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Plugin Updated : WebFMC Pro v1.7.0 by Green Arc Studios


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WebFMC v1.7.0 Header.jpg

 

Plugin Updated : WebFMC Pro v1.7.0 by Green Arc Studios

 

The latest update to the excellent WebFMC Pro v1.7.0 plugin is again another significant update with great new features and a few 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, huge fan.

 

Changes in 1.7.0:

  • Support for Tekton FMC in ERJ family of aircraft from X-Crafts (you can switch between Tekton and the default XP FMC by switching sides in WebFMC; default FMC uses custom skin to mimic F/O unit in the ERJ cockpit; note: Tekton in E-Jets v2.4 is not supported).
  • Support for new FMC variant (A2) in Zibo’s 738.

  • Night mode support (configurable via settings dialog option).

  • Screen brightness controls support (client-side only, brightness is not linked to the FMC brightness in the cockpit).

  • For cockpit builders: some display aspects of WebFMC can now be configured via url parameters (see PDF manual).

  • Added WebFMC menu entry and a basic status window added to the X-Plane plugin menu.

  • webfmc-win.bin, webfmc-mac.bin and webfmc-lin.bin helper binaries renamed to webfmc-win.exe, webfmc-mac and webfmc-lin respectively and moved to bin/ subdirectory of the plugin. This should help with MacOS BigSur firewall issue where it was impossible to pick webfmc-mac.bin file for firewall exclusion.

  • Fixed a small bug with “Waiting for X-Plane…” startup message that sometimes wouldn’t get displayed depending on the timing of the initial connection and active FMC side.

  • Linux version: because Ubuntu 16.04 is reaching EOL, the plugin is now built using Ubuntu 20.04 LTS as a base.

  • PDF manual updates (new configuration options added, install section has been slightly simplified).

  • Fixed Toliss font size issues and increased title lines font size in most aircraft

 

WebFMC Pro v1.7.0

The biggest change in the last update of v1.6.0, was the main new feature of the use of dual FMC's where aircraft have separate Flight Management Systems... that was certainly a huge step forward, there is nothing that significant in v1.7.0 but there are a few nice surprises.

 

X-Crafts Tekton FMC

First we have the support now of the X-Crafts "Tekton" FMC in the ERJ Family, in reality I didn't expect this aircraft option (Not available on the older E-Jets) because the Tekton input is quite different to any other FMC layout. For one it is cleverly built to get around the Procedures (SID/STARs) limitations of the default X-Plane FMS. system. In reality Tekton loads each section; Departure SID then the Route and then the Arrival STAR in separate sections and then weaves them together into one single flightplan... so you can see how hard that would be in using a remote application to set it all up. But that is also the benefit here, because by having the Tekton interface more available and far more easily accessible it makes the programming of the route far easier.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 1.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 2.jpg

 

First in the ERJ Family is that you can programme the route in both the "Tekton" system (left side), or the usual X-Plane default FMC (right side) modules, note the that the WebFMC Pro replicates both of the input panels as per the interfaces in the ERJ.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 3.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 4.jpg

 

You can only select one console or the other, and so you can't mix them...  so here is the standard default X-Plane FMC programmed (below). Note...  if you start programming the Tekton console it will wipe over or clear the set route from the other FMC console.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 5.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 6.jpg

 

In the INIT (Initialize) page it is best to set the Flight Level (FL320) in the Pref selection before starting any of the route input, the Tekton will prompt you to do this anyway. Then to start the input then go to the "MCDU INDEX" (or Menu)

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 8.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 7.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 9.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 10.jpg

 

Then you can start to input the route starting with "Departure" selection (LK2). Then you fill out your Departure Procedures.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 11.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 12.jpg

 

Once all the departure details are done (inputted) via the "SEL" (selected) key, then the Tekton will save all the Departure (SID) details automatically.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 13.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 14.jpg

 

You can do the same for the Arrival procedures (Rwy/STAR) (RK2) as each section is separated from each other, personally I like to do them in order of the route, but it does not really matter. But what is very clear is the how much easier it is to programme the Texton externally on the WebFMC Pro with your keyboard and SimBrief visible... years better, and far more easier.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 15.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 16.jpg

 

