SOLO D4 USER'S MANUAL
Rev. 1.0 - September 2022
For support, contact us at support@virtual-fly.com
© 2022 Virtual Fly, SL. All trademarks and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
C. Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 21 P.I. La Fàbrica – 08297 Castellgalí (Spain) Phone: (+34) 938 333 301 https://www.virtual-fly.com
1. IN THE BOX
The SOLO D4 package includes:
- A) SOLO D4 panel (with incorporated COMPOSS)
- B) Electrical power cable
- C) Network cable (Ethernet)
- D) USB-B to USB-B Cable
- E) USB memory stick
- F) SOLO D4 Quick Start Guide
Diagram shows the following components: A) SOLO D4 panel (1x), B) Electrical power cable (1x), C) Network cable (Ethernet) (1x), D) USB-B to USB-B Cable (2x), E) USB memory stick (1x), F) SOLO D4 Quick Start Guide (1x).
It is important to save all parts you are not going to use in case you need them in the future.
2. HARDWARE SETUP
The SOLO D4 is designed for plug-and-play compatibility with standard Windows computers. It features two key modules requiring cable connections, software installation, and configuration: the SOLO D4 panel itself, COMPOSS "The Compass", and VF-G1000 "Glass Cockpit".
2.1 CONNECTING TO PC
After placing the panel, connect all modules to the computer running the flight simulation software. Two options are available:
- OPTION A: LAN network connection (recommended)
- OPTION B: Direct connection
The power switch must be in the "OFF" position before starting.
OPTION A: LAN Network Connection (Recommended)
An extra Ethernet cable (not included) is required to connect the internet router and PC.
Connect the cables between the panel, router, and PC as shown in the diagram. This enables an internet connection for the SOLO D4, necessary for remote support from Virtual Fly technicians.
Diagram illustrates the rear panel ports (COMPOSS, GAUGES, AUX, PEDESTAL). A Home router connects via an Ethernet cable (not included) to the panel's Ethernet port. USB cables (D) connect from the panel's USB ports to a MFS/P3D computer. The power cable (B) connects to the panel, with the power switch shown in the "OFF" position.
You must connect the power cable (B) last.
If you do not have the Pedestal add-on, the USB port labeled "Pedestal" can be used as a secondary auxiliary USB port.
OPTION B: Direct Connection
Connect the cables between the modules and PC as shown in the diagram.
Diagram illustrates the rear panel ports (COMPOSS, GAUGES, AUX, PEDESTAL). USB cables (D) connect from the panel's USB ports directly to a MFS/P3D computer. An Ethernet cable (C) connects from the panel's Ethernet port to the computer. The power cable (B) connects to the panel, with the power switch shown in the "OFF" position.
If your main PC is connected to a Wi-Fi internet source, the connection between the panel and PC can be unstable.
3. SOFTWARE SETUP
To interact with your PC, the SOLO D4 requires additional software. It is compatible with Prepar3D.
To set up the SOLO D4 with Prepar3D, install VFConnect (developed by Virtual Fly for panel-PC interaction) and FSUIPC. Download links:
- VFConnect: https://downloads.virtual-fly.com/software/vfconnect/latest/vfconnect.exe
- FSUIPC: http://www.fsuipc.com/
- G1000 Module: Included in USB memory stick (E).
If you have purchased the Pedestal add-on, consult the "SOFTWARE SETUP" section of the TQ3 User's manual: https://downloads.virtual-fly.com/docs/tq3+/latest/tq3_tq3+_user's_manual.pdf
DA-40 F1Tech AIRCRAFT INSTALLATION
The SOLO D4 is compatible only with the Diamond DA-40 from F1Tech. Download the aircraft folder from the provided USB memory stick (E) and install it into your Prepar3D PC.
- Locate the Prepar3D installation root folder (default:
C:\Program Files\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v4). - Navigate to the "SimObjects" folder, then the "Airplanes" folder.
- Place the provided DA40 Aircraft folder inside the "Airplanes" folder.
If you already have FSUIPC installed, skip this step. During installation, ignore the registration window by selecting "Not Now". Restart Prepar3D after installation.
To set up COMPOSS, follow the "SOFTWARE SETUP" section in the COMPOSS' User's manual: https://downloads.virtual-fly.com/docs/composs/latest/composs_user's_manual.pdf
G1000 MODULE INSTALLATION
The SOLO D4 requires additional software for G1000 screen connectivity. On the provided USB memory stick, open the "G1000 Student" folder, select the "Network Module" folder, and run "Module installer.exe".
Diagram shows the installer requires you to enter the Prepar3D installation folder path. For example, for Prepar3Dv4, the path is C:\Program Files\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v4. Press "Install Slight Simulator Module(s)".
Diagram shows the program then displays a screen to select the Prepar3D installation path (P3DV3, P3DV4, P3DV5) and options to "Install Flight Simulator module(s)" or "Uninstall Flight Simulator modules".
Your Prepar3D installation path may vary; the default is shown above.
4. START UP
4.1 ACTIVATING PROCEDURES
- Ensure the BAT switch on the SOLO D4 panel is deactivated.
- On the PC with Prepar3D installed, run Prepar3D and load your scenario with one of the aircraft installed in Section 3.
- On the PC running Prepar3D, execute "VFConnect.exe" and "VFHub".
Do not execute "VFConnect.exe" before Prepar3D is completely loaded.
- Activate the Power switch [power-switch] (a) to power the SOLO D4.
