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Plugin Updated : WebFMC Pro v1.6.1 by Green Arc Studios


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WebFMC v1.6.1 Header.jpg

 

Plugin Updated : WebFMC Pro v1.6.1 by Green Arc Studios

 

The latest update to the excellent WebFMC Pro v1.6.1 plugin is again a significant update with a new great feature and more added aircraft.

 

The WebFMC is a plugin that allows you to use a FMC (Flight Management Computer) on an external screen via a web browser. That is an another computer or tablet. It is a remote tool, but a very beneficial tool and even a powerful one in programming in route and performance data and following the set aircraft route in flight and in mirroring the aircraft's built in FMS (Flight Management System). Added into the functionality is a load of features in the use of the FMC on another screen....  and yes I am a huge fan.

 

Screenshot v1.6 CRJ 200_Header.jpg

 

There are two versions available and the PRO version is now listed with an impressive 21 aircraft, but three in the list of the Zibo Mod 737-800 and the 737-900ER/700 Ultimate are also available in the Free Demo version.

 

I use the WebFMC tool for two significant reasons, the first is to program the route and set up the aircraft's preferences, this is done in conjunction with the excellent SimBrief Flight Planner (above) the second reason is to cross-reference the SimBrief profile with the FMC in flight, and then basically "watch the numbers" in route and the aircraft performance...  there is another trick in that if I am called away from the computer I can still access the flight via putting the FMC on my iPhone (Chrome is best on the iPhone), and with that I won't miss the descent phase (or overshoot the descent point) by being away from the computer. For the plugin install/set up information see the original release review: Plugin Review : WebFMC Pro by Green Arc Studios

 

WebFMC Pro v1.6.1

Since the release of v1.6, Green Arc Studios have done another brief, but significant update to v1.6.1. Details are noted;

- Windows binaries (the plugin and webfmc-win.bin) are now digitally signed.
- Fixed detection of all Boeing 777 variants.
- Fixed a small UI glitch where loading A350 after A319/320/321 with F/O active would display side-switching indicator even though A350 doesn’t support dual CDU.
- Fixed printing to X-Plane log from non-main plugin thread which was against Laminar’s recommendations regarding thread safety of X-Plane API.
- Fixed a bug where access to some internal state of the plugin was not properly synchronized between threads in some cases, which could lead to undefined behavior.
- Detect and handle webfmc-lic.txt.txt file (double txt extension) as we found many cases where users struggled with license error because of a mistake like this.
- Removed enumeration of network interfaces and their IP addresses (they are no longer printed in the log file) as we suspect this contributed to the false-positive alerts from AVs. This was purely diagnostic and has no impact on functionality.

 

Most fixes are related to the use of certain aircraft preferences, but two in there are very important "Fixed printing to X-Plane log from non-main plugin thread which was against Laminar’s recommendations regarding thread safety of X-Plane API", Also "internal state of the plugin was not properly synchronized between threads in some cases" These items are directly related to Vulkan/Metal and required fixing, so it is important to update to the newer v1.6.1 version....  please note the below Visual C++ update required to now run WebFMC Pro

 

Important: please note the new requirement regarding Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019 available here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/2977003/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads (see the original announcement of WebFMC Pro 1.6.0).

 

WebFMC Pro v1.6.0

So what is new in v1.6.0, well the main new feature is the use of dual FMC's where aircraft have separate Flight Management Systems, in other words the left and right consoles for both the Pilot and First Officer.

 

Screenshot v1.6 A320_Main Overview Twin.jpg

 

The layout shown above is simple to setup, startup Chrome and set up the browser address in the address window, I have the WebFMC set on a favorite (icon) for instant access, then do the same again with another browser tab, and split the tabs into two screens (like above).

 

Screenshot v1.6 A320.jpg

 

Obviously you need the selected aircraft running in X-Plane, this is the FlightFactor A320-214 Ultimate.

 

Screenshot v1.6 A320_Main Overview Twin set up 2.jpgScreenshot v1.6 A320_Main Overview Twin set up 1.jpg

 

If the dual FMS (Airbus MCDU) devices are available you will get a pointer (arrow, above right) to switch the FMS to either the left or right FMS device...

