RTD Troubleshooting Guide

Table of Contents

Power Up and Shut Down Related Issues

Problem Description Possible Cause(s) Suggested Correction
RTD Configuration will not launch automatically

When the RTD powers up, the software does not launch the configuration automatically.

CAUTION: Do Not manually launch the software from Trainer Controller. First, correct the issue with the panel(s) or component(s) that is not connected or malfunctioning, and then the configuration will launch automatically.
  1. An Instrument Panel Overlay, Switch Panel, or Engine Control Panel is not connecting properly.
  2. An incorrect Instrument Panel Overlay, Switch Panel, or Engine Control Panel is installed for the configuration.
  3. A hardware component on the RTD has failed.
  1. Check for the Readiness page on the Web IOS, and reseat the overlay or panel that is shown as disconnected.
  2. Verify the correct Instrument Panel Overlay, Switch Panel, and Engine Control Panels are installed and connected (see Readiness page).
  3. Check for the Readiness page on the Web IOS, and reseat/check components on the Top Deck Interface Board that are shown as disconnected.
Web IOS shows a Panel is disconnected

The Web IOS displays Readiness page, and indicates a panel is Disconnected.
  1. An Instrument Panel Overlay, Switch Panel, or Engine Control Panel is not connecting properly.
  2. An incorrect Instrument Panel Overlay, Switch Panel, or Engine Control Panel is installed for the configuration.
  1. Reseat the overlay or panel that is shown as disconnected. If this does not resolve the issue, check to make sure the POGO pins are aligned properly between the overlay and the POGO Board.
  2. Verify the correct Instrument Panel Overlay, Switch Panel, and Engine Control Panels are installed and connected (see Readiness page).
RTD Computer is Locked up and will not Power Down

The computer seems to be locked up and will not shut down.

WARNING: The BIOS can be reset when the computer has been shut down incorrectly, such as if the computer power button was held in until the computer shut off. This will also cause Microsoft Windows file corruption, eventually resulting in computer replacement or repair.
  1. Computer has been shutdown incorrectly multiple times, or has lost power abrubtly in the past, causing Microsoft Windows File corruption.
  1. Open the RTD Computer cabinet door, and press the power button.
  2. If the Computer did not shut down, press and hold the Power button on the front of the computer until it shuts down.
  3. Power up the RTD, and check for normal operation.
  4. Shut down the RTD. If the RTD Computer shuts down, however, the LCD’s (Instrument Panel LCD, and the Visual LCD(s)), and the cooling fans remain on, the BIOS must be reset (see Set BIOS Settings for FPN 193353, or BIOS Settings for FPN 200058).
RTD will not Power Down

The computer shuts down, however, the LCD’s (Instrument Panel LCD, and the Visual LCD(s)), and the cooling fans remain on.

WARNING: The BIOS can be reset when the computer has been shut down incorrectly, such as during a power outage, or the computer power button was held in until the computer shut off. This will also cause Microsoft Windows file corruption, eventually resulting in computer replacement or repair.
  1. BIOS has been reset from improper shut down.
  2. CMOS battery is weak or dead causing BIOS to reset.
  3. The cable on the computer or the PowerSwitch Tail USB Interface is loose or bad.
  4. The PowerSwitch Tail USB Interface has come loose from the PowerSwitch Tail/IOS Relay.
  1. Set BIOS Settings for FPN 193353.
  2. If BIOS settings do not keep after shutdown, replace the BIOS battery and then set the Set BIOS Settings for FPN 193353, or BIOS Settings for FPN 200058.
  3. Check and reseat the USB cable that goes from the PowerSwitch Tail/IOS Relay (Power Control) to the back of the computer.
  4. Verify the screws holding the USB interface is securly connected to the PowerSwitch Tail/IOS Relay.
Visual Display(s) will not power on or off automatically

On power up, the Visual Display(s) will not power on automatically, and has to be powered on manually using the power button or the remote. When the RTD is shut down, the computer shuts down, however, the LCD’s (Instrument Panel LCD, the Visual LCD(s)), and the cooling fans remain on.

WARNING: The BIOS can be reset when the computer has been shut down incorrectly, such as during a power outage, or the computer power button was held in until the computer shut off. This will also cause Microsoft Windows file corruption, eventually resulting in computer replacement or repair.
  1. BIOS has been reset from improper shut down.
  2. CMOS battery is weak or dead causing BIOS to reset.
  3. Visual Display LCD has been replaced or settings have been reset.
  1. Set BIOS Settings for FPN 193353.
  2. If BIOS settings do not keep after shutdown, replace the BIOS battery and then set the Set BIOS Settings for FPN 193353., or Set BIOS Settings for FPN 200058.
  3. Reset the LCD settings.
Maintenance Password is Missing

Trainer Controller is not accessable.

