CDU -- what do you use it for?

[-Ice]

I've just "tried" reading the CDU parts of the game manual and after just a few pages, I must admit I'm stumped, bored, and sleepy.

 

I mainly use my CDU to set waypoint-changing from Auto to Manual, and do the occasional MGRS coordinates input for when JTAC doesn't give me the red triangle symbol on the TAD. Or for adding new waypoints. Aside from these useful stuff, I've also used the CDU to consult divert airfield's radio/ILS/TACAN settings. Other than that, I barely touch the CDU.

 

I was wondering what other uses there is for the CDU, and how often do you use it? Obviously I am hoping to learn something practical and useful...

 

Someone once told me that it is possible to view ground speed (for taxiing) via the CDU but I can't seem to find how this is done.

[Wichid]

I use it for airfield info on the divert page.

[Joyride]

Flight plan creation/edits, diverts, creating waypoints, creating anchor points with MP wingmen, checking winds...use it almost every single flight.

[wess24m]

I use it every flight for divert, mark points waypoints, ect ect. Regardless of how many videos I watch on jtac entry I alway get the cords that are saying its 800+ miles away. I don't know if I need to change the t38 whatever whatever....

 

I can utilize the cdu and all other aircraft systems no problem, not sure what I'm doing wrong here. I get the cords from jtac, name my newly created waypoint, enter the jtac cords then switch to mission, change to the waypoint and always get a distance 800+ miles away.

 

I'm about to make a video or track so somebody can see if they can see what I'm doing wrong.

[dooom]

wess24m - make sure you are using the proper grid reference - getting a huge distance error usually implies you are on the wrong grid ref.

 

Here is a good post for reference to understand when you should change between 37T or 38T:

 

The problem with the 800 mi off waypoint is most definitely the spheroid... have a look at the Map TC-1 from the DCS website:

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/documentation/tc-1/

 

Careful it is huuuuge, open it will take some time!

 

Look for the blue grid (MGRS/UTM) and around Zugdidi and Senaki there is the change from spheroid 38T to 37T the GG zone is in the 37T spheroid.

 

Sorry I missed that when looking at the screenshot.:doh:

 

To change that input 37T in the scratchpad and press the OSB beside the "[]38T WGS84" entry (OSB17/18?) then enter the GGxxxyyy MGRS/UTM coordinates...:thumbup:

 

Good luck!

[jeffyd123]

why cant it talk like the GPS in my car LOL.

[wess24m]

wess24m - make sure you are using the proper grid reference - getting a huge distance error usually implies you are on the wrong grid ref.

 

Here is a good post for reference to understand when you should change between 37T or 38T:

 

 

 

Good luck!

 

perfect :) thx have some rep

[RodBorza]

I've just "tried" reading the CDU parts of the game manual and after just a few pages, I must admit I'm stumped, bored, and sleepy.

 

I mainly use my CDU to set waypoint-changing from Auto to Manual, and do the occasional MGRS coordinates input for when JTAC doesn't give me the red triangle symbol on the TAD. Or for adding new waypoints. Aside from these useful stuff, I've also used the CDU to consult divert airfield's radio/ILS/TACAN settings. Other than that, I barely touch the CDU.

 

Basically the same. I also use the CDU for inputs on the Wind pag. Useful if you are using unguided munitions.

[Zenra]

Someone once told me that it is possible to view ground speed (for taxiing) via the CDU but I can't seem to find how this is done.

From the STEERPOINT page (and maybe the Waypoint pages, too) press the LSK next to IAS. This cycles the speed readout to True Airspeed (TAS), to Ground Speed (GS) and then back to Indicated Airspeed.

[lobo]

Winds aloft info - use the CDU WAYPT page to display winds aloft info.

 

Groundspeed - go to CDU POSINFO page and using the airspeed LSK toggle CDU speed between IAS/TAS/GS

 

MACH - (if you want a laugh) from CDU POSINFO page.

Edited December 10, 2011 by lobo**

[joey45]

I use it as a cup holder..........

 

Hold on, are we talking about the samething here??:huh:

[Agiel7]

To input co-ordinates for a 9-line brief in conjunction with my HSI whenever the JTAC gives me an attack heading. If they don't, I just use the TAD page to designate a SPI instead.

[PeterP]

Didn't you saw the over 100 pages in the flight-manual that are explaining only 50% what can be done with the CDU ...?! :music_whistling:

:D

 

Edit:

Ups! -only answered to the thread-title... now I re-read you question again and realised you felt asleep while starting to look at the fist pages that are explaining the CDU... (to be honest: happened to me also.... - but a pack of caffeine-tablets can do sometimes miracles ....)

Should we really quote what is written in the manual in this thread?! ;)

 

BTW: don't read all at once and try to remember all without training...

Do Only one lesson at a time!

 

1+ for using it as cup-holder!!

Edited December 10, 2011 by PeterP

[-Ice]

Lol, I know there are lots of uses for the CDU, but surely we do not use them all. I am wondering what other pilots use it most for.

 

As for finding ground speed, I cannot seem to find the IAS line. Here are the two pages of the Steerpoint sub-page:

 

What am I doing wrong?

[Frostiken]

I just played with it until I figured out most of the stuff on my own. It's not like you'll break it.

[Merlin216]

Lol, I know there are lots of uses for the CDU, but surely we do not use them all. I am wondering what other pilots use it most for.

 

As for finding ground speed, I cannot seem to find the IAS line. Here are the two pages of the Steerpoint sub-page:

 

What am I doing wrong?

 

I think you need to be on the Position Page (selected by the rotation knob on the bottom right corner of the CDU section) instead of other. I don't think the speed shows up on any other page.

[wess24m]

I had a question, once you use the divert function how do you get your original flight plan back?

[-Ice]

Thanks Merlin, found it!

[lobo]

 

As for finding ground speed, I cannot seem to find the IAS line. Here are the two pages of the

 

What am I doing wrong?

 

UFC>FUNC>POS

 

MFCD to CDU select LSK7 to cycle between IAS, TAS, GS.

[Fuzzysham]

I had a question, once you use the divert function how do you get your original flight plan back?

 

This. I have wondered this as well.

[eagledeer]

Just toggle through to the first way point, no?

[wess24m]

Just toggle through to the first way point, no?

 

haha, I guess i've never tried that but it makes sense, give it a shot tonight. :pilotfly:

[wojasos]

Toggle the left (IIRC) switch to Flight Plan.