Radio Navigation Simulator
Version 2.0
Introductory Note - Download Resources |
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Supporting notes and charts, for the four exercise routes, and charts for the synthetic flight area, are available for download as PDF files. A Single tap on the Settings Icon, will present the Settings Options Page, on this page Single tap the Download Navex Charts and Notes button, and a Downloads webform will be displayed. Complete the required form fields, and select the file download format, either Zip or PDF. Submit the form, and an email will be sent your email address, containing a URL link to the download site. An internet connection is required for this action. The downloaded file is in PDF format, which can be either printed, or it can be read in iBooks or similar. The printed version is recommended as it can be used alongside RNS as reference material, when flying any of the four exercises. |
Overview
Radio Navigation Simulator, referred to subsequently as RNS, is a 2D flight simulator, operating in a synthetic flight environment of navigation beacons and airfields.
RNS is equipped with flight instruments, flight controls, radio navigation instruments and receivers, enabling the user to practice radio navigation techniques and procedures, by flying the simulator in the synthetic flight environment, where all activity is depicted on a display chart.
A management system is also incorporated, enabling full control of the facilities of RNS.
This User Manual document provides an introduction to RNS, describing its basic facilities and operation.
Getting Started
| RNS ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS | |||||||||
The On-Screen display of RNS, comprises of:
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| RNS - Typical Display - A PRO Panel | ||
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| The User Interface Control | |||||||||||||||
The User interface operates using On Screen Finger Gestures to interact with the User manageable features and facilities of RNS. The User interfaces, for the iPad, iPhone and iPod, are all based on the same design, and each interface control point, has been carefully designed and located, to provide easy and direct access, when its management gesture is applied. The on screen Finger Gestures used to interface with the User manageable features and facilities of RNS, comprise of the following:
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Back to Index
| RNS Facilities | |||||||||||||||||||
The available RNS Panel Instruments are:
Flight Controls: Flight control is achieved by use of the five button control bar. The centre button acts as an indicator of aircraft attitude when a manoeuvre is being made. This button when single tapped, also terminates a manoeuvre, cancelling all of the control button selections.
The Top and Bottom tool bars contain Icon activated facilities and displays
There are in addition to the facilities visible on the normal display, other embedded features, these comprise of:
These are all activated by touching various Instrument Panel and Mapping Pane components of the RNS display. Each RNS facility, is described in the following sections. |
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The Multi-Page Menu Facilities:
| Overview |
The Multi-Page Menu Structure is external to the operation of the simulator. It is accessed by two independant paths:
The following Menu Pages are included in the structure:
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| THE LANDING PAGE | ||||||||||||
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| THE FLIGHT PANEL SELECTION MENU PAGE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| THE EVIRONMENT & EXERCISES PAGE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Default Settings | |
Default start up settings allow RNS to be used immediately. RNS may be started by making a single tap on any of the FLY buttons. When the simulator is presented make a single tap on the Pause Icon The Default Setting may be changed to User requirements at any time, either by making a single tap on the Settings Icon |
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from within the multi-page menu structure, or alternatively with a single tap on the Exit/Menu Icon 
from within the simulator, and making changes in the Settings Options within the multi-page menu structure.The Top Toolbar Facilities:
| THE TOP TOOLBAR |
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PAUSE ICON |
This icon, when a single tap is made on it, Pauses or Un-Pauses the RNS. The Paused state is indicated by the Icon being highlighted with a white line around it. The Pause Icon may be toggled off - by single tapping the Icon again. |
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MAPPING TOOLS ICON |
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This Icon, when a single tap is made on it, invokes a Mapping Tools Toolbar. The selected state is indicated by the Icon being highlighted with a white line around it, and the presentation of the Mapping Tools Toolbar at the bottom of the display area.
