PM rCDU talk...

[Nick1150]

So I intalled the rCDU on my server and it runs on the right part of my CDU bay screen. Works fine...

Can you guys please tell me how do you use your Project Magenta rCDU in your cockpit ?

I would like to know how the real rCDU works, cause I really do not know.

Please note that I do not have a second CDU hardware unit yet... My primary CDU is Engravity. So I would like to know if it's worth the money to get a second one (possibly used).

Thanks

[Sean Nixon]

Either CDU can be used to make changes, they talk to the same FMC's

According to the Boeing FCOM, during takeoff the pilot flying has his CDU on the TAKEOFF REF page, the pilot monitoring on the LEGS page.

[Nick1150]

Thanks Sean

Very ineteresting indeed

I just talked with a very good friend of mine, ex Boeing 737NG pilot, and former A320 pilot for 5 years now. He told me the same as Sean. He also added, that in real B737NG there is an option where both CDUs display the same, something like a mirror, but only the one whose F/D is on (master) can enter values.

Unfortunately he does not remember how to do that.

It would be nice to make the dummy CDU mirrored with the Engravity CDU screen. Is this doable ?

[Sean Nixon]

Hi Nick

When you say 'dummy' CDU, do you mean a 2nd Engravity (or other) CDU working with PM rCDU? If that's the case, then I'm pretty sure the 2 CDU's will work pretty much like the real deal. You should be able to use either CDU to enter data. The changes will be reflected in the other CDU.

From the FCOM...

Two identical, independent CDUs provide the means for the flight crew to
communicate with the FMC. The crew may enter data into the FMC using either
CDU, although simultaneous entries should be avoided. The same FMC data and
computations are available on both CDUs; however, each pilot has control over
what is displayed on an individual CDU.

[choffmann]

Hello Nick,

the FMCs serve both CDUs in the 737NG, both CDUs work independently, entries can be done from either one. The computations are done by two Computers, which will compare the values and evaluate them for plausibility. The primary intention behind the two FMCs and two CDUs is the redundancy which is required legally. Of course, it´s more convenient two have one unit for each pilot, too. AFAIK, even three CDUs must be installed when doing ETOPs flights. So, if you want to cross the atlantic, your 737NG should have a third unit installed (on the Overhead).
With PM, AFAIK, the rCDU is dependent of the left one. Although you can enter values on either unit, both will be computed by the left CDU program. This however does not severely bias the reality factor of your sim.
For us homecockpit builders, it´s just very nice to have two separate units, so you can feed the CDU or read different pages in-flight as PM while (hopefully) your PF is taking care of the primary goals (i.e. fly the damn thing). That´s why Boeing recommends setting different pages on the left and right CDU during each flight phase in their FCOM. The FCTM also offers more suggestions on that topic.

Cheers
Chris

[Nick1150]

Thanks to all for the info

I will let you know

[Nick1150]

Hi to all,

So I have purchased a second used FE CDU and it's on its way to my place.

Is there any tutorial for setting up the 2nd CDU ?

I am just being proactive...

Thanks

Nick

[Sean Nixon]

There's a tiny little switch next to the USB connector which sets the CDU as right or left. I think you'll also need the F/O package from PM as it contains the rCDU software. I'm not 100% sure of this though.

Sean

[Nick1150]

There's a tiny little switch next to the USB connector which sets the CDU as right or left. I think you'll also need the F/O package from PM as it contains the rCDU software. I'm not 100% sure of this though.

Sean

Thanks Sean,

I didn't know about the tiny switch, thanks for the tip,

The latest RCDU software from PM is already installed

Will update on Monday

[Michael737NG]

Sorry for replying on this old thread, but this tiny switch is for selecting the firmware upgrade mode on the CDU and has nothing to do with the side selection.

Best regards!
Michael