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Boeing 737-200 Advanced Panel
By Chris Shieff (20 October 2001)
irstly,
let me introduce myself. My name's Chris, and I've been a keen
flightsimmer for five years. I'm just about to graduate from high school,
and I'm aspiring to be a real pilot. My family recently acquired a new
computer system, but I was still disappointed with the low frame rates of
FS2000. I have decided to keep running FS98 for its silky smooth frame rates
and reliability. I'm very aware of the number of simmers out there who are
still using FS98, and so I'd like to share with you, over the next while,
some of my favorite files I've collected (that in some cases even rival
FS2K, believe it or not!). The first item I'd like to review is an
outstanding Boeing 737-200 panel by Nicola Cassanello.
I've always found that most FS98 panels lack the participation from the
pilot that they really should. One of my favorite aspects of flight
simming is being able to follow real checklists and put the time into
preparing an aircraft for a flight before take off. I found Nicola
Cassanello's panel when I searched for '737' on FlightSim.Com, and at the
top of the list was the 737-200 panel--all 7 MB of it. As is often the
case, big files tend to be better files. It took a while to download, but
believe me, it was well worth the patience!
Installation was easy, and followed the same routine. There was no .exe installation program, but it wasn't really necessary, as Nicola's instructions are quite adequate and simple to follow. Included with the panel is a 30+ page instruction booklet in Adobe Acrobat format. I highly recommend you print this, and have it handy when learning to use the panel. The 737-200 panel comes with 164 gauges, of various makers. Three components make up the panel: the main panel, the center pedestal, and the overhead. Each are detailed below:
The Main Panel
Visibility out of the main panel is excellent, requiring no resizing of windows in order to see properly. The layout of the instruments is almost 100% identical to the real aircraft. The background of the panel is superb for the limited color palette available to designers of FS98 add-ons. All flight instruments are present, and of great quality. Additionally, there is a fully functional autopilot annuciator and GPWS gauge. The GPWS gauge has six modes, all of which have different alert sounds. All gauges can be tested as in real life. A complete set of engine instruments are included in an engine stack. Warning lights include reverse thrust, altitude alert and spoilers armed. There is a fully functional auto brake gauge. Another feature I haven't seen are the anti-skid protection switches. Although they serve no physical purpose in FS98, other than for checklists, they do toggle, which adds to the realism of procedure. All the usual instruments are included--gear selector, magnetic compass, fully functional autopilot panel, etc.
Overhead Panel
This is a component that is most often neglected by panel designers. The
737-200 advanced panel features a complete and functioning overhead. At
the bottom of the overhead in the center is the APU/GPU system, and power
source selector. Both systems power the electrical system of the aircraft.
There is an audible APU spool up and running sound, and indicator lights
that illuminates during APU operation.To the right of the APU/GPU panel is the lights panel. The pilot can activate navigation, strobe, and instrument lights. There is also a toggle switch for wheel well lights, once again only for checklist purposes.
On the left, and midway up the overhead, is the fuel panel. Here there are fully functioning fuel pumps, igniters and heat switches. Low pressure warning lights activate when the fuel pumps are off, and low fuel lights glow when the tanks are low.
To the right is the electrical panel with generator switches, ammeters and voltage gauges. Low volts, and battery test lights activate when the engines are off. Included in the manual are properly detailed circuit diagrams of parts of the 737-200 electric system. You do not need to learn or understand these to use the panel, however they are provided for added interest and realism.
The start procedure for this panel is the most realistic I've seen. It's important that you have a print out of the proper procedure handy, as starting the engines can be a daunting process for beginners. Nicola has included excellent instructions to follow. The start panel features a recirculation fan switch, left and right battery master switches, isolation valve, APU bleed switch, engine start switches and engine start lights, that glow during start-up. There is a realistic spool up sound included during engine activation which is a welcome asset to the panel. I do feel, however, that it is too quiet in volume.
The left upper panel includes an air conditioning switch (with sound), low oil pressure lights, and oil pressure gauges for each engine.
The center panel of the overhead features a yaw damper switch, with warning light. Below it is a functioning equipment cooling switch, and no-smoking/seat belt sign switches (with sound).
The upper right panel includes functioning hydraulic pump switches, pitot heat, engine and wing anti-ice protection and indicator lights.
Finally, on the right bottom of the overhead are some interesting gauges I haven't seen before. An active cabin pressure gauge is provided, and a button which inserts instrument blocks into the panel instruments. In real life, these blocks are used to protect analog instruments from damage, when the aircraft isn't in use. This button adds, or removes the blocks.
Center Pedestal
This is, by far, the most detailed pedestal I have come across. Many functions do not make any physical changes to the game, but are there for procedural purposes anyway, which in my opinion, is a fantastic feature of the panel.The radio panel features functioning Comm, Nav 1, Nav 2, ADF and transponder. Each radio includes a toggle power switch, standby mode, and test light. The transponder also features an ident switch and digital selector. The gauges themselves feature scrolling numbers, as in real life.
The left upper panel features a simulation of the SELCAL system for procedure, and a functioning GPS system.
The center panel includes a barometric pressure indicator and space for a weather radar. Although this gauge isn't supplied, the manual tells you where to download one. This would be an attractive and realistic finishing touch to the pedestal.
The throttle quadrant has animated thrust, speed brake, trim and flap levers in their proper position. There is a parking brake light that glows during operation, working fuel flow start and fuel cut-off switches to both engines. Finally, there is a secondary APU switch, as in real life.
Sounds for the panel are also included, and are of high quality. Every switch is functioning for realism.
Faults With The Panel
There is a list of small faults with the panel included with the manual. I will describe the problems that I encountered while using the panel. Saving flights causes a problem, especially if you're saving in mid-air. Due to the complexity of the gauges, flight simulator has problems saving settings as they were left. The default status of the panel is engines and electrical systems off. Although this is a realistic way to begin a flight, returning to the panel in mid-air may have some messy after effects! As you plummet from FL320 in a stall, there will be no time to follow the correct procedure, and re-start the engines. If possible, avoid saving flights in mid-air. It is, however, perfectly safe to do so on the ground.Such a realistic panel has effects on the performance of your computer too. I didn't notice a large drop in frame rates, but loading each view for the first time in a flight took a little while. Slower computers may struggle to refresh each of the 164 gauges, and still run smoothly.
Other than that, that's all the faults I discovered.
Summary
In summary, the 737-200 advanced panel is one of the most realistic and accurately designed panels available for FS98. It contains features mostly saved for FS2000 models (such as the overhead) and truly makes FS98 'as real as it gets.' Operation of the panel may be overwhelming at first for beginners. However, keep the manual handy, and with a little practice, you'll be flying like the best of them. This panel is great for those who love detail and realism, and for those who are interested in seeing how a real cockpit of this aircraft functions. The quality of the panel is better than a commercial add-on and I would rate it a 99/100. I would like to congratulate Nicola Cassanello on a fine effort and encourage continued development of such quality add-ons. Please be patient, and wait for the file to download--you will be well rewarded. In general, it's great to see some developers are still creating quality files for FS98, keep up the great work!
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Test System:
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Reccomended resolution for use: 800x600 (16 bit) or higher.
By Chris Shieff
Download
the 737-200 advanced panel.
chrisshieff@hotmail.com
