Live ATIS Version 1.0 User Guide July 2011
SECTIONS Overview... 3 Login... 3 Login Window Startup Tasks Offline Mode Menu... 4 Listening to an ATIS Recording... 4 ATIS / METAR Details... 5 Upper Portion Bottom Portion Downloading METARs Recording and Uploading an ATIS Recording... 6 Creating a Text ATIS Creating a Voice ATIS Deleting an ATIS Recording... 8 Options... 8 Login Sound ATIS / METAR Details Troubleshooting... 9 I Am Not Hearing ATIS Recordings I Get an Error Saying My EXE.XML File is Corrupt Live ATIS Stalls When Uploading an ATIS Live ATIS Crashes When I Execute It Thanks and Contact Information...10 Live ATIS User Guide Page 2
OVERVIEW Live ATIS represents the culmination of over two years of development aimed at creating a practical, yet realistic program that reflects the real-world process of listening to an ATIS recording created by an air traffic controller. Using a protocol called SimConnect, Live ATIS is able to interact with FSX and accurately simulate listening to an ATIS recording through your aircraft s radio. Live ATIS runs primarily in the background, which allows you to benefit from the program s added realism without being bothered by its presence. Although Live ATIS is a standalone program, FSX must be running in order for Live ATIS to operate properly. Therefore, it is recommended that you start Live ATIS before FSX so that you do not have to switch between programs later during a flight. LOGIN Login Window When Live ATIS is started for the first time, the Login Window will prompt you to enter your Boston Virtual ATC username and password, both of which are required to login. Entering your login credentials each time you run Live ATIS quickly becomes tedious, so several options are available to speed up this process. For example, if you check the Remember Me check box, Live ATIS will remember your username and password for subsequent logins. The Options Window has additional customizations, such as executing Live ATIS with FSX and logging in automatically when Live ATIS is started (see the Options section). Startup Tasks Upon clicking the Login button, Live ATIS will begin completing its necessary startup tasks, such as connecting to the Live ATIS Server, connecting to FSX, and downloading any available ATIS recordings. The program s startup progress is displayed via a series of tool-tip messages, the last of which reads: Live ATIS has successfully completed all startup tasks. Enjoy your flight! If you have chosen to hide the startup notifications (see the Options section), you can observe Live ATIS startup progress by referring to the color of the task bar icon, which will change to green when the program has completed its startup sequence. Live ATIS Server: Not Connected FSX: Not Connected Live ATIS Server: Connected FSX: Not Connected Live ATIS Server: Connected FSX: Connected Offline Mode If you try to run Live ATIS while the server is unavailable, or should the server unexpectedly quit while Live ATIS is running, the task bar icon will turn red, and Live ATIS will notify you that it is entering offline mode. In offline mode, you will only be able to access functions that do not require a connection to the Live ATIS Server. Note that although you will still be able to listen to ATIS recordings, they may be out of date. While in offline mode, Live ATIS will automatically try to reconnect to the server, and will notify you if it is able to do so. If the program is able to reestablish a connection, it will automatically update any available ATIS recordings and then resume normal operation. Live ATIS User Guide Page 3
MENU The Live ATIS menu is accessed by right-clicking on the Live ATIS icon in the system task bar, located in the bottom right-hand corner of your computer screen. The menu options are: ATIS / METAR Details, Delete ATIS Recording, Upload ATIS Recording, Available ATIS Recordings, Options, and Exit. Note that the Delete ATIS Recording and Upload ATIS Recording options are available to controllers only. ATIS / METAR Details: Opens the ATIS / METAR Details Window, which allows you to retrieve METAR data and view detailed information for current ATIS recordings. Delete ATIS Recording (Controllers Only): Opens the Delete Window, which allows you to delete an active ATIS recording. Upload ATIS Recording (Controllers Only): Opens the Upload Window, which allows you to record and upload an ATIS recording. Available ATIS Recordings: Displays a tool-tip message with active ATIS frequencies. This feature is also available inside of FSX, and can be accessed by clicking Add-ons g Live ATIS g List Current Frequencies in the FSX menu. Using