| Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX, modified to remove the pod!
Version 1.21 for Sim Update 5
An OPTIONAL download is now available with lightened prop textures. Place these in:
Community\Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX - No Pod - Parorng\SimObjects\Airplanes\parorng_C208-nopod\TEXTURE
You'll need to delete any old installation in Community and install BOTH downloads to use these prop textures. If you have 1.2 already, you'll only need the prop textures.
I've finally managed to get the modified default livery working again (but having issues with SU5 and the SDK - and I'm in the process of moving countries) - expect that to come with v1.3!
The mighty Caravan is in use around the world, and often the ones I see do not have the pod. This project started for me as a way to get my feet wet (hint hint) in 3d modelling and start creating some things for myself. Removing and rebuilding the floor of this aircraft took a lot of work! I have extended the nosewheel cowl to match the real aircraft, and remapped all textures to work with the changes.
This Asobo model has been completely reworked.
- All animations have been redone (and adjusted in some cases)
- Pod removed
- Nosewheel cowl extended
- Textures remapped
- Registration moved to the most common area from what I have seen, with the regstration italics accurately added. 3 registration locations are now possible. Run the Variants script to choose which you like!
- The flight model is based on @Carbonprop's excellent performance mod, and edited to reflect the no-pod.
- New rivets to better show off your amazing liveries! Feel free to use this on the Asobo caravan too, just remmeber to backup any original 'Ribbon' texture file (I rename them .org normally)
- Check the changelog to see latest changes!
Limitations:
- The frost textures aren't playing nice just yet, so they're omitted. Also the windscreen frost isn't active currently.
- The Asobo modelled livery includes the pod (modelled), so for now I have removed the entire modelled livery.
- The Main gear struts and brakes for some reason don't have textures again (they're black!) They are good in Blender and the UV maps are aligned so I have no idea why. If anyone knows, send me a PM!
- Doors don't open still. I'll need to rework the entire cabin to allow that - currently way above my abilities and time constraints, but I'll keep at it. I'd love a roller door one day...
Liveries:
The livery converter is now packaged
Please read the converter documentation for details. No adjustments should be needed to current liveries to get them working. There is a slight issue with a few existing liveries on the new the nosewheel cowl extension (as the UV now covers a little more room). I'll consider rearranging the UVs for this part on update v1.2.
Registration Location Option:
v1.2 includes THREE different locations available for the registration. Currently it will affect all liveries.
Under 'Variants' run the batch file to change your variant. You can also do this manually if you'd prefer.
Again, currently this will affect all aircraft. It is possible to change them around at any time. If the sim is running when you change it, to take effect, you'll need to resync your aircraft (via the New Project - Aircraft Editor), restart/reload the flight, or restart the entire sim.
It IS possible to have this set differently per livery. The designer, or yourself, will need to add the correct .gltf and .bin models to the livery and ensure they're referenced correctly in the layout.json (If you need any guidance, drop me a message here or on my discord below!)
Copilot Option:
v1.2 includes the option to see your copilot! Run the Variants batch file to choose that option. By default it is on.
I played with adding a passenger as well, but they like their leg room and put their feet through the seat in front. So for now, no passengers.
Installation:
As always, please place the 'Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX - No Pod - Parorng' folder into your community folder. I recommend removing the old one completely before doing this.
Working Title Instrumentation: ***IMPORTANT***
If you are using the WorkingTitle G1000/GX MOD you must copy and overwrite the CommonPFD_MFD.js file from the WTPATCH directory to the following location in BOTH the G1000 and GX folders.
html_ui\WorkingTitle\Pages\VCockpit\Instruments\NavSystems\Shared
If you neglect to do this the aircraft annunciator system will NOT work.
REMEMBER the WT G1000 mod is not compatible with the G1000NXi in the store, so choose one and enjoy!
Future Plans:
The float version is coming along nicely, but I've had to take some personal time as I'm moving countries for a bit to be with my family. I haven't seen them for 16 months now... A tropical beach should give me some motivation however!
I'd also love to do a skydiving and cargo version, as well as one with surveying equipment. I'd prefer to have a redone cabin for this, with all the seats removed. All I need is time, and motivation!
If you want to contact me, message me on flightsim.to, the MSFS forums, or at my discord. Grab your invite here:
Hope you Enjoy it!
As always, if you like what you see and want to help out with development of this and other projects, feel free to donate!
www.buymeacoffee.com/Parorng
Parorng
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Write a reviewfruitoverdose
Hi, I have a request regarding the sound, could you could change the sound of the engine to the PC-6's sound to match the 4 blade propeller?
Parorng 4 month(s) ago
That's an interesting idea.
I'll add it to the list, but it might be a while. Real aviation keeps throwing me massive curveballs over the last year...
I'm away from my sim PC for a few weeks too, so hard to check, but it should be a fairly straight forward swap in/out of engine sound files to make this happen.
fruitoverdose 4 month(s) ago
Thanks, I am looking forward to it.
Hoeras51
I am not sure what I am doing wrong, I just want to get rid of the pod.
