DC-7 with new VC Beta Test

[Tom/CalClassic]

Hi all,

I have adapted the new DC-6 VC (based on Jen's great VC) to the DC-7. There really aren't many differences, other than the lack of ADI and carb heat, and the presence of a speed brake. (There are numerous gauge changes, though.)

I have a file for you to test out; it is only the UAL DC-7 model, panel, and standard PropSounds:

www.calclassic.com/Temp/dc7_beta.zip (22 MB)

The only thing that should be different from the original DC-7 is how the speed brake works. The speed brake lever is momentary, just releasing the main gear uplocks. The main gear will fall by gravity. You can do this below 260 KIAS.

The gear lever now has three positions - DOWN, NEUTRAL, and UP. To retract the speed brake without lowering the gear, throw the gear lever from NEUTRAL to UP. If already at UP, throw it to NEUTRAL (the normal position during flight, BTW), and then throw it back to UP. You can return it to NEUTRAL after they are up if you wish. Remember, the hydraulic system cannot raise the main gear until you are going slower than around 175 KIAS!

Let us know here in this thread how it works for you. Other models will be released after the beta test.

Thanks,

[tcreed]

thanks Tom..!!! seems you guys on the west coast have a longer day...with all you are
able to accomplish..!! will advise..

rgds
t.creed

[tcreed]

hi Tom..after the first flight items..nice job..!!

(for those that read the pre-edited post..it was..my..user error..!)

rgds
t.creed

[canuck]

Thanks Tom.. I'm really looking forward to this.. Glenn

[eddiejez]

Hi,

dowloaded it and done an hours flying very nice ,thanks Tom

rgds Edd

[Tom/CalClassic]

Hi,

Glad it's working well so far.

One thing I forgot to mention is not to use the Pilot's Notepad with any other DC-7 type (i.e. DC-7B and DC-7C) - those have not been done yet. You get the DC-7 Handling Notes for all three at the moment. The CC Planner and regular FE Notepad should work OK though.

[tcreed]

after 4 flights..no items noted..good to go i believe..!!

rgds
t.creed

[Mike]

Hi Tom,

I've done a bit of testing on this, and can't find any faults with the possible exception of the efect of the speedbrake. It doesn't seem to have a great deal off effect on this model. Have the FDE been adjusted at all??

In every other respect, it seems to work very well. I've played with all the buttons and levers, the speedbrake works as per the note, and I've also added a couple of repaints to test that aspect, including the Delta DC-7. Nightime lighting effects are also spot on, as per the DC-6. I think this is release-worthy.

Can you give us a brief outline of the changes planned for the release version with regard to the international version, and also the '7B, long range '7B and 7C, please?? Can we look forward to a similar treatment of the different versions of the DC-6 applied to the DC-7??

Thanks for your work on this. You've certainly been busy lately.


Cheers,
Mike.

[Tom/CalClassic]

Hi,

Thanks for the report.

There have been no changes to any of the DC-7 FD's. The speed brake is probably slightly less effective than it should be, but that's always been true.

The plan is to offer the following:

DC-7 - domestic VC
DC-7B (standard nacelles) - domestic and intl VC's (intl for Panagra, etc.)
DC-7B (saddle tanks) - intl VC
DC-7C - intl VC

Hope this helps,

[Tom/CalClassic]

Hi all,

Glenn (canuck) has found that the gauge layout of the 2D panel and the VC do not match, leading to confusion if you jump between them. I have uploaded a new beta file that fixes this problem. It also fixes a left view problem (no window frame visible), and a few other minor issues.

One thing - does anyone else have a missing landing gear handle in the 2D panel? It's on the pedestal subpanel.

BTW, the VC speed brake lever is the large red handle just to the right of the prop RPM box on the pedestal.

Thanks,

[tcreed]

yes ..the landing gear handle is missing on mine..(2D sub panel)..using FS9

rgds
t.creed

[Tom/CalClassic]

OK, found the problem.

If you don't want to re-download, *copy* the following files:

GEAR_DOWN.bmp
GEAR_OFF.bmp
GEAR_UP.bmp

from the FS9/Gauges/Z_DC6KM folder and paste into the FS9/Gauge/Z_DC6KMTG folder.

Otherwise download and install again.

Thanks,

[tcreed]

thanks Tom..that was it..i took the short route..thanks for posting the instructions..made
it easy.. also for the DC6 vc update ..shortcut..

rgds
t.creed

[sunny9850]

Hi Tom,

I know this is mostly to test the new VC which works fine for me, so you may not worry about the 2D at this point...but when I turn on the panel lights I only get backlights on the 11 gauges on the pilots panel...ASI,ATT,ALT and so on. None of the engine gauges are lit.

You already mentioned the different layouts...I am hoping that will include the very nice elevator trim gauge then in the VC as well.

Again other than that no issues....and it looks fantastic.

Stefan

[Mike]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the info on the different models. That covers all, if my dim memory serves. I'll look forward to the release when you're able to get there.


Cheers,
Mike