JeeHellWare A320 FMGS Installation Guide

Version B32.1

JeeHellWare

A320 FMGS

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CONTENTSClick on a chapter in the table below to jump directly to its page.

Recent additions/modifications are marked with the symbol.

1.Foreword.......................................................................................3

2. Read Carefully before installation.............................................52.1. Compatible Operating Systems...................................................................52.2. Interface to Microsoft Flight Simulator ...................................................52.3. NavData .....................................................................................................52.4. Flight Simulator A320 Flight Model.............................................................62.5. If an older version is already installed........................................................62.6. One or more Computers?.............................................................................62.7. Airbus Style Fonts.........................................................................................7

3. Installation....................................................................................83.1. Installer...........................................................................................................83.2. Axis Calibration Buttons Setup..............................................................10

4.Starting the software..................................................................154.1. Starter...........................................................................................................154.2. Updates ....................................................................................................154.3.Minimized applications................................................................................164.4. Check it works.............................................................................................164.5. Setup Screen displays (size, rotation, position)......................................174.6. Auto Pilot and Fly-By-Wire.........................................................................184.7.You're now ready to use JeeHellWare A320 FMGS...................................19

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).........................................20

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1. Foreword

A320 FMGS software is a freeware solution to replicate the real Airbus A320's FlightManagement & Guidance System (FMGS) and main electronic instruments for Microsoft'sFlight Simulator. My aim with this software is to achieve the greatest realism possible,given the limitations of FS, my free time and my programming skills. As of this writing, thefollowing systems are (partially) modeled:

FMGS

AP/FD & FBW

Primary Flight Display (PFD)

Navigation Display (ND)

Flight Control Unit (FCU)

Multifunction Control & Display Unit (MCDU)

Engine /Warning Display (E/WD)

Status Display (SD)

Overhead panel and subsequent ACFT systems

Brakes triple indicator

Stand-By instruments

I started this project to fit my home-cockpit hardware. The commercial alternatives are veryexpensive, their price tag is prohibitive regarding the money I want to spend on a FShobby.

All commands can be interfaced with hardware through FSUIPC.

The Software can be interfaced with the following hardware (non exhaustive list): OpenCockpits IOcards, Flight Deck Solutions (including FCU Glare3 and MCDU), CPFlight (FCU / EFIS / Glare Wings), CockpitPassion, Skalarki I/O, CockpitSonic.

Check the manufacturer guide, and also the Hardware Module folder after installation.

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If you have any questions, remarks or anything you want to say, you can do so either viae-mail ( jeehell at jeehell.org) or through MyCockpit.org forums.

This Guide details how to install the software on one or more computers.

DISCLAIMER:

This software is by no means related to Airbus, EADS or any affiliated group. It isintended to use only as a recreational software together with Microsoft FlightSimulator. Do not use as a part of training toward any kind or aeronauticalcertification, be it private pilot or commercial pilot training.

This software should cause no harm to your computer. In the very unlikely eventdamage occurred to your system, I won't take any liability. Use at your own risk.

The use and distribution of this software in any professional environment isprohibited without a proper licence. Check the License.txt file to know whatare the rights you have with this version.

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JeeHell A320 FMGSCo-written with Michel PICQUE

Copyright 2014 Jean Luc NITARD

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2. Read Carefully before installation

2.1. Compatible Operating SystemsYou need a PC with MS Windows running. It has been tested successfully withXP(32bits) and Seven (64bits), it should work with Vista and Windows 8, and won'twork on any other OS such as Linux, OSX, ...

2.2. Interface to Microsoft Flight Simulator

Flight Simulator 2004 (FS9): the communication with Flight Simulator is based onPeter Dowson's FSUIPC module (please always use the latest one) for FS9

FSX / P3D: the communication with Flight Simulator is based on SimConnect (you do not need any third party software). Note for FSX: you need both ServicePacks 1&2 for FSX (or FSX Acceleration ).

2.3. NavData Before launching installation, you should install the navigation database (navdata)

Caution : current version of JeeHellWare A320 FMGS B32 does NO longer useNavigraph Level-D 767 navdata.

The only supported format so far is included in Aerosoft NavDataProexclusively available through Aerosoft :

Aerosoft does not offer so far a test database, you'll have to buy at least oneAIRAC.

They provide AIRACs roughly on the same terms as Navigraph You'll find NavDataPro user guide on the Aerosoft website (English and

German).

Once you've installed NavdataPro on the FS computer, you need to select the JeeHellWare format. Do not change the default installation path.

Once JeeHellWare A320 FMGS is installed, you should get a file named navrecord.dat , which size is around 66MB, in C:\A320FMGS\Navdata1 andC:\A320FMGS\Navdata2 folder.If not, you'll have to look for that file in the path where NavDataPro installed it, and

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copy it manually to those 2 folders mentioned above.