 

Screenshot v1.6 A320_Main Overview Twin set up 3.jpgScreenshot v1.6 A320_Main Overview Twin set up 4.jpg

 

...   and now both FMS devices will mirror the same in the aircraft.

 

Screenshot v1.6 A320_Main Overview Twin set up 5.jpg

 

Click which tab of the browser you want to use (for data input) and that side is active, both show current and active data even if only one browser side is selected. Input via a keyboard is easy, and the FlightFactor pop-up panels are quite dark to use and the buttons are small.

 

Screenshot v1.6 A320_1.jpgScreenshot v1.6 A320_2.jpg

 

One thing to note is that if you are using the "PLAN" mode on the EIS Switching Panel, then make sure you are using the corresponding NAV/MAP display with the correct FMC...  If you are using the right hand (First Officer) FMC to input the route, then any route data will only be shown on the right hand NAV/MAP display, it is all too easy to use the right FMC and note that nothing is happening or changing in the aircraft Pilot's NAV/MAP display, you will have to switch to the left FMC to see any changes or to check out your routing waypoints....  Guilty as charged.

 

Loving the MCDU access in flight...

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF A320 10.jpg

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF A320 11.jpgScreenshot v1.6 FF A320 8.jpg

 

A glance to my right to the other monitor (computer) and there the dual flight data is updating...  so there is no need to change my forward instrument/windscreen view or move the viewing angle down to see the MCDUs.

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF A320 12.jpgScreenshot v1.6 FF A320 14.jpg

 

Approaching LIRF (Rome) via VALMA 3P, I found a loop in the flightplan at LUNAK, so a fix (DIR-TO) to TAQ (118.8) was required, the approach phase was also calling out for current landing data as well...  so both screens were required to fix the issues, far easier than trying to do it all head down in the cockpit. All was quickly resolved, but the point of this how having both MCDUs working can really help out with the heavy periods work flow...  yes I am impressed.

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF A320 16.jpgScreenshot v1.6 FF A320 17.jpg

 

Better again is that I don't have to pull up or have the pop-up windows spoiling my simulation, it is all there right by my SimBrief notes.

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF A320 13.jpg

 

I found the ease of use here in being excellent, and the advantage of being able to see the two sets of data on a remote screen, made the aircraft set up procedures and the flying aspects even quicker and far better.

 

New Aircraft:

There are three new aircraft FMC systems now also available in v1.6.0.....  JRollon CRJ-200, FlightFactor Airbus A350 XWB and the FlightFactor Boeing 777 (all variants)

 

Screenshot v1.6 CRJ 200_Head.jpg

 

Yes the perennial JRollon CRJ-200 is still flying out there, and surprisingly it still flies very well (the excellent optional BSS Sound package really helps) even in X-Plane v11.50. The FMC in this aircraft is quite different and even unusual by today's more advanced units.

 

Screenshot v1.6 CRJ 200_4.jpgScreenshot v1.6 CRJ 200_5.jpg

 

So the larger (WebFMC) FMC interface is a real bonus in programming out the route. Routing data is far more highly evolved from when the CRJ-200 took the stage, but the FMS works fine. Complicated approaches like LXGB (Gibraltar) can be easily more tuned and refined to get the approach correct, note the RNP approach to RWY 09 is really like that via PIMOS.

 

Screenshot v1.6 CRJ 200_7.jpgScreenshot v1.6 CRJ 200_8.jpg

 

Second aircraft is the updated FlightFactor A350-900 Advanced XWB

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF A350_1.jpg

 

This FMS was actually available on WebFMC before the update, but only as the default Laminar FMC. With the changes in v1.6 (update review) it didn't then work with the new cursor system (than the usual key system) as it would be extremely hard to replicate via a remote standalone application, so a workaround is to again use the rear FMS panel that is basically the default data driven unit...

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF A350_2.jpgScreenshot v1.6 FF A350_3.jpgScreenshot v1.6 FF A350_4.jpg

 

...  you don't lose anything with the new cursor system via the different inputs on the rear unit except for scrolling through the waypoints of a route, for this you still have to scroll via the pointers on the upper FMS (arrowed below).

