Back to FSX Times
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
    •

  •   (234)
  • A2A (SPNeXt)  (29)
  • Carenado  (69)
  • FSX / P3D  (84)
  • GENERIC  (12)
  • Lionheart  (5)
  • MilViz  (12)
  • RealAir  (23)
  •   (29)
  • X-Plane (Logitech)  (23)
  • X-Plane (SPNeXt)  (6)
  • By Instrument   (263)
  • Create Your Own Bundle
    with any 3 Gauges or More
    Contact me for Discount
  • Freeware   (11)
    ORDER FULFILLMENT
    • I just placed my order, where is the Download Link?

      At the moment, all orders are processed by hand and my location is in UTC +8.

      Therefore, it may take up to 24 hours (mostly shorter) for me to send you the Gauges upon receiving your order(s).

      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 for discounts

    SYSTEM REQUIREMENT
    • What hardware is required to use your 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 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.

    • What software is required to use your 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 Saitek/Logitech)Flight Instrument Panel (FIP).   It could be the default drivers coming with the device, or SPAD.neXt, an enhanced software driver from a third-party developer.

    INSTALLATION
    • Is 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.

    • I am using SPAD.neXt.   How can I install your Gauges?

      Unzip the package and run the installer.  Follow instructions on 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 to be stored, you can then install the Gauges onto SPAD.neXt.

      See the FIP Gauges Installation Guide here for more information.

    • 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 one has configured the buttons and knobs on the FIP extensively.

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

    COMPATIBILITY
    • Are your Gauges compatible with FSX and P3D?

      Yes. Except those gauges developed for X-Plane, all my other Gauges are compatible with FSX, FSX-Steam and P3D either via Saitek/Logitech FIP drivers or SPAD.neXt.

    • Are your Gauges compatible with FSX-SE?

      Yes. Except those gauges developed for X-Plane, all my other 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 idea, as I never used FS 2004 before.

      However, if you can run the original Saitek Gauges coming with the FIPs, it’s very likely that my Gauges can be run under FS 2004 as well.

    • Are your Gauges compatible with X-Plane?

      ONLY the Gauges listed under the X-Plane (Logitech) and X-Plane (SPAD.neXt) category are compatible with X-Plane, and for X-Plane 11 only. 

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

      Should you have any question, feel free to contact me before your purchase.   Please understand that once download links are sent, refund will not be possible.

    • Are your Gauges compatible with SPAD.neXt?

      Yes.  All my Gauges are fully compatible with SPAD.neXt, except the X-Plane (Logitech) Group.

      ALSO NOTE that all my Gauges are designed specifically for FSX or P3D platform, except the Gauges listed under the X-Plane categories.

      The Gauges will function properly ONLY with the correct simulator.

    • Are there guidelines on selecting the right Gauges?

      Yes.  Here's the FIP Gauges Selection Guide. 

    • What are the differences among Gauges that look similar to each other?

      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.

      Feel free to contact me if you have questions.

    DOCUMENTATIONS
    • FIP Gauges Installation Guide

      FIP Gauges Installation Guide - A Guide for Gauge Installation

    • FIP Gauges Selection Guide for FSX/P3D Platforms

      FIP Gauges Selection Guide - A Guide for selecting the correct Gauges

    • Generic G5 PFD Feature Descriptions

    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 I developed for A2A aircraft require SPAD.neXt, the third-party driver, to run properly on the FIP, the short-form of the driver (SPNext) is therefore added to emphasize the requirement of it.

    • Can I run the A2A Gauges with the Saitek/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.

    • Will the non-A2A Gauges run on A2A aircraft?

      It is possible that some Gauges originally developed for the default or other third-party aircraft can be run on the A2A aircraft, AS LONG AS the A2A aircraft does not use local variables (Lvars) and accepts standard FS Commands while running these Gauges.

      However, 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.

    • Are the A2A Gauges compatible with X-Plane?

      No, the A2A Gauges are designed specifically for FSX or P3D.   They will not function in X-Plane.

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

       

    GAUGES - Mooney Bravo
    • Why the ＂L Fuel and R Fuel＂ on the ENG1_R1E is always in OFF state?

      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 - 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.

    GAUGES - X-Plane
    • What is (SPNeXt) and why are there two X-Plane Groups - X-Plane (Logitech) and X-Plane (SPNext)?

      (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 Saitek/Logitech drivers 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 they are not interchangeable, and they can ONLY be used under the drivers they are based on.

      All FIP Gauges under the X-Plane (Logitech) Group run on Saitek/Logitech X-Plane drivers.

       All FIP Gauges under the X-Plane (SPNext) Group run on SPAD.neXt, the third-party driver. 

    • What are the differences between the X-Plane (Logitech) and X-Plane (SPNext) Gauges?

      All FIP Gauges under the X-Plane (Logitech) Group run on Saitek/Logitech X-Plane drivers.

