IL-2 Dials (Instrument Panel App)

[jokerBR]

Fantastic news. Thank you very much for this. Hope you succeed in getting engine data as well. ?

[jokerBR]

Hello Blorg, after using your app for several missions, exiting and entering the game in the meanwhile, I can attest that your app is working really fine. Yesterday I adjusted a lot of positions/sizes etc to my taste and all is working flawlessly. 

Although I suspect this may be already on your todo list, if I may I would like to present two suggestions to your code (*after* you finish the more important parts of getting data etc of course): 

a) calling parameters that allows the server and client to be shutdown by command line (i.e. something like "Il-2 Dials.exe /s" for shutdown). I've automated the  server/client start along other utilities like TrackIR and Joystick Gremlin, and after the game it would be nice to insert them on my "clean up" batch file as well.

b) if possible to include, the WWI planes would benefit a lot from this app too - some of them have gauges placed at very weird positions. Well, I guess even tanks would benefit - what's not to like? ?

 

Kudos!

[Blorg]

Ooh, I have never looked in to parameters for exes before, I'll look in to it, shouldn't be too hard surely, I'll get that in asap. 
The problem with working on Flying Circus is that I don't have it, and also probably a million new dials to model too! I'm not ruling it out, but it is definitely on the low priority list at the moment
But tanks? Haha, I better get modelling that altitude dial!

[SidtheGit]

Hi Blorg. Using these continually, very pleased!

 

I disabled a gauge in the edit function though, can't see how to restore it. How do I get it back?

 

Cheerzen 

[Blorg]

 

1 hour ago, SidtheGit said:

Hi Blorg. Using these continually, very pleased!

 

I disabled a gauge in the edit function though, can't see how to restore it. How do I get it back?

 

Cheerzen 

 

Try going to the layout options where you move and delete dials, there should be a tray at the bottom where you can drag it out and back in to play. It is entirely possible it isn't working correctly!

Edited November 16, 2021 by Blorg

[SidtheGit]

Brilliant, thanks. Closed the game and Dials and restarted them both. Gauge appeared as per your piccie and I was able to restore it .

 

Cheerzen

[Spinnetti]

Great idea.. had something like this in the original IL2..

 

Would be nice to be able to cast this to my iPad......

[hexn]

Thanks for the great jobs, this would be useful for me.

I`m a beginner for the flight simulator, the original instrument panel is difficult to read for me?

[-332FG-brooklynspo]

Version 0.4.2 is an excellent update to a great app! The Wi-Fi connections are far more stable now and recover easily with a simple app restart.  RPM dials are very useful addition, of course! All dials are accurate and responsive.  Instrument panel customization works very well, allowing me to pick and choose which dials to display. Beautiful work overall.

Edited January 26, 2022 by -332FG-brooklynspo

[Patricks]

I must be an idiot as I have the Client/Server (4.2/4.2.1). I install the Server in x:\Program Files (default), Client is unpacked into it's own (default) folder under IL-2 downloads folder. Run both and jump in IL-2, hop in a mission, while in the plane I see no external gauges, if I alt-tab I see Dials client that says "Reading Data" with a green star. I was hoping it was "similar" to Helios that I can drag/drop/resize gauges on to my two 8" (USB) MFD screens but I see no way to edit anything or tell the program where to place the dials? What am I missing? In x:\Program Files\IL-2 Dials all I see is IL-2 Dials.exe, in the Main folder is IL-2 Dials Server.exe and the Auto Closer and Icons folder. No Setup readme, no config file, nada...

 

The screens are ID'd in Win11 as #1 (my triples) and #2 / #3 (as extended displays).

Edited January 26, 2022 by Icer

[-332FG-brooklynspo]

@Icer I personally do not have experience with USB MFD screens but here is what I know about the IL-2 Dials app. Each client generates a window, and you can edit the dials layout within that window by pressing the settings "hamburger" button in the lower center and then hitting the "Windows" icon on the left. The "Wi-Fi" button on the right is for connection settings. You can bypass the Wi-Fi connection by setting the IP address in the client to the internal 127.0.0.1, which I think is what you want for your MFD screens.

The dials layout for each client window can be edited extensively. Initially it will display all currently available dials for a given plane and from there you can reposition, re-size or hide any or all dials. Any changes are saved automatically.  There is also a handy "reset" button to bring back the default layout.

I hope this helps. The app is still in development and the documentation is not great at this point - but I do think it is pretty intuitive.