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF A350_5.jpgScreenshot v1.6 FF A350_6.jpg

 

It is actually time saving as you don't have to construct the route via the intricate A350 XWB MCDU menu system, as you can fill out the route as per normal key based FMS.

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF A350_7.jpgScreenshot v1.6 FF A350_8.jpg

 

And the editing of tricky approaches like at EDDM (Munich) can be more easier and quicker to do. It is debatable if you wanted to use the unique cursor system here, but overall the speed savings over-ride the complexity of the cursor style interface, in the end the inputs are still the same.

 

Third aircraft addition is the Boeing 777, this WebFMC addon covers all the B777 variants including the -200ER, -200LR, -300ER and the -F Freighter...  the WebFMC only works on the left FMC unit as the FlightFactor B777 only has the left side operational.

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF B777 1.jpg

 

Although the FlightFactor Boeing 777 is now considered dated, it is still very valuable as there is not many aircraft in this category that can cover the the range and service variants that you get here, Long Haul is very limited (but getting better) in aircraft types, and another perennial aircraft like the B777 is quite still a required long haul machine.

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF B777 2.jpgScreenshot v1.6 FF B777 3.jpg

 

Long Haul requires a lot of data input, I once edited in 35 waypoints (LON-HKG) and it takes time and concentration to input and correct routes this long... WebFMC is a huge if invaluable help in having the console so handy and accessible to do the work...

 

Screenshot v1.6 FF B777 5.jpgScreenshot v1.6 FF B777 4.jpg

 

Again in flight you can cross reference to the SimBrief data on the progression of the flight...  invaluable is the only word I can think o

_____________________________

 

The current complete list of 21 supported aircraft / FMCs with version 1.6.1: Dual CDU is noted is noted in red, new aircraft in purple

  • Default X-Plane FMC - requires X-Plane 11.35+ - Dual
  • A319 by ToLiss - Dual
  • A321 by ToLiss - Duel
  • A320 Ultimate by FlightFactor  - Dual
  • A320 by Jar Design
  • A330 by Jar Design - requires JD330 v3.1r2+
  • A350 XWB Advanced by FlightFactor - old style CDU only
  • B737-300 by IXEG - Dual
  • B737-800 Zibo Mod - Dual
  • B737-900U Ultimate - Dual
  • B737-700U Ultimate - Dual
  • B747-8 by SSG (VMAX) - all variants; old v1.9.2+ and new v2.1+
  • B757v2 by FlightFactor- all variants; requires 757 v2.2.13+ - Dual
  • B767 by FlightFactor - all variants; requires 767 v1.2.6+- Dual
  • B777 by FlightFactor all variants
  • CRJ-200 by JRollon
  • EADT x737 with x737UFMC all variants; requires x737UFMC
  • EADT x737 with Default FMC all variants - Dual
  • Embraer E170 by SSG - requires v1.4+
  • Embraer E195 by SSG- requires v1.4+
  • MD-80 by Rotate - requires MD-80 v1.42+

________________________

Summary

This WebFMC Pro is a great plugin tool that can be used in a browser on another computer or a tablet. It is a remote tool, but a very beneficial and even a powerful one in programming in route and performance data and following the set aircraft route in flight in mirroring the aircraft's built in FMS (Flight Management System).

 

This version v1.6.1 adds in even more versatility of now using both the dual FMS (MCDU) screens on a remote screen or tablet on assigned aircraft, other changes is the addition of two more aircraft to the Pro version of the tool with the JRollon CRJ-200 and the FlightFactor Airbus A350-900 XWB Advanced.

 

By and large this is again not a big update but still a significant one. The option to use your fingers directly on a tablet screen to programme a FMC is not to be underestimated as is using a keyboard, but with my current work-desk arrangement it is a great setup to layout routes and input data, performance and routing quickly. My biggest choice here is how good it is for editing and creating routes with both the SimBrief and subscription Navigraph Chart applications, all are brilliant tools to create the most perfect routes to fly with and be visible for convenience in flight...   Highly Recommended

_____________________________________

 

X-Plane Store logo sm.jpg

 

Yes! WebFMC Pro v1.6.1 by Green Arc Studios is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :


WebFMC Pro

 

Price is US$19.99

 

The v1.6.1 update is free to previous purchasers of the plugin, go to your X-Plane.OrgStore account to download the new version.