I did the download:
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX - No Pod - Parorng v1.2 SU5_UmCo1.zip
I unzipped it and got a folder called:
Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX - No Pod - Parorng v1.2 SU5
I found my Community folder on my X drive where I have installed MSFS 2020.
I created a folder:
Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX - No Pod - Parorng
Then I put the contents of "Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX - No Pod - Parorng v1.2 SU5" into new folder in Community folder.
Now opening up that folder I see six directories and various other files.
___________
Now it should work, right?
I have SIM10 Update, my MSFS 2020 is fully up-to-date.
Although I use "Addons Linker" program to load things in and out of the Community folder, in this case I did not use that. I put everything directly into the Community folder.
It should work, but have I done anything wrong? I load in the Cessna 200B and it still has that ugly pod.
Any help appreciated.
Hoeras
Parorng 4 month(s) ago
It should load as a completely separate aircraft.
rv31
Thank's for this but compatible with SU10 ?
Parorng 4 month(s) ago
I've tested it and it seems to be working fine for me on SU10.
Edsandro
Unfortunately this project has been abandoned. I liked this aircraft very much and had to uninstall after SU10 , left all the panels Asobo totally black.
Parorng 4 month(s) ago
It seems to be running ok on SU10 for me.
Have you got any C208 mods installed at all? Try loading it with just the plain white default texture. It could be a livery needs to be updated.
Have you installed the free G1000 mod in the marketplace? That might change something for you.
Let me know if these ideas didn't work.
Edsandro 4 month(s) ago
Thanks for the reply. Returned to work, some other mod interfered in this and almost all planes of Asobo.
BalticDude
Will the floats be updated with this mod or separate? Are the floats still being worked on?
Parorng 6 month(s) ago
Hi,
No it doesn't include the floats just yet. I stopped working on them around a year ago due to moving countries and now work has been quite busy, so I've not been able to work on them for a while.
Hoping to get back onto it soon as the peak flying season has just finished!
SaltyTom
Hi Parorng, great work on your no POD Version. "Black Square" just released a study level analog version of the Caravan. Is it somehow possible to make your no POD Version working with the "Black Square" analog version? That would be awesome!
Maybe there is just a line of code we have to change or something? Thanks, Tom
Parorng 6 month(s) ago
Hey mate, I just replied to you in the forums.
I'm going to guess there's a very easy way to do it. I would ask that you have a look at the model.cfg and try to redirect that to the new mod.
Otherwise we'll need to incorporate the mod more deeply. Certainly something interesting to look into. RL Life is just so crazy lately!
Parorng 6 month(s) ago
Also check out JayDee's mod here. He's linked it all up for us!
Captian204
does it still work without it being updated
Parorng 11 month(s) ago
Yes it still works.
I'll have an update in a bit. Got real sim coming up shortly and moving countries again over the next few weeks.
Once that's out then I'll be able to start looking into getting the floats happening again!
TheAlexP
is it a separate aircraft or it overwrite's the original one?
is it also compatible with the Grand Caravan Improvment Mod by Magraina?
Parorng 12 month(s) ago
It shows up as separate.
It does not work by default with the improvement mod, although if you put those config files into this one it will work. I try to incorporate the changes from time to time in updates, but I've not had much time to do that lately.
There is a no-pod caravan mod here too but I don't know if that is still being maintained. I'm planning to update the dynamics once SU8 goes out. For now on SU7 it is working nicely for me, and on the SU8 beta too!
Pilot100
Sorry but seems that it will not extract (using standard 7-unzip package) many files (inc several dds) say filename too long to extract error. Latest version downloaded.
Parorng 12 month(s) ago
Hi, try not dragging the files, instead use the copy/paste functions.
Also, try to extract to a temporary folder (anywhere), then move to your community folder. Let me know if this works.
Also check the forum regarding long file names and how to overcome the error.
There is nothing in this package that has a long file name.
And please reconsider that one star - that's unfair.
Pilot100 12 month(s) ago
OK, I found the issue, I used default windows zip / unzip and it definitely does not extract happily, instead I used 7-Zip/unzip and worked ok. So I'd guess there is an issue with the windows unzip. I've never had an issue with this before so not sure why this time. However having gotten it to work and impressed, so thankyou. I have uprated to 4.5 stars (in operation terms its 5 but the issue with unzipping mitigates slightly although have to say it may not be your issue and could be windows instead). Also I have to say feedback and support were prompt and very positive so again thanks.
Parorng 12 month(s) ago
Thanks.
It's strange, I guess. It was packed with Windows zip. I'm on Windows 10 still - maybe they changed something with it?
Anyway, really happy you got it to work. I hope you enjoy it!
Socorrista22198
The true modern adventure comes to life thanks to this plane!! I didn't notice about the black main gear struts and brakes until you mentioned hehe what means your model is awesome in every ways, thank you! 😊 I made some captures, hope you like it.
PD:Your pic with the floats looks very well 😋
Parorng 1 year(s) ago
They look great, nicely done!
hvh9001 1 year(s) ago
any new updates coming
hvh9001
has anyone tried this aircraft in SU7?
