Controller Client Updates

[BTwissle]

Would we have to use the ATC client or could we use euroscope maybe? Im an S1 Training on VATSIM ATM

[Andrew Heath]

  On 1/21/2018 at 11:19 PM, BTwissle said:

Would we have to use the ATC client or could we use euroscope maybe? Im an S1 Training on VATSIM ATM

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Euroscope is the ATC client.

Gergely is porting a version of Euroscope over to POSCON to use. At the moment, there are two user-interfaces planned: one for US-controllers with US functionality and another for Europeans with European functionality. Any additional user-interfaces are not yet planned, but we would be more than happy to research them if enough interest (and data) is received.

[aeroniemi]

On that note, will ES plugins from vatsim be compatible with the poscon variant?

[SebW01]

@Andrew will the voice co-ordination be like the VCCS system in use with euroscope?

also, will there be any compatibility with vStrips, as it's really good as an aerodrome controller to be able to use the procedures real-world use.

I would be happy to message you if you need any clarity.

[Lukas Svaton (1012163)]

  On 1/21/2018 at 8:57 PM, Andrew said:

There will be UIs for both US-based radars AND European-based radars. We can include more UIs for different areas, but we don't have an abundant amount of information on other scopes. If you are looking for something specific, it will help if you could gather that information and send it to us.

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Now that is spectacular. I have never seen a client do something like this before. Well done and good Luck!!

[Andrew Heath]

  On 1/22/2018 at 8:14 AM, aeroniemi said:

On that note, will ES plugins from vatsim be compatible with the poscon variant?

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There has been no talk about eliminating the ability to use plug-ins.

  On 1/22/2018 at 9:17 AM, SebW01 said:

@Andrew will the voice co-ordination be like the VCCS system in use with euroscope?

also, will there be any compatibility with vStrips, as it's really good as an aerodrome controller to be able to use the procedures real-world use.

I would be happy to message you if you need any clarity.

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Voice is being pulled from the ATC client and being added to a completely new client. This will allow users to use voice on a separate machine or maybe mobile device!

vStrips is a plug-in correct? If so, then it should be compatible.

[aeroniemi]

  On 1/22/2018 at 5:09 PM, Andrew said:

There has been no talk about eliminating the ability to use plug-ins.

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Rather than that, given all the other changes that seem to have occurred to the client, I was thinking more along the lines of their being likely SDK changes, which would have the potential to break other plugins, as happened between ES 3.1 and 3.2

[juliandemille]

One thing that bugs me a bit: I know you want realism, but controllers will want an ATC client that looks good. It makes them feel better and boosts their morale. Is there any plan for a mode that may not be as realistic, but looks much more modern and appealing to controllers?

[Andrew Heath]

  On 2/1/2018 at 2:52 AM, juliandemille said:

One thing that bugs me a bit: I know you want realism, but controllers will want an ATC client that looks good. It makes them feel better and boosts their morale. Is there any plan for a mode that may not be as realistic, but looks much more modern and appealing to controllers?

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What kind of mode are you referring to here? Any examples?

[juliandemille]

  On 2/1/2018 at 3:06 AM, Andrew said:

What kind of mode are you referring to here? Any examples?

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I know this is a bit annoying, but I don't have anything particular in mind. My main concern is something that looks more modern and has a UI that doesn't need a 500-page manual. Controllers would love that. (I will admit that I was one of the people in ZNY to use vSTARS, so it's less of a concern to me)

[Lukas Svaton (1012163)]

  On 1/21/2018 at 8:57 PM, Andrew said:

 it will help if you could gather that information and send it to us.

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Andrews,

What do you necessarily want.. Pictures of e.g (European based radars)?

[Andrew Heath]

  On 2/5/2018 at 5:56 AM, Lukas Svaton said:

Andrews,

What do you necessarily want.. Pictures of e.g (European based radars)?

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Well pictures would be great, but the operating manuals would be better.

[EoinAviation]

Will ERAM be the only simulated ATC client? Or will there be other simulations for systems such as Thales' TopSky, Lockheed Martin's Skyline, or is it more of a generic client with plugins like EuroScope.

[Andrew Heath]

  On 3/27/2018 at 11:55 AM, EoinAviation said:

Will ERAM be the only simulated ATC client? Or will there be other simulations for systems such as Thales' TopSky, Lockheed Martin's Skyline, or is it more of a generic client with plugins like EuroScope.

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The road map calls for the following clients, or user-interfaces, depending on how we decide we tackle it (one client or multiple).

• ERAM
• STARS
• ASDE-X
• ATOP
• A new version of EuroScope

The only unknown here is how EuroScope will be redesigned. Right now, we are planning to port over the existing features of ES, but it is kind of up to those who have more experience with controlling outside of the USA. If you are looking for NEW user-interfaces or clients, then you need to make those requests now and ideally provide us with the proper materials to design those UIs/clients.

I hope that answers your question.

 

[EoinAviation]

  On 3/28/2018 at 4:33 PM, Andrew said:

The road map calls for the following clients, or user-interfaces, depending on how we decide we tackle it (one client or multiple).

