multifunctional display (orbiter sim)

Multifunctional display (MFD) is one of the most versatile and powerful concepts in Orbiter (a closed source, freeware space flight simulator, by Martin Schweiger). MFD is a rectangular area that can function as normal MFD that can be found in cockpits of modern jet aircraft or glass-cockpit variants of Shuttle and Soyuz spacecraft. The MFDs were introduced to Orbiter in order to enable Orbiteers to obtain instant information that is required to perform a multitude of tasks: from launching into orbit to finding its position in space to docking with the target space station. Since its introduction in Orbiter release YYYY they have also grown to such unorthodox uses as allowing Orbiteers to play .MP3 files (WinAmp MFD) or contacting others on the IRC channel (IRC MFD) or using the mini-bar (Orbiter minibar MFD) =General= MFDs are available only in the cockpit view mode. Although every Orbiter spacecraft can have up to five MFDs running in parallel (in case instrument panels are available), this number usually does not exceed three. In case no instrument panel is available for the spacecraft, standard two MFDs are available. There are special key combinations which are reserved for MFDs to facilitate easy access to MFD functions.

MFDs in panel-less spacecraft

Instrument panels may not be available for all spacecraft. In fact apart from such the notable exceptions like DeltaGliderIII and NASSA Mercury or NASSA Apollo most of the third-party add-ons are usually provided without instrument panels. In case no instrument panels are available, two MFDs can be available at any given time.

MFDs in spacecraft with instrument panels

In case of spacecraft with implemented instrument panels (such as standard-issue Delta-glider and Shuttle-A) the MFDs operate the MFDs function in the same way as with spacecraft

Keyboard interface

MFD keyboard interfaces always use key combinations, via left/right Shift key combinations, where the left Shift key addresses the left MFD, the right shift key addresses the right MFD. Basic key combinations are: The MFDs can also have a default activation key assigned to them: Basic key combinations are:

Multiple MFDs and their multiple instances

Although Orbiter MFD API places a limit of 5 panels that can be running concurrently in a internal (cockpit) properly designed third-party MFDs can save data between sessions or even allow for multiple instances of the same MFD that can be available concurrently and switched on-off as need arises.

Activating third-party MFDs

All third-party MFDs add-ons require activation before they can be used. The activation is done using Modules tab in Orbiter Launchpad program. =Standard-issue MFDs= There is a number of standard-issue MFDs shipped with standard distribution of Orbiter. These MFDs are implemented internally in the Orbiter engine and thus do not require activation as a .DLL modules.

COM/NAV receiver setup

How it works: COM/NAV MFD supports two basic modes:

Setup mode allows to setup of ships navaid signal receivers which feed data to the navigation instruments
Normal mode -

In setup mode MFD allows Orbiteer to select NAV receivers available to the ship and setup frequencies they will be working on. Receiver frequency can be stepped up by minimal 0.05 kHZ. In normal mode MFD Orbiteer can query all NAV receivers Select key: SHIFT- Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

Orbit

The Orbit MFD displays a list of elements and parameters which characterize the ships orbit around a central body, as well as a graphical representation. In addition, a target object (ship orbital station or moon) orbiting the same central body can be selected, whose orbital parameters will then be displayed as well. The parameters of the current orbit can be displayed in the list mode are:

SMa - semi-major axis, SMi - semi-minor axis, PeD - periapsis distance, ApD - apopasis distance, Rad - radial distance, Ecc - eccentricity, T- orbit period, PeT - time to periapsis passage, ApT - time to apopasis passage, Vel - velocity, Inc inclination, LAN -longitude of ascending node, Lpe longitude of periapsis, AgP - argument of periapsis, TrA - true anomaly, TrL - true longitude, MnA - mean anomaly, MnL - mean longitude

In graphic mode Orbit mode MFD projects relative view of following parameters:

G-field contribution is a parameter displayed at the bottom of the MFD in both modes that provides information about How it works: Select key: SHIFT-O Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

VOR/VTOL

VOR/VTOL is primarily used for planetary surface flight and vertical takeoff/landing. How it works: MFD features multitude of altitude and airspeed readouts.

DIST: distance in m and DIR: direction of slaved NAV transmitter
HSPD: horizontal and VSPD: vertical airspeed component m/s
ALT: altitude m and Target indicator which shows the horizontal location of the slaved NAV transmitter.

Select key: SHIFT- Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

Horizontal Situation Indicator

HSI MFD is primarily used for surface navigation and instrument landing. How it works: Select key: SHIFT-L Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

Docking

Docking MFD is used during final approach to dock with another vessel or orbital station. The layout is similar to the Landing MFD. How it works: MFD supports three different modes:

IDS mode
Visual mode
Direct target selection

Select key: SHIFT-D Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

Surface

Surface MFD assists in flight close to planetary surfaces. How it works: Select key: SHIFT-S Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

Map

Map MFD shows a surface map of a planet or moon, including all available surface bases and can be used to guide Orbiteers in their approach to bases. How it works: Select key: SHIFT-M Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

Align orbital plane

Align orbital plane MFD is used to calculate maneuvers necessary to rotate the orbital plane in space so that it corresponds with some target plane, e.g. the orbital plane of another object. How it works: The instrument contains the relevant orbital elements (inclination and longitude of the ascending node) of the current and target orbits. It also shows the relative inclination (angle between the two planes), the angles of the current radius vector towards ascending and descending nodes, the time to intercept the next node, and the predicted required thruster burn time. See section 15.3 on how to use this MFD mode. Select key: SHIFT-A Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

