Xsquawkbox texting problems

[Stephen Bailey 1267828]

I have always used voice when connected to VATSIM using XSquawkbox on XPlane 10; however, there have been several on going issues. These may be Newbie issues but I thought I would share.

 

1. I could not get the "Show Who's online" box to appear.

2. Text messages to ATC would not transmit at all - I could talk to the controllers but not text them.

 

These were not normally problems except when I was in uncontrolled airspace on UNICOM 122.8 and ATC started up, or, a SUP comes online and either one tried to message me. Combined, both issues cause a problem because you do not know when ATC logs on or who is on line.

 

Finally, after a month of trouble shooting by myself and then today with the help of Pat Tierney (CAL Air Chief Pilot CYUL), we were able to resolve the issues as follows:

1. In the "Text Window Preferences" menu (second from the bottom of the xsquawkbox plugin menu) we changed the number from the default of 1900 to 1570. When I connected to VATSIM, the ATC controllers who were online and their frequencies magically showed up on my windscreen. I could then left click the controller window and drag it to a more convenient location.

 

2. The second issue - texting - was more interesting. We went to the "Preferences" menu (third from the bottom in the Xsquawkbox plugin menu). The first item "Push to talk key" was set to "Return" BUT The "Enter Text Key" was also set to "Return". This is incorrect and will cause problems either in text or voice. For me, the problem was the texting.

 

Solution: I changed the "Push to talk Key" to F3 and left the "Enter Text Key" as "Return". When connected to VATSIM, I now hit my "Enter" (Return) key and a long message bar shows up mid screen. I type my text message and again hit "Enter" (Return). The message is now transmitted on the frequency set in Comm 1 and it shows up on my communications box.

 

I apologize to any of the CZVR controllers or VATSIM Supervisors I may have aggravated but this took a full month of trouble shooting to resolve. I appreciate all of the mentors that helped me out on this.