The Airbus A-321

Preface:
A number of It's Your Plane (IYP) members have requested that we "Super-Charge" the FSX A321 interface by operating some of the switching functions contained within it's Overhead Panel through the use of voice commands; e.g., "Seat Belts On", "No Smoking On", "Start the APU", etc.


The Use of Subclassing:

Since many of the Overhead Panel switches are not directly related to the Simulator per se, (e.g., No Smoking, Seat Belts, etc.), IYP needs a way to operate these switches. The only effective way of achieving this is to utilise a technological approach called... Subclassing.

In effect, what happens with Subclassing is that the IYP application actually "clicks" the switches on the Overhead Panel when the user issues a voice command.   By definition, the Overhead Panel needs to have the "focus", meaning that the IYP programme needs to "open" the Overhead Panel so that the "click" can be perfected.

Programmatically bringing panels into "focus" can be a tad alarming if you're not expecting it!   So, that's why I'm explaining its operation! LOL

You say, "Preflight Checklist" and the Throttle Quadrant POPS-UP! Don't be alarmed; it's merely IYP maintaining "focus" on the windows (panels) that it needs to operate.

Why the Change?

As it is with all other forms of change,

    "One man's feature, is another man's nightmare!"

So, for those of you who preferred the old way of doing things, you can disable the Subclassing feature by removing the "check" in the Pop Ups Checkbox on the IYP Control Panel.

Windows Flashing On and Off During Startup!
You notice that the IYP programme will open and close (or close and open) each of the simulator's windows (panels) as the aircraft is initialised. This is normal and is required. The IYP application needs to get the unique window (panel) reference numbers in order to manipulate them later on during the checklist procedures.   But I'll admit, it looks strange!
Supplementary Voice Commands:

Elevator and Aileron Computer - ELAC 1, ELAC 2, SEC 1, SEC 2, SEC 3, FAC 1, FAC 2
Under normal operation, the elevators are controlled by the ELAC 2 and the associated servocontrols in active mode, the other computers being in standby and the servocontrols in damping mode. In the event of a high load-factor demand that would cause one servocontrol to stall, the second servocontrol is operated. In the event of failure, the elevators are controled by ELAC1, then by SEC2 or SEC1. In the event of the loss of control of the two servocontrols of the elevator, the servocontrols are automatically switched to a centering mode and hold the surface in the neutral position (Electrical control loss). In the event of the loss of the two hydraulic systems supplying the servocontrols of one elevator, the damping mode becomes automatically engaged.

For an overview of the A32x servo systems, look HERE.













Copyright Pacific Feelings Media, Robert Cezar 2009.