quote:

Originally posted by FritzGryphon:
Better yet, could you hook me up with the software you've got?

I actully wrote my own that I use to extract the DeviceLink data, but, the UDPGraph utility will do it too and it has a real time graphical interface display that is worth it's weight in gold during flight testing! All in all a much better program than the one I wrote. Mine, all it does is log data to a file, no graphics.

quote:

Originally posted by FritzGryphon:
Would be great to be able to make graphs and stuff

UDPGraph allows you to log the variables you want to a txt file. The only *manual* thing I think you have to do.. In that I dont think UDPGraph does it for you, is to add the following to your IL2-PF "confi.ini" file

[DeviceLink]
port=21100

The reason I think you have to *manually* do it (i.e. use NOTEPAD to edit your config.ini) is that it says in this picture.. i.e.



(these two parameters - server address and port must be the same as stated in [DeviceLink] section of IL-2 conf.ini file).

NOTE! I highly recomend you set the "Update Interval" to "1000msec"! This will result in your log file being updated at 1 second intervals. Which makes some of the math you will be doing later easier to do, and it also makes it easier on your PC in that it is not working as hard as it would at "500msec" in that it is only sampling half as much.

quote:

Originally posted by FritzGryphon:
Ok, I've got that.

But where can I find a list of parameters to add? Like, water temp and so forth.

I've found the devicelink.txt, but it's not clear what I actually have to type into UPDgraph to get stuff to show up. Any help appreciated.

There is a pull down menu in the UDPGraph that lists all the variables.



The image above shows what happens when you RIGHT CLICK on any line, initally the lines will be empty under GRAPH, but when you RIGHT CLICK it allows you to "Insert New" which in turn presnts you with a LIST of variables to select. Those same variables are listed in the DeviceLink.txt file in your IL2 directory. Note, there is an option for multi engines, up to 4 engines, but, you only need the 1 for single engines. As a mater of fact, I think the UDPGraph readme says something about him not getting the others to work, so use the engine 1 variables.

quote:

Originally posted by FritzGryphon:
Oh, and anyone who has UPDSpeed, could you please send it to me? The only link I find is broke. fennec@shaw.ca

Go here

http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/49310655/m/7201027043

I think Eurosnoopy has a link to it on his sight?

I wonder if there's any way for us to get devicelink exports in multiplayer? I've asked for it through emails and posted on these forums before, but I don't know if there are any plans to include the feature. I think it would be best if someone close to Oleg would try to get the suggestion through or ask for his opinion.

I have a home cockpit with some gauges and it's great fun and actually useful in Lock on. It could potentially be great for Sturmovik as well, something like having a slip indicator visible even at the highest zoom levels. Usefulness aside it's just fun to sit in a cockpit while flying and mine is just a very humble version and I can't even compare it with what some artists have created. The only problem is that I play mostly online so I can't use the gauges.

I think the problem with cheating wouldn't be too bad if enabling the exports was a serverside option. That would solve at least all my problems, since I usually host for some people I know and trust and I could enable the feature without worries. If the servers that have devicelink enabled would warn the players when they enter everyone would know about it and players wouldn't have to worry about cheaters all the time and they could fly on servers without exports enabled if they so wish. If the exports were disabled by default most servers wouldn't even have it enabled.

I also sometimes train pilots and it would be extremely useful to have an analyzing tool that could combine both plane's flight paths and display them. There could be at least some potential use for online exports and perhaps it would be worth the trouble. At the moment this is the biggest issue for me and if there's a solution I and a friend of mine could start working on the interface for gauges and switches.

Ok another question. How do you get RPM from two different engines in one query? Is it necessary to ask for engine RPMs separately? I would like to keep the server traffic at a minimum, only asking for all the data once every 50 or 100ms.

quote:

Originally posted by AndyJoyhill:
Ok another question. How do you get RPM from two different engines in one query? Is it necessary to ask for engine RPMs separately? I would like to keep the server traffic at a minimum, only asking for all the data once every 50 or 100ms.

I don't think it supports querying for two engines in one string. You have to do each engine separately.

quote:

Originally posted by WWSensei:
I don't think it supports querying for two engines in one string. You have to do each engine separately.

I have not tried myself, but, I think your correct in that they have to be in two seperate requests. In that others have reported trouble getting them via one request.

Bummer, just what I was afraid of. There are several reasons why getting both engines' data in one query would be very useful. Does anyone know of a feedback channel that accepts devicelink issues? This is quite marginal mostly and I doubt Oleg himself would be very interested.

In case someone's interested I and a friend of mine have been working on an interface between Lock on / Il-2 and Phidgets / Simkits. Currently we've got support for LCD displays, Interfacekits (input/output) and servo controllers and working software for both games, although Lock on version is much more advanced. We have a C .dll file called from lua script and that's pretty much it. I work on the simulator side of things (and the cockpit), my friend does the C(++) stuff.

I've only run a few tests with the Sturmovik software, but oh boy do I want export functionality for multiplayer, oh yes hot #&%& I do. Any ideas on how we could approach the matter?