WARNING: The Trainer Controller Maintenance password can become corrupted if the computer has been forced off or has lost power before correctly shutting down. This will also cause Microsoft Windows file corruption, eventually resulting in computer replacement or repair.
  1. Improper shut down.
  1. See Trainer Controller Maintenance Password is Missing
Remote Power Key Switch does not power up the RTD

Turning the On/Off key switch on the front of the RTD does not power on or shut down the RTD.
  1. Loose or incorrect connection
  1. Verify the Remote Power Key Switch it plugged in the Mic Jack on the front of the RTD Computer.
No Video Output on one of the RTD displays.

After power up, there is no video display on one of the Visual Display(s).
  1. Video connections are loose or disconnected.
  2. The Computers Display settings have been reset or an LCD has been replaced.
  1. Check the video connections on the back of the LCD’s, and on the back of the computer.
  2. Check the Display Settings are set correctly.
No Video Output on the RTD

After power up, there is no video display on the Instrument Panel LCD, or on the Visual Display(s).
  1. Video connections are loose.
  2. Visual Display LCD has been replaced or settings have been reset.
  3. The Computers Display settings have been reset or an LCD has been replaced.
  4. The Video Card has disconnected from the motherboard inside the computer.
  1. Check the video connections on the back of the LCD’s, and on the back of the computer.
  2. Reset the LCD settings.
  3. Check the Display Settings are set correctly.
  4. Check the video card connection inside the computer.
Seminole Configuration does not automatically launch

The IOS shows that the Seminole Engine Control Panel is missing, and RTD Launcher shows Trainer Status: Matching hardware to licensed kit.
  1. The ribbon cable on the back of the Seminole Engine Control Panel may be loose.
  1. Remove the Seminole Engine Control Panel and verify the ribbon cable is connected, if it is, re-seat the connection, and then re-install the panel.

IOS Related Issues

Problem Description Possible Cause(s) Suggested Correction
RTD IOS is not accessible

You can connect to the RTD’s Wireless as described in Connecting to the RTD IOS with a Wireless Device, however nothing is visible on the Web Browser of the connected device.
  1. The Web Ios service is not running.
  2. IP Address settings have been reset or are not correct.
  1. Check RTD IOS Connectivity Issues.
  2. Check RTD IP Address Settings
Connecting the RTD’s Wifi shows “Network Cable Unplugged”

After connecting the RTD’s Wifi for RTD IOS, your web browser shows “Network Cable Unplugged,” and the RTD IOS is not accessible.
  1. Wifi Router Setting is incorrect
  1. Set WAN down browser redirect notice to No.

Flight Control Related Issues

Problem Description Possible Cause(s) Suggested Correction
RTD inadvertantly turns to the right or left
  1. The Aileron control needs to be calibrated.
  1. Check Aileron Calibration.
The yoke is stuck or sticks at the full aft or full forward position

Using the elevator trim buttons or trim wheel does not move the centered position of the yoke.
  1. Trim Actuator Needs Lubricated
  2. Faulty Trim Actator
  1. See Preventive Maintenance
  2. SB197340
Elevator Trim does not move

When applying normal back or forward pressure on the yoke during flight, using the elevator trim buttons or trim wheel does not move the centered position of the yoke.
  1. Faulty Trim Actator
  1. SB197340
Elevator Trim movement is delayed, jumpy, or oscillating.

The speed in which the yoke changes, when using the elevator trim buttons or trim wheel is inconsistent, delayed, oscillating, or very sluggish.
  1. Trim Actuator Needs Lubricated
  2. Faulty Trim Actator
  1. See Preventive Maintenance
  2. SB197340

Instrumentation Related Issues

Problem Description Possible Cause(s) Suggested Correction
Yellow X’s Displayed on the Archer G1000 Engine Instruments
  1. Possible file corruption
  1. Repair corrupt files.
C172 Trim and Flaps Indicators Not Fully Visible

The Cessna 172 Analog overlay trim and flaps indicators are not fully visible on the LCD.
  1. A legacy C172 Analog Panel is installed.
  1. Enable Legacy Mode

After installing the latest Navigation data from Jeppesen on the RTD, the data may not become active.
  1. The Garmin display is not loading the standby data as active.
  1. Manually delete the current Active database on the G1000 Databases page. This will cause the Standby data to become Active.
PFT Error is displayed on the PFD
  1. The RTD is powered up with the ALT/Bat, and Avioinics switches on.
  1. Follow the Shutdown Procedures as written (especially Normal Aircraft Shutdown).

Sound System Related Issues

Problem Description Possible Cause(s) Suggested Correction
Sound on the RTD is Inoperative
  1. Volume on the TV is down or muted.
  2. Volume on the Computer is down or muted.
  3. Loose or bad HDMI connection on the Computer.
  4. Incorrect Default Device.
  1. See Sound on the RTD is Inoperative Article
  2. See Article
  3. See Article
  4. See Article
No Ident Tones are Heard in the Headset.
  1. Incorrect Default Communications Device.
  2. Loose or bad connections on the computer or Headset Amp
  1. See No Ident Tones in the Headset Article
  2. Check the audio connections on the backside of the Computer, and the Headset Amp behind the Instrument Panel.

