pero | IMstarter

pero |
IMstarter
Userdocumentation (24.03.2014 for SIMstarter v2.0)
Table of contents
1
General description ......................................................................................................................... 2
2
Program menu ................................................................................................................................. 4
3
Startscreen ...................................................................................................................................... 5
4
Program settings ............................................................................................................................. 6
5
Module „FSX/P3D Configuration“ ................................................................................................... 7
6
Module „Startdefinition“................................................................................................................. 8
7
Module „ FSX/PREPAR3D.cfg“ ......................................................................................................... 9
8
Module „ScenerySet“ .................................................................................................................... 10
9
Module “SplashScreen” ................................................................................................................. 11
10
Module “User Logbook” ............................................................................................................ 12
11
Tool „Scenery Manager“ ........................................................................................................... 13
12
Tool “Livery Manager”............................................................................................................... 14
13
Tool “Manage profiles” ............................................................................................................. 16
14
Tool “Diff Manager” .................................................................................................................. 17
15
Tool „TextInfo Manager“ ........................................................................................................... 18
16
Tool “Sort and Validate files” .................................................................................................... 19
17
Tool „Clear [TRUSTED]“ ............................................................................................................. 19
18
Tool „Show Airporst in GoogleEarth“ ........................................................................................ 19
19
Tool “Google Earth Export” ....................................................................................................... 20
20
Settings “Manage ShortCuts” .................................................................................................... 21
21
Settings „GoogleEarth Export“ .................................................................................................. 22
22
Using Startparameters .............................................................................................................. 23
23
Program sequence..................................................................................................................... 23
pero |
IMstarter
1 General description
SIMstarter is a program which launches “Microsoft Flight Simulator X” or “PREPAR3D v2.x” with predefined configuration profiles. Changes, based on those profiles, will be done to
“fsx.cfg/prepar3d.cfg” or “scenery.cfg”.
FSX and PREPAR3D can be used in parallel with SIMstarter.
To make it easier to read this document I just wrote “fsx.cfg” and “scenery.cfg” instead of
“prepar3d.cfg” if you choose PREPAR3D.
I wouldn’t even run programs on my FSX/P3D, whose function I cannot understand ("never touch a
running system"). Therefore the exact program flow will be described in Chapter 23.
A lot of other helpful tools to maintain your Simulator are implemented too…
1.1 Donation
SIMstarter has been started as a Freeware project. It took a LOT of hours in
testing, programming, graphic design e.g. and therefore we would appreciate
if you could do a donation for this project (PayPal donations).
1.2 Note of thanks
I would like to especially thank all Beta testers.
Especially to Günter Steiner who has been essential for the improvements of version 2.0.
Especially to Laurent Gomez who did the translation to French.
Especially to Jürgen Beisler who did a lot of testing.
1.3 Requirements

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or later
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1.4 Installation / Update
1.4.1


Installation by Setup-File
Just start “Setup_SIMstarter_v2.0.exe” and follow the installation instructions
Please do not install into “Program Files” (because of User Rights)
1.4.2


Installation by ZIP-File
Copy the files of the ZIP-File into an empty directory, e.g. D:\FSX\SIMstarter
Just start the program by „Click“ on „SIMstarter.exe”
1.4.3


Update from FSXstarter v1.1
Follow Installation by Setup-File or ZIP-File
Start “MigrationTool.exe”
o Select your “old” FSXstarter directory
o Choose the profile which should be your Masterprofile at the new SIMstarter Version
o Start Migration
o Migration will be done!
