I've been looking at some A-10 shots again today and finally remembered to ask this: To the bottom right of the right MPCD there is something that looks almost like a mini mini mag lite. Anyone know what it is? I don't think it has any function in the sim, is it a teeny light to illuminate the steam gauges for the engines in the event of electric issues? A water tight Aspirin container? Anyone know? Thanks!

It hold Cialis for those late night Red Flag/Vegas outings.

Not that those bad ass pilots have ED, they just want a quick rearm, like DCS. Shut the engines off for 3 minutes and you're good to go again.

Grrr! I read through your message hoping the ending might contain my answer but the finish was a letdown. Sorta keeping with the theme of your reply there

....Anyone know the manufacturer's intent for that thing? The instrument panel thing, not the pill.

As usual I found my answer after even MORE rooting around the net after I searched, gave up and posted a question. It is indeed a map light. Too bad it doesnt work in the sim. Though I haven't flown at night yet, still trying to get my stick to be somewhat usable. No need to comment here Timothy....

LOL! Oh, but it is so tempting. Better me making a snarky comment than Sauron.

Hehe. Sauron and I have never spoken, at least not much, I haven't encountered his snarky side. Yours I'm familiar with after this. Maybe it'll help some other inquisitive plane nerd too.

So...the light is to check whether the Cialis is working?

On the lower right side console is the lighting panel section. The bottom left dial is for Floodlights. Turn this dial up about halfway and your floods will be visible. There is also an Emergency Floodlight switch next to the Battery Inverter - but I would not use this except for starting up.

Start Up Guide

Wrecking Crew

I know about the various twirly light switches WC, I'm talking about this:



PS I'm DEFINITELY giving your startup guide a go soon, thanks for posting that. I found one here that I think had a few left panel vs right panel confusions. If I knew where it was I'd post a note if it hasn't been done already.

I've always wondered about the paracord tied to either side of the cockpit too.

Timothy should be along shortly to explain that one Mace. You won't like the answer.

Haha found out!

Ha!!! That's awesome Mace, thanks for posting that. I think those are the only things in the jet that don't have tooltips.

ya ya, tomcat, it's a floodlight. Turn up the dial.

ya ya, Mace, its a map holder, or a holder for books about aliens. You don't like that guy much; I could tell.

WC

What guy?

Link to Books Forum

Thanks WC that clears things up. I'm not sure what I (it was prolly Mace :D) did to mess this thread up but sorry? I still don't get the turn up the floodlight thing or Mace not liking a guy but I think this thread is getting weird.

SimHQ derailment at it's best!

Hehehe touche! Anyway I'm hoping there are no hard feelings here, I can't even say I know what happened to be honest WC but I hope things are all good.

Tomcat, don't worry, WC was referring to a comment I made on someone in the Books forum

tomcat - just keep turning that dial until you feel comfortable. :-)

Things do get crazy around here - you never know where a thread will go off to. For instance, tonight we are bombing Dear Leader Martha Stewart in her palace in Pyongyangyangyang...

WC

Ha! Oh thank heavens.. I was worried I'd offended you. Then while reading this forum and seeing the sheer amount of help/tutorial threads you've started about this sim I was terrified! I have much to learn and it's too early to be burning bridges with the 'in the know' folks

Well, I try to answer peoples' questions right away, before Mace & - Ice start in with the nutty stuff. Edit - & TIMOTHY.

So back to your question - that tampon holder really is a floodlight and you can turn them all on with the Emergency Floodlight Switch next to the Battery Inverter, or use the Floodlight Dial on the Lighting Control Panel to set the intensity - they are easy to see in the daytime, even. That is the 'dial' I was referring to.

I never got a ruffle - nothing to worry about!


WC

TIME TO BURN DOWN BRIDGES!!!!!!!

Lol, don't worry tomcat. I see you've been registered since 1999, I'm surprised you don't know the SimHQ atmosphere and acceptance of thread derailment and nutty posters. It's a good place to learn and to have a laugh while learning.

WC, I suspect it is a flashlight for the pilot's kneeboard for when he doesn't need/want the other lights in use?

tomcat - I apologize because that cylinder we are talking about won't come on with the Floodlight Dial. I turned up all the controls on the Lighting Panel and could not find a way to light the suppossed dash light.

So here are a couple of screenshots. Hopefully one of the R/L A-10C guys will let us know how that thing should work. I ran my mouse cursor over it, too, and never got an indication that it has its own twist dial. I've always assumed that object was another floodlight, and never noticed that it actually never lit up.

Sorry for all the joking around when I should have actually tested it; I know better!

WC


Mag-light cylinder thing


Lighting Control Panel with everything on


No light from the cylinder

Ahhh that's why I was confused in page one. I didn't think it worked. I see (think?) you have a TrackIR. It's my only birthday gift suggestion this year. If it pans out I'm gonna be stoked! Thanks for the screens! Oh and I'm just guessing but I would guess its turned on like a mini mag lite. Just twist the end. Be interested to know though..

And Ice I've seen the derailment in action, I've just never been on the train

I can't imagine a flight sim world without TrackIR.

And the DCS A-10C cockpit is so lovely it deserves TrackIR.

Welcome to the train then! I hope you have your ticket handy!

And yes, just as I wouldn't fly without a TGP on my wing, I feel crippled without the TIR. It's a must!