Aircatglobal VirtualFly SOLO D4 User manual

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For support, contact us at
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SOLO D4
USER’S MANUAL
Rev. 1.0 - September 2022

SOLO D4 | User’s manual
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. IN THE BOX
2. HARDWARE SETUP
. CONNECTING TO PC
3. SOFTWARE SETUP
4. START UP
. ACTIVATING PROCEDURES
. DEACTIVATING PROCEDURES
9. TROUBLESHOOTING
10. REMOTE ASSISTANCE
11. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
12. AIRCRAFT COMPATIBILITY

SOLO D4 | User’s manual 3
B
D
A
C
1x
1x 1x
2x E
1. IN THE BOX
A) SOLO D 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 D Quick Start Guide
It is important to save all parts you are not going to use in case
you need them in the future.
1x
12345678
F
E
D
C
B
A
8
7
6
543
21
A
B
C
D
E
F
DO NOT
SCALE
IF IN DOUBT
ASK
UNLESS
OTHERWISE
STATED
SCALE
DRAWN
BY
1) MACHINE AT TO 3.2 um Ra MAX
2) TOLERANCE ON MACHINED DIMENSIONS
AS FOLLOWS: 0-500 0.2; 500-1000 0.4
LUMED
THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DRG
No
DATE
TITLE
F1x

SOLO D4 | User’s manual
4
2. HARDWARE SETUP
The SOLO D has been developed to be pluggable to any
standard Windows computer. The SOLO D contains 
important modules which require cable conections, software
installation and configuration:
• SOLO D panel itself
• COMPOSS "The Compass"
• VF-G "Glass Cockpit"
2.1 CONNECTING TO PC
After placing the panel on the surface it will rest, you must
connect all the modules to the computer running the flight
simulation software. To do so, you have two options
• OPTION A: LAN network connection (recommended)
• OPTION B: Direct connection
OPTION A: LAN Network Connection (Recommended)
Connect the cables between the back of the panel, router and
PC exactly as indicated in the diagram below. This option
enables the SOLO D panel to have an internet connection,
which is required if you schedule a remote connection with
Virtual Fly technicians.
The power switch must be in "OFF" position before
starting.
You must connect the power cable (B) last.
An extra Ethernet cable (not included) is required
to connect the internet router and PC.

MFS/PD computer
Home router
Switch OFF

Ethernet Cable
(not included)
Power Cable (B)
USB Cable (D)
Ethernet Cable (C)
USB Cable (D)
If you do not have the Pedestal add-on mentioned
in Section 5, you can use the USB port labeled
as "Pedestal" in the picture above as a secondary
auxiliary USB port.

SOLO D4 | User’s manual 5
OPTION B: Direct Connection
Connect the cables between the modules and PC as indicated
in the diagram below.
If your main PC is connected to a WIFI internet
source, the connection between the panel and PC
can be unstable.
MFS/PD computer
Switch OFF

Power Cable (B)
USB Cable (D)
Ethernet Cable (C)
USB Cable (D)

SOLO D4 | User’s manual
6
3. SOFTWARE SETUP
To interact with your PC, the SOLO D requires installing some
additional software. The SOLO D is compatible with PreparD.
To set up the SOLO D4 with Prepar3D, you will need to install
VFConnect, the software developed by Virtual Fly to enable
interaction between our flight pannels and PCs, and FSUIPC.
You can download these from the following links:
• VFConnect: https://downloads.virtual-fly.com/
software/vfconnect/latest/vfconnect.exe
• FSUIPC: http://www.fsuipc.com/
• G Module: Included in USB memory stick (E).
If you already have FSUIPC installed, skip this step. During
the installation, a registration window will appear, which you
must ignore by selecting "Not Now". Restart PreparD after
the install is complete.
To set up the COMPOSS, follow the "SOFTWARE SETUP"
section from the COMPOSS' User's manual: https://downloads.
virtual-fly.com/docs/composs/latest/composs_user's_manual.
pdf
DA- FTech AIRCRAFT INSTALLATION
The SOLO D is only compatible with the Diamond DA-
from FTech. Download the required aircraft folder from the
provided USB memory stick (E). You must install this aircraft
into the PC running PreparD following these instructions:
. Locate the PreparD installation root folder. By default, this
is at: C:\Program Files\ Lockheed Martin\ PreparD v.
. Enter the "SimObjects" folder and then the "Airplanes"
folder.
. Place the provided DA Aircraft folder inside the
"Airplanes" folder.
If you have purchased the Pedestal add-on, you
must also check out the "SOFTWARE SETUP" of
the TQ3 User's manual: https://downloads.virtual-fly.
com/docs/tq3+/latest/tq3_tq3+_user's_manual.pdf
Make sure Prepar3D is closed when doing the
following procedure.

