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mixture control(s)

PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 8:18 pm
by jgf
What gauges do you monitor for adjusting the mixture?  I've been trying to learn by watching all engine gauges after getting the cockpit message that "the engine is losing power ... use cntrl+x ..." but I see no change in anything as the mixture control(s) are moved.  If I want to do this manually, how do I know when and by how much to adjust?

Re: mixture control(s)

PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 8:35 pm
by DaveSims
[quote]What gauges do you monitor for adjusting the mixture?

Re: mixture control(s)

PostPosted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:17 pm
by jgf
Thanks.  If I disable automixture will I still get the cockpit message that the mixture needs adjusting?  If not, how do I know when to adjust?  (I've noticed I usually get the message when passing, either way, 2500ft asl and 5000ft asl;  but is altitude the only criteria?)

Re: mixture control(s)

PostPosted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:24 pm
by dave3cu
You can disable warnings on the Settings>Realism screen by unchecking the 'Display Flying Tips' box.

You shouldn't get a mixture warning if you have auto-mixture on, the sim controls the mixture.

With auto-mixture off, when climbing you should begin leaning the mixture as you approach 3000'.

Dave

Re: mixture control(s)

PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 12:28 pm
by jgf
I've left the flying tips on since they frequently prompt me to reset the altimeter or heading indicator (though they get a bit tiring at times, VFR over Europe gets me altimeter notices every 3-4 minutes), without them I'm hitting the appropriate keys every couple of minutes ...neither option seems completely realistic. 

I checked and have not had automixture enabled;  I'm assuming, when using cntrl+x, the sim makes the adjustments smoothly and in sync with the drop in rpm and egt so I never actually see any changes in the gauges.  Armed with new information (thanks dave and davy) I'll see how it works on my next flight.

Re: mixture control(s)

PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:38 pm
by jgf
Worked like a charm, thanks.  This also disclosed why some aircraft wouldn't idle on the runway (hadn't noticed before, but it was always at higher altitude airports).  A short hop from Winslow to Flagstaff was most illuminating.

Re: mixture control(s)

PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 1:14 pm
by dave3cu
Good to hear.