From d5574e782f011d3791eba5e841767378436d5d57 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: AussieScorcher Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:26:46 +0800 Subject: [PATCH 1/5] feat(About): implement intersection observer for section animations and enhance content layout --- src/pages/About.jsx | 176 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 173 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/src/pages/About.jsx b/src/pages/About.jsx index 74efc00..1813538 100644 --- a/src/pages/About.jsx +++ b/src/pages/About.jsx @@ -1,11 +1,181 @@ +import { useEffect, useRef } from 'react'; import { Layout } from '../components/layout/Layout'; const About = () => { + const sectionRefs = useRef([]); + + useEffect(() => { + const observer = new IntersectionObserver( + (entries) => { + entries.forEach((entry) => { + if (entry.isIntersecting) { + entry.target.classList.add('opacity-100', 'translate-y-0'); + entry.target.classList.remove('opacity-0', 'translate-y-10'); + } + }); + }, + { threshold: 0.1, rootMargin: '0px 0px -80px 0px' } + ); + + sectionRefs.current.forEach((ref) => { + if (ref) observer.observe(ref); + }); + + return () => observer.disconnect(); + }, []); + + const setSectionRef = (index) => (el) => { + sectionRefs.current[index] = el; + }; + return ( -
-

About

-
+
+
+
+ + About + +

What is BARS?

+

+ BARS is a comprehensive airport lighting simulation platform that synchronizes + real‑time airport lighting states between controllers and pilots on VATSIM. It brings + stopbars, follow‑the‑greens, gate lead‑in lighting, and runway lead‑on/off lights to + life while adapting to default and third‑party scenery without a restart. +

+

+ The lighting data itself is provided by VATSIM divisions. BARS uses an open + contribution system that lets the community map those division‑defined objects into + each simulator. Each object gets a unique BARS ID with metadata, and contributors + simply name their scenery polygons after those IDs. The system then generates the + correct lighting behavior automatically. +

+
+ +
+

Why it exists

+

+ BARS exists because there was a clear gap in controller‑driven lighting for flight + simulation. Real‑time, ATC‑controlled lighting synced to pilots on VATSIM simply + didn’t exist in a complete, end‑to‑end way. BARS was built to bring that realism to + life and to make ground operations feel as immersive and procedural as the real world. +

+

+ It adds a new level of immersion when you can taxi from the gate on a live green + route, stop at an illuminated holding point, and proceed only when cleared. It also + introduces a practical safety layer to virtual operations by reinforcing correct + stopbar and runway entry behavior. +

+
    +
  • Stopbars and unidirectional stopbar models
    • +
  • Follow‑the‑greens taxi guidance
    • +
  • Runway lead‑on and gate lead‑in lighting
    • +
  • Real‑time sync via BARS Core
    • +
+
+ +
+

History

+

+ Development began in late 2024 after the idea of controller‑controlled stopbars came + up inside the community. The earliest prototype was a simple controller‑side preview + that showed state changes only inside the client. That quickly led to experiments with + SimConnect, object placement, and the first visible in‑sim lighting renders. +

+

+ On January 11, 2025, the first public demo shipped in Australia, allowing pilots to + run a pilot client and see lighting state changes in real time. Interest grew rapidly + and the project expanded to more airports, improved backend services, and introduced + an EuroScope plugin to broaden controller support. +

+
+ +
+

Who made BARS

+
+
+

Edward M (AussieScorcher)

+

Co‑founder, Lead Developer — edward@stopbars.com

+
+
+

Charlie H (LlamaVert)

+

Co‑founder, Product Manager — charlie@stopbars.com

+
+
+

19wintersp

+

EuroScope Plugin Maintainer — contact via Discord

+
+
+
+ +
+

What’s planned

+

+ BARS v2 is a major update that rewrites the platform for real‑time performance, + efficiency, and long‑term scalability. It’s in active development by volunteers and is + expected to release in 2026. +

+

+ Planned improvements include expanded lighting systems, deeper simulator support, + improved LOD optimization, and a more responsive WebSocket‑based architecture. The + goal is to keep expanding realism while staying lightweight and reliable. +

