GPS/VLOC/OBS Modes??

Could someone clarify the functions of the CDI knob in the upper right corner of the IFD540/440? I have read the manual but haven't found it to be very illuminating. And neither the iPad nor the PC simulators seem to work properly.

Specifically, can I make the IFD540 act as an old-fashioned VOR receiver by tuning the VOR frequency into the nav frequency box and then rotate the CDI knob one click until VLOC is displayed above it? In that case, can I set the OBS on my nav indicator or HSI and then track a radial like I did in the olden days?

If I push the center of the CDI knob I should get an OBS indication above it. Turning the knob should change the tracking radial. That seems to work if I'm tracking to a GPS waypoint, but can it be used to track to a VOR station? How does the rotation of the CDI knob in OBS mode relate to the OBS on a mechanical nav indicator or HSI? How about an intelligent HSI, like an Aspen?

Maybe the real question is: Is there any use for VLOC mode outside of shooting a VOR, localizer, or ILS approach? What if the GPS system were to fail or be jammed; can I use VLOC to do traditional VOR navigation?

Any enlightenment would be appreciated. Or better yet, a pointer to a lucid explanation in the manual that I overlooked.

Thanks

Mike

Thanks for the info.

Just to be sure, if I tune a valid VOR frequency and use the CDI knob on the IFD to select VLOC mode, I can navigate to the VOR using my old CDI or HSI. Any flight plan programmed into the IFD on the flight plan page will be ignored for the purposes of CDI needle deflection. However the programmed flight plan legs will still be shown on the map page and the IFD will still know where it is, as long as a valid GPS signal is being received. The VOR radial being tracked will not be shown on the map page.

Correct?

Has anyone gotten either of the simulators to simulate this stuff? It seems like the sim doesn't know anything about VHF navigation. The station IDs are never displayed, the VLOC mode indicator never turns green, and the GPS -> VLOC mode transition never happens. Am I missing something?

Thanks

Mike

Gring wrote: Close.  The IFD540 will display on the MAP page a green/wihite inbound/outbound course based on your CDI setting and your CDI course deflection will show based on that radial/bearing (From/To).

Edited by oskrypuch - 03 Dec 2015 at 3:07pm

Yes - See bottom IFD with the green/white course line and the VOR datablock on the left

Yes,

Edited by n7ifr - 03 Dec 2015 at 10:41pm

That picture was taken about April 2014, several months before it the IFD540 was certified. Obviously the software has been significantly updated since then, however I can display the VOR radial on either box, in any MAP orientation, with any Datablock configuration. As a reference point, my top is connected to a King KCS55 HSI and the bottom to a Garmin GI106. I've also ditched the Garmin audio panel since then too.

Edited by Gring - 04 Dec 2015 at 7:19am

Gring,

I did try this too... no such luck with display of VOR radials.  I suspect some sort of "conflict" with Aspen PFD HSI in the mix.

n7ifr wrote: David, Sounds like a great plan.  You are working/traveling way too much... BTW, have you had any luck with display of VOR radials? Tom

Dunno. Let's fly and find out.

David,