Make a Simulator QUICKLY with Air Manager

[@Gaming-OPA]

you know, after 2 years this is still the best video out there on air manager. Thank you Captain Bob

[@CaptainBobSim]

Really!? I gotta make a better one then, I hate the guts out of this video 😂😂😂

[@guitaraspirant]

Captain Bob - Two years down the track, but happening on your video today answered a question about Air Manager which I had been unable to find in the Wiki or other videos. I suppose everybody just thinks it is obvious, but for me it was hiding in plain sight. I had gathered together the instruments I needed for a Cabri G2 panel, but couldn't find out how to set them on an appropriate panel photo background. Then you pointed out the availability of the Custom tab for the background on the main Air Manager page. Bingo! That job done. So thank you. Now I just need to work out how to use the alpha channel in SkinMan to create a couple of cut out areas in the photo to be able to see and click through to the popped out GTN 650 and the engine info screen. PilotOccifer UK

[@CaptainBobSim]

Perfect! I'm so glad this helped!!

[@cherfieldm]

Wow, you're great man. Thanks Capt. Bob, I got lost but you are very knowledgeable.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thanks! Let me know if you need any clarification on anything!

[@Tutor1503]

Awesome! thats the content i need! i wont sleep today cause of your vids lol

[@CaptainBobSim]

My content makes me not sleep at night, but not for the same reasons 😂😂 Thanks for watching!

[@mybleachhouse]

Had no idea they made incoders to hard wire to a screen. Looks fun with so many possibilities.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Absolutely!! The possibilities are so exciting!

[@vistastudiosinc]

Captain Bob, I am just wondering if it’s possible for you to make a panel of a king air that fits over the monitor like you have in air manager basics. The panel I’m referring to is actually in the video you made named make a simulator quickly with air manager. The panel is at the beginning of the video. The plane would be a king air 300 with all of its gauges, etc..

[@kiancabarle123]

Long time no upload. Welcome back :D

[@CaptainBobSim]

Absolutely, it's difficult to be consistent, but I'll do my best!

[@Snowsea-gs4wu]

At 6:03 “yeah!”. LOL 😂

[@CaptainBobSim]

😂

[@coutofh]

Thanks again Captain Bob, nice job. A hug

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thanks for tuning in coutofh!

[@mauricioeanalivia]

Hi Captain Bob! Congratulations for this, I would say...."fantabulous" thing! - Can you share a tutorial how to build this pannel instruments POT - Arduino controler? Thanks a lot!

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello! The panel instrument is an Altimeter Motives Panel altimetermotives.com/ :)

[@woosaparker4536]

Oh Captain Bob, if only I had found your channel during Covid lockdown?!? Binge watching your videos at lunchtime puts me in a great mood for the afternoon. My colleagues ask how my break was and I always say “fantabulous, I had it with Captain Bob” which of course makes them ask who that is setting me up to sing ….. (I’m sure you know the jingle) Obviously, I’m not being totally serious but I have to say your enthusiasm is appreciated. I have a question, how does the screen overlay - in particular the rotary encoders - interact with the simulator?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hi Woosa! I'm honored to be your channel to watch at lunchtime! When I was in my manufacturing job I loved to watch KZbin during lunch :) If I understand your question correctly it connects to the MSFS2020 and X-Plane API, and is flashed with an Arduino sketch that reads the encoder changes and writes them to your simulator. You just add them under an instrument or as a dedicated hardware component.

[@jamieshipley]

Good work Captain Bob!

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thanks James :) Seen any good Mentour episodes lately? Thanks for tuning in!

[@KotLata737]

Hi Bob, can I set up display units, MCP, and EFIS for B737 using air manager?

[@CaptainBobSim]

You'd have to make a custom instrument in LUA in the create tab if you can't find a suitable instrument.

[@braneden]

The panel you were tweaking at around 10 minutes, how do you save that panel? Also there's a checkbox to have it start when you open airmanger that I have not been able to get to happen... What's their version of the save button?, I see OK button but after you choose start panel when opening airmanger there is no ok button t the bottom I'd assume would save that choice...

[@CaptainBobSim]

Everything saves automatically (there's no save button). Are you able to connect to the simulator when pressing the show button?