+
+ +
+

Compatibility

+

+ BARS supports Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 on Windows and requires .NET + 8.0. The installer handles setup, updates, and uninstalls, and the platform is + designed to remain lightweight for smooth simulator performance. +

+

+ BARS is fully open source and community‑driven. For licensing details, please refer to + the official repositories. Contributions and donations help keep infrastructure and + development sustainable. +

+

+ GitHub:{' '} + + github.com/stopbars + + • + Support:{' '} + + Open Collective + +

+
+
+
); }; From abafd85955b8955fa01427966d1dd511adb0fbbf Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Charlie Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2026 02:28:25 +1000 Subject: [PATCH 2/5] feat(About): update all content sections and feature descriptions --- src/components/home/Features.jsx | 30 +++---- src/pages/About.jsx | 129 ++++++++++++------------------- 2 files changed, 65 insertions(+), 94 deletions(-) diff --git a/src/components/home/Features.jsx b/src/components/home/Features.jsx index 6e2fee8..480b9ee 100644 --- a/src/components/home/Features.jsx +++ b/src/components/home/Features.jsx @@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ export const Features = () => {

Core Features

BARS brings professional-grade airport lighting simulation to your flight simulator, - completely free and deeply integrated with VATSIM. + completely free and in real time with VATSIM.

@@ -50,9 +50,9 @@ export const Features = () => { Realistic Stopbar Simulation

- True-to-life stopbar lighting that mirrors real-world airport operations. Red - illuminated bars at runway holding points provide pilots with clear visual guidance - during taxi. + True-to-life stopbar lighting that mirrors real-world airports. Red illuminated + stopbars at runway holding points activate and deactivate as controllers issue + clearances.

@@ -73,8 +73,8 @@ export const Features = () => {

Follow The Greens Technology

- Navigate complex airport layouts with confidence. Green centerline lights illuminate - your assigned taxi route in real-time, guiding you from gate to runway and back. + Navigate complex airports realistically by following the green centerline lights, + guiding you the entire way just like the real-world system used at major airports.

@@ -95,9 +95,8 @@ export const Features = () => {

Lead-On Light Systems

- Enhanced guidance during low visibility operations. Sequential flashing lights - create a visual pathway along your taxi route, reducing the risk of runway - incursions. + Realistic lead-on lighting that guides you onto the runway after stopbars, modeled + with accurate light colors and positioning.

@@ -118,8 +117,8 @@ export const Features = () => {

VATSIM Integration

- Seamlessly connects with VATSIM for real-time ATC coordination. Receive stopbar - commands and taxi clearances directly from controllers for authentic online flying. + Seamlessly connects with VATSIM for real-time lighting updates. Controllers manage + lights within your simulator in real time.

@@ -140,8 +139,8 @@ export const Features = () => {

Multi-Simulator Support

- Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator and other major platforms. One solution - that works across your favorite simulators with consistent performance. + Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. Designed to remain + lightweight for smooth performance, without impacting your frames.

@@ -162,8 +161,9 @@ export const Features = () => {

Global Airport Coverage

- Extensive library of airports worldwide with accurate lighting configurations. - Community-driven contributions continuously expand coverage to new destinations. + Extensive library of supported airports worldwide with support through community + contributions, seamlessly integrated with both default and major third-party + scenery.

diff --git a/src/pages/About.jsx b/src/pages/About.jsx index 1813538..d88670c 100644 --- a/src/pages/About.jsx +++ b/src/pages/About.jsx @@ -30,28 +30,32 @@ const About = () => { return ( -
+
- + About

What is BARS?

- BARS is a comprehensive airport lighting simulation platform that synchronizes - real‑time airport lighting states between controllers and pilots on VATSIM. It brings - stopbars, follow‑the‑greens, gate lead‑in lighting, and runway lead‑on/off lights to - life while adapting to default and third‑party scenery without a restart. + BARS is an advanced airport lighting simulation platform that synchronizes real-time + airport lighting states between controllers and pilots on VATSIM. It brings stopbars, + follow the greens, runway lead‑on/off lights and gate lead‑in lighting to life while + adapting to default and third‑party scenery seamlessly, without a restart. BARS + supports Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, and is designed to remain + lightweight for smooth simulator performance.