I've gotten some positive response sending to the regular bug reporting email that's listed in the PF readme.

I've also written a C++ wrapper class for devicelink and I'm getting ready to release version 2 of that class. I don't implement all the functions (I leave that as an exercise for the end programmer) but I did write all the low level stuff. The last hurdle is getting the engine data in an efficient manner.

Devicelink is anything but efficient. Everything is passed in a 64 byte buffer in string format...which has to be converted etc.

My suggestion for the engine stuff is to simply extrapolate a constant curve via periodic polling and averaging out a response curve. It's simply too inefficient for real time use in instruments.

Oh, I did the wrapper class because I was writing an interface for GoFlight modules... ;-)

Hi All

I have been working on a DeviceLink based interface project for the last couple of months.

The project, which I have called the Fighter Cockpit Interface Project (FCIProject), takes telemetry data from IL2 and controls SimKits dials; http://www.simkits.com.
Please see my, rather basic, website for more details;

http://www.ge-tec.co.uk

I will be releasing a copy of the software soon, if anyone is interested.

The software is written in Java and is reasonably fast. I did want to combine Flight Control data (Stick, Throttle, Rudder, Flaps, Trim) in one packet, but came across the problem of IL2 failing to interpret multi-command packets.

I did a quick search for DeviceLink in this forum and, clearly, this an issue Oleg needs to look at.

My cockpit project is coming along pretty well and I have added extra fidelity to IL2 with the addition of 'real' instruments and controls. I now fly using these instruments and do not use the virtual cockpit.

The biggest issue I have with DeviceLink is that it doesn't work online

The use of DeviceLink, online, is not a cheat. Especially the commands that have been disabled.

1C:Maddox and Oleg must resolve this issue, make DeviceLink available online, and only remove telemetry that could be used as a cheat.

One suggestion is they could allow DeviceLink to only work for IP addresses on the local LAN or, as has been suggested, a DLL interface.

I am really looking forward to the Battle of Britain and hopefully the day Oleg removes the restriction on DeviceLink.

If anyone has any questions relating to the FCI, please feel free to e-mail me. My e-mail address is available on my website.

Regards

Gary

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
Hi All

I have been working on a DeviceLink based interface project for the last couple of months.

The project, which I have called the Fighter Cockpit Interface Project (FCIProject), takes telemetry data from IL2 and controls SimKits dials; http://www.simkits.com.
Please see my, rather basic, website for more details;

http://www.ge-tec.co.uk

Cool!

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
I will be releasing a copy of the software soon, if anyone is interested.

Im sure there are, Baldie Jr was into this awhile back. Most folks here were using it to drive virtual guages as a overlay on the screen.. But some are interested in driving real guages. Peronally I just use DeviceLink to analysis the performance of the aircraft.

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
The software is written in Java and is reasonably fast. I did want to combine Flight Control data (Stick, Throttle, Rudder, Flaps, Trim) in one packet, but came across the problem of IL2 failing to interpret multi-command packets.

I did a quick search for DeviceLink in this forum and, clearly, this an issue Oleg needs to look at.

Yes, the multi requests of engine data does not seem to work either.. you have to have a seperate req per engine. Not sure why that does not work. Problem is, on the list of things to do.. DeviceLink issues seem to be very low on Oleg's list.

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
My cockpit project is coming along pretty well and I have added extra fidelity to IL2 with the addition of 'real' instruments and controls. I now fly using these instruments and do not use the virtual cockpit.

Some pictures would be cool and might get more people interested!

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
The biggest issue I have with DeviceLink is that it doesn't work online

That one does not make much since to me either.. I mean with all the options for servers to boot people with bad pings why give the server control over weather we use it or not. I mean if our software was pulling our ports to the points that our ping to the server was bad, then they could just boot us based on our ping.. But to disable it all togther seems wrong to me.

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
The use of DeviceLink, online, is not a cheat. Especially the commands that have been disabled.

Agreed 100%

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
1C:Maddox and Oleg must resolve this issue, make DeviceLink available online, and only remove telemetry that could be used as a cheat.

Agreed.. but.. like I said, I *think* this is pretty low on his list, so dont hold your breath.

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
One suggestion is they could allow DeviceLink to only work for IP addresses on the local LAN or, as has been suggested, a DLL interface.

Sounds good to me.

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
I am really looking forward to the Battle of Britain and hopefully the day Oleg removes the restriction on DeviceLink.

Me too.

Hello FCIProject ,
i made one of the first devicelink clients it is still working but it is only a client for information processing and storing to analyse FM Data.

The troubles concering direct input to plane flight controls start when you try to send multiple commands for set. I asked already for a correction for this problem as well as several others but it wont happen it seems. You can still send em in seperate commands which of course takes more time.

