Comments regarding DC-6 Pop-ups

[Thunderbolt44 4]

I have been flying the Cloudmaster  now for the past three days.  Most of my time has been buried in the documentation.  I have pretty much finished my checklist and have spent my time flying out of KBOI and shooting ILS approaches.  My first comment is that this simulation hand flys as smooth as can be. So far, my main negative comment is in regards to the auto-pilot (AP).  Actually, I'm not complaining about the actual AP.  It all works fine.  My main problem is getting to it.  I fly with three WS monitors.  I would give anything to have a pop-up of the pedestal.  Now, it seems the only way to look at the AP, the gear and flap handles, etc., is to use my hat switch to go down there.  Then, you need to keep seeing the basic flight instruments to be able to lead the AP so you roll out on the proper heading, altitude, etc.. Also, you have to wait to move the AP Mode Selector when the loc and GS needles start to move.  So, I'm getting vertigo moving my head up and down with the hat switch.  PMDG - Please give me a pop-up of the pedestal I can move to another monitor. You put more modern radios in, even allowed us to remove the old ones.  So, the popup seam's the easiest solution for you.  Finally, I have noted that in the new views drop down you can open the pedestal window.  I have tried to move that to another monitor and use it in some way, but can't seem to do anything with it.  I'm getting ready to fly my first Radar Contact IFR cross country.  It should be a hand full if I want to use the AP. 

Mike Nicholson

Edited July 29, 2017 by Thunderbolt44
forgot my name

[MarkW 1,491]

I think a better solution is just more shortcut keys.  We have one for the AP (realistic and not), plus one for engaging the alt hold, plus the switch between heading mode and GPS but what would really help is a button to move the turn dial left and right as well as a second shortcut key for engaging both parts of the autopilot in realistic mode.

[ComSimPilot 623]

I agree, its very difficult to handle the AP, looking at the OBS, move the heading bug and use the Autopilot Turn Knob to coordinate turns. I agree with Mark, more shortcut keys would be the solution. To me, the best would be hardware turning knob to mimic the Autopilot Turn knob operation, but that could be done if we had these shortcuts.

[scandinavian13 5,192]

Use the key commands, and/or use spacebar+mouse. It's really not that tough, particularly if you're properly trimming the aircraft.

[Patco Lch 1,465]

4 hours ago, scandinavian13 said:

Use the key commands, and/or use spacebar+mouse. It's really not that tough, particularly if you're properly trimming the aircraft.

Not always easy if your flying with weather or over mountains. You think your trimmed, look down or change views to turn on the gyros, look up and your in a steep climb or decent. Especially if you have to zoom in to find the keys. We're just spoiled by our modern jets I guess. Shoot, a man had to have hair to fly those old birds. 

[Thunderbolt44 4]

I already have numerous shortcuts both on my joystick and Logitech Gaming Pad.  Relying only on key commands for the Cloudmaster is not the answer.  In most other sim aircraft, if you use a key command, you have some visual view on the panel, like either a gauge, switch or handle, which gives you a visual confirmation that your key action can be verified with.  PMDG, what is the problem with a pop-up?  You've got them in all your other aircraft.  One other solution might be to Install an AP mode controller, the old FSX mode selector would be great.  PMDG put modern radios in this sim,, why not put the FSX selector in too.  Of course, you could make it a pop-up and then people that didn't want to use it wouldn't have to.  I will say the AP functions quite well.  The only problem, other than having to stand on my head to use it, is so far it has not tracked the GS well (2 dots off would normally call for a go around; however, it is very realistic,smooth and easy to just hand fly the approach.  Take care, Mike Nicholson

PS:  Kyle Rogers, does the Captain (the Boss) look at these threads?

[scandinavian13 5,192]

7 hours ago, Thunderbolt44 said:

PS:  Kyle Rogers, does the Captain (the Boss) look at these threads?

Occasionally.

[PMDG777 231]

9 hours ago, Thunderbolt44 said:

PS:  Kyle Rogers, does the Captain (the Boss) look at these threads?

 

2 hours ago, scandinavian13 said:

Occasionally.

I thought Kyle was the forum Overlord 

[scandinavian13 5,192]

On 7/30/2017 at 8:24 AM, PMDG777 said:

I thought Kyle was the forum Overlord 

Nope. Just the occasional wielder of Mjølner.