@FlyingRaccoon
Feeding off this: Custom made Panels not generated - #25 by FlyingRaccoon
We are developing several utility products that rely on in-game panels to function properly.
Flow
Flow is a UI wheel featuring customizable widgets that enhance the simulator experience with tools such as improved map visualization, METAR searches, Twitch integrations, and more. It cannot be integrated into the EFB, as it is designed to operate as a free-floating on-screen wheel that appears at the mouse cursor’s location.
SimFX
SimFX uses JavaScript through the in-game panel to retrieve aircraft and AI aircraft data that are otherwise inaccessible. It also includes a UI for controlling visual effect settings. While creating an EFB app is technically possible, the limited screen space of the EFB makes this approach impractical.
ChasePlane
ChasePlane serves as a complete replacement for the default camera system. It relies heavily on the in-game panel for inter-module communication and requires a UI for camera controls, exactly like the default camera panel. It wouldn’t make sense for this to be in the EFB.
Under the current system, none of these utilities can function in Career Mode or Challenges, as custom in-game panels are disallowed in those modes. This limitation also affects many other popular utilities, such as GSX, Airshow Assistant, Pushback Toolbar, and many others. As a result, users must choose between using these “Swiss army knife” utilities or enjoying the excellent built-in career system.
While we fully understand the need for certain restrictions to prevent cheating, EFB apps are allowed in those modes and are essentially the same as in-game panels but with a size and practicality restriction. Allowing in-game panels would enable legitimate tools to serve their intended purposes throughout the sim.
Thank you!