Switching of the display screens on early Airbuses were performed by the SDACs (System Data Acquisitions Concentrators) and the Display Management Computers. The PFD ND XFR pushbutton found on these aircraft would act as a hardware switch (relay operated) for these systems. The purpose of the XFR transfer (auto or manual functionality) is to allow … Continue reading
There are 3 solenoids used on the Airbus flight deck – one for each sidestick, and another for the gear lever panel. The sidesticks are locked in a neutral position by the solenoids when autopilot is engaged. The solenoid in the gear lever panel is activated when the aircraft is airborne (wheel strut pressure logic) … Continue reading
Interfacing Airbus OEM components required careful thought and planning. To decrease any potential difficulty with troubleshooting and maintenance, wiring was kept to the minimum with all interfacing confined within the Main Instrument Panel (MIP) and the structural foundation of the simulator. Four power supplies are connected to the flight simulator – one dedicated 5V supply … Continue reading
The Airbus FO seat has now been received. The seat is heavy, weighing approximately 80 kg; the bulk of the weight is from the electronic actuators at the base. 115 VAC 3 phase is required to operate the electrical functions of the seat – if you do not have an AC source you can also … Continue reading
Mick recently completed the hardware interfacing for the Standby Altitude Indicator (thank you!) – we have been having fun starting up the gyroscope and listening to it whirl. Ted, an Airbus flightdeck builder from Canada pointed out this video for reference — AI startup occurs at 52 seconds (after battery on) Continue reading
With the foundation built and Main Instrument Panel (MIP) mounted work can begin with the interfacing of the Simulator switches and korry annunciators. With the previous Flight Deck Solution build the TEKWorx InterfaceIT boards were used. The TEKWorx boards are designed with group wiring – 8 positive connectors assigned to one common ground. This solution … Continue reading
The Thales MCDU unit uses a CRT for its display function. To convert the unit the CRT was substituted with an LCD; an advance display type, smaller, thinner in profile and lighter in weight. To simulate the CRT a fitted glass is mounted on top of the LCD. There are some challenges – The silver … Continue reading
The IAS gauge is now functional in the sim with the assistance of Mick Cliffe (hardware integration) and FSUIPCtoPOLOLU by TNT-Systems. The internal airspeed mechanism (diaphragm) has been removed and replaced by a servo. A Pololu Maestro 6-channel USB servo control board has been interfaced with FSUIPCtoPOLOLU software. Results from previous attempts to interface the … Continue reading
How many boards are required to enable full flight deck functionality and normal operation on an Airbus A320 OEM Flight Simulator? Transceiver – Transmits and receives communicationTransmitter – Transmits communicationReceiver – Receives communication Radio Management Panel – 1x ARINC 429 Lo Speed Transceiver for each RMP; each board controls an output VHF ECAM Control Panel … Continue reading
The 3rd occupancy seat or jumper seat mounts on the back circuit wall of the flight deck. The 3rd occupant, an observer, usually sits in this seat or if installed in the aircraft, on the 4th occupancy seat. It contains a sliding mount to allow the seat to slide to the centre of the cockpit … Continue reading
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