Space Shuttle

[Thorsten]

I've started to convert the setText to the performance-friendlier updateText and setTextFast methods - however I added these to the canvas API just two days ago, so you need a *really* fresh FGData (you can just copy Nasal/canvas/api.nas from the repo if you don't want to reinstall everything.

https://sourceforge.net/p/flightgear/fg ... as/api.nas

If that's the correct diagnosis, there should be an error message that enableUpdate (or enableFast, whichever is encountered first) is not an available method, and the resulting Nasal runtime error prevents the whole MDU framework from loading, at which point you get to see the bare SVG with all layers on top of each other.

The good part is that this will save tons of property I/O and allow a faster MDU update cycle.

[amalahama]

Thanks Thorsten! I will try at home later and tell you whether it's fixed now.

Regards

[Thorsten]

I've just pushed an option to specify how many MDUs are initialized. Initializing less than all 11 displays will lead to faster startup (interesting for developing), faster update cycles for each MDU and likely also better framerates as the canvas code is less busy.

To use the option, append

--prop:/sim/config/shuttle/mdu-groups=num

to the commandline where num = [1..4].

Group 1 will activate three CDR-side displays, group 2 will add three more center displays, group 3 will activate the rest on the front console and group 4 adds the two rear displays (note - you can't selectively run a group, e.g. have only aft displays).

This is a startup-option which can't be changed runtime, de-selected MDUs will be off and stay off no matter what you do with the switches, it's *not* the same as switching an MDU off in-sim.

[Thorsten]

Newest pet project: visualize zero gravity by having objects float around the flightdeck. Watching the manual drift every time you fire a thruster or have it bounce around and slowly tumble onward after a collision is actually hilarious.

[Johan G]

I cringe on the mere thought of (real life) larger loose objects flipping switches or pressing buttons by accident.

Also, I wonder what the more common loose objects typically would be. I assume it would be small objects used more often, like pens, but my Google-fu seems a bit off today...

[Thorsten]

I cringe on the mere thought of (real life) larger loose objects flipping switches or pressing buttons by accident

See the switches in the background? That's why they all have switch guards.

Also, I wonder what the more common loose objects typically would be.

Anything really - tools, pens, folders, laptop computers,...

[japreja]

Newtons Laws in space on the ISS as it accelerates.

I think that is pretty cool that you can do the same in FlightGear.

[Thorsten]

After some coordinate transformation woes, you can now use the Shuttle to find objects in the night sky - I've activated the automatic celestial object tracking routines.

Basically you just need to enter TGT ID 5, RA and DEC into OPS 201, specify a body axis and call the tracking routines, and the AP will point the body axis for you.

If you're looking for a particular star, look up the coords, call the routine, and you'll find the FG equivalent under the HUD boresight (modulo the tracking accuracy, current attitude errors and DAP deadbanding...). I have enjoyed this function on the southern sky on which I can't readily find my way.

[japreja]

@Thorsten
Just a heads up, I just submitted the launchpad yesterday and it was accepted. The position/rotation/elevation might need some tweaking. There is a tower that will probably protrude through the pad but my request to have it deleted was denied. The model may start showing up in a few days if you enable terrasync.

[japreja]

@Thorsten
Is this the Air Data Probe you need modeled? I pulled the image from Space Shuttle Technical Conference Part 1, it has a bit more detail than the Crew Ops Manual image. Air data systems starts on PDF Page 335. This and Space Shuttle Technical Conference Part 2 have a boatload of information from the first 5 flights.

[Thorsten]

No, we don't have a 3d model of the air data probe or an animation of its deployment (though the air data system is internally modeled in great detail).

[wlbragg]

New "detailed" mesh lightmaps are finished.

[jarl.arntzen]

Crikey! I honestly thought both screenshots were photographs for 5 seconds. (So did my son passing my desk here) Fantastic job on those lightmaps and the shuttle in general!

[icecode]

Incredible. The level of detail is outstanding, can't wait to try it out!

[Catalanoic]

Top-level quality! This type of work is well requested for some FG-fans and other paid simulator users awaiting to saw developed someof commercial or famous aircraft, but i think this Shuttle is cornerstone of singular work compatible with FG and availible for all, an example to follow and the best practice!!
Thanks