TACAN & IFF control heads

[KLaFaille]

Categorize this under nit-picking or for the sake of accuracy, your choice.

I own the real control heads so I thought I'd share some differences between the real thing and what's in the game.

The knobs for adjusting the TACAN channels are parallel to the side of the panel when at the 0 and 5 positions, and have 36 degrees of throw between digits.

For the IFF control head, the four mode test switches, the RAD TEST switch, and the IDENT switch are all spring loaded when in the forward position and return to center upon release. The CODE knob is spring loaded when placed in the hold position and returns to "A" when released. The light dimming shutters for the REPLY and TEST lights have about 45 degrees of rotation between full open and full closed. The transponder code thumb wheels do not have hard stops at 3 or 7 and will roll over back to 0.

Video of the IFF control head:

 

[KLaFaille]

I altered the behavior of the in-game IFF panel by changing the switch types in the clickabledata.lua file from default_3_position_tumb to default_springloaded_up_3pos_switch in lines 73-77 and the knob to default_springloaded_first_knob at line 67. The 3 position switches are fine now, and the knob is spring loaded to HOLD as in real life. However, like the compass sync knob, it does roll over from it's the last non-spring loaded position to the first when left clicking, due to a right click putting it in the spring loaded position.

I didn't do much digging into getting the roller switches being able to advance to 0 on the next left click after they are on 3  or 7, like how the dials on the laser code panel behave. Changing cycle from false to true at line 561 in clickable_dsl.lua did allow the next left click to return the dial to 0, but it counted backwards from 3 or 7, versus rolling over to 0.

It's all a bit pedantic with the IFF test switches not serving any real function in the game, but they do mimic the behavior of the real panel now.

Just for funsies, here's the actual transponder numeral switch in operation. I love the ingenuity and engineering that goes into aircraft parts and pieces.

@Zabuzard

--IFF Panel Pilot
elements["IFF_code_knob_help"] = default_springloaded_first_knob(_("Select Mode 4 Function"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_CODE_Knob, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Code, 4, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_test_reply_help"] = dim_test_lamp(_("IFF Reply Lamp (push to test, rotate to dim)"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_REPLY_LIGHT_PRESS, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_REPLY_LIGHT_ROTATION, cockpit_args.PILOT_IFF_REPLY_LAMP_PUSH, cockpit_args.PILOT_IFF_REPLY_LAMP_ROTATION, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_test_knob_help"] = dim_test_lamp(_("IFF Test Lamp (push to test, rotate to dim)"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_TEST_LIGHT_PRESS, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_TEST_LIGHT_ROTATION, cockpit_args.PILOT_IFF_TEST_LAMP_PUSH, cockpit_args.PILOT_IFF_TEST_LAMP_ROTATION, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_master_knob_help"] = multiposition_switch_limited(_("Select Master Mode"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_MASTER_Knob, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Master, 5, 0.25, false, 0.0, pilot_only)

elements["IFF_audio_help"] = default_3_position_tumb(_("Select Mode 4 Indication"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_AUDIO_LIGHT_SW, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Audio, false, true, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_M1_help"] = default_springloaded_up_3pos_switch(_("M1 Off/On/Test"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_M1_SW, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_1, false, true, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_M2_help"] = default_springloaded_up_3pos_switch(_("M2 Off/On/Test"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_M2_SW, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_2, false, true, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_M3_help"] = default_springloaded_up_3pos_switch(_("M3 Off/On/Test"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_M3_SW, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_3A, false, true, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_MC_help"] = default_springloaded_up_3pos_switch(_("MC Off/On/Test"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_MC_SW, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_C, false, true, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_rad_test_help"] = default_springloaded_up_3pos_switch(_("Set Monitor-Radiation"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_RAD_TEST_SW, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Test, false, true, pilot_only)

elements["IFF_Mode4_help"] = default_2_position_tumb(_("Set Mode 4 On/Off"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_M4_SW, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_4, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_M1_Tens_help"] = multiposition_roller_limited(_("Set M1 code (tens)"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_MODE1_CODE_TENS, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_1_Tens, 8, true, nil, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_M1_Uni_help"] = multiposition_roller_limited(_("Set M1 code (ones)"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_MODE1_CODE_ONES, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_1_Units, 4, true, nil, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_M3_Thousand_help"] = multiposition_roller_limited(_("Set M3 code (thousands)"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_MODE3_CODE_THOUSANDS, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_3A_Thounsands, 8, true, nil, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_M3_Hundred_help"] = multiposition_roller_limited(_("Set M3 code (hundreds)"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_MODE3_CODE_HUNDREDS, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_3A_Hundreds, 8, true, nil, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_M3_Ten_help"] = multiposition_roller_limited(_("Set M3 code (tens)"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_MODE3_CODE_TENS, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_3A_Tens, 8, true, nil, pilot_only)
elements["IFF_M3_Uni_help"] = multiposition_roller_limited(_("Set M3 code (ones)"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_MODE3_CODE_ONES, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Mode_3A_Units, 8, true, nil, pilot_only)
elements["UHF_aux_vol_help011"] = default_springloaded_up_3pos_switch(_("Set Position Identification"), devices.IFF, device_commands.PILOT_IFF_IDENT_MIC_SW, cockpit_args.Pilot_IFF_Ident, false, true, pilot_only)

 

 

[Zabuzard]

Thank you for your work! :)
We will put in the same or similar changes.