SOLO D4 | User’s manual 7
G MODULE INSTALLATION
The SOLO D requires installing additional software to
connect with the G screens. From the provided USB
memory stick, open the "G Student" folder. Inside
this folder, select the "Network Module" folder and run the
"Module installer.exe" program displayed below.
Once the program runs, the following screen below will show
up.
Here, you must enter the PreparD installation folder path
in your computer in the correct location (depending on your
PreparD version installed) and press "Install Slight Simulator
Module(s)". For example, if you have PreparDV, the program
would look like the image below.
Your Prepar3D installation path might vary
depending on where you installed Prepar3D, but
by default, the installation path is the one depicted
above.

SOLO D4 | User’s manual
8
4. START UP
4.1 ACTIVATING PROCEDURES
1. Make sure the BAT switch on the SOLO D4 panel is
deactivated.
2. On the PC with Prepar3D installed, run Prepar3D and load
your scenario with one of the 3 aircraft installed in Section 3.
3. On the PC running Prepar3D, execute "VFConnect.exe"
and "VFHub".
. Wait about  seconds until you see the G and
analogue gauges in the SOLO D as shown below.
The SOLO D4 must not be disconnected while
the programs are loading. Doing so might cause
problems with booting in the future.
Do not execute "VFConnect.exe" before Prepar3D
is completely loaded.
. Activate the Power switch (a) indicated below to power the
SOLO D.
. Press the push button (b) to activate the operating system
of the panel.
If you have Windows Firewall activated, a warning
permission to communicate with the network will
appear. You must select "Allow Access".
ab

SOLO D4 | User’s manual 9
(b) The plugin is connected
to PD and SOLO D.
The VFConnect software window will look like (a) below if it
is not yet connected, and like (b) if a connection has been
established succesfully between computer and SOLO D4. The
upper box indicates the connection status of the simulation
software, and the lower box displays the connection status
between the SOLO D4 and the computer.
(a) The plugin is searching
for PD and SOLO D.
4.2 DEACTIVATING PROCEDURES
1. Press the push button (b) at the back of te SOLO D4 to stop
the "Windows" operating system of the panel.
2. Wait until everything is stopped before switching o the
SOLO D4's power switch (a).
If you have issues establishing the connection between the
SOLO D and your computer, please contact Virtual Fly's
Technical support at support@virtual-fly.com.
ab

SOLO D4 | User’s manual
10
5. ADDITIONAL HARDWARE OPTIONS
The SOLO D has two main add-ons which enhance its
funcionality by incorporating a control joystick and pedestal
based on the DA- aircraft. The add-ons add the following
functionalities:
JOYSTICK
• Allows elevator and aileron control of the aircraft.
• UP/DN Trim, AP disengage, PTT, 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)
The panel with the add-ons has the following layout:

SOLO D4 | User’s manual 11
To incorporate the joystick and pedestal add-ons, the SOLO
D panel requires our Flight Deck Structure. This flight deck
includes an aeronautical adjustable seat and enables securing
the panel, pedestal and joystick into it. The flight deck also has
the option to support up to five " monitors and our RUDDO
pedals can also be attached to it. Altogether, the setup looks
If you need further information on the characteristics and
pricing of the joystick, pedestal, flight deck or flight deck
optionals, contact us at info@virtual-fly.com. For information
regarding our RUDDO pedals, check out its User's manual
through the following link: https://downloads.virtual-fly.com/
docs/ruddo+/latest/ruddo_ruddo+_user's_manual.pdf

SOLO D4 | User’s manual
12
Anomaly Possible Cause Solution
PreparD does not
connect to the panel.
Network cable nº  is not connected. Check connection of network cable nº  between SOLO Dnd
PreparD computer.
PreparD is not running. Execute PreparD
FSUIPC is not installed (PreparD). Install FSUIPC. See Chapter .
“VFConnect.exe” is not executed. Execute “VFConnect-Xplane.exe” on the PreparD computer.
“VFConnect.exe” started incorrectly.
Only one of “VFConnect” can be executed at the same time, be
sure that you are executed the version that corresponds on your
simulation software. “VFConnect” will only work with MFS/PD
and VFConnect-Xplane will only work with X-Plane.
Windows firewall does not allow
communication with the SOLO D.
You will have to add an exception manually to allow communica-
tion. For that, follow the steps below:
. Press combo key Windows + R.
. Write “firewall.cpl” on the window that has appeared.
6. TROUBLESHOOTING