The app developer also has a Discord with a bunch of enthusiasts who may be better able to help resolve your issues: https://discord.gg/tuN8yuwS9V
 

Edited January 26, 2022 by -332FG-brooklynspo

[Blorg]

Hi Icer thanks for the interest in the app,and I'm sure you're not an idiot! If you open the client and press the menu button in the bottom middle of the screen and then the wifi button, are there any messages about connecting? Also are the LED lights red or green at the bottom right? Are you seeing the IL-2 Dials logo?
I do hope this isn't some issue with windows 11, I'm still on 10..

[Patricks]

On 1/26/2022 at 9:49 PM, Blorg said:

Hi Icer thanks for the interest in the app,and I'm sure you're not an idiot! If you open the client and press the menu button in the bottom middle of the screen and then the wifi button, are there any messages about connecting? Also are the LED lights red or green at the bottom right? Are you seeing the IL-2 Dials logo?
I do hope this isn't some issue with windows 11, I'm still on 10..

 

Here's what I see.

 

If I click on the IL-2 Dials shortcut created by the Install the pic on left comes up and I get a blue star Icon on the taskbar and a Red star in my "running programs" hidden box on the taskbar. Hover over the blue star it shows "IL-2 Dials", hover over the Red Star and it's "IL-2 Dials Server". I assume this is normal. If I click on the gears on this (bottom left) the Port window shows up, that's it, no other options. The second picture is what it looks like when I Alt-Tab out of the plane when Paused. Looks like it's communicating but again, no gauges anywhere, no options to do anything. Also the Red star in my "running programs" hidden box on the taskbar is now Green..

 

Edit: With the help of Blorg on the Discord I have it running just fine, my issue was my misunderstanding that the "IL-2 Dials.exe" in the Client Download needs to run with the IL-2 Server. I thought both were running from the one shortcut placed on the desktop during the install. You need to create a shortcut to "L-2 Dials.exe" and run both. It works now, just not able to get it on my Lilliputs (yet)..

 

Edited March 1, 2022 by Icer

[Patricks]

Just a pic of the end result.. could not be happier, THANK YOU BLORG!!! 

 

 

[Blorg]

Absolutely beautiful!

[Blorg]

A note on the latest release, if you get stuck in fullscreen mode ( I made it automatically do that this release (a fool!)) just press Alt + Enter to change it windowed mode. I'll change that on the next update, cheers!

[Blorg]

Window Client hotfix v 0.4.2.1 available. 
I unchecked "run in background" when building, sorry! Will again run in background.

[SidtheGit]

I am spending some time working through the aircraft in the Allied and Axis 'hangars' setting the instruments up so that they more or less represent the placement of the dials represented in the cockpits. It's interesting because it shows that the British fighters kept the same layout whereas some nationalities varied the placement a bit....whether that was down to design or what, who knows. What struck me though, from your work point of view, was the quality of the dials and the 'wow' factor the Italian dials had when I saw them for the first time. Excellent work Blorg, thank you!

 

Do you have a plan for which dials you would like to do? I ask out of curiosity....no intention to pressure you into which dials to do because I can see the time and effort it takes to create them ?

 

Cheerzen 

Edited January 30, 2022 by SidtheGit

[WWDarkdiz]

No more not seeing the Brit gyro compass! Can't wait for the rest of the engine dials!

[Mungee]

WoW!!

This looks tremendous!

 

Thanks, Blorg, for all the time and effort that you're putting into this -PLEASE keep going! ?

 

I'm not much of a computer fundi (expert - South African) so the whole server-client set-up issue is alien to me right now, but I'll start reading up on the principles in anticipation for the stage when I can download and use this fantastic mod!

[Patricks]

1 hour ago, Mungee said:

WoW!!

This looks tremendous!

 

Thanks, Blorg, for all the time and effort that you're putting into this -PLEASE keep going! ?

 

I'm not much of a computer fundi (expert - South African) so the whole server-client set-up issue is alien to me right now, but I'll start reading up on the principles in anticipation for the stage when I can download and use this fantastic mod!

 

If you will be using it on one computer (with two or more screens seen by Windows as #1/#2/etc) setup is a breeze. You simply download the server and install it, it will put an icon on your desktop. Download the client and unzip it anywhere you want and it will create a "IL-2 Dials Client v0.4.2.1" folder, in it will be "IL-2 Dials.exe". Create a desktop shortcut to the "IL-2 Dials.exe" (call it "Dials Client" or similar). Run the server (it will default to (local machine) 127.0.0.1, minimize it. Run the Client, a window will open. On bottom right you should see a green button if connected to the server. Bottom Center button opens up to two choices, on left is to set up dials, on right is for network (should be all set), Click the left icon, should  say "Waiting for Mission Start". Move that window (make it as big as possible on your secondary screen) and run IL-2. Once you choose a plane the appropriate gauges for that plane should appear. Click the big @ icon and they become editable for resizing/moving/removing.  Play around and have fun with it, once set for that plane when you exit Dials will remember the settings, must be done for each plane..

