DC-3 Mini-Panel (FS2002 Only)
 
Since the subject of the mini-panel (that's the set of basic flight gauges that appear in FS20002 in place of the panel when you hit the w key) was broached in the new N1776 manual, Charlie asked us to recommend a change.  The problem with the default set lies mostly in one of the gauges -- namely the airspeed indicator which features a 450 KIAS scale.  (TIP: If you are going that fast in a Gooney Bird, chances are you're going straight down minus your wings!)  More to the point, as Charlie pointed out, this ASI is not very useful in setting up an 85 knot approach.
 
As usual, we took things a step further. We thought it would be a nice idea to use all the same instruments in the mini-panel as found in the DCA TR panels.  This will make the transition from full panel, to mini-panel a bit less jarring.  Hey, I may drop my old standby pan down - pan up "seat-adjustment" method of coping with the Douglas' lack of forward visibilty while taxiing, now that I can watch our own gauges!
 
The only downside, if you consider it such, is that this change will alter the mini-panels in all your reciprocating engine aircraft, too.  If you fly aircraft other than the DC-3 (they tell me some people do ;-), you should back-up your original default panel.cfg so can replace it, if you choose.   
 
 
INSTALLATION
 
Just run the installation routine by clicking on "dca_mini.exe". NOTE: If yours is not a standard (default) FS2002 installation, remember to alter the path in the install program to match your installation. The files will be placed in the proper folders.
 
You are done.  The next time you select the DC-3, or any other non-jet aircraft, you will be able to bring up the new mini-panel with the w key.  Another w keystroke gives you a maximum view with no instruments, and a third brings back the full panel.
 
RESTORATION OF MSFS2002 ORIGINAL DEFAULT MINI-PANEL

To restore the original mini-panel, go to the FS2002 / Aircraft / default / panel folder and rename the "panel.cfg" to "panel.cfgdca".  Then rename the back-up file to "panel.cfg".


HAPPY TAXIING!
 
Bill Rambow
The R4D Team / RCS Panels

February, 2002


NOTE ... If you would like to move the mini-panel gauges so that they are at the top of your screen, rather than across the bottom of the screen, possibly obscuring important landmarks, here is the simple procedure to do that:

Close Flight Simulator
Go into FS2002/Aircraft/Default/Panel and, using Notepad, open "panel.cfg."
As there may be more than one entry, go to where you see:

[MiniPanel00]
position=7
and change 7 to 1 ... then save the file.

Thanks to TechEd John Achor for this.
 