Dual Radio

Sitemap

Dual Radios(DR5E)

Dual Radios(DR5EB) with Boeing style panel US$286-00

Dual Radios(DR5EC) with Collins style panel US$286-00

These USB-connected units have two 5-digit 7segment LED displays to enable a wide range of radio configurations. COM1&2 with Standby, NAV1&2 with Standby, ADF1&2, and Transponder are available. A simple to use configuration program is supplied.

The standby display is set by the dual rotary encoder, and is transferred to the active display by pressing the transfer button or switch. The Collins version has additional features, which are explained below.

The correct step-size for NAV and COM radios is automatically set in the configuration program. (ie NAV radios have .05 steps, and COM radios have steps of .02 then .05 then .07 then back to .00)

Ribbon cables are supplied to connect the circuitry to the displays that are already mounted on the rear of the panel, and smoky grey windows are fitted to enhance the readability of the LEDs. Our own specially-built mechanical dual-concentric rotary encoder (complete with knobs), is supplied already fitted to each radio panel.

Two separate layout options are available to choose from :

BOEING Style Radio

Boeing type panel (140mm x 70mm x 6mm)

*** While the real Boeing style radio does not have a frequency memory function like the Collins style radio below, we have allowed for this to be activated by using another pushbutton of your own choice if you wish. There is a push-switch on the small knob of the dual rotary encoder which could be utilised for this if desired.

The panel is made from opal acrylic, so if you wish to do so, it is possible to fit LEDs behind the engraved lettering to create 'back-lighting' for the panel.

We usually paint these panels a mid-grey colour, but if you have the need for a special colour, we may be able to help if we can obtain the correct shade of paint.

COLLINS Style Radio

Collins type panel (61mm x 71mm x 6mm)

The XFR (transfer) and MEM (Memory) switch is a spring-to-centre toggle switch and allows the standby frequency (bottom display) to be transferred to the top display when pressed upwards. The standby display is set by the dual rotary encoder knobs. The smaller knob adjusts the digits to the right of the decimal point, and the larger knob adjusts the digits to the left of the decimal point

The OFF / ON switch is not used in MS Flight Simulator, so it is just a dummy to make the panel look correct. Likewise, the STO and TEST labels are dummies also. On the real Collins radio, the STO button allows the user to set up six frequencies in memory. Our radio allows the user to set up to ten frequencies in memory, and this is done from the configuration screen.

Momentarily pressing the MEM switch down will step through all of the memory frequencies - when you come to the one you want, you press the XFR switch upwards to transfer the memory frequency to the active display.

The panel is made from opal acrylic, so if you wish to do so, it is possible to fit LEDs behind the engraved lettering to create 'back-lighting' for the panel. There is not much room behind this particular panel, so care must be taken.

We usually paint these panels black, but if you have the need for a special colour, we may be able to help if we can obtain the correct shade of paint.

We have posted short video clips of these two radio models actually working : Click on the images to see the videos.

Software

The software runs minimised on the screen, and only needs to be configured the first time it is run. Clicking the 'Run Application' tab will make the radio useable with your flight simulator.

This screenshot shows the supplied configuration software.

This is also where you set the frequency memories if you wish to use them, because the program is always sitting minimised on the screen and easily accessed. Click the 'Settings' tab, type in the required frequencies, then click on the 'Run Application' tab to re-activate the radio. (Minimise it again to remove it from your screen of course.)

Here is a screenshot of the application software running. It starts minimised on the screen but may be expanded for viewing purposes.

Specifications

- USB Connection

- Computer Power Supply Connection (+5Volts only needed)

- Two 3-way terminal blocks for rotary encoders (mechanical or optical)

- One 3-way terminal block for connecting two pushbuttons or switches

- Jumpers to select number of decimal places in display

- Sockets and cables for interconnecting the PCBs

- All Configuration and Application software is supplied

- Dual Rotary Encoder (mechanical) with knobs

- Acrylic faceplate panel with two smoky gray display faces

- The retro-fitting of Optical Rotary Encoders is fully supported if it is ever thought to be necessary

All of our USB connected boards require a licensed copy of FSUIPC to run, and our software is pre-configured with all the applicable FSUIPC offsets. FSUIPC can be purchased at a realistic price here (if you have FS9 and earlier) or here (if you have FSX or ESP).

Collins

Boeing

For Detailed Photos

Please Click Image