Communications Trainer
Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2013 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright ©2008 Oddsoft Limited Communications Trainer Supplement Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Edition 3 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Version 111213 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Copyright Oddsoft Limited ©2008 Contents What is RANT XL Communications Trainer? 2 Computer Requirements 2 Program Installation 2 Cabling 4 Main Screen 5 Timer Calibration 5 Window Size 5 Software Setup 6 Linking Computers 7 Database Loading 8 Exercises 9 Simulation 10 Running an Exercise 14 Procedures Libraries 15 Procedures Builder 15 Map Database & Map Editor 17 Abbreviations 20 Support 21 Acknowledgements 21 Jeppesen 22 Licence Conditions 23 Limited Warranty 23 Appendix – Training Route Flight Logs 24 Version 111213 1 What is RANT XL Communications Trainer? IMPORTANT NOTICE RANT XL Communications Trainer is intended for ground training use only. Information contained in the navigation database and depicted on the Jeppesen charts is not for airborne use. For up-todate information an en-route publication, such as a Jeppesen IFR Flight Manual, must be used. In addition, the characteristics of the instruments illustrated in RANT XL do not necessarily reflect the performance of the physical instruments they represent. Manufacturers' manuals must be referred to in order ascertain the actual capabilities of such instruments. The RANT XL Communications Trainer is an easy to use aid for those concerned with the training and testing for the issue of a UK FRTOL. It is supplied with extensive map databases, compiled in association with Jeppesen, but it can be used with any custom-built map database written in the same format. Computer Requirements The RANT XL Communications Trainer requires the following minimum computer specification: Pentium II processor or equivalent AMD etc 800x600 pixel resolution, 16-bit colour display 128 Mbyte RAM Internal or external sound card with headphone and microphone connections A wireless or cable network connection via a router or crossover cable MS Windows XP, Vista, Win 7, Win 8 2 PC headsets (see note) Note: If you wish to use aviation headsets then an adapter such as the Flight Sound X Adapter must be used Program Installation Installation Instructions RANT XL Communications Trainer must be separately installed and set up on both of the computers to be used for R/T training and testing. This CD will auto-run if your computers are set up to allow this. If not, select Run from the Start Menu. If your CD drive is D: then type d:commsetup2.exe. Follow the instructions on-screen. Version 111213 2 The first time you run RANT XL Communications Trainer you will need to calibrate your computer's timer. This will happen automatically once you click on 'Calibrate'. Note: Problems may occur if you are installing the program on a multi-user computer where users have individual passwords because program installation requires ‘administrator’ rights in order to write to the registry. Ideally the program should also be run with ‘administrator’ rights. If problems occur then the network administrator should contact Oddsoft Limited who will advise of a solution. Audio Setup – Windows XP Before trying to link the computers through RANT, the audio system on each computer should be set up individually. With a headset plugged into the microphone and headphone sockets of the sound card you should have a ‘side-tone’ – you should be able to hear yourself speak through the headset as well as being able to hear any .wav or .mp3 files played on the computer. If you cannot then you need to adjust the settings on the Windows Volume Control Panel. This is achieved as follows: The Windows Volume Control panel can be activated by double-clicking on the speaker symbol in the bottom right-hand corner of the Desktop. If the panel does not show all of the required volume controls then Properties should be selected from the Options menu and the necessary controls should be checked. Note that the precise name given to each of the volume controls varies from sound card to sound card. The required volume controls are: Microphone Line-out (sometimes Phones or Speaker) Wave Once the volume controls have been displayed then they should be adjusted. Make sure that none of them are muted. Some microphone controls have a ‘boost’ setting which may be needed if microphone volume is too low. Version 111213 3 Audio Recording. It is possible to record both audio and simulation to the computer during training or testing sessions. In order to record audio correctly the Windows Recording Control Panel must be set up. This panel is accessed by opening the volume control panel and selecting Recording from the Options/Properties menu. The Mono Out or Wave Out channel should be selected and the volume set accordingly. Audio Setup – Vista and Windows 7/8 Windows Vista and Windows 7/8 give similar control over specific audio inputs and outputs to previous versions of Windows but the controls can be harder to find. Before trying to link the computers through RANT, the audio system on each computer should be set up individually. With a headset plugged into the microphone and headphone sockets of the sound card you should have