Hey, I am having trouble finding any information in the manuals regarding the usage and purpose of the ACARS modelled. I know hows ACARS works, but I am wondering how to operate the PMDG implementation of it? So far it is only logging key events from what I can tell.Another thing, got the chance to visit an EZY NG Flight Deck the other night, that cockpit sure is great looking and tiny too! Anyone who gets the chance should see one, quite interesting!

[P CLASS=style1] Matthew Murray [/P][P][sPAN CLASS=style1]-|www.precisionmanuals.com|-[bR][/sPAN]

http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/supporter.jpg[/P]

Matthew,ACARS is not modelled in the current version of the B737-800/900. Where did you read that it would be there?Best regards,Markus

There is no ACARS availible on the NG currently. Sure one can skim through the menu. ACARS itself is something that will be annouced later on by PMDG and will not be just limited to one aircraft type (at least that is what I remember)..[h4]Best Wishes,Randy J. Smithhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/betaimg.jpgAMD 64 3200+ | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | WD SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 |

Quite sorry chaps, Idwas meaning when I skimmed through the pages on the FMC...doh..my bad

[P CLASS=style1] Matthew Murray [/P][P][sPAN CLASS=style1]-|www.precisionmanuals.com|-[bR][/sPAN]

http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/supporter.jpg[/P]

Can anyone explain what ACARS is? I dont understand what its for!Cheers,Ryan

ACARS is a datalink- think of it as a palm pilot with internet access :) It is very long range. You can do things such as get the current ATIS information for Heathrow when you are in Miami. You can notify ATC of emergencies or other things if by chance your radios went out. There is no standard for ACARS. Most airlines have different implementation, so what it will do in the PMDG is anyone's guess. The long-range ATIS information is nice so you can begin planning your approach long before you get there (active runways, etc.).P.S. Everything I know about ACARS I got from PS1, so it's probably changed in the last few years since my manual was printed.

Actually ACARS' range isn't that high. It uses VHF (just like comm) so a ground station has to be in the nearby. This also means that 1 comm radio will be blocked if the ACARS doesn't have its own radio. Usually Comm3 / Center Comm radio is used for acars. There are many photos out there showing "ACARS" as the active frequency.As I said, ACARS' range is low, so you won't have any coverage over the Atlantic if the aircraft isn't equipped with SatComm (satellite coverage). However, if there is coverage, then yes, you can get the ATIS for hong kong while you are still over Mediterranean.Note, ACARS is an expensive toy so check the company's SOP's regarding ACARS before you start sending requests on football games' scores! :-)What is ACARS used for? Basically anything the airline wants. You can send system status, engine performance data (how much fuel each engine used on a 8 hr trip etc), on/off block times, pax requests etc...Regards,Mark

Glad to corrected me Mark, now I know. I thought it always worked with satellites or short-wave or something.

...doesnt it provide ATC clearences too?Roar

I dont know, in a Delta 777 cockpit I saw that they requested clearance via plane integrated system, it was probably via ACARS then. Never met/used this clearance system before anyways.

>Note, ACARS is an expensive toy so check the company's SOP's>regarding ACARS before you start sending requests on football>games' scores! :-lol :-lol :-lol :-lol :-lol :-lol Kind regards,Jorge Niny

Hi guys,Clearance via text/ACARS is getting more and more common. I know major airports in Europe has this facility already operative. EKCH/Copenhagen is one I think. Cheers,

So its a way for the crew to communicate with ground staff and ATC, and also for information (ATIS)?Interesting.. thanks everyone for the information. Would there really be any point in PMDG modelling this? Unless they find a way for it to interact with FS2004s ATC or a server like VATSIM.Cheers,Ryan

Yeah I saw a 777 video that showed their TO clearance etc all from the printout..[h4]Best Wishes,Randy J. Smithhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/betaimg.jpgAMD 64 3200+ | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | WD SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 |

It's rather ironic, really.While the online/virtual air traffic community is struggling to switch from text to voice communication, the real aviation industry is struggling to switch from voice to text communication ;-)What's the future? A squawkbox terminal on every commercial aircraft?Regards,Mark