Where can I find a complete and concise description of the software required to allow Matlab R2022a/Simulink to communicate with XPlane 11

Summary:

I am trying to run X-plane via simulink. I have Matlab R2022a as well as signal processing, control system, instrument control system, DSP system toolboxes, xplane blockset version 1.0.0May 2020, and XPlane 11. I also installed and set path for Simulink arduino support package version 22.1.3; “downloading and installing third party tools for R2022a”

I tried using two different software packages from Matlab file exchange to use Simulink to communicate with XPlane . Both examples were from several years ago.

In both cases the error message was “Failed to load library 'etargetslib'”

The requirements listed for the second software package to run is Matlab/Simulink, embedded coder and Simulink coder.

(Additional details on these two packages is provided below.)

I also constructed a Simulink model using xplane blockset version 1.0.0 May 2020

Error message:

Failed to load library 'etargetslib' referenced by 'test/Receive X-Plane Data/Set data/Byte Pack'.

I have looked all over the internet for 'etargetslib'.

The only reference I found was from 2017, a member of the Matlab community asked on Matlab central “Where is the embedded targets host communication library in newer versions?”:

“…for some reason, the "Embedded Coder/Embedded Targets/Host Communication… disappeared"

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/322587-where-is-the-embedded-targets-host-communication-library-in-newer-versions

Weeks ago, I asked the same question. No answer is yet forthcoming.

The closest reference I have found to 'etargetslib’ is the Embedded Targets library ( embeddedtargetslib ) in the Embedded Coder product.

Is this a replacement for 'etargetslib’ ?

I have no idea if purchasing still more Matlab tool boxes (embedded coder and Simulink coder) will solve this problem. I requested a trial of the Embedded Coder product from MathWorks and again have received no response.

In trying to run another Xplane blockset example, I got yet another message requiring aerospace blockset

I would really appreciate coherent guidance on what toolboxes or other software is required, as well as a working functional example of how Matlab R2022a/Simulink communicates with xplane 11.

Additional details:

1. “X-Plane Library” from the Matlab file exchange, dated 2014 by Adriano Bittar as a baseline:

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/47516-x-plane-library-zip

Bittar’s software package includes an X-Plane communication library, which he says includes Simulink blocks “Byte Unpack” and “Byte Pack” . These blocks actually seem to be in the simulink arduino support package, which I have installed.

Arduino is supported as per notes on Matlab version R2022a

https://www.mathworks.com/hardware-support/arduino-matlab.html

In my implementation, Byte Pack seems to work fine, but it cannot find 'etargetslib':

Error message:

Failed to load library 'etargetslib' referenced by 'test/Receive X-Plane Data/Set data/Byte Pack'.

2. Simulink-Xplane10 Communication Via UDp, dated Nov 2015

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/47144-simulink-xplane10-communication-via-udp

I got the same error message when I tried run the example Simulink model:

“Failed to load library 'etargetslib'”

The requirements listed for this software to run is Matlab/Simulink, embedded coder and Simulink coder.

Answer 1

[Rodger Herbst]

I have resolved my question. I am retired, with 25 years of experience as a flight controls and simulation engineer with the Boeing Co. Mathworks advertises that it’s Simulink software can communicate with Xplane, and I have some personal Xplane projects for which Matlab/Simulink would be a better choice than XPlane Connect.

Simulink could not find a certain file: etargetslib (Embedded Targets Library). The Matlab software informed me that I needed to install Matlab Coder in order to connect Simulink with XPlane. I tried to purchase this code, but was informed that Matlab coder was “not available” for home subscriptions.

In other words, I have spent time and money, have received no response to my queries, and now can’t even buy the needed toolbox unless under a professional license. The software in question was available with Simulink, without the requirement of a professional license, only a few years ago.

I am wondering why this is so. I am also wondering if any other members of the Matlab community have had similar experiences.

[Michael Carone]

Hello Rodger,

I am sorry it has taken so long for you to receive a response on this query. As you noted in your question, Simulink Coder and Embedded Coder are required to use the X-Plane10 File Exchange entry, and those products are not supported in MATLAB Home. You can see the list of supported products on the MATLAB Home page through the “See available products” button on the top of the MATLAB Home page:

https://www.mathworks.com/products/matlab-home.html

I recommend that you reach out directly to our Customer Service team so they can help you further. You can reach them at 508-647-7000, Option 2 or through e-mail at [e-mail].

Also, please let us know if your have any suggestions for us on how to improve our pages to make it clear which products are supported in MATLAB Home and which products are needed for entries available in File Exchange.

Thank you,

Michael