Garmin 500 for FSX

[DaveC3]

I was using RealityXP's Garmin 530 with FS9. I built a standalone interface including PSone screen. It worked very well. When I moved to FSX the RealityXP program would no longer work. I was stuck with the the default FSX GPS. The problem was there was a frame and soft controls that were were taking up valuable space on the small PS-1 screen. I did a little research and managed to modify the fs9gps.cab file specifically the gps_500.xml. I removed the frame and enlarged the map image by modifying a few lines of code. I have attached a picture.

For those of you that may be interested in the fs9gps.cab file drop me a line at the e-mail below. You also need to make some changes to your aircraft panel.cfg file. In my case Kingair 350, the GPS window is window02.


[Window02]
size_mm=350,260 //456,378
window_size=1
position=8
BACKGROUND_COLOR=0,0,0
VISIBLE=0
ident=GPS_PANEL

gauge00=fs9gps!gps_500, 0,0

I changed the size from 456,378 to 350, 260. It fills the screen nicely.

If you have any questions just drop me a line. dcutliff@verizon.net

Thanks
Dave

[Michael Carter]

I'd be much more interested in how you got the PS1 running.

I have one here that I hacked using instructions found on the web, but all I could do was get it to turn on. I never did get a picture on it even using Power strip.

I know I messed it up somewhere but after checking connections and solder points until I was blue in the face I gave it up.

[DaveC3]

I am using the composite video out of my video card. I tried the RGB hacks but I did not see any difference. The PS1 has a special video connector that has video and left and right sound that plus into the back of the screen. You should be able to find a cable if one did not come with your screen. It is always possible to mess something up doing the mods. Try the composite video, it may work for you.

Thanks
Dave

[BlackWidow]

BSW i have a hacked PSone and I can get an image but i need a better video card which card are you useing? I have read that makes a difference.

[Michael Carter]

I was tying to get an NTSC-type Sony brand, PS1 working.

I don't think I'm going to fool with it anymore. I'll just buy a monitor ready to go. I wasted too much time on it already.

I can wire up a functional Sperry SP-50 auto pilot from a 727 but can't get a little bitty TFT screen to work.

[DaveC3]

BlackWidow

I am using a intel video card with a Geforce 8600 GT chipset. It also worked wit my old machine with a ATI board.

Dave

[BlackWidow]

I get it to work when i use my Geforce 4 but then i am using my PM with a video card on the MB and the image quality is dismal so I have to use the Geforce 4 for PM but then i cant get the PSOne to work well the other way LOL its a no win situtaion for both. It sucks because I do have a FX 5200 just sitting around but the PC i want to use it in wont accept the card.

[wollo]

guys, ive tinkered with powerstrip until I have a superb picture on two vga modded psone screens, I'm about to go for number 3. This might be a bit harder as its not an official sony brand one. It doesn't have the pcb mounted behind the screen so should be a lot easier to integrate. It is worth the effort IMHO.
Dave, are you able to run in fullscreen? I couldn't get that to work and have shelved the MSFS GPS because of this.
Bill.

[DaveC3]

Bill

Mine works in full screen. However I have to move it to the PSone screen every time I start. Saving the session does not seem to keep it in the proper position.

Dave

[magicaldr]

The good news is that reality XP have said they plan to port most of their stuff to FSX, bad news is it is taking a long time and no dates yet out there (that I saw on their forums) for the GPS.