[Dominik96]

Good point!
I applied the spring-loaded switches changes. The IFF code number rollers and TACAN knobs position require some art changes so that will come later.

[KLaFaille]

@Dominik96 That's great! I'm glad I was able to contribute something helpful.

Speaking of cockpit art, there’s one other issue that might be addressed. FWIW, the Tomcat module has the same issue. If the IFF and TACAN were nit-picky, this might be next level so feel free to tell me to pound sand.

While the fasteners used to secure control panels might look like regular threaded screws, they are not. They are DZUS (pronounced zeus) fasteners which are spring loaded 1/4 turn fasteners that interface with rails containing regularly spaced holes with a metal wire bisecting them. The fasteners, when perpendicular to the rail they are installed to, are unlocked. When the fastener is turned 90 degrees such that the slot is parallel to the rail and wire, they are locked down. You can see the cam slot of the fasteners in the video of the IFF roller switch I posted earlier.

As they are depicted in the game, the front cockpit has the majority of the fasteners unlocked or somewhere in between locked / unlocked. While most panels are secured to long rails, some panels such as the throttle and de-ice panels are attached to single hole DZUS rails which results in the fastener slot being aligned athwart the cockpit as opposed to forward and aft like the majority of the other panels. The ANTI-SKID / LOX gauge panel has the bottom fasteners locked when the slots are forward / aft and the top ones are locked when athwart. The slats/flaps boost pump gauge panel and caution light panel use similar single hole rails, and the fasteners for those are correctly oriented in game.

In the WSO cockpit, all the fasteners on inboard panels on the right console are in the unlocked position, the right outboard panels are correct. On the left side console, most of the fasteners on the panels are unlocked and should be facing forward / aft. The APX-80A panel isn’t fully seated, it’s pulled out maybe 25-30mm, hanging down, and you can see the DZUS rail the mounting plate of the panel should be parallel to and in contact with. With the rail in that position the fasteners would be locked when the slots are up and down. That may have been how the panel was in the scanned jet, but it’s certainly incorrect for a flight worthy aircraft. Other than the cable harness, there would be nothing securing the panel to the jet. The other three panels left of the radar, as well as the gun camera / AVTR panel have their fasteners unlocked. Likewise, to the right of the radar, the LABS and ECM panels are unlocked and above them you can see the DZUS rails and bisecting wire the fasteners attach to. The TARGET DESIGNATOR panel below the radar has the fasteners unlocked.

Even if the DZUS fasteners as depicted in the game are in the same positions that they were in the real jet that was scanned, most of the panels would be loose or falling out of the consoles if the jet flown with them in those positions.

The following videos from 10% True features cockpit tours of the front and back cockpits of an F-4G at the USAF museum, and show which fasteners should be in which position. While one or two may be unlocked, they are generally positioned as they should be. Unfortunately, the 360-degree views don’t seem to be on the USAF museum website anymore. With the F-4G being a modified F-4E, the DZUS rails are in the same orientation in both.

Pilot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02RQ6sB9Kiw

WSO/EWO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTF8JyCxqiM

Attached below are photos from various Phantoms and stills from a video with an empty cockpit with the DZUS rails exposed . A few images were originally posted by @Diesel_Thunder and the F-4 he works on (short nose Phantom is best Phantom, btw ). He could certainly confirm the correct orientation of the various fasteners. While the front panels and pedestals in both cockpits had many differences between variants, the side console DZUS rails were generally the same.

[Zabuzard]

On 6/22/2024 at 12:50 PM, KLaFaille said:

While the fasteners used to secure control panels might look like regular threaded screws, they are not. They are DZUS (pronounced zeus) fasteners which are spring loaded 1/4 turn fasteners that interface with rails containing regularly spaced holes with a metal wire bisecting them. The fasteners, when perpendicular to the rail they are installed to, are unlocked. When the fastener is turned 90 degrees such that the slot is parallel to the rail and wire, they are locked down. You can see the cam slot of the fasteners in the video of the IFF roller switch I posted earlier.

Excellent observation and thanks for the pictures

Unsure though if it can still be fixed, given that its spotted so late now only and that its a rather low prio issue

[KLaFaille]

7 hours ago, Zabuzard said:

Excellent observation and thanks for the pictures

Unsure though if it can still be fixed, given that its spotted so late now only and that its a rather low prio issue

Understood. It's not something that affects anything or which would even be noticed unless you know, so maybe one day down the road. At the very least it's something to keep in mind and apply when researching and modeling future cockpits / modules.

Have a good one.

[II.JG1_Vonrd]

@KLaFaille are you an aircraft mechanic? Only a mechanic would have noticed this... I'm one and I hadn't noticed but now I can't un-see it... 

[KLaFaille]

7 hours ago, II.JG1_Vonrd said:

@KLaFaille are you an aircraft mechanic? Only a mechanic would have noticed this... I'm one and I hadn't noticed but now I can't un-see it... 

Not aircraft, no. Quite the opposite, actually. Instead of things up at 35K it's things down below "in excess of 800 feet."

Many, many moons ago I had ambitions of building an A-10C pit using mil-spec parts, Amphenol connectors, the whole nine. I collected a ton of real panels, throttles, gauges, ADI, HSI, even an ARC-210 head. All that along with some DZUS rails, a bag of a couple hundred fasteners, and the installation tools are floating around here somewhere. I gained a lot of knowledge through research, reading mil-specs, tech pubs, manuals, so that's how I tend to notice discrepancies like this.

I totally understand not being able to un-see it. Sorry about that.