Understanding gauges

[thinman]

As you can tell I'm new at this and I hope this doesn't sound like too dumb of a question. Is there a way of finding out about some of the gauges? I know that if you hold the mouse pointer over the gauge it shows the name of it. But how to use it or understand how it works is what I seem to be having a problem with. I've been going through the ground school and understand about the "big 6", but some of the others I'm having a little trouble with. Just wondering if there is a site which shows the dash panel instruments and explains a little about them, for the planes in FS2002.
Thanks for any help.
Bob

[Flying Officer Jevans]

Maybe you could do a search on the internet like "Attitude indicator wiki" to find out about individual instruments.

Or you could ask us! Any one in particular thats puzzling you?

[Leadraft]

Yeah, that's what I do. Do a google search and find out what the instrument does and the proper procedure for using it. I also do a search here on the forums and usually a topic about an instrument has come up.

I wouldn't try to learn them all at once though. Pick one, get proficient in its operation, and move to the next.

[thinman]

The one right now is the ADF gauge. I can set the frequency in the radio. But really don't understand how to set the gauge and read it. Also, the reason for asking about finding the display of dash gauges and their explanation is because of the Learjet. I'll also do the searches as you all mentioned.
Bob

[kiwikat]

The needle on the ADF gauge will always point towards the NDB if you are in range of it. You can enable the ADF button on the audio panel to make sure you are in range and it is picking it up. If you want to fly directly to an NDB, just change the heading of your aircraft so the needle on the ADF gauge is pointing straight up.

The heading disc on the gauge is used for more precise flying, such as using NDB's in an IFR flight plan. Perhaps someone else can explain that one better than I can... one of those things I find hard to explain to newcomers.

[NikeHerk67]

Hi bob,

If you haven't done so go to Options/Settings/General and check Show Cockpit Tool Tips.
When you hover the mouse over the instrument it will give you the name and the digital reading for the most part. Most of the instruments are listed in the glossary.

I believe most people use the wikipedia free encyclopedia as a good source for more detailed information of just about anything you want to know.

As for the ADF, it's not a gauge it's an intrument used for navigaion of the aircraft.
Gauges show various conditions of the engine and fuel level for the most part.
I don't meant to be picky, they're terms we often use substitute for each other, expecially here in the FS, where we refer to gauges as everything the fits into the panel. :)

The ADF just points to a NDB (non directional beacon) and is not tied into the autopilot at all. It just simply points to home. That is if you have a NDB on your roof. :)

[NikeHerk67]

The needle on the ADF gauge will always point towards the NDB if you are in range of it. You can enable the ADF button on the audio panel to make sure you are in range and it is picking it up. If you want to fly directly to an NDB, just change the heading of your aircraft so the needle on the ADF gauge is pointing straight up.

The heading disc on the gauge is used for more precise flying, such as using NDB's in an IFR flight plan. Perhaps someone else can explain that one better than I can... one of those things I find hard to explain to newcomers.

Hi kiwikat

I guess we posted at the same time.
Sounds like a good explaination to me.

[thinman]

Thanks guys. Sorry about the mix up between gauges and instruments. And I don't think you're being picky. If your going to fly you need to get it right.
While I'm on the subject of instruments let me run this by you and see if I'm doing it correctly. To use the VOR instrument I enter the vor frequency into nav1. I'm currently sitting on the runway heading 038 degrees. The heading I'll be flying is let's say 290. I adjust the vor instrument so 290 is at the top index mark. Is this the correct way to adjust it so that when I get within range of the airport vor I'm going to the vor needle will align vertically? That is if I'm heading straight towards it. Hope I've explained it ok.
Bob

[Flying Officer Jevans]

Thanks guys. Sorry about the mix up between gauges and instruments. And I don't think you're being picky.

I think he's being picky. I refer to them as either, depending on what I'm talking about. If I'm in the cockpit and flying, they are instruments. If I'm developing gauges for FS, they are gauges.:D Just me.

The VOR is somewhat counter-intuitive at times but it's easy to get the hang of. A VOR emits a radio signal on each heading. So, using your example , if you are at Ulost airport on runway 38, an you want to get to Wrongway airport VOR on heading 290, this is how it works.

The VOR emits a 'radial' on each compass heading. So you tune the VOR, and then enter the heading you want to arrive at the VOR on in the course or CRS selector. So you would enter 290. If you are within range, the needle will deflect and you 'fly towards the needle' to correct.

As you are flying to Wrongway VOR, the to/from indicator will say TO, indicating you are flying TO the station. As you pass over it however, it will flip to FROM.