a ‘side-tone’ – you should be able to hear yourself speak through the headset as well as being able to hear any .wav or .mp3 files played on the computer. If you cannot then you need to adjust the settings on the Windows Volume Control Panel. To access the controls, right-click on the speaker icon in the bottom right-hand tray and select ‘Playback Devices’. Ensure that the speakers are not muted and the volumes are set. Now select ‘Recording Devices’. If only ‘Microphone’ is shown then rightclick on this and select ‘Show disabled devices’ and ‘Show disconnected devices’. This should add ‘Stereo Mix’ or ‘What U Hear’ to the list. Enable this and set it as the default. External Audio Recording As an alternative to audio recording to the computer an external system such as a tape recorder or mini-disk recorder can be used. In this case either the line out socket can be used or a doubler could be attached to the phones socket of either computer, and an audio cable run to the recording device. Troubleshooting 1. If the microphone or any other channel is not working make sure that the Mute option on the Volume Control panel is not checked. 2. Feedback can cause a howling through the system if microphone volume is set high. Cabling Overview The 2 computers used for R/T Training and Testing must be linked together. The data connection is via a wireless or cable (RJ45 or BNC) network link through a switch/router or using a crossover cable. The audio link also uses the data connection. A cable network connection is preferred as it minimises the risk of audio lag between the computers. Version 111213 4 Main Screen Menus The main menu bar gives you access to all of the features of RANT Communications Trainer. Here's a summary of what is available: File. You can select your map database and navigation library from this menu. In addition you can set up your printer. Exercises. You can select the exercise of your choice from this menu. Practice. You can maintain and play your recordings and snapshots of past flights. Options. You can set the window size RANT will use. This menu also allows you to calibrate the timer used by RANT in order to ensure that all turns are accurately flown at 3° per second. Tools. You can access the Procedures Builder from here. Comm Trg. You can set up and control the link to the other computer. Help. The full range of help facilities is available here. In addition you should read and acknowledge the RANT disclaimer. Buttons Choose this Button To Close program Open a map database Open procedure library Open map database editor Link computers Get Help Timer Calibration A consistent Rate One (Standard Rate) Turn is essential for radio aids navigation. To allow for variations in computer timers a calibration facility has been included and can be accessed from the Defaults menu. When RANT is run for the first time you will be asked to calibrate the timer. Clicking on 'Calibrate' will start the calibration sequence which lasts for about one minute. Should you ever feel that the turn rates you are seeing are not correct then you should re-calibrate. Window Size Window size can be set from the Options menu. If you require to run RANT in a window the window size should initially be set from this menu rather than just dragging the window edges. Version 111213 5 Software Setup Network Setup The RANT Communications Trainer uses a cable or wireless network connection to transfer both simulation and audio data between computers. If the computers to be used are not already linked using a network then they will have to be set up manually or by using the Windows Network Setup Wizard before RANT is run. Initial Audio Setup Before running the simulation, audio volume levels should be set up by speaking through the headset microphone and checking the earphone volume, and also by the playing of a typical audio file. Comms Trg Setup Page On the Comms Trg Setup page in RANT the 'Copy CD sounds to HD temp folder' check box should normally be checked so that CD sounds are temporarily copied to the hard drive; this reduces the delay that sometimes occurs with a 'lazy' CD. The ‘Audio Recording’ box allows you to select whether audio recording of sessions will be permitted as well as recording of the simulation. It is strongly recommended that compressed recording is selected to avoid the generation of very large uncompressed WAV files. The Squelch level is set by default to ‘1’. This setting should not be adjusted until the audio link has been achieved. With ‘1’ set the green Trigger light should illuminate when you speak into the microphone. If your voice level does not trigger the green light then set the squelch to zero and this should result in the Trigger light illuminating continuously. On good specification computers this should have no noticeable effect on other network traffic. The White Noise on Rx slider allows you to set the amount of interference heard during reception of radio calls; this is useful when using high specification audio cards that give an unrealistically clear sound quality. The white noise should normally be selected on the student’s computer only. Once the appropriate selections have been made they must be saved by clicking the 'Save Settings' button. Version 111213 6 Linking Computers The RANT Communications Trainer must be linked to a second computer for full effectiveness. One the computers have been set up they must be linked. This must be done with both of the Link windows open. One computer must be designated Student and the other Instructor. The sequence of events for linking must be followed or a link will not be achieved: 1. On Instructor computer: Click the ‘Start Server’ button. This should result in a ‘Server started’ message in the status window together with the IP address of the computer. 