Shuttle Add-On confusion!

[DanP]

Hi all!

New to this forum. Taking refuge here from the technical mayhem at M6.

I'm wondering which addons to use for the Space Shuttle. I knew about Shuttle Fleet. Now what's the story with GPCMFD, AutoFCSm and MEDS (all avionics MFDs for the Shuttle if I understood correctly) ? And what's this new Space Shuttle Ultra project?

Basically, which addons should I download to get started with the Shuttle?

Thanks.

 

[computerex]

Well if you want a more realistic simulation for the STS, try this: http://orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=3169
Keep in mind that Space Shuttle Ultra is a work in progress.

There is also the Shuttle Fleet, which is somewhat easier to use:
http://orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=3221

Remember to read the documentation before installing.

 

[MJR]

GPC is basically an autopilot for launching into orbit. AFCS is an autopilot for landing at a base that you would like to land at. I am not sure what MEDS is.

 

[DaveS]

GPC is basically an autopilot for launching into orbit.

Not it isn't. This is a myth. The launch and ascent autopilot is in the Shuttle Fleet itself, not GPCMFD. All GPCMFD does when you have entered ITEM 777 is to start a 10 second countdown and light the SSMEs at T-3 seconds.

The launch and ascent is all controlled by the Shuttle Fleet.

And MEDS is Multi-functional Electronic Display System or "glass cockpit".

 

[MJR]

So what is GPC then?

 

[DaveS]

So what is GPC then?

General Purpose Computer, the shuttle's brain. There's 5 GPCs in the orbiter, 4 run the Primary Avionics Software System(PASS) while the fifth runs the Back-up Flight System(BFS).

Edit:
In the Shuttle Fleet GPCMFD doesn't do anything but provide the various displays and should really be called "DEUMFD" for Display Electronics Unit MFD, which is the name of the three CRTs on the orbiter.

 

[MJR]

If it is the brain, I thought brains control the action of things.

 

[computerex]

If it is the brain, I thought brains control the action of things.

Inside the Shuttle Fleet, the autopilot is built right inside the space shuttles. GPC MFD just displays information.

 

[MJR]

I get it now.

 

[DanP]

Thanks everyone. I'll start with Shuttle Fleet as soon as I get around to learning something new in Orbiter again, then try Ultra.