Vacation report - Sydney

in Australia wrapping up a vacation for me, part business for the missus. Checked into a hotel in Sydney on Monday, walked outside and right into a fixed based sim in a shopping mall.

You can check out the facility here: http://www.flightexperience.com.au/darling-harbour

First impression was the place will never make money! Popped in to see what was going on and apart from a bloke working the desk, nothing. He asked if I'd like to look in and of course I agreed. What I saw was a full cockpit with a couple of jump seats for observers, wrap around screen - all looked good. We were heading out for dinner and since the bloke was now talking to someone on the phone, I decided to come back another day.

Big mistake. Turns out the sim is fully booked out and I just happened to catch them when no one was in it. Sure enough, the outlook was not promising that I would get a flight. The bloke I met briefly the first night (who I will now call Blake, since that is his name...) kindly offered to keep the place open for me an hour after they would normally close. I was on for a 9:00pm flight Wednesday night!

I've flown in the presence of others a couple of times and found it a bit daunting. This time I'd be doing it in a sim I wasn't familiar with, alongside someone who knew his stuff. Blake told me later that he is qualified to fly the real deal - I'd need to be on my game. I planned a simple flight, take off from KSFO, out towards Oakland then Point Reyes for return to 28L (I chose to fly the ILS approach).

Wednesday night rolled around and I walked down to the sim center. Since someone was finishing up his turn, I got to read through some operations manuals Blake helpfully provided. I told him I was building my own sim and was interested in what software they were using. Turns out the sim was built by a New Zealand company called Pacific Simulations Limited

From a software standpoint, FS2004 and Project Magenta were deployed. The display system was made up of 3 projectors with a wrap around screen. No details on the hardware although the manual talked about 8 computers in use. I asked if a behind the scenes tour was possible, as I found out later there wasn't a lot to see. More on this in the post flight debrief.

Also in the ops manual were "5 golden rules" for the operators of the sim. Rules 1 and 2 were along the lines of "do what the customer wants to do" and "don't let them crash". This put my mind at ease a little - this wasn't to be a check ride.

Into the cockpit. While Blake sorted out the airport and runway, I banged the short flight plan into the FMC. We both screwed up - he put me on 19R (I asked for 1R, at least I think I did - maybe nerves got to me) meaning a 180 degree turn after take off to get me over to Oakland. I jumped the gun in putting in the STAR for 28L which deleted the rest of my flight plan.... With the clock ticking, I got the plan entered again.

First impressions:

• The yoke has a much more solid feel than mine does
• Moving the control column required more force than mine and seemed to have a great range of travel
• The control column seemed low. Blake explained that it was intentionally about an inch and a half shorter, since most customers found regular height obscured the PFD
• The control column is linked to the first office side, not something I have. Also it has something akin to force feedback - I feel this really adds to the realism
• The CDU had a different tactile feel to mine... not sure which I prefer. I think the display is easier to read on mine (Engravity)
• The flight model seemed more responsive than mine
• Their TQ is very smooth - it doesn't make the same racket mine does
• There was some kind of "butt kicker" vibration device hooked up. It added realism and is now on my "must add" list

Took off, made the 180 degree turn and got the plane into straight and level flight. Engaged the AP and took a breather. 

Blake was very helpful, calling out the flap settings, gear commands, speed settings etc. I didn't feel like I was being manhandled through the whole process, I felt he gauged my capabilities quite quickly and was being a true help in the experience. I picked up a number of flying tips from him that will enhance my skills and pleasure as I fly my own sim.

Onto final, Blake suggested the appropriate speeds, flaps etc. We both struggled to get the sim to stay on VOR LOC and APP, same experience I have at home. That was interesting, along with the changing altitudes the FMC called for on the approach waypoints (Project Magenta, I hope you're reading this and get it sorted out). Nice to see that even in a "professional" sim, we all suffer from the PM bug fest.

At 1000 feet I took manual control and made what I think was a pretty good landing. That cheered me up!