Synchronise orbit

Synchronise orbit MFD helps with catching up with an orbiting body once the orbital planes have been aligned (e.g. using Align orbital plane MFD). How it works: Select key: SHIFT-V Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

Transfer

How it works: Select key: SHIFT-X Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution

TransX

Developed by long-time community contributor Duncan Sharpe the TransX MFD (known also as Xtransfer) is an advanced navigation tool that enables Orbiteers to plan and fly complex trips across the Solar system. It is also the first third-party MFD that is included in the Orbiter (sim) standard distribution of Orbiter. Select key: SHIFT- Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution or at Orbiter Mars Duncan Sharpe's Orbiter site

Evolution and updates

The MFD is still under active development, and new versions are released every few months and can be downloaded directly from authors site.

Ascent profile (custom MFD mode)

How it works: Select key: SHIFT- Available in Orbiter (sim) standard distribution =Other third-party MFDs= Thanks to MFD API published first in Orbiter release XXXXX it is possible for third-party add-on developers to create their own custom-built MFDs. The MFDs can be shipped as a stand-alone .DLL libraries (modules) that require activation in Orbiter Launchpad before they can be used. Over last two years a large number of MFDs has been published ranging from complex and powerful (like advanced TransX MFD by Duncan Sharpe) to less elaborate but still useful (like WinAmp MFD or IRC MFD or even Minibar MFD). Some of the third-party MFDs are assigned specific key combinations for the activation. This may result frequently in conflicts.

Interplanetary MFD

Created by Jarmo "Jarmonik" Nikkanen Interplanetary MFD (also called I-MFD) serves similar fuctions as TransX - as an aid in interplanetary navigation and support for complex space maneuvers. How it works: I-MFD calculates orbits using xxx It features Solar system map, course planning tool, orbit-ejection tool as well as TEI-burn and planet approach program and aero-brake program. I-MFD has a high speed numerical trajectory calculator supporting planet-to-planet perturbated trajectories. Trajectories are not limited in a ellipses and hyperbolas and can be plotted around multiple references. Select key: SHIFT- Available at: Interplanetary MFD page

BaseSync

How it works: Select key: SHIFT- Available at: []

Reentry

How it works: Select key: SHIFT- Available at: []

Fuel transfer

How it works: Select key: SHIFT- Available at: []

IRC

Created by Toni Ylisirnio IRC MFD is a first-generation multiplayer IRC plugin for Orbiter that allows communication between Orbiteers. How it works: Select key: SHIFT- Available at: []

MultiOrb

Created by David "dh219/Hendo" Henderson MultiOrb MFD is a second-generation multiplayer plugin. It allows for connection with other clients in the Orbiter IRC network (orbiterirc.no-ip.com:6667) and automatically sends and receives telemetry from other online Orbiteers. MultiOrb is backwards compatible with IRCMFD, adds extra functionality but doesn't support IRC chat. This limitation will be hopefully rectified in next version (third generation?) How it works: MultiOrb MFD is sending periodic telemetry updates to other Orbiteers MultiOrb MFDs and thus makes their systems aware of each other ships. MultiOrb physics engine then extrapolates movement of respective ships from those updates. In case one of the Orbiteers time-accelerates or is thrusting (rotation, linear or indeed main and retro), there is an inherent difference (error) on connected Orbiteers' machines until they are able to exchange telemetry updates again. MultiOrb therefore sends telemetry only after the end of every burn or maneuver, but not at the end of every time-acceleration switch. Select key: SHIFT-2 Available at: AIBS

WinAmp

Created by Matt Weidner WinAmp MFD allows for playing .MP3 and other files supported by Winamp 2 player. How it works: MFD acts as an interface for controlling a running instance of Winamp 2 (Winamp 3 is not supported). Select key: Available at: AVSIM

BurnTimeCalc

Contributed by David "dh219/Hendo" Henderson BurnTimeCalc (BTC) is a simple MFD that allows precise determination of beginning of an engine burn during the propulsive maneuver. It is supposed to be used in conjunction with other MFDs to calculate the delta v required for a given maneuver (e.g. Trans MFD or TransX MFD). How it works: BTC assumes that delta V required for a particular maneuver is already known (e.g. computed by TransX or other MFD). After it is entered using MFD keys, MFD displays time to periapsis and count-down to beginning of the engine burn. User is supposed to start burning when count-down display reaches 0. End of burn should be determined using other MFD. Limitations According to the creator, BTC is limited by following assumptions:

engine burn is achieved using main engines at 100% throttle,
all main engines have the same Isp,
multistage burns are not allowed.

Although BTC uses simple first-order approximation of the mass decrease of vessel, it should be relatively accurate for most of the propulsive maneuvers. Select key: SHIFT-T Available at AIBS Source: available via anonymous CVS at

Orbiter MiniBar

Created by David "dh219/Hendo" Henderson Orbiter MiniBar MFD is allegedly one of the least "serious" MFDs in Orbiter community. On the other hand who can say a bar can be dispensable during a half-year trek to Mars? Select key: SHIFT-B Available at: AIBS