Change HUD Color Schemes

I noticed your query about modifying the HUD (Head-Up Display) color schemes within the Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX), specifically for the ViperDen F16. Your goal to enhance legibility by tweaking the hex color codes is quite understandable. Let's dive into this together.

First off, it's essential to acknowledge that FSX, despite its age, still offers a remarkable degree of customization. This flexibility extends to altering the appearance of various cockpit elements, including the HUD. Your snippet of the XML file indicates that you're on the right track.

Understanding the XML Structure:

• Position and Text Tags: These define the HUD element's location and its textual attributes.
• Color Attribute: The hex color code here (#99ff66 in your example) determines the text color.

Steps to Modify HUD Colors:

• Locate the HUDHornet.xml file within the FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes\ViperDen\panel\HUDHornet directory.
• Open the XML file using a text editor like Notepad++.
• Identify the <Text> tag associated with the HUD element you wish to modify.
• Change the Color attribute to your preferred hex color code. For better visibility, opt for colors that contrast well against the background.
• Save the file and restart FSX Steam to apply the changes.

Troubleshooting:
If your changes don't take effect:

1. Ensure that you've saved the XML file correctly.
2. Verify that the color code is valid and correctly formatted.
3. Check if there are other overlapping or conflicting settings in the HUD XML.
4. Sometimes, certain aircraft mods may have limitations or specific requirements for these changes to work effectively.

Regarding your test on the indicated airspeed not reflecting the changes, it's possible that the HUD element in question might be controlled by another parameter or file. I'd recommend a thorough review of the entire XML file and even adjacent files for interconnected settings.

Extending This to Other Platforms:
While your question is specific to FSX, it's worth noting that similar principles apply to other platforms like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and X-Plane 12. However, the file structures and methods may vary.

Final Thoughts:
Customizing your flight sim experience is a journey of trial, error, and learning. Keep experimenting with different settings and colors until you find the perfect match for your preferences. The beauty of flight simulators like FSX lies in their adaptability and the community’s continuous drive to enhance and personalize the flying experience.

In case you need further assistance or have specific queries, feel free to ask. I'll be more than happy to dive deeper into this topic with you.

Fly safe and happy customizing!