The Mapping Tools Toolbar may be toggled off by making a further single tap on the Mapping tools Icon. |
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| Back to Index | ||
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The Stopwatch Timer - display |
This display behaves as an elapsed time enunciator, and as an Icon for its control. It is a three way toggle, with each toggled mode selected by a cyclic touching of the Icon/Display. The modes are ordered sequentially:
The timer will run for 99 minutes, before resetting itself to zero. |
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HELP ICON |
The Help Icon opens the embedded 'Getting Started' Help |
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EXIT/MENU ICON |
The Exit/Menu Icon when single tapped, pauses and exits the RNS, then returns to the External Menu Structure, where it displays the last menu page, that was visited prior to flight. |
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The Bottom Toolbar Facilities:
| THE BOTTOM TOOLBAR |
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TIME COMPRESSION ICON |
This Icon when touched and selected ON, invokes a time compression algorithm, which causes time to pass at an accelerated rate. The selected state is indicated by the Icon being highlighted with a white line around it. (The Time Compression Icon may be toggled off by touching the Icon again.) |
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SIMULATOR TIME Indicator |
This is a display of normal simulator time. If the Time Compression algorithm is invoked, the time will pass at the accelerated rate. |
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LATITUDE & LONGITUDE Display |
This is a dynamic reference display of the position of the RNS (Aircraft Map Symbol) in Latitude and Longitude. |
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WIND VELOCITY Indicator |
This Indicator is both an enunciator of the Wind Velocity active in the RNS flight Environment, and an Icon which when touched invokes the wind management toolbars |
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MAXIMISE - MINIMISE MAP PANE Icon | ||
This Icon when touched maximises the mapping pane area of the display, and as a by product reduces the flight panel into a smaller area, where most of the instruments are displayed in a smaller form or as numeric displays. The selected state is indicated by the Icon being highlighted with a white line around it, and the presentation of the maximised mapping pane and minimised flight panel. In this mode, all toolbar facilities are available, as are found in the normal sized panel. (The Maximise Map Pane Icon, may be toggled off - by touching the Icon again.)
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| The Flight Panel | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There are two configurations of the Flight Panel in the simulator, these are the Main and the Mini Flight Panel. Both have been designed to enable the user to easily read the instruments, control the simulator, and to manipulate the control interface using finger touch gestures. The Main Flight Panel is depicted in two forms either the PRO Flight Panels or the single original RNS V1.0 panel, now referred to as the Basic Flight Panel. These flight panel displays contains all of the instruments and manipulative icons required to fully operate the simulator.
The Mini Flight Panel is displayed only when the map is maximised. In this mode the instrumentation is displayed in an abbreviated but functional form, as in the Directional Gyro, which is replaced with digital displays for Aircraft Heading and Heading Bug. The VOR and ADF however are represented by minimalised instruments, that still provide useable navigation information, for short periods of occasional use.
On the Maxi Map Display, the basic flight panel functionality is provided to allow useful on going navigation and flight control, whilst the maximised mapping pane is being utilised to view a larger area, at a higher scaling.
The VOR Deviation Display Indicator may be displayed in the left or right side of the flight panel area. Its associated Pop-Up Toolbars, which are activated with a double Tap within the area of the VOR panel instrument, allows its associated NAV 1 or NAV 2 receiver to be tuned, and the OBS to be set. On the main Flight Panel the OBS can also be set by using a Rotation Finger gesture where the OBS compass card, is rotated to a new value, by describing with a finger, a circular rotation that follows the circumference of the instrument face. The OBS Compass Card will move whilst the finger remains in contact with the screen. The Touch and Press gesture is also incorporated in the rotation, to display the data enunciator during the rotation. The data enunciator remains visible for 2 seconds after the finger has been removed. NB: The tuned beacon facility may be either a pure VOR or VOR/DME.
The ADF Display Indicator can only be displayed on the right side of the flight panel area. Its associated Pop-Up Toolbars, which are activated with a finger touch within the area of the ADF panel instrument, allows its associated ADF receiver to be tuned, and the mode of operation switched between RBI or RMI operation.