2. On Student computer: Type in the IP address of the Instructor computer and then click the ‘Start Client’ button. This should result in a ‘Connected to Instructor Server’ message. 3. On the Instructor Computer: The instructor client should start automatically and this should result in a ‘Data Link active’ message. 4. On the Instructor Computer: Click the ‘Start Voice’ button. After a pause this should result in a ‘Voice link established’ message. 5. Check that 2-way ‘open-mike’ communication now exists between the 2 computers. 6. If there are any breaks in communication, go to the Setup page and reduce the Squelch level. Most computers with a reasonable performance will function with the Squelch set to Zero, giving a continuous green ‘Trigger’ LED. 7. On the Instructor Computer: Click on OK. The Student Computer should automatically close the Link window. The Comms Trainer is now ready for use. Note: Both instructor and student must have the same map, chart and procedure libraries loaded before an exercise is commenced. Identical sound files should exist on each machine also. It may be possible to load a map and library stored on the instructor’s computer directly into RANT on the student’s machine; if this is done using a CD then the CD must remain available in the instructor’s computer throughout the simulation. Version 111213 7 Database Loading Training RANT loads a map of the UK together with a standard procedures library by default when it is run. This library contains a number of exercise routes suitable for training. FRTOL Testing Test routes are supplied to examiners on CD in encrypted format. Before carrying out a test the required map and procedures library must be loaded into RANT. On each PC, put the CD in the drive, cancelling any automatic run option windows that appear. From the RANT main menu select File, Open Map, or use the ‘World’ button. Use the Open Map Database window to find and open the map file on the CD (typically the D: drive). You then will be prompted to input your personal password. The appropriate procedures library will automatically load and this will be shown on the status bar at the base of the RANT window. If no warning messages are displayed then it can be assumed that the database has loaded correctly. Note: Do not copy the contents of the CDs onto the computer hard drive; the test routes should only be loaded from the CDs to maintain security of test materials. If your computers do not have CD drives then the contents of the route CD can be copied onto a pair of USB ‘sticks’ but these must then be afforded the same level of security as the route CDs themselves. Version 111213 8 Exercises Overview RANT's ‘Exercises’ menu gives access to navigation exercises (ie the training and test routes) as well as Morse code exercises. Navigation Exercises The navigation exercises are chosen by the instructor from the Procedures Libraries using the ‘Exercises’ – ‘Navigation’ menu item. Following the selection, the instructor may set the required wind – see below. Both the instructor’s and the student’s computers will then go into the simulation mode; the navex title will be displayed at the top of the Map Window. If an image of the navex chart is available, both instructor and student will be able to independently swap the map view for a view of the chart. See the next section for details of the simulation. Wind Velocity At the start of the navigation exercises you will be able to choose the wind you want to work with during your exercise. You can set the exact wind you require. If you select 'Actual' then the exercise wind will be exactly what is indicated. If you set 'Forecast' the exercise wind can vary by up to 20% from the indicated wind. Test routes have designated actual wind velocities which are pre-set. Morse Code The Morse exercises are completely independent of the FRTOL training/testing package and allow you to test your Morse expertise. You can select either individual letters or identifiers taken from the current map database. In addition, you can select the speed at which they are given. The pre-set speed is in accordance with the PANS OPS specification for navigation aids, although the speed used in the old CAA Morse examination was slower than this. To enter your answers, type in the letter or ident and then click on 'Submit' or hit the 'Enter' key. If you correctly identify the given Morse letter or ident you will move automatically to the next one. If you are not correct, you will hear the code again and will be shown both the text and code of the correct version. Version 111213 9 Simulation Overview The Simulation mode is the fundamental mode of the RANT Comms Trainer. In this mode the instructor and student have varying degrees of control over the simulation. The simulation will have the initial conditions set by the navex you have selected. Map Window The