December 12, 2003

"TRANSITION of a SIMULATOR"
BOEING 767-300


 Well were just a few weeks behind schedule, but for the most part, we have completed the transition. At least as far as construction goes. In fact, I have completed most of the programming as well. Were still awaiting a few panels from FDS. Hopefully they will attend to those and we can wrap that up as well. I have posted some low light pictures below in an
attempt to capture the various lit annunciators and such.

ADDENDUM 12-15-2003

 

 My good friend Les Hock, a Comair CRJ-70 Captain, introduced me to a helluva idea to make the sim even more realistic. He suggested overhauling the control system and implementing what is defined as a "Artificial Feel Unit" (AFU). Les went onto explain that the AFU is present in the CRJ aircraft as well as many other jet aircraft. The AFU basically serves two functions. It is a centering device and a mechanism that creates tension which gives the yokes and rudder pedals that "heavy" feel.



From time to time, I receive emails from folks inquiring about how I designed and linked the yokes. Therefore, I have created a "HOW TO" page outlining what Les and I are currently doing.


A good shot of the mode control panel.

Here you see our fully functional autoland panel. The 32 additional annunciators we have added to this newer version of the sim is just incredible. The detail, functionality, and realism, is can only be appreciated by seeing the simulator in real life.


A similar shot as the one prior. However, now you can see that all 3 autopilots have been coupled evidenced by the LAND 2 annunciation on the autoland panel.

Yea, yea, yea, I know. My fat mug reflected on to the EICAS screen. :)
Here you see three center annunciators illuminated. The are lit as a result of the auto throttles and autopilot being disconnected. The A/P Disc, a red illumination, cannot be canceled by pressing the cancel button. Just like in the real 767, any red illuminating annunciators must be corrected in order to extinguish the condition. Others in this cluster would include Fire, Pullup, Config, Overspeed, & Windshear. The added realism is mind boggling.

Ok here you see the fire logic being tested. A panel on the rear of the pedestal labeled "Fire Ovht Test" allows us to test all lamps in the fire detection and annunciation system. You guessed it, just like in the real aircraft.

It certainly has changed quite a bit in 2 months.
This brings us to the point where we will now begin to install and configure the main instrument panel gauges such as the ADI, HSI, Engine EICAS and others. Check back soon and Merry Christmas!