- The lighting data itself is provided by VATSIM divisions. BARS uses an open - contribution system that lets the community map those division‑defined objects into - each simulator. Each object gets a unique BARS ID with metadata, and contributors - simply name their scenery polygons after those IDs. The system then generates the - correct lighting behavior automatically. + The project is fully open source and community driven. All our finances are completely + public - donations, expenses, and transactions - ensuring your support is used + responsibly. BARS uses an open contribution system that lets the community create + scenery contributions using division data, expanding global support. Each object gets + a unique BARS ID with metadata, and contributors simply name their scenery polygons + after those IDs. The system then generates the correct lighting behavior + automatically.

@@ -61,35 +65,38 @@ const About = () => { >

Why it exists

- BARS exists because there was a clear gap in controller‑driven lighting for flight - simulation. Real‑time, ATC‑controlled lighting synced to pilots on VATSIM simply - didn’t exist in a complete, end‑to‑end way. BARS was built to bring that realism to - life and to make ground operations feel as immersive and procedural as the real world. + BARS exists because there was a clear gap in advanced lighting for flight simulation. + Real‑time, ATC controlled lighting synced to pilots on VATSIM simply didn’t exist, and + was assumed to be impossible. BARS was built to bring that realism to life and to make + ground operations feel as immersive and realistic as the real world.

- It adds a new level of immersion when you can taxi from the gate on a live green - route, stop at an illuminated holding point, and proceed only when cleared. It also - introduces a practical safety layer to virtual operations by reinforcing correct - stopbar and runway entry behavior. + It adds a new level of realism where you can depart an airport and experience the same + stopbars, follow the greens, and other lighting systems found in the real world, all + virtually. It also introduces a practical safety layer similar to what exists at real + airports, bringing the same safety benefits found through using various different + lights.

-
    -
  • Stopbars and unidirectional stopbar models
    • -
  • Follow‑the‑greens taxi guidance
    • -
  • Runway lead‑on and gate lead‑in lighting
    • -
  • Real‑time sync via BARS Core
    • -
-

History

+

Where it started

- Development began in late 2024 after the idea of controller‑controlled stopbars came - up inside the community. The earliest prototype was a simple controller‑side preview - that showed state changes only inside the client. That quickly led to experiments with - SimConnect, object placement, and the first visible in‑sim lighting renders. + For years, the idea of controllers managing airport lighting directly into pilots + simulators through online networks like VATSIM was imagined. Decades ago, previous + attempts aimed to achieve this, allowing controllers to toggle stopbars on and off + when issuing clearances. Over time, this idea continued to be discussed on and off, + but was always dismissed due to how vast and technical such a project would be. +

+

+ Development began in late 2024 after the idea of vatSys plugin to manage stopbars came + up inside the community. The earliest prototype was a simple controller only plugin + that showed stopbar state changes only inside the client, displayed through a simple + ground window. That quickly led to experiments with SimConnect, object placement, and + the first visible in-sim lighting renders.

On January 11, 2025, the first public demo shipped in Australia, allowing pilots to @@ -106,16 +113,16 @@ const About = () => {

Who made BARS

-

Edward M (AussieScorcher)

-

Co‑founder, Lead Developer — edward@stopbars.com

+

Edward M

+

Cofounder, Lead Developer — edward@stopbars.com

-

Charlie H (LlamaVert)

-

Co‑founder, Product Manager — charlie@stopbars.com

+

Charlie H

+

Cofounder, Product Manager — charlie@stopbars.com

19wintersp

-

EuroScope Plugin Maintainer — contact via Discord

+

EuroScope Plugin Manager — contact via Discord

@@ -126,52 +133,16 @@ const About = () => { >

What’s planned

- BARS v2 is a major update that rewrites the platform for real‑time performance, - efficiency, and long‑term scalability. It’s in active development by volunteers and is - expected to release in 2026. -

-

- Planned improvements include expanded lighting systems, deeper simulator support, - improved LOD optimization, and a more responsive WebSocket‑based architecture. The - goal is to keep expanding realism while staying lightweight and reliable. -

-
- -
-

Compatibility

-

- BARS supports Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 on Windows and requires .NET - 8.0. The installer handles setup, updates, and uninstalls, and the platform is - designed to remain lightweight for smooth simulator performance. + We are continuing our mission to deliver an advanced airport lighting platform that is + free, realistic, open source, and accessible. Our focus is on maintaining and + upgrading the existing platform for future growth, stability, and financial + sustainability to keep BARS running for years to come.

