AIBridge 2.0

This program implements a link between the aircraft information in a Multiplayer environment (like VATSIM or multiplayer link) and AI information, using this program is possible to have a TCAS made for AI planes working in multiplayer. 

This version implements Reality XP Garmin compatibility. This compatibility is based on an interface implemented between AIBridge and RealityXP Garmin. The interface, specified by Jean-Luc Dupiot, is available to anyone interested; please contact RealityXP http://www.reality-xp.com to get the specification.

The program source code, for non-profit use, is available on request.


Changes to 1.0 version:

New multiplayer connection scheme;
Better Multiplayer flights support;
Support to RealityXP Garmin and Flight1 Meridian;
New scheme to avoid lost targets;
New interface;

Install:

There is no install. Put AIBrige.exe anywhere. Make sure that your FSUIPC version is at least 2.87. Make sure that Aibridge and FS2002 are in the same machine. You can use FSUIPC launch capabilities optionally configured with Runoptions (www.schiratti.com/dowson)

Config:

On menu config:
Using SquawkBox
Check if you are using SquawkBox or not. This operation could be done at any moment during flight but in the beginning is the best occasion.
Manual connect only
Check if you want Manual connection or not. In some systems the automated connection doesn't work. 

On menu File:
Check in the interface if FS2002 path is correct. If it isnt correct you can use this menu to point the correct path.

After changing options its a good practice to shutdown AIBridge and run it again. The configuration is kept between sessions on the file AIBridge.ini under windows directory.

Run:
A) Multiplayer only flights (there is no automated connection, using SquawkBox option not selected)
1 - Start FS and a multiplayer session.
2 - Start the AIBrige.exe program with or without using FSUIPC aid. The switches could be READY and CLOSE.
3 - Using "Multiplayer connect" menu join Aibridge to the multiplayer session either using TCP/IP or IPX/SPX


B) Online control flights (Using SquawkBox option selected)
1 - Automated connection (Manual connect only not selected)
1.1 - Start FS and a multiplayer session. 
1.2 - Start the AIBrige.exe program with or without FSUIPC aid. The switches could be READY and CLOSE.
2 - Manual connection (Manual connect only selected)
2.1 - Start FS and a multiplayer session.
2.2 - Start the AIBrige.exe program with or without using FSUIPC aid. The switches could be READY and CLOSE.
2.3 - Using "Multiplayer connect" menu join Aibridge to the multiplayer session either using TCP/IP or IPX/SPX


Notes: 
1 - If something goes wrong during the multiplayer session the message goes in to "FS Detected".

2 - In the B.1 option the program doesn't ask for the usual multiplayer questions. The connection is automatic, you will notice AIBRIDGE player joining FS. 

3 - The FS Detected information on GUI means that FS was detected. "Connected to a session" means that AIBridge is connected to a multiplayer session.

4 - AIBridge will filter planes with speed bellow 40 knots; this approach tries to emulate the standby transponder procedure.

5  In multiplayer only flights (Using SquawkBox not checked) AIBridge player name is FS2002 player name followed by AI. This will prevent name conflicts.


Stopping the program: 
File exit or if using RunOptions chose the CLOSE option on it.

ISSUES:

AIBridge uses the player name stored on FS2002.cfg this parameter is only updated when FS is closed. For proper operation, if you change the player name in multiplayer menu, theres a need to exit FS and start again. 


Testing:

The program was tested in VATSIM using: DF734, PSS A32x, FSflightmax, Reality XP Garmin, Flight1 Meridian with and without WideFS installed. The program was tested in multiplayer over LAN.


Thanks to Peter Dowson for FSUIPC and making this program possible. Any doubts, questions, suggestions should be directed to jcboliveira@netcabo.pt. AIBridge it's a freeware product. This product is distributed "as is" and the author is not responsible by any problems that may arise from its use.


Thanks for trying this program.

Jos Oliveira