 

Access CDU / FMC of select X-Plane 21+ airplanes via any modern web browser running on your PC or mobile device over local network.

 

Quick and easy access to the FMC
Get easy access to the FMC: quickly edit the flightplan, monitor flight progress, set up your approach and do all the typical work of the pilot without having to move around in the cockpit, even if the plane doesn’t support FMC as a popup natively - on the same PC, or different monitor, tablet or phone - in fact you can use multiple displays at the same time!
 
Make pilot tasks easy and comfortable
Enjoy external views during cruise while monitoring flight progress on separate screen or take a quick look at your phone to verify calculated landing speed with just a glimpse of an eye during busy time on approach. Make flying complex SIDs / STARs easy as you can focus on the important flight parameters while having overview of the constraints all the time. Take your mobile to the kitchen as you cook a dinner during a long haul and never miss T/D again!
 
Convenient to use
Use physical keyboards on PC with extra keys such as Prev/Next page mapped to keyboard keys for easy access. WebFMC scales dynamically to fit any display or window size and can look as native app on mobiles by using browser's "Add to home screen" feature.
 
Aircraft support
WebFMC Pro supports a growing number of 3rd party aircraft starting with
  • NEW CRJ-200 by JRollon
  • NEW A350 XWB Advanced by FlightFactor - old style CDU only
  • NEW FlightFactor Boeing 777 (all variants)
  • Default X-Plane FMC (requires X-Plane 11.35+)
  • FlightFactor A320 Ultimate
  • FlightFactor 757v2
  • FlightFactor 767
  • ToLiss 319
  • JarDesign 320
  • Rotate MD-80
  • IXEG 737-300
  • EADT x737 (x737FMC required) 
  • Zibo Mod 737-800
  • 737-900 Ultimate
  • JARDesign A330
  • SSG E-Jets Evolution Series
  • SSG Boeing 747-8 Series
  • 737-800 Zibo Mod*

  •  737-900U Ultimate*

  •  737-700U Ultimate*

* Available on the free demo WebFMC plugin

 

Requirements:
The WebFMC plugin requires X-Plane 11 running
  • 64-bit Windows 7 operating system or newer
  • Mac OS 10.14.x (Mojave)
  • Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS or 18.04 LTS (64-bit)  
Web Client
The CDU can be displayed on any modern and up-to-date web browser with JavaScript support.
We recommend the latest versions of Google Chrome on PC or Android and Safari on iOS. 
 
No internet connection required, remote device needs to be on the same local network as X-Plane PC. 
Support for WebSockets RFC 6455 standard is required which implies at least iOS version 6. 
Updated and Review version: 1.6.1 (October 25th 2020)
 
Not required but highly recommended is SimBrief (Free) and Navigraph Charts (Subscription)

______________________________________________________________________

 

Plugin Update Review by Stephen Dutton

30th October 2020

Copyright©2020 : X-Plane Reviews

  

(Disclaimer. All images and text in this review are the work and property of X-PlaneReviews, no sharing or copy of the content is allowed without consent from the author as per copyright conditions)

 

Review System Specifications:

Computer System: Windows  - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 32 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8Gb - Samsung Evo 1Gbgb SSD 

Software:   - Windows 10 - X-Plane 11.33

Addons: Saitek x56 Rhino Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose  Soundlink Mini : SimBrief (Free) : Navigraph Charts (Subscription)

Plugins:

Scenery or Aircraft

- CRJ-200 by Javier Rollon (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$39.95

- Airbus A350 XWB Advanced by FlightFactor (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$64.95

- A320 Ultimate by FlightFactor (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$89.95
- Boeing 777 Worldliner Pro- Extended Pack by FlightFactor (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$84.95


Logo Header X-PlaneReviews 200px.jpg

 

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