🧭Communication and Navigation Systems
Communication Systems
VHF Radio
UHF Radios served as the primary means of communication on aircraft of this era (50s Skyraider). However, due to the limitations of the MSFS Platform, and compatibility with traffic addons (AI or Online), the UHF panel has been adapted to VHF. Additional radio controls are accessible through the PMS GTN750.
Hundreds & Tens Rings: Used to set the first two digits of the VHF tuning frequency (e.g., XX0.000).
Units Ring: Sets the third digit of the frequency (e.g., 00X.000).
First Decimal Ring: Controls the first digit after the decimal point (e.g., 000.X00).
Fine-Tune / Second Decimal Knob: Provides fine adjustment for the final two decimal digits (e.g., 000.0XX). Because older radios do not show the full frequency clearly, refer to the tooltips or the GTN750 display to confirm the exact tuned value.
OFF/Transmit/Receive/AFD: Not used, only applies to UHF Radios.
Radio Volume Knob.
Channel Selector: Not used, only applies to UHF Radios.
In the example shown above, the radio is set to 100.000, which is not a valid VHF frequency, so no communications will be received. By adjusting the tuning rings, you can set a proper frequency—such as 121.525—which will allow normal radio operation.
Additionally, VHF/COMM Radios can be easily tuned and managed using the PMS GTN750 Unit.
Transponder
Information Friend or Foe or as known in Skyraider-era aircraft "Selective Identification Feature (SIF)", is an early military identification system that uses coded pulse patterns transmitted by the aircraft’s IFF transponder. When interrogated, the aircraft replies with a specific programmed code, allowing friendly units to identify it. Its similar to transponders you may find on today's aircraft.
SIF Codes are entered as four digits, ranging from 0 to 7 (octal). It is the same format used in modern transponders.
IFF Mode: Select Transponder Mode - OFF, Standby, Low, Normal, Emergency.
IFF Mode 2 Switch: Turn ON for Military Identification (does not apply to MSFS).
IFF Mode 3 Switch: Turn ON for Civilian Identification (Squawk Code).
SIF Digit 1: Controls the thousands place of the SIF code (e.g., X000).
SIF Digit 2: Controls the hundreds place of the SIF code (e.g., 0X00).
SIF Digit 3: Controls the tens place of the SIF code (e.g., 00X0).
SIF Digit 4: Controls the units place of the SIF code (e.g., 000X).
Accordingly, you set the SIF code by rotating each knob until the digits line up vertically. For example, the code 3257 would appear as: Digit 1 = 3, Digit 2 = 2, Digit 3 = 5, Digit 4 = 7.
Navigation Systems
To maintain historical accuracy for this aircraft’s era (50s Skyraider), ADF has been implemented as the primary means of navigation. For modern usability, an optional GPS unit (the PMS GTN750) has been integrated as a contemporary secondary navigation aid. VOR and ILS navigation aids are fully supported and can be used through the cockpit instruments. However, their frequencies must be tuned via the PMS GTN750 equipment.
Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)
The Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) is a radio navigation system that allows the aircraft to determine the direction to a ground-based Non-Directional Beacon (NDB). ADF Systems often only provide direction, enabling the pilot to navigate toward or away from the beacon.
Before digital tuners and precise frequency readouts, ADF receivers often used analog tuning dials that would be aurally tuned to the right frequency. The pilot would tune by ear - literally listening to the audio signal transmitted by the NDB beacon. The pilot would select a Band, and then slowly rotate the ADF Frequency knob until they could hear the beacon’s Morse code identifier clearly in the headset.
In MSFS, Station Morse codes are not audible, and frequencies must be exact for ADF to function correctly. As such, we have made the exact ADF Code always available on the tooltips when hovering above the FREQ Knob.
Locate RADIO COMP Panel: The panel is located on the right side panel, above the VHF Radio Panel (Radio Compass Control Unit).
Use BAND Knob to select the desired Band Range: The Band selector knob is used to select the desired frequency band of operation. The Band range is displayed on the screen above the knob.
100-200 kHz
200-410 kHz
410-850 kHz
850-1750 kHz
Use the FREQ Knob to fine-tune to the desired frequency: The Frequency (FREQ) tuning knob has two indicated directions - DEC and INC. Moving this knob to the right will increase the frequency within the selected band, and moving it to the left will decrease it. Tooltips on this knob will indicate the selected ADF Frequency.
Set the Mode Selector Switch to COMP (Compass): When in the COMP (ADF) position, the set receives the beacon signal.
Use the Radio Magnetic Indicator needle (#10 on the Front Instrument Panel Overview - Internal) to follow the direction of the beacon. The small needle will point towards the ADF Station.
Small Needle displaying bearing to ADF.
PMS GTN750 GPS
The PMS GTN750 is an advanced avionics suite designed to replicate the Garmin GTN 750 GPS/NAV/COM system within Microsoft Flight Simulator. Developed by PMS50, it integrates modern navigation, communication, and flight-planning features into a single, touchscreen-based interface.
Available in Free and Premium versions, with the latter offering extended features such as weather radar, traffic, and more.
Toggle the GPS Unit
To toggle the GPS Unit, locate the clickspot on the top-right corner of the Front Panel. This control allows you to show or hide the GPS display and choose its placement:
1ST CLICK: Replace the LABS Radar (front panel position), or
2ND CLICK: Move it to the right-side console.
3RD CLICK: Hide GPS Unit
This feature lets you customize your cockpit layout, depending on whether you prefer to operate with the LABS Radar or the PMS GTN750 GPS.
1. GPS
The PMS50 GTN750 GPS provides advanced flight planning and route management capabilities. Pilots can create and modify flight plans directly from the touchscreen interface, including adding, deleting, or editing waypoints. The unit supports direct-to navigation, departure and arrival procedures (SIDs/STARs), and approach selection for both VFR and IFR operations. A moving map displays the active route with real-time aircraft position, terrain, airspaces, and navaids.
Routes are exclusively
2. VOR/ILS
The PMS50 GTN750 is the primary and only input method for VOR and ILS navigation aids on this aircraft. Pilots can manually enter the VOR/ILS Frequencies directly from the touchscreen interface.
The PMS50 Instrument includes integrated HSI/CDI navigation displays, allowing pilots to track navigation signals directly from the GPS screen. Additionally, the Course-Bearing/OBS Indicator, located on the right side of the front panel, displays the bearing to the tuned VOR station (indicated by the rounded-tip needle) and provides both glideslope and localizer indications during ILS approaches.
3. VHF Radio and Transponder
VHF/COMM radios and transponder settings can be conveniently tuned and managed through the PMS GTN750 interface. This does not replace the primary means of input (VHF/IFF Panels on the right ride console, respectively), however, it does provide a convenient input method for the pilot.
Last updated