Map Window shows the current position of the aircraft as well as a trail showing its progress. The window also has one of the simulation control bars. Any controls described below that are instructor specific or student specific are denoted (I) or (S) respectively. Simulation Menu Most of the options on the Simulation Menu relate to the Map Window. Some are duplicated by buttons on the Map Control Bar. Those that aren't are described here: View - Hide Aircraft. You can hide the aircraft's position and its track. Deselecting this option will redraw the track up to the present time. View - Clear Tracks. You can permanently clear the tracks left by the aircraft up to the present time. View - Track Colour. You can change the colour of the track left by the aircraft. Old tracks will retain their original colour unless the map is redrawn. View - Arrange Windows. Clicking on Arrange Windows will restore window sizes to their default values. Map Detail. This menu allows you to select what features appear on the map. Flight Control. This menu is duplicated by the Map Control Bar. Messages (I). The instructor can select message ‘wav’ or ‘mp3’ files to be played to the student. Version 111213 10 Print Map: You can print the map window in its entirety at any time. Aircraft track will be darkened in order to show on the print. Emergencies (I). The instructor can select an emergency to appear on the map. After a confirmation box, he can left-click to place the emergency. The emergency can be removed by selecting ‘Cancel emergency’ from the menu or by left-clicking on the emergency location. Map Control Bar Move (I). Clicking the Move button in allows the instructor to move the aircraft's position directly by dragging it around the map. In addition, holding down the right mouse button will turn the aircraft clockwise. Clicking the Move button out will continue the simulation. Zoom. You can zoom in and out by clicking on the In and Out zoom buttons or using the ‘+’ and ‘-’ keys. The map scale will change in 100000 increments from 1:200000 to 1:2000000. The aircraft will retain its position relative to the map window and the map will expand or contract around it. Swap. If a chart for the navex you are flying has been stored in the \charts directory then you can swap between the normal map view and the chart image. Track will be shown on both map and chart. Simulation Control Buttons (I) The Stop button stops the simulation and, after confirmation, returns you to the main screen. In the exercise mode you will be given a number of options if you select Stop. The ‘Esc’ key has the same effect. The Play button starts the simulation and de-activates time compression if the fast forward button had previously been clicked. The Fast Forward, or Turbo, button activates time compression. This is not available if an audio recording is being made. (I) The Pause button temporarily pauses the simulation. (I) The Record button starts to record the current simulation. Clicking the button out will stop the recording. If the Record button is subsequently pressed, you will be asked if you wish to save the previous recording to file as only one recording can be stored in memory. (I) The Audio Record button starts to record the current simulation and the associated audio. Clicking the button out will stop the recording and save the files. Filenames are automatically allocated in the format ‘RT’ plus the date-time group of the start of the recording. Version 111213 11 Stopwatch. The stopwatch is controlled by a single button. In its default mode, the first click starts the watch; the second click stops it; the third click zeros the watch. The stopwatch can be set to single-click operation in which case a single click zeros and restarts the watch. If the clock option has been selected, the instructor can reset the clock by double-clicking on the time display. Map Window Controls Scrolling. The Map Window can be zoomed as already described but can also be scrolled using the 2 scroll bars. Clicking Right (True Bearing/QDM)(I). Clicking right will bring up a pop-up menu at the mouse cursor. If you right-click on a VDF capable airfield on the map you will be able to obtain either the aircraft’s QDM or true bearing. Compass Window The Compass Window shows the current state of the compass. The window also contains the flight control bar. All controls in the compass window are student specific and are denoted (S). Flight Control Bar The Flight Control Bar contains the following controls: (S) Initiates or stops a rate 1 (standard rate) turn to the left or right. (S) Initiates or stops a climb or descent at the default rate. (S) Stops a turn, climb or descent. If you hold the right mouse button down when you click on the turn buttons then you will initiate a steep turn. The T/O (take-off) button (S) allows you to start the simulation and the record function with the aircraft still on the ground. Clicking on 'T/O' subsequently will set the IAS and altitude to their normal simulation values. You can use the Cursor keys to start and stop turns. In addition the Page Up and Page Down keys will initiate climbs and descents. The Enter key will stop turns and climbs or descents. You can set aircraft speed and altitude by typing in the required values or by using the 'spin' arrows. You can also set the climb and descent