Hi all,

 

My original comment about this was is in the release thread but I wanted to highlight it here.

 

My concern is regarding the elevator authority and how the trim settings affect said authority.

 

There have been counter comments about how the dash-8 doesn't flare in the landing and that it has to be flown onto the runway (hence its nickname 'Smash-8'), but if the real aircraft acts like this I would hate to be in a go around situation as its impossible to get the required elevator authority when trimmed at landing speed.

 

Upon investigation, I noticed that the trim seems to directly effect the elevator position. It does not appear that there is an elevator trim tab. If you look at the PFD display at the bottom where the elevator position indicator is, try trimming to an extreme nose up or down position and then move your yoke to the extremes of its travel. You will see on the indicator that you do not get full elevator deflection. In fact, adjusting the trim clearly makes the elevator position indicator move up and down.

 

Now, if the real Q400 does not have a trim tab and the trim is directly linked to elevator position then fine, but I cannot believe that this is the case.

 

I have my controls calibrated through the Q400 control panel as well. I am getting full deflection on the control panel indications so I have ruled this out as a possible cause.

 

I did see a reply from the devs regarding this but I was interested in others opinions and findings.

 

Thanks,

 

Glenn

 

 

in one of the bajillion release threads, i believe the developer mentioned that there is no physical trim tab and that the trim is controlled electrically using buttons ... unfortunately cannot find the exact thread comment

in one of the bajillion release threads, i believe the developer mentioned that there is no physical trim tab and that the trim is controlled electrically using buttons ... unfortunately cannot find the exact thread comment

 

Not trim wheel, trim tab.

 

The tab is the adjustable smaller section on the elevator which is controlled by the trim setting.

So there are any buttons in VC to set the trim? And how to setup in my joystick via FSUIPC?

So there are any buttons in VC to set the trim? And how to setup in my joystick via FSUIPC?

Just map joystick buttons to PgUp and PgDn for trim control. I have it mapped to the hat switch on my HOTAS stick. You do can this through FSUIPC.

So there are any buttons in VC to set the trim? And how to setup in my joystick via FSUIPC?

 

 

Just map joystick buttons to PgUp and PgDn for trim control. I have it mapped to the hat switch on my HOTAS stick. You do can this through FSUIPC.

 

The commands in FSUIPC are called PgUp and PgDn?

The commands in FSUIPC are called PgUp and PgDn?

Sorry, no. Home and End. My mistake. Perhaps best to look at your assignments in the FSX keyboard assignments menu to be sure. If you have a registered version of FSUIPC, you can simply assign the joystick button of your choice to whatever key is assigned to elevator trim in the FSX keyboard assignments.

Or using FSUIPC Buttons and Switches. Select for FS control. and assign a joystick/yoke button to Elev Trim Up and one to Elev Trim Down. Controls to repeat while held.

Just open the FSX control/Settings/Buttons/Key, find Elevator Trim (Down) and (Up), assign Up/down arrows keys on your  keyboard or yoke.  Trim works perfect..

Guys,

 

Can we keep this on subject please?

 

This thread was not created to discuss how to assign trim commands.

 

Thanks,

fixed pitch stabilizer

Guys,

 

Can we keep this on subject please?

 

This thread was not created to discuss how to assign trim commands.

 

Thanks,

Wow. Don't take this the wrong way, as I mean no disrespect, but that was pretty darn rude. Somebody asked a question about trim commands based on a response to your question. I don't think any of us intended to hijack your thread. And, although I'm still struggling to see how you could possibly have been offended, let me be the first to apologize if that's how you took it.

 

Reader's Digest version: Chill, man!

I wasnt offended at all. Just simply trying to keep the discussion about the lack of elevator and its relation to the trim position setting as the focal point.

 

I would rather it not got lost in a sea of unrelated comments about how to assign a trim command to a joystick button.

 

Sorry you thought it was rude. Not my intention, however feel free to start another thread if you so wish.

There is no trim tab on the real Q, the trim switches on the control column directly taps in to the mechanism which controls the elevator, hence when you pitch trim the a/c you should see the PFCS ELEV indicator move up and down.

 

Alex

@@GHarrall

 

Good post.   It is certainly like no other aircraft in FSX when it comes to landing.  I know what you mean about Go-around;  once you're established for landing and at say 300', it certainly doesn't feel like this aircraft would ever want to climb and go around! .... it's as though the Q400 says "I don't know about you (Mr Pilot), but let me make my intentions clear;  I am landing..." ... :smile:

 

From what I can tell, it seems pretty realistic.   I don't think there's a trim tab on the real aircraft. so therefore trim settings could arguably feel a little less potent.   But I agree there is a definite lack of elevator authority, in landing configs.

 

What I've concluded with this plane is that, more than in any other aircraft, at low speeds and on approach  :-      Thrust = rate of descent.

 

In other words, the Power Levers feel as though that are very directly controlling rate of descent.    I've improved my landings by using the power levers to get a smooth touchdown (a small 'blip' of power just before t/down can really smooth things out).

 

I also find the aircraft very "rolly"  (very keen to move on it's Roll axis) on take-off, making accurate FD departures quite difficult, compared to something like the NGX, that does essentially feel 'nailed'.  

 

But none of these are criticisms;  it's just an interesting turbo-prop aircraft, and I think it is simulating the real aircraft's nuances and idiosyncrasies pretty accurately.