Switching on UHF radio implemented incorrectly
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In the current version, the way the UHF radio is switched on, is not implemented correctly. When the CNI switch is set to UFC, both the COM1 and the UHF backup function knob need to be set correctly for the UHF radio to function. That’s not correct. How it should work:
- When the CNI switch is set to UFC, only the COM1 switch (AUDIO 1 panel) needs to be used to switch on the UHF radio. The UHF panel can be ignored completely. It can even be left turned off.
- When the CNI switch is set to BACK UP, the UHF backup function knob (UHF panel) needs to be used to switch on the UHF radio. COM1 is also needed to power it up. The switch below COM1 (the OFF/SQL/GD switch) is not used anymore.
Last weekend, I was at the Luchtmachtdagen (airforce days) at Volkel airbase in the Netherlands. I’ve consulted several F-16 pilots and instructors and they all confirmed this.
Update:
Made some changes in this post based on the feedback below. -
Which F-16 specifically are they flying? F-16CM aircraft have the ARC-164 UHF radio. The ARC-210, if fitted, is not controllable by the UHF panel. No second backup radio separate from the COM1 radio, aside from its built in guard receiver.
1.2.1.6 AUDIO 1 Control Panel. The AUDIO 1 control panel provides control of less frequently used functions of the communications system (Figure 1-5). Except as noted, controls are active regardless of the position of the C&I knob.
1.2.1.6.1 COMM 1 (UHF) Power Knob. The COMM 1 power knob has an OFF position and a clockwise arrow pointing to INC. Clockwise rotation causes the intercom headset audio level from the UHF radio to increase. The fully counter-clockwise position (OFF) removes power from the UHF radio.
The COMM 1 power knob is required whether in backup or upfront controls, going by the manual.
1.2.1.8 UHF Radio Backup Control Panel. The UHF radio backup control panel (Figure 1-6), located on the left console,
controls the UHF radio, when required, by positioning the C&I knob, located on the IFF control panel, to BACKUP. For
additional information, refer to AN/ARC-164 HAVE QUICK II ULTRA-HIGH FREQUENCY (UHF) RADIO (1.3.2.3).As you say, when in upfront controls you should not need to change the backup control panel to operate the radio. With the upfront controls selected, you can change between MAIN and BOTH receiver modes with COM1 - SEQ (in BOTH, you hear audio from the main tunable receiver and the guard receiver, while in MAIN you hear only the main receiver).
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The Dutch airforce flies the MLU.
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Im no expert on the MLU, but I believe they also use the ARC-164 radio. Assuming (perhaps not the safest thing) that they are wired the same way, it would work the same way as above:
That the AUDIO 1 knob must always be turned on for the radio to work, and that the UHF panel is only relevant when the C&I (CNI on MLU?) is in backup.
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Yes, CNI on MLU.
the AUDIO 1 knob must always be turned on for the radio to work, and that the UHF panel is only relevant when the C&I (CNI on MLU?) is in backup.
Thanks seems to be right according to the MLU manual. So, it’s a bit different than I mentioned in my first post. I’ll update it.
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This has been discussed before, turns out by you. You were correct then and correct now. https://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/showthread.php?34528
Only small question I have is when turning CNI back to B/U panel, is position of mode knob immediately effective or does it wait until next time knob is moved?
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radios dont work in BMS, PERIOD!
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radios dont work in BMS, PERIOD!
You got to love nuanced and argumented statements like this.
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cougar 1-1. ready for taxi…… “crickets”
cougar 1-1 ready for departure --------- “crickets”Freqs for tower UHF 292.3 VHF 126.5
Freqs for Depart UHF 293.525 VHF 124.1Tried both com1 and com2
presets don’t have departure VHF . Cant figure out how to change it.
CDI UHF and Backup
Can get ATIS, but cant turn off.
Checked all knobs switches volume. ???
flying from Kunsan
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and ground 273.52
Planes taxiing by left and right
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RTRFM
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radios dont work in BMS, PERIOD!
- Radio works for thousand of players using bms4.34
- Radio don’t work for you in 4.34
Conclusion ?
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radios dont work in BMS, PERIOD!
Thank God for you - I thought I was doing something wrong…!
Oh… wait…
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thousands of pilots probably went through what I’m going through before they hit upon their eureka moment. I havent gotten there yet.
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so how’d you make it work? I was using presets, so you have to enter ground freq?
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Im using the takeoff script. I’m pretty sure it’s Kunsan. entered 273.52 and still nothing. I’m missing a switch somewhere.
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Have you switched the radios on and turned up the volumes on both (left panel)?
Are you trying to use the backup UHF radio (left panel) or via the front DED LCD display?
If using the front panel buttons have you changed the dial to UFC on the left panel so you can use them?
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so how’d you make it work? I was using presets, so you have to enter ground freq?
In your installation directory there is a Docs folder, inside which you’ll find the Training Manual. Mission 1 Ground Ops will tell you everything you need to know to get the radios working as designed. For now, disregard Presets and enter the frequencies directly. This way you can be sure the presets are not causing problems.
You can even start the Training mission and go to Taxi rather than Ramp, this way you can be sure the jet will be set up as required and you can skip ahead straight to communication. Once you get that bit squared off, you can look to start from a cold jet.
But above all, please don’t make rash and indeed stupid comments about stuff not working because you can’t get it to work - all you succeed in doing is pissing off the Devs who spend many many hours of their free time on this stuff.
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people here have thin skins. I was making a joke. you ever watch The Greg Gutfeld show and Tyrus says…. PERIOD! But. think of this. your in a classroom, right? Everyone in the classroom gets it but you. Your starting to feel really stupid. Then you get it, you enter the frequency and it still doesn’t work, you start getting paranoid. Then the moderator screams at you, then you start crying.
my bad on the enter, 273.525, I entered 520. but the 3rd character doesn’t show anyway? It wasn’t volume. the volume knob when pressed doesn’t do anything. is it supposed to? maybe based on another setting i missed. As well, on the subject of bkup/UHF. The manual states set to bkup, didnt see where it follows on and says set to UHF, COM1 doesn’t work when in bkup. I’ll muddle my way through but making progress. thanks for the advice.
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Bit rich to complain about others having thin skins while simultaneously complaining about how you are being treated. In particular I love the comment about the moderator screaming at you. L3crusader, how could you?
More seriously. Computer programs work on data, and instructions. There’s a saying when programming the FMC: shit in equals shit out. You put the wrong inputs in, don’t expect the right outputs. You can liken the same process to asking for help. If you start your efforts to get help by complaining that it’s not your inputs that are the issue, it’s the program, that is not going to set you off on the right foot.
If you really want to figure out where the issue lies, the simplest solution will be to either take a video of what you are doing, and upload that video so people can see what you are doing, or you could write down the steps you are following, exactly, to operate the radios.
Or if you don’t care to solve the issue, and want simply to complain, you could just complain that no one wants to help you, and that you just need a mind reader to tell you where you’ve gone wrong.