rates that will be used when the Climb and Descent arrows are clicked (if you have chosen this option from the Start Details page). In addition, the altimeter sub-scale can be set (S). Heading Bug (S). The heading bug is moved by using the left/right buttons close to its control knob. Holding the right mouse button down while clicking on left/right arrows will increase the rate of movement. In addition, the bug can be moved by 'wiping through' its control knob; that is, place the mouse arrow on or near the control knob and then, holding the left button down, move the mouse left or right as required. The aircraft will automatically roll out of a turn on reaching the bugged heading. Version 111213 12 Communications Window The Communications Window shows the current state of the radio and transponder control boxes as well as the warning panel and press-to-transmit (PTT) button. Any controls described below that are instructor specific or student specific are denoted (I) or (S) respectively. Radio and Transponder Control Boxes (S). The student can set the appropriate radio communications frequencies and can set the transponder as required. Any change in settings will be mimicked on the instructor’s boxes. Warning Panel (I). The instructor can select and deselect emergencies on the warning panel. These will be mimicked on the student’s panel and announced with a gong/beep. PTT. The instructor and student have PTT buttons which will operate the audio link. Any time a button is pressed a ‘Tx’ caption will appear on the radio control box. The instructor’s control box will also show an ‘Rx’ if the student is transmitting. You can also use the Space Bar to transmit. Brief (I). The instructor has a ‘Brief’ button which he can click ‘in’. With ‘Brief’ selected both he and the student have an open microphone and so he can brief the student as required. ‘Brief’ will override any student transmission. Before starting a simulation the line-in and microphone volumes should be adjusted with ‘Brief’ enabled. Note: A loud howling noise when the Brief button is depressed indicates that microphone volumes are too high. Recording and Playback Sessions can be recorded, saved to disk and played back. Audio recordings can be played back independently of the simulation or in synch with it. When a session is played back the compass and navaid windows are disabled although the map window control bar is available. A progress bar is provided. You can move the playback forwards or backwards using the progress bar slider, either with the mouse or by using the cursor keys. If an session including an audio recording is played back then the progress bar and the fast forward button are disabled. When you reach the end of the playback, the simulation will pause automatically. Clicking on the Stop button will allow you the choice of continuing in the Practice mode or returning to the Main Menu. Screen Shots If you wish to capture a screen-shot at any time and save it as a bitmap, just press Ctrl 'P' and use the save dialogue box that will appear. Version 111213 13 Running an Exercise Introduction The RANT simulation provides a real-time environment in which RT can be taught or tested. The student is responsible for 'flying' the aircraft around the test route. The student's correct use of the radio control box, transponder, press-to-transmit switch and altimeter sub-scale can be monitored rd by the instructor/examiner. The examiner can generate emergency situations and can inject 3 party radio transmissions as well as controlling the pace of the exercise. Briefing Once the exercise has been loaded as described in the manual, the audio levels between the instructor and student can be checked by the instructor depressing the 'Brief' button. This puts both instructor and student on an open mike. The 'Brief' button can be used any time by the instructor when he wishes to brief the student. Start-up, Taxy, Take-off The simulation does not allow realistic taxying around an airfield; to allow for audio recording of a test from the initial taxy call, the simulation can be started using the 'Play' button; the aircraft will not move until the 'Take-off' button is pressed at which point it will go straight to cruise altitude and speed on heading for the first leg of the navigation exercise. Cruise Once on the navigation leg, radio calls can be made as required. At each turning point the student must initiate a turn onto the next leg heading so he needs to have a PLOG for the route; setting the heading bug before the turn will ensure that the aircraft rolls out on the correct heading. Alternatively, the instructor can click the 'Move' button which allows him to move and turn the aircraft as required. At any stage the instructor can move the aircraft to a new position or can use the 'Turbo' button to compress time. The instructor, but not the student, can also pause the exercise at any time. Termination The instructor can terminate the exercise at any time and can then replay the flight, including audio if this has been set up correctly. Version 111213 14 Procedures Libraries The procedures libraries used by RANT are associated with particular map databases. Each library can contain a selection of navigation exercises. These are available through the Exercises menu. The information stored in each procedure comprises