Just Start SIMstarter.exe within your new installation and enjoy SIMstarter v2.0
If you feel comfortable with SIMstarter you can delete your “old” FSXstarter Installation
directory


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2 Program menu
Menu item
File > Open… > fsx.cfg
File > Open… > scenery.cfg
File > Open… > Directory of fsx.cfg
File > Open… > Directory of scenery.cfg
File > Open… > Directory “SIMstarter Backup”
File > Open… > Directory “FSX”
File > Open… > Directory “FSX”
File > Open… > Directory “Modules”
File > Quit
Tools > Scenery Manager…
Tools > Livery Manager…
Tools > Profile Manager…
Tools > Diff Manager…
Tools > TextInfo Manager…
Tools > Sort and validate file
Tools > Clear [Trusted] in fsx.cfg
Tools > Show Airports in GoogleEarth
Tools > GoogleEarth Export
Settings > Program settings
Settings > Manage Shortcuts
Function
Open fsx.cfg to a Text Editor
Open scenery.cfg to a Text Editor
Open directory of fsx.cfg
Open directory of scenery.cfg
Open directory which contains all backups that
have been done by SIMstarter
Open FSX-Main directory
Open “SimObjects” directory which contains
all your Aircrafts, Helicopters, e.g.
Open Modules Directory of your Simulator
End the program
Open Scenery Manager to define ScenerySets
LiveryManager to hide/show or sort Liverys
Backup, Recreate Profiles or create Desktop
Shortcuts of Profiles
Manage Differences which were found by
SIMstarter
Define your own TextInfo or SlewTextInfo
(STRG+Z Textinfo’s)
Sort Configurationfiles (including [SECTIONS])
and validate them
Clear [TRUSTED] Section within your fsx.cfg
Show your AddOn Airports in GoogleEarth
Create GoogleEarth Export
Settings > GoogleEarth Export
Open program settings at SIMstarter
Open shortcut Manager to create your own
Menu Shortcuts
Settings for GoogleEarth Export
Logbook
Opens Logbook of SIMstarter
ShortCuts
User defined Shortcuts
About
Shows version and searches for updates
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3 Startscreen
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5
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1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Defines how many profiles are shown
Select the SIMstarter Mode (FSX or PREPAR3D) if installed and configured
Start a profile (change FSX configuration based on that profile)
Set up the profile
Indicates that “profile02” has been started last time. If it shows “last active” it indicates that
this was the last profile of configuration.
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4 Program settings
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1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Select if you use FSX, PREPAR3D or both
Definition of important path settings for FSX
Definition of important path settings for PREPAR3D
Path settings of a Text Editor which will be used to open configuration files
Clear User-Logbook of all changes that have been done within SIMstarter
Behavior after Profile has been started
 Normal: Nothing
 Close Window: Closes SIMstarter Window after Profilestart
 Minimize Window: SIMstarter Window will be minimized after Profilestart
7) Choose language (English/German/French)
8) Program settings
 Debug mode: Creates SIMstarter.log and ONLY for DEBUG purpose
(reduces performance of SIMstarter)
 Create Backup: Creates a backup of all .cfg Files of your Simulator BEVOR they are
changed (recommended “checked”)
 Show logbook dialog: Asks you if you would like to comment your changes to
Userlogbook if you’ve changed a profile configuration
 Allow multiple Instances of SIMstarter: If “unchecked” only one instance of
SIMstarter can be run in parallel (recommended “checked”)
 Make changes directly after profile configuration – all changes will be done before
profile has been started (by ending profile configuration)
 Automatic Updates: Checks at Website of SIMstarter (http://aviation.pero-online.de)
if a newer version of SIMstarter is available. No data from your computer will be
sending, it just reads information from the internet. If you have no internet
connection please disable (because of performance)!
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5 Module „FSX/P3D Configuration“
5.1 General
Important: Only changes which are made here or in “FSX.cfg”-Tab will take effect in your
fsx.cfg/prepar3d.cfg next time this profile starts.
5.2 Functions
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2
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4
1
5
1)
2)
3)
4)
Switch profiles and change profile name and description
Defines profile name (will be shown at the start page). Only [0-9] or [a-z] or [A-Z] is allowed
Defines profile description (will be shown at the start page)
Profile configuration
 Nearly all settings of “FSX/PREPAR3D“ can be done here
 An “orange” colored value indicates, that this value differences from the
MasterProfile.
