Installing and Using Mark Beaumont's FS2002 BEA DC-3 with FS2004. Note, If you are not comfortable with manipulating files within fs9, I recommend that you not choose this BEA DC-3 for FS2004. First, be aware that when using the FS2002 BEA files with FS2004 that neither the props nor prop hubs will be visible. This is a design issue beyond our control as users. If you are properly peering ahead through the windshield during flight and not fixated on the rotating props, then this should not present any problem. Before beginning the Installation, simplify your tasks by printing these notes. INSTALLATION 1) If FS2004 is open, close it now. 2) Download Mark Beaumont's repaint file, dc3beapi.zip, from either AVSIM, FlightSim.com, or Simviation. 3) Extract the entire contents of that zip file to the MAIN fs9 folder: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator 9 4) Work remains, but let's first check for a satisfactory install of Mark's FS2002 BEA Pionair DC-3. THERE IS A CRITICAL STEP HERE. 5) Open FS2004 and on loading for the first time a scary FS2004 Error Message will pop up: "Do you wish to disable animations, etc.?" YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE NO! Do it right because this message will not be repeated. 6) In the Aircraft DC-3 list select the variation: BEA 'Pionair' G-AHCZ 7) Choose your airport, select "Day" for the time, and then "Fly Now." 8) When everything has loaded you will see a panel and hear engine sounds that are both remarkably similar to the C182. That's good because the panel.cfg file and the sound.cfg file were both aliased to the C182. 9) Exit FS2004. AIRCRAFT SOUND SETUP 1) First step is to change the sound.cfg file so that it aliases to the fs9 default DC-3. Later on you can select another set of sound files if you wish, for example, those at Trev Morson's "DC-3 Hangar" website. 2) Using Notepad, open the BEA sound.cfg file which is in the sound folder. You will note a line that reads: alias=c182\sound 3) Change the alias line so that it reads: alias=Douglas_DC3\sound 4) Save the sound.cfg file and then you can open FS2004 and the BEA Pionair to verify that you are hearing DC-3 sounds. Close FS2004 for the next steps. AIRCRAFT PANEL SETUP 1) Begin by renaming the existing BEA panel folder to: Panel.c182 2) Your best choice is to install your favorite FS2002 DC-3 panel into the BEA Pionair Aircraft in the normal fashion. 3) You should verify the accuracy of the RPM and MP gauge readings. 4) Open FS2004 and run the engines up to full throttle. a) The RPM gauge should read 2700 RPM. b) The Manifold Pressure gauge should read at least 48 in. c) Close FS2004. 5) Be aware that ONLY the default fs9 DC-3 Sperry functions properly in FS2004. No other version of the Sperry yet functions properly in FS2004. I checked three different FS2002 panels with Mark Beaumont's BEA repaint in FS2004, including the pre-MAAM-SIM R4D panel. All seemed OK with the exception of the known Sperry issue. This was a brief verification of two or three flights with each panel so something could still be lurking, I suppose. Amidst all of this you should carefully read the Readme file in Mark Beaumont's FS2002 BEA DC-3. There is much useful information there. If you wish to use a different set of sound files, you may either alias to the pre MAAM-SIM R4D sound files or go to Trev Morson's webpage and download his FS2004 DC-3 sound files. Trev Morson's "DC-3 Hangar" website is at: http://www.douglasdc3.com If you encounter any problems here, post your questions on our Forum. Charles Wood August 2004