Now you can input the centre route waypoints (and Airways)... always a tricky area to get right, in combining the Waypoint and then the Airways sections between them in the correct order. X-Crafts do provide a very comprehensive FMS Manual, but it still does take a while to get the route inputted correctly...  Note in the input, in that you have to select the type of Waypoint via the top row of buttons; AIRP (Airport), VOR, NDB, FIX (Five letter Waypoint) or LAT/LON. Once done you should have a full set of route waypoints (of which you can edit) on the display.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 17.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 145 18.jpg

 

Now you should have the three completed components in; Departure (SID), Route (Including Airways) and Arrival (STAR)...   Then you press the "EXEC" or Execute button to combine the three route elements (Dept-Route-Arr) into the one flightplan. If you have to change anything then press the INIT (INITIALIZE FMS) button to reset and then press the EXEC button again to recompile the flightplan. The full combined route can be found via the Progress 1 page under "FLT PLAN" (lower right)...

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 14.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 15.jpg

 

If all correct the route (EIDW to EDDM) should then also appear in the ERJ's Navigation Display. And please SAVE the route in case you hit the wrong key or mess up the flightplan in trying to edit it.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief 16.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief 17.jpg

 

You can see the huge benefits here of the WebFMC Pro Application in using the Tekton FMC system, the Tekton is a clever system but as noted very tricky to use until you get head your head around it.

 

Zibo Boeing 737-800

The Zibo Boeing 737-800 was already accessible by WebFMC Pro, but not in a new option.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief Zibo B737 1.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief Zibo B737 2.jpg

 

The aircraft has two FMC software versions in A1 or A2. You can select the A2 option via the Menu option FMS and select the FMC Model 2584 - A2 software, the A2 version is now also available on the WebFMC Pro v1.7.0.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief Zibo B737 3.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief Zibo B737 4.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief Zibo B737 5.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief Zibo B737 6.jpg

 

Dark (Night) Mode

A new feature is the "Dark Mode" or Night Mode visuals. You select the darker interface via the settings menu...

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief Dark Mode.jpg

 

...  each FMC is separate, so you can have one in the standard daytime mode and one in the Night Mode....  the dark interface goes well with say the Navigraph Night Mode as well. Note for the Zibo B748 you can also still use the better "Alternative Font" option for authenticity on the unit.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief Dark Mode 2.jpgWebFMC v170 Simbrief Dark Mode 3.jpg

 

Brightness

There is now also the option to adjust the WebFMC Pro's screen for independent brightness via a slider. This only changes the brightness in the interface and it is not connected to the in Sim FMC brightness in the cockpit... again a focus for a home build set up. Also for home builders they can now display aspects of WebFMC that can now be configured via url parameters.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief Brightness.jpg

 

Status

You can also see the WebFMC's current status via a pop-up screen that is accessed via the X-Plane/Plugins menu.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief Status.jpg

 

ToLiss Fonts

There was an issue with any ToLiSS MDCU fonts in not being correct in size issues and this also came with increased title lines of the font size in most ToLiSS A319/A321 aircraft, this issue has now been fixed.

 

WebFMC v170 Simbrief A321.jpg

 

The current complete list of 21 supported aircraft / FMCs with version 1.7.0: Dual CDU is noted is noted in red, new aircraft in purple

 

  • NEW ERJ Family by X-Crafts - Dual
  • NEW Zibo Mod 737-800 A2 - Dual
  • 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
  • B737-800 Zibo Mod A2- 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 v1.7.0 adds in the X-Crafts ERJ Family Tekton FMC (and X-Plane default FMC), and the Zibo Boeing 737-800 A2 software option. Dark (Night) Mode interfaces, Screen brightness options and Status Pop-up screen.

 

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 v1.7.0 by Green Arc Studios is NOW available from the X-Plane.Org Store here :


WebFMC Pro

Price is US$19.99

 

The v1.7.0 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 ERJ Family by X-Crafts
  • NEW Zibo Mod 737-800 A2
  • CRJ-200 by JRollon
  • A350 XWB Advanced by FlightFactor - old style CDU only
  • 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: 1.7.0 (April 14th 2021)
 
Not required but highly recommended is SimBrief (Free) and Navigraph Charts (Subscription)

______________________________________________________________________

 

Plugin Update Review by Stephen Dutton

15th April 2021

Copyright©2021 : 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). All Rights Reserved

 

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

- ERJ Family by X-Crafts (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$89.95

- Zibo Mod Boeing 737-800 (X-Plane.Org) - Free

- EIDW - Airport Dublin V2 by Aerosoft (X-Plane.OrgStore) US$24.95

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