Manual C172SP SimCoders

SimCoders.
com
Reality Expansion Pack for
Laminar Research Cessna C172SP
v3.1.0
THANK YOU
THANK YOU for displaying confidence in us by selecting a SimCoders.com product. Our
team of designers and engineers have utilized their skills and years of experience to
ensure that the new Reality Expansion Pack for the Cessna 172SP meets the high
standards of quality and performance for which SimCoders.com products have become
famous throughout the flight simulation world.
LICENCE
Before starting using this software please carefully read the End-User License Agreement
provided with this package as a .txt file.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THANK YOU........................................................................................................................................ 1
GENERAL INFORMATIONS.............................................................................................................. 4
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 4
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................... 4
SOFTWARE FEATURES................................................................................................................. 5
VERSION CHANGELOG................................................................................................................ 7
SAITEK PANELS COMPATIBILITY................................................................................................ 7
INSTALL THE SOFTWARE............................................................................................................ 8
UPDATE THE SOFTWARE............................................................................................................ 9
REMOVE THE SOFTWARE........................................................................................................... 9
RECOMMENDED SOUND SETTINGS....................................................................................... 10
AIRCRAFT GENERAL DESCRIPTION............................................................................................. 11
SYSTEMS INFORMATION............................................................................................................... 12
ENGINE......................................................................................................................................... 12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & AVIONICS........................................................................................... 15
LANDING GEAR.......................................................................................................................... 15
WALKAROUND................................................................................................................................ 17
TOWING............................................................................................................................................ 17
KNEEBOARD.................................................................................................................................... 18
WEIGHT & BALANCE....................................................................................................................... 19
SUPPORT & CREDITS...................................................................................................................... 21
REALITY EXPANSION PACK SECTION 1
CESSNA 172SP Skyhawk II GENERAL INFORMATIONS
SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATIONS
INTRODUCTION
The Reality Expansion Pack is a software developed by real pilots designed to provide the
most realistic experience to the X-Plane general aviation pilots. This goal is achieved by
providing more realistic flight dynamics and sounds and by a more complete simulation of
the on-board systems.
This software is meant to enhance an existing X-Plane add-on airplane. In this particular
case, this REP package is targeting the marvelous Cessna C172SP designed by Laminar
Research.
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
This software requires X-Plane 11.00 or superior.
The minimum hardware requirements are the same of X-Plane:
• Dual Core, 2.5 GHz or faster
• 2 GB of RAM
• A video card with at least 500 MB of VRAM.
This software is designed to run on Windows, Mac OS and Linux.
Copyright by SimCoders.com - For flight simulation only. Do not use for real flight 3
SOFTWARE FEATURES
Realistic airplane systems Living Airplane
This software simulates almost all the on- The airplane saves its state and restore it
board systems that you may find in the when you restart the simulator.
real Beech Bonanza.
For instance, after loading your airplane
Among the other systems, this software into X-Plane, it will have a warm engine
includes a realistic simulation of the depending on how much time has passed
engine in all its parts (oil system included), from the last session.
the landing gear and the electrical
systems. Maintenance Tool
You can perform the maintenance of your
Ultra Realistic flight and ground aircraft using the included maintenance
dynamics tool (also called Hangar View) by
The native flight dynamics are tweaked changing the oil, checking the cylinders
and a custom flight dynamics engine is status, recharging the battery and many
replacing part of the internal X-Plane other actions.
engine in order to enhance the realism of
the simulation. For example, the aircraft Realistic sounds set
needs the correct distances to takeoff and Feel the wind flowing around the fuselage,
land and reaches the correct vertical the landing wheels screech during an hard
speed during climb. landing, the brakes squeaking and many
The ground dynamics are enhanced by a more. The included sounds are recorded
realistic cross wind behavior and a custom on-board a real aircraft.
steering wheel that recreates the real
Cessna nose wheel. Damages System
If you are a reckless flier you will
Weight & Balance tool experience many failures based on the
Thanks to the W&B tool, you can load real Pilot's Operating Handbook.
your airplane in the most realistic way, The software will also teach you how to
checking that the plane's weight and avoid those failures through many custom
center of gravity are within limits. The messages that may be shown during the
changes affect the way the airplane flies. flight.
In-flight tips
Learn more about the Cessna 172 thanks
to the in-flight, non invasive tips that tell
you when you're doing something wrong
and suggest you how to fix the problem.
Towing
Tow your Cessna in and out of your
hangar or just turn it around in an
occluded GA parking.
Walkaround
Do your preflight checks and make sure
that the airplane is ready to fly using the
custom walkaround system.
Automatic engine start

