Compass in instrument panels

[RED]

I’d like to put some context into WHY we chose to make some minor adjustments to glider panels along with the modifications that we already have in C3.
Some of us have or do fly in a RL gliding environment and a gliding simulation environment, or both.
These environments are different, but we do like to get the flying environment (weather, glider handling etc) as close to possible to REAL LIFE gliding.
Whilst flying my simulator (sitting at home) I may choose to have a beer, or a bottle of wine and I choose not to fly with a hat, sunscreen or a parachute or is this breaking the rules of using a simulator. Where do you draw the line?

After flying condor SIMULATOR for nearly 20 years, I’ve concluded I don’t need certain gauges on my glider panels as I just never look at them. This opens up an opportunity for some minor amendments which included the removal of the compass on some occasions.
In the other flying environment (called real life) I would probably use the instruments you see as in C3 glider panels, but I can choose what I want to some degree and the location I want them, taking into account, regulations etc.

However, simulation opens up the possibility of experimenting with new ideas. New panel / gauge designs that could possibly end up in your real glider. Manufacturers are always looking for new ideas and what better place to experiment than a simulator.

I liked to point out some visual issues with simulation that we are helping to solve.
I fly with a 2K monitor. If you get a ruler and measure the width of the glider panel on the monitor (at the FOV of about 100) it measures about 5” x 3”. All of those instruments gotta fit in that tiny spot. In real RL the panel is about two foot wide x ?. Very easy to see.

The information on a glider panel needs to jump out at you with a millisecond glance which ever environment you're in. I do not have time to go searching through stuff in order to find the info I want. No, I’m not reducing the FOV because what’s going on outside the cockpit is more important. And no, I don’t like to zoom in and out a thousand times on each task just get a bit of info from my panel.
So, in a simulation environment an alternative is to lose what ya don’t use, therefore there is more room for the important stuff based on individual preferences.
The other issue is that some of us are born lucky and have perfect color vision. How nice. The fact is many of us have a color disorder and we just don’t see what others see. The stats on how many of us live with a color disorder may shock you.
In many other popular simulators environment, they are very aware of this issue, so they have a button that changes all colors that are more suitable to persons with a color disorder. It makes a huge difference, and I don’t believe this breaks the rules of the simulation experience we all enjoy.
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of how “losing the compass gauge” or any other gauge of choice, has originally come about.
Additionally, I'll add that (35 years ago) on my first cross country flights in a hang glider I didn't even have a Vario. Just used the altimeter. I still use it today in light lift in Condor rather than the Vario.
Thankfully we are fortunate to have some very talented people out there that choose to help others enjoy there flying simulation experience. We too can now see the glider panel more clearly like you do.
Cheers RED

[6266]

I’d like to put some context into WHY we chose to make some minor adjustments to glider panels along with the modifications that we already have in C3. ...

Thanks for your long post, I agree absolute. Usually no new plane becomes really my own before I have changed something on the panel and/or the skin. Flying only with an laptop screen the gauges are too small for me too, especially speed and compass. Loving cloud flying from time to time I have to add an AH, even in the SG38 (I know, it's not really realistic, but fun )

[skaerlund]

Sorry, very OT but ...

Condor is a simulation for gliding, and for to learn and to get better in gliding. Are there really pilots flying without compass IRL, so that they don't need it in Condor?

When I was much younger and flew IRL I never finished a xc flight (except my 50 km Silver C), because I never was on the planned track. Nearly 40 years later flying Condor without pda I learned, why I failed in that time: I ignored the compass. I learned that it is so easy when using it.

Today people are flying with flight computer (Condor 3 seems to me to be not longer a flight simulator, but a flight computer simulator). Do they trust it will work always?

It would be an interesting test what happens if in a race all flight computers will get out of work ... Such a training could save life IRL

Jesus Christ, why are we overcomplicating things? If you want to simulate flying without a flight computer, just turn the PDA off in Condor. It’s literally that simple. There’s no need to create some elaborate scenario where everyone’s devices magically fail mid-race.

Condor is a simulator designed to reflect how people actually fly today, which is with modern instruments. If you’re nostalgic for compasses and maps, great—just set it up that way for yourself. But suggesting we force everyone into this “what if” scenario feels unnecessary and completely irrelevant for most pilots. It’s a solution looking for a problem.

[6266]

Jesus Christ, why are we overcomplicating things? If you want to simulate flying without a flight computer, just turn the PDA off in Condor. It’s literally that simple. There’s no need to create some elaborate scenario where everyone’s devices magically fail mid-race.

Condor is a simulator designed to reflect how people actually fly today, which is with modern instruments. If you’re nostalgic for compasses and maps, great—just set it up that way for yourself. But suggesting we force everyone into this “what if” scenario feels unnecessary and completely irrelevant for most pilots. It’s a solution looking for a problem.

I am very sorry to have written something so aggressive that you feel attacked and respond aggressively. The intention of my post was very different, but I have learned that it isn't wished here. Ok for me, have already deleted a bigger post in the thread and stopped discussing it. But I hope it's allowed to say, that I feel attacked in a way that you probably wouldn't do if we were having a face to face conversation.

[skaerlund]

I’m sorry if my response came across as overly aggressive or made you feel attacked—that was certainly not my intention. I value discussions like these, and I appreciate your perspective.

That said, I believe tone can sometimes be lost or misinterpreted in text, especially in forums where we don’t have the benefit of face-to-face interaction. My response was meant to be direct, but not dismissive or personal. I was simply trying to convey my viewpoint clearly and concisely.

I do regret if my wording gave the impression of hostility. I think we all share the same passion for improving the flying and simulation experience, even if we approach it from different angles. I hope we can continue to exchange ideas constructively, as these discussions ultimately help everyone grow.

[6266]

Thank you for your words. Of course we will continue exchanging our thoughts. I respect all different meanings and I like and wish a direct and clear discussion.

Nothing to worry about, maybe we were both a lit overheated, we are humans, not robots.

Have a nice weekend. I really hope to read more from you