3. Power Tools

SeligSIM 2024.5 also installs with an additional program called: SeligSIM Power Tools 2024.5a. It will appear in the Start menu after installation (see screen shot below).

Image of the Windows SeligSIM start menu items

Windows Start Menu items for SeligSIM.

Using this extra program is optional. This Power Tools program for the simulator includes three panes: Configurator, Misc Settings, and Launcher. The Configurator and Misc Settings panes can be used to make extra selections that are not available in the menus when you run the simulator. Also, the Launcher pane can be used to start SeligSIM with your Power Tools settings.

When running SeligSIM Power Tools 2024.5a, it will create the file “PT_settings.txt” in the ~/Options folder in the SeligSIM install directory. The file should not be zero size. This configuration file is read when SeligSIM starts, and the changes/selections will take effect for that session and any following sessions, until the settings are changed with the Power Tools program and SeligSIM restarted via the Launcher.

Note

Note that launching SeligSIM from the Power Tools app requires that SeligSIM not be running, i.e., close SeligSIM if it is already running and restart a new SeligSIM session by using the Power Tools Launcher pane. Also, the first time you launch the Power Tools, you might need to slide away the SeligSIM Configurator and/or Misc Settings pane in order to see the SeligSIM Launcher pane (hiding underneath). Arrange the sub-windows as you like, and they should remain in those locations any time you restart the Power Tools.

Image of the Power Tools Help

Power Tools Main Window.

A few of the Power Tools options include the word “hint” in the description. “Hint” means that those selections will take effect if the airplane includes those features and/or data that are affected by those selections. In other words, the selection is a suggestion (and perhaps experimental), and it may only have an effect on some of the airplanes.

Screen shots of the features are shown in the following sections. Some of the key data is mentioned below, but for the most part the settings are self-descriptive.

3.1. Help

Help explains how to use the Power Tools program. When you run it, move over the question marks (?) to get hover help.

Image of the Power Tools Help

Help.

3.2. Launcher Pane

To launch SeligSIM with Power Tools settings applied, click the first button.

Click the second button to start SeligSIM without applying Power Tools. Ensure SeligSIM is not running before launching the sim from this Launcher pane. If the simulator is already running and you attempt to start it again, a message will appear indicating that SeligSIM is already running. Let that window close by itself. It will time out and close.

Image of the Power Tools Launcher Pane

Launcher Pane.

3.3. Standard Options

When you adjust settings in this section, they will automatically be applied to the Options menus of the simulator upon its launch. Launching the simulator through the Power Tools program ensures that these settings are given the highest priority and will override any modifications made directly within the simulator upon startup. Therefore, any adjustments made within the simulator will be replaced by the preferences set in this section in the Power Tools program if the simulator is started from the Power Tools Launcher pane.

Image of the Power Tools SeligSIM Standard Options

Standard Options.

3.4. Widgets and Tools

Set widgets and tools to be displayed upon startup.

Image of the Power Tools Widgets and Tools

Widgets and Tools.

3.5. Start Positions

Change the airplane starting position.

Image of the Power Tools SeligSIM Start Positions

Start Positions.

3.6. Orientation Trainer

Put dark camo on your airplane to reduce visibility for practice flying in difficult lighting situations.

Image of the Power Tools SeligSIM orientation trainer

Orientation Trainer.

3.7. CG, Datum, Contact Points and Forces

Show c.g. and contact points on the airframe, along with the ground reactions force vectors.

Image of the Power Tools SeligSIM Center of Gravity

CG, Datum, Contact Points and Forces.

3.8. Launch Line Anchor Location

Set the hi-start and winch line anchor automatically (default) or manually.

Image of the Power Tools SeligSIM Launch Line Anchor

Launch Line Anchor Location.

3.9. Sky, Wind Grid, and Sun

Image of the Power Tools Sky Wind Grid and Sun

Sky, Wind Grid, and Sun.

3.10. Flight Path Trace

Add a flight path trace. Load it and save it with the right Alt and right Ctrl keys. See the keymap.

Image of the Power Tools SeligSIM Flight Path Trace

Flight Path Trace.

3.11. Physics Effects

Various physics/settings are adjustable.

Image of the Power Tools Physics Effects

Physics Effects.

3.12. Flight Time Displays

Show your flight times.

Image of the Power Tools Flight Time Displays

Flight Time Displays.

3.13. Messages

Enable/disable on-screen informational messages.

Image of the Power Tools Messages

Messages.

3.14. Data Monitor

Display on-screen data during a Flight Session.

Image of the Power Tools Data Monitor

Data Monitor.

3.15. Developer Overlays

These options are for developers and may not be useful. Some may not even function in the current release.

Image of the Power Tools Developer Overlays

Developer Overlays.

3.16. Controller Options

These are the best settings.

Image of the Power Tools SeligSIM Controller Options

Controller Options.

3.17. Flying Sites

Add, archive, and sort (reorder) panorama flying sites.

Image of the Power Tools Flying Sites

Flying Sites.

3.18. License

Image of the Power Tools SeligSIM

License.

3.19. Misc Settings - Camera Settings

Change how fast you can move the camera round with the b / n (trolley) and arrow keys (walk).

Image of the Power Tools SeligSIM Misc Settings

Misc Settings - Camera Settings.