Analog Caravan feedback
-
This product is right up my alley. I'm also excited to buy the analog B350...I might actually get some use out of the King Air now, as I've been avoiding it due to the extremely poor default avionics.
I would like to offer some feedback on the Caravan:
-No OAT gauge. In the stock C208, that is handled by the Garmin, but an older model would have a temp probe/gauge that sticks through the upper windshield, near the base of the pilot's sun visor.
-KAP140 baro setting: Changing the AP baro setting units works per the Bendix manual (press and hold BARO for 2 sec) however in In. Hg mode the setting shows three digits after the decimal (thousandths).
-De-ice equipment: Obviously there are some inconsistencies resulting from the difference between a late model C208 (Asobo) and the older models with the analog panel. New Caravans have full TKS and older models have boots. It might be nice to include a paint template for the wings with boots so that people can modify their repaints for more accuracy.
Also, windshield de-ice (pre-TKS) was via a "hot plate" in the center of the pilot's windshield. It was optional. I don't know whether that would work with the limitations of this project, or the MSFS icing system. Either way, if the hot plate isn't installed, the W/S de-ice switch would be removed. Just a suggestion.
-WXR: The fact that the radar actually shows areas of precip was a really nice surprise! Very cool. I hope Nicholas can keep developing this. Working tilt with ground clutter, etc. would be amazing, some day.
-
@bert-pieke No FD, and I do not believe a KAP140 can drive an FD.
The mode annunciator might be a bit out of place for this Caravan's set-up however. -
Just got the mod and really like it. However, I noticed a minor issue with the sound: when headphone simulation is on in MSFS sound settings, the engine sound is strongly suppressed, but wind noise and clicking switches is very audible. Maybe the relative sound volumes could be adjusted?
-
Hi there! as a real caravan (675SHP) pilot I agree with the feedback, especially with the OAT gauge, which is essential to apply the correct torque setting for climb and cruise.
Some other feedback that I can give related to the engine:
-Fuel flow is too high for the 675SHP PT6A-114A, the normal FF for cruise (following the cruise chart) is around 350 PPH, but for my first and only flight, at the moment I have a 410 PPH FF at 10,000ft and around -1°c, at 1670 FTLB of toque. The FF should be around 347 PPH.
-ITT is too high, also flying at -3°C 10,000ft the current ITT is 710°C at 95% NG, with those conditions the ITT should be around 670°C.
-The inertial separator has absolutely no effect over the TQ, not at the before takeoff test or in cruise.
-The bleed valve also has no effect on the ITT, when turned on and with increasing temperature, it should increase the ITT, but it does not any effect on the ITT.
-The start lag is too large, normal NG rotation it´s almost instant when turning the starter on.
-There is no fuel valve close aural warning.
-There is no fire detect test aural warning.
-There is no ANNUN LAMP TEST aural warning.
-The boot press auto switch is a one press switch, it returns to the off position when pressed, but in the sim it remain ON while doing the boot cycle, I suppose is related to the TKS system working, same with the WS working.
The rest of limitations are explained on the manual.
Just made my first flight, next time I will practice some emergencies and look deeper on the system so I can give more feedback.
This is a huge jump on caravan system and performance compared to other vans available for other sims and is a very good product! keep the great work!I will attach a pic where you can see the engine instruments at 6000ft, 10°C and the correct TQ setting for alt and temp.
Thanks for the great job and looking forward to help. -
You can view the OAT through the transponder - hit the FUNC button a few times.
One of my observations is that ILS approaches seems to be off the closer you get to the field. I am always left of course and sometimes the GS is not centered. Not sure if this is simulating IRL functionality but it feels very unpredictable. Did a few approaches in the default C208 to verify and the ILS approaches are dead centered each time.
-
I really like this mod and it work really well for me but I have an aesthetic issue. The scratch marks really stand out in overcast conditions, so much so it preoccupies your view seeing the ‘cut-n-paste’ pattern throughout the windscreen.
Hope they fix this, I haven’t noticed it on the core Asbo model.
-
@pablo-rodriguez Hi, very interesting feedback.
Can you say anything regarding the performance of the aircraft. Over at the MSFS forum the main complaint is, that it's feeling way too overpowered (takes off too soon, climbs too fast). Would be interesting, if you can confirm this or if the real 675HP Caravan really has that much power.
Hope Black Square will do some tweaking to this great add-on (please add an option to display the co-pilot in cockpit view ;) ), since it's already becoming one of my favorites. Been waiting for an analog Caravan since the release of the simulator.