GF-ATC Module
Developed by Go-Flight
Reviewed by Jack Whaley-Baldwin
October 2011
Introduction
Although the FS market has seen developers of both software
and hardware come-andgo, Go-Flight have remained intact
since 2002 and have been developing high-quality hardware
products ever since.
Go-Flight can only be described as an one-of-a-kind company.
They are not only one of the oldest flight simulation
establishments still around, but also one of the only
companies that produces “non-specific”, affordable hardware
modules.
For example; Saitek have, over the past few years, expanded
their “pro-flight” range. Whilst this range is certainly
“non-specific” (it is not designed to be used with one
aircraft and one aircraft only), and is certainly
affordable, it should be noted that Saitek have only
recently branched into the FS world. Their main business
focus has always been, and probably will remain to be,
producing gaming joysticks, keyboards and other
peripherals for generic game use.
Another example is Simkits. Simkits have been established
for a rather long time; however 90% of their product range
is designed to be used with Cessna aircraft only; and
nothing else. Furthermore, their prices are far, far beyond
Go-Flight's affordable range.
As explained above; Go-Flight are probably the only company
that has almost a decade of experience; a generic,
non-specific hardware range; and (possibly most importantly)
an affordable pricing list.
Much like Go-Flight themselves, the product featured in this
review is affordable, reliable and suitable for many, many
(if not all) different types of aircraft.
The GF-ATC panel is a truly unique product. There is simply
nothing else like it; anywhere only the market.
The GF-ATC panel can be described as a
“headset/ATC hybrid”. It combines the ability to plug any
headset (with both microphone and headphone support) into
it, and the ability to completely control Microsoft Flight
Simulator's ATC window through a professional looking and
stylish interface.
The panel also comes complete with full “volume” and
“squelch” controls; just like you'd see in a multitude of
real-world aircraft headset panels. This further enhances
the realism of the product, and is a never before seen
feature within FS hardware products.
Go-Flight have provided compatibility for both FS9 and FSX
in this product; this dualcompatibility feature starting to
become somewhat neglected by other developers.
Although it sounds fantastic; there is still plenty of room
for disaster. How well does the panel actually perform in
flight simulator? Is the GF-ATC panel the FS equivalent of
sliced bread, or is it fit only to be thrown in the trash?
Please, read on...
Ordering and Obtaining the
GF-ATC Panel
The Go-Flight GF-ATC panel can be ordered
from one of two retailers. The first, and often most
preferred option, is to order directly from Go-Flight's own
shop.
Unfortunately however, this option is often difficult for
customers who reside far away from the USA; as shipping and
import tax prices often make it uneconomical to even
consider purchasing the product; regardless of its
relatively low “base price”.
As such, there is a European option for customers within the
EU. UK-based
RCSimulations
(in addition to many other Go-Flight products). This is
probably a better option for customers who live within
Europe (especially the UK), as shipping prices will be much
lower, and tax is already included in the price.
The GF-ATC panel can be purchased from RC-Simulations for
£149.99 + shipping, or $170 (£105) from Go-Flight direct
(although this will be subject to shipping + tax additions).
This price is quite reasonable when compared to hardware
manufacturers such as Simkits or Elite, and is even more so
considering that the Unit is not only “Plug'n'Play”, but
also features a metal construction; not plastic.
As my personal GF-ATC module was supplied
as a review unit, it was sent from Go-Flight directly.
Shipping took just over a week; not bad considering its
postal journey consisted of several thousand miles.
After taking hold of a signed delivery from Parcel-Force, I
immediately (but carefully) opened the package. Inside, I
found my treasured GF-ATC panel, along with the relevant
audio and USB cables, kindly supplied as standard by
Go-Flight.
Although I cannot vouch for RC-Simulations, it must be said
that Go-Flight's packaging was of excellent quality. As the
GF-ATC is a rather delicate device, and has an exposed
circuit board to its rear, it is very important that it be
properly protected during the shipping process. Thankfully,
Go-Flight secured my unit with a generous amount of
bubble-wrap. Furthermore, all included cables and screws
each had their own individual package back. It's these small
details from which one can tell if a company cares or not.