      All FIP Gauges under the X-Plane (SPNext) Group run on SPAD.neXt, a third-party driver.

      They are not compatible to each other and cannot be interchanged.   So, if you are using the Saitek/Logitech X-Plane drivers for your FIPs, select gauges from the X-Plane (Logitech) category; otherwise, choose gauges from the X-Plane (SPNext) Group.

    • Can I swap X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges with X-Plane (SPNext) Gauges, or vice versa?

      NO

      They are not compatible to each other and cannot be interchanged.  

      If you are using the Saitek/Logitech X-Plane drivers for your FIPs, ONLY select gauges from the X-Plane (Logitech) category.

      However, if you are using SPAD.neXt, you'll still be able to run the X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges alongside with SPAD.neXt, as long as you Disable the FIP Support under DEVICES of SETTINGs in SPAD.neXt.

      IMPORTANT: The X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges will crash if the FIP support in SPAD.neXt is NOT disabled.

    • I am using SPAD.neXt.   Can I use the X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges?

      YES, but only to a certain degree.

      As long as you Disable the FIP Support under DEVICES of SETTINGs in SPAD.neXt, you'll be able to run the X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges alongside with SPAD.neXt.

      DO NOTE THAT

      1. The X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges will crash if the FIP support in SPAD.neXt is NOT disabled.

      2. Extra features provided by SPAD.neXt may not function probably in this setup.

      Therefore, the using of the two drivers simultaneously is Not Recommended.

    • Which X-Plane Driver should I use for the X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges?

      Although the older Saitek X-Plane addon is more or less the same as the new Logitech X-Plane addon, it is recommended to use the new Logitech X-Plane plugin as the installer of my gauges is based on it.

      Also, it is good for future update as well.

    • In addition to the Gauges listed under the X-Plane Groups, are your other Gagues compatible with X-Plane?

      NO

      The Gauges listed under the X-Plane (Logitech) and X-Plane (SPNext) categories are the ONLY Gauges compatible with X-Plane, and mainly X-Plane 11. 

      All other Gauges are designed specifically for FSX or P3D environment.   They will not function in X-Plane environment.

    • Are your X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges compatible with X-Plane 10?

      Yes, in most cases.

      All my X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges are developed for X-Plane 11.  However, since many codes in X-Plane 11 are derived from X-Plane 10, the gauges therefore work in X-Plane 10 in most cases, as long as the codes being used are the same. 

      However, full-feature compatibility CANNOT be guaranteed.

    • Why the X-Plane (Logitech) Gauge Set does not show up or only display the first Gauge on the FIPs?

      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 them to display.

      The system will be remembered.

    • Where are the X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges after installation ?

      The X-Plane (Logitech) Gauges are stored under X-Plane 11's "ResourcespluginsXSaitekProFlightData" directory.

    • Will you complete the X-Plane (SPNext) C172SP Set?

      Not Sure. 

      The running of the X-Plane (SPNext) Gauges are dependent on SPAD.neXt. 

      If SPAD.neXt resumes updating its features 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.  All my Gauges are updated on a necessary basis, such as after bugs are fixed or new features are introduced.

    • What are the costs of updates?

      None.  All Gauge updates are FREE.

    TROUBLE SHOOTING
    • Why the Gauges aren’t shown up after Installation via the Installer?

      After installation, you may have to press the Up/Down Buttons on the FIPs to select and display the newly installed Gauges.

    • Why some of the Gauges look dimmer on the FIPs than the others?

      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 couldn't do anything to help.

      Try swapping the Gauges on the FIPs for the dispaly compo that you think best.

    • Why the knobs on some of my FIPs not working?

      It is a bug in the Saitek driver.   When the 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 SaiFlightSimX.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 SaiFlightSimX.xml.

      Solution 1 works most of the time.   If not, solution 3 might end up to be the last resort.

    • I got a ＂SaiFlightSimX.xml Not Found＂ error while running the Installer. What has gone wrong?

      1)
      If you DON'T have the Saitek FIP Drivers installed, the error will occur.

      2)
      If you DO have the Saitek FIP Drivers installed, the "SaiFlightSimX.xml" is probably renamed to "SaiFlightSimX_Backup01.xml" due to interruption during installation.

      To correct this error, just rename the "SaiFlightSimX_Backup01.xml" back to "SaiFlightSimX.xml" in the "ProFlight FSX Plugin" or "DirectOutput" directory.   That should solve the issue.

    • Why the Gauges look dark after they are loaded?

      Switch on the battery (power) of the aircraft.  The gauges will turn on.

Back to top
 ● Refund is Not Possible after Download Links are Sent.          ● All Gauges are Subject to Change without Prior Notice.
COPYRIGHT © TOM TSUI of FSX Times
DESIGNED & DEVELOPED BY HEYSON TSUI