Yet another PMDG 747 problem.

[Gunhaver]

Does anyone happen to know why I start up everything the way the manual and all the tutorials say to do so, yet my Yaw Dampers Remain INOP while everyone elses function properly?

[reider]

When you start the aircraft from cold and dark you have to set up the FMC and let it know where the aircraft is in the world.  So you turn on the power in the normal way, turn on the FMC (CDU) and let it know where you are, be it the last location (not good to use), the current location gained from the airport code or on some aircraft from the GPS.  The FMC (CDU) will then take up to 10 minutes (depending on its current settings) to set itself up and the aircraft must not be moved in this time.  After the time has elapsed and its ready for navigation the Yaw Dampers will set properly and be available.

Reider

[todayshorse]

I dont know about FSX but i read somewhere the fs9 version had a bug in the 'cold and dark' panel situation.

Do the dampers work if you start the PMDG 747 all up and running ready to go rather than from 'cold and dark'?

Other than that and the above, as they are hydraulic do they work once your engines are started?

I had some issues in fs9 from cold and dark and going through the checklist, but shes fine when shes loaded all ready to go.

[reider]

The dampers start in FSX whichever way you go, cold and dark and/or already running.  When its already running the FMC procedure and everything has already been done, so the dampers work.  When starting from cold and dark the power has been completely disconnected for some time so you have to go through the full routine in the correct order.

Reider

[todayshorse]

Yes, the fs9 version works exactly the same. I was wondering if Gunhavers behaves this way, from a 'all up and running' status if hes having problems with the 'cold and dark'  :-?

[Gunhaver]

Sorry for the delay in responses..the Yaw Dampers do work if I load the aircraft all up and ready to go..it's only from a cold n dark start they aren't working..the IRS is fully aligned and everything, they just stay inop

[todayshorse]

Hmmm.

What if you reversed the situation?

Start with it all up and running, then shut down as per the checklist.

Once its all shut down, save this as your 'other' cold and dark scenario, then try using it?

That way your yaw dampers have worked and your not using any default scenario that comes with the PMDG 747.

Might work! And it might not

But i cant find anything on a quick search related to this other than the fault thats in the fs9 'cold and dark' version

[reider]

It can only be an incorrect operation in starting from cold and dark.  You need to print that section of the manual and go through it with a fine tooth comb.  Since we all download from the same place, this is the only odd man out scenario.  Their should be no fault indicators showing one the panel gauges at all after all is started-save the brakes.  The FMC may be lit up, it doesn`t mean the countdown has ended.  I do find its a bit lax in counting down and extinguishing the fault indicator sometimes, showing 4 say and sticking at 4-which means the yaw selection will not work at that time.

Reider

[todayshorse]

...further reading reveals that there was indeed problems with the cold and dark scenario shipped with the FSX version....

However an update was released pretty quick, and it sorted a number of other issues reported in the PMDG support forums, which also went for the fs9 version. It fixed issues with the -400F as well...

Did you get this update? Im assuming so


The alignment time can be altered in options to speed it up, but it depends on how realisitic you want your pre start checklist to be.

[reider]

I have all updates, I already know about changing times but occasionally the countdown either does not begin or takes longer than is set-no matter which time it is.

Reider

[todayshorse]

I have all updates, I already know about changing times but occasionally the countdown either does not begin or takes longer than is set-no matter which time it is.

Reider

I was directing my post at gunhaver

[born_2_fly]

Are you following the start-up checklists 100%?

The Yaw Dampers are tied to the hydraulic systems, so if you have all 4 systems on AUTO (remember, HYD PUMP 4 should only be set to AUX before/during engine startup. Once engines have stabilised you rotate it back to auto, if all 4 aren't on AUTO this could cause it I suppose)

Other than that, I can't seem to thing what else could be causing it?

The operation of the Yaw Dampers have nothing to do with the FMC?  :-?

The AUTOPILOT won't work without the FMC and also won't work without the Yaw Dampers, so are connected only through the Autopilot, no other connection.

If you're not following the PMDG startup checklist, could you post what procedure you are using to startup? Maybe the issue lies in there.

Cheers,
Alex  ;)