Autopilot Heading Problem

[Stewie]

I'm currently using an autopilot tool, which makes it easier for a novice like myself to fly. The problem i'm experiencing is when trying to rollback the heading (-). All of the buttons on the panel have an increase and decrease side. On this tool, the - decrease is not there on the heading button. If you click the side where the decrease is, turns the heading selection on or off but will not roll back the actual heading. i.e. heading set at 0 but should be at 350. Instead of moving backwards to that number, you have to roll forward until you arrive at that number.

The autopilot tool i'm using is the HJP Autopilot tool. Does anyone know how to resolve this?

[srgalahad]

Most gauges that have +/- 'clicks' also respond to the mouse wheel - in both directions ( Most-- not all) Hover over the gauge or window so it displays the "+" and instead of clicking (which on some gauges also only increments by 100 or 10, not one) scroll the mouse wheel to change the values

[Stewie]

Thanks. The problem is it doesn't have the - side to roll back the heading. Say if your flying a heading of 185 and ATC advises to change to 120 you would press the (-) side of the gauge to scroll backwards. Unfortunately there is no (-) side only the (+) so you have to deactivate the heading, scroll forward until it goes to 120 then reactive heading. It's a real pain. Unfortunately the designer removed his email address from the file so I can't contact him directly.

[Jim Robinson]

I think what srgalahad meant is you should be able to roll your mousewheel on the "+" side, and depending on which way you roll it, either increase or decrease the heading. In some cases this won't work, it depends on how the clickspot is programmed, but in most cases it does. At any rate can you be more specific on the file you're trying to use? I can't seem to find any results for "HJP Autopilot tool" through google or in any of the file libraries.

Jim

[Avechelice]

Hello,

Make search(es) with the name:

Herbert Pralle

Flightsim
FS9 / FS-X Autopilot gauge set by Herbert Pralle

Regards.

[Jim Robinson]

OK, thanks Avechelice. The problem seems to be that a minor error in the clickspot coordinates for the heading button is causing it to overlap the heading decrease clickspot.

In the HJPGauges folder find the .xml file for whichever autopilot derivative you're using and drag it into an open Notepad window. (i.e. if you're using "gauge00=HJPGauges!AUTOPILOT AMBER" in the panel.cfg then open "AUTOPILOT AMBER.xml")

Scroll nearly to the end of the file and look for the code below:

    <!--HDG-->
    <Area Left="44" Top="4" Width="34" Height="206">
      <Cursor Type="Hand"/>
      <Click Event="AP_PANEL_HEADING_HOLD"/>
    </Area>

Simply change Height="206" to Height="20" and save. Note that you won't be able to save the xml if the panel is loaded in the sim so either select an aircraft that doesn't use the autopilot or close the sim to make the edit.

Jim

[n4gix]

Or, set up Ctrl-Shift-R to use "Reload Panels" so you can "unlock" the gauge for saving...

[Stewie]

Jim,

You rock! Thank you so much. That worked. Your assistance was greatly appreciated.

[napamule2]

Or just click AP OFF, roll the bug all the way around, and when it's at heading you want, click AP ON and it should turn to that heading. Problem solved.
Chuck B
Napamule

[n4gix]

Or just click AP OFF, roll the bug all the way around, and when it's at heading you want, click AP ON and it should turn to that heading. Problem solved.

The OP is already aware of that procedure. He wrote:

...so you have to deactivate the heading, scroll forward until it goes to 120 then reactive heading. It's a real pain.

Further, turning off the AP entirely isn't advisable in any event. Only the HDG hold would be required in this instance.