map information and the required flight path to make good the navigation exercise. Although the libraries are text files, they should not be edited with a conventional word processor. A Procedures Builder is available in the Tools menu. Procedures Builder Overview The Procedures Builder allows you to design and maintain individual navigation exercises. These procedures are then stored in the Procedures Libraries and are available to you in the Exercises section. The building sequence involves first defining the flight conditions and navaids that will be used and the aircraft's starting position, and then mapping out the procedure's flight path. If you build any new procedures, you can associate chart images with them by storing the charts in 8-bit bitmap form in the \charts sub-folder. You must confirm that you will not be breaking any copyright laws before scanning the required plates. Flight Conditions The initial Procedures Builder Flight Conditions Tab allows you to set the starting parameters for your procedure. You can set the aircraft's initial parameters, including position. The Map Parameters Tab takes you to a screen similar to that used for setting start details and allows you to set map scale and detail as well as being able to modify the aircraft's initial position and map offset. Clicking on ‘Next’ then moves you to the Lines and Gates screen. You will be asked whether you wish to load a chart image. If you are using a currently available chart then you can use it to help you complete the next section. In addition, if you have registered the chart, then you will be able to use it as a template for drawing the procedure electronically. Lines and Gates Each procedure should comprise of lines showing the required aircraft path and gates, with or without altitude limits, through which the aircraft must pass. These gates are not relevant to the Comms Trainer and will be added automatically. The procedure for defining lines and gates uses a variation of the main map window. A new button bar is available. Version 111213 15 Drawing Command Bar Swap. If a chart image is available, you can swap to and from the chart view. The full range of drawing tools will be available to you with the chart on-screen. Select. With this button depressed you can select any of the drawing elements on the map. The selected element will be highlighted in magenta and a description of it will appear in the Builder window. Line. Selecting Line allows you to draw a straight line on the map. You must hold the left mouse button down over the line's start point and drag out the line to the required end point. The Builder window will show the current position of the mouse cursor relative to the navaids used, as well as the line vector. Arc. Arcs can be drawn with the Arc button depressed. Drawing an arc is a 2-stage process. First a line is drawn between the 2 end points of the arc and this is then moved out to the required radius by dragging it with the left mouse button down. Radius details are shown during this dragging process. Gate. Any number of gates can be defined although a minimum of 2 gates is required. With ‘Autogate’ selected in the Builder window gates will be added automatically and the Gate button will be disabled. Erase. If an element has been selected with the Point button it can be erased by clicking on the Erase button. This is a permanent process and so a confirmation box will appear before deletion. Move. If a gate element is selected then it can be dragged to a new position if the Move button is depressed. Details of the present position are shown in the Builder window. Snap. Snap is selected on by default. Any line or arc end will snap to the nearest line end within approximately half a mile. Clicking Snap out will disable this feature. Back. Clicking Back will take you back to the navigation aid and position definition page to allow you to modify your choice of navigation aids etc. Saving Procedures can be saved in a number of ways: Clicking on the Save icon will save the procedure in the current procedure library. If the procedure is new then you will be prompted to enter a name for it. From the 'File' menu you have more options: 'Save' has the same function as the 'Save' icon. 'Save as' allows you to rename a modified navex. ‘Save in' allows you to save the navex to a new or a different procedure library. To create a new library, simply type the required name in the file save dialogue box. Audio Messages RANT is supplied with 4 short audio messages relating to a procedural approach. If more audio messages are required for RT training purposes then these will be added to the Messages menu automatically if the appropriate audio files (mp3 or wav) are placed in the program files\RANTXLComms\sound folder. Version 111213 16 Map Database & Map Editor Overview The map database used by the RANT Comms Trainer is a text file. The RANT Map Editor allows you to view and edit these map databases. The format of the map files is most important. If incorrect punctuation is used the map data may be misinterpreted The map file must have the extension .map. The rest of the file name should be appropriate to the map area, for example: France.map, UK.map. Any line starting with a semicolon (;) is ignored by the computer. Such lines can be used for comments and to split up blocks of