If you are not already accustomed with the
complex systems of REP, use the
automatic engine start sequence to learn
how it should be done.
Hypoxia
When flying at high altitude, the pilot will
experience hypoxia. The tunnel vision and
the heavy breathing will make flying the
airplane more difficult.
Custom settings window

A settings window allows you to enable or
disable some of the software's features.
And much more!
VERSION CHANGELOG
See the changelog.pdf file provided with this package.
HEADSHAKE INTEGRATION
If you install HeadShake v1.5 or higher in your system, it will communicate with REP to
extend the simulation realism.
REP will drive HeadShake to simulate the vibrations of the real IO-360-L2A engine and.
Using this, you will be able to run the engine at the most comfortable RPMs.
Moreover, the stall buffeting effect will be improved by the integration of REP and
HeadShake.
SAITEK PANELS COMPATIBILITY

This software is compatible with the Saitek panels products. In order to use them, you
should install the XSaitekPanels free plugin from Sparker.
This package already includes a .ini configuration file for XSaitekPanels.
INSTALL THE SOFTWARE

To install the software please follow this procedure.
1. Make a copy of the original X-Plane 11 Cessna 172 folder.
2. Copy the “REP” folder contained in this package inside the “plugins” folder of the
cloned Cessna 172SP.
• After this operation, inside the "plugins" folder of the Cessna 172 there must
be another folder called "REP".
• Inside the "REP" folder, there must be three folders called "32", "64" and
"data" respectively.
• If you're updating the software, feel free to overwrite the existing "REP" folder
inside the "plugins" folder of the Cessna 172.
3. Run X-plane and load the copied Cessna 172.
4. Click “understood” if you are prompted with the following popup message:
5. In the menu bar click on “Plugins”, then “SimCoders.com” then “Enable Package”
6. When asked, type your licence in the following popup:
7. When the installation ends, reload your airplane.
UPDATE THE SOFTWARE

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the older REP files. The software will take care of the
update procedure.
1. Copy the “REP” folder contained in this package inside the “plugins” folder of the
Cessna 172, overwriting the existing one.
2. Run X-Plane and load the Cessna 172.
3. Reload the aircraft when the automatic update is finished,.
REMOVE THE SOFTWARE

To remove the software follow this procedure:
1. In the menu bar click on “Plugins”
2. Click on “SimCoders.com - REP” and choose “Disable Package”
3. Click “Ok” in the confirmation message
4. Reload the aircraft when the uninstallation procedure ends
At the end of the uninstallation procedure, the original aircraft will be restored to its mint
conditions.
RECOMMENDED SOUND SETTINGS

To better enjoy the Reality Expansion Pack on the Cessna 172, you should setup you
sound settings like the following screenshot.
CESSNA 172SP Skyhawk II GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SECTION 2
AIRCRAFT GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk s a four-seat, single-engine, high wing, fixed-wing aircraft made
by the Cessna Aircraft Company. First flown in 1955, more 172s have been built than any
other aircraft.
Measured by its longevity and popularity, the Cessna 172 is the most successful aircraft in
history. Cessna delivered the first production model in 1956 and as of 2015, the company
and its partners had built more than 43,000. The aircraft remains in production today.
The modern avionics, the useful load and the simplicity of flying it make the Cessna 172SP
a perfect airplane for both training and recreational flights.
Since the R version, the Cessna 172 has bigger fuel tanks. The extended range may
reduce the number of passengers it can carry. Therefore, pilots often trade a little bit of fuel
for another person onboard.
CESSNA 172SP Skyhawk II SYSTEMS INFORMATION
SECTION 3
SYSTEMS INFORMATION
ENGINE
ENGINE MODEL
The Cessna 172SP is powered by a four-cylinders Lycoming IO-360-L2A normally
aspirated, direct-drive, air-cooled, horizontally- opposed, fuel-injected, four-cylinder engine
with 360 cubic inches displacement.
This engine outputs a maximum power of 180 at 29 inches Hg and 2700RPM with no time
limitations.
REP ENHANCEMENTS
The default X-Plane engine model is strongly enhanced by the Reality Expansion Pack.
Here's a list of the improvements:
• Correct animations and sounds: the cylinders compression is simulated to the
deepest level, enhancing the propeller movements at very low RPMs and at startup
and shutdown
• Correct power output: the engine outputs the correct power at every RPM setting.
• Correct fuel flow: reaching the correct power output allows X-Plane to provide the
right fuel flow at every phase of the flight, right down to the numbers.
• Realistic startup procedure: The engine needs to be pre-injected using the
electrical fuel pump (see the operating tips)
• Realistic engine issues:
• The oil type, quality and quantity affects the engine behavior.
• The spark plugs may be fouled by carbon deposits
• Leaning the mixture at the wrong time or in the wrong way may cause
damages to the engine

