Dash-8 -300 3D cockpit operation

Original aircraft used Riverie’s Q300.

There are X-plane 11 and X-plane 12 versions

The XP12 versions support rain and working wipers on the cockpit windows, and have some
changes to suit the new ight model. Payload stations added in XP12. Map text is larger in XP12
to aid legibility.

External throttle or prop levers

There is now no need to edit the xLua le to specify external throttle or prop levers. These are
detected automatically now, including if ‘has beta/reverse detents’ is selected in joystick
preferences. There is a display showing the positions of the throttle, prop and ap levers. If the
hardware lever is in a position that would be not possible in reality (such as beta or reverse in the
air) then a red indicator is displayed, allowing the lever to be moved into a suitable position.

RealityXP users

I have supplied a RealityXP.ini le for those that have the RealityXP GPS software. It was very
kindly supplied to me by x-plane.org member Irargerich. The radar display is where the GPS is
displayed.

AviTab

AviTab is supported. The map and other items are displayed on an iPad on the pilot side. Options
to move the tablet may be added in future.

Sounds

With thanks to @Dash8_Lovers for allowing use of their replacement Q300 sounds. They are in a
separate download. Download and unzip it. Copy the sounds folder into the DHC 8-300 folder,
otherwise there will be no sounds.

Preferences

A preference le now stores the settings for lever position display, copilot show/hide, FMS pop up
display, if incr ref speeds switch is displayed and the pilot’s viewpoint. It is stored in the
DHC8-300 folder - assuming a standard installation. If in X-Plane 11 the aircraft is not stored in
the standard location select one of the liveries other than the default one. This will ensure the
preference le is stored in the DHC8-300 folder. X-Plane 12 does not have this issue.

Pilot’s viewpoint

The pilot’s viewpoint can be saved. Move the in cockpit view as required. To save the settings
click on either of the autopilot advisory screens. The settings will be used when the aircraft is next
loaded and selecting the default view (default key ‘W’) will use these settings.
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 • The fuselage now uses a 4k texture, the engines and wings use higher resolution textures also.
Various parts of the aircraft have been remodelled (for example elevator trim, rudder, rudder
trim, roll spoilers and navigation lights put behind glass in the wings etc.). This means any
repaints for Riverie’s Q300 will not look right, or not work at all. A blank white ‘paint kit’ is
provided, remodelled from Majestic software’s Q400 paint kit. Normal textures added for the
aircraft exterior to add re ectiveness and texture to the metal surfaces. Needs improving!
• The easiest way to retexture is to use any paint program that supports layers. Overlay the plain
white image with the colours and text of choice, using multiply mode. This allows the darker
colours of the fuselage and dirt to partly show through. Make sure the text layers of the paint kit
are the top layer, the fuselage the bottom layer and any modi cations you make are in the
middle layers. If white text is required on a coloured background, but you want the paint kit
texture to show though create a clipping mask on the top layer.
• Texture les converted to DDS using X-Grinder, saves X-Plane having to do this on each load.

Cockpit

Added 3D instrument bezels, needles, switches and dials. The 2D pseudo manipulators replaced
with 3D manipulators as they are much easier to control in a 3D cockpit. The 2D cockpit has been
removed, the 3D version is used in 2D also. It could be remodelled, but would need popup
displays for overhead panel, pedestal, radios and so on as they would not t the xed 2D display.
‘Glass’ screens added for most instruments and displays, made to be subtly re ective to aid
readability. The vertical speed instrument does not show TCAS information as there is no way to
display TCAS information on it in X-plane. The TCAS data can be displayed on the map screen.
Most instrument failure indicators are not modelled. XLua is used to model various functions that
are not available (or not easy to implement) in default X-plane.
The instruments are much easier to read if the monitor resolution is set to 2560 x 1440 or higher.
Zooming in makes them easier to read at lower resolutions, but is not very practical when ying.