[@braneden]

@@CaptainBobSim I appreciate your response and it's what I thought I messed up the program I think, and the only thing I can think is I had one processor in my motherboard and then I downloaded and registered airmanger, then directly after I switched to my old processor. I ended up having to reregister the program and it did let me. But my airmanger as I've slowly determined isn't running like everyone else's. Because all of the free panels it's telling me I have to buy them, and not saving anything as I've seen it save and restart in peoples videos. As I still thought I was missing something. I've tried deleting airmanger and reinstalling. But it's still registered. I may have to make sure it gets entirely deleted and start over. Ive been a real hassle for everyone trying to figure it out when no one is having the issue and there's no information anywhere if you search what I'm describing.... As it keeps making me go through the opening screen selections and that makes no sense at all. So it's registered but confused and I think switching the processor may have jacked it up potentially... potentially

[@braneden]

@@CaptainBobSim I want to say thanks again because with the way you responded I know now I need to do a clean install, get a new key if I must and start over. as I already knew because everyone elses responses to my description were simply what am I talking about which should have been enough info for me to determine but I know now the program should work differently than mine is.

[@braneden]

@@CaptainBobSim I erased all folders reinstalled and it works! My program was messed up. Works as it should!

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@braneden Wonderful!! I'm so glad you could get it to work!

[@chrisybradshaw8594]

Awesome vid Captain Bob , wish i had your knowledge i was going to use two 15.6 inch touch screens when making my flight sim are these big enough you think to accommodate the basic six and other dials. Also what are your views on using either three games monitors or a self build 180 curved screen with two projectors,

[@CaptainBobSim]

Monitors/TVs usually have higher contrast, but curved projectors usually are more immersive. Curved projectors give you much more field of view, and a round view that is more realistic. With curved projector screens however - you do have to buy software to align the 3 screens mathmagically. Typically 180 degree setups use 3 projectors, but I have seen it done with 2. It's usually better to do with 3. Hopefully this helps!

[@edwinkorteweg3612]

Hi there. I just have two small WinWing F-18 Multi Function Displays which I would like to use. I stopped using them though because I don't like to extend or duplicate my screen to them. I just want to dedicate them to displaying aircraft instruments in MSFS. I saw you just selecting 'a monitor' and thought .... 'Wow, this might be ít!' I am not at home to try it out, but is this correct? Can I just select any connected monitor without first setting it up in Windows to extend or duplicate the Main Screen?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Nope - still have to extend. As far as I know that's the only way for windows to know there's a monitor there :| [Anyone feel free to chime in if you have a solution]

[@edwinkorteweg3612]

Sounds logical. Maybe it works with the ‘Duplicate Screen’ We’ll see. Thanks

[@Chuckles-mz3oj]

This is just what I needed!!

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'm so glad it helped, Chuckles!!

[@alaneschbach9252]

Great video I learned a lot. 3 questions Can you tell me the difference between v 3 and 4; is it comparable with dCS; cost. I am see it free and other places about 60eu. Thank you

[@CaptainBobSim]

Air manager is an instrument emulator, but not a flight simulator (all it does is display a screen of instruments) DCS (assuming you mean Digital Combat Simulator) is a combat flight simulator, and I don't know if it has any instrument display capabilities. DCS is not compatible with Air Manager (Try Helios) For Air Manager: V3 and V4 are kinda similar but I would say that V4 is more suitable for FS2020. I know they had some updates but they weren't memorable enough for me to know which one. V3 should work well for FSX or X-Plane but V4 would be best for FS2020. If you think you might one day in the future upgrade, buy the most up to date version.

[@homecockpitcessna1699]

Hi Bob ich muß sagen es ist verrückt dich anzuschauen aber ich finde es einfach nur coool. Danke für die Tips mit dem air Manager....

[@CaptainBobSim]

Gern geschehen, einen schönen Tag noch.

[@braneden]

That's a beautiful overlay for the screen. Can I ask does this software network ok on a second computer.

[@CaptainBobSim]

It should be pretty good, depending on network speeds. I haven't heard anything bad about it.

[@braneden]

@@CaptainBobSim thank you, do you know can you make the program start in the startup folder or automatically each flight?

[@braneden]

Can't remember if you said that part or not...

[@alanemery4303]

Great video, did you purchase the overlay? Or print/cut your own using acrylic? Any schematics or plans would be super helpful

[@ThomBesch]

I'd like to find a Garmin 650 or 430 plug-in. Is there one I can use with MSFS 2020?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Air Manager might support them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGXSmHSemM9-r5o&ab_channel=RussBarlow Another option might be SimVim, but it is not yet (to my knowledge) compatible with FS2020.

[@Der_Admin]

Hi Captain Bob, do you know if Air Manager is working parallel with mobiflight? Placing the gauges on the screen with Air Manager and In- and Output of Hardware devices with mobiflight.

