Thinking of having a go???

[DogTailRed2]

Hi,

as I'm out of work for a while I've decided to have a crack at developing something for FSX.
If I wanted to create an aircraft what software would I need?

I'll need a 3d modelling program.
A language for the gauges (Microsoft SDK).
Are there any books, good websites that explain building a very basic aircraft?

To give you a bit of background to estimate my learning curve. I've programmed in VB6 and Web languages like PHP, ASP and Javascript.
I studied OOD using smalltalk.

I guess I'm looking at a good years learning curve?

Thanks,

Ted.

[DanKH]

gmax (free) for the modelling
notepad (free) for the rest :-) (XML-gauges)
or Visual Studio Express (free) for VB.NET/C++ for non-xml gauges)

Regarding gauges, you could also choose to do the functionality in C++ and the layout in XML .... many choices :-)

www.fsdeveloper.com

www.google.com for all your researches ...!

[TSR2]

Instead of notepad I'd suggest pspad (http://www.pspad.com/en/download.php) also free

... and the SDK's for the version you are modeling.... i.e. the FSX SDK if your modeling for the dark side and the FS9 one if your modeling for that version of the sim.

[DogTailRed2]

Hi,

thanks for the info.
Is there a `how to` guide to explain the basics?

Thanks,

Ted.

[DaveG]

There's a list of sites with tutorials at the top of this section. Some of the links are quite old now, so some may no longer be available, but it worth a look.

FreeFlight Design is another good site for the budding developer.

[DanKH]

Hi,

thanks for the info.
Is there a `how to` guide to explain the basics?

Thanks,

Ted.

It REALLY depends on your choice of aircraft...

First: Choose your aircraft, and read everything you can get your hands on, surf the net, look at pictures etc. etc. to completely familiarise(?) yourself with every detail...
Second: Get a GOOD 3-view drawing, and isolate this into 3 different files.

Then your are ready for importing into gmax, and your are off .... the rest is trial and error, and a LOT of questions :-)

[Dev One]

Do not forget the frustration & sore head after bashing you nearesr brick wall!!!
Identify each new version that you draw or improve with its own file name & subscript - the software can play tricks & you often need to backtrack!
After 3 years slog I'm still frustrated, with a sore head, so its a very slow process. Anyway good luck.
Keith

[FelixFFDS]

Do not forget the frustration & sore head after bashing you nearesr brick wall!!!
Identify each new version that you draw or improve with its own file name & subscript - the software can play tricks & you often need to backtrack!
After 3 years slog I'm still frustrated, with a sore head, so its a very slow process. Anyway good luck.
Keith

I've been in this modelling hobby since 2000 (okay, a relative newbie compared to some of the powerhouses here), and don't ask me how many models I've completed/released ... but since you want to know - 2-1/2 a Mig15, Stits Playboy, and two versions of the single-seat 1-1/2 Strutter (both French), Yes, it's frustrating, but banging my head against the virtual wall is so much fun!

[JimCooper]

When you're ready to make the Gauges download Dai Griffiths tutorial ( sd2gau29.zip) from AVSIM.
If your C programming needs some revision or you're starting from scratch get
C all-in-one Desk Reference for Dummies by Dan Gookin (ISBN 0-7645-7069-2)
The FSX SDK is a lot more readable than the old FS9 SDK but the DAi Griffith tutorial will really help.

Jim