Visual System Related Issues

Problem Description Possible Cause(s) Suggested Correction
The Landing Light is not displayed on the Visual.

After turning the Landing Light on, the display does not show on Prepar3D.
  1. A custom scenario was created and is corrupted.
  1. Stop the Configuration.
  2. Navigate to the C:\Users\Frasca\AppData\Roaming\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D v4 directory and open the Prepar3D.cfg file.
  3. Find and delete the entire line referring to to a custom scenario (e.g. SITUATION=C:\Users\Frasca\Documents\Prepar3D v4 Files\New File).
  4. Start the Configuration.
No Video Output on one of the RTD displays.

After power up, there is no video display on one of the Visual Display(s).
  1. Video connections are loose or disconnected.
  2. The Computers Display settings have been reset or an LCD has been replaced.
  1. Check the video connections on the back of the LCD’s, and on the back of the computer.
  2. Check the Display Settings are set correctly.
Visual Display(s) will not power on or off automatically

On power up, the Visual Display(s) will not power on automatically, and has to be powered on manually using the power button or the remote. When the RTD is shut down, the computer shuts down, however, the LCD’s (Instrument Panel LCD, the Visual LCD(s)), and the cooling fans remain on.

WARNING: The BIOS can be reset when the computer has been shut down incorrectly, such as during a power outage, or the computer power button was held in until the computer shut off. This will also cause Microsoft Windows file corruption, eventually resulting in computer replacement or repair.
  1. BIOS has been reset from improper shut down.
  2. CMOS battery is weak or dead causing BIOS to reset.
  3. Visual Display LCD has been replaced or settings have been reset.
  1. Set BIOS Settings for FPN 193353.
  2. If BIOS settings do not keep after shutdown, replace the BIOS battery and then set the Set BIOS Settings for FPN 193353., or Set BIOS Settings for FPN 200058.
  3. Reset the LCD settings.
Runways are missing on the Visual Display(s)
  1. The limitation (“missing”) of runways is with Lockheed Martin database (Prepar3D aka Visual Software). Currently there are no updates available.
  1. see Missing Runways on the Visual Display
No Video Output on the RTD

After power up, there is no video display on the Instrument Panel LCD, or on the Visual Display(s).
  1. The Video Card has disconnected from the motherboard inside the computer.
  2. Video connections are loose.
  3. Visual Display LCD has been replaced or settings have been reset.
  4. The Computers Display settings have been reset or an LCD has been replaced.
  1. Check the video card connection inside the computer.
  2. Check the video connections on the back of the LCD’s, and on the back of the computer.
  3. Reset the LCD settings.
  4. Check the Display Settings are set correctly.
Runway is showing on the Visual and Instrument Panel Displays

After powering up the RTD, the Visual and the Instrument Panel display is showing the runway.
  1. The Prepar3d.cfg file config entries are set to render a Prepar3D main window on the Instrument Panel LCD.
  1. Correct the Prepar3D config file entry.
Left and Right Visual Displays become swapped

After powering up the RTD, the Left and Right Visual displays are swapped.
  1. The Left and Right DisplayID values are swapped in the View Group Settings.

Software Related Issues

Problem Description Possible Cause(s) Suggested Correction
NorthStar Crashes

Trainer Controller displays, Failed Component – Error:NorthStar:C:\Frasca\NorthStar\REL177659E\Component.xml (REL version may vary).
  1. The settings.xml file in the C:\Frasca\Northstar\Runtime directory may have become corrupt.
  1. Stop the current Configuration, rename the settings.xml file as settings.old, and then start the appropriate configuration. This will regenerate the settings.xml file.

Hobbs Related Issues

Problem Description Possible Cause(s) Suggested Correction
Hobbs Meter will Not Close Automatically

The Hobbs Report will not close automatically after a software updated.
  1. The settings may be corrupt.
  1. Open the Hobbs Report, tap the Settings button, clear the Autorun Enabled check box, and then close the Hobbs Report.
  2. Shut down the RTD, and then Power it back up.
  3. Open the Hobbs Report, if the configuration is already running Stop the Configuration.
  4. Shut down the RTD, and then Power it back up.
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Comments

  1. Des BunworthDes Bunworth

    Hello,
    I have an issue with RTD not starting at boot but stalling on trainer controller screen. ( command screen showing simulation running)
    This has occurred after attempting an update from revD to rev J. The trainer has been in storage from our other facility and is just being put back into service.
    New trainer key was requested as instructed for the rev E update and installed
    All components appear to be running with no errors.
    Hardware has been checked and correct panels for configuration fitted.
    SSD was re imaged with original rev D and trainer boots and functions correctly
    Components can all be started manually and trainer will run but G1000 engine data is all red Xed
    Question….can the update be carried out directly from rev D to rev J
    Question…..is there a possible corrupt XML file
    Question…..with subsequent update attempts does the trainer key need changing or is it linked to the machine info indefinately
    Thanks

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