• Engine preheater: the engine may be preheated on winter using the provided
electric engine heater. If the engine is not heated correctly, it won't start or may be
damaged after start. To get more informations, read the paragraph below.
ENGINE PREHEATER
To engage the engine preheater, open the hangar window and activate the electrical
heater by going into the “Engine” section.
The electrical heater will warm up the engine (CHT) and the oil to a temperature that is
suitable for startup is 30/60 minutes, depending on the outside air temperature.
A “Fast Warmup” button is available in the hangar window. Once clicked, the engine will be
warmed up instantly.
Keeping the cowl plugs mounted will provide a faster and better warmup. To mount the
cowl plugs, enter the walkaround mode and move to the engine checks.
If operating in very cold climates, keep the engine preheater on until the walkaround is
completed and startup the engine as soon as the preheater is turned off.
The engine preheater state is kept between X-Plane sessions. If you turn on the heater
and then close X-Plane, the engine will be warmed up even when the simulator is not
running.
OPERATING TIPS
1. In cold climates, always warm up the engine for 40/60 minutes prior to startup using
the provided engine heater. Keeping the cowl plugs mounted will provide a better
and faster warm up.
2. Before starting the engine, always apply full mixture and full throttle and then switch
the electrical fuel pump on for a variable time between half (warm engine) and two
seconds (cold engine). After this pre-injection phase, close the throttle and proceed
with the normal engine startup.
3. If the engine “pops” during the startup, it means that it's flooded. Just close the
mixture and set the throttle full open, then engage the starter. The engine should
start in few revolutions. If not, repeat the normal startup procedure.
4. On ground, always idle the engine above 1000 RPMs and lean the mixture as much
as possible to avoid spark plug fouling. If a spark plug fouling is detected during the
magnetos check, set full power and lean the mixture as much as possible for few
seconds. Then check again the magnetos. Switching to fine-wire spark plugs will
help preventing fouling.
5. Never lean the mixture when the power is higher than 80-85%. When leaning at
lower power outputs, avoid near EGT-peak operations.
6. Never engage the starter for more than 30 seconds. Always let it cool off between
failed starts.
7. Always check the oil pressure to be within limits after startup.
8. Never leave the electrical fuel pump on with engine running.
9. Avoid high RPMs when the engine is cold. After startup, wait until the Oil
Temperature indicator needle is above 75°F.
10. Check your oil status in the maintenance hangar every 30-40 hours of flight.
11. Always use a SAE30 or SAE10W30 oil during winter to avoid excessive oil pressure
during startup and correctly lubricate the engine.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & AVIONICS

