Communications Radios — Articles / Posts — Flaps 2 Approach

Navigation and M-COMM radio. Note the even backlighting and well defined seven -segmented displays. Also note DZUS connectors

The avionics that are used in the center pedestal are important; they are used regularly, are always visible, must function correctly, and be robust to sustain long use.

This review will discuss the radios produced by Flight Deck Solutions (FDS). In particular, the navigation (NAV 1/2), multi-comm (M-COMM) and ADF (1/2) communication radios.

The navigation and M-COMM radios are USB driven, while the ADF radios use Ethernet.

For brevity, I’ll discuss the construction of the panels together, as each of the panels has been constructed and along similar grounds, and functions similarly.

The navigation radio is a single channel radio unit designed to handle navigation frequency selection and management.

The M-COMM is a multi-channel communications radio that replicates the latest radio used in the Next Generation airframe. The radio encapsulates VHF 1, VHF 2 and VHF 3, HF, HF2 and AM. For simulation purposes, the M-COMM is an advantage to those who only wish to purchase one communications radio, rather than the two radios (COM 1 and COM 2) traditionally used.

fds ADF radio with rear of radio in background. The finish of the panel is above par. Note that the ADF/ANT and OFF/ON switches can be toggled, but are not functional

Appearance and Construction

The panels are constructed using the same technique that FDS to fabricate their Main Instrument Panel (MIP).

Each upper panel is made from CNC machined acrylic which produces a very crisp finish and allows any stencilled letter cut-outs to be very well defined. Each of the radios use a dual concentric rotary encoder with a stainless steel stem.

High Quality

The knobs and switches, which are custom machine injected, are true to life and are tactile in feel. As you click through the frequencies the movement is stable and well defined. There is no catching from the encoder as the knobs are turned. The push keys are plastic moulded, back-lit and work flawlessly; they do not stick in the down position when depressed, and click back into position when pressure is released. The frequency displays are seven-segmented display and are very easy to read.

The colours of the digits are amber yellow for the navigation and ADF radios and warm white for the M-COMM radio. The seven segmented display in the ADF radio is a slightly different font to the those in the navigation and M-COMM radios. The colour is also a tad more orange in hue. Although slightly different, this doesn’t distract from the overall appearance.

Layer cake design to accommodate the circuitry and the easy to use push clips to connect 5 Volt power (IBL). Also, note that the circuitry board is not flush to the edge of the panel, enabling the radio to drop easily onto DZUS rails (drop & fly). Also note the inclusion of OEM DZUS fasteners

Construction

The electronic components needed for the radios to function are contained within each panel.

As such, The radios do not require interfacing with an interface card and are literally ‘plug and fly’. The decision by FDS to incorporate all the circuitry within the panels minimises the wiring required, and the problem in finding space to attach an interface card.

Depending on the radio, there are up to three layers that various electronic circuitry is attached, that includes integrated backlighting (IBL). The front panel of the radio is backed by a piece of grey-coloured aluminium that adds strength to the unit and assists to dissipate heat from the 5 volt bulbs used to backlight the panel. An electronics friend had a look at the electronics and was impressed with quality of the electronics board.

What this amounts to is a well presented avionics panel that accurately replicates the radio in the Boeing 737 aircraft. The radios are 1:1 in size.

Painting and Finish

All panels fabricated by Flight Deck Solutions, which includes the radios, are professionally painted in Boeing grey.

Rather than one coat of paint which can easily be chipped, FDS apply several thin coats of paint to increase the durability of the final layer. Although this point may appear token, the quality of paint and how it’s applied is important, because the radios will be used for many years, and during the course of operation you will be placing pens, clipboards, charts, coffee cups (etc) on the center pedestal and the radios. Further, as the radio panels are flat, dust will accumulate requiring dusting and cleaning. Low quality paint will scratch, fade and wear thin within a short period of time. In my opinion, the quality of workmanship used by FDS, when it comes to painting is second to none.

DZUS Compliant

If you are using OEM parts in the simulator, in particular the center pedestal, then any panel that is DZUS compliant is advantageous, because it enables the panel to be dropped directly onto the DZUS rails to be secured by DZUS fasteners. The radios can be placed directly onto the rails of an OEM center pedestal and the DZUS fasteners turned to secure the radio to the rail.

