PROJECT MAGENTA MCDU SOFTWARE
If you want to use the software this way, you can resize the window by grabbing the corners and moving them with the Mouse. Removes the bitmap and displays the FMC’s text in OpenGL Windowed mode. If you just switch off the computer, all settings will be lost. Please Note: Any changes you make with the following commands need to be saved by exiting the program with the command. Please note that there is some FMC hardware which doesn’t require to set any such parameters, such as the CockpitSonic FMC products.
Most modern computers should be able to handle it and it is closer to the real thing. The normal text mode is just there for backward compatibility, and should be avoided.
PROJECT MAGENTA MCDU FULL
In the mean time The Simulator Solution MCDU should be seriously considered – it eliminates the use of AC voltage and ARINC, full proofs it for the different avionics suites available in the market and allows you to use an original MCDU as intended.The Airbus Type MCDU and the Boeing Type CDU can both be run full screen without the bitmap for the keyboard and line selection keys (LSKs). An OEM MCDU without conversion will require 115 VAC, ARINC429 and complex programming – this might be a possibility in the future – we have several Sim builders currently attempting native interfacing. Some purists may one to keep all equipment in its original form. The internal boards of the MCDU, removed from operation The LCD now syncs with the Aircraft Essential Bus and simulates the behaviour correctly.
PROJECT MAGENTA MCDU UPDATE
Update – Dimming screen knob is now functioning with a ProsimA320 software update. There is a switch at the back of the unit which allows you to sync the LCD screen with the state of the aircraft (no power = LCD turns off) however I am unable to get this to work, along with the dimming screen knob this is most likely a software bug and will just require an update from Simulator Solutions. OEM Thales MCDU on the left, FDS MCDU on the right The MCDU is built structurally well as one of the most frequently used equipment on the aircraft (with the exception of the flight controls), it needs to be.
The backlight is diffused evenly with no hotspots. The Thales model has a different tactile feel and a satisfying click. Using the Thales MCDU is a completely different experience from the FDS MCDU.
The MCDU failure lights have also been interfaced and can be simulated for pilot training. Four connections are required for the MCDU – the ethernet cable, a 4 pin molex connector (found on computer PSUs), 5 VDC for the backlight and a VGA connection for the LCD. In addition the Open Cockpit programming language SIOC is used in the MCDU frontend – this allows for flexibility and potential compatibility with other avionics suites such as Jeehell FMGS, AST, Project Magenta and Flight Sim Labs A320 Professional. Simstack is an ethernet modular board and is able to connect to Prosim using a TCP layer. Simulator Solution removes all internals of the MCDU (including the CRT) and replaces it with a modern LCD and glass, interfaced to SimStack boards. Previously a FDS MCDU (reviewed here) was installed in the simulator – as a plug and play device this was a good substitute, but could never fully replace the keypad and build quality of an original MCDU. The OEM Thales Multi-Function Control and Display Unit has now been converted with the assistance of Simulator Solutions, a local (Sydney) Australian based company. Thales Multi-Function Control & Display Unit (MCDU)