Parorng 1 year(s) ago
Only basic testing with it which seemed fine so far, but I'd like to get the new config stuff across for it. I'll do some more this week (and try to get my Blender working with MSFS again too).
hvh9001 1 year(s) ago
ok, thanks I tried it out yesterday and it works.
Daniele06
Just beautiful!
Pacificflight
I have an issue that some textures cannot be extracted or copied from the main file (.dds) resulting in missing fuselage etc.
I have tried it with multiple third party program but it seems like to have a "too long directory" or so... anybody can help? Thanks 😊
boierito
Is it normal for the rivets to show too much?
Parorng 1 year(s) ago
Too much? Not sure what you're referring to, but they're the same rivets as the default one
boierito 1 year(s) ago
https://bit.ly/2Vtpo86 look at this
Parorng 1 year(s) ago
Yup I see. I did edit Asobo's rivets file to make them more transparent as the screws and rivets are filled white. Maybe a more 'solid' version crept back in. I'll have to have a play around with the transparency again on this.
Just gotta restructure the project from scratch again as SU5 has caused havoc on these mods!
boierito 1 year(s) ago
Any fast solution?
Parorng 1 year(s) ago
It's the CESSNA_208B_GRANDCARAVANEX_AIRFRAME_RIBBONS_ALBD.PNG.DDS texture file that we're referring to. If you're good at photo editing you could either change the transparency.
Alternatively, have a try at (take a backup of the ribbons texture first and) copying a blank texture (most liveries have one) and renaming it to CESSNA_208B_GRANDCARAVANEX_AIRFRAME_RIBBONS_ALBD.PNG.DDS. That would get rid of the colouring of the main texture, but may affect the overall visibility of other rivets.
The reason this is an issue is that Asobo's liveries are a modelled shell sitting over the top of the rivets, whereas our repaints generally sit behind the white coloured rivets.
I'll try to get them more transparent in the next update!
NezNok
Could you create 3-blade prop version?
My asian liveries are flying with it in reality.
bigcav
Sorry. Every time l try and load this it CTD's.
Seems to effect the stock c208 aswell. till l uninstall this.
Applejack94
What is the No Pod Mod and what does it do?
Parorng 1 year(s) ago
Look at the pictures, particularly at the bottom of the aircraft. 😋
It loads as a separate aircraft.
Applejack94 1 year(s) ago
thxs
KRDM72
Just downloaded version 1.21. There is a terrible texture problem. The outside is not white. I can't even describe it. The cockpit is covered in pink and lavender squares in a chessboard pattern. It actually seems to fly nice.
Parorng 2 year(s) ago
Eeee sounds like you're missing some textures! I think I know what's happened.
I would suggest deleting it completely from your community folder and redownloading. You'll need to grab BOTH 1.2 and 1.21. Install 1.2 file first, and then overwrite the prop textures found in 1.21 (that's all 1.21 has).
*You need both 1.2 and 1.21 downloads*
Let me know if you still have troubles afterwards!
KRDM72 2 year(s) ago
Thank you, I will give it a try. I certainly didn't have the earlier version installed.
mylesmace 2 year(s) ago
Any idea where to download the previous version 1.2?
KRDM72 2 year(s) ago
So without v1.2 we're out of luck?
Parorng 2 year(s) ago
Apologies, the way I assumed the downloads would be presented here was out by a bit! Basically you should need both the downloads available here. The 'main' download, and the prop texture download.
Remove any old versions before using this one.
Can you confirm you have these texture issues with this main file installed and then the prop textures overwriting the old ones?
I may have to re-release this if you still do, but it will take a few days as I'm moving countries tomorrow.
KRDM72 2 year(s) ago
Oh, ok. I misunderstood. I'll give it a try. Thanks.
tclayton2k
The new prop textures are absolutely spot on! This will now be my go-to plane for most local flights.
NEILCM
Hi Regarding this - !!!IMPORTANT!!!
"If you are using the WorkingTitle G1000/GX MOD you must copy and overwrite the CommonPFD_MFD.js file from the WTPATCH directory to the following location in BOTH the G1000 and GX folders.
html_ui\WorkingTitle\Pages\VCockpit\Instruments\NavSystems\Shared
If you neglect to do this the aircraft annunciator system will NOT work."
The G1000 is now part of the game and doesn't seem to have that file anymore to overwrite.
Parorng 2 year(s) ago
Yes! Thank you for highlighting this! I'll add that into the main notes here as I'm sure many don't read the included text files.
NEILCM 2 year(s) ago
Thanks, However, my main point is with the WTG1000 is now a NXI and part of the main game the instruction doesn't work for the G1000NXI as the
html_ui\WorkingTitle\Pages\VCockpit\Instruments\NavSystems\Shared
Doesn't exist as it did before SU5.
So I can't put that file in and overwrite it for the g1000?
Parorng 2 year(s) ago
The NXi on the marketplace is a completely different beast. I haven't had time to look into it yet, but I'd choose one or the other.
The cockpit is identical to the default caravan so it should work as the default one does - but again, I haven't been able to test this out yet.
Zakari 1 year(s) ago
Hello! Does the annunciator system work with the NXi from Working Title?