 A “grey” colored value indicates that this setting has been done at the MasterProfile.
 If you “click” on the value you’ll find a context menu to “delete” or “reset” this value
to FSX-Default. If “delete” is greyed out that it’s a FSX-Standardvariable which cannot
be deleted.
5) Close profile settings
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6 Module „Startdefinition“
6.1 General
Definition of programs or file operations which will be done after profile has been started.
Important: If FSX.exe/PREPAR3D.exe is not part of this list, FSX/P3D won’t be started…
6.2 Functions
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2
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8
1) If you “uncheck” Autogen enabled that SIMstarter will rename “.\Autogen\Default.xml”
to disable default autogen (only for low performing systems, because it reduces Autogen)
2) Add a program to execution list. You can add parameters if needed.
3) If this option is checked, this program will be automatically closed if FSX.exe/PREPAR3D.exe
is closed
4) Allows file operations like
 Copy file
 Delete file
 Delete Directory
 rename file
5) Shows programs or file operations which will be started after profile starts
6) Re-Order selected program or file operation one up or down
7) Select DefaultFlight which should be loaded after this profile has been started.
8) Import of other profiles to this profile (current profile will be overwritten)
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7 Module „ FSX/PREPAR3D.cfg“
7.1 General
It shows all configuration parameters of the current profile. This view allows setting up variables
which are not available in “FSX/P3D Configuration”; meaning all settings of FSX/P3D.cfg.
7.2 Functions
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2
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1) Adds new entry to this profile
2) Adds a new variable and value which is not available in drop down list
3) Shows current config for this profile. It shows just the differences between MasterProfile and
the selected profile if Masterprofile is not selected.
4) Remove selected variable and value. If last variable will be deleted the section will be deleted
too.
5) Import from other profiles (existing settings will be overwritten)
 from other SIMstarter profiles
 from current FSX/P3D.cfg. Section [TRUSTED] won’t be imported.
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8 Module „ScenerySet“
8.1 General
You can define an individual definition of which Scenerys you would like to use for each profile. This
“Scenery Configuration” is called ScenerySet. That gives you the ability to define for example one
profile with Eyecandy for VFR and one reduced profile for IFR.
8.2 Functions
1
2
3
1) Select the ScenerySet for this profile
2) Open SceneryManager to define ScenerySets
3) Indicates current ScenerySet Filename
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9 Module “SplashScreen”
9.1 General
A SplashScreen can be defined for every profile of SIMstarter. We included 2 Sets for FSX and
PREPAR3D (thanks to Günter Steiner). If you would like to add your own SplashScreen just open the
SplashScreen directory by clicking on the BIG SplashScreen Window.
9.2 Functions
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2
3
4
1)
2)
3)
4)
Select a SplashScreen for this profile
“Click” obens SplashScreen Directory to add your own SplashScreens
Reset SplashScreen to last saved version
Reload Selection if you’ve inserted and SplashScreen into SplashScreen directory
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10 Module “User Logbook”
10.1 General
This logbook documents all changes that the user has been done to a configuration profile. After
every change the user will be ask1 if you would leave a short comment for this change (e.g. Test with
higher LOD Settings). That should give you a good overview of all changes to your SIM.
10.2 Functions
1
2
3
4
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
1
Add own logbook entries
Add/Change own logbook entry
Show current logbook
Filters in logbook
Jump to time stamp
This dialog can be disabled in Program-Settings. See Chapter 4.
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11 Tool „Scenery Manager“
11.1 General
The SceneryManager manages „Scenery profiles“ called ScenerySets. You can assign multiple
configuration profiles to ohne ScenerySet. A ScenerySet descrips which Scenery will be used and
which should be disabled.