Decided that it didn't make a lot of sense flying the sim purely in autopilot mode. Blake set me up for some circuits, departing 28R. I'd hand fly from here on in. I think this is where I learned the most. Blake was very good at keeping me honest with the bank angles and the turning radius, when to pull out of the turn etc. It was a bit of workout holding the back pressure on the control column, while trying to make coordinated turns and leaning over the TQ to grab the gear lever etc. Came back around for a touch and go.

This is where I had a bit of an epiphany. Even though the sim sits on a fixed base, I swear the thing was moving as I turned into the bank! That's the power of the immersive visuals and the effect of looking out of the cockpit window! To get this feeling at home, I know that not only will I need to get the external visuals working (and I'm really motivated to get this done now), I will also need to build the cockpit enclosure...

It also occurs to me that I should probably build out the first officer side too. The enclosure will look a bit  odd if it ends on the center panel. Oh joy - I'll be taking the whole thing apart again. I may also look at having a more realistic yoke with more accurate control column resistance and possibly force feedback. We'll see.

Anyway, back to the flying. On my first touch and go I think Blake may have helped me out a bit with the nose attitude. He gave the column a nudge and got me back on the glide slope. Touched down, ran out along the runway then gave it full throttle for a screaming pass over the poor folk who have the misfortune of living in Daly City.

Back around the circuit for a full stop landing, taxied out using the tiller handle. And with that, my 45 minutes were over.

According to Blake, the sim flies quite similar to a real 737. There are some important differences, some of the systems are inop and the visuals are not that superb. Pixilation and blocky graphics were very noticeable, especially on short final. Apparently they have a high definition projection system on order. I think (nay I hope...) that my projectors will provide a better experience. It was definitely a distraction.

Understandably, Blake was in a hurry to get home. He gave me a quick look in the back while he was powering everything down. Couldn't really see anything - the projection system was shrouded with a large blackout blanket.

Shake of the hand and a lock up of the store - I was done. It was truly a great time and I would recommend this to anyone building their own sim. The biggest eyeopeners were the difference in feel, the immersive experience and most importantly, time spent with someone who knows what they're doing. Blake told me that at this location, they only use instructors who are qualified pilots. To get 45 minutes of his time was worth it all. Wish I could do it again but they're full booked and I'm flying home for real on Saturday.

All food for thought. I'm determined to get more of the sim finished and to increase the realism.

Projectors ordered

Just placed the order for 3 Infocus (I hope they are...) IN146 projectors. According to my SketchUp 3D model, they should work out:

Link to the model is here (you'll need Google SketchUp to view it)

Wish me luck...

Pleased we got that covered

As you know, the build has been put on hold while I work on a built in sideboard for the missus. Before sawing through more lumber than I need to, I decided to draw up some plans in Google SketchUp (don't worry, we'll get back on point in a minute...). I've tried this "free" software in the past and found it a hassle to work with. Too mean to actually purchase some CAD software, I decided to give it another try.

I found an excellent set of instructional videos for SketchUp that are geared towards woodworkers. You can find them here. So if you want to use it to plan your build, I highly recommend it.

If you're interested in the sideboard design, here you go (drop me a line if you want me to send you the SketchUp file):

Now it got me thinking, maybe I could use SketchUp to plan the wrap around screen for the sim. Here's my first crack at it:

Note I still need to add the projectors on the ceiling and check for clearance/coverage but you get the idea. You can also see that I have very little clearance between the door and the right hand edge of the screen. The beauty of this approach is that I can move around the room in 3D to see what fits and what doesn't. I can get a visualization of what I'll see by putting the viewpoint where my head would be and by panning from left to right. What's also apparent is that I'll need to move everything else out of the sim room to get the screen in. Well that will make me popular...

