FS2004 Can I override engine starter keys and CTRL+E?

[GCarty80]

Is there anyway I could disable the default functionality of these two keyboard operations and make them instead execute bits of my own code?

In the case of the engine starter keys, I want to make them set internal variables in the panel (which will be used to move the starter lever bitmaps) but only actually turn the starters if other internal variables (corresponding to the availability of appropriate electrical and pneumatic power) are set appropriately.

In the case of CTRL+E, I want to disable FS9's default auto-start routine and instead execute my own custom auto-start routine, which will start the APU (if necessary), configure electrical and pneumatic power, then start the engines (in an order other than the default 1-2-3-4) then parallel the generators.

Could anyone here let me know how to override the default functionality of these keyboard combinations, if it is possible,

Thanks,

George

 

[Heretic]

Well, if you have a set of different conditions that need to be fulfilled to start an engine, using the engine starter keys will basically do nothing until your conditions are fulfilled.

Gauge code triggered by keys:

<Keys>
  <On Key="374">
  [code 1]
  </On>
  <On Key="373">
  [code 2]
  </On>
  </Keys>

The numbers ("374", "373") indicate the key combination that triggers the respective script. I used to have a list somewhere, but I think that the FS9 SDK documentation contains one as well. In the example, the key combo used is Shift+F5 and Shift+F6.


- Edit:

Almost fogot: This might be more akin of what you're after.

<Keys>
<On Event="SITUATION_SAVE">
[code]
</On>
</Keys>

Just use the corresponding events for the engine starter and autostart for this code.

 

[tgibson]

Hi George,

To control Ctrl-E you only have to sense it with an On Key statement as above and then send another autostart command - 1 (>K:ENGINE_AUTO_START). This cancels the first one. Then start running your own starting code.

I've used this technique to create a true slow cranking radial piston startup gauge, with the help of a custom FS9 (only) gauge from Doug Dawson (although I admit he also sensed the Ctrl-E keystroke so I didn't have to bother with an On Key statement).

 

[ddawson]

You could use SetWindowsHookEx:
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ms644990(v=vs.85).aspx
Hook the keyboard and watch for Ctrl-E or hook the message queue and watch for WM_COMMAND with the Engine Auto Start event ID stored in wParam.

Doug

 

[WarpD]

Using SetWindowsHookEx assumes nothing else is doing the same thing. LOL

 

[rpmc]

I used to have a list somewhere, but I think that the FS9 SDK documentation contains one as well. In the example, the key combo used is Shift+F5 and Shift+F6.

For XML, here is a wiki topic that may be pertinent.

Bob

 

[Heretic]

For XML, here is a wiki topic that may be pertinent.

So that's where I've kept that list. Thanks, Bob!