the FSX option is beneficial to pilots who fly in fullscreen mode, as it allows them to view available ATIS recordings without having to minimize FSX. Options: Opens the Options Window, which allows you to customize various Live ATIS settings. Exit: Exits the program. LISTENING TO AN ATIS RECORDING To listen to an ATIS recording, simply tune your FSX radio to any active ATIS frequency (see Available ATIS Recordings in the Menu section). Note that Live ATIS limits the broadcasting range of ATIS recordings to 80nm. Due to constraints within FSX, it is not possible for ATIS recordings from Live ATIS to be heard on the real-world ATIS frequency. Instead, controllers upload ATIS recordings to the next frequency above the realworld ATIS, which is normally.02 above the real ATIS frequency. For example, the real world ATIS frequency for Boston Logan International Airport is 135.00, but when using Live ATIS, a controller will upload the Boston ATIS on 135.02. Live ATIS User Guide Page 4
ATIS / METAR DETAILS Upper Portion The upper portion of the ATIS / METAR Details Window allows you to download current METARs for airports throughout the United States and worldwide. The METARs are color coded in order to differentiate between normal, updated, and out-of-date METARs. Bottom Portion The bottom portion of the ATIS / METAR Details Window is visible to controllers only. This section displays detailed information about current ATIS recordings that is often communicated to pilots, such as airport winds and altimeters. The default color. Black METARs are neither new nor out-of-date. A new METAR. When a blue METAR is clicked, it will turn black. An out-of-date METAR. When a red METAR is updated, it will turn blue. Downloading METARs Follow these steps in order to download an airport METAR: 1. Enter the ICAO code of the desired airport in the ICAO Code(s) text box. Separate multiple codes with a backslash (i.e. KBOS/KACK/KBDL ). 2. Click the Get METAR(s) button. 2 1 After highlighting a METAR, click the Remove METAR button to remove it from the list. Note that you can also press the Delete key on your keyboard to remove a highlighted METAR. Click the Update List button to update each METAR in the list. Note that Live ATIS automatically updates each METAR at the top of every hour. Click the Clear List button to delete every METAR in the list. After highlighting a METAR, press the CTRL + C keys on your keyboard to copy it to the computer s clipboard. Live ATIS User Guide Page 5
RECORDING AND UPLOADING AN ATIS RECORDING Creating a Text ATIS Follow these steps to create a text ATIS recording: 1. Enter the airport ICAO code. 2. Verify that the ATIS information is correct. The ATIS information is automatically entered after the airport ICAO field is completed, and is updated with every subsequent upload. If the information is incorrect, change it by manually typing in the full ICAO alphabetic name (i.e. Alpha,) or just the first letter of the name (i.e. A, which will automatically be changed to Alpha.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 3. Enter the desired ATIS frequency for the airport. The frequency will automatically be entered for some popular destinations within the ZBW ARTCC, but will have to be manually completed for most airports. Do not to use the airport s real world ATIS frequency, as doing so will cause problems for pilots listening to the ATIS in FSX. Instead, upload ATIS recordings to the next frequency above the real world ATIS, which is normally.02 above the real ATIS frequency. For example, the real world ATIS frequency for Boston Logan International Airport is 135.00, but when using Live ATIS, upload the Boston ATIS on 135.02. Also, check that the ATIS frequency does not coincide with a frequency being used for communication in the FSX session. 7 8 9 4 / 5 / 6. Select the runways and approaches that are in use. 7 / 8 / 9. Select the additional options, if any are applicable. 10. Click the Generate Text ATIS button to generate a text ATIS based on the airport s most recent METAR and the information that you entered. Creating a text ATIS is optional; it is only intended to help you record a voice ATIS. Although the text ATIS will not be uploaded to the Live ATIS Server, it may be useful in creating an ATIS for FlightDesk s text ATIS system. Live ATIS User Guide Page 6