I did take some time out to make some covers for the center console, to fill the holes not taken by instruments. Decided to go with 1/4" plexi glass. First, I took a forstner bit and drilled out anchor points for DZUS. Then trimmed out the remainder with a Stanley knife. Now how to paint? Since the surfaces are polished, I knocked one side down with an orbital sander to scuff it up, to give the paint a surface to key into. I then sprayed with a plastic primer that provides excellent adhesion:

I can't say enough about this stuff. You really need to go to town on it to scratch it off the plastic:

A coat of latex paint later and here's the result:

Not that thrilled with the finish - I rushed it and rolled the paint on too thick, causing air bubbles to form and dry into the surface. Nothing for it - I'll need to buy a spray system...here it is. Isn't she a beauty?

Well it's for the sideboard right? I watched a great review on this British built product at the Wood Whisperer web site. There are a lot of great tutorial videos here that I highly recommend.

Also had a visitor to the sim last week. My colleague Dirk was visiting from Sinsheim, home of the Tecknik museum if you ever find yourself there. Dirk has a lot of hours flying the standard FSX 737, so I threw a lot of new topics at him in a very short space of time. He was making a very good approach to SFO 28L, when everything went pear shaped on short final. He and his lucky passengers took an unexpected dip into the bay...

What I learned from this experience is that after a while we take so much of what we do for granted, we operate the plane instinctively rather than think about what we're doing. We amass so much knowledge and skill, we often overlook it. It's only when you see someone try to make that jump in a one hour session that you realize how much expertise we've developed.

My expertise will be spent on cabinet making for the next few weeks...

There and back twice

Back home after the aforementioned 2 trips to Europe. Second trip I got to fly on a Lufthansa A380 from San Francisco to Frankfurt. Impressions? Very nice! My key take aways:

• Much quieter than a 747. You can hear conversations of others around you (not always a good thing)
• Lufthansa has a cool feature where you can select one of 3 camera angles to watch on the plane in action: one in the belly looking straight down, one in the nose looking forward and one in the tail plane looking down over the aircraft. Not sure if all 380s have this but it was fun to watch what was going on (although the day I flew it was mainly cloudy the whole way over). With the tail plane view you could easily see the spoilers deploy on landing. Cool
•  The "nice view" moving map is enhanced and much better than anything I've seen so far. In one shot, you get to see a simulated view of the cockpit and the view out the windows:

• I was sitting right over the wing in economy. On the ground you couldn't really see the wing tip. In the air, the wing lifts up and you can see it. On landing it droops down again
• In general a much greater sense of space in the cabin than I've experienced in 747s

Back to what this blog is all about...

Since I was in Amsterdam, what trip would be complete without a run out to Aviation Megastore? I picked up a tiller handle from Open Cockpits:

It's solidly constructed, has a nice feel to it and is self centering. Also snagged a couple of brightness boosters for my master and fire warning switches:

Saves me messing around trying to fit an LED into the bulb holder... Also picked up a copy of Aerosoft's Frankfurt airport scenery add on. And why not? I seem to be spending a lot of time at "Fra Port". As the wife says, on the way to heaven you'll need to change planes in Frankfurt, get parked at a remote stand and take a ride on one of their buses. 

No build report although I did tweak some configuration settings per this guide:

Happy to report increased frame rate and a smoother flying experience. More later, post side board build...

What I did on the day after the world didn't end

Home briefly. Somewhat concerned that the world was going to end last night so didn't make any special plans. Woke up to the same world I fell asleep in last night, at least I think so...

Today I treated myself to just flying the sim - what a concept. I did want to check a couple of aspects of the TQ to make sure the checklist is complete. I'm happy to report, all is good. Specifically:

• The spoilers automatically deploy on landing
• The reverse thrusters are fully operational

I spent a bit of time tweaking the configuration on the rudder pedals in FSUIPC. The handling is much better now I have it calibrated there. For the life of me though I can't get the right brake pedal working, even though it's showing up correctly in FSUIPC. I'll need to do a spot of RTFing on that.

Here's a better photo of what the rig looks like now:

Must admit, quite encouraged today - will get back into the build later in the summer. Next up though is another 2 trips to Europe in the next 3 weeks (don't ask...), first departs Thursday night. Also must get cracking on the sideboard the wife wants me to make, otherwise the external visuals will be a none starter...