SOLO D4 | User’s manual 13
Anomaly Possible Cause Solution
PreparD does not connect
to the panel.
PC has more than one network
card.
. If you are trying to use one network card to connect to your
router and another one to connect directly to SOLO Dnd it
does not work, try connecting SOLO directly to your router ins-
tead of connect to the pc.This way, connection will be establis-
hed through the network LAN.
. If you have connected SOLO directly to your PC and your PC
has the other network sockets free, try connecting SOLO to the
PC using another network card.
Network problems.
If you have connected your PC and SOLO directly
(without router), at the beginning you will have to wait
some time, even more than a minute, because Windows
set IP addresses automatically.
Network Discovery disabled.
Check that in your current network profile (Public / Home or
Work ) Network discovery option is turned on. For that, go to:
"Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing
Center\Advanced sharing settings" and turn Discovery Network
option on for all profiles available.
Antivirus software is blocking the
connection.
Each Antivirus software has their own options and menus. To
see if the problem comes from the antivirus, you can deactiva-
te it completely just for the test. If the connection is stablished
with the antivirus deactivated you should look for an option that
allows any connection for VFConnect.exe.

SOLO D4 | User’s manual
14
Anomaly Possible Cause Solution
Connection goes down,
is intermitent or indictors
move sharply.
Connection trough Wifi.
If you are using a PC which is connected to your network by Wifi, even
SOLO is connected by cable, it is possible that due to interference, noi-
se or other electromagnetic signal, connection will not be constant. It is
so recommendable using always a network cable to connect SOLO to
the router and your PC to the router also, or alternatively a direct cable
between your PC and SOLO to enjoy completely of your SOLO.
Your MFS / PD / X-Plane PC is exe-
cuting another program on the bac-
kground that uses all the bandwidth
of the network card.
To guarantee the best perform of the connection, it is recommendable
during the session, to close programs which make an intensive use of
the network connection or computer processor.
I don't know how to con-
nect the flight director.
Push on the rotary “A.I. PUSH F/D” located above left of the panel.

SOLO D4 | User’s manual 15
7. REMOTE SUPPORT
In case you need help from Virtual Fly's technical team, there
is the possibility to schedule a remote connection to your
flight simulator computer and SOLO D. For that, you should:
1. Ensure your flight simulator computer and SOLO Dare
connected to the internet. For this, you should have a
LAN Network connection as described in Section .
"CONNECTING TO PC"
. Download and run the following software for your PC
runnning the flight simulation software: https://downloads.
virtual-fly.com/software/VirtualFly_Remote_Support_Tool.exe
. Take note of the code that appears in your PC screen, as
displayed below:
. Wait until the Anydesk software loads and take note of the
ID code that appears on the G screen.
. Contact Virtual Fly's technical support team at support@
virtual-fly.com to:
• Schedule a remote session.
• Provide them with the Anydesk ID codes from your PC
and SOLO D.
. Turn on your SOLO D and turn the BAT and AVIONCS
switch o. Turn the HORIZON EMERGENCY switch from
OFF to ON.

SOLO D4 | User’s manual
16
8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Power Supply: - VAC, mono, - Hz
Nominal intensity: , A
Compatibility: PreparD
980.50
413
240.50
187.10
370.39
109
370.39
A
6x240°
3x9 mm
DETAIL A
SCALE 1 : 1
12345678
F
E
D
C
B
A
8
7
6
543
21
A
B
C
D
E
F
DO NOT
SCALE
IF IN DOUBT
ASK
UNLESS
OTHERWISE
STATED
SCALE
DRAWN
BY
1) MACHINE AT TO 3.2 um Ra MAX
2) TOLERANCE ON MACHINED DIMENSIONS
AS FOLLOWS: 0-500 0.2; 500-1000 0.4
LUMED
THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DRG
No
DATE
TITLE
980.50
413
240.50
187.10
370.39
109
370.39
A
6x240°
3x9 mm
DETAIL A
SCALE 1 : 1
12345678
F
E
D
C
B
A
8
7
6
543
21
A
B
C
D
E
F
DO NOT
SCALE
IF IN DOUBT
ASK
UNLESS
OTHERWISE
STATED
SCALE
DRAWN
BY
1) MACHINE AT TO 3.2 um Ra MAX
2) TOLERANCE ON MACHINED DIMENSIONS
AS FOLLOWS: 0-500
0.2; 500-1000 0.4
LUMED
THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DRG
No
DATE
TITLE
980.50
413
240.50
187.10
370.39
109
370.39
A
6x240°
3x9 mm
DETAIL A
SCALE 1 : 1
12345678
F
E
D
C
B
A
8
7
6
543
21
A
B
C
D
E
F
DO NOT
SCALE
IF IN DOUBT
ASK
UNLESS
OTHERWISE
STATED
SCALE
DRAWN
BY
1) MACHINE AT TO 3.2 um Ra MAX
2) TOLERANCE ON MACHINED DIMENSIONS
AS FOLLOWS: 0-500
0.2; 500-1000 0.4
LUMED
THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DRG
No
DATE
TITLE