Important: The SceneryManager works with “Title” of the scenerys. If you rename a Scenery title
you have to deactivate it again in SIMstarter because the “old title” won’t be found…
11.2 Functions
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1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Select current ScenerySet
Create a new ScenerySet
Rename a ScenerySet
Copy a ScenerySet
Delete a ScenerySet
Show Scenery for this ScenerySet
a. A „bold“ entry indicates that this Scenery is ACTIVE
b. Scenerys can be disabled by clicking the CheckBoxes
7) Hide Basis Scenery of your SIM
8) Hide active Scenery
9) Close dialog
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12 Tool “Livery Manager”
12.1 General
The Livery Manager allows you to view, enable, disable and move Liverys. So you can move your
personal favorite aircraft to the first (00) position so that it is displayed in FSX/P3D first.
If you have hidden a livery it won’t be shown in your simulator.
12.2 Functions
12.2.1 View mode „Thumbnails“
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Switches to „list-mode“ for faster sorting of Liverys
Jump to selected aircraft
A "transparent" title indicates that this Livery enabled in FSX/P3D
A "grey" title indicates that this Livery disabled in FSX/P3D
Moves selected livery one up
Moves selected livery one down
Hide or show selected aircraft in FSX/P3D
Open aircraft directory
Quit Livery Manager
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12.2.2 View mode „List“
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1)
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6)
7)
8)
Switches to „list-mode“ for faster sorting of Liverys
Jump to selected aircraft
“[OFF]” indicates that this Livery disabled in FSX/P3D
Moves selected livery one up
Moves selected livery one down
Hide or show selected aircraft in FSX/P3D
Open aircraft directory
Quit Livery Manager
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13 Tool “Manage profiles”
13.1 General
Profiles can be sorted into your display order, refresh them, create a Desktop Shortcut, copy them or
simply create a backup.
13.2 Functions
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3
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14
1)
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9)
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13)
14)
Select profile
Sort profile one up
Sort profile one down
Refresh selected profile and deletes all settings
Creates desktop shortcut of SIMstarter
Creates desktop shortcut to selected profile
Creates profile backup into subdirectory „\Backup“ of SIMstarter
Show existing backups
Restore an existing backup to its initial profile
Delete existing backup
Copy Profile
Select Source Profile
Select Target Profile
Close profile settings
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14 Tool “Diff Manager”
14.1 General
Each time SIMstarter indicates a configuration parameter inside fsx.cfg / prepar3d.cfg the Diff
Manager will be shown at SIMstarter startup. Diff Manager indicates these “variations”. Meaning
that there has been done an configuration change to fsx.cfg by an “external program” or FSX itself
which is not configured in SIMstarter. For example if an external installer adds a “SimObjects” Path it
will detected here and you can decide if you would like to add it to MasterProfile or leave it.
14.2 Functions
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2
3
4
5
6
4
1) Show Variations of fsx.cfg
 New Variations
 Indicates differences between fsx.cfg and your SIMstarter Configuration
 Archived Variations
 Indicates variations which have not assigned to Masterprofile until now
 Ignored Variations
 Indicates variations which should be ignored
 If these Items are changing SIMstarter do not prompt them
2) Delete checked item
3) Adds „checked“ Items to IgnoreList
4) Refresh selected profile and deletes all settings
5) Creates desktop shortcut of SIMstarter
6) Creates desktop shortcut to selected profile
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15 Tool „TextInfo Manager“
15.1 General
You can define your own TextInfo’s or SlewTextInfos.
A TextInfo will be shown if you press „CTRL+Z“ a SlewTextInfo if you’re in Slew-mode.
