Hi Folks,Just bought the 737 flew around a bit, tried starting it up with the use of the original 737 OM etc...I DID search this forum but haven't found anything about these issues.1. If you switch the battery ON, start the APU and switch the APU Generators ON, the battery still discharges and after a few minutes, the PFD and ND goes black ?!Only starting at least one engine and switching on the respective generator, the battery starts charging again.2. I was really surprised that the WHOLE aft overhead panel is missing!!!!I mean, there are not only the IRSs but also the Engine EECs, crew and pax oxygen etc... missing.Is there anything planned for SU2 ?RegardsBernt Stolle Capt CRJ

Captain Stolle: As recently as yesterday, I was in the same boat as you and posted here. It turns out that there is a bug in FS9 that is affecting battery discharge in several addon aircraft. I was told that to solve it, I would need to purchase the registered version of FSUIPC and tell it that i had an "infinite" battery. However, it turns out that I seemed to have worked around this problem by pausing the sim until I am about to start the engines, i.e. for all the FMC programming, the sim is paused. This has allowed me to work around this issue.I'm sorry I can't help with your second question.Sam Mantel, IIIKEWR

Captain Stolle and Sam,On the initial questions about the APU/BAT function, I would highly recommend that for $20 you purchase FSUIPC and rid of this problem once and for all, beside all the other additional functions that Pete Dowson's program provides in addition to unlimited battery life.On the second issue about the back overhead panel. PMDG has stated on numerous occations that the IRS display would be provided with the 737-800/900 versions. Other functions that would be part of a back overhead panel in addition to the IRS would be an improved flap/slat position diagram, engine EEC panel, Oxygen panel, number two flight recorder panel and a stall warning test panel. It would be my "guess" that the PMDG team is fixing/developing the more critical flight deck functions. A good "guess" at providing the second display options for the EFIS guages which some airlines use instead of the intergrated main EFIS panel gauges.There are so many items that the team can implement, but right now getting SU2 out the door is what we all really want, IMHOCheersBob Johnson

Hmm, that's strange that this should be FS9 problem because,1. The APU GEN does NOT charge the battery.2. The ENG GEN does charge the battery.Actually I'm not looking for infinte battery life,but an APU GEN that charges the Battery like the ENG GENs are already doing.I've never used FSUIPC and AFAIK there is a way to get the infinity battery life by editing the air or cfg file. I'll have to search for that. Thanx Bernt Stolle Capt CRJ

Hi Bernt,Actually there is no other way around this than the "Extend battery life" in FSUIPC or to program your own gauge that will take care of this. There is no ready made APU or GND PWR variables in FS as it was developed and designed for the Cessna specs and performance. And still is to a certain degree.If you do a search on battery on this forum you will get a number of hits discussing this. It was an issue in FS2002/2000 as well. But at that time FSUIPC was free so nobody cared. And a lot of professional add-on developers shipped FSUIPC with their stuff to work around several issues in FSx.But I can tell you this much though, that the PMDG team, in cooperation with their beta testers ;-), are trying to find a solution to this annoyance. So hopefully they will get you a solution that makes this battery issue work without relying on FSUIPC.Hope it helps,

While waiting for the 800-900 one only has to click on 1L LSK to have the correct position shown. So the IRSs are automatic for now. This will change later on along with TCAS and some other goodies....................[h4]Best Wishes,Randy J. Smithhttp://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/196432/winglets_lg.jpg

I've always wondered why designers don't simply model a third engine (without significant thrust output of course) that could be used as a 'APU' with a recharging generator that really works in FS2004. In addition, this engine/APU would consume kerosene just like it's real life counterpart and would require flight planning accordingly.

Now that idea doesn't sound too bad ?!In fact, Boeing once considered a thrust-apu for one of it's long range twins. e.g. An APU with considerable thrust to be used for T/O as well.RegardsBernt Stolle Capt CRJ

"Hmm, that's strange that this should be FS9 problem because,1. The APU GEN does NOT charge the battery."My manuals read differently, Bernt.The battery is not charged if:1. Fuelling station door is open2. APU Start 3. Standby power switch (p5-5) in the BAT position4. Standby power switch (p5-5) in the AUTO position, Battery Switch ON, and DC BUS1 and AC TRANSFER BUS 1 do not have power5. Main Battery overheat.Re 1, I don't think this is modelled in this simRe 4, these busses should have power if you have selected the APU power to them.Do your manuals say something else?Cheers.Ian.