- BARS is fully open source and community‑driven. For licensing details, please refer to - the official repositories. Contributions and donations help keep infrastructure and - development sustainable. -

-

- GitHub:{' '} - - github.com/stopbars - - • - Support:{' '} - - Open Collective - + Planned improvements include expanded lighting systems, deeper simulator and scenery + support, and improved optimization while staying lightweight for smooth simulator + performance. Along the way, users get to explore and gain a deeper understanding of + the various real-world airport lighting systems that power BARS.

From 710b8f8002b1f15179bcb1fe0ca4edae34f15b75 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Charlie Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:28:27 +1000 Subject: [PATCH 3/5] feat(About): update about content and add team section with email copy --- src/pages/About.jsx | 173 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++------------ 1 file changed, 128 insertions(+), 45 deletions(-) diff --git a/src/pages/About.jsx b/src/pages/About.jsx index d88670c..7d0885f 100644 --- a/src/pages/About.jsx +++ b/src/pages/About.jsx @@ -1,5 +1,40 @@ -import { useEffect, useRef } from 'react'; +import { useEffect, useRef, useState } from 'react'; +import PropTypes from 'prop-types'; +import { Mail, Check } from 'lucide-react'; import { Layout } from '../components/layout/Layout'; +import { Card } from '../components/shared/Card'; + +const TeamMemberCard = ({ name, role, email }) => { + const [copied, setCopied] = useState(false); + + const handleCopyEmail = async () => { + await navigator.clipboard.writeText(email); + setCopied(true); + setTimeout(() => setCopied(false), 1200); + }; + + return ( + +
+

{name}

+

{role}

+
+ + + ); +}; + +TeamMemberCard.propTypes = { + name: PropTypes.string.isRequired, + role: PropTypes.string.isRequired, + email: PropTypes.string.isRequired, +}; const About = () => { const sectionRefs = useRef([]); @@ -36,7 +71,7 @@ const About = () => { ref={setSectionRef(0)} className="space-y-6 pb-12 opacity-0 translate-y-10 transition-all duration-1000 ease-out" > - + About

What is BARS?

@@ -51,10 +86,10 @@ const About = () => {

The project is fully open source and community driven. All our finances are completely public - donations, expenses, and transactions - ensuring your support is used - responsibly. BARS uses an open contribution system that lets the community create - scenery contributions using division data, expanding global support. Each object gets - a unique BARS ID with metadata, and contributors simply name their scenery polygons - after those IDs. The system then generates the correct lighting behavior + responsibly. BARS uses a community contribution system that lets the community create + scenery contributions using division data, expanding global airport support. Each + object gets a unique BARS ID with metadata, and contributors simply name their scenery + polygons after those IDs. The system then generates the correct lighting behavior automatically.

@@ -65,17 +100,16 @@ const About = () => { >

Why it exists

- BARS exists because there was a clear gap in advanced lighting for flight simulation. - Real‑time, ATC controlled lighting synced to pilots on VATSIM simply didn’t exist, and - was assumed to be impossible. BARS was built to bring that realism to life and to make - ground operations feel as immersive and realistic as the real world. + BARS exists because there was a clear gap and demand for such advanced lighting + systems. Real‑time, ATC controlled lighting synced to pilots simulators simply did not + exist, and was assumed to be impossible. BARS was built to bring that realism to life + and make ground operations feel as immersive and realistic as the real world.

- It adds a new level of realism where you can depart an airport and experience the same - stopbars, follow the greens, and other lighting systems found in the real world, all - virtually. It also introduces a practical safety layer similar to what exists at real - airports, bringing the same safety benefits found through using various different - lights. + It adds a new level of realism where you can experience lighting change directly in + your simulator, controlled by ATC operating the lights from within their controlling + client, all in real time. It also introduces a practical safety layer bringing the + same safety benefits found through using various lights, into pilots simulators.