The Dual Needle RMI Indicator can only be displayed on the right side of the flight panel area. Its associated Pop-Up Toolbars, which are activated with a finger touch within the area of the Dual Needle RMI panel instrument, allows its associated ADF receiver to be tuned, and the NAV receiver switched between NAV1 or NAV2 receiver for the VOR 'ADF' needle feed. The NAV1 or NAV2 receiver is tuned by double tapping on the face of the NAV1 or NAV2 CDI display, to display the associated Pop-Up control panel.
The Navaid Receiver Indicator Icons show which Navaid Receiver is providing data to its associated flight panel Navaid Display Instrument. A Navaid Receiver Indicator/Selector Icon capable of selecting either a NAV1 or NAV2 Instrument, is located on the leftside of the panel display. A similar Navaid Receiver Indicator/Selector is located on the rightside of the panel. The selection options for this Indicator depend upon the instrument fit of the flight panel. The table below shows all possible options for these indicators to be set to, with either an ADF or a Dual Needle RMI installed.
The Navaid Receiver/Indicator Icons shown in the above table that have a GREY coloured surround, may be set directly on the flight panel by a single finger tap. Those with a GREEN coloured surround are set from the ADF Pop-Up control panel, by tapping to toggle the RMI/RBI button. The ADF Pop-Up is activated with a double tap on the face of the ADF instrument.
The Navaid Receiver/Indicator Icons shown in the above table that have a GREY coloured surround, may be set directly on the flight panel by a single finger tap. Those with a BLUE coloured surround are set from the ADF Pop-Up control panel, by tapping to toggle the N1/N2 button. The N1/N2 button, determines whether NAV1 Radio or NAV2 Radio feeds the VOR 'ADF' needle. The ADF Pop-Up is activated with a double tap on the face of the Dual Needle RMI instrument.
The DME Indicator Unit This indicator displays the following facilities:
The Navaid Receiver Data Source indicator, shows whether the DME is slaved to NAV1 or NAV2. A single tap on the Navaid Receiver Data Source indicator will toggle the navaid receiver data source (and the Indicator) between either NAV1 receiver or NAV2 receiver. The VOR facility that has been tuned to either the NAV1, or the NAV2 flight panel Pop-Up toolbar, requires to have an associated DME capability in order for the DME to operate. This is shown in the facility type display area on the Pop-Up toolbar. The aircraft also requires to be within radio reception range of the tuned facility.
The Directional Gyro The Dgyro does not suffer from regular flight inaccuracies, and is automatically kept synchronised to the magnetic compass. It also includes a Heading Bug. Its associated Pop-Up control toolbar, which is activated with a Double Tap within the area of the Directional Gyro flight panel instrument, allows both the Heading and the Heading Bug to be set the required headings. On the main Flight Panel the Heading Bug can be set by using a Rotation finger gesture where the Heading Bug, is rotated to a new value, by describing with a finger, a circular rotation that follows the circumference of the instrument face. The Heading Bug will move whilst the finger remains in contact with the screen. The Touch and Press gesture is also incorporated in the rotation, to display the data enunciator during the rotation. When the Mini Flight Panel is in use, the current Aircraft Heading and Heading Bug values are presented as Digital Displays. The Directional Gyro Flight Panel Pop-Up toolbar is invoked with a Double Tap on either Digital Display area. The values for Aircraft Heading and Heading Bug are then set as normal
The Horizontal Situation Indicator - HSI The HSI compass gyro in RNS, does not suffer from regular flight inaccuracies, and is automatically kept synchronised to the magnetic compass. A Heading Bug is also present.. The HSI course deviation indicator (CDI), is always slaved to the NAV 1 Radio. Because the HSI is effectively two instruments in one casing, it requires a different method of management in RNS, compared to the other panel instruments.
When the Mini Flight Panel is in use, the current Aircraft Heading and Heading Bug values are presented as Digital Displays, on the Basic Panel, and as Mini instruments on all PRO panels.