The airplane is equipped with a 28-volt, direct-current electrical system.
The system uses a battery as the source of electrical energy and a belt-driven, 60-amp
alternator to maintain the battery’s state of charge.
REP ENHANCEMENTS
The default electrical system of X-Plane is enhanced by REP in the following ways:
• Realistic Battery: the default battery is replaced with a battery that keep its charge
between sim sessions and discharge at a realistic rate.
• Detachable battery: if you plan to not fly the airplane for a while, you can
disconnect the battery to avoid self-discharging.
• Avionics failures: if the engine is turned on or off whit the avioncs on, the avionics
components may fail. The older radios are more prone to fail while the modern
Garmin 430 is better protected against overvoltages.
OPERATING TIPS
1. Always disconnect the battery if you don't plan to fly the airplane for a long period of
time.
2. Never turn on or off the engine with the avionics switch in the “On” position.
LANDING GEAR
The airplane is equipped with a tricycle fixed landing gear.
The Cessna 172SP has a single-disc, hydraulically-actuated brake on each main landing
gear wheel. Each brake is hydraulically connected to a cylinder attached to each of the
pilot’s rudder pedals.
The brakes are operated by applying pressure to the top of the rudder pedals, which are
interconnected. When the airplane is parked the brakes may be activated using the
parking brake switch located under the pilot's yoke.
To avoid brake failures, keep the brake system properly maintained and minimize brake
usage during taxi operations and landings.
REP ENHANCEMENTS
The Reality Expansion Pack introduces the following changes to the default landing gear:
• Improved ground roll physics: REP corrects the default behavior of X-Plane on
ground in cross wind conditions, when the airplane tended to steer against the wind.
• Custom touchdown and ground roll sounds: The touchdown sounds tone and
volume are related to the touchdown speed. A harder touchdown will produce
different sounds than a soft landing.
• Brakes sounds: Actuating the brakes produces the typical whining sound. Also the
classic squeaking sounds are reproduced when the brakes are not in perfect shape.
OPERATING TIPS
1. Do not apply the brakes for a long time. If the runway is long, let the plane slow
down by itself.
2. Touchdown as gently as you can, keeping the nose up as long as possible.
CESSNA 172SP Skyhawk II WALKAROUND
SECTION 4
WALKAROUND
Click on the Walkaround icon in the lateral menu to enter walkaround mode. Click again on
the same icon on close the walkaround window to return in the cockpit.
During walkaround you can interact with some external systems of the aircraft using the
walkaround window.
Always do the walkaround and the pre-flight inspection before each flight.
If you do not remove the tie-down and the chocks, you are not able to taxi and takeoff
properly.
If you do not remove the pitot cover, you will incour in a airspeed indicator failure.
SECTION 5
TOWING
REP comes with a complete towing simulation. To activate it, click on the towing icon in the
lateral menu. Click the icon again to exit from the towing mode.
The towing features a 3D towing bar that will help you driving the airplane on the tarmac.
To move the airplane, push or pull the pitch axis of your joystick. Use the roll axis to turn.
Since REP simulate the force applied by a single man placed in front of the airplane, you
may not be able to tow the airplane on the grass, just like in real life.
You won't be able to tow the airplane if it's tied-down or if chocks/brakes are applied.
CESSNA 172SP Skyhawk II KNEEBOARD
SECTION 6
KNEEBOARD
The software come with a complete kneeboard window that contains the aircraft normal
and emergency checklists together with the performance reference tables.
Different graphs are provided in the reference section. Click on a graph to enlarge it.
Show using the plugins menu
The kneeboard window may be shown by clicking on the Kneeboard icon in the lateral
menu. Click the icon again to close.
Show using the mouse gestures
If you enable the “Mouse gestures” option in the plugin settings (Plugins menu →
SimCoders – REP → Settings), the kneeboard will be shown every time you move the
mouse cursor against the right border of X-Plane's window. Move again the mouse against
the right border to hide it.
Show using the custom commands
You can also use five different custom commands at which you can assign your custom
keys or joystick buttons. The custom kneeboard commands defined by REP are the
following:
1. simcoders/rep/kneeboard_toggle: Show or hide the kneeboard
2. simcoders/rep/kneeboard_section_next: Show the next kneeboard section
3. simcoders/rep/kneeboard_section_prev: Show the previous kneeboard section
4. simcoders/rep/kneeboard_page_next: Show the next page
5. simcoders/rep/kneeboard_page_prev: Show the previous page
CESSNA 172SP Skyhawk II WEIGHT & BALANCE
SECTION 7
WEIGHT & BALANCE
The Reality Expansion Pack provides a Weight & Balance tool to precisely load the plane.
While loading the plane, the goal is to keep the green crosses inside the plot section
delimited by the blue area, like shown in the screenshot below.
The blue area is the Center of Gravity Envelope. The weight is reported on the Y axis, the
Center of Gravity Arm is reported on the X axis.
If the crosses are towards the left side of the plot, it means that the center of gravity will be
towards the front of the airplane, that is, the airplane will be nose heavy.
On the other hand, if the crosses are on the right side of the plot, the airplane will be tail
CESSNA 172SP Skyhawk II WEIGHT & BALANCE
heavy.
If you overload the airplane and one of the crosses goes outside the blue envelope, the
cross becomes red, indicating that the plane is not allowed to fly.
Clicking on the “Apply” button, the selected passengers weights and fuel load will be
applied to X-Plane.
The unit of measure for the airplane weight and the C.G. arm can be set in the settings
window of the plug-in.
CESSNA 172SP Skyhawk II SUPPORT
SECTION 8
SUPPORT
Before asking for support please read the FAQs we published on our site. They contain
informations about installation troubles and general usage.
If you encounter any kind of technical problem with our software, please write to
support@simcoders.com providing as much informations as possible and including your
X-Plane's Log.txt file.
CREDITS
LAMINAR RESEARCH
Creators of X-Plane
REALITY EXPANSION PACK ENGINEERING

Claudio Gabriele Nicolotti
BETA TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE TEAM

Momix2000 and Sky One from the Italian X-Plane Community
John Navara, slam525i and Tompolth from the international X-Plane Community
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Our families who supported us and our efforts with patience and encouragement.

Manual C172SP SimCoders

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Manual C172SP SimCoders

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SimCoders.

• A video card with at least 500 MB of VRAM.

This software is designed to run on Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

Automatic engine start

Custom settings window

And much more!

SAITEK PANELS COMPATIBILITY

INSTALL THE SOFTWARE

7. When the installation ends, reload your airplane.

UPDATE THE SOFTWARE

REMOVE THE SOFTWARE

RECOMMENDED SOUND SETTINGS

• The spark plugs may be fouled by carbon deposits

damages to the engine

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & AVIONICS

REALITY EXPANSION PACK ENGINEERING

BETA TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE TEAM

You might also like