What parts of the CDU should I learn?

[Dudester22]

I'm at the stage now where I want to learn the cdu, but I only want to learn the important bits and the ones I will use. Can someone tell me if there is a guide to the most important parts only? I don't want to read the manual just to find out later what I read is hardly relevant. Thanks!

[Derbysieger]

Entering coordinates (lat/long, MGRS, Bullseye) is the most obvious one. Then you have stuff like creating a flight plan, divert page etc.

I'd say start with entering coordinates and then go from there. The CDU has a lot of functions.

[Backy 51]

I really have no clue from your post as to your aviation background, hardware setup, goals, etc ... but mastering this sim can be fun and rewarding if you put in the time and practice in to learn it.

 

The avionics package in the "Charlie" is the heart and soul of the aircraft and is the key to mastering weapons employment with the aircraft. After all, we're talking about an attack aircraft here, not some Cessna or tubeliner. You're here to put "fire and steel" on target, right?

 

There are no shortcuts ... you must learn it. The training videos, while boring, build your foundation. You must learn a foreign language ... the language of aviation milspeak and all the jargon and acronyms that go with it.

 

Take one aircraft system at a time and learn it ... make your own gouge (cheat sheets).

 

Perhaps start with learning the Navigation functions of the CDU...

 

Especially the interface between the Up Front Controller (UFC) and the CDU ...

 

Then move on to the TAD ... and SADL functions.

 

Check Youtube for instructional material.

 

The DCS A-10C is a study sim. It takes about 18 months for the USAF to create an A-10C piglet pilot ... we're not going to make you one in 30 days.

 

Best advice for this sim is to buy a TM Warthog HOTAS if you have the CPU/GPU hardware to run the sim at high fidelity.

 

Of course, you can just run around and blast away with the GAU-8, but I bet you'll get bored rather quick with that.

 

Good luck in your pursuit of the perfect flight! Feel free to ask questions ... this is a great community and within reason, can solve just about any of your problems.

[Sceptre]

The thing you will use the cdu most frequently for is inputting coordinates normally given by a JTAC. This is a simple process if you have done it a couple of times and I will try to explain it as best I can.

These waypoints would normally be used to locate a ground target if no visual mark is availabe.

1. Set your steerpoint selector switch to the upmost position (mission).

2. On the ufc press the func key and then hit 3. Now on your right mfcd cdu repeater select waypoint.

3. Hit OSB 10 on the right mfcd to change the L/L to UTM

4.Enter the coordinates given by typing it on the cdu keypad. 2 letters and some numbers for utm.

5.Hit osb 16 to enter this

6. Give it a unique name such as TGT1 and press osb 6 to change the name

 

You're done! Now you can enter coordinates. A great way to practice this without anyone but you is simply hit f10 and find a coordinate on the map. Now make sure that L/L (longitude/lattitude) is selected this time and enter the coordinate. If you slave your tgp to this new waypoint, it should be where you had your mouse on the map. If so, congratulations you can now make your own waypoint.

 

There is a wealth of information on this forum with people far more knowledgeable than me so just have a look around and do a few searches. Sorry for the long post but I know exactly how you feel about the cdu being intimidating but in truth it's easier to use than a graphics calculator!

 

Good hunting!

Edited May 3, 2014 by Sceptre

[Scrim]

Also, Markpoints. Once you've picked up registering coordinates, it's very simple. It's not a long stretch to say that Markpoints are almost half the reason to use JDAMs when there's no cloud cover obstructing your view of the target, as they allow you to designate several targets to hit in a single pass.

[cichlidfan]

Thirty minutes of skimming the entire CDU section of the manual will give you enough information to determine which sections are of value to you and which sections are just canned test procedures which serve no actual purpose in the sim. Most of the pages in the manual are dedicated to the latter, which means you can skip them.

[Dudester22]

Thanks for the input Guys. I know a lot about the A10C now, but only few cdu commands like divert and a few other easy ones. I'll take on-board what you have said and just hope I can figure it out. Thanks!