UHF backup function knob
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The UHF backup function knob (the one above the COM1 volume) must be set to anything other than OFF, otherwise the UHF radio doesn’t work. This is the case when the CNI knob is set in both backup and UFC. I think this is wrong. I’ve consulted a former F-16 pilot and he confirmed that the UHF backup panel, of which the UHF backup function knob is part, should only be effective when the CNI knob is set to backup. So, when the CNI knob is set to UFC, the COM1 volume knob should be sufficient to turn on the UHF radio. The UHF backup panel, including the UHF backup function knob, is for the backup UHF radio only.
The question for me that remains is whether the COM1 volume knob must be used to power the backup UHF radio. The former F-16 pilot I consulted hasn’t flown in 16 years. He couldn’t remember.
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The F-16 has only one UHF radio, which can be controlled by the UF or Backup controls. Whether the Audio1 controls work for both cases I don’t know, but there’s no other transceiver.
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The UHF backup function knob (the one above the COM1 volume) must be set to anything other than OFF, otherwise the UHF radio doesn’t work. This is the case when the CNI knob is set in both backup and UFC. I think this is wrong. I’ve consulted a former F-16 pilot and he confirmed that the UHF backup panel, of which the UHF backup function knob is part, should only be effective when the CNI knob is set to backup. So, when the CNI knob is set to UFC, the COM1 volume knob should be sufficient to turn on the UHF radio. The UHF backup panel, including the UHF backup function knob, is for the backup UHF radio only.
The question for me that remains is whether the COM1 volume knob must be used to power the backup UHF radio. The former F-16 pilot I consulted hasn’t flown in 16 years. He couldn’t remember.
That seems correct indeed. With CNI knob in UFC the function performed by the knob in backup should be done in the UFC, in COM1 page. However I’m not sure we simulate the OFF/MAIN/BOTH function in the UFC (yet ? we’ll see
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That’s my mistake if it’s wrong in the code. Should be a pretty easy fix though (famous last words
;)).–
Cheers,Mark.
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So here’s the deal…
There is only one UHF radio. There is no way to control power for that radio using the DED/ICP only – the only role in UHF power that the DED plays is, when in UFC mode, to merely display “OFF” if the relevant knob is set to OFF. There are no ICP controls to affect UHF radio power. If the CNI knob is set to UFC then only the position of the COMM1 volume knob on the AUDIO1 panel that has the detente switch at the CCW end of travel controls power to the radio. If the CNI switch is set to BUP then and only then must both the AUDIO1 knob not be in the full CCW, (i.e. OFF) position and also the function knob on the UHF control head must be in anything other than the OFF position. Documentation for the radio controls is silent on what happens if you have CNI in UFC and the UHF function knob is in the OFF position.
As the 4.33 code stands now, regardless of CNI position you must turn up the volume on AUDIO1 and flip the UHF function knob out of the off position for the UHF radio to work. So for what it’s worth I’d claim it’s not a mistake that it’s that way…it’s consistent at least as far as the docs are concerned…it would not be the first time we’ve found ambiguity and guessed wrong on the interpretation though
That said, I think we might be able to consult with someone in a position to know with more recent experience to be sure before changing any code. I did look – it really wouldn’t be too hard implement.–
Cheers,Mark.
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Hoy – I should write this stuff when I’m more awake…sorry for the double take:
@Boxer:There is only one UHF radio. There is no way to control power for that radio using the DED/ICP only – the only role in UHF power that the DED plays is, when in UFC mode, to merely display “OFF” if the relevant knob is set to OFF. There are no ICP controls to affect UHF radio power. The position of the COMM1 volume knob on the AUDIO1 panel that has the detente switch at the CCW end of travel must be out of the OFF position for power to go to the radio; in other words if this is OFF then the radio has no power regardless of any other considerations. If the CNI switch is set to BUP then both the AUDIO1 knob not be in the full CCW, (i.e. OFF) position and also the function knob on the UHF control head must be in anything other than the OFF position. Documentation for the radio controls is silent on what happens if you have CNI in UFC and the UHF function knob is in the OFF position.