Setup and Installation
Although the GF-ATC unit is indeed a
“Plug'n'Play” device, there are still a few important
procedures that must be followed when setting the unit up.
Luckily, Go-Flight have simplified the process by providing
some documentation. This documentation explains how to set
the GF-ATC module up properly, and also how to get it
working with the rather excellent “GF-Config” software,
which is the software heart for all of Go-Flight's products.
The first step, to be followed prior to actually even
touching the unit, is to go to Go-Flight's website and
download the “Module Support Software”, which is a software
package containing various programs, such as the much-needed
GF-Config utility.
This package can be downloaded by clicking a link on the
“Current Software” web-page; navigated to from the home-page
under the “Software/Downloads” tab.
After the software has been downloaded (which shouldn't take
too long; it's just a few MB), the executable file included
in the download should be run. This will install the
GFConfig software, and will also update it should you
already have it installed (which is unlikely unless you own
another Go-Flight product).
The next step in the instructions is
simply a point of advice. The manual writes that should you
wish “to mount the GF-ATC unit into a Go-Flight rack”, then
you should use the “provided thumbscrews” to do so. The
“Go-Flight rack” refers to a number of “rack” products
designed and retailed by Go-Flight themselves. These “racks”
are simply frames which will hold any Go-Flight module (of
course, the number of modules one can hold depends on the
rack model purchased) in a neat and tidy panel. The
“thumbscrews” pertain to the previously mentioned
individually-wrapped screws, which don't really need to be
used unless you are installing the GF-ATC panel into a
Go-Flight rack. What a mouthful!
Once the software has been installed, and you have
considered yourself “fully briefed” on Go-Flight's rack
selection, it is time to actually start plugging in and
playing with the GF-ATC unit.
With your trusty GF-ATC unit in hand, you should turn your
attention to the three female audio ports located at the
back; labelled on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) as “Sound
Card”, “Mic” and “Speakers”. It is these three plugs which
provide the audio interaction between your headset, the
GF-ATC unit and your PC's sound card.
Using one of the provided dual-male audio cables, connect
the “Mic” input of your computer to the “Mic” output of the
GF-ATC unit. Although the Go-Flight guide states that this
is a blue socket, on many PCs, including my own, the Mic
input slot is a pink coloured socket.
After this, one should connect the “Sound Card” input of the
GF-ATC unit to the “Headset” output of your PC, using the
second dual-male audio cable (which is visually identical to
the first). This “Headset” input on a PC is usually coloured
green.
Interestingly, the “Sound Card” output on the GF-ATC unit
can also be substituted for two other audio ports. There are
two more female sockets on the unit, both named “Speakers”.
Any of either the Sound Card or Speaker sockets can be used.
Personally, I have my GF-ATC unit configured exactly as per
the manual. In other words, my PC's headset output routes
directly to the GF-ATC's “Sound Card” input slot, and not to
one of the Speaker sockets (which, as explained above, could
be used as an alternative).
Once the GF-ATC's audio sockets have been correctly
configured, one can connect the unit via USB to a PC. This
USB connection provides the communication between the unit
and the PC for the “ATC select controls (and display)”,
which are explained later.
Once again, Go-Flight have provided the required cable.
Using the supplied “A to B” (square to rectangular) USB
cable, connect the female port of the GF-ATC module to the
female port of any free female USB port on your PC.
After connection, Windows will play its trademark
“ding-dong” sound; letting you know that a USB device has
been connected and its drivers installed.
Installation-wise, that's everything done. All that's left
to do now is configure the ATC module to your liking using
the GF-Config software, and you're “good to go” with either
FS9 or FSX.
To configure the ATC module, click start programs Go-Flight,
→ → and then finally clickon the “GF-Config” executable
icon. This will immediately fire up the configuration
software.
Provided that the GF-ATC module is connected, the GF-Config
software window will show that the module is connected,
along with any other Go-Flight modules. Clicking on the
GF-ATC's on-screen icon (visible in the GF-Config window)
will present a small number of options to the user.
