Hello John,
I understand the importance of having a reliable and responsive instrument set, especially in flight simulators like FS2020. Let's work through this issue step by step:
Check Air Manager Version: Ensure you're running the most recent version of Air Manager. Developers continuously improve compatibility and fix bugs.
Reference: Air Manager Release Notes.
Simulator Settings: Sometimes, simulator settings can override or conflict with third-party software. Reset your FS2020 settings to default momentarily and test your gauges. If they work, slowly reconfigure your settings, testing the gauges intermittently.
Instrument Configuration in Air Manager: Ensure the instruments you've added in Air Manager correspond to the right aircraft in FS2020. Also, ensure the datarefs (data references) and commands are correctly mapped.
Test with Different Aircraft: Sometimes, the issue can be aircraft-specific. Check if the problem persists with various aircraft in the simulator.
Reinstallation: As tedious as it sounds, reinstalling Air Manager can fix unforeseen glitches. Make sure to back up any custom settings or instruments before doing this.
Cross-check with X-Plane 12: This step might seem a bit out of the way, but if you happen to have X-Plane 12, checking the functionality of Air Manager with it can help diagnose if the problem is FS2020-specific or broader.
Community Help: Sometimes, fellow simmers might have encountered and resolved the same issue. Although you've mentioned not referencing certain forums, consider browsing other reputable flight simulation communities for solutions.
Support from Air Manager: If all else fails, reach out to the support team of Air Manager. They'll be best equipped to guide you further.
From my knowledge, I've seen that these kinds of issues, especially with third-party plugins and software, often arise from minor settings or version discrepancies. A systematic approach usually helps in pinpointing the root cause. I hope this sets you back on course and clears the skies for you!