300 (non ‘Q’ series) variant

A non Q300 version has been modelled. Due to the fact that signi cant parts of the instrument
panel and other instruments are di erent it is a separate aircraft in X-plane. The four CRT displays
have been replaced with analogue attitude indicators (which are sunk into the instrument panel)
and HSI. The real -300 does not have a map display, but to make life easier one is added to the
weather radar screen, Wx turns weather radar on and o . The range arrows alter the map range.
The mode up/down arrows alter the map modes. The bearing selection and EFIS screen buttons
have been removed as they are not present on this aircraft. The DH control is below the attitude
display. The ATT dial allows the aircraft indicator to be centred when ying level.

Map on weather radar screen

A map can be displayed on the weather radar screen, it is turned on and o by the dial on the
lower left below the display. The range buttons alter the map zoom, the mode buttons alter the
map mode (the standard X-plane map modes). HSI mode is not implemented. The mode buttons
are used for other weather radar controls on the real aircraft. The settings for this screen are taken
from the pilot’s side controls for the Q300.
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 Q300 map display

The map can be displayed on the EHSI by using the map button on the pedestal on the Q300.
Pressing the full/arc button toggles the EHSI display between full and arc display modes. The
map is always displayed in arc mode, except if plan mode is selected - which draws the standard
X-plane plan mode map. Note in XP11 the departure (origin) airport has to be entered into the
FMS, otherwise the display is blank in plan mode. XP12 does not have this issue.
To enter the origin airport on the FMS press ‘FPL’, ‘CLR’ then enter the 4 digit ICAO airport code
e.g. ‘EGLC’ for London City, then press the side button next to ‘ORIGIN’ on the display. The map
zoom range and mode are selected by the buttons on the weather radar. The bearing pointers can
be selected by using the dials on the pedestal.

CRT displays (Q300 only)

• There are 2 CRT displays for the pilot and copilot. The top one is the Electronic Attitude Director
Indicator (EADI), which displays the attitude (arti cial horizon) and glide slope. The lower one is
the Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI).
• Runway (ground) height marker shown on altitude display.
• When there is no localiser signal a rate of turn indicator is displayed instead. The outer marks
indicate a standard 3o per second turn.
• Has a speed pointer (Marked F/S), IAS compared to Vref. This allows the pilot to look on the
EADI to see how close the IAS is to Vref, rather than the IAS gauge. Vref is calculated
automatically based on weight, ap settings and icing conditions (but does not take into
account wind or other factors). The -300 has an analogue version instead as well as analogue
localiser and glide slope indicators.

Autopilot

• Multi purpose vertical speed/IAS/pitch dial (middle of autopilot controls below glare shield).
Pressing the IAS button captures the current airspeed, which can be altered with the dial. Same
for the VS button. Controls pitch up/down otherwise. If the autopilot is on then aircraft ies
itself, otherwise the ight director bars guide the pilot.
• Vertical speed and IAS hold speed shown on EADI and autopilot advisory display (only on
advisory display in -300). Altitude selected shown on altitude selector LED display.
• Autopilot buttons do not illuminate when pressed (except AUX and V/L), but the selected
functions appear on the autopilot advisory displays as on the real -300. Armed modes appear in
white, captured modes appear in green. The advisory display changes the colour from white
(armed) to green (captured) rather than displaying the white and green text on di erent lines on
the real -300.
• AUX selects FMS as NAV source (only FMS1 modelled), V/L selects VOR/LOC, HSI selects pilot/
copilot HSI data as autopilot source, NAVSEL selects pilot or copilot NAV source. L and R AFPS
selects pilot or copilot computer for autopilot, e ectively the same as the HSI button.
• To actually y a pre-programmed FMS route select RNAV on the pilot and copilot bearing select
dials (on the pedestal - on Q300 only), select AUX then NAV on the autopilot panel to follow the
lateral navigation and VNAV (on the glare shield either side of the autopilot panel) to follow the
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 vertical navigation. VNAV is somewhat limited on turboprops due to the lack of auto throttle. The
autopilot can alter pitch to follow a vertical ight path, but relies on the pilot controlling the
throttle to keep within IAS limits. The VNAV option was a later addition to the aircraft.
• To hold the current altitude y level and press the ALT button. The autopilot (like most
turboprops) cannot control the throttle. This is left to the pilot. IAS autopilot controls speed by
pitching the nose up or down only, similarly for vertical speed. In order to reach a selected
altitude a vertical mode (IAS, VS or aircraft pitched in correct direction) has to be initiated rstly.
Then use the SET dial on the altitude preselector to select a desired altitude and press the ALT
SEL button to activate. When the altitude is reached the mode changes to ALT (hold). The -300
does not automatically arm altitude capture, which has caused quite a few incidents in the real
world.
• The autopilot is only an approximation of that in the -300, but is useable. Lots more work
required!
• Above the autopilot advisory display is a row of 5 indicators/buttons. Indicators show if over a
marker beacon, VOR/LOC or FMS (AUX) selected for navigation. Pressing the TAS button
displays true airspeed on the advisory display below, rather than outside temperature. Press the
DME button to activate DME hold on the respective NAV radio, which displays ’HLD’.
• There is an annunciator display next to the autopilot controls. This shows FMS heading/distance
to airport (if less than 50nm), descent alert if at top of descent and autopilot disengaged alert.
VNAV indicates armed or captured.
• Flight director switches on when autopilot buttons (e.g. IAS, VS) pressed whilst the autopilot is
o . Standby button resets the autopilot.
• Turning on the autopilot switches on the yaw damper, which is left on when autopilot is turned
o . Switching o the yaw damper also switches the autopilot o . The yaw damper can be left
on permanently.
• Replaced the unused MLS button on the autopilot with a GA (take o go around) button as the
button on the real aircraft is on the throttle.

