As the new Virtual Cockpit (VC) is closely modelled after the real aircraft's instrument panel here is a scan
from the real Pilot's Operating Handbook for guidance through the instrumentation layout. Items in parenthesis (brackets) are visible, yet
inactive, replacements have the original item crossed out and are added behind it.
Items no. 36, 37 and 43 have links attached for opening additional documentation on these in parts rather unusual gauges.
Item 36 and 43 documentation again are a scan of the original POH pages (with a few modifications) because they
are closely modeled after the real thing.
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The real "D-IBUF" has a digital multi-color weather radar "Sperry Primus 500" in this spot of the Center Panel.
Besides the weather radar function it also incorporates a ground mapping mode. This second function at least is simulated by the gauge I put here
as a worthy placeholder:
Here is the documentation for this interesting gauge by Glenn Copeland. This docu is condensed from his own information that he
included with his F16 Air Show Tour Panel_V2, therefore also the reference to the F16, not this Do128-6:
Navigational radar redesigned especially for this F16 panel. It now
contains a 180-degree scan with a larger screen that show targets 90-degrees left and right of the
aircraft. By default, land borders are displayed (in magenta).
A- This button allows airports to be displayed on the screen. These are shown in magenta.
V- This button allows VORs to be displayed. These are shown in yellow.
N- This button allows NDBs to be shown. These are shown in green.
Mileage Markers- This button displays mileage
ticks showing the scale of the screen. The markers can be
toggled ON/OFF by pressing the button. To leave the
markers on the screen, press the button and slide mouse
cursor away from the button before releasing mouse. The
values displayed depend on the value of the active Range
button.
Left/Right Cursor- Pressing the left or right arrow
will cause the on-screen cursor to rotate 10-degrees per press. The center of this three-way
button will re-center the cursor.
The screen is mouse sensitive. Pressing the screen in the middle will cause IDs to be
displayed beside their associated target. Other buttons are self-explanatory.
Additional notes on the operation of this radar system, condensed from Glenn's further Info:
1. Master Battery Power must be ON before gauge will operate.
2. When battery power is turned ON and aircraft is on the ground, radar will enter CAUTION mode.
Orange light will illuminate. The light is a safety warning not to place radar in active mode if near buildings or ground personnel.
3. CAUTION light is lit whenever squat switches are activated (weight is on the landing gear struts).
2. Power Button on gauge must be pressed ON to place radar in active mode. Default range is 20nm.
3. Gauge is normally placed in active mode while taxiing to runway for takeoff.
4. Active mode is normally turned OFF after landing and after turning onto taxiway.
5. The screen scan is ON by default. It can be turned ON/OFF by pressing the round button with the vertical white stripe (left top of gauge).
6. When in target ID mode, airport dots denote the centers of airports.
7. Distances are measured from the nose of the aircraft. This is represented on the radar screen by the protrusion at the bottom center of the screen.
8. Cursors are useful in approaches. They are used to orient the heading of the runway to the heading of the aircraft as it nears the vicinity of the airport.
The cursor indicates when to turn onto the final leg much like an ILS beam. See the illustrated tutorial,
RadarApproaches.doc, included with this archive.
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