I decided to try programming some custom content and interfaces for msfs2020. I wanted to use touchPortal running on a cheap Android tablet. I wanted to push buttons on my tablet instead of clicking on buttons in the menu. I was successful in this endeavor using a few python modules. I was able to add both voice command recognition and text to speech for stating any notifications or other info. I even added a kind of tour guide that informs me when airports/cities/landmarks/fauna are near.
That project took two days.
In addition, I wanted to manipulate AI planes and other sim objects. I found that the only way I could do that directly was through C++.
My first attempt was to repeat in C++ the same features I had already accomplished in python. So far, I’m three weeks in and I haven’t even gotten to using TP on the tablet or using either of the voice features. Everything is so much more difficult in C++ than python!
However, I made progress. I have been able to set waypoints for planes I create. I can take control of them and fly them around. I’m having a lot of fun filling my skies with AI VFR.
However, it is more than obvious that the SDK is a mess. I have found a lot of errors in both documentation and example code. A lot of data is not available for AI planes. At least one plane (VL3 Asobo) refuses to fly waypoints even though a DA62 will, using the otherwise exact same code.
I see some addon products out there that show all kinds of functionality that I also haven’t been able to figure out and so I ask, is there some special book I must read, some special web site I must access, some secret organization that I must join in order to obtain accurate information about how the simconnect/wasm should be programmed?
I have spent hours in trial and error attempts to get features to work. I’ve been about half successful. I now feel like I’m spinning my wheels.
I’m not a developer. I’m a programmer doing this for fun so I figure joining the dev group would most likely be frowned upon.
Anyone taking pity on this old programmer hobbyist?