information. The following lines, without semicolons must be present: The Map's Title (name as required) BLOCKS LINES FEATURES POINTS FACILITIES AIRWAYS END After the map title, the following information must be included: Map centre datum latitude and longitude. Information on adjoining maps (if available). Predominant elevation in feet. All latitudes and longitudes must be expressed in degrees and minutes. Decimals of a minute can be used as can seconds. Format should be respectively: N 5400 W 0025 or N 5400.05 W 0024.83 or N 540003 W 002450 Notes: Spaces (not tabs) must be used between N and W and the digits. If degrees, minutes and seconds are used then latitude must be expressed in a 6 figure group and longitude in a 7 figure group. Blocks. Information on landmasses can be included in the Block section. Block definitions must have the following format: Number of points in block Lat and long of each point Colour of block Version 111213 17 Arcs & Lines. Information on zone or FIR boundaries and restricted airspace can be included in the Arcs and Lines section. Arcs and lines can be defined using the following format: Start and end lat and long Radius (if an arc) Centre (if an arc) Style - dash, dot, dashdot, solid. Solid is the default style. Colour Features. The Features section can be used for ground features such as towns, disused airfields, obstructions etc. Points. The Points section is used primarily for reporting points. Colours. Arcs, lines, Blocks and Points can be given the following colours: BLACK TEAL RED BLUE ORANGE APPLE STEEL NAVY MAROON SILVER GREEN YELLOW SKY SAND OLIVE PURPLE GRAY AQUA WHITE IVORY Facilities. The facilities section contains information on airfields and beacons. Airfields. If you wish to record more than one runway for an airfield you should make a separate airfield entry for each runway. The format of airfield information is: ICAO code, runway details, elevation, position, id position. Zone. An optional line starting with 'ZONE' can be added describing a standard airfield control zone. The following conventions are used: Type - ATZ or MATZ (military air traffic zone) Zone radius in nms Stub radius in nms - if required Stub orientation/s (in degrees true) - if required Comms. An optional line starting with ‘COMMS’ can be added containing airfield radio frequencies. The following codes are recognised by the program: ATIS GND TWR APP RDR INF An asterisk after the station callsign (ie APP*) indicates that VDF is available. Navigation Aids. The following navigation aid types are allowable: VORTAC ILSDME ILS NDB Version 111213 VORDME LLZDME LLZ LCTR TACAN DME IDME VOR 18 The information required for each beacon type is: VOR/TACAN/VORTAC/VORDME/DME Type, ident, variation, frequency, elevation, position, id position, DME offset. IDME (DME associated with specific ILS) Type, ident, track, frequency, elevation, position, id position, offset. ILS/LLZ/ILSDME/LLZDME Type, ident, track, frequency, elevation, position, capability, glideslope, middle marker, outer marker. NDB/LCTR Type, ident, frequency, elevation, position, id position, marker position, marker code. The position specified for ILS or ILSDME beacons should be the instrument touchdown point and not the location of the localizer antenna or of any associated DME. Marker ranges should be specified from this touchdown point. Many DMEs associated with ILSs, are located at the centre of the airfield but are electronically offset to the appropriate touchdown point; these can be entered into the database as IDMEs. Offsets can be entered for any DME as the last data field. Airways. The format for airway recoding is: Name, reporting and turning points (must already be in database). Other information on formatting can be read in the databases supplied. Magnetic variation (declination) is calculated dynamically during program operation using the 'World Magnetic Model' developed by the USGS, US DOD and the UK institute of Geological Sciences. Note: Additions to and deletions from the navaid information in a map file may affect any previously designed procedures that use these navigation aids. Commands The map editor is a simple word processor. You have the conventional abilities to manage files as well as to cut, copy and to paste. These short-cut buttons are available: Close editor New map Open map Save map Find text Move to Section Undo last action Cut Copy Paste Help Version 111213 19 Abbreviations The following abbreviations are used in RANT: ADF CDI DI DME EFIS EHSI GPS HSI IAF IAS ICAO ILS ISA LCTR LLZ Automatic Direction Finding Course Deviation Indicator Direction Indicator Distance Measuring Equipment Electronic Flight Instrument System Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator Global Positioning System Horizontal Situation Indicator Initial Approach Fix Indicated Air Speed MAP Missed Approach Point NDB Non-directional Beacon OBS QDM Omni-bearing Selector Inbound Course QFE Altimeter Setting (height above airfield) Altimeter Setting (altitude above sea level) Relative Bearing Indicator Radio Magnetic Indicator International Civil Aviation Organisation Instrument Landing System International Standard Atmosphere Locator Beacon Localizer TACAN QNH RBI RMI ROD SID TAP Rate of Descent Standard Instrument Departure Tactical Air Navigation TAS Terminal Approach Procedure/Plate