15.2 Functions
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2
3
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6
8
5
7
4
9
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Create a new TextInfo
Create a new SlewTextInfo
Delete selected TextInfo
Reset all TextInfos and SlewTextInfos to default
Show values that are assigned to [SlewTextInfo.1]
Sort values
Shows values that are not assigned to [SlewTextInfo.1]
Add or remove a value
Close Dialog
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16 Tool “Sort and Validate files”
16.1 General
SIMstarter is able to sort [SECTION] Files like fsx.cfg. Simply select such file and click “Sort file”. If you
wish to validate a file just leave this options checked and SIMstarter will detect
-
Double Variables
Variables without values
Sections without “[“ or “]”
16.2 Functions
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3
4
1
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7
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Select predefined files
Open file dialog to select another file
Start file-Sort
Validate file too
Show content of current file
Open file in Texteditor
Close dialog
17 Tool „Clear [TRUSTED]“
17.1 General
Clears [TRUSTED] section in fsx.cfg/prepar3d.cfg. Meaning you have trust all DLL’s again next time
SIM starts.
18 Tool „Show Airporst in GoogleEarth“
18.1 General
Opens GoogleEarth and shows all your AddOn Airports.
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19 Tool “Google Earth Export”
19.1 General
Creating a KML-Export of all your Add-on Airports. This function uses an external program
(MAKERWYS.EXE) from Pete Dawson to create a file named “RUNWAYS.TXT”. SIMstarter is able to
create a GoogleEarth Export based on this file.
You need MAKERWYS.EXE v4.675 from Pete Dawson which can be downloaded here:
http://www.schiratti.com/dowson.html
You need GoogleEarth which can be downloaded here:
http://www.google.de/intl/de/earth/
19.2 Functions
Click “Yes” will update your existing “runways.txt” will be done by Pete Dawson’s MAKERWYS.EXE.
This will take some time…
Creating GoogleEarth KML-File
If you would like to start Google Earth just click “Yes”
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20 Settings “Manage ShortCuts”
20.1 General
You can define your own ShortCuts Menu and add URLs, Files, or external programs.
20.2 Functions
Just add a name of your ShortCut MenuItem and define your target.
Targets can be
-
File (PDF, TXT, e.g.)
Executable (EXE, CMD, BAT, e.g.)
URL (http://, https://)
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21 Settings „GoogleEarth Export“
21.1 General
GoogleEarth Export shows all your installed AddOn Airports in GoogleEarth. Some directorys should
not be included in that export to avoid a bunch of Airports which are not typicly “AddOn’s” for
example “MyTraffic”.
21.2 Functions
4
1
2
5
3
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7
8
9
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Add a new ICAO Code for an Airport that should be hidden at the export
Show your hidden Airports
Remove a hidden Airport
Add a directory or parts of a directory string that should not be included in export
Show excluded path or substrings
Remove path from that list
If you check this setting GoogleEarth Export won’t show the path of the scenery.
Path for the .kml Export
Close dialog
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22 Using Startparameters
SIMstarter.exe can be started the parameters.
Example to start FSX with profile 01:
„D:\SIMstarter\SIMstarter.exe“ FSX profil01
Example to start PREPAR3D with profile 01:
„D:\SIMstarter\SIMstarter.exe“ PREPAR3D profil01
23 Program sequence
SIMstarter Start
• (SIMstarter) checks if program updates are availible
• (SIMstarter) checks if changes can be found in fsx.cfg which
are not present in one profile configuration
Profile Configuration
• Changes will be saved in \UserProfiles\ directory NOT in
fsx.cfg (if you configure profiles)
• (User) defines changes to fsx.cfg
• (User) defines ScenerySet to disable not needed Scenerys
• (User) defines SplashScreen
• (User) defines SimObject-Paths for this profile (if needed)
Start Profile
• (SIMstarter) backups fsx.cfg and scenery.cfg to \Backup\ directory
• (SIMstarter) combines Masterprofile with started profile and create new fsx.cfg
• (SIMstarter) copy [Trusted] Section from fsx.cfg and paste it into new fsx.cfg
• (SIMstarter) copy new fsx.cfg to active fsx.cfg
• (SIMstarter) activates all Scenerys in scenery.cfg and deactivate only Scenerys that have been disabled in the related ScenerySet
• (SIMstarter) copy selected SplashScreen to UIRES\dlgsplash.bmp and remove it if FSX is started
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