Engine controls

• The engine ECU switch can be altered between TOP (take o ), MCL (max climb) and MCR (max
cruise) power. In the -300 this does not alter the engine power (unlike the Q400), but alters the
torque bugs for both engines.
• Has engine start button on overhead panel and selector switch for engines 1 and 2. Switch
resets to centre when the selected engine has started.

NAV, COM, ADF and ATC radios

• The NAV (on the glare shield), ADF, COM and ATC radios (on the pedestal) are all modelled. Left
NAV is pilot, right one is copilot. Select the active one with the NAVSEL button on the autopilot
panel. They allow 8.33kHz frequencies rather than 25kHz as on the real -300. The memory
functions and setting the active rather than standby frequency are not implemented. Swap
between active and standby frequencies with the XFR/MEM switch. The ATC (transponder) does
not have a standby frequency. The switch to select transponder 1 or 2 does nothing as X-plane
has only 1 transponder. Either RMI can use VOR1/2 and ADF 1/2.
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• COM1 or COM2 can be selected with the VHF1/VHF2 setting dial on the audio control panel.
VHF (COM), DME, VOR (NAV) and ADF radios can be selected for audio. Press the dial to turn
audio listening on or o , the dial lights up when audio is on. Rotate the dial to change volume.
The internal comms are non functioning.

Decision height

Functioning DH display. DH control and display under the pilot and copilot attitude indicators.

Speed bugs

There are two custom speed bugs (white and yellow) on the IAS indicators. Drag the pointers to
set. There is also a red IAS pointer controlled by a dial. Normally used for Vref (but can be any
desired speed). All can be set independently for pilot and copilot.

Lighting

• Cockpit lighting, instrument panel, overhead and pedestal lighting can be altered. Instrument
panel brightness also controls the brightness of the text on or next to most buttons and
switches so they can be read if the light is dark or harsh during the day.
• Logo (tail) lights work. Switch on overhead panel. More realistic than a lit texture.
• Wing inspection lights work.
• The top anti collision strobe (on the tail) can be either red or white - selected by 3 position
switch, the lower one is always white. Over-ridden the default beacon & strobes to do this.
• The approach lights are the landing lights, the are lights are for use during the are before
landing.
• The POSN switch turns on all the position and navigation lights.
• Storm/dome lights (switch on overhead) illuminate instrument panel and the fore of the cabin -
helps compensate for XP12 dark cockpit.