So you have the right idea, hope this helps!

[lnuss]

I agree with Jevans that the two terms are more or less interchangeable in real life aviation. Flying IFR is often referred to as "being on the gauges" while the assembly in front of the pilot is generally referred to as an "instrument panel" (but don't call it a dashboard -- those are in cars or buggies), which contains flight instruments and engine gauges or engine instruments, depending on your mood at the moment or the the context of the discussion. On occasion, you may even hear a reference to the gyros (specific set of instruments), or to the airspeed dial.

So don't get too hung up on which term is appropriate when, as far as gauges vs. instruments goes. Some other items, though, may be less flexible. For instance, those movable surfaces at the end of each wing are not flaps (I've heard that a number of times, but not from pilots), they are ailerons, and a "stall" has nothing to do with the engine.

And then there are acceptable terms that are not currently in common use, such as referring to an aircraft as a "ship" or talking about "conventional gear" (taildraggers), or "flippers" (elevators). These terms (and a number of others) were current in the '30s, '40s, 50's, etc. but have given way over the years to today's usage.

Basically, it takes time to absorb the jargon, as in most any specialized field.

[NikeHerk67]

I agree with Jevans that the two terms are more or less interchangeable in real life aviation. Flying IFR is often referred to as "being on the gauges" while the assembly in front of the pilot is generally referred to as an "instrument panel" (but don't call it a dashboard -- those are in cars or buggies), which contains flight instruments and engine gauges or engine instruments, depending on your mood at the moment or the the context of the discussion. On occasion, you may even hear a reference to the gyros (specific set of instruments), or to the airspeed dial.

So don't get too hung up on which term is appropriate when, as far as gauges vs. instruments goes. Some other items, though, may be less flexible. For instance, those movable surfaces at the end of each wing are not flaps (I've heard that a number of times, but not from pilots), they are ailerons, and a "stall" has nothing to do with the engine.

And then there are acceptable terms that are not currently in common use, such as referring to an aircraft as a "ship" or talking about "conventional gear" (taildraggers), or "flippers" (elevators). These terms (and a number of others) were current in the '30s, '40s, 50's, etc. but have given way over the years to today's usage.

Basically, it takes time to absorb the jargon, as in most any specialized field.

OK guys I stand corrected.

I guess it depends on who you're talking to, a pilot, an airline mechanic, or an engineer. A mechanic or engineer would distinguish between the two in a more critical manner. Sort of the way MOST people refer to the power plant that propels their automobile. Most call it a motor, when in fact it is an engine, unless of course you have a hybrid that runs on electricity, which then makes it truly a motor.

The way I've distinguished between the two is that a gauge measures one single condition. Like pressure gauge, fuel gauge, steam gauge, feeler gauge, manifold pressure gauge, etc. Conversely an instrument measures many variables and several conditions and variables must occur and with more than one input to give an understandable reading.

It stems back to my radar maintenance days I guess. You didn't dare call a radarscope a gauge. Conversely you didn't call the instrument that measured the temperature of the magnetron the temperate instrument. Also, in the military you didn't dare call your rifle a gun. It didn't make any difference to the drill sergeant what mood you were in that day.

However, for all practical purposes, out on the flight line, or here in the FS, you're absolutely right and I apologize for any confusion...... day's all gauges. ;)

[thinman]

Well I'm glad we got the terminology for those little round things with dodads inside them cleared up.:D I am doing better at using and understanding them because of the replies I've received.
Thanks again.

Bob

[NikeHerk67]

Well I'm glad we got the terminology for those little round things with dodads inside them cleared up.:D I am doing better at using and understanding them because of the replies I've received.
Thanks again.

Bob

Bob

Once again, welcome to this fun hobby.

I was just having some fun. Both pilots are correct and great sources of information here. there's a lot of cool slang and lingo that you'll pick up from reading their posts. I'm looking for a bucket of propwash, a steam gauge, and a tail dragger, but I can't any of em in the pilot shop, not to mention that 16 1/2 ounce can of tarmac! :confused:

you're doin fine here. :)

[alastairmonk]

Hi Bob,

If you're looking for some instruction as to how to use the NDBs and VORs for navigation, this is one of the best sites:

http://www.navfltsm.addr.com/index.htm

Although it was originally designed for use with FS98 (when it taught me most of the basics) the principles are just as relevant for FS2004 and FSX.

Alastair

[thinman]

High Herk

Have you checked ebay for those items you're looking for. They have just about everything listed there.:D

Am enjoying this forum.

Bob

[thinman]

Hello Alastair,

Thanks for the link. I checked it out and bookmarked it.

Bob