FDS IBL Series Distribution Expansion Board. This board, the size of a credit card, enables 5 Volts to be distributed to several panels. The coloured wires connect to 5 volts

Integrated Backlighting (IBL) and Power requirements

The radio panels are evenly backlit by FDS’s integrated backlighting (IBL). IBL has been designed specifically to backlight panels in the identical fashion as is done in the real Boeing aircraft.

Rather than use LEDS for backlighting, FDS use OEM bulbs. The primary advantage of IBL is the ‘throw of light’ which is greater from a single bulb than a LED (which is pin point). The only way to achieve a similar light coverage to bulbs with an LED, is to use several LEDS mounted in close proximity to each other.

Another point for consideration is that bulbs have a different colour temperature to LEDs. Bulbs are warmer and produce a soft golden glow as opposed to LEDs that generate a harsher cooler light

The backlighting is superb. The ‘throw of light’ covers all the stencilled letters and there are no dark or bright spots. The only downside of IBL (if there is one), and this really doesn’t deserve mention, is that bulbs generate quite a bit of heat. The life of a bulb is also less than a LED, however, FDS claim their bulbs have a life span of ~40,000 hours.

To power the backlighting will require a 5 volt power supply. Although 5 Volts can be connected directly to the connectors on the rear of the panel, it’s recommended to use a IBL Series Distribution Expansion Board (FDS IBL DIST).

The expansion board will enable 5 volt power to be shared between several panels. It’s all pretty straightforward and involves connecting some prefabricated wires with clips to the rear of each radio and to the card. The card is then connected directly to the 5 Volt power supply. The card I use is secured within the innards of the center pedestal.

To power the M-COMM 12 volts is required, in addition to 5 Volts for backlighting.

Connection and Set-up

If you are using avionics software other than ProSim737, software will need to be downloaded from the Flight Deck Solutions website (Texworx).

The software is very easy to use and installation self explanatory.

Configuration of the radios is done via the software and involves indicating which NAV module is operated by which pilot (Captain or first Officer). The M-COMM module uses the same software (you check the option for this panel during set-up). The software is not required if using ProSim737.

If using ProSim737 avionic software, the ProSim-AR generic driver will recognise the FDS radios when they are plugged into your computer. The radios will need to be configured (Captain or First Officer) and this is done in the config/driver section of ProSim737.

The concept of USB doesn’t need discussion, however, the ADF radios are connected via Ethernet.

While it's possible to connect each radio separately to the main network switch, it’s easier to use a smaller network switch as a hub. The switch I’ve used is supplied by FDS, is relatively small, can handle 8 Ethernet devices (expandability), and can be mounted into the center pedestal. A single Ethernet cable then connects the FDS switch (hub) to the main network switch (and then to your computer).

If using Prosim737 avionics software, the radios (USB or Ethernet) can be connected to and run from the client computer.

Rear of ADF radio showing PCB, rear of encoders and push clips

Reliability and Performance

I’ve had the occasional dropout of the navigation and M-COMM radios, however, the ADF radios have worked flawlessly.

I suspect that the reason for the navigation and M-COMM radios dropping out, is that the USB cables are connected to a powered hub, along with several other items.

I did trial the Tekworx software (using Sim Avionics) and I had several dropouts with the navigation radios that could not be rectified. These dropouts stopped when I transferred to ProSim737.

In some radios, there is a time lag when charging the radio frequency. This time lag may be system dependent and/or a response to the limitations of USB. This delay is not evident with the FDS radios.

Support

Support from FDS is either directly via e-mail or by a dedicated forum. The support provided by FDS is outstanding and all e-mails are answered in a timely manner.

Quick List (pros and cons)

PROS

Well designed & constructed (plug and fly).
Excellent workmanship.
Excellent painting.
Realistic Integrated Back-Lighting (IBL) with excellent illumination.
Realistic quality machine-injected switches & rotaries.
Size ratio is 1:1.
Very high attention to detail.
OEM DZUS compliant (drop & fly).
Easy to use and set-up software (if not using ProSim737).
M-COMM radio ideal if space is limited in pedestal.
Native support for Sim Avionics and ProSim737.

CONS

Expensive price (subjective).
Tekworx software (V 1.8.8. & V 1.9.9) caused disconnection (drop-outs), however, no issues when using ProSim737.

Final Call

The radios are solid, well constructed and the attention to detail is as you would expect from Flight Deck Solutions. The quality of the radios is very high and suits the high-end enthusiast to professional market.

My rating for the Tekworx software is 5/10 (V1.8.8. & V 1.9.9)

My rating for the modules is 9/10

Please note that this review is my opinion only and is not endorsed.