User's Manual

Dies ist das Flight Manual für die EC 135 V5. Es ist bewusst in englischer Sprache gehalten, damit es von allen Usern weltweit genutzt werden kann. 

This is EC 135 V5 Flight Manual. It is intentionally written in English.

System requirements 

X-Plane 11, minimum version: 11.50.
This product is not approved for X-Plane 12!

OS: Any OS supporting X-Plane, i.e. Windows, MacOS or Linux

Best way to fly a helicopter in the simulator are special helo controls like Pro Flight Trainer or the controls by microhelis.de. You can also use a good joystick with high resolution, best with pedals for the yaw axis. For a realistic flight experience we also recommend to use a virtual reality headset. 

Labeling conventions

Menu points EC 135 V5, menu points with sub menu path: EC 135 V5 > General Operation

Buttons in 3D cockpit, joystick or keyborad buttons with custom commands or X-Plane commands: HDG

Rheostats: BARO

Cautions and advisories: CAUTION ADVISORY MASTER CAUTION

Warning lights: BAT DISC

Code snippets for example in ini files: FuelWeightAtReload

This is an info box.

This is a warn information box. 

 Validity

This manual is valid for

• EC 135 V5,
• EC 135 V5 Plus (in all variants) and
• EC 135 Pro 

with the latest software version. In older software versions, not all features may be available.

Features that do not exist in the freeware version are given a tag indicating the version in which they are available, i.e. for Plus version and for Pro Version.

Installation

EC 135 V5 will be installed almost as any other aircraft in X-Plane 11: Extract the archive to any sub folder of the aircraft folder in your X-Plane installation. The package is a 7z file, so you need 7-Zip (Windows), The Unarchiver (MacOS X), XArchiver (Linux) or any other compatible tool to extract it. 

Setting up your system for EC 135 V5

The following settings can only be made if the EC 135 V5 is already loaded.

Assure your controls (joystick, pedals etc.) are calibrated. Assign the axes of your controls using the example of a Saitek X52 in the following figures. 

We recommend setting the response curves for all axes to linear, except for the yaw axis, which should be set to catmull.

To use the manual engine control, the TWIST GRIPS for controlling the throttles must be the axes TROTTLE1 and THROTTLE2. A calibration via the menu item General Operation > Calibrate Twist Grips is then required.

EC 135 V5 plugin will manipulate the general sensitivity and artificial stability settings of your joystick. When going back to another aircraft your own preferences will be restored. Please do NOT change the settings made by the plugin in order to obtain a realistic controls response!

Moreover it is very useful to have important functions on the buttons of the joystick. Some of them are X-Plane's own commands, others are custom commands generated by the EC 135 V5 plugin. Assignment takes place also in X-Plane's joystick settings page. Absolutely minimum required to control the EC 135 V5 are the following commands: 

• BEEP TRIM functions realized by X-Plane's trim commands
• FORCE TRIM RELEASE FTR button
• CDS/AUDIO RESET Button

Refer to Controls explanation to learn more about the typical cyclic stick buttons in order to improve your flight feeling. 

Don't miss our video tutorial with a step by step explanation for setting up the controls.

Upgrading to Plus Version or Activation of Pro Version 

In order to activate a pro version or to upgrade from the freeware to a plus version, you need to enter the license key that you received with the purchase.

To do this, call up the menu item About > Licensing. In the window that appears, type in the license key using the keyboard of the PC and confirm. A successfully entered key is saved and does not need to be entered again. In the case of several parallel installations (e.g. EMS version and VIP version), the key must be entered once for each installation. After entering the license key, it is necessary to restart X-Plane so that all unlocked functions are available.

Controls

Cyclic Stick

The Cyclic Stick controls the movement of the helicopter around the pitch and roll axes. Normally you use a joystick for this purpose. The following figure shows a typical real EC 135 Stick with its buttons. Red marked functions are absolutely needed, green are useful when you fly with autopilot. To learn more about assignment of custom functions to a joystick button refer to Setting up Your System. 

1. ICS RADIO (ATC and intercom)
2. FTR Force Trim Release button
3. BEEP TRIM (4way hat switch) 
4. SAS/AP CUT (turns of SAS and autopilot)
5. P/R // YAW RST (resets and reactives SAS)
6. CDS/AUDIO RESET (acknowleges cautions and warning sounds)
7. APMD DCPL (aborts autopilot's upper modes)

To reduce pilot's workload this rotorcraft is equipped with a comