The Ultimate PSS 777 FDE Tweak

[twasono 3]

============================================THE ULTIMATE PSS 777 FDE TWEAK (Version 1.0)============================================Background:===========I am a big fans of Boeing 777, since the aircraft have a very masculine looks.I like the PSS Addon for FS2004, but the model is lack of detail and it only contains three models (-200LR, -200LRF, and -300ER).Besides that, the FDE is not very accurate and the autopilot control is far from excellent.When Project Opensky released their 777 series a few years ago. I soon made a merge between the PSS panel and the Posky models.At first, I successfuly merged the plane (2D panel, VC gauges, XML gauges, etc.), but the FDE still need improvements.This FDE tweak is a work of months from me to find the most realistic feeling when flying the beast.At last, I found that the tweak has already match my expectation and I would like to share it to all FS simmers, who like the T7 very much.Main Features:==============1. This tweak is mainly intended to you who use the PSS 777 Panel and Project Opensky 777 Models merge.2. The specifications in aircraft.cfg are following the official data from wikipedia.org - Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) - Empty Weight (EW) - Fuel Capacity (FC) - Thrust setting (TS)3. This tweak package contains FDE for all aircraft models: - Boeing 777-200 --> MTOW: 545,000lb; EW: 297,300lb; FC: 31,000gal; TS:77,000lbf - Boeing 777-200ER --> MTOW: 656,000lb; EW: 304,500lb; FC: 45,220gal; TS:95,000lbf - Boeing 777-200LR --> MTOW: 766,000lb; EW: 320,000lb; FC: 47,890gal; TS:110,000lbf - Boeing 777-200LRF --> MTOW: 766,000lb; EW: 320,000lb; FC: 47,890gal; TS:110,000lbf - Boeing 777-300 --> MTOW: 660,000lb; EW: 353,800lb; FC: 45,220gal; TS:98,000lbf - Boeing 777-300ER --> MTOW: 775,000lb; EW: 370,000lb; FC: 47,890gal; TS:115,000lbf4. The .air file is tweaked to obtain the "near" realistic setting of 777 climb performance. No more "rocket"-like while climbing.5. The Localizer is now captured smoothly by the autopilot, without being annoyed by opposite roll action.6. The full autoland touch down now becomes pretty smooth (between -200 to -400 fpm) because the tweak also modify the "flare" characteristic of the PSS panel.7. The fuel consumption is also adjusted so it should be "near" to the real one. When cruising with full load, the fuel flow is around 6000 to 7000 Kg/hour. And when the load is low, the FF is around 5000 to 6000 Kg/hour.Installation Instruction:=========================- Just copy and paste the related aircraft.cfg and .air file to your 777 folder.- Please make adjustment on the "fltsim" section to make sure it use your existing texture, model, panel, and sound.DOWNLOAD LINK --> click hereBest Regards,Tri Wasono

[Clutch Cargo 384]

Hey Tri, thanks for your contribution. Will have to try it out. How about uploading the rest of your merge, not just the .air file. By that I don't mean the files, of course, but the step-by-steps you took to make the whole merge. Seems each merge I try has some major issue... usually having to do with the VC like the VC glass gauges do not light up at night or I am placed way out in front of the vc. Would like to try someone's different version.thx,Clutch

[Mathjkt 0]

+1 for the whole merge to go with the air file!other than that thanks a lot, looks pretty cool for the 777

[twasono 3]

@Clutch & Mathjkt:Hi.If you downloaded the tweak file, it has already contained the "Aircraft.cfg" and ".air" filesYou just have to put the files on related Posky aircraft folder.For the merge instruction, I think there have been a lot of threads which already discussed how to do the merge between PSS 777 panel and Posky 777 Models.But, If you would like to know the folder structure and file placement, here are some pictures which can give you a clue how I do the merge.1. The folder and files on Posky 777-200 aircraft: (all other models has similar structures)2. The structure of merged panel folder: (panel fom PSS)Since I'm using the VC models, here is the VC section of the "Panel.cfg" file:

[Vcockpit01]file=$vc_01.bmp Background_color=0,0,0 size_mm=1024,1024visible=0pixel_size=1024,1024texture=$vc_01gauge00=PSS-B777!PFD_Floater,  36,37,367,377gauge01=PSS-B777!ND_Floater, 464,28,369,387gauge02=PSS-B777!MFD_Floater, 454,516,378,387gauge03=PSS-B777!EICAS_Floater, 31,519,375,383gauge04=PSS-B777!TrimInd_VC, 899,14,81,352gauge05=Boeing777-300!Beacon_Nav_Light_Switch,  861,466,163,102gauge06=Boeing777-300!Master_Caution,  883,909,117,112gauge07=Boeing777-300!Autostart,  862,376,80,91gauge08=Magnetic_Compass!Magnetic-Compass,  869,756,148,150[Vcockpit02]file=$vc_02.bmp Background_color=0,0,0 size_mm=1024,1024visible=0pixel_size=1024,1024texture=$vc_02gauge00=Boeing777-300!Backup_Attitude,  441,848,174,174gauge01=Boeing777-300!Clock,  619,854,170,168gauge02=Boeing777-300!Autopilot,  332,528,689,78gauge03=Boeing777-300!Rudder_Trim_Ind,  845,611,179,75gauge04=fs9gps!gps_500,  386, 0,637,527gauge05=Boeing777-300!Comm 1,  2,494,202,84gauge06=Boeing777-300!Comm 2,  2,583,200,83gauge07=Boeing777-300!Transponder,  1,841,200,76gauge08=Boeing777-300!Nav 1,  3,670,200,82gauge09=PSS-B777!AP_ALT_vc, 753,542,87,20gauge10=PSS-B777!AP_HDG_vc, 542,544,64,19gauge11=PSS-B777!AP_SPD_vc, 669,543,63,18gauge12=PSS-B777!AP_VS_vc, 858,545,68,14gauge13=PSS-B777!RadioAct_VC, 25,512,68,19gauge14=PSS-B777!RadioAct_VC, 23, 602 ,68,19gauge15=PSS-B777!RadioStby_VC, 113,513,66,18gauge16=PSS-B777!RadioStby_VC, 110,602,66,18gauge17=PSS-B777!XPDR_VC, 62,849,77,25[Vcockpit03]file=$vc_03.bmp Background_color=0,0,0 size_mm=1024,1024visible=0pixel_size=512,512  // <-- use 1024,1024 for more detailed dirt but need more memorytexture=$vc_03gauge00=Pky_glassdirt!Pky_glassdirt,  0,0,1024,1024[VCockpit04]size_mm=512,512pixel_size=512,512texture=$Posky_ACUbackground_color=0,0,0gauge00=Posky777!Pky_AdvInit, 140,80,140,80gauge01=Posky777!PkyNosegearheight, 140,80,140,80gauge02=Posky777!PkyLeftgearheight, 140,80,140,80gauge03=Posky777!PkyLeftgearboggie, 140,80,140,80gauge04=Posky777!PkyRightgearheight, 140,80,140,80gauge05=Posky777!PkyRightgearboggie, 140,80,140,80gauge06=Posky777!PkyCALC, 140,80,140,80gauge07=Posky777!PkyWINGROOTFLEX, 140,80,140,80gauge08=Posky777!PkyRWINGMIDFLEX, 140,80,140,80gauge09=Posky777!PkyLWINGMIDFLEX, 140,80,140,80gauge10=Posky777!PkyRWINGTIPFLEX, 140,80,140,80gauge11=Posky777!PkyLWINGTIPFLEX, 140,80,140,80gauge12=Posky777!PkyNosegearsteerling, 140,80,140,80gauge13=Posky777!PkyRudder, 140,80,140,80gauge14=Posky777!Pky2Rudder, 140,80,140,80gauge15=Posky777!PkyflaperonL, 140,80,140,80gauge16=Posky777!PkyflaperonR, 140,80,140,80gauge17=Posky777!PkyLSAileronL, 140,80,140,80gauge18=Posky777!PkyLSAileronR, 140,80,140,80gauge19=Posky777!PkySpoiler, 140,80,140,80gauge20=Posky777!PkyElev, 140,80,140,80gauge21=Posky777!PkyAPUDoor, 140,80,140,80gauge22=Posky777!PkyEngRev, 140,80,140,80gauge23=Posky777!Pky_PB_Towhead, 140,80,140,80

And the coolest part is, I have modified the "PkyAPUDoor.xml" gauge file within "Posky777" folder, so the external APU door (of Posky model) will be opened when the APU (PSS Panel) set to on, and it'll be closed when APU set to off. Here is the modified xml code:

<!-- This gauge is for Posky 777 for making the APUDoor action   --><Gauge Name="PkyAPUDoor" Version="1.0"><Size X="20" Y="20"/><Element><Select><Value>(L:pssOH_APU_selector,number) 0 == if{0 (>L:PkyAPUDoor,percent)}els{100 (>L:PkyAPUDoor,percent)}</Value></Select></Element>  </Gauge>

If you have problem or would like to know more, just let me know. I'll try to answer your questions.Regards,Tri Wasono

[Jure 36]

Hi Tri!Thank you VERY much indeed for these tweaks! I just flew a test flight aboard an 777-300ER from Singapore to Kai Tak. The T7 worked like a charm and because it was a test flight, I was using accelerated time up to 16x. No more porpoising! How did you manage that I do not know but I am quite happy with that alone. Terrific!I've been tweaking my Posky/PSS merge for ages now and your tweaks are the cherry on top. A few points I'm curious about:- Fuel planning: I used PSS's planner for the -300ER and it worked perfectly. How about the other models? You mentioned that you have tweaked fuel consumption... is PSS's fuel planner still valid? As I said, it worked for the -300ER... but how does the FMC react to changed consumption, do you know? Will it show accurate fuel consumption prediction or were the values for different models "hardwired" by PSS? - You set elevator_trim_effectiveness=3.0. I am using a GoFlight GF-LGTII module with trim wheel and 3.0 made my poor T-7 jump like a rabbit up and down at slightest touch. :( Just curious, why set so high? In my old aircraft.cfg I had it at 0.4- Obviously, PSS loaders won't work (I used to copy the weight & balance section from the PSS aircraft.cfg to my merged .cfg after adjusting pax & cargo.) Any reason for reducing the station_load lines? Again, no biggie at all, you provided No. of pax for each station and that will work nicely. - VC: I tried to put PSS-B777!Autopilot gauge into the VC, but it looks like the VC itself was modeled in such a way that it is impossible. Just wondering if you came to the same conclusions? I am using a panel.cfg virtually identical to yours and with Saitek TQ buttons assignments I have virtually all functions available in the VC (LNAV, VNAV,etc.,...)That's it. I'll switch to your FDE & aircraft.cfg settings over the next days for the rest of the 777 fleet and be happy. :( Again, thank you for your work, I love what you did for the T-7! :( Regards,Jure

[windycloud 30]

Those who are smart and brave enough to triumph in this monumental undertaking of Posky/PSS merger, could you please post some shots of the VC day/night?Thanks.

[twasono 3]

Hi,@Jure:

- Fuel planning: I used PSS's planner for the -300ER and it worked perfectly. How about the other models? You mentioned that you have tweaked fuel consumption... is PSS's fuel planner still valid? As I said, it worked for the -300ER... but how does the FMC react to changed consumption, do you know? Will it show accurate fuel consumption prediction or were the values for different models "hardwired" by PSS?

The PSS Panel itself was designed for 777-300ER and 777-200LR. I don't think the fuel prediction will be accurate for the other models.

- You set elevator_trim_effectiveness=3.0. I am using a GoFlight GF-LGTII module with trim wheel and 3.0 made my poor T-7 jump like a rabbit up and down at slightest touch. Just curious, why set so high? In my old aircraft.cfg I had it at 0.4

This setting was made to compensate full autoland flare. If you rarely use full autoland, you may modify the value. But, the implication is unpredictable. It can also affect the autopilot pitch handling. Maybe you could set the trim wheel sensitivity to make it more comfortable.

- Obviously, PSS loaders won't work (I used to copy the weight & balance section from the PSS aircraft.cfg to my merged .cfg after adjusting pax & cargo.)Any reason for reducing the station_load lines? Again, no biggie at all, you provided No. of pax for each station and that will work nicely.

The "station_load" section was taken from Posky aircraft. You may changed it as you wish with other version, since it only affect the aircraft weight.One more thing, for realistic-feel reason, I would not recommend to modify the gross weight and empt weight of the aircraft. If the aircraft is overweight soon after you load it, it is because FS always set the payload and fuel to 100%.You'll have to adjust the payload and fuel to meet your requirement. :)

- VC: I tried to put PSS-B777!Autopilot gauge into the VC, but it looks like the VC itself was modeled in such a way that it is impossible. Just wondering if you came to the same conclusions? I am using a panel.cfg virtually identical to yours and with Saitek TQ buttons assignments I have virtuallyall functions available in the VC (LNAV, VNAV,etc.,...)

Yes, the FCU section in PSS VC covers all FCU blocks, not button-by-button area. So, it is imposible to put the PSS autopilot button on the Posky VC.@windycloud:The VC screenshot during daylightThe VC screenshot during nightBest Regards.

[windycloud 30]

That's amazing. Thank you!

[Nandan Patel 10]

How or where do you add the APU door things? Do we have to open the xml gauge and copy and paste your thing into it to make the APU door open with PSS panel?Has anyone compared this package to this merge?: http://forums1.avsim.net/index.php?showtopic=290045And also, since some airlines have different engines for their 777s can we just paste the correct thrust settings for their engines into the static_thrust setting in the [turbine_engine_data]? Will this affect much apart from fuel flow and power settings etc?http://www.triple7-world.info/777prod.htm engines have different thrusts...Eg, SIA 777-200ERs have RR Trent892 with 92000lbs thrust while I believe ANZ 777-200ERs have RR Trent895 with 95000lbs thrust.So can we just change the thrust etc...

[twasono 3]

Hi Nandan,

How or where do you add the APU door things? Do we have to open the xml gauge and copy and paste your thing into it to make the APU door open with PSS panel?

Yes. Just copy and paste, overwrite all existing codes in "PkyAPUDoor.xml" gauge file within "Posky777" folder.

And also, since some airlines have different engines for their 777s can we just paste the correct thrust settings for their engines into the static_thrust setting in the [turbine_engine_data]? Will this affect much apart from fuel flow and power settings etc?Eg, SIA 777-200ERs have RR Trent892 with 92000lbs thrust while I believe ANZ 777-200ERs have RR Trent895 with 95000lbs thrust.

Yes. If you are using the .air file from this package, you can easily adjust the "static_thrust" value, because the turbine thrust factor within the .air file has been tweaked to match the characteristic of each models.But, if you are using the original PSS .air file, you will come up with the climb performance problem at high altitude.Best Regards.

[Nandan Patel 10]

Yes. If you are using the .air file from this package, you can easily adjust the "static_thrust" value, because the turbine thrust factor within the .air file has been tweaked to match the characteristic of each models.But, if you are using the original PSS .air file, you will come up with the climb performance problem at high altitude.

But since the Static thrust will be reduced for me, the fuel consumption should be increased right? Or will changing it from 95000lbs > 92000lbs only have a very small impact, since 3000lbs isn't too much of a difference. But still, it can be a factor aye. Higher N1 setting so more fuel burn huh...

because the turbine thrust factor within the .air file has been tweaked to match the characteristic of each models.

What do you mean? So you changed it just to match the models, no matter how much thrust the plane has etc? So I can put any 777 thrust rating on the plane and it will perform the same, or relatively the same, in terms of climb and fuel burn (maybe) and everything else, ILS etc?

[twasono 3]

Hi Nandan,The original .air files from PSS are designed for Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR.If you use, for example, PSS 777-200LR .air file for Boeing 777-200ER aircraft by modifying the static_thrust to 92000, you will get the problem with climb performance at high altitude.In this package, the .air files have been tweaked according to each model characteristic and behaviour. So, by using the 777-200ER .air file from this package, you can set the static_value to 92000 or 95000 without having problem on climb performance.Best Regards.

[Jack 0]

Hi Twasono.First off all thank you for your FDE update. Its great, Ive spent so long trying to sort out the drag with the PSS air file, the 777 is a slippery aircraft but not that slippery.How ever ther are a couple of things I want to know if I can change?, and if so how?1. The aircraft has a very nose high pitch in all stages of flight. Down the ILS its sitting with about 5* nose up, should be about 2.5*. Could this be changed by adjusting the lift scale or is it its CG that need to be changed?2. Alot of power is required to get the aircraft moving on the ground, in the real aircraft if you are light the aircraft will move under idle power power on the ground, heavey we use abit of power to get it moving, as a general rule take one throttle and move halfway up the opposite throttle then bring level. (Have no idea how to edit this).Everything else is good, fuel flow was abit on the light side but I have adjusted that allready and the trent895 has 93400lbs trust which I have also changed.It would be great if you could let me know how to change those items.Oh and Im using your 200ER.RegardsJack

[twasono 3]

Hi Jack,

1. The aircraft has a very nose high pitch in all stages of flight. Down the ILS its sitting with about 5* nose up, should be about 2.5*. Could this be changed by adjusting the lift scale or is it its CG that need to be changed?

I've tested it and the pitch is correct at around 2.5 nose up.What is your VREF according to FMC? You should set the approach speed to VREF + 5 kts.Here is my screenshot during ILS landing using B777-200ER:From above picture, the VREF is 139kts, and I set the speed on FCU to 144. The pitch nose should be correct at 2.5 degrees up.Best Regards.

[MeneMene 1]

This is fantastic, thank you very much!Does anyone have any ideas for fuel planning for the new versions, as well as a way to find the CoG for trim settings?