 

Edited February 4, 2022 by Icer

[Mungee]

6 hours ago, Icer said:

 

If you will be using it on one computer (with two or more screens seen by Windows as #1/#2/etc) setup is a breeze. You simply download the server and install it, it will put an icon on your desktop. Download the client and unzip it anywhere you want and it will create a "IL-2 Dials Client v0.4.2.1" folder, in it will be "IL-2 Dials.exe". Create a desktop shortcut to the "IL-2 Dials.exe" (call it "Dials Client" or similar). Run the server (it will default to (local machine) 127.0.0.1, minimize it. Run the Client, a window will open. On bottom right you should see a green button if connected to the server. Bottom Center button opens up to two choices, on left is to set up dials, on right is for network (should be all set), Click the left icon, should  say "Waiting for Mission Start". Move that window (make it as big as possible on your secondary screen) and run IL-2. Once you choose a plane the appropriate gauges for that plane should appear. Click the big @ icon and they become editable for resizing/moving/removing.  Play around and have fun with it, once set for that plane when you exit Dials will remember the settings, must be done for each plane..

 

Thanks, Icer! 

[ACG_Ginger]

Wonder why il2 models the P8 compass wrong! in the picture above if you were heading 311 like it shows in the hud the "T" bar on the compass should be pointing 049 ?

[dawud]

Wow <3

[WWDarkdiz]

4 hours ago, ACG_Ginger said:

Wonder why il2 models the P8 compass wrong! in the picture above if you were heading 311 like it shows in the hud the "T" bar on the compass should be pointing 049 ?

No, it should be pointing 311, and is pointing 311.  The "T" is the head of the needle which shows your heading on the fixed compass dial.

 

[ACG_Ginger]

No i think you need to learn how a actual p8 compass works , some one explain to him please!

[ACG_Ginger]

1: Do we all agree that a compass needle points North?

2: if so then the "T" is also pointing North?

3: Rotate the outer disc to the left so the big red "N" is above  or inline with the "T"

4: Now read the compass ring at the 12o'clock position and you will see it reads 049 ? this is the way your heading.

Simples.

il2 have it the wrong way round to make it easier to navigate.

if the "T" was pointing 049 then you would turn the outer ring to the right , place the N inline and the 12o'clock reading would be 311.

Edited February 5, 2022 by ACG_Ginger

[Patricks]

3 hours ago, ACG_Ginger said:

1: Do we all agree that a compass needle points North?

2: if so then the "T" is also pointing North?

3: Rotate the outer disc to the left so the big red "N" is above  or inline with the "T"

4: Now read the compass ring at the 12o'clock position and you will see it reads 049 ? this is the way your heading.

Simples.

il2 have it the wrong way round to make it easier to navigate.

if the "T" was pointing 049 then you would turn the outer ring to the right , place the N inline and the 12o'clock reading would be 311.

 

@ACG_GingerI believe you are correct, but I don't think IL-2 Box allows you to rotate the Magnetic Compass ring, does it? Even if its possible, you don't really need the P8 to navigate in Box as the Gyro compass is accurate. In IL-2 CLoD (RAF planes) it is necessary to align the P8 Magnetic compass and then reset the Gyro compass to match if you want to navigate by compass, and you must do it several times during flight. In my screenshot above it was my 1st outing with IL-2 Dials and in my head I was thinking how important it was to have both the P8 and Gyro compasses easily visible in Cliffs of Dover. Only did it in IL-2 Box to see what it would look like and fill my screens with gauges as the number was limited. I have gained some comfort using the "Virtual Cockpit" app for IL-2 CLod and discuss it here if interested.. 

[ACG_Ginger]

No problem , i was just pointing out that il2 don't have it modelled correct , the virtaul cockpit is a fantastic app and i always used it in Clod , nice to see one for IL2 now.?

 

[Blorg]

So the question is... should I change anything in the app? You can spin the ring on the app if you haven't realised  I'm just trying to  replicate how il2 shows the data.

Edited February 6, 2022 by Blorg

[Patricks]

33 minutes ago, Blorg said:

So the question is... should I change anything in the app? You can spin the ring on the app if you haven't realised  I'm just trying to  replicate how il2 shows the data.

