For accurate large jet simulation it is essential to have control loading (force feedback) of the rudder pedals. Rudder forces are important in crucial stages of flight (take off, landing), manual hand flying operation and failure scenarios such as engine failure. The Airbus has flybywire characteristics but the rudders remain mechanically (hydraulically) operated and are … Continue reading
The rudder axis has now been successfully interfaced using with the Simulator using a custom made RVDT board. The board requires 28 VDC to operate and connects to the rudder pedal transducer and a joystick board (e.g Leo Bodnar). Continue reading
Captain Andre has now developed an RVDT interface board which can directly interface with the Airbus rudder transducer. An RVDT (Rotary Variable Transducer) is an electromechanical transducer which provides a variable AC output that is linearly proportional to the angular displace of it’s input shaft. RVDT are brushless technology and this ensures reliability and accurate … Continue reading
A string potentiometer has been interfaced to the rudder mechanism. Although not cheap in comparison to the other conventional potentiometers available in the market, the ease of use, smooth movement, accuracy and time it takes to implement the system outweigh the expense. The potentiometer was purchased directly from the CALTSensoR store on Alibaba – linear … Continue reading
In an attempt to replicate the Airbus trim system for the flight simulator further clarification on the rudder operation of the aircraft was required. Different scenarios were considered – take off roll, engine out with A/P engaged and disengaged, and crosswinds. A proposed trim mechanism system using a linear actuator was sketched by Richard Long … Continue reading
One of the more challenging aspects of building the simulator – designing the foundation to mount the dual link rudder pedals. The Airbus OEM pedal mechanisms are fixed on the cockpit sub-structure and 10 mm thickness floorboards slide on top of the pedestal itself. The foundation frame engineering must be precise – it must be … Continue reading
77The left and right brake pedals are connected mechanically to the Brake Transmitter transducer on the FO rudder pedal mechanism. Pinouts Right Brake G/M(wiper)/U Left Brake Y/C(wiper)/H Reference ASM 32-42-01 Continue reading
I had the opportunity to spend some time in a Level-D A320 sim last week. Proper implementation of the rudder controls of the aircraft in a home simulator requires the use of control loading (force feedback). Reviewing the logic of the Level-D aircraft rudder function was of high interest to see how this could be … Continue reading
The brake control master cylinders are now installed on the First Officer (FO) side rudder mechanism. Linkage bars connect the FO and Captain side allowing for dual link control. The pedal dampers are also connected to a hydraulic reserve filled with skydrol fluid, however after testing it was determined there was adequate resistance in the … Continue reading
The floorboards of the aircraft are mounted onto the aluminium structure of the aircraft. Made out of composite material, they help to distribute the weight of the pilots and the cockpit seats. Measuring 10 mm in thickness, floorboards are designed to slot below the substructure interior liners. When designing the structure … Continue reading
