P3D v4 & the JS-41

[downscc 1,327]

56 minutes ago, Chrjs said:

I'm also quite disappointed about the (apparent) decision to drop the custom FMC. I'm still waiting to see an actual picture where a JS41 has been upgraded to a modern GPS like the GTN 750 (which I actually own and like). Looking at (recent) pictures and videos of for example Eastern Airways, the biggest JS41 operator in Europe, still show the original FMC in it.

On major problem of the GTN F1 750 (and 650) is that you cannot update its database. And an outdated database is a major problem for a online-only flyer like me.

Hi Chris, full names here please.

The Flight1 products are based on the Garmin trainer, which you have to download from Garmin to make this product work.  All Flight1 does is provide a GUI.  However, Garmin does update the navdata occassionally.

Bottom line on the FMS is that it is an oddity in the PMDG product line in that a 3d party developed it and owns  the code.  Were PMDG to update it to 64b then the 3rd party would have to be paid and the feature developed and tested.  PMDG decided not to go that way. In fact, RSR has given clear guidance that the task is to migrate from FSX to P3Dv3/v4 and no new features I think because (my opinion) PMDG wants to make the J41 available to the P3D market based on popularity but without any substantial increase in cost. Hope all are reasonable on this issue.

[Gregg_Seipp 571]

2 hours ago, Chrjs said:

On major problem of the GTN F1 750 (and 650) is that you cannot update its database. And an outdated database is a major problem for a online-only flyer like me.

Well, it's updatable but it's not the easiest to find the data.

Part of me hopes that they'd do some more of these in the future.  The engines alone are worth it and there are precious few well done twin turbojets available. 

[cavaricooper 2,615]

Greg-

Tell me more please.... apparently one has to use another set of compatible (?) navdata (alternate GPS) to get AIRAC cycle upgrades... is this a smooth and reliable process?  It is one of the reasons I haven't purchased the F1 GTN thus far...

Ta- C

[JRBarrett 3,124]

52 minutes ago, lasnubes said:

Greg-

Tell me more please.... apparently one has to use another set of compatible (?) navdata (alternate GPS) to get AIRAC cycle upgrades... is this a smooth and reliable process?  It is one of the reasons I haven't purchased the F1 GTN thus far...

Ta- C

Any GTN-750 emulation based on the Garmin trainer can only use Garmin nav data, which is proprietary and encrypted. I'm quite certain there is no way to convert NAV data from another source into the Garmin format.

The options would be to either subscribe to NAV data updates directly from Garmin for the actual GTN-750, (which would be quite expensive), or to obtain a recent expired NAV data card from someone who owns an aircraft equipped with a GTN.

Garmin does update the trainer from time to time, and the updates usually include a newer nav data cycle, but such updates are not done on any particular schedule.

[Nyxx 6,994]

Here is the vid if you missed it

I use to love this aircraft. Looks great and like the updates 

[ckyliu 1,749]

I still fly her regularly in FSX so don't need to relearn the quirks! I am very happy to see her in P3Dv4 but that GPS looks a proper bodge and I will miss the GNS-XLS FMS (particularly the limited vnav functionality to reduce my workload). Seems we will have to pay for F1's GTN750 for a programmable moving map solution.

I always said the level of automation in the J41 was just right; it kept you busy whilst never quite overwhelming you but I fear this GPS change may have made the workload too high in some airspace. Whilst some J41 were delivered without FMS, most had them and with good reason.

I get that the J41 is likely a low volume seller and PMDG want to minimise the costs of porting it, but I cannot hide my disappointment over the FMS. Still better her in P3D with somewhat unrealistic nav then not in P3D at all I suppose.

[OneWhoKnocks53 51]

Perhaps with enough public interest they will decide to bring back that old-tech GNS.  I'm quite looking forward to the j41 in v4, and I'm sure it will still be a winner with the gtn.  I just can't help wishing it still had that FMS!  I really enjoyed it!  Oh well, first world problems.

[cavaricooper 2,615]

11 hours ago, ckyliu said:

I always said the level of automation in the J41 was just right; it kept you busy whilst never quite overwhelming you but I fear this GPS change may have made the workload too high in some airspace.

Chris-

THAT line gave me a start.  I flew her from PAKT to KSEA on Vatsim yesterday, doing some testing, and that was the longest flight I had made in the J41 so far.. a bit over 2 hours.... to tell you the truth, I was exhausted :).  It was 2 hours of constant monitoring, tuning and retuning radios, flying VOR to NDB to NDB to VOR etc. in icing conditions for the climb and descent.... I know what the short haul/commuter driver means when he says, "I need to stretch my legs and grab some coffee." I have crossed the pond with less effort....

BTW, I use the default GPS500 strictly as a moving map... it does the job.

She's immersive...

 

[paulyg123 135]

Someone give me a reality check here:

I have P3D V3 with REX, all FlyTampa airports and all PMDG airplanes.  On a 4K monitor everything looks great.  I get 30 fps solid.

I loaded in P3D V4 and it works great.. I did not load any scenery in yet, nor and PMDG planes, but the scenery between the two looks the same.  I do get 190 fps with the default Baron plane.

I am just not seeing the BIG difference between the V3 and V4.  Nevertheless, I will migrate over to V4 over time.

Thanks PMDG for all your great planes and providing me with so much joy over the years. 

[Ephedrin 418]

11 hours ago, ckyliu said:

particularly the limited vnav functionality to reduce my workload

 

honestly I don't understand the problem about the now missing vnav. I haven't flown the J41 for ages so please correct me if I'm wrong but all the FMS has done considering VNAV was giving you a TOD and maybe a rate of decent based on a given speed, right? That's just what you can do yourself within seconds.. It's just a rule of thumb but the altitude delta /100 *3 gives you the approx distance in NM for your TOD... then decent at 1800fpm for a speed of 280 kias, (adjust for the decend speed of the J41). As soon as you get used to this you are a lot faster using your brain instead of typing it into the in my opinion not very user-friendly FMC..

[Ephedrin 418]

36 minutes ago, paulyg123 said:

Someone give me a reality check here:

I have P3D V3 with REX, all FlyTampa airports and all PMDG airplanes.  On a 4K monitor everything looks great.  I get 30 fps solid.

I loaded in P3D V4 and it works great.. I did not load any scenery in yet, nor and PMDG planes, but the scenery between the two looks the same.  I do get 190 fps with the default Baron plane.

I am just not seeing the BIG difference between the V3 and V4.  Nevertheless, I will migrate over to V4 over time.

Thanks PMDG for all your great planes and providing me with so much joy over the years. 

 

I guess the biggest difference for NOW (let's wait for 4.1) is the chance of squeezing all your scenery and weather into the sim without the 99% risk of an OOM on approach. In my opinion it looks a bit better and oh yes.. It's incredibly more stable than any FS* or P3D version has been before. I have never had a CTD, stuttering and so on since I followed RSR's advice not to install any old stuff into it. 

[Ralgh 43]

The GTN 750 does have a VNAV function. 

You can only enter an altitude for one way point at a time but I used it on a more complex STAR last night and it wasn't too difficult to keep up. 

[ckyliu 1,749]

@Ephedrin it calculates toc and tod obviously but generates a full vertical profile with live deviation and required fpm and accepts restrictions. I descend at Vmo-15 in IAS hold and use throttle adjustment to get required fpm.

The 3 to 1 rule is fine in simple airspace (I've been simming now for 15+ years and used it lots) but in busy airspace on a STAR with multiple altitude constraints the lack of any VNAV when single crewed is a big increase in workload; this isn't the jetliners you're probably use to (based on your 280 kias statement) there's lots of other stuff to manage that doesn't really bother you in a jet descent like icing, engine EGT etc.

Perhaps flying offline it's a little more manageable as you can pause for breath?

[PaulFWatts 100]

I am really looking forward to this plane for P3D v4.

Looks like PMDG have made it visually stunning and if up to their normal standards on instruments and systems it will be very enjoyable and immersive to fly.

I'm a big fan of the GTN 750/650 and welcome PMDG adding it to this aircraft.

A big thank you for PMDG for bring this out for P3D and will be an instant buy for me as soon as it's released.

 

[mtrainer 136]

Yes.....I'm sold.

Mark Trainer