SPAACARS Program Update

Still plugging away. Just need to add a few more data items and then the upload functions. Modeled after the old fsacars program, there are some buttons that don't do things and some bells and whistles not included - but first make it do the basics we need - then the bells and whistles.

<img src="images/spaacars-a.jpg">
<img src="images/spaacars-b.jpg">
<img src="images/spaacars-c.jpg">

Thanks Dave,

The latest update is that the basic function is complete and I used it to successfully post a flight today (it is compatible with your current spa.ini file used with the fsacars program. I've currently sent it for some beta-testing by Airhogg to see if it works on another system besides my own. Then I'll put it out to all the pilots for further testing and use for filing pireps.

This program currently works with fsx, but might work with other sims - certainly earlier fs sim versions, and I'll eventually test it with P3D.

The benefit of it right now is to load up your fsx flight plan and fill in the form fields automatically so all you need to add is the flight number! Also the install is easier - no multiple downloads and file-swapping, and no configuration changes (yet). Just unzip the file to your favorite folder and run the app from the unzipped folder after sticking your spa.ini file in the same folder.

Currently the location update for the "who's flying" area of our homepage has not been competed - although it is calculating location and displays periodic update in the log.

That will be the first addition, but I'll be continually adding new features and improvements as I get user input and have the time.

John

A final update prior to release! Larry (Airhogg) has advised a successful upload, and I've made some additional changes to the program already so that it has improved usefulness. I will error test these changes briefly before releasing the program for pilots to give it a good workout for final testing and fixing of things. Again, this will be an ongoing project of mine, so pilot input will help make it better all the time.

Current additions is that it now will report flight status and positions to the SPA home page "who's flying" area. I've also added an option to save your flight data to a text file in the event of a simulator disconnect (or accidental user shutdown of sim before they send the log off). This will require a manual pirep entry, but it will save all your flight data to a text file to make that easier. Additionally, it will report via email and in your pirep comment area that it is uploading via SPAACARS so that we know who's using our new program!

Anyway...I expect to test it out tomorrow morning and hope to have the first St. Paul Airline ACARS program available tomorrow evening sometime if all goes as planned.

John



<br /><br /><!-- editby --><br /><br /><em>edited by: jer029, Sep 07, 2015 - 08:42 PM</em><!-- end editby -->