 

Just keep going in the direction you are already headed IMHO.. more of your beautiful gauges! The thing about the magnetic compass is there is no need to touch it in IL-2 Box, but it is a necessity in IL-2 CLoD...

[Blorg]

Affirmative!

 

[Mungee]

Thank you again, Blorg for the time and effort that you’re putting into this fantastic mod … and thank you Icer for the set-up instructions that you gave me.

 

I confessed to being useless when it came to computers/IT but I can now proudly say that I’ve got it up and running!

 

I do have a question though:-

 

- when I first started using “dials”, my IL-2 GB was crashing when I clicked the (mission) “start” button (it seemed to load the mission OK)

 

- by trial and error I’ve got “dials” to run by loading IL-2 GB first, then opening the “dials” server and client on the subsidiary/no. 2 screen, and then choosing a mission etc on the main/no.1 screen

 

- what makes this a bit cumbersome is that because the IL-2 GB occupies the main/no.1 screen I have to dig around the folders on the subsidiary/no.2 screen to open the server and client (the shortcuts only appear on the main/no. 1 screen).

 

Am I doing something wrong?

 

PS I saw that IL-2 GB crashing was a problem, but was fixed - for me IL-2 GB still crashes if I open the “dials” server and client before opening IL-2 GB.

 

[Patricks]

7 minutes ago, Mungee said:

Thank you again, Blorg for the time and effort that you’re putting into this fantastic mod … and thank you Icer for the set-up instructions that you gave me.

 

I confessed to being useless when it came to computers/IT but I can now proudly say that I’ve got it up and running!

 

I do have a question though:-

 

- when I first started using “dials”, my IL-2 GB was crashing when I clicked the (mission) “start” button (it seemed to load the mission OK)

 

- by trial and error I’ve got “dials” to run by loading IL-2 GB first, then opening the “dials” server and client on the subsidiary/no. 2 screen, and then choosing a mission etc on the main/no.1 screen

 

- what makes this a bit cumbersome is that because the IL-2 GB occupies the main/no.1 screen I have to dig around the folders on the subsidiary/no.2 screen to open the server and client (the shortcuts only appear on the main/no. 1 screen).

 

Am I doing something wrong?

 

PS I saw that IL-2 GB crashing was a problem, but was fixed - for me IL-2 GB still crashes if I open the “dials” server and client before opening IL-2 GB.

 

 

The only time IL-2 crashed for me was when I had two instances of IL-2 Dials Server running, be sure that isn't the case --- it's easy to do as the Server (Red Star icon) is only shown in the "Hidden" area on the Taskbar accessed by the ^ icon far right bottom.

Edited February 6, 2022 by Icer

[Mungee]

So do you open the “dials” server and then client, move it to the secondary/no. 2 screen/monitor … and then fire up IL-2 Sturmovik GB?

[Patricks]

Exactly. I start the Dials Server and minimize. At that point you can look in the Hidden Icons box (circled in green in attached pic) and you should see ONE red star. Then start the client, should have a Green button on bottom right. Put that window where you want, start IL-2 and proceed into Mission/Campaign/Multiplayer/whatever. Once you are in a cockpit you can set up the gauges window (if you have never flown that plane with IL-2 Dials you need to set it up once).. Fly!

 

 

Edited February 6, 2022 by Icer

[334th_KermitLeFrog334]

This is fantastic. So useful. In the P38 the stick obscures some of the gauges. This is a life-saver. I have it running on a Galaxy Tab S7 and it works perfectly. Thank you so much.

[Blorg]

I hope you find the p38 rpm gauge to your liking, cos that was a P in the A to get working!

[Patricks]

14 minutes ago, TAWKermitLeFrogTAW said:

This is fantastic. So useful. In the P38 the stick obscures some of the gauges. This is a life-saver. I have it running on a Galaxy Tab S7 and it works perfectly. Thank you so much.

 

Yes, Blorg deserves a BIG beer for this one!

 

[Mungee]

4 hours ago, Icer said:

Exactly. I start the Dials Server and minimize. At that point you can look in the Hidden Icons box (circled in green in attached pic) and you should see ONE red star. Then start the client, should have a Green button on bottom right. Put that window where you want, start IL-2 and proceed into Mission/Campaign/Multiplayer/whatever. Once you are in a cockpit you can set up the gauges window (if you have never flown that plane with IL-2 Dials you need to set it up once).. Fly!

 

 

 

Thanks, Icer!

 

That was precisely my problem - I inadvertently had two “dials” servers running.

It now no longer crashes.