Cleared for take off - a checklist

Spent an hour on Skype with Oral from Revolution Simproducts on Saturday morning, bright and early for me. He identified and corrected a number of problems for me:

• In the config screen I had selected "Pro-line" as my TQ. This is because I had purchased a Pro-line. Apparently this should only be selected for "a handful of customers who were shipped a custom TQ". Instead I should have selected "Motorized"
• I was running the PMDG version of the RS interface software, since the Project Magenta one wasn't functioning. I should have selected the PM version
• Oral reprogrammed the custom SIOC script he had provided months ago

Process took a little over an hour, very timely since I had to head out. Result?:

• AT disconnect button working? Check
• Reverse thrusters working? Check
• TOGA button working? Check
• Smooth operation of both throttles? Check

Of course Oral reminded me to smile! Which if course, I was. I think we've ironed out all of the problems now, I just need to test auto deployment of the speed brake on landing. Sadly, I took off for another business trip to Europe (from where I'm filing my report). Will perform a full shake down test on my return.

I may finally be a happy Revolution Simproducts customer!

Between flights

Home briefly from Europe - I head out again on Sunday. During my brief stay on PDT, I was able to fit in a visit from a fellow sim builder, Gianluca and the lovely Linda. This marks the first time someone has looked over the build, other than peering at my poor attempts at photography via this very blog. I'll admit I was anxious.

One item Gianluca was particularly interested in was the Revolution Simproducts TQ. I wanted him to see it at its best so I again started up my request for support from RS. The basic functions are working but not the TOGA buttons, reverse thrusters, AT disconnect. A couple of other problems where the throttles move out of sync and clicks off the AT or the lights flicker because of a USB cable that needs to be wiggled into just the right position have also been driving me bonkers.

I'll be the first to recognize the issue with the time difference between San Francisco and Istanbul/Paris. It isn't rocket science to figure it out though. Despite this, the crew at RS failed to make 2 appointments in 2 consecutive days with me, over Skype. My email expressing how disappointed I am in their after sales service and would they take the unit back for a full refund has gone unanswered. If you're looking for a review of Revolution Simproducts before buying, pay attention and drop me a note if you want more details.

Onto other preparations. I screwed everything down onto the base your saw built in the last post. That would be the MIP, TQ, pedestal, rudder pedals, everything except the chair. Remember the wheels I put on the front to make it easier to move the whole ensemble? No chance - even without the chair the build is too heavy to pick up at one end! Will need to rethink this. Also tidied up the room and vacuumed...

Dropped a line to the master of sim visits, Ian Sissons in the UK. First to thank him for posting a very comprehensive library of manuals etc. (you can see it here) and also (since he knows Gianluca) to share the news and my anxiety for the pending visit. As always Ian was quick on the reply with advice, sharing that he was taking a brief break for his sim to paint and decorate his living room and hallway. I fear I too will soon be getting caught up on the "honey do" list.

Gianluca and I have approached our builds from very similar design principles. He was very gracious with his comments on my efforts and gave some tips on how to tune up a couple of things. He patiently watched while I took off from KSFO, flew north for about 20 minutes then doubled back for a landing on 28R. Having failed to intercept the localizer, I took manual control and, given the pressure of a knowing observer, made not too bad a landing. A bit like a check ride. He declined a go himself so we returned to our ladies and wrapped up the evening.

While writing this post, Gianluca has snuck in there to comment on my pedestal build. You are too kind sir. Also while writing this post, just received an email from the team at RS suggesting we resolve the problems on Saturday morning my time - I'll let you know how it goes.

In previous posts you may remember me rattling on about seeing the aurora borealis from the airplane window, while flying over northern Canada and Greenland. I found this very interesting video taken from the window of an Air France jumbo. Enjoy, as hopefully I will on my next flight to Europe on Sunday.

On my return I'll be taking a break from the sim and will be building a sideboard for the dining room. You don't want to see photos of that? Surely not....