@@ -92,43 +126,68 @@ const About = () => { but was always dismissed due to how vast and technical such a project would be.

- Development began in late 2024 after the idea of vatSys plugin to manage stopbars came - up inside the community. The earliest prototype was a simple controller only plugin - that showed stopbar state changes only inside the client, displayed through a simple - ground window. That quickly led to experiments with SimConnect, object placement, and - the first visible in-sim lighting renders. + BARS development began in late 2024, after the idea of a vatSys plugin to manage + stopbars came up amongst members of the community. The{' '} + + earliest prototype + {' '} + was a simple controller only plugin that showed stopbar state changes only inside the + client, displayed through a simple ground window. That quickly led to a{' '} + + more polished plugin + + , experiments with SimConnect, object placement, and the first{' '} + + visible in-sim lighting renders + + . This proved that the idea was possible, and was only the start of something much + bigger. +

+

+ After further development, it was ready. On January 11, 2025, the first public demo + shipped in Australia, allowing pilots to run a pilot client and see controller managed + lighting updates in their simulator in real time. The release was a success, and + interest grew rapidly all around the world. The{' '} + + release trailer + {' '} + gained over 16,000 views, and shortly after, the stopbars.com domain was acquired.

- On January 11, 2025, the first public demo shipped in Australia, allowing pilots to - run a pilot client and see lighting state changes in real time. Interest grew rapidly - and the project expanded to more airports, improved backend services, and introduced - an EuroScope plugin to broaden controller support. + After the initial release, it was clear the demand was real. The community grew, and + talks quickly began on expanding global compatibility, while development continued to + improve core systems. Most importantly, on February 3rd, 2025, BARS went global with + the release of the{' '} + + EuroScope plugin + + , launching with several new compatible airports worldwide, through the newly + introduced community contribution system, which would reimagine how airport scenery + compatibility would be managed in the future.

-

Who made BARS

-
-
-

Edward M

-

Cofounder, Lead Developer — edward@stopbars.com

-
-
-

Charlie H

-

Cofounder, Product Manager — charlie@stopbars.com

-
-
-

19wintersp

-

EuroScope Plugin Manager — contact via Discord

-
-
-
- -

What’s planned

@@ -145,6 +204,30 @@ const About = () => { the various real-world airport lighting systems that power BARS.

+ +
+

The Team

+
+ + + +
+
From d56708254a26772dbe8bbc364e93672a78fe988f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Charlie Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:30:16 +1000 Subject: [PATCH 4/5] feat(About): wrap email copy in Tooltip --- src/pages/About.jsx | 16 +++++++++------- 1 file changed, 9 insertions(+), 7 deletions(-) diff --git a/src/pages/About.jsx b/src/pages/About.jsx index 7d0885f..2174792 100644 --- a/src/pages/About.jsx +++ b/src/pages/About.jsx @@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import PropTypes from 'prop-types'; import { Mail, Check } from 'lucide-react'; import { Layout } from '../components/layout/Layout'; import { Card } from '../components/shared/Card'; +import { Tooltip } from '../components/shared/Tooltip'; const TeamMemberCard = ({ name, role, email }) => { const [copied, setCopied] = useState(false); @@ -19,13 +20,14 @@ const TeamMemberCard = ({ name, role, email }) => {

{name}

{role}

- + + + ); }; From 9acd77ee75bdd13c36d92dc862ba0db3b15da39b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Charlie <84845481+llamavert@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:21:52 +1000 Subject: [PATCH 5/5] Update src/pages/About.jsx Co-authored-by: greptile-apps[bot] <165735046+greptile-apps[bot]@users.noreply.github.com> --- src/pages/About.jsx | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/src/pages/About.jsx b/src/pages/About.jsx index 2174792..b2a5c73 100644 --- a/src/pages/About.jsx +++ b/src/pages/About.jsx @@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ const TeamMemberCard = ({ name, role, email }) => { }; return ( - +

{name}

{role}