[@CaptainBobSim]

From my tests they haven't interfered :)

[@jamestseng1796]

Hello Sir, thanks for sharing, do Airmanager have the same capability as MF on Arduino configuration, thanks

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'd personally say no. Air manager is a pain in the ____ to configure to custom hardware. You have to spend hours researching how to make your own functions because you have to code them up yourself using Lua. There are a very limited amount of hardware functions, only 8 presets, compared to MobiFlight's thousands with hubhop. Air Manager for me is a tool for using a few Arduino commands but mostly the screens.

[@jamestseng1796]

Thanks a lot captain for your professional experience and sharing.

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@jamestseng1796 Absolutely!

[@cebb111]

Hello . excellent job.. would be great if you can make a tutorial about all the processto connect and program only with the Arduino..thanks

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'll add it to the list. I've found the Sim Innovations videos helpful as well as their wiki.

[@mazho2991]

Hi, Captain Bob, great job.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thank you!

[@johnpesale3896]

Hey Captain Bob I was thinking of purchasing a cheaper second computer just to run a manager with a panel mask I assume this could be connected via ethernet or Wi-Fi do you for see a problem with doing this as far as a possible lag time on the instruments. I already have three monitors that are 27 inch and a real swim gear GPS 530 as my fourth mother so I did not want to stress out my main computer with your manager and another monitor if that makes sense

[@CaptainBobSim]

Your lag time will be limited by your connection speed. I've heard of people doing it successfully with Air Manager with minimal lag. Many simulators use multi-computer setups for optimal visuals.

[@worldwarmini3919]

Another great video dude ! Is there any latency on the read outs? I’m a few days out from ordering one of these bad boys. Would you recommend?

[@CaptainBobSim]

I haven’t noticed any significant latency when running on the same computer, but there might be some if running through Ethernet (haven’t tested yet)

[@worldwarmini3919]

@@CaptainBobSim Thanks! I’m currently running a Ryzen 3600x and a 1070 at 4K and was hoping to run it off a raspberry Pi3 I have laying around to help keep the load off my GPU until I can upgrade . I see the finished unit comes with USB connectivity, so I assume it has a anduino built inside . Thanks again ! Keep up the good work

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yup! The arduino connects with Air Manager to run the rotary encoders.

[@denizparry]

Remember the Saitek BIP Captain Bob? If so, do they have it in air manager?

[@CaptainBobSim]

To my knowledge they are not a supported Air Manager device, however you can always ask around on the forums

[@GodsPoetryProductions]

Thanks captain.

[@CaptainBobSim]

You are welcome!

[@Daniel2x3m]

Hon did you do those knops to Your panel?

[@scottstrickland3335]

How do you connect the multiple monitors to the system? Do you need monitors or can you use 50" TV's

[@CaptainBobSim]

You would need to have multiple display outputs coming from your graphics card (or use a USB-C Docking Station). You should be able to use 50" TVs if desired.

[@edsondias1176]

obrigado pelos seus videos explicativos

[@nikosgeorgakis6759]

Hello Captain! I have a big question! If you make a custom panel ie for C182 but choose a radio altimeter configuration (from the library ) from another aircraft ie TBM / ATR etc will it work? Or all instruments should be of the same aircraft type?

[@CaptainBobSim]

In theory this should work even if it's not the correct aircraft.

[@nikosgeorgakis6759]

@@CaptainBobSim thank you!

[@ronkramer3476]

Is it a touch screen? how do the DIALS work? Or are they wired to the PC?

[@CaptainBobSim]

The panel overlay I demoed was not touch screen, but Air Manager does have touch screen capabilities (See some of Russ Barlow's videos on this). These are wired to an arduino, which is wired to the PC via Air Manager.

[@cherfieldm]

Hi Capt Bob, how can i use the second PC link to my main PC to be used for Air mnager?

[@CaptainBobSim]

I believe it's over ethernet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWSpqp2Deah9Zrc

[@CaptainBobSim]

You should be able to do this over wifi via an IP address. In the settings page there's a section that reads "Flight simulator connection mode" select manual, and input the IP address of your remote PC.

[@buikhan]

There is a new plane in town on msfs 2020. The Piper Seminole. Can I configure the instruments for this? and what is the different from the 65 euros and 30 euros price tag on the air manager?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Don't know anything about the Seminole's configurability, but Air Manager allows you to configure instruments, where Air Player only allows you to run a preconfigured file. This is mainly helpful if you have a multiple device/computer simulator.

[@buikhan]

Do you have tutorial for msfs installing? I download the beta 4 and selections is limited.

