COMPUTERS - Architecture, Hardware and Software

Computers provide the 'grunt' to operate the software with 'drive' the various OEM components. 

I'm not an expert on computers or their internals, however, I know individuals who do have a sound knowledge in this field.  Like anything in life, success is not always what you know, but learning to accept the knowledge of others and build upon this knowledge.

Computers

To run the simulator, I am using three computers that are connected together in a network. The benefit of using two or more networked computers is the sharing of resources; accessory programs do not use valuable resources required for the simulator to operate smoothly. 

One computer (server ) runs the simulation software and the main ProSim737 systems module.  The second and third computers (clients) host the ProSim737 accessory modules and any other software used (for example, Navigraph maps).

Some will question the use of three computers.  It's true that two computers can easily be used, however, the use of a third computer removes bottle-necking, decreases load times, and most importantly enables easier configuration as less USB ports are required per computer.  Another benefit is that dedicated audio can be run from each computer to different locations in the flight deck.

Use of dedicated Solid State Drives (SSD)

The main server computer used two SSD drives.  One drive is dedicated to the computer operating system while the second drive is used solely by the simulator.  Maintaining the OS on one drive ensures that it runs efficiently and is not 'bogged' down needlessly with the operation of the simulation and other accessory software.

Technology is not stagnant and as more powerful computers and more advanced technology comes 'on-line' the computer system will be upgraded.

The computers currently use Windows 10 64 bit home edition, and run across a network using a gigabyte switch.

Computer Specifications (March 2018)

The computers were upgraded in March 2018.  This has been the first computer upgrade since the project began in 2011.  A further upgrade was done in April 2023 (hard drive capacity increased).

The server computer has the highest work load and as such should have an optimum processor, motherboard, graphics card and cooling system.  The client computers do not require the same level of power.  As such, lower grade specifications can be used (the client computers currently in use were previously the server / client computer used in 2011 prior to the computer upgrade).

PC 1 - Server (flight simulator)

  • Intel Core i7-8700K Processor 12 Mb cache LGA 1151

  • ASUS Intel Motherboard Prime Z370-A LGA 1151-2 ATX

  • DDR4 2133Mhz 16Gb desktop RAM

  • GeForce Poseidon GTX1080T1-P 11Gb graphics card

  • Intel SSD 545s Series 256Gb SATA 6Gb/s hard drive (Windows operating system only)

  • Samsung 850 EVO 1Tb SSD (all P3D files and scenery)

  • Corsair RM850X power supply (Japanese capacitors 105 degrees)

  • NZXT Kraken X52 RGB enclosed liquid cooling system

  • Deepcool Dukase Mid tower case

  • PCI express card ports (3)

  • Windows 10 home 64 bit OS

PC 2 - Client 1 (avionics & accessory programs)

  • Intel Core i7 2600 3.4GHZ 8MB cache LGA 1155

  • GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3HB3 Motherboard. Z68 Chip set

  • 2 x 4GB 1333MHZ DDR3 desktop RAM

  • GeForce GTX1060-6Gb graphics card

  • 4 X DDR3, 1333, RAID, GBLAN, 2PCI-E 16x, SATA3, USB3, ATX, STEP3, LGA1155

  • VANTEC ION2+ 600W ultra quiet power supply

  • ANTEC six hundred gaming case

  • TP-LINK wireless G PCI Adapter with removable antenna unit

  • GB/s Ramdac: 400 MHzBus: PCI-Express 2.0 Cooling: 2-Slot

  • Fan Video-Features: Mini HDMI connectability: Dual DVI-I

  • Front loading internal USB 2.0 HUB 4 PORT BLACK, EOL unit

  • DVD-RW BURNER, SATA II, DUAL LAYER, BLACK, unit

  • Windows 10 home 64 bit OS

PC 3 - Client 2 (avionics & accessory programs)

  • Intel Core i5 2400 LGA1155 quad core 3.10GHZ 6MB cache processor

  • 2 x 4Gb 1333 MHz DDR3 desktop RAM

  • GeForce GT430 PCI-E 1Gb graphics card (two cards installed)

  • CZ Agility 3 series 60Gb SSD

  • ANTEC Three hundred gaming case unit

  • VANTEC ION2+ 600W Ultra quiet PSU - SLI certified unit

  • Z68XP-UD5 MB, Intel Z68, 4x DDR3, HDMI, 7.1CH, crossfire Fire/SLI unit

  • SATA3, eSATA, RAID, USB3.0, Firewire, ATX

  • PCI express card (1)

  • DVD-RW burner, SATA II, dual layer black unit

  • Windows 10 home 64 Bit OS

Networking and Surge Protection

  • 16-port Gigabyte smart switch with combination SFP slots

  • CAT6 crossover network cables

  • Novaris PP10A/4 surge filter

  • Belkin surge protector boards

Software

Historically, only software required to run the simulator was installed to the server computer.  However, as computers have improved in technology and speed this is no longer as important as it was.  This said, I strive to keep any add-ons on client computers (if possible).

Server Computer

  • P3D V6/ MSFS-2020 (different folders)

  • ProSim737 systems module

  • ProSim737 audio module

  • ORBX AI, airports & scenery

  • WideFS

  • FSUIPC 5

  • FSUIPC 7 (MSFS-2020)

  • Phidgets software (used to connect OEM components)

  • Set Volume (engine sound modifier)

  • Ultimate traffic Live (AI)

  • ProSim737 flight model and module

  • REX Weather Force (MSFS-2020)

  • Flight Sim Live Traffic Library - FSLTL (MSFS-2020)

Client 1 Computer

  • ProSim737 display modules

  • ProSim737 audio module

  • ProSim737 instructor station (IOS)

  • FS-Control instructor station (no longer used)

  • PM Sounds

  • WideFS

  • Top Cat load calculator

  • OPUS FSI (weather generation & synthesis)

  • METAR search

  • Navigraph Charts program

  • Lord of the Landing (LOLA) flight analysis program

  • Landing Rate Monitor (LRM)

Client 2 Computer

  • ProSim737 CDU module (2 instances to operate OEM CDU units)

  • ProSim737 audio module

  • ProSim737 display module (lower display unit)

  • WideFS

Interface Cards

A project of this magnitude cannot be developed without the use of interface and other specialty cards.

My overall ethos during this project is KISS which is an abbreviation for Keep It Simple. As such, I have tried to minimise using a wide selection of different interface cards. Furthermore, I only use cards that are known for their consistent reliability.

The following interface cards are used:

  • FDS-SYS4X System Interface card (1) - minimal use (legacy card that came with the FDS MIP)

  • FDS IBL power distribution board/card (1)

  • Pokeys Joystick card (1)

  • Phidget cards - various types (10)

  • Polulu JRK cards (2)

  • Leo Bodnar Joystick cards (5)

  • Leo Bodnar Button Box card (1)

  • SimStacks Foundation Board (1)

The FDS card SYS4X card is mounted on the shelf that is part of the rear of the MIP.  All other cards and relays are mounted in modules that sit forward of the simulator.

  • For additional information on what software has been used, naviate to Add Ons.

Project Architecture

A visual document showing the architecture of the various systems and how they integrate with each other and the computers.

I favour the use of a modular system, rather than installing interface cards without any specific order.  A modular system enables fast troubleshooting if a problem presents, is clean and tidy, and enables easy replacement of cards, or updating of the system.

BELOW:  Schematic showing internal architecture of the simulator.

TIM = Throttle Interface Module.

SIM = System Interface Module.

TCM = Throttle Communication Module.

SMART = System Smart Module.

  • Updated 03 July 2020.