Using the GF-Config software, users can change the
brightness of the 7-segment orange display (a numerical
value between 1 and 15, whereby 15 is the brightest), and
can also adjust the function of the display itself and its
adjacent “SEL” knob. Please note, however, that the display
and the “SEL” knob can ONLY be assigned to the “ATC window
select function” (explained later), and nothing else (the
alternative is to not have the ATC knob/display assigned to
anything). These options may seem quite restrictive, but on
a panel with few switches and only one display, one can
hardly complain.
The two switch-able tabs labelled “FS2004” and “FSX” allow
the user to switch between which simulator they are
configuring the GF-ATC unit for.
After the GF-ATC module has been fully configured, one
should click file → “save as”, and then save the
configuration file as either “defaultfs9” or “defaultfsx”
depending on the simulator they will be using.
Once the configuration file has been saved, there is nothing
else left to do aside from starting MSFS itself.
It's time to delve into the world of Air Traffic Control...
Working the GF-ATC Module
The GF-ATC module has two primary functions. Firstly, it
operates as a headset interface; mimicking the microphone
and headphone outputs of a standard PC, whilstadding
professional and fully functional squelch and volume
controls.
The unit's secondary purpose is to provide a much more
sensible and realistic approach to selecting options within
FS9's/FSX's ATC system. Normally, one would have to mess
around with fiddly keyboard commands to talk to ATC.
However, the GF-ATC module has introduced a very clever and
innovative approach to talking to MSFS ATC. Instead of
having to press a specific keyboard button to select an
option on the ATC window, users can now “tune” their ATC
option with a rotary switch, and then simply push the switch
it to select it.
This new system to ATC “selecting” is much, much more
realistic than simply pressing a numerical sequence of keys;
it's much more likely you'd have a rotary tuning switch in
an aircraft for radio control than a keyboard, isn't it?
I shall break this part of the review into sections so that
each portion of the GF-ATC module can be analysed in more
detail.
Headset, Mic and Speaker
Input/Output Ports – The Headset Interface
<NOTE: The “Speakers” port mentioned in the following
paragraphs are yet another port labelled “Speakers” on the
FRONT of the GF-ATC panel. The “Speakers” port that was
previously mentioned above was a port labelled “Speakers” on
the BACK of the GF-ATC unit>
I am very impressed with the three available headset ports
(Headset, Mic and Speakers), which allow the user to plug
almost any type of compatible headset into them.
Although the microphone cable from a user's headset
obviously goes to the “Mic” port, the headphone (earpiece)
cable provides a choice of two possible ports to be plugged
in to.
If you simply wish to have a normal audio output (in other
words; exactly what you'd normally hear from the speakers),
then you should connect your earpiece cable to the
“speakers” audio socket. This will ensure that the audio
heard through the headset is exactly what it would normally
be; essentially, you would be using your headset just as if
you didn't own the GF-ATC product.
However, for users demanding the most realistic experience,
the earpiece cable should be connected to the “Headset”
socket.
I'm not entirely sure how Go-Flight have
achieved this, but the difference between the “Headset” and
“Speakers” ports is just incredible (with the former having
an incredible impact on how one uses Flight Simulator). It's
almost as if Go-Flight included both ports as a product
comparison teaser, or a “with-or-without” this product
demonstrator; the use of the “Headset” port compared to the
“Speakers” port really shows the user what they've been
missing.
How? Read on...
If you have ever tried on a real-world aviation headset and
listened to the audio played through it, you will notice
that you ONLY hear the sound of your co-pilot and ATC
through it (interference can be heard, but this can be
removed using the “squelch” and “volume” controls; read
below). Go-Flight have not only managed to engineer the
GFATC module so that it only picks up ATC audio, but they
have also managed to achieve that characteristic “radio
crackle” (a small “fuzziness” often heard when a
transmission is made on a radio).
When using the “Headset” port, it really feels like you are
using a real aviation headset.
This feeling, however, does come at a small price. Since the
“Headset” port blocks out all audio aside from ATC
transmissions, you will not be able to HEAR any other sounds
from FS9/FSX; be it an engine sound, warning chime or
similar. It is possible to hear these sounds by purposefully
“de-squelching” the panel (purposely allowing interference
to come through the headset), however this procedure is
rather unrealistic and somewhat defeats the purpose of this
fantastic product.