[@CaptainBobSim]

I do not. Some selections may be limited as FS2020 does not yet give complete and full data. I'm not an expert on this, so I'd recommend going to the Air Manager forum for more information.

[@baronvonrichthofen2021]

Is this usable for DCS?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Nope, not as of writing.

[@thedbcooperforum]

do they have anything like this for commercial aircraft?

[@CaptainBobSim]

If I'm answering your question correctly: Yes you can use panels for airliners 👍

[@thedbcooperforum]

@@CaptainBobSim can the gauges be changed. a gauge for a Boeing 727 is going to have different values than a cessna? the mach speed indicator goes beyond 400 knots. the instrument panel is also much larger (wider) than a cessna calling for more coverage with a screen. I suppose I could make only one side of the panel active and the copilot section with dummy gauges?

[@thedbcooperforum]

@@CaptainBobSim Let me also clarify..I'm talking about the overlay gauges you did putting the panel over the screen and not actually making gauges...

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@thedbcooperforum Yeah! You should be able to mix and match. Because the 727 has a different airspeed range, the 172 airspeed indicator would max out at 200 kts, but you could easily swap out the instrument for a higher airspeed value indicator.

[@usernameunknkown]

Would you mind sharing the dimensions of your monitor/gauge bezels/spacing? Thanks!!

[@CaptainBobSim]

The monitor size is on the product listing 👍 you can place the instruments in Inkscape or photoshop to get a rough outline. There’s also someone else’s template you could adapt on the “make your own panel” video I did.

[@usernameunknkown]

@@CaptainBobSim great, thanks.

[@braneden]

Does this work with msfs 2020?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yes

[@jacquesdemolay2699]

does it work with MSFS 2020 ?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yes, MSFS 2020, X-Plane, P3D, and FSX

[@godfreynet]

Great vid... Thanks!!!

[@CaptainBobSim]

Glad you liked it!

[@robertjones2787]

The free download does not work for me.

[@kool_aviation99]

hi! remember me in discord xD keep up the good work!! by the way im koolbub, I just changed my name

[@CaptainBobSim]

I do! Thanks for tuning in Koolbub!

[@sharibsiddiqui2855]

Please tell which is best free flight simulator for android

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'd recommend X-Plane, here are some more options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKrGl42heplgZrM&ab_channel=DoubleDecker

[@sharibsiddiqui2855]

Thanks

[@Elminsterx]

its so cool bro

[@CaptainBobSim]

I agree! Thanks for tuning in!

[@PayamJianTV]

For air player do we need license?

[@CaptainBobSim]

To my knowledge, yes

[@jacobmayhle6650]

So is air manager compatible with flight simulator 2020?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Yes! I'm unsure if the OAT/Clock is compatible though.

[@jaimechavez2573]

Amazing awesome!!! Can you to make a panel for monitor and to sale me? , I am from Mexico buy I like to much the panel with knobsters for each instrument!

[@CaptainBobSim]

That's so awesome you are interested! Altimeter Motives is selling these panels! I would highly recommend them: altimetermotives.com/current-products/ols/products/flatscreen-instrument-panel-bezel-with-controls-for-cessna-172-flight-simulators.

[@jaimechavez2573]

@@CaptainBobSim You are a Champion! thank you so much!

[@WildeFyre69]

@@CaptainBobSim This link is no longer available.

[@yummy9731]

He back

[@CaptainBobSim]

Absolutely! It only took me 3 ish months 😂 Thanks for tuning in!

[@noneNone-mw1px]

I guess this time ron panel a bit expensive compare to first panel. Almost more than double. I can not afford it.

[@CaptainBobSim]

That's unfortunate.

[@noneNone-mw1px]

@@CaptainBobSim sure it is really unfortunate. I like his panels but too much

[@sharibsiddiqui2855]

Nice

[@Fitsharkk]

Is the software free?

[@CaptainBobSim]

No, it requires an activation code for full function.

[@WildeFyre69]

@@CaptainBobSim What do you get without the code?

[@CaptainBobSim]

@ Basically just a 6 pack instrument cluster

[@lewymartain8267]

You forgot to mention. Air manager does not except anything except credit card. No debt card not PayPal nothing. I had to do without it.

[@CaptainBobSim]

You should reach out to them and see if they can accept alternate payment: [e-mail]

[@WildeFyre69]

Hmm... nothing anywhere about MFS2024?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Nope! MSFS2024 didn't exist at the time

[@WildeFyre69]

@@CaptainBobSim 2024 has come and gone, still nothing? < :) >