The Airspeed Display
The flight model of the RNS operates at steady airspeeds, unaffected by regular flight variables. True airspeed (TAS) in knots is displayed and it may be altered whenever the Aircraft (A/C) Pop-Up Toolbar is invoked with a Double Tap, on either the Airspeed or Altitude Digital Display areas.
The Altitude Display
The flight model of the RNS operates at stable altitudes, unaffected by regular flight variables. The altitude, in feet, of the aircraft may be altered whenever the Aircraft Pop-Up Toolbar is invoked with a Double Tap on the either the Airspeed or Altitude Digital Display areas After the Airspeed or the Altitude has been incremented or decremented, the Pop-Up toolbar may be closed, by pressing OK. The Flight Panel - Flight Controls IconsFlight Controls: This set of Five Icons allow the user to fly the simulator.
The Icons indicate the directions of: Climb, Descend, Turn Left, Turn Right.
The Centre Icon returns ALL activity to a null state, and also diagrammatically illustrates the selected activity. Each Icon illuminates when selected by a Single Tap. Two Icons may be selected together to cause the aircraft to, for example, 'Turn Right and Climb'. Either of the two states may be de-activated individually to leave the other state active
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| Flight Panel Pop-Up Toolbars & Enunciators | |||||||||||||||||||
Two modes exist to manage the Flight Panel PopUp Toolbars and Data Enunciators. Mode One - Full Control In this mode - The chosen instrument or display is Double Tapped to activate, and Double Tapped to dismiss. When selected, the toolbar is raised into the display, and partially overlays the bottom area of the flight panel, which itself been raised slightly during the process, to minimise the loss of visibility to important flight instruments. The Enunciator at the same time, is raised and located over the panel coaming showing associated data. Management activity can then take place. Mode Two - Data Inspection In this mode - A finger is placed in contact with the screen, on the chosen instrument, and held in place. Whilst the finger is held in place, the Enunciator Only is displayed in its normal position over the panel coaming. This allows the data associated with the chosen instrument to be displayed for inspection. The Enunciator remains visible whilst the finger is in contact with the screen. Upon removal of the finger contact, the Enunciator is dismissed, after a two second delay.
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| NAV1 and NAV2 Pop-Up Toolbars | |||
The NAV1 and NAV2 Pop-Up Toolbars are identical in operation, they differ only in that the NAV1 toolbar is invoked when the VOR1 Deviation Indicator is Double Tapped, and the NAV2 toolbar is invoked when the VOR2 Deviation Indicator is Double Tapped.
They both operate in the same manner and provide the following facilities: A finger touchable Toolbar is displayed at the bottom of the flight panel area, and a data enunciator display appears above the flight panel.
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| ADF and Dual Needle RMI - Pop-Up Toolbars | |||
The ADF Pop-Up toolbar is invoked when either the ADF or the Dual Needle RMI Indicator Double Tapped.
It provides the following facilities: A finger touchable Toolbar is displayed at the bottom of the flight panel area, and a data enunciator display appears above the flight panel.
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| Directional Gyro and HSI Directional Gyro - Pop-Up Toolbar | |||
The DGYRO Pop-Up toolbars are invoked when the Directional Gyro Instrument, or the right side of the HSI face, is Double Tapped.
It provides the following facilities: A finger touchable Toolbar is displayed at the bottom of the flight panel area, and a data enunciator display appears above the flight panel.
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| Airspeed and Altitude Pop-Up Toolbars | ||
The Airspeed & Altitude Pop-Up toolbars are invoked when either, the Airspeed, or Altitude Instrument is Double Tapped.
It provides the following facilities: A finger touchable Toolbar is displayed at the bottom of the flight panel area, and a data enunciator display appears above the flight panel.
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| Wind Pop-Up Toolbars | ||
The WIND Pop-Up toolbar is invoked when the Digital Wind display panel, located on the bottom toolbar bar is Double Tapped.
It provides the following facilities: A finger touchable Toolbar is displayed at the bottom of the flight panel area, and a data enunciator display appears above the flight panel.
