Very likely..

The running of the XP_SPNext Gauges relies on SPAD.neXt.

Since SPAD.neXt has been updated to support more features on the X-Plane side, I will further develop the missing gauges to complete the C172SP set.

UPDATE

Will there be Updates to the Gauges ?
Yes !

Updates are available on a necessarily basis, such as after bugs fixed or new features introduced.
What are the Costs of Updates ?
Virtually all Updates are FREE, unless otherwise specified.
I am using SPAD.neXt. Is there a way to deal with the updates without reinstalling the Gauges again ?
When my Gauges got major updates, they will be installed onto a new folder. Reinstalling the gauges to the SPAD.neXt system again could be quite troublesome, especially when a user has configured the buttons and knobs for the FIP extensively.

My Post 487 describes a relatively simple way to deal with the update, which might eliminate the reinstallation of my Gauges into SPAD.neXt system again completely.

Trouble Shooting A2A

I am using SPAD.neXt. Why some of the A2A_SPNext Gauges not Working ?
Answer 1

The A2A Gauges are made for A2A Aircraft and many of them are aircraft-specific. If you are not running the gauges on the aircraft they are designed for, the gauges may not function at all.

Answer 2

Probably the LVAR Function is DISABLED. Ensure you have the LVAR Support enabled in SPAD.neXt.

Also check if you have the LVAR function activated in the top menu bar in FSX/P3D as the image shown below.

If it is not, enable the "LVAR Access" function, and those Gauges requiring LVAR Functions should now work.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.

Trouble Shooting FSX/P3D

Why the Gauges Look Dark after they are loaded ?
Some of the Gauges come with the "Power Off" feature. Switch on the battery (power) of the aircraft and the Gauges will lit up.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.

Trouble Shooting X-Plane

I am running X-Plane with the Logitech Plugin for FIPs, how can I Remove Gauges No Longer Required ?
Since X-Plane consumes a lot of system memory and so does the FIP gauges, you are recommended to remove those duplicate or unused gauges from your setup to minimize the possibility of system memory. And it is a good practice to keep everything as clean as possible, too.

"Duplicate or Unused Gauges" refers to those gauges you don't use or need any more.

For example, those default gauges that are replaced by my gauges are good ones to be removed, unless you still need them for other aircraft.

To remove the duplicate or unused gauges,

Go to this folder X-Plane 11\Resources\plugins\XSaitekProFlight\Data on your computer.

Open the XPL_LogiPlugin.xml file and search for and delete those gauges no longer required.

Do remember to make a backup copy of the file before the removal, just in case you need the original back in the future.

It's better to create a new Profile using the XPL_GaugeSwitcher utility so that you can access this gauge setup quickly.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.

Trouble Shooting Hardware

Why Some of the Gauges Look Dimmer than the others Gauges ?
The variation in brightness and color intensity is due to the different production period of the FIPs for one reason. Aging also deteriorates the image quality of the FIPs. It's hardware issue that my Gauges could do nothing to help.

Try swapping the Gauges on the FIPs for the display combination that you think best.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
Why Some of the Turning Knobs on the FIPs not working ?
It is a bug in the Logitech (or older Saitek) driver. When the LogiFlightSimX.xml (or SaiFlightSimX.xml) builds up to a certain number (most likely over 15 from my experience), the knob commands assigned to the last gauge (or the last two gauges) sometimes does not function.

Suggested fixes are follows:
1. Move a gauge (or two gauges, or even more) that doesn’t have knob assignments to the end of the list.
2. If solution 1 doesn’t work, further reorder the gauges in the LogiFlightSimX.xml. It might help.
3. If both 1 and 2 don’t help, you’ll probably need to cut down the number of gauges in the LogiFlightSimX.xml.
Solution 1 works most of the time. If not, solution 3 might end up to be the last resort.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.
The FIP Screen is sometimes split and freezed, what happened ?
It happens when the power from USB is not enough for the FIP most of the time. Probably swap the FIP to another USB port or replace another USB hub. Even the USB is new, it may happen that some of the ports are not getting enough power.
Can I use USB 3.0 Hubs for my FIPs ?
In theory, USB 3.0 is downward compatible with USB 2.0; but FIPs are supposed to work best with the USB 2.0 standard.

If the FIPs don't work well with the USB 3.0 hub, you could plug the hub ito a USB 2.0 port on your computer or add a USB 2.0 hub in between the 3.0 one and the PC.

Also, I only turn on my FIPs after the simulator is loaded - whatever FSX, P3D, XP and MSFS. That shortens simulator's startup time and minimizes unexpected problems.

Trouble Shooting Installation

Why Gauges NOT Showing Up after Installation ?
If you are using the Logitech FIP Drivers, you may have to press the Up/Down Buttons on the FIPs in order to choose the newly installed Gauges to be displayed on the screens of the FIPs.

If you are using SPAD.neXt, you'll need to further add the Gauges to SPAD.neXt via SPAD.neXt's built-in FIP function.

Feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance if you have any question.
During installation, I got a Logitech Drivers or Plugins Not Found ! error. What should I do ?
Run the installer as "Administrator" if you are sure the Logitech Drivers or Plugins are installed.

If you have any question, feel free to contact me (tom.fsxtimes@gmail.com) for assistance.