AP and VOR issues
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Now, I know this is 110% user error, but when I changed to a different VOR even when I had it in range and the bar visible, I couldn't get the AP to follow it. The 'TRACK' button pops up a second, and then clicks down again.
What am I doing wrong? I'll try and get some pics.
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I got into that situation yesterday also. I suspect I accidentally powered off the system and then I was too impatient mashing buttons to engage track and alt rather than press power on and wait for the MI to show ready before trying things. Systems seem to take appreciable amounts of time to "wake up" which is very different to other planes but I assume real to the type so all good.
Eventually I got it into a ready state and functions engaged but I couldn't get it to follow heading.... Will try again today
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If the TRACK button stays popped up, then I suspect there may be one of two causes of that:
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Check that the Autopilot POWER knob is pulled UP, and the READY mechanical indicator on the Autopilot panel is showing white. If the READY mechanical indicator doesn't show white after a brief period and you can't hear the autopilot gyro spinning up, then the Autopilot may have been disconnected via non-normal means, and will need reset using the Autopilot RESET switch on the starboard console. Once reset, you should then be able to power on and engage the Autopilot, and then engage TRACK mode.
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The lateral autopilot mode that is being followed when the TRACK knob is pulled is determined by the position of the Nav selector on the main instrument panel. So it may be the case that the Nav selector is set to a position that has no active frequency and therefore TRACK won't engage. For tracking a VOR, you will want the Nav selector in the NAV position.
Mark - Just Flight
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@Mark I suspect I re-activated the AP yesterday using the reset switch - wasn't clear in the manual that it was a spring-loaded reset - seemed to imply it was on/off. Anyway I think the reset plus power on resolved.
Ref tracking - VOR set to NAV, what should it be set to to follow the heading needle? I thought it was NAV with no radio tuned and active but would like to be certain.
Thanks
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For the Nav selector:
BOMB - Can be used to track a Heading
REMOTE - Can be used to track a VOR or the GPS flight plan
Normal (Central position) - Can be used to track a TACAN
LOC - Can be used to track a Localiser
GP - Can be used to track a Localiser and GlideslopeEach of these positions will also update the flight directors on the Director Horizon.
It may also be worth briefly turning on Tooltips or the HUD in MSFS as these can give a better understanding of what each setting is engaging behind the scenes. The HUD can also be useful to give a more simplistic view of what is happening when you turn the knob on the Beam Compass.
Mark - Just Flight
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Apologies, I just realised I had actually typed them out wrong in my comment too, I had NAV and HDG modes mixed up. I've updated my previous comment so that now has the correct information.
You would think I hadn't been testing this for the past few months!
Mark - Just Flight
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On a side note to this post, I am having problems with the AP also. I find when tracking a VOR or TACAN above M0.7 the aircraft has a sever rocking motion form side to side. When I slow the Aircraft back down the oscillations stop, I have probably missed something out but I can't attach photos or videos to show what I mean. I am currently at FL20tracking the Saint Abbs VOR and cannot go above 250knots IAS as the oscillations start again. All my Dampers, PFCs and Feel Lights are out and the Feel lock is disengaged.
I wondered if any one else has the same problem or it is something I am doing//not doing.
I am using MSFS 2020. All software add-ons are up to date. -
