314: Connecting FIPs on Networked PC

Running Flight Instrument Panels (FIPs) will drag the performance of the simulator to some extent.   To minimize the impacts on some not so high-end PCs, off-loading them to a spare computer isn’t a bad idea.

Off-loading FIPs to Another Computer Could Minimize Performance Hit to the System.

To those who are “network-phobia”, here’s an example how I put the FIPs (with some help from Ricardo in the first place) to work on a spare computer in my family network.

Some Terms to Familiarize

Server/Master Computer — the Computer that runs FSX or P3D
Client/Slave Computer — the Computer that runs the FIPs
SimConnect — a special utility that allows information exchange between the simulator and the addons.

Pre-requisite

1)
Both Master and Client Computers must be in the same network (for example, connecting to the same router).

2)
FIPs are installed and running properly with FSX or Prepar3D on the Master Computer.

This step is optional but it helps ensure the FIPs are running properly before they are moved to the client PC.   You may uninstall the Saitek FIP driver after the moving.  But be careful not to remove other Saitek drivers if you are using Switch Panel, Multi Panel, etc from Saitek.

Set Up on the Master Computer

1)
Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package – x86 or x64, if it is not found on the computer.  (search Microsoft Download or Click Here)

2)
Go to the directory of fsx.CFG — %appdata%\Microsoft\FSX
or
Go to the directory of Prepar3D.cfg — 
%appdata%\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v2  (v3 or v4 or corresponding version)

3)
Look for SimConnect.xml from the directory mentioned above and make changes to it as following shows:

<SimConnect.Comm>
<Disabled>False</Disabled>
<Protocol>IPv4</Protocol>
<Scope>global</Scope>
<Address>192.168.1.xxx</Address>   <– (IPv4 address of the Master PC)
<MaxClients>64</MaxClients>
<Port>747</Port>
<MaxRecvSize>4096</MaxRecvSize>
<DisableNagle>False</DisableNagle>
</SimConnect.Comm>

Note
1. See the last part regarding IPv4 address
2. Port number refers to any available port on the Master PC.   Just use 747 if you are not sure.

Set Up on the Client Computer

1)
Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package – x86 or x64, if it is not there.  (This step may not be required if you are using Windows 10.)

2)
Copy and Install Simconnect.msi from the Master Computer.  (This step may not be required if you are using Windows 10.)

For FSX:
The file is in the \SDK\Core Utilities Kit\SimConnect SDK\lib folder under FSX program directory.  If it is not there, install the SDK package from FSX’s program DVD.

For P3D:
The file is in the redist\Interface folder under P3D program directory.

3)
Install FIP drivers

4)
Under the Documents (or My Documents) folder, create a file called SimConnect.cfg with the following content:

[SimConnect]
Protocol=IPv4
Address=192.168.1.xxx   <– (IPv4 address of the Master PC)
Port=747
MaxReceiveSize=4096
DisableNagle=0

IMPORTANT:
DO NOT put this file onto the Master Computer; otherwise, it will cause errors to the simulator.

Starting Up

On the Master Computer, Start up FSX or P3D

On the Client Computer,

Connect FIPs (better use ONE FIP only for the first connection) to the Client computer

Then execute SaiFlightSimX.exe 

The file could be found from either directory below:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Saitek\DirectOutput
or
C:\Program Files (x86)\Saitek\ProFlight FSX Plugin (when using new Saitek drivers)

The gauges should now show up on the FIPs.

TroubleShooting

Gauges don’t show up on the FIPs
Check if above Set Up procedures are prepared correctly.

Note that both Master and Client computers have to use the same SimConnect version.  It means that if FSX Accelerator is installed on the Master PC, then the same Accelerator SimConnect.msi is required on the Client PC.

Lagging on the Gauges
Modify the value of the Gauge Timeout=”100″ in the SaiFlightSimX.xml on the Client computer.

Timeout value refers to the time the FIP reacts to the signal received from the simulator.  The shorter the timeout, the more responsive of the FIP, but more system resources will be eaten up.

Since FIPs are directly connected to the Client PC now, reducing the value won’t drag the performance on the simulator.

However, it’s still required to be adjusted in order match the “strength” of the Client PC.   A value of “20” is a good start.

Finding IPv4 Address

Open Network and Sharing Center under Control Panel on the Master Computer.
Click on “Connections” and then “Details…” will show up the IPv4 Address.

SimConnect.xml & SimConnect.cfg
Click here to download my SimConnect.xml for FSX or here SimCommect.xml for P3D.