One possible solution to this would be to have the FSX sound
playing through two separate outputs on your PC. One of
these outputs would go to the GF-ATC panel, whereby it would
be squelched and have everything but the ATC transmissions
removed, whilst the other would be sent to the PC's main
speakers; providing the sounds for “everything else” not
played by the GF-ATC panel. Of course, this would present an
issue, as the ATC sounds would “double-up” over the two
outputs.
As a point of interest, the manual states that the PC's
green headset output can be directly connected to the front
“Speakers” port, and sound be listened to through the
“Headset” port. As long as you're happy with your
configuration, it really doesn't matter where you plug your
PC's green socket into.
The “Mic” function does exactly what it says on the panel.
It simply allows you to speak through your microphone and
have its respective audio signal transferred to your
computer, just as if you had plugged the microphone straight
into the front of your PC.
Squelch and Volume
Controls
The squelch and volume controls engineered by Go-Flight are
equally, if not more impressive than the headset interface
mentioned above.
Squelch controls are essential for any pilot flying an
aircraft with a radio. Often, a pilot will experience
unwanted interference in their headset, and so they will
need a way to remove this interference as it can often
reduce the clarity of spoken ATC transmissions.
To reduce or remove this interference, a pilot should turn
the “squelch” knob (often located on the radio itself) until
the radio interference disappears or reduces to an
acceptable level.
Go-Flight have implemented a fully functional squelch
control system on their GF-ATC panel – and it works
brilliantly.
When one uses the “Headset” port, they can usually hear a
fair bit of interference if their squelch settings are
turned down low. However, should they slowly turn the
squelch knob until the interference just about disappears,
they will be rewarded with peaceful silence; only broken
when someone makes a transmission on ATC.
This excellent squelch control is perfect for VatSim or IVAO
pilots, where poor quality microphones and slow connections
often play a major role in causing headset interference. In
fact, these microphone/connection issues can occasionally be
so severe that it causes discomfort for the user; so, in
theory, one could view the GF-ATC panel as a comfort
commodity rather than just a realistic radio expansion.
The volume control knob could not have a simpler function.
It simply controls the volume of the audio played through
the headset. Even with headsets with volume controls already
installed in them, this is still quite a useful function, as
it allows the user to adjust the “overall” volume signal
sent to the headset, rather than just the very end “headset
signal”. Phrased differently, the GF-ATC module will control
the volume of the headset, whilst the headset's own volume
control will be used to “fine-tune” the final volume.
The most impressive aspect of the squelch and volume
controls is the knobs themselves.
Go-Flight have used proper Potentiometers (variable
resistors) for both the squelch and volume control knobs,
which have a great feel and frictional strength to them.
More impressive is the fact that both knobs actually control
an electrical circuit to control squelch and volume, rather
than just sending a signal to FSX and dictating
squelch/volume through software. This means that the
GF-ATC's squelch and volume controls are REAL, and actually
electronically reduce interference and amplify volume;
exactly like in real-world aviation.
It should also be noted that the squelch and volume knobs,
being potentiometers, have “stops”, and thus can only rotate
approximately 250 degrees before reaching their end turn
limit.
Air Traffic Control
Selector Function
Although the squelch and volume controls provide the most
satisfying and realistic experience when using the GF-ATC
module, the ATC selector function really shows up the
“intelligence” in the unit.
For years, FS users have had to succumb to the unrealistic
“ATC window”, of which constant key-mashing experience is a
prerequisite. Go-Flight have designed a nifty solution to
combat this problem through the GF-ATC module.
To select something in the FS9/FSX ATC window, users can use
the realistic “SEL” function on the ATC panel. To select a
number, simply rotate the “SEL” knob until your desired
number appears (1-9) in the GF-ATC's selector digit window.
Once the required number is in the digit window, “press” the
“SEL” knob (the knob can both rotate and be pressed), and
the desired ATC option will be selected in FSX.