So when you try to standardize fm testing with a autopilot for example you have following problem. You get 1 Information string and you can process it but you can send only 1 set command in a time . So you can not balance sideslip rudder and ailerons at 1 time but 1 after each other but then the input is delayed to the current flight attitude and you would need corrections . Of course this problem arises only in your control devices implementation. You have less reaction compared to ingame interfaces in il2. The reaction delay goes with O(n^k) where n is the normal control command and k the number of control axis you send data.

From my experience the data and control abilities given by devicelink is only intented for the benefits of some external gauges.

x,y,z , tas and several other vital datas are not available which would surely allow deeper analysis of the fm.

For the use of a non delayed stick input i would suggest code a generic joystick based driver which has all controls available to use and redirect your input to this class. So you use devicelink only for input and feedback data and send in control data of joystick driver dummy which itself can contain several control devices that are actually attached along with a code driven interface.

Just some ideas depends how much time you want to spend on this task

The addition of DeviceLink was a great idea of 1C:Maddox and Oleg. It has made building a cockpit worthwhile. I would not bother with any other simulator.

I am sure it would only take a small bug fix to get multiple requests to work. I have worked around this issue for now.

I will put pictures on my website, once I have the cockpit built and I am fairly happy with it. I have had a sub-panel, to hold the Primary Flight Instruments, laser cut and the dials are mounted in this panel.

I am going to get the main panel laser cut soon. This will hold the sub-panel, plus additional dials and switches.

Take a look at this website; http://www.taffe.de. Oliver has built a great Bf109 cockpit and has helped me test and develop the FCI. There are some AVIs of the dials in action on his site.

If you want to be completely amazed have a look here; http://www.simhardware.org. The work here is mind blowing!

I am hoping to have a completed cockpit by the time BoB comes out.

One of the other issues I have got is with the VSI. My SimKits VSI moves much more quickly than the one in the virtual cockpit. I believe my calculation for this dial is correct. I think the telemetry coming from IL2, for this instrument, is incorrect.

BBB_Hyperion

Which client did you write? UDPGraph? If so, this is an execellent program and I used it when I initally started to work with DeviceLink.

I am going to e-mail Oleg regarding multiple-requests and keep e-mailing about this and DeviceLink not working online.

The biggest challenge, I have faced with the FCI, is speed. Java is not the fastest langauge around and the more dials I have made available the more I have had to work on keeping the performance going.

Undoutably the interface would be better in C++, but one of the reasons for starting this project was to learn more about Java. I have certainly acheived this. I think the program is as efficient as I can make it, with the 'tools' I have been given.

With the fusion of three applications; Il2, SimKits and the FCI, performance is critical. Depending on how successful the project is and if the online restriction for DeviceLink is lifted I may consider writing the interface in C++.

The FCI is pretty good at updating the dials and reacting to Flight Control input, but more can be done. I am looking at using Java Native Interface for the SimKits comms.

BBB_hyperion, If you know C++ and Java maybe you would like to see the source code and offer any suggestions?

I added the option of using Flight Controls through the FCI because Oliver requested it. The Flight Controls can be turned off and the FCI works a bit quicker.

Once I get hold of some http://www.phidgets.com kits I will write an interface for the controls using these kits. I will still face the problem of integration though.

I am familar with VC++ , VB , Java and about a dozen other languages .)

No wasnt udpspeed or udpgraph i think i called it il2datapoll.

I think BaldieJr made a public c++ wrapper class that might help you building a dll to use in your program without investing too much work. Java is always a problem concering speed but when you use external function calls it can still be acceptable.

FCIProject,

I've written a C++ wrapper class for devicelink. I am about to release version 2 of the wrapper which cleans the code up a bit, has better docs, and is now written to be thread safe as well.

I don't have commands written for all the available commands but I wrote enough to serve as examples for anyone wanting to write additional ones. I should be posting it up by the end of this week.

Hyperion

Have you used JNI? Is it fairly straight forward to use and is it quick?

WWSensei

Your version 2 of your wrapper sounds good.

Are the primary instruments catered for; Airspeed, Altimeter, Artificial Horizon, Slip/Turn Coordinator and Compass?

How far have you got documenting the wrapper? Any information would be worth reading.

Nope, I don't have those yet, but they wouldn't be hard. Most of my class does a lot of the low level work of querying and reading the response from the game and presenting the data back to you in easy to use functions. The ones I've written are goos examples of how to flesh out the rest that you want. Most of it would result in just sending a defined value to my QueryMsg function.

The docs are done by doxygen and can be found here:

http://www.wingwalkers.org/sensei/devicelink/docs/index.html

What is the major difference between version 1 and 2 of your wrapper?

Do you know if I could use JNI to work with your wrapper class?

quote:

Originally posted by WWSensei:
I am about to release version 2 of the wrapper which cleans the code up a bit, has better docs, and is now written to be thread safe as well.... I should be posting it up by the end of this week.

WWSensei,

is there any new updates on this? Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by FCIProject:
If you want to be completely amazed have a look here; http://www.simhardware.org. The work here is mind blowing!

Did anyone else actually notice the above link? That is unfeckinbeleivable; if you didn't check the link before take a look at what these guys are making