• ERAM
• STARS
• ASDE-X
• ATOP
• A new version of EuroScope

The only unknown here is how EuroScope will be redesigned. Right now, we are planning to port over the existing features of ES, but it is kind of up to those who have more experience with controlling outside of the USA. If you are looking for NEW user-interfaces or clients, then you need to make those requests now and ideally provide us with the proper materials to design those UIs/clients.

I hope that answers your question.

 

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Sure does!
As long as this redesigned EuroScope allows all the same plugins from before (TopSky, UK Assistant, vSMR, etc.) then that'll be great!

[aeroniemi]

Most of the non-US clients are very strongly proprietry, developed by ANSPs like NATS or companies like Thales, so finding good documentation will be near-impossible. Having said that, there are going to be a whole host of controllers our there that have experience using the software, so maybe getting them onboard might be helpful. I for one would really like to see the UK's AC (enroute) software, known as iTEC (a really nice looking and easy to use piece of software, with great coordination traits) or EXCDS (a combined canadian-UK flight strip system)

[Andrew Heath]

  On 3/30/2018 at 8:12 AM, aeroniemi said:

Most of the non-US clients are very strongly proprietry, developed by ANSPs like NATS or companies like Thales, so finding good documentation will be near-impossible. Having said that, there are going to be a whole host of controllers our there that have experience using the software, so maybe getting them onboard might be helpful. I for one would really like to see the UK's AC (enroute) software, known as iTEC (a really nice looking and easy to use piece of software, with great coordination traits) or EXCDS (a combined canadian-UK flight strip system)

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Actually, the US ATC hardware/software is also highly proprietary. Unlike other free organizations, we would be willing to pay those companies for that information though. Not sure if this is an option?

The other option you suggested (getting controllers with experience to help) is definitely another possibility, but these controllers need to be put in touch with me. I really can't seek them out at this time. Are you able to to refer them to me?

Thanks!

 

[aeroniemi]

I've done some research into iTEC (interim technology for european control according to NATS, or interoperatability through european collaboration) and have found that it's made by Indra systems, and available for other ANSPs to purchace on contract, likley for rather large sums of money. Their contact details are infoatm@indracompany.com , perhaps it's worth asking them if something could be agreed on (although i'm skeptical you'll be able to get any actual software for security reasons, they might part with some user manuals or something)

I've also contacted some of my ATC friends to see if they'd be able to assist

[Andrew Heath]

  On 4/4/2018 at 7:30 AM, aeroniemi said:

I've done some research into iTEC (interim technology for european control according to NATS, or interoperatability through european collaboration) and have found that it's made by Indra systems, and available for other ANSPs to purchace on contract, likley for rather large sums of money. Their contact details are infoatm@indracompany.com , perhaps it's worth asking them if something could be agreed on (although i'm skeptical you'll be able to get any actual software for security reasons, they might part with some user manuals or something)

I've also contacted some of my ATC friends to see if they'd be able to assist

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Thanks for your help, user manuals is all we are looking for!

[chpmerlin]

Hello!

I wondered whether a client capable of facilitating approach procedural (i.e. non-radar) could ever be considered for airports that have that position in real life? It is a very different skill from approach surveillance (radar), as it involves relying on pilots reporting at certain points, and time-based separation to be applied through holding and estimated times at certain fixes. The client would need to provide the controller with the flight progress strips for each arriving / departing aircraft, with the ETAs for certain points, which the controller could either print - or indeed drag around the screen - as the aircraft arrives at each point.

I'm not suggesting this be a priority - just an interesting idea to consider down the line :)

 

Cheers,

Caspian

[Andrew Heath]

  On 4/6/2018 at 9:54 PM, chpmerlin said:

Hello!

I wondered whether a client capable of facilitating approach procedural (i.e. non-radar) could ever be considered for airports that have that position in real life? It is a very different skill from approach surveillance (radar), as it involves relying on pilots reporting at certain points, and time-based separation to be applied through holding and estimated times at certain fixes. The client would need to provide the controller with the flight progress strips for each arriving / departing aircraft, with the ETAs for certain points, which the controller could either print - or indeed drag around the screen - as the aircraft arrives at each point.

I'm not suggesting this be a priority - just an interesting idea to consider down the line :)

 

Cheers,

Caspian

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Hi, thanks for your suggestion.

I actually think this will be entirely possible. FEs will be a be able to configure their sectors to be "radar" or "non-radar", at least that what is planned.

[Quig (1012973)]

Something that does not now appear to exist, for any client, and would be a fantastic tool for sector file builders/editors would be a decent sector file editing tool.  I would give you the right arm of my first born son for this!  (Not really )

[Quig (1012973)]

Just had another thought.  Flight strips.  Will these be handled in any way shape or form.  (other than in the chat area, which is not really satisfactory) or will they be left to plug-in developers?

[Quig (1012973)]

Should have added that a plug-in called Flight Strip Bay, now a piece of orphanware, integrated very prettily with Euroscope and does not us up the screen real estate of vStripsn real estate of vStrips and, for me at least has more utility.

Edited April 11, 2018 by QUIG
clarity

[Andrew Heath]

@QUIG Yes flight strips are being added and sector file tools are being developed.