Bolded the bit I butchered first time around…
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I’d put money on the volume-power knob on the audio 1 panel being equally effective for UFC or B/U ops. Same goes for other functions of audio 1 panel (squelch, guard). Audio 1 is neither and both B/U or UFC.
What I don’t think is the case that any of the UHF panel makes any difference in UFC operation. When in UFC operation the modes are MAIN and BOTH as chosen through the ICP/DED only. The only way to get OFF is to turn off the radio via the volume knob. Power cycling UFC results in variable initialization of MAIN or BOTH by some logic. It’s not looking to the physical panel rotary.
Changing between MAIN and BOTH functions can only be accomplished by positioning the DCS to SEQ.
When CNI set UFC, UHF panel no function at all. It’s dead as a display and as input source. That’s how I read it.
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That’s my mistake if it’s wrong in the code. Should be a pretty easy fix though (famous last words
;)).Your code is not wrong. The UHF power up is spot on.
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OK just to close this then, as Leech notes we got this confirmed from a definitive source…code stays as it is.
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When CNI set UFC, UHF panel no function at all. It’s dead as a display and as input source. That’s how I read it.
Not exactly dead as a display
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Remote is displayed when the CNI knob is set to the UFC.
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Not exactly dead as a display
Cool info. Does any knob (e.g. channel, main/both) on the face work in this state?
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No. It is if the UHF panel is inactive. For example, the squelch circuit when the CNI is set to the UFC, is controlled by the COMM1 UHF mode knob on the Audio 1 panel
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I’ve contacted Leeuwarden airbase in the Netherlands. One of their active MLU pilots confirmed that the UHF function knob only has meaning when CNI is in backup mode. As he stated, the function knob turns on the UHF panel when set to MAIN or BOTH. (In backup mode, COM1 is still used to set volume). So, although you can still turn the UHF panel on and off via that knob, it doesn’t effect UHF communication when CNI is set to UFC. That means that the current implementation in BMS is incorrect, at least for the MLU. Could as well be different for other blocks.
So, how I think it should be implemented: Setting CNI to UFC and turning COM1 on should be enough for UHF communication. When setting CNI to backup, you must use COM1 (for volume) and the UHF function knob (other that OFF) for UHF communication. When the UHF function knob is set to OFF, the frequency display at the UHF panel is off. The video (at 00:31) in the fourth post of this topic shows that.
Of course it’s up to you what to do with this information. For me this subject is finished after this post, as I’m not looking for a yes-no-debate. The function knob is only a single click during ramp start, so it’s not really a big deal for me. Just wanted to contribute to this awesome game. Thanks for developing it!!
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BMS have correctly modeled the UHF power ON/OFF function.
As I stated, the UHF panel is inactive when the CNI is set to UFC. On the real UHF panel, REMOTE is displayed as a reminder that the UFC and audio 1 panel are used to control the radio. -
This screenshot shows otherwise. CNI set to UFC, COM1 is on, UHF function knob set to OFF. Result: no UHF radio. This is not correct. UHF radio should be available. UHF function knob should only have effect on UHF availability when CNI is set to backup.
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This screenshot shows otherwise. CNI set to UFC, COM1 is on, UHF function knob set to OFF. Result: no UHF radio. This is not correct. UHF radio should be available. UHF function knob should only have effect on UHF availability when CNI is set to backup.
BMS has not coded remote operation of the UHF radio. Tha is why you see this and why you can change the preset channel, when the UHF is in UFC mode.
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I don’t know anything about remote UHF operation, but why not make BMS ignore the UHF function knob when CNI is set to UFC? That will make it more realistic.
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That is the whole point. The function knob and frankly the whole UHF panel when the UHF in set to UFC is controlled remotely ( hence the REMOTE indication) by the audio 1 and UFC. This “remote” controlled functionality is not fully coded in BMS . The coders are aware of how the UHF panel should function.