2.4. Flight Simulator A320 Flight ModelThis software uses proprietary autopilot and FBW systems. They are only tuned tothe specially modded iFDG A320 package provided with the software (FS9 or FSXversion depending on your system).During installation, you'll have to select thr correct model, FS9 or FSX, according tothe FS version you run.The default, A321 model of FSX, and third party addons, are not compatible withJeeHellware A320 FMGS.

2.5. If an older version is already installed

Prior to B22 version, there was no installer, and no traces in Windows registry. Youcan simply delete the FMGS folder and files.

Since B22 version, you can uninstall using the uninstaller wizard in FMGS folder.You can also uninstall from Windows Configuration Panel.

You can keep the configuration files between each versions.

2.6. One or more Computers?

JeeHellWare A320 FMGS can be installed on a single computer where FS 9/X runs. Such a setup is useful to test the software and get to know it. But you'll find

yourself quickly limited by performance... You'll also have issues with multiple screens etc... wand won't have the

greatest experience possible.JeeHellWare A320 FMGS is designed to work on home network suing aserver/client architecture.

The Server, along with AP/FBW and a few other software, must be installedon FS computer.

The other satellite applications (PFD, ND, MCDU, Overhead, EWD, SD,STBY Airspeed Indicator, STBY Altimeter (FT and metre), STBY Horizon,DDRMI, Clock, ISIS, Triple Brakes Indicator), can be installed on remotecomputers linked by your network.

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2.7. Airbus Style Fonts

Thanks to Christoph Paulus, the FMGS software comes with two fonts replicating theAirbus style. The AirbusFMGSMCDU.ttf is dedicated to the MCDU whileAirbusFMGSScreens.ttf can be used for all other DU's (PFD, ND, E/WD and SD)

These fonts were kindly donated to my project, but remain the intellectual propertyof Christoph. Do not redistribute them without his consent. You can contact him through hisweb site www.dalpi.de.

The fonts will be installed automatically by the installer.

I really would like to thank Christoph for the work he has done!!

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3. Installation

3.1. Installer

Since B22 version, the software has an installer application.

Avoid installing in a folder such as C:\Program files ! It is recommended to keep thedefault path : C:\A320FMGS .

The installer will ask which components to install. Install only the components you need onthat computer.

Do not forget to select the hardware modules if you use them.

If you're a beginner with this software, you may select all software components; But onlyinstall the FMGS Server on the FS Computer!

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If you use several computers, you' ll need to run the installer on each of them. Select onlythe required components.

Once the installer has copied all the files, you'll see this important window pop-up:

If this is the computer where FS is running, the box at the top of the window should beautomatically checked.If this is a remote computer, the box is unchecked, and is required to fill in the IP addressof the Server computer (where FS runs). This is a very important step!Do not modify the default ports, unless you need to (port routing...). Clicking on theDefault values button will reset to default settings.Clicking Done will finish the installation.

Leave the Setup Joysticks box checked, particularly if you're a beginner. It willautomatically launch the joystick and axis calibration window for you.

You can still access this configuration application called FMGS_Config.exe inFMGS Server folder.

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3.2. Axis Calibration Buttons Setup

The axis calibration application runs at the end of the installation, as stated above.

It is recommended to deactivate joystick assignments both in FS and in FSUIPC, toavoid conflicts.

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To calibrate an axis, click in the corresponding white box, then move the joystick axis youwant to configure until it is detected..

A window pops up to allow calibration: you have to mode the axis to the max/min/middleposition and click on the button corresponding to the position the axis is in.

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The cursor indicates the current position of the axis and the blue area is the neutral zone,in which the axis has no effect.

Do not hesitate to fill in relatively big neutral zones (around 2000 to 4000 is usually OK forregular joysticks)

AILERONS is the roll axis, ELEVATORS is the pitch axis, RUDDER is the yaw axis, TILLER is the nose wheel steering axis. LEFT BRK et RIGHT BRK are the differential braking axis. CPT is for Captain side, FO for First Officer side.

Regarding the Thrust Levers (THR LVR 1 & 2 for engine 1 & 2), click on THR LVR1 : leftdown area of the application becomes active, allows you, depending on your setup, toconfigure a single axis for both levers or one axis for each lever.

Tuning the course of the Levers: Put your lever at the maximum thrust position, select TOGA in the list. Put an error

of about 1000 then click the Set button. Move now your lever to what would be your FLX/MCT position (not too far from

TOGA, but quite more than the error you put above). Select FMX/MCT in the list,put an error of 1000 to 3000, click Set.

Repeat for each detent.. Note that if you leave an error of 0 or a too small value, you may not be able

to select the proper detents, and it will have effects on the flight handling! Fine tune after trials to get the best values you need for error around each

detents. Clicking on Save Controls Configuration will save the settings you've applied already. Itis a good idea to save regularly your work when configuring.