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Back to Index
| The Mapping Pane Facilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The mapping pane occupies the remainder of the display above the flight panel or mini flight panel. Navigation beacons, radials, airfields, waypoints, and exercise tracks, are displayed in the mapping pane. Also displayed is the aircraft symbol, which indicates the position, heading and speed of the simulator. When the aircraft reaches the edge of the display area, and no attempt is made to re-scale the display to contain the aircraft, then after a short period, the aircraft is automatically re-centred on the display.
A Track Trail Plot is also available which may be displayed or suppressed at User discretion, using the Icon on the Mapping Toolbar. The Mapping Pane displays a Static Map with a Moving Aircraft
A Track Trail Plot - Showing Holding Pattern
The following facilities and navigation beacon types are incorporated in the simulator:
Management of the Mapping Pane: The chart can be scaled and panned within the mapping pane by use of the following gestures;
A set of SCALE BUTTONS that increment or decrement the scale of the mapping pane, are also provided on the Mapping Toolbar. These Scale buttons allow manual control of the chart scale, as an alternative to using on screen gestures.
Navaid and Facility Toolbar: This toolbar is invoked by Double Tapping one of the facilities listed below, the facility related toolbar is displayed at the top of the display immediately below the Top Toolbar. The following facilities when Double Tapped, invoke their Navaid and Facility Pop Up Toolbar, and provide navigation data about the facility:
The Pop-Up toolbar for each facility type displays the data for the chosen facility, and in addition each offers the common ability, to allow the aircraft to be located at the On Top position of the selected facility. In addition the Pop-Up toolbar for each radio navigation facility, provides the means to insert the radio frequency information for the chosen beacon, into either NAV1, NAV2 or the ADF Standby Receiver tuning Pop-Up Enunciators, as is appropriate for the beacon type.
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Co-located Facilities Icon |
Where facilities are co-located or closely adjacent to one another, and visual discrimination of each facility from the chart, at the selected scale is not possible, then the Co-located Facilities Icon on each Pop-Up toolbar, which is normally Greyed Out By tapping on the Co-located Facilities Icon the user can individually display each of the co-located, or adjacent facilities, that are present at the stylus tap location, and choose the required facility from amongst them. |
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and will become active.
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GoTo On Top a Facility |
This procedure is identical for all types of facility. The following example relocates the aircraft to On Top a NDB facility: Double Tap the chart symbol for the chosen NDB facility, and its Pop-Up toolbar will be displayed at the top of the mapping display area. The chosen NDB facility will be temporarily re-centred in the mapping display area Tap the Pop-Up toolbar Aircraft Goto On Top Icon |
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NAV 1 - Tune Receiver Facility |
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NAV 1 - Tune Receiver Facility |
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ADF 1 - Tune Receiver Facility |
Using the Tune Receiver Facility - This is available when a radio navigation facility is finger touched to display the Chart Pop-Up toolbar. The ADF Tune Receiver facility is available when an NDB is selected, and the NAV1 or NAV2 Tune Receiver facilities are available in all other cases. A VOR-DME is used as an example to demonstrate the Tune Receiver facility: To initiate, and set up, the radio frequency parameters for the chosen VOR-DME, the required NAV1 On selecting, for example, NAV1 as the receiver to tune, the NAV1 Icon will illuminate indicating it has been selected. To use the facility, use the Change Over button to insert the facility into the USE Receiver Data panes. Note: The DME display will require the NAV pane set to N1, to receive the DME component of the signal. |
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| The Mapping Toolbar | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Icons and buttons on the Mapping Toolbar are activated and de-activated by use of a Single Tap Gesture, except the Clear Track Plot button, which requires Double Tap, to prevent inadvertent deletion. |
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The Mapping Toolbar contains the following facilities:
This is an alternative to the regular method of chart scale and chart panning which is achieved using on-screen gestures:
The Eight Mapping Pane Management Icons:
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