This excellent new way to use the ATC window is much more
realistic than having to use a keyboard or mouse to select
an ATC option in MSFS.
If, however, you do not wish to use this superb function
(although I highly recommend that you do!), you can disable
this option using the GF-Config software, as noted in the
“setup and installation” section above.
Even though I like to tune my frequencies manually using my
Saitek panels, I still enjoy using the ATC selector
function. Furthermore, I am sure it will be invaluable to
users looking for a low-priced alternative to a radio panel,
or for users wishing to transition from the default ATC
window up to a more complex tuning system.
Construction
I don't think I have ever included a “construction” section
in a hardware review before, but I deem it necessary for
this product due to its unique build.
The first thing that struck me, quality wise, was the actual
frame of the product itself.
The GF-ATC module's frame is made entirely from metal; not
the cheap looking plastic some manufacturers use (I won't
name anyone, but I'm sure you can guess who...). The metal
panel is painted in “Go-Flight grey” (as I like to call it),
which is almost, if not exactly identical to Boeing's RAL
7011 colour.
For some strange reason, a small 1cm by 4 cm patch on each
side of the panel (at the rear) has not been painted.
Although this isn't an immediate concern, my GF-ATC panel is
starting to show very small signs of rust on these areas; so
it might be worth investing in some extra paint or similar
to protect your panel against the iron oxide menace.
Delving further than most flight simmer's would ever need
to, I checked out the GF-ATC module's circuit board (PCB).
Although a minor detail, it's good to see that Go-Flight
make proper solder connections, and use well labelled, well
laid-out PCBs in their products.
WARNING: The GF-ATC panel, similar to a few other Go-Flight
products, has an exposed PCB. This means that the circuit
board is not directly protected from spillages and other
foreign particles that may interfere with use of the panel.
Be careful!
The exposed PCB, although not much of an issue for myself,
could potentially cause problems for some customers who are
not so “gentle” with their hardware. I think the reason for
the exposed PCB is that Go-Flight expect customers to mount
their panels immediately into a custom “rack” where it would
be safe.
Support
“A good product needs good support” - this is a quote I
heard once and often think about when reviewing products.
Support for the GF-ATC module, and, in fact, for all of
Go-Flight's products, is done through their technical
support email (customerservice @goflightinc.com). Although I
did not have any issues when setting up my GF-ATC panel, and
therefore did not need to contact technical support, I found
Mitch Bouton (Go-Flight employee) to be exceptionally
responsive and informative when answering pre-arrival sales
questions.
Go-Flight also has a forum in which questions can be asked,
where help is provided by fellow Go-Flight users and
employees that roam the forums.
Earlier this year, it was interesting to see that when
Go-Flight staff took their holiday break, an announcement
was made on the homepage rewarding people (with hardware)
that would be able to assist fellow customers with support
questions on the Go-Flight forums during their staff's
period of absence. To me, this seems like Go-Flight cares
about their customers, even when they are “away from
keyboard”.
Conclusion
The GF-ATC panel combines excellent constructional quality,
great design, and flawless innovation to deliver a top-notch
flight simulator experience.
The incredible squelch control further proves how unique a
product the GF-ATC panel really is. Personally, I think this
uniqueness has been heavily underestimated by the FS
community, and perhaps slightly by Go-Flight themselves, as
it is not frequently seen on the front page of either
Go-Flight's or a third party's website.
If you're looking for something to really bump-up your FS
ATC realism; this IS the product for you.
http://www.goflightinc.com
Verdict
Pros:
– Very unique product
– Excellent design
– Full of innovative ideas, such as
the brilliant “ATC channel selector”
– Proper, rigid metal construction
– Works brilliantly with FS9/FSX
– Very user friendly
Cons:
– Not really a con; but the exposed
circuit board may cause some users trouble
– Metal construction (at rear) is
prone to rust over time
My Score: I am pleased to be able to award this a
Mutley's Hangar score of 9.5/10
Jack Whaley-Baldwin
Review machine Spec: Core i7 920 OC @ 3.8 Ghz |
6Gb Tri-Channel DDR3 Ram |GTX285 Graphics |Windows 7
64bit Home Premium