Overhead panel

• Fire handles illuminate when engine re detected. Pull to operate extinguishers - simpli ed from
actual -300 operation.
• The battery temperature LEDs display 30oC when the avionics are on and do not change. X-
plane has no data refs for battery temperature. Could possibly use a combination of outside and
cabin temperature versus load?
• Pressurisation set to automatic in platemaker, but can be overridden with overhead controls.
Probably best to leave on auto. The altitude indication instruments all work and the landing
altitude can be set (although it does nothing). The auto/manual pressurisation switch works,
except dump pressure does not appear to work as it should? Manual cabin pressure switch
allows cruise altitude pressure to be set (up to 8000ft). The switch has to be held to alter
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 pressure, it returns to the centre position when released. The forward pressure dial controls the
opening of the out ow valve in manual mode.
• Air conditioning bleeds/pack selection needs work, but is functional.
• To start the APU turn on the power by pressing the APU PWR button, the other APU buttons will
then illuminate, press the ‘START’ button to start. Once started ‘RUN’ is illuminated on the PWR
button. GEN and BLeed AIR buttons work. The APU overheat, DC load meter and overspeed
test buttons do not work. The APU can only be started when the engines are not running,
although it will stay on if the engines are started. It should be switched o before ight.
• -300 has DC and AC ground power switches. X-plane only has generic ground power, so this is
switched to by either the AC or DC EXT PWR switches. The master battery switch acts as an
avionics switch as the Q300 does not have one.
• Some airframe and prop heating working. Bypass doors use x-plane engine inlet heating data
refs.
• The ignition can be set to o , normal or manual. Normal lights the igniters if there is a chance of
a ame out, manual leaves them on all the time.

Throttles, prop levers and aps

• Throttle logic implemented limits power to below ight idle with the condition lock on (for
taxiing). Reverse and beta are not selectable when airborne to stop accidental selection. The
commands that control the throttle keyboard shortcuts amended to use this logic. Reverse can
be selected on the ground for slowing down or reversing (max reverse goes backwards very
slowly), although a pushback would be the normal procedure. Props are prevented from going
below min 900 when airborne.
• If you have external throttle or prop levers the position of them is not read straight away,
otherwise the engines could be on full throttle straight away, for example. Moving them will
synchronise the positions with the on screen animations. The same logic is applied to the
throttle and prop settings. The display showing the positions of the throttle, prop and ap levers
can be hidden by clicking at the top of the display and shown by clicking on the aircraft
identi cation number on the glare shield.
• Working 3D controls for emergency brakes, throttles, prop, landing gear and aps. Props,
throttles and aps have detents. Turning prop synchro on synchronises the prop speeds and is
used to ‘lock’ movement of both prop and throttle levers. Releasing the brakes close the
external door, if open.
• Thrust from exhaust gasses set to 20% in plane maker. Turboprops generate a limited amount
of thrust from exhaust gasses. Pratt & Witney (makers of the PW123 engines) give a combined
gure of 3000 shaft horse power, with the engine alone rated at 2400 shp. This seems quite high
for a turboprop as most are about 10%.
• Increased rolling coe cient of friction to slow the aircraft on the ground and make the taxi
speed more realistic. It only works when on the ground, throttle less than 40% and speed less
than 40 KIAS. The friction decreases to the default value as speed reaches 40 knots.
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 Aileron, elevator and rudder trim

• Controls all on the pedestal. Trim the ailerons with the LWD (left wing down) and RWD (right
wing down) buttons.
• To trim the rudder hold the trim dial until the correct amount of trim is shown on the display, the
trim dial returns to the centre position when released. The real aircraft has variable speed
adjustment, not implemented yet.
• Elevator trim. Drag the white indicator to trim, or move the trim wheels.
• Ailerons and the inner and/or outer spoilers operate for roll control depending on speed.
• There is a ight/taxi switch to control the spoilers. In the taxi position they are lowered. During
the take-o roll they auto switch to ight mode. They deploy automatically on landing. If ight
mode is selected on the ground and the throttles are less than about 20% the spoilers deploy.
At higher throttle settings they lower. It is common to see the spoilers bounce up and down
during taxiing.

Clocks

Clocks mimic -300 clocks. Can select F.T. ( ight time), time or E.T. (elapsed time) for a timer. The
ight time can only be reset on the ground. None of the time adjustment options work as can’t
easily change time in X-plane.

Reference speeds card

A reference speeds card is displayed in the cockpit. The speeds update as the aircraft weight
changes. No allowance is made for windspeed or wet runways. Generic guide only, most airlines
seem to use di erent values.