True Air Speed VHF Very High Frequency VOR VHF Omni-directional Radio Range Version 111213 20 Support Internet Oddsoft Limited has a web-site dedicated to our products. Visit us at www.oddsoft.co.uk to read the latest product news and to find out more about Oddsoft. Our download page may have just the map database or navigation library that you need. You can also expect to find program upgrades in the future. If you have questions or comments on the program then please e-mail us at [email protected]. It is with the help of your feedback that we have moved the program to where it is now - keep the process going! Snail Mail If you don't have the benefit of an Internet connection, you can always write to us with any comments or queries on RANT Comms Trainer. You'll find us at: Oddsoft Limited 33 George Street Hadleigh IP7 5BD ENGLAND Telephone If you're really stuck then call us and we'll try to sort the problem out straight away. Please remember that we're in the UK and time your call accordingly. Technical queries at 2 am UK time will not get the best of service. Any Enquiries 44 (0)1242 609239 This line has voice and voicemail facilities. Acknowledgements Oddsoft Limited acknowledges the support given by the following companies: Jeppesen for allowing the representation of approach and departure plates in the procedures exercises and the use of en-route charts. Honeywell / Allied Signal Aerospace for permission to represent their range of Bendix/King Silver Crown navigation equipment. Russell Jordan for allowing use of the Inno Setup Builder to create the program installation system. Alan Murphy for assistance with programming the GPS interface and the inspiration provided by his GPS Utility (GPSU) software. Alastair Wang, Bob Trott, Paul Thompson and Andy Woolford for nagging until the program worked properly. Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. Version 111213 21 Jeppesen RANT XL is produced in association with Jeppesen who assisted in database compilation and supply of en-route charts, approach and departure plates. Contact: Jeppesen (UK) Limited Boeing House Crawley Business Quarter Manor Royal Crawley RH10 9AD ENGLAND Phone: (44)1293 842404 0800 085 5377 Web site: Version 111213 www.jeppesen.com 22 Licence Conditions The user of this software is licensed by Oddsoft Ltd to install the program on a pair of computers for use as a radio telephony communications training and testing device. This licence is not transferable. If it is intended to use this software in any other environment then an appropriate licence must be obtained from Oddsoft Limited. Limited Warranty Notice: Oddsoft Limited reserves the right to make changes in the product at any time and without notice. This software product and this help file are copyrighted and all rights are reserved by Oddsoft Limited. No part of this file or any of the accompanying materials may be copied and passed to a third-party in any form or medium without prior consent of Oddsoft Limited. Oddsoft Limited warrants to the original consumer that the media furnished in this product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of sixty days from the supply date. If the media supplied as part of this product prove to be defective, and provided that the consumer returns the media to Oddsoft Limited in accordance with the instructions in the following paragraph, Oddsoft Limited will replace defective media free of charge. To obtain a replacement CD please return the CD, postage pre-paid, to Oddsoft Limited, at the address shown in the Technical Support section, a description of the defect, and your name and return address. The supplied software, media and documentation are provided “as is”. There is no warranty of fitness for a particular use, and no other warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, regarding the software, media and documentation, except as expressly provided in the preceding paragraph. Accordingly, the entire risk as to the use, results and performance of the software, media and documentation is assumed by you. In no event will Oddsoft Limited be liable to you or anyone else for any consequential, special or indirect damages resulting from possession, use or malfunction of this product, including without limitation, damage to property and, to the extent permitted by law, damages for personal injury, even if Oddsoft Limited have been advised of the possibility of any such damages or loss. You agree that the liability of Oddsoft Limited arising out of any kind of claim (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) will not exceed the amount you originally paid for the use of this product. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may have others which vary from state to state within the USA and from country to country. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, or the limitation on how long the implied warranty lasts, so some of the above may not apply to you. Version 111213 23 Appendix – Training Route Flight Logs The following 4 flight logs relate to the training navigation exercises provided with the RANT Comms Trainer. The routes are: Gloucestershire – Kemble – Oxford Cranfield – Sywell – Coventry Andrewsfield – Wattisham – Bourne Exeter – Yeovilton – Compton Abbas Version 111213 24
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