ProSim737 is professional simulation software that realistically emulates the B-737 aircraft aerodynamics and aircraft systems, such as pneumatics, hydraulic, electrical, flight controls, engines, etc. This software also provides interconnectivity to all the physical fight deck hardware. Finally, it creates graphics for the flight deck avionic displays. All these functions are integrated with the base simulation software, Prepar3D, so that the result is a realistic emulation of the actual real aircraft.
The ProSim737 suite can be purchased with a non-commercial license from their enthusiast/hobbyist website called “HomeSim.” A non-commercial license costs Euro 1,500 (approx. $1,630 USD) as of July 2024. Additionally, an annual update subscription is needed.
ProSim737 is a suite of software modules rather than a single application. This allows the modules to be distributed across multiple computers. This architecture helps offload CPU processing and graphics GPU processing from the primary simulator computer. All the modules communicate with the main central module, ProSim737 System, using the computer’s Ethernet network.
Prior to installation, all flight simulator computers must be assigned a fixed network IP address. The downloaded software suite consists of an array of folders for each of the software modules. They can be copied, renamed, and moved to different computers. There is no Windows installation or setup program. Instead, each module is launched by simply running the respective EXE file.
The main ProSim module is ProSim737 System. This must be installed on the primary computer where Prepar3D is installed. ProSim737 System provides integration with the flight simulator software, Prepar3D. It is also the central control point for the other ProSim modules that are installed on the secondary computer. The ProSim Updater module is also installed on the main computer to provide automatic updating for ProSim737 System.
The remaining ProSim737 software modules are installed on the secondary computer. The ProSim Display folder needs to be duplicated four times, with each new folder renamed to the physical avionics LCD it will use. ProSim CDU needs to be duplicated two times, with each folder renamed to the specific CDU it will drive, on the CA side or the FO side. When completed, there are ten modules on the secondary computer:
The initial configuration of ProSim737 with the flight deck hardware is a time-consuming process that will requires a substantial number of hours to accomplish. In a realistic flight deck, there are hundreds of switches, selector knobs, LCD lights, solenoids, analog flight controls, and avionics displays, and complex components. Each one must be assigned in ProSim737 to an input or output function.
The following is an overview of this process. Detailed instructions are available in the ProSim737 Manual. Having dedicated small utility monitors for both the both the primary computer and another for the secondary computer is immensely helpful for the configuration and setup process, as well as for future maintenance. Most of the time-consuming setup and configuration process is done in the ProSim737 System module that runs on the primary flight simulator computer.
First, install dependency software such as FSUIPC and Phidget22 drivers. The Flight Deck Solutions motorized throttle quadrant was developed with the 1.9.20220112 version of the Phidget22 driver which was built on January 12, 2022. There is a possibility that FSUIPC is not needed, as ProSim737 has been evolving to rely more on SimConnect rather than FSUIPC for integration with Prepar3D.
Run ProSim737 System and enter the product and update license keys. Select “SimConnect” for the simulator connection. Download and install the terrain database from Config | Database. Then, rebuild the scenery database.
To integrate ProSim737 with MSFS 2020, two steps must be accomplished. First, from ProSim737 System, select Help | Updates | Addons. Download the following two EXE files:
The first EXE file adds a ProSiim737 aircraft model to the aircraft library in Prepar3D. The second EXE file provides the software interface that allows ProSim737 to communicate with Prepar3D. Both EXE files need to be run only once.
The flight controls (control yoke, rudders, brakes, steering tiller) utilize analog output based upon the control position. They interface via a USB game controller card. These are assigned and calibrated in the Config section of ProSim System.
The Flight Deck Solution’s Ethernet radios are interfaced by enabling the applicable driver in Config | Configuration | Driver. Then specific radio assignments are made in the Config | Configuration | Driver | FDS Advanced | Radios section.
The FDS MCP & EFIC panel is interfaced by enabling the “FDS G3” driver in the Config | Configuration | Driver | FDS Advanced section and also in the Config | Configuration | MCP | Throttle | General Drivers section.
The FDS Motorized Throttle Quadrant is interfaced by enabling the “FDS PRO MX TQ” in the Config | Configuration | Drivers section.
Most of the switches must be individually configured in the Config | Configuration section. Manually flipping the physical switch will be trapped and it can then be assigned to a specific function. Most of the LED lights must be individually configured by finding the correct function then pressing “F” to start a elimination process to find the specific light.
Each of the ProSim737 Displays must be configured by running the Display EXE file, entering the computer IP address where ProSim737 System is running, dragging the display window to the correct LCD monitor, then positioning and sizing the display as needed. Each of the Prosim737 CDU modules must be configured in the same way.
All the ProSim737 modules on the secondary computer must be provided with the IP address where ProSim737 System is running. All these modules are run minimized except for the ProSim737 Instructor Operation Station. Ideally the window for this application is located on the secondary computer’s utility monitor. The Instructor Operating Station is used for configuring loading of passengers, baggage, and fuel. It is also used for setting up the initial aircraft state and ground facilities (ex. cold & dark, ground power available).
When the simulator is started, there are many individual application EXE files that need to be started. Conversely, when the simulator is shut down, there are many individual applications that need to be closed. To avoid having to run or stop each EXE file manually, the simulator has a Startup BAT file and a Shutdown BAT file, that accomplishes this process with a mouse click.
Click to download the Startup BAT file and the Shutdown BAT file used on this simulator. These two files are PDF files and would actually need to be saved as simple text files with a .BAT extension to be functional under Windows.
