Classic British Flight Sim

Actually .... there's another way of looking at this too :think:

I suppose the question I should perhaps be asking is ....

HAVE I BEEN USING THE B727 AP CORRECTLY AT ALL THEN ?

I've been basing my use of it on my understanding of how the AP system in the alternative/generic HJG B707 panel (by Marco BALZAROTTI & Michael VERLIN) functions.

This panel AP is precisely the same version as that featured in the B727 panel. In fact the gauges for this panel set is almost entirely based upon that of the earlier version B727 panel by Richard PROBST.

On this B707 AP panel there are 2 large paddle switches. I've been using the left paddle switch to engage/disengage the AP .... and the right paddle to lock trim settings. I've then releasing this right paddle switch per the small A-B rotary knob to it's right ... which then allows just this right paddle only to release without disengaging the either the left paddle switch or both ALT HLD and HDG SEL switches.

This AP procedure worked precisely the same way too on the earlier version B727 panel by Richard PROBST .... and which is what assured me I was using the AP correctly.

With this "NOVEMBER 2005" dated B727 panel version I note that both left and right paddle switches can be engaged individually .... but .... can't be disengaged indiovidually when moused directly or released by the small A-B rotary knob to their right. Attempts doing this in the manner previousl and successfully accumplished result in both ALT HLD, HDG SEL, and all other AP Controlled NAV functions suddenly disengaging .... which is why I thought maybe the AP gauge has a problem.

Maybe the problem is just my use of this AP ?

Once again .... by my description above .... can anyone tell me if I'm using this latest version B727 AP correctly .... or .... have I somehow gotten myself "screwed up" completly here and are missingh something really fundamental !!!! :think:

Anyone care to educate me .... "IF" .... this is really a case of my simply being un-edge-a-kated" to unda-stand tek-nikal era-norta-cool fings !!!! :think:

"SPEEDBIRD591" .... confirm those gauges dates for me please.

Mark C :flying:
AKL/NZ & BOG/CO

Hello Mark. All the individual files, including the ones you specifically asked about, are dated 22nd September 2008!. In the readme file, 'the history of changes' shows a lot of changes since the November 2004 date of the original package. So it would seem that Mr. Probst is keeping it updated. He also says that his updated panel has a file name using a 'date code' rather than a version number. So it does look as though you might benefit from uninstalling the old panel and downloading the newer one (the recommended installation procedure).

As to the procedures for using the paddles, this is the section from the panel manual:

The axis are engaged by the two large paddles labeled Ail and Elev. Roll mode can be engaged alone, that is, you can have the autopilot control roll functions while still hand flying pitch. However, pitch cannot be engaged without also engaging the roll paddle; they are mechanically interlocked. The autopilot can be disconnect by using the Z key or your joystick button if programmed, but it cannot be engaged this way.

It would seem that the left paddle is actually AIL for aileron and not the Autopilot on/off switch ...



Hope this helps ...

Ian

Thanks Ian ;-) .... I made a breakthrough this evening and was just comming back to reply here yet again .... only you beat me to it !

OK :roll: .... after all that .... I finally found the root cause of my B727 AP problems :o

IT WAS ME AND MY USE OF IT ALL THE WHILE !!!! :doho:

It's not dat I woz 2 fick an un-edge-a-kated 2 figa it out .... it's just that I tend to be one of these individuals whom learns how things work simply by "FIDDLING WITH IT" .... a phillosophy of mine which normally works 99% of the time but not on this particular occasion .... obviously :-(

Tonight I finally decided to read the manual (recomended .... and probably the very first time I've ever taken my own good advice). As a result I quickly learned some new things about this AP which I never knew before

As implied above .... I've been using this AP "WRONGLY" all this time !!!! :doho:

In particular I'd been trying to use the PITCH SYSTEM SWITCH as a means of disconnecting the ELEVATOR paddle in order manually adjust pitch/trim (using keyboard commands) :doho: .... only on this AP version both AILERON and ELEVATOR paddles are interlocked. Selecting the PITCH SYSTEM SWITCH between either "A" or "B" positions intentionally disconnects both paddle switches

In order to adjust pitch/trim I should have been setting both AILERON and ELEVATOR paddles to their "UP" position .... then mousing top or bottom of the MANUAL CONTROL KNOB to alter my pitch axis up/down during AP controlled flight. This same knob also controls roll/bank axis through the AP too .... which of course I already knew

Having now learned all this I've just performed another brief flight :flying: Coolio .... using all these modes correctly this time and with "ABSOLUTELY PERFECT" results

This panel is absolutely fine .... and it also goes to show even old dogs (like me) can learn new tricks

"SPEEDBIRD591" .... are you sure that "SEPTEMBER 2008" date is the "last modified date" you're showing on your gauges ?

It's just that I earlier noted you mentioning your panel was uploaded to AVSIM during "NOVEMBER 2008" .... which is virtually the same as the FS.COM upload date too.

Mark C :flying:
AKL/NZ & BOG/CO

Ian ;-)

Tony, where can I get those beautiful -100 repaints of yours?

Bob

I will be uploading them pretty soon, I have another 5 or so to do that will bring the list to about 20, once these are done I will post the info

Looking forward to getting my grubby little hands on them Tony.

Graham

My target is before Christmas or Winterval depending (what side you support)

One of my Favs is the Avianca colours on the 727....might you be using your brush for a fresh paint job Tony...?

Just asking...please don't bite me.....

Tony

tonymadge wrote:My target is before Christmas or Winterval depending (what side you support)

Dere santa clorse,

For my winter solstice ( ;-) ) pressentses I wood speshally like

loofthanser, TWA, Astrojet amrican, Ordinry merican, unitid n sabrina pleese

I've bean a verry gud boy all yere

thank you

Ian