Reading the compass in the Spitfire

[shaven]

Hi - I'm looking for some help please. Is there a way to view (actually read and use) the compass and the HI in the spitfire? I can't really workout how to realistically use these as they're obstructed by the control column. Even if I zoom in it's obstructed. Is there a view button to see the compass? Is there a way to show the heading on an info page? I have scoured the net but I'm not coming up with anything. Thanks.

[TWC_Meowzer]

their is a command for "glance at dashboard" which makes you look at all the instruments. This helps a bit but if I remember right it still might not totally solve the problem. I have been told by TWC members that you can set up a "virtual cockpit" on a second monitor which might include your heading. There might be more info on the TWC or ATAG websites. I myself use track IR so i can move my head to the side to get a bit better view but even then it's not perfect. I've gotten mostly used to reading it by only seeing part of it.

[RAF74_Buzzsaw]

Originally posted by shaven:

Hi - I'm looking for some help please. Is there a way to view (actually read and use) the compass and the HI in the spitfire? I can't really workout how to realistically use these as they're obstructed by the control column. Even if I zoom in it's obstructed. Is there a view button to see the compass? Is there a way to show the heading on an info page? I have scoured the net but I'm not coming up with anything. Thanks.

You need headtracker software or you need to use the 'glance at dashboard' command.

If you don't want to buy Track IR, then there are free head tracker programs out there which do work.

[shaven]

Hi all - thanks for the replies! I don't have track IR but something to add to the list. I'll look for the glance at dashboard key. I'm new to the game but I'm flying in realism mode and it's addictive. I currently just love flying and haven't even tried any combat. I've put the 'show icon on map' to on, to help but I want to fly real DR. It's sort of weird because it's frustrating but at the same time adds to the realism of using the compass with the HI to navigate.

Thanks for the advice again, happy flying all!

[LLv34 Flanker]

S!

You should also look at DelanClip solution. I use one and it works a treat :) And cheaper than TrackIR. OpenTrack software for it is free as well.

[Launchpad McQuack]

You can reposition your 'head' with mouse. To make navigation easier you should set up your directional gyro before take off. But be aware that turning hard will cause the gyro to drift so you have to readjust it to align with the magnetic compass every now and then.

[shaven]

Thanks all, I'll check out the 'repositioning your head' with the mouse and the Delanclip solution. I always align the HI with the compass with the HI and check the RW position before TO otherwise you end up in a bit of pickle!

[shaven]

The re-position head feature has completely resolved my issue. I can't believe I didn't spot this!! I'd not used the mouse to view (F10) before and was just using the hat switch. Using the mouse to view and also re-position my head (right mouse key) is like a quantum leap. Thanks! I can navigate quite happily now and aligning the HI is very easy.

[RAF74_Buzzsaw]

Originally posted by shaven:

The re-position head feature has completely resolved my issue. I can't believe I didn't spot this!! I'd not used the mouse to view (F10) before and was just using the hat switch. Using the mouse to view and also re-position my head (right mouse key) is like a quantum leap. Thanks! I can navigate quite happily now and aligning the HI is very easy.

Glad to hear you are up and running.

Enjoy the game and the Holiday Season!

[Mark3]

Originally posted by Aelfric:

The gyro is always out of sync at take-off, and needs synchronising with the compass.
However you view it, always set your gyro to the compass, which is always out by 10 degrees, even though this information gets one banned and ones posts deleted.

Wow! Paranoid or what? This is no secret information, It is well known to anyone who uses a compass, is in the manual(s), and certainly hasn't got anyone banned, or their posts deleted. I suggest that perhaps some other behaviour is to blame if that has happened to you. The 10 degrees difference represents the magnetic variation of the area during that time period. In 1940 it was around -10 degrees. The Gyro compass indicates true north not magnetic north. Air Navigation Maps use True north, usually with the current mag var indicated in the corner.