I'm trying to activate the 850 mode in Black Square's TBM using a button press. I'm wondering if anyone knows how to do it?  (I don't use 3rd party apps such as FSUIPC, A&O, Spad...) Thanks. 

I don't even know what the 850 mode is?? 

1 hour ago, Matt Sdeel said:

I'm trying to activate the 850 mode in Black Square's TBM using a button press. I'm wondering if anyone knows how to do it?  (I don't use 3rd party apps such as FSUIPC, A&O, Spad...) Thanks. 

Since we don't know what hardware and software you are using it's pretty tough to help.  What I can tell you is that it's controlled with an LVAR, called var_850Mode who's values are 1 - on, 0 - off.  If you know how to deal with LVARs with whatever gear you're using that'll help.  If you don't, then that's your next step.

 

Scott

Edit: I should also note that if you're looking for some way to do it with built-in MSFS binding - well, you can't get there from here. 

Edited September 6, 2025Sep 6 by tttocs
Clarification

17 minutes ago, guenseli said:

I don't even know what the 850 mode is?? 

The engine is limited to 700 hp when flaps are down for protection, but with flaps full-up and in 850 mode, the engine can deliver up to 850 hp. The mode allows you to .... can't think of a word .... in car terms 'rev-up' the engine, or 'burn rubber' and use the engine to its full rated capacity.

It's like the opposite of 'beta mode' (which lowers speed below normal low idle for taxiing or reverse thrust). 

Just now, tttocs said:

Since we don't know what hardware and software you are using it's pretty tough to help.  What I can tell you is that it's controlled with an LVAR, called var_850Mode who's values are 1 - on, 0 - off.  If you know how to deal with LVARs with whatever gear you're using that'll help.  If you don't, then that's your next step.

 

Scott

I like it as simple as possible, just MSFS and a Logitech 3D joystick. I use Buttons 1, 11 and 12 as button modifiers which gives me dozens of extra Buttons eg. B11+B4 = hold prop thrust, B12+B4 = hold reverse thrust, etc...

4 minutes ago, Matt Sdeel said:

I like it as simple as possible, just MSFS and a Logitech 3D joystick. I use Buttons 1, 11 and 12 as button modifiers which gives me dozens of extra Buttons eg. B11+B4 = hold prop thrust, B12+B4 = hold reverse thrust, etc..

Simple is fine, but... simple.  There are simply things you can't do with default MSFS bindings, dealing with LVARs are one of them and most complex planes like the 850 use them a LOT.  There are many things that simply can't be done with hardware on the 850 if you want to stick with default.

 

Scott

Edited September 6, 2025Sep 6 by tttocs

3 minutes ago, tttocs said:

Simple is fine, but... simple.  There are simply things you can't do with default MSFS bindings, dealing with LVARs are one of them and most complex planes like the 850 use them a LOT.  There are many things that simply can't be done with hardware on the 850 if you want to stick with default.

 

Scott

Thanks. I purchased the plane at Just Flight and presumably config files can be edited. I seem to remember being able to do it in another sim and I'm hoping I can do the same here.

1 minute ago, Matt Sdeel said:

Thanks. I purchased the plane at Just Flight and presumably config files can be edited. I seem to remember being able to do it in another sim and I'm hoping I can do the same here.

Yes, the config files are available, but...

I'd suggest a bit of reading on LVARs and then check the 850's manual which has a detailed section on hardware controls and associated LVARs.  Then see if there's something simple your device driver may offer.  Otherwise you're unlikely to get very far.  There are good reasons why so many DO use 3rd party apps to help with their hardware as once you get past simconnect and native MSFS commands things get more difficult.  I can understand why you'd be reluctant with just one relatively simple device, but there are things you just can't easily do without additional interface software when it comes to more sophisticated 3rd party planes and hardware controls.

Good luck.

 

Scott

Although 850 mode is related to the flap settings, I've found that hardware commands related to flaps (eg. FLAPS INCREASE) do not activate the 850 mode.  Thus, I'm just dragging the flaps lever up in the VC to get into 850 mode.

I'm sure a clever person like Guenseli could create an AAO script to be able to bind a button to 850 mode.

Edited September 6, 2025Sep 6 by JYW

1 hour ago, JYW said:

Although 850 mode is related to the flap settings, I've found that hardware commands related to flaps (eg. FLAPS INCREASE) do not activate the 850 mode.  Thus, I'm just dragging the flaps lever up in the VC to get into 850 mode.

Pls see my previous posts re how to implement.  It's trivial to map IF you're willing to use one of the many software options that allow the reading and writing of LVARS based on hardware input.  No scripting required.

850 mode really has nothing to do with flap settings, though it is controlled by the flap lever on the RL airplane.  It is simply the removal of a torque limitation.  The flap lever is a convenient way to implement in the RW airplane as a safety device since you wouldn't want to enable it in any flight scenario where you'd have flaps deployed, but it's otherwise not related to the flaps themselves.

 

Scott

Something from very deep back in my mind comes up:

It was an user request to implement the 850 mode in my profiles. I never use it 😉

https://flightsim.to/file/61997/tbm850-blacksquare-streamdeck-xl-plus-profile-and-aao-scripts

 

Note that you can use the scripts for other hardware too, not only StreamDecks

Edited September 7, 2025Sep 7 by guenseli

3 hours ago, guenseli said:

Something from very deep back in my mind comes up:

It was an user request to implement the 850 mode in my profiles. I never use it 😉

https://flightsim.to/file/61997/tbm850-blacksquare-streamdeck-xl-plus-profile-and-aao-scripts

 

Note that you can use the scripts for other hardware too, not only StreamDecks

Thank you @guenseli .... I use so many of your AAO scripts and it adds such depth to my enjoyment.

I'm going to be a naughty boy though...... I'm going to go off topic 😄 ......and ask you .... any updates with the AAO script for the Fenix?  (where all the FCU controls in the script stopped working after FBU)   😎

44 minutes ago, JYW said:

any updates with the AAO script for the Fenix? 

Update is released since several days 😋

You should set notifications at flightsim.to 

26 minutes ago, guenseli said:

Update is released since several days 😋

You should set notifications at flightsim.to 

OH MY GOODNESS..... I was checking daily, until a few days ago!!! 😄

I hope you enjoyed your holiday and THANKS, as ever!

16 hours ago, Matt Sdeel said:

The engine is limited to 700 hp when flaps are down for protection, but with flaps full-up and in 850 mode, the engine can deliver up to 850 hp. The mode allows you to .... can't think of a word .... in car terms 'rev-up' the engine, or 'burn rubber' and use the engine to its full rated capacity.

It's like the opposite of 'beta mode' (which lowers speed below normal low idle for taxiing or reverse thrust). 

Not quite right...

 

The 850 mode is a torque limiter that when not engaged (Flap lever is not in the 850 Gate) limits torque to 105% at sea level .

When engaged (Flap lever fully up in the 850 Gate) torque can be set beyond 105% for enhanced performance.

 

Your description of Beta mode is not quite right either.

Beta range is the power lever range between flight idle and full reverse and controls the Propeller pitch.

Some Turboprop has a low and high idle setting for the condition lever, wich controls fuel scheduling for the engines, used for taxi.