SPOILERS axis is configured on the same principles as ailerons or elevators axis.

FLAPS axis is a bit different (see next picture) : the window offers five positions. Put thelever in each position then click the button corresponding to it. Do not forget to put an errorzone again!

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You can also use axis configured in SIOC. First declare them in SIOC Creator : see Expert Guide (separate document). Then do exactly as you would with a regular joystick!

Clicking DUs Dimmers Potentiometers button, will allow you to setup the dimmerpotentiometer for PFDs,NDs,MCDUs,SD & EWD screens.

Joystick Buttons : you can also use joystick buttons to operate almost anyswitches/buttons of the cockpit.

Click on Joystick Buttons button, a new window appears (see next picture).

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Push a joystick button, it's joystick number and button number will appear. In the list to the right, select the function you want to assign. You can setup the button as a toggle button (action only when pushed in), or a

button with separate action for push and release. You can also invert the action (Onwhen released, OFF when pushed).

Assign Action saves the assignment, Delete Action deletes it. When done with all switches, click on Finished . Don't forget to save the entire configuration by clicking on Save Controls

Configuration

Congratulation ! JeeHellWare A320 FMGS installation is now over and we can checkthe software is running properly.

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4. Starting the software

4.1. Starter

The Starter is a little application configured by the installer on each computer andnamed Starter.exe. When you launch (or close) it, it will run (or close) all the softwareneeded (FMGS Server, AP/FBW, PFD, etc...).

The software can still be launched manually, but the starter is the recommended way ofdoing it.

Important note on security software : Some of the software included in A320FMGS maybe blocked or deleted by security software such as anti-virus or firewall applications.Several users reported issues with Avast. The best way to deal with it is to configure yoursecurity software to allow the use of my applications.

Notes on NavData : It is necessary (at least once after installation) to run A320 FMGSbefore Flight Simulator. The little application FMGS_NavData will browse the FSscenery files to build it's own data base. Let it run until it minimizes itself to the tray, thenrunb FS.

4.2. Updates

The starter will automatically launch an update tool which checks online if a new update isavailable.

Updater.exe may trigger firewall alarms (see no above on security software).

Follow the instructions of the application to download the new version if available.

Note : if you installed the software on more than one computer, you need to run the updateon each computer of your network. Otherwise, you may get errors while running thesoftware.

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4.3. Minimized applications

Some applications are run in a minimized state after start up.

Those are necessary ; do not close them as long as you are using JeeHellWare A320FMGS.

When closing the tarter application, all different windows will close as well.

4.4. Check it works

At this stage, it is possible to check your installation and setup are correct.

As in the real aircraft in cold & dark cockpit, all your screens and buttons are not lit.

Check:

PFD, ND, EWD, SD = black screens.

OVHD = all Korries (switches with built in LEDs) off.

Server says Connected for all components (even for remote PCs).

No error messages linked to the software, navdata or else

No blocking message (such as anti virus or firewall alerts).

On the OVHD panel, click on BAT1 & BAT2 korries (indication OFF comes white).

Check:

Korries = most OFF indications come white.

PFD, ND, EWD ; SD = displays go live.

Note : connection of the applications to the server can also be checked by doing a rightclick then option, on each application.

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4.5. Setup Screen displays (size, rotation, position)

Move the screens/instruments by drag & drop : click on the software, move around,then release mouse button.

Using the right click menu (picture below): Make sure Hide border is not checked. You can now resize as any regular

window. You may check it again to hide the border line. Click Rotate (counter)clockwise to rotate the display by +/-90 (FCU, EFIS et

Overhead cannot be rotated). Always on top will make sure the instrument is always in the foreground. Lock position will make sure you cannot accidentally move the window around. Click on Save Settings every time you make a change (position,size,etc) to save

for next time. Set AA Allows you to set the level of Anti-Aliasing. 4X seems a good value.

When you save the settings, they are stored in a file called XXX.ini , where XXX is theinstrument name. Delete that file to restore manufacture settings.

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4.6. Auto Pilot and Fly-By-Wire

The AP / FD and FBW systems are handled in a separate module ran along FMGS. ThisAP / FBW must be running !

Check in the drop-down menu AP/FBW coefficients, that PA320 coefficients areselected (they should be by default).

Rappel : JeeHellWare A320 FMGS installs the required flight model duringinstallation (see chapter 2.4). Only advanced user should change the model and/or theAP/FBW coefficients.

If you should encounter difficulties while running the FBW in manual flight, check theoption "disable FBW". You will lose all FBW features, and the aircraft will apply joystickposition directly to the flight governs.

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4.7. You're now ready to use JeeHellWare A320 FMGS...

You should by now have installed and set up everything needed to perform your first flight.

Please read the User Guide (separately available) which you'll find helpful to conductyour first flights.

