Reverse thrust - using hardware controller
-
If trying to pull the reversers before the wheels has contacted the ground, I guess something is blocking the reversers from engaging, and that this is the correct behavior for the real aircraft.
This is probably not an issue if using a mouse to control the reverser, as you see that the axis is not pulling back, but if using throttle hardware and you're stressed due to a short runway and bad weather, you might get some issues if you're looking out the window trying to keep the airplane on the centerline, and don't know that the reverser is not engaged, as you've pulled it back a bit early and hold your hand on the throttle in the reverser position.
If the description is correct, maybe an elegant work-around could be made when mapping the controller, but ... would probably need to know what's stopping the reverser.
-
Ah, you're in luck! This is already possible with your installation. Some aircraft have mechanical lockouts that prevent inadvertent activation of beta and reverse thrust regimes, but if memory serves, the TBM 850 is not one of them. You may remove my convenience feature by editing the *.FLT files in the aircraft's main folder. At the bottom of each file, simply set BKSQ_UnrestrictedBeta = 1.
This will be an option on the tablet interface in the Turbine Duke, and eventually in the TBM 850 too. Also, just a language thing for anyone reading this: "Reversers" typically refer to mechanical means of thrust diversion on jet engines. Turboprops achieve reverse thrust by changing the pitch of the propeller blades.
-
Great! This will be really nice to rectify on my setup. Then it's only two other 'issues' I found a bit strange when it comes to operating the plane, that I'm looking forward to get some feedback on:
https://community.justflight.com/post/26789
https://community.justflight.com/topic/6092/bendix-king-kas-297b-altitude-selector
*pluss the very minor question about rocker buttons and VS speeds:(https://community.justflight.com/post/26786)Do you currently have any TBM 850 pilots in your team btw?
-
Great to finally be able to land on short runways in difficult weather, and not being unsure if the propellers pitch is in the beta range (correct language?). Often the second it took me to look down, and get the levers in position, would be enough to lose directional ground control in bad weather for a short moment, and any real passengers would probably scream.
Having this working also leads me to contemplate if your able to go into the beta range before touching the ground in the real aircraft, and if this is done in real operations? As far as I know, the TBM have no spoilers and it has a tendency to float a little (at least in the sim).
-
Glad to hear it's working well for you. Just for anyone else reading this, what I do about this is just to jostle my hardware throttle, even the smallest amount, after touchdown if I have any question of the virtual throttle position.
To answer your question, yes, it's possible in many PT6A powered aircraft, however, it is also prohibited by the operating limitations of almost all these aircraft. The only one that comes to mind where this is not prohibited is the Pilatus Porter. I've seen it done with Caravans in real world skydiving operations, but it is still prohibited by the POH, and the limitation placarded on the panel. The problem is usually overspeeding of the propeller, since beta is the opposite of feather, if that helps you think about it. I make no guarantees of how my aircraft will behave in this configuration, especially with respect to propeller speed, but I can say that they will slow down REALLY fast if you do try it.
-
I have been unable to get the default reverse thrust implementation removed to have the throttle axis cover the entire range. In every single .FLT file (there are 8 of them), I changed the following line from 0 to 1:
BKSQ_UnrestrictedBeta=1
However, the throttle still does not have full range and I still need to press my modifier button to get into full beta mode (0% position on the in virtual cockpit throttle).
Am I missing something?
I was able to get the beta annunciator light to work changing that flag in the .FLT files which is very nice.
-
Edit: With the help of JayDee, I found out that there are two ways to control the throttle: "Throttle 1 Axis" and "Throttle 1 AXIS (0 to 100%)". I had my throttle set to the first one but when I set it to the 0-100% one then I can now move the full range of the throttle as I expected.
