PMDG 737NG FAQ
From PMDG Ops
Installation
Installer reports that FS9 cannot be found or that the PMDG 737NG 600/700 is not installed even when it is.
This indicates that the registry location for FS9 is corrupted and the installer is not finding the FS9.exe file where it expects to.
To correct this, users can download a tool from the Avsim file library at this link Run the utility and the FS9.exe registry problem should be corrected and the installer will work as designed.
PMDG 737 600/700 installer freezes with an error message indicating that a font is being skipped
This problem is caused by the user having inadequate administrative installation privileges on the computer or by some type of antivirus software protecting the Windows root folder. Make sure you are logged in with a computer administrator account and that you temporarily disable any antivirus or other protection software before trying the installation again.
If you're still unable to get the installer to work, restart Windows in safe mode and run the installer and it should work.
Blank CRTs after installing the PMDG 737NG 800/900 CD version
Some CD releases caused a problem that deleted the PMDG 737NG 600/700 gauge files after installing. Aerosoft released a patch that corrected the problem and it can be downloaded from this link.
Font and Screen Resolution Issues
A couple issues have surfaced involving fonts and screen resolution settings.
EICAS or MCP font corruption or gauge overlap on the EICAS
This is caused by an incorrect DPI size in the Windows display settings. Go to Control Panel/Display/Settings/Advanced and set the DPI dropdown selector to 96, the Windows default. Utilities are availiable for fast switching this option if you need it set to a larger value. (For example on a laptop with a very high resolution LCD)
FMC Buttons do not operate the correct keys
(ie, pressing 7 enters 8, etc)
This is a common problem on widescreen setups and other non 4:3 resolutions. Changing FS's resolution to a 4:3 setting like 1280X960 or 1024X768 will correct the problem.
General Use
Solutions to common issues encountered during general use of the 737NG product.
How do I update my NAVDATA?
The procedures for updating the databases in the NG are the same as for the 747-400/F. The procedures can be found in this article
FSUIPC error message when starting FS9.1
In the read me that came with the FS9.1 update there is a note that users of FSUIPC will need to upgrade the FSUIPC.dll file after updating to FS9.1. The version of FSUIPC originally issued with the 737NG series and contained in the installers was not compatible with the 9.1 update (since the products were released for FS9.0). To obtain the new FSUIPC.dll file, go to Peter Dowson’s website and download the latest version of FSUIPC and place the FSUIPC.dll file in the FS9/Modules folder. Restart FS9 and the problem should be corrected.
Blank CRTs with overhead panel problems on all 737 aircraft
This is caused by corruption of the FSUIPC files and can be corrected as follows:
- Go to the Flight Simulator 9/Modules folder and delete the FSUIPC.dll, FSUIPC.txt, FSUIPC.cfg and FSUIPC.key files.
- Go to Peter Dowsons website and download the latest version of FSUIPC.
- Place the FSUIPC.dll file in the Flight Simulator 9/Modules folder and fire up Fs9 and the problem should be solved.
FMC is blank with all other instruments normal
This is caused by missing fonts that are required for the FMC display. The font names are LUCON, ARIALN and ARIALNB. Installing these fonts into the Windows/Fonts folder will restore the FMC display.
Change in EFIS displays after installing the PMDG 737NG 800/900 series
Many users are confused by the new EFIS/Map and Over/Under EICAS displays that are part of the 800/900 addon. What happened to the original PFD/ND and Side by Side EICAS and EFIS displays?
Options for the EFIS and EICAS can be found in the PMDG Menu in FS9 and are also coded by airline into the aircraft repaints as part of the 800/900 upgrade to allow users to have accurate cockpit display settings. If you wish to change the style, simply access the PMDG menu while running FS9 and make the changes as desired.
Where is the Virtual Cabin?
The virtual cabin on the PMDG 737NG series can be accessed by selecting the "2D, VC and Virtual Cabin" model from the Select an Aircraft menu. Once selected you must install an addon camera utility such as Active Camera or any other camera software.
Where are the airstairs and how do they operate?
The airstairs can be used by selecting the model with airstairs from the Select an Aircraft menu in FS9 after selecting the PMDG 737 series. To operate the stairs the following key assignments will need to be made in FS9. Stairs are extended by using the “Extend Concord Nose Fully” command and Retracted by using the “Retract Concord Nose Fully” command. Users will need to create key assignments for these in the FS9 Settings/ Assignments menu and recall them when the stairs are to be used.
TCAS on the PMDG 737NG series
TCAS was added as part of the PMDG 737NG 800/900 package and also adds this functionality to the PMDG 737 600/700 when installed. The original PMDG 737NG 600/700 did not have TCAS as part of the package. To activate the TCAS after upgrading, turn the selector on the Radio Management Panel Transponder to the TA/RA position and then depress the TFC button on the EFIS control panel to see the range rings.
Stabilizer trim indicator jumps on the PMDG 737 series
The PMDG 737NG series incorporates a custom stabilizer trim gauge we had to develop in order to make the trim work properly. Because the stabilizer trim in FS9 runs at about 5 times the normal rate as the real 737's, it made the aircraft extremely hard to control with manual trim inputs. We developed a custom gauge that slowed the speed to match that of the real 737, but an unwanted side effect of this is the strange animation behavior. Holding the trim for several seconds will allow users to see that the stabilizer actually does move.
Spoiler operation on the 737NG series after upgrading to the 800/900
The latent spoiler logic within MSFS is highly unrealistic. In order to model the three spoiler mechnanisms (spoilerons/flight spoilers/ground spoilers) we have added a significant amount of logic that overrides the latent MSFS controller. Sometimes this works well, and sometimes it does not. We are finding that it depends mostly on how the user interfaces with the spoilers - and while we will continue to refine this logic in order to make it behave seamlessly, we have some "best practices" for crews in the meantime.
Arm the spoilers only in the 2D Throttle panel but using the mouse to drag the spoiler handle to the ARM position. From this point, you can use the "/" key to deploy and stow the spoilers if you wish. (You can also deploy the spoilers from the DOWN position using the "." key at any time.) Note that when you stow the spoilers using the "/" key, they will return to their previous position. (either DOWN or ARM)
No autothrottles after installing the PMDG 737NG 800/900 or autothrottle switch will not latch
This is caused failure to follow the Normal Checklist. Engine generators on the overhead panel are not selected ON after engine start, which causes the autothrottle switch to disarm. Turn ON the generator by cycling the GEN switch to ON momentarily and ensuring the Blue Gen off Bus light is out and the problem should be corrected.
What is that clicking sound after installing the 800/900?
You're hearing the vibrometer that protects the standby altimeter from sticking. This sound is a mainstay of most analog flight decks and is completely realistic - cockpits are a noisy place!
The lower display unit ENG and SYS displays don't work on my 800/900
In the PMDG options menu, you need to select the "Over/Under" display option. The lower screen will now function. This is a carrier option, some airlines choose to have all the information displayed on the top screens in a side-by-side format.
Why can't I save my flights in midair?
The 737NG product does not include panel state saving technology. The aircraft was developed long before we implemented that feature in the 747-400 Queen of the Skies product. Our all new 737 NGX prodcut for FSX will include this feature.