Read the Experts Guide (separately available) where the following points are detailed:

Terrain data ( EGPWS terrain data ) to show with TERR ON ND .

SIOC/Opencockpits integration as hardware interface.

: Those two documents are under rewrite as of now, and should be soon available.

Also read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) right after this chapter in case you runinto issues.

Have a nice flight !!!

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5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Q1. I want to see what the instruments look like, what do I have to do?

R. A. You need to install the FMGS on your FS computer, then simply run theinstruments separately. You NEED to launch the OVHD in order to switch onelectrical power. Electrical Power can be switched on by either:

turning on the APU (make sure batteries and fuel pumps are ON)

connecting the External Power (Add-on Menu EXT PWR) then click onthe AVAIL korry and make sure Bus tie is ON.

Q2. I move my joysticks and throttle levers in all directions, but nothing movesinside FS?

R. You first need to setup your Controls in the FMGS Config.exe software! Checkchapter 3.2 of this guide.

Q3. Can everything run on the network?R. In theory yes. But it is MORE THAN LIKELY that you'll have troubles if youdeport the FMGS server and the AP/FBW. Those two modules should stay on theFlight Simulator computer.

Q4. All instruments and panels are black...R. You need electrical power, see the first question...

Q5. Is it mandatory to use analog axis for the side-sticks an thrust levers?R. If you want to actually fly, yes. There is no way to accurately emulate thejoysticks/throttle with keyboard equivalents, you need at least 4 axis (on 1 or morejoysticks)

Q6. I use FSUIPC to command the OVHD inputs, do I nevertheless need to launchthe OVHD software? And what about the upper OVHD?

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R. Yes, the OVHD software contains the whole logic as well as the graphicinterface. However, you can rescale it to your need or minimize it to the task bar, tohide it. The upper OVHD can be closed, it's logic is contained in the lower OVHDprocess.

Q7. Most cfg files in the FMGS folders are unreadable?R. The files that are not readable must not be modified by hand, they are createdand modified by the software only.

Q8. The instruments are ON, but PFD and ND only show red flags such as HDG orATT?

R. You need to align the IRS. To do so on the upper OVHD: switch on the ADRs on the upper OVHD

Switch the IRs selectors on NAV (normal alignment, for a quick alignment,select them back OFF then back NAV again quickly)

When IRS alignment is complete, you need to initialize the IRS positionthrough the MCDU INIT A page, after departure and destination fields arefilled.

Read the User Guide for more information.

Q9. I cannot start the engines, help!!R. To start an engine, it needs:

Electricity: make sure batteries are on, and APU or External PWR is used

Bleed Air: either from the APU Bleed (make sure it is switched ON) or fromthe ground HP (add-on menu GND HP). For the Engine N2, make sure theX-Bleed valve is open.

Then on the upper OVHD, go to the Engine start panel (you can make itappear in the right click menu). Place the mode selector on IGN/START, thenflick the engine master switches ON.

Read the User Guide for more information.

Q10. I want to use only the PFD, ND and ECAMs, is it possible?R. No. This software is designed as whole, if you want to skip the systems logic,

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you'd miss a lot of the functions that are not by default in FS9 or FSX. The point ofthis software is to produce a realistic complete A320 experience, withoutcompromises.

Q11. I've just aligned the IRS1 and initialized the position on INITA page in theMCDU. The captain ND is showing the map but the FO one is still displaying redflags.

R. Under normal operations, CAPT ND receives data from IR1, whereas FO NDreceives dat from IR2. The IR3 provides data for both sides as a backup. It is goodpractice to align the three IRS at the same time, before engine start.

Read the User Guide for more information..

Q12. I've upgraded my preexisting installation to the latest beta release of the suite.When I launch an instrument (FCU, ND, etc) it shows the error --- is not a validBoolean value or a similar error.

R. You probably forgot to update some of the instruments. All .exe files have to bereplaced, even on clients computers.

Q13. I'm having any kind of troubles, can I contact you? R. Of course, but first check your installation is complete, as stated in thisInstallation Guide ! Check particularly:

Axis and buttons are configured Tall necessary instruments are running (including minimized software). Network is configured Your anti-virus or firewall is not blocking any application You studied thoroughly this Installation Guide

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1. Foreword2. Read Carefully before installation2.1. Compatible Operating Systems2.2. Interface to Microsoft Flight Simulator2.3. NavData 2.4. Flight Simulator A320 Flight Model2.5. If an older version is already installed2.6. One or more Computers?2.7. Airbus Style Fonts

3. Installation3.1. Installer3.2. Axis Calibration Buttons Setup

4. Starting the software4.1. Starter4.2. Updates 4.3. Minimized applications4.4. Check it works4.5. Setup Screen displays (size, rotation, position)4.6. Auto Pilot and Fly-By-Wire4.7. You're now ready to use JeeHellWare A320 FMGS...

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)