Increase reference speeds switch

Some aircraft are equipped with an increase reference speeds switch on the overhead next to the
airframe heating. It is by default hidden under an ‘INOP’ label. Clicking by the ‘OFF’ text toggles
the switch and the warning indicator (just below the glare shield). Its purpose is to increase the
speed at which the stick shaker operates in icing conditions and it gives a visual warning when it
is on. If either the airframe or prop heating is on but the switch is o then the warning ashes as a
reminder to switch it on.

FMS

X-plane default FMS remodelled to look like the Universal FMS in the -300 (but uses X-plane FMS
screen). The popup FMS is a work in progress. It can be shown or hidden and programmed, but
cannot be moved. Click the top left corner of the instrument to show or hide the pop up
instrument.
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 Pre- ight tests

• Auto feather test switches work. To use engines must be o , power lever minimum, props max
1200, autofeather on. Switch both switches to test, release one the switches. The opposite prop
will feather, AF ARM and an engine fail annunciator will illuminate. The prop will unfeather and
the other test switch will be released. On the real aircraft both switches are held in the test
position and then one released, but that is not simulated.
• Prop beta backup tests simulated. Select ‘Backup’ with power lever in the ground beta range
the backup system is triggered, causing the ground range light to ash on and o .
• Prop beta range simulated. Select ‘P/L SW 1 (or 2) with the power levers slightly above ight
idle. Ground range lights illuminate indicate showing suitable limit. Auto switches o after a few
seconds.
• Prop overspeed tests simulated. Engines on. Set props to max 1200, throttles to ight idle.
Increase the throttles to about 20% torque (initially the torque drops). The prop rpm will increase
to just over 1000, then settle to around 960rpm. The test cancels after 20s. In reality the switch
has to be held in position, but that is not practical in X-plane. Throttles back to ight idle. Works
better with prop synchro on.
• Anti-skid tests simulated. Gear must be down to test. Inbound and outbound anti skid lights
illuminate for 6 seconds on the ground, or 3 seconds in the air. Auto tests if switched on whilst
on the ground.
• Some gauges (e.g. torque, ITT) have a test button to check correct operation. Press and hold to
operate.

Caution Warning Panel (CWP)

The CWP warning annunciators have been made large enough to be legible. Many of the
warnings are not displayed, as X-plane has no warning annunciators for them.

Miscellaneous

• Fuel transfer operational, pumps show ON when they are switched on, but not during fuel
transfer unlike real -300. Transfer shown. Aux pumps can be switched on and o , LED
illuminates when on.
• The tiller can be used to steer the nose wheel. The steering switch must be on. Nose wheel
steering is automatically switched o above 40knots. For more control use beta or reverse
throttle.
• Option to hide the copilot. Click near the top of the back of the seat below the headrest to hide
or show. Useful for those who are ying as the copilot.
• Clicking the barometer gauge toggles the reading between inches Hg and millibars.
• Auto feather and alternate (manual) feather selectable. Prop unfeather pump selectable, but
appears to do nothing in X-plane. Switches o after 18 seconds.
• Open doors switch (lower left of instrument panel) for front passenger and cargo door.
Obviously not present on real -300. Not operational in ight, doors automatically close when
parking brake is released.
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 • Windscreen wipers work, but X-plane never gets the screen wet when it rains, so somewhat
pointless!
• Virtually all instruments changed from X-plane defaults to match -300.
• Most switches and dials work. Some do nothing for example fasten seatbelts or air conditioning
• Added auto brakes. Not on real -300.
• Hydraulic control buttons currently do nothing.
• GPWS landing ap setting works, but no warning announcements given.
• Real -300 has more hydraulic displays than X-plane, so some duplicated.
• Windows altered to have an inside and outside.
• 3D cockpit split into component parts as improves frame rates and allows LIT textures.
• Aircraft ICAO (tail number) read from last 6 letters of livery lename. If the G-BRYJ (for example)
is removed then the aircraft identi er in the cabin will be incorrect. If changing aircraft livery in X-
plane then a full aircraft reload is needed for this to show.
• Aileron trim altered as without correction the aircraft turns to right, whereas it should turn to the
left due to prop wash, prop e ects and both props rotating clockwise. At cruising speeds it
should y straight and level, but may need some adjustment.
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