- Press the push button [push-button] (b) to activate the panel's operating system.
The SOLO D4 must not be disconnected while programs are loading, as this may cause future booting problems.
- Wait approximately 60 seconds for the G1000 and analogue gauges to appear on the SOLO D4.
If Windows Firewall is active, a warning will appear requesting permission to communicate with the network. Select "Allow Access".
The VFConnect software window will appear as follows: (a) The plugin is searching for P3D and SOLO D4. (b) The plugin is connected to P3D and SOLO D4. The upper box shows the simulation software connection status, and the lower box shows the SOLO D4-computer connection status.
If you encounter connection issues between the SOLO D4 and your computer, contact Virtual Fly's Technical support at support@virtual-fly.com.
4.2 DEACTIVATING PROCEDURES
- Press the push button [push-button] (b) at the back of the SOLO D4 to stop the panel's "Windows" operating system.
- Wait until all processes have stopped before switching off the SOLO D4's power switch [power-switch] (a).
5. ADDITIONAL HARDWARE OPTIONS
The SOLO D4 offers two main add-ons to enhance functionality: a control joystick and a pedestal, both based on the DA-40 aircraft.
JOYSTICK
- Allows elevator and aileron control of the aircraft.
- Provides UP/DN Trim, AP disengage, PTT, and CWS capability.
PEDESTAL
The pedestal incorporates:
- Throttle Quadrant (with throttle, propeller, and mixture levers)
- Parking brake lever
- Fuel selector
- Pitch trim wheel
- Alternate Air Selector
- Cabin Heat lever (decorative)
- Defrost Floor lever (decorative)
Diagram shows the panel with add-ons, displaying the layout of controls and screens.
To integrate the joystick and pedestal add-ons, the SOLO D4 panel requires the Virtual Fly Flight Deck Structure. This structure includes an adjustable aeronautical seat and secure mounting points for the panel, pedestal, and joystick. It also supports up to five 32-inch monitors, and RUDDO pedals can be attached.
For further information on the characteristics and pricing of the joystick, pedestal, flight deck, or optional accessories, contact info@virtual-fly.com. For information on RUDDO pedals, consult their User's manual: https://downloads.virtual-fly.com/docs/ruddo+/latest/ruddo_ruddo+_user's_manual.pdf
6. TROUBLESHOOTING
| Anomaly | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Prepar3D does not connect to the panel. | Network cable n° 3 is not connected. | Check connection of network cable n° 3 between SOLO D4 and Prepar3D computer. |
| Prepar3D is not running. | Execute Prepar3D. | |
| FSUIPC is not installed (Prepar3D). | Install FSUIPC. See Chapter 2. | |
| "VFConnect3.exe" is not executed. | Execute "VFConnect3-Xplane.exe" on the Prepar3D computer. | |
| "VFConnect3.exe" started incorrectly. | Ensure only one "VFConnect" version is running. "VFConnect" is for MFS/P3D, and "VFConnect-Xplane" is for X-Plane. | |
| Prepar3D does not connect to the panel. | Windows firewall does not allow communication with the SOLO D4. | Add an exception manually: 1. Press Windows key + R. 2. Type "firewall.cpl" and press Enter. |
| PC has more than one network card. | 1. If using multiple network cards, try connecting SOLO directly to your router instead of the PC to establish a LAN connection. 2. If connecting directly to the PC and the PC has other network ports free, try using a different network card for the SOLO connection. | |
| Network problems. | If connected directly (without router), wait a minute or more for Windows to automatically assign IP addresses. | |
| Network Discovery disabled. | Ensure Network Discovery is enabled in your network profile (Public/Home/Work) via Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings. | |
| Antivirus software is blocking the connection. | Temporarily disable antivirus software to test. If connection is restored, configure the antivirus to allow connections for VFConnect3.exe. | |
| Connection goes down, is intermittent or indicators move sharply. | Connection trough Wifi. | Wi-Fi connections can be unstable due to interference. It is recommended to use a network cable for both SOLO and PC to the router, or a direct cable between PC and SOLO. |
| Your MFS / P3D / X-Plane PC is executing another program on the background that uses all the bandwidth of the network card. | To ensure optimal performance, close programs that heavily use the network connection or computer processor during your session. |
I don't know how to connect the flight director.
Solution: Push the rotary "A.I. PUSH F/D" located above the left side of the panel.
7. REMOTE SUPPORT
If you need assistance from Virtual Fly's technical team, a remote connection can be scheduled to your flight simulator computer and SOLO D4.
- Ensure your flight simulator computer and SOLO D4 are connected to the internet via LAN (Section 2.1 "CONNECTING TO PC").
- Download and run the following software for your PC: https://downloads.virtual-fly.com/software/VirtualFly_Remote_Support_Tool.exe
- Note the code displayed on your PC screen.
- Turn on your SOLO D4. Turn the BAT and AVIONCS switches OFF. Turn the HORIZON EMERGENCY switch from OFF to ON.
- Wait for the Anydesk software to load and note the ID code displayed on the G1000 screen.
- Contact Virtual Fly's technical support team at support@virtual-fly.com to schedule a remote session and provide them with the Anydesk ID codes from your PC and SOLO D4.
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Power Supply: 115-230 VAC, mono, 50-60 Hz
Nominal Intensity: 0.75 A
Compatibility: Prepar3D
Diagram shows mounting dimensions and details for the SOLO D4 panel, with various measurements indicated. It includes details for mounting brackets and overall unit dimensions.
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