Creating a Voice ATIS Live ATIS has a built-in sound recorder for ease of use. It is recommended that you use this feature, but ATIS recordings created with third party software are also accepted. If you record your ATIS using a separate program, navigate to the recording using the Browse button. Note that only.wav files are accepted by Live ATIS. 1 2 3 Follow these steps to record and upload an ATIS recording using Live ATIS built-in sound recorder: 1 / 2 / 3. Enter the airport ICAO code, information, and frequency per the instructions for creating a text ATIS. 4. Click the Start button to begin recording. 5. Click the Stop button when you are finished recording. 6. If you would like to hear the recorded ATIS to verify that it is correct, click the Playback button. 7. If you would like to record the ATIS again, click the Erase button, and repeat from Step 4. 8. Once all of the required information has been entered, the Upload button will become enabled. If you are satisfied with your ATIS recording, click the Upload button to begin the upload process. It may take Live ATIS a few minutes to upload the ATIS recording, depending on your internet speed. When the upload is complete, the Upload Window will automatically close. Live ATIS will remember the airport ICAO code, frequency, and ATIS information for subsequent ATIS updates. In order to update an ATIS recording, simply upload a new ATIS recording with the same airport ICAO code and frequency, and the old ATIS recording will be overwritten. 4 5 Update your ATIS recordings at least once every hour. You will receive reminders to update your ATIS 55 minutes and 60 minutes after it has been uploaded. ATIS recordings that have not been updated after 2 hours will be removed by the Live ATIS Server. Live ATIS User Guide Page 7 6 7 8
DELETING AN ATIS RECORDING Follow these steps to delete an ATIS recording: 1. Click on the ICAO Code drop down menu, and select the ICAO code of the airport that the ATIS corresponds to. 2. Once an ICAO code has been selected, the Delete button will be enabled, and additional information regarding the frequency, upload time, and age of the selected ATIS recording will be displayed. Verify that the information entered in the upload window is correct, and then click the Delete button to delete the ATIS. 1 2 It may take Live ATIS a few minutes to delete the ATIS recording, depending on your internet speed. When the ATIS has been deleted, the Delete Window will automatically close. OPTIONS Live has ATIS several preferences that can be customized via the Options Window. These settings are described below. Login Automatically Login on Startup: If this option is checked, Live ATIS will automatically login when the program is executed. Note that this function only works when the Remember Me check box on the Login Window is checked. Start Live ATIS with FSX: If this option is checked, Live ATIS will automatically execute when FSX is started. The first time that FSX is started after checking this option, a dialog box will ask if you would like to add Live ATIS to the list of FSX trusted programs. Click Yes. Note that this option requires a file to be added or edited in the Flight Simulator X AppData directory. If you are not comfortable with Live ATIS editing the Flight Simulator AppData directory, do not use this option. Close Live ATIS with FSX: If this option is checked, Live ATIS will automatically exit when FSX is closed. Display Startup Notifications: If this option is checked, Live ATIS will display tool tip messages to notify you of the program s startup progress. Live ATIS User Guide Page 8
Sound Play ATIS Through Alternate Sound Device: When playing ATIS recordings, Live ATIS uses the default Windows sound device, which is usually your headset, if it is plugged in. If this option is checked and a selection is made in the drop-down menu, Live ATIS will play ATIS recordings through the sound device that you have selected. This option allows you to use your headset for voice communication only, and hear ATIS recordings through your computer speakers. Note that Live ATIS must be restarted after clicking the Apply Settings button for this change to take effect. ATIS / METAR Details Save Window Size and Position: If this option is checked, Live ATIS will automatically load the ATIS / METAR Details Window at a preset size and location. This option prevents users from having to manually move and resize the window each time the program is run, and is ideal for controllers who have a specific window configuration when controlling. Follow these steps in order to set your desired window size and position: 1. Check the Save Window Size and Position check box. 2. Open the ATIS / METAR Details Window, and set its size and location as desired. 3. Click the Save Window Coordinates Button. 4. Click the Apply Settings button. Automatically Update METARs: By default, Live ATIS updates the METARs in the ATIS / METAR Details Window at the top of every hour. If this option is checked, Live ATIS will update the METARs at the interval selected in the drop-down menu, in addition to the hourly update. Automatically Load My Favorite METARs: If this option is checked, Live ATIS will automatically load the indicated METARs in the ATIS / METAR Details Window when the program is executed. Be sure to separate multiple ICAO codes with a backslash when typing in the text box (i.e. KBOS/KACK/KBDL ). This option is ideal for approach and center controllers that often work the same position, and therefore require the same METARs each time they are controlling. Using this option prevents the controller from having to manually download several METARs each time he controls. TROUBLESHOOTING Below are possible answers to common questions that users may have regarding Live ATIS. Note that this section is only for basic troubleshooting, and may not contain the solution to your problem. For more in-depth support, see the Live ATIS Section of the Boston Virtual ATC Forums, located HERE. I Am Not Hearing ATIS Recordings Is Live ATIS running? Live ATIS is a standalone program, meaning that it runs separately from FSX. In order to hear ATIS recordings, Live ATIS must be running, and must have successfully completed its startup tasks (see the Overview and Login sections). Are listening to an active ATIS frequency? Controllers do not upload ATIS recordings an airport s real world ATIS frequency, so double check that you are actually listening to a frequency that has an ATIS (see Available ATIS Recordings in the Menu section). Are you within 80nm of the desired airport? Live ATIS limits the broadcasting range of ATIS recordings to 80nm. If you are more than 80nm from the desired airport, you will not hear the ATIS recording (see the Listening to an ATIS Recording section). Are the battery and avionics switches turned on in your aircraft? Live ATIS will not play an ATIS recording if your aircraft is not receiving proper electrical power, so double check that your aircraft is properly configured prior to tuning to an ATIS frequency. Live ATIS User Guide Page 9
Are the hydraulic pump switches on (Level-D 767 only)? A bug in the Level-D 767 causes the aircraft s hydraulic pump switches to act as the battery switch. In order to hear ATIS recordings in the Level-D 767, you must have your avionics, battery, and hydraulic pump switches on. This is a bug in the aircraft, and unfortunately cannot be corrected in Live ATIS. Note that the Level-D 767 is currently the only known aircraft that has this problem, but it may be present in other add-ons. I Get an Error Saying My EXE.XML File is Corrupt This error is caused by Live ATIS not being able to recognize the format of your EXE.XML file, which is used in order for Live ATIS to start automatically with FSX. Please follow the instructions and email the contents of your EXE.XML file to philc@bostonvirtualatc.com in order to correct this issue. Alternatively, you can create a thread in the Live ATIS section of the Boston Virtual ATC Forums, and post the contents of your EXE.XML file there. Live ATIS Stalls When Uploading an ATIS This bug has been present since early versions of Live ATIS. Although its occurrence has been significantly reduced, it is quite possible that instances of this bug still occur. Should Live ATIS stall when uploading an ATIS, please wait at least 3 minutes and see if the upload succeeds. If, after waiting, Live ATIS is still stuck, restart the program and try to re-upload your ATIS recording. Please create a thread in the Live ATIS section of the Boston Virtual ATC Forums providing details regarding the event. Live ATIS Crashes When I Execute It Have you updated DirectX? Click HERE to update DirectX (click on the Download button next to dxwebsetup.exe, and then run the installer after it is downloaded). Have you updated.net Framework? Click HERE to update.net Framework (click on the Download button next to dotnetfx35setup.exe, and then run the installer after it is downloaded). THANKS AND CONTACT INFORMATION Thanks go to the following people for their help in making Live ATIS possible: Bill ( WhiskeySierraOne ) Brandon ( bcarter755 ) Domenic ( leadbottom1 ) Evan ( evanet ) Ian ( flyin305 ) Pierre ( pierul ) Ross ( Roscoe_P_78 ) Please send any questions, comments, or suggestions, or bug reports to: philc@bostonvirtualatc.com. See the License Agreement for additional information. Live ATIS was developed for the private use of the Boston Virtual ATC community. 2009-2011 Phillip Coyle. All Rights Reserved. Live ATIS User Guide Page 10