I have a couple questions for you if you are willing to help. :-) I'd be much obliged! :-beerchug Danka, Adam

I used RCV2 with the DF734 for over a year. Worked fine. What's your question? I'll try to help.Jeff Evans

Great...I was wondering, specifically with regards to v.3, how the holding with the DF FMC integrates with RC.From what I have been reading in the manual, the example on p.32, you have to set a holding pattern at a DME fix of say 40 miles FROM the waypoint. It says that you start your outbound turn at the 40 mile DNE fix I'm gathering that you don't set your pattern AT a waypoint but, rather , before the waypoint.I've done a lot of unauthorised ;) holding , much to the chagrin of FSATC, AT waypoints, but how can you get the FMC to hold you at a distance from a waypoint?I don't know how v.2 would do it. I never did a sample with a hold. This is all moot of course if I'm misinterpreting the manual.That's my main question.Other than that, how do ya like it? :( While, I'm waiting for my copy of v.3, I'd be glad to here anything about your experiences with DF and RC. Df's my baby!Thanks a bunch, Adam

Adam;I was a big PSS747 fan for a long time and then when it was not compatible with FS2002 I dropped it and went to the DF734. Loved it but I must confess... since PSS has a 747 compatible with 2k2 I have dropped DF except on rare occasions. A great product though. The FMS in DF is very similar to the PSS747 but there are differences.To be absolutely honest with you I have had problems with holding via the FMS also. About half the time I will enter the closest waypoint to the directions given by ATC and engage the hold, adjusting the leg lengths, etc. and it would work just fine. Other times it would just leave me circling forever, apparently not realizing where I was. I would end up declaring minimum fuel, get vectored direct to the airport and get chewed out for not planning my fuel properly.It's a beautiful thing when it works well. Just as the FMC starts you into the turn you get the ATC call to "enter the holding pattern". After about 3 cycles it clears you direct to the airport, you cancel the hold on the FMS and vector in.Guess we need someone else to give us exact instructions on how to program the FMS for holding to comply with instructions from RC's ATC.Sorry I couldn't help more but I'll be watching this thread for answers myself.As far as RCV3 goes... it's great. Been messing with it for the past two days and have about 4 flights under my belt. Actually easier to program than RCV2 was. The manual is great but it makes it look more complicated than it really is. You'll enjoy it.Good luck.Jeff Evans

Jeff, First, thanks for the response. Most of the time DF holds well for me and I can cancel the hold at any time without trouble. So, you said you just set your fix at the closest waypoint to where you are SUPPOSED to hold according to RC. If the nearest waypoint is far from where RC wants you to hold, don't they (RCATC) get all upset and start telling you that you are not holding where you are supposed to?I guess one could just make sure they have a lot of waypoints leading up to the airport, then your chance of being relatively close to where you are supposed to hold would be possible.IS there a way to have DF hold at a point OTHER than a waypoint - ie. just some point on your flightpath say 20 or 30 miles before or after a waypoint?AS long as ATC doesn't care, I'd be happy holding at a bit of a distance from where they tell me to!Anyway, thanks a lot, AdamHave you requested a diversion yet after a missed approach? How smoothly did it go?Also, what flight planner do you use in order to specify alternate airports? I'm guessing you can't do THAT with the FS planner.

Hi Adam, "Have you requested a diversion yet after a missed approach? How smoothly did it go?Also, what flight planner do you use in order to specify alternate airports? I'm guessing you can't do THAT with the FS planner."The only way I know of to specify your two alternate airports ahead of time is to enter their ICAO codes in the "controller's options" page after starting RC3. This way you can have the combination of correct controllers for those airports already plugged in.Best, Rob

Great, thanks Rob.That part sounds easy enough - the controllers option thing.Do you get vectors direct to your alternate and then treated as if it was a regular approach, or are you vectored through a series of waypoints? Some manual reading is in order for tonight!I guess you could bring up the FMC and punch in a new flight plan from your original arrival airport to the alternate, or just dial in the new navaids and fly without the FMC. I don't know if the DF FMC allows for alternate airport/route planning. Gonna do some more research into this.Can't wait any longer for RCv.3! :-yellow1 Man, it's gonna be a blast!Thanks a lot.Adam

Not so sure about punching in a new flight plan on the FMC. RC will clear you "direct" to your alternate and give you an initial heading vector. After this you will be handled according to how you set up your alternate in the controllers options of RC. If your alternate has Tower/Ground but no Approach, it'll be different than if it has an Approach controller......fun, eh?Best, Rob

FUN?...HELL YEAH!I've posted more posts at AVSIM in the last 2 days since I ordered RadarContact. After using the 2.2 samples, and frankly getting bored of KSAN/KSFO, I find it hard to even fire up FS2K2. FSATC is simply not enough anymore. This is bad! :-lol Bring on v.3! Thanks Rob, Adam