Hi all,Let me ask you a question:The PSS A330 APU works like a "real" APU? I mean, it supply power to the electrical aircraft system, avoiding the "fast drain battery" bug on FS2004?Or, even with this APU working I will have the battery draining (unless, of course, I start at least one engine)?Thanks for your help :)

Hi Arlei,Yes it does work just like a real life aircrafts APU unit.it will stop the batteries draining and supply power for the heating/air conditioning and of course the raidio's,nav aids,FMC/FMCG etc,have fun,Steve. UK

Hi Steve,Thanks for helping.I am asking because while at cockpit preparation, even with APU turned on, I lost my radio communication with ATIS, clearance etc.The ATC window is shown, but there are no options I can choose to start a conversation with ATC...I know this occurs when using default planes and the batteries are drained... But AFAIK in the PSS A330 the APU would be suppling the plane with power so I could use the radios...Do you know why my ATC window does not have any options?Thanks

It has been widely reported that, unfortunately, the APU does *not* assist the battery with PSS products (and a few other addons as well!). Battery drain is stopped when the engines are started, as apparently the MSFS system does not recognize the APU as a valid power source. I too have seen this behaviour. The MSFS series has had a VERY fast battery drain, and despite the complaints from users, it has continued for multiple revisions. Many users have turned to the registered (paid-for) version of FSUIPC, which has a utility which maintains the battery charge for longer periods of time. This function is NOT available on the freeware (aka: accredited) version of FSUIPC which is a minimum requirement for using the PSS AB330 and many other FS2004 addons.If battery troubles are becoming tiresome, you can either start with the engines on, start them quickly after beginning the scenario (and add the flightplan as you taxi), or use FSUIPC (Registered) to circumvent it.-Greg

Thanks for your reply Greg.I was searching for a possible work around and found the file Battfix.zip on AVSIM library. This is basically a text file showing how to adjust the (electrical) section of the aircraft.cfg.Here is a excerpt from the readme file:"To greatly extend battery life in any aircraft I have included a file called 'AddTo aircraft.cfg' that can be used to paste new [electrical] characteristics into any aircraft.cfg file, the new max voltage of 38 volts has been tested and will cause no problems other than to extend the time it takes for your battery to run dead... Simply add or replace your current [electrical] section with what is listed in the provided file. You will also notice the lowered min voltage for most of the aircraft devices - allowing a user to be able to start an engine with just 1 volt of batter power remaining."And here is the new (electrical) section:[electrical]//BusType, MaxAmpLoad, MinVoltageautopilot = 0, 5 , 1.0avionics_bus = 0, 10, 10.0avionics = 1, 5 , 10.0gear_warning = 0, 2 , 1.0fuel_pump = 0, 5 , 1.0light_nav = 0, 5 , 1.0light_beacon = 0, 5 , 1.0light_landing = 0, 5 , 7.0light_taxi = 0, 5 , 7.0light_strobe = 0, 5 , 7.0light_panel = 0, 5 , 1.0pitot_heat = 0, 15, 1.0additional_system = 0, 20, 1.0marker_beacon = 1, 2, 1.0starter1 = 0, 20, 1.0starter2 = 0, 20, 1.0starter3 = 0, 20, 1.0starter4 = 0, 20, 1.0auto_brakes = 0, 15, 1.0hydraulic_pump = 0, 2, 1.0fuel_transfer_pump = 0, 5, 1.0max_battery_voltage=38.0 // <- New overload max voltagegenerator_alternator_voltage=28.0max_generator_alternator_amps=160.0electric_always_available=0Do you think it can help me? I am at office right now and don't have a way to make a test...Thanks for the help

>It has been widely reported that, unfortunately, the APU does>*not* assist the battery with PSS products (and a few other>addons as well!). Battery drain is stopped when the engines>are started, as apparently the MSFS system does not recognize>the APU as a valid power source. I too have seen this>behaviour. >>The MSFS series has had a VERY fast battery drain, and despite>the complaints from users, it has continued for multiple>revisions. >.............>-Greg The FS Battery has a more nominal discharge life when the currents in the ELECTRICAL section are set appropriately. I can get 10 to 20 minutes or more if I turn off the radios, most lights, etc when the currents are set properly. In particular 'other system' is usually set for 10A load. But, in a C172 all it appears to connect to is the electric panel clock. I set it to 1 A, but 0 A might be just as good. In this case, with everything else turned off, the 'battery' is only loaded by that 'other system' and lasts a long time. One would do well to add KB settings for 'Avionics', 'Radio(s)' 'Master', etc. since many panels don't have them. Then he can turn them on/off from the KB. If the proper switches are available, even if only from the KB, then one should be able to set up a flight with everthing turned off and be able to get the systems On and the engine(s) running WITHOUT first loading a default AC (which is likely set with the important switches On). A 10 A load would dischage the small battery in a light AC in maybe half an hour. Sooner when cold. Still much longer than the 'FS battery', but if set to '1A' the battery will last some time if all the other loads are off. Modern solid state avionics shouldn't take 5A on Receive. I don't know just what current they take, but less than 1 A would be reasonable. Panel light(s) might take only 1A at 12.6 volts. Ron