Drag Chute

[gpf]

in the VC, yoke and the pedals do not move when providing yoke input.

[odourboy]

Sorry you're having some difficulties.

Things to know about the drag chute - these may not be the source of you problems. but could complicate the issue:
1) The deploy is implemented as a 'toggle', so if you press it while it's deployed, it should instantly retract (which is also why it may sometimes disappear on you - for instance if shoot yourself in the foot and do I did and have it using the same key on you HOTAS as Reverse Thrust which has an auto-repeat programmed in, it has a tendency to deploy and immediately disappear again)
2) It automatically retracts at 8 knots or less.
3) It can not be deployed in the air.
4) it automatically retracts at 5 degrees rudder/NWS deflection (this was done because the animation can not 'turn corners' and doesn't look very good if you do turns with the chute flying - considering a tweak to this behavior).

That said, it sounds like you have more serious issues. with the VC controls animation. The symptoms you describe indicate that XML Tools3D.dll is not running. It's possible that you don't have the required SimConnect on you system or (more likely) the manual addition you did contains an error. Please review the entry you made and/or zip up your dll.xml and attach it to a reply or PM to me and I can have a look. Please include the path name that the dll.xml is located.

[gpf]

Thank you for your reply. The MVAMS does not work on my system, despite the manual edit to the dll. The drag chute lever when pulled, will automatically retract. I know see the chute, but you are correct, any input with the rudder retracts it. Because I cant get the MVAMS working, I can not assign a keyboard impute for the chute. I would love to get this working as the Hun is very fun and challenging to fly.

[odourboy]

I inspected the dll.xml you sent me and I can't see any obvious errors in it.

To completely put the XML Tools aspect to rest, it would be useful to confirm it's actually running. I don't know if you have Process Explorer (procexp.exe) on you PC, but if you do, you can confirm. Fire up P3D and load up the F100, then minimize it and start procexp.exe. Under the 'Find' tab, select 'Find Handle or DLL' (or I think CNTL-F brings up the dialog box also). Enter XMLTools (no space) and hit Find. If it finds it, you're good.

Something else you should check. Fire up P34D and load up the F100. Then you can just exit. Check the Windows Event Logger (Search for 'View Event Logs' in the Control Panel) for Windows Logs -> Application error logs that have just occurred during your session (they're presented in reverse chronological order so, the most recent logs should be at the top). If there are SimConnect issues, you'll likely see them here.

[gpf]

I ran process explorer and it could not find the XMLTools.

Looked in event viewer and there is no errors with simconnect.

[odourboy]

Well no XMLTools is a big issue! (Aside form the obvious - no stick or pedals animation, there are numerous more subtle aspects of the aircraft that won't be working without that DLL.)

Your screen shot from the XML Tools installer indicated that XMLTools3D.dll was installed in the root folder of your sim and I believe you said you further manually copied the dll into there. Is that correct?

Starting to run out of ideas here. Can you check the properties on the XMLTools3D.dll in your sim root folder and see if Windows has 'blocked' it? (This can occur when you manually copy a dll onto your PC.) If it's blocked, you need to unblock it. If it isn't, you won't see anything about it being blocked.

Can you provide the path to the dll.xml file you edited please?

I'll also check your DLL.xml again.

[gpf]

Thank you for your patience. I got the dll to show up in process Exployer:] XMLTools3D.dll was indeed blocked! I unblocked it. However, I am unable to get the MVAMS to assign keyboard assignments. They assign in the MVAMS menu but they do not activate in the simulator.

[Krazycolin]

This is due to your permissions. It seems certain that you're either not the admin on the machine or you're not running the sim as an admin.

Please verify.

[gpf]

Running Prepar3d in Admin as well as the MVAMS

[odourboy]

Thank you for your patience. I got the dll to show up in process Exployer:] XMLTools3D.dll was indeed blocked! I unblocked it. However, I am unable to get the MVAMS to assign keyboard assignments. They assign in the MVAMS menu but they do not activate in the simulator.

Okay - working through these! Good! Next... I think your MVAMS problems may actually P3D problems. There are known issues with P3D V3 working correctly with certain USB controllers, exacerbated by the fact that P3D V3 seems to mix up controller IDs that attached via SimConnect (which we do, TacPack does..). I myself have Saitek X-55 controllers and have several issues with V3.

Can you try setting up your Drag Chute shortcut with your regular keyboard - say using the space bar? See if it works. If so, then we may be at the mercy of a fix from LM.

[gpf]

Brian-Thank you. I have isolated it to my Saitek controls. I can assign it to the keyboard, but not to my Saitek hardware. You have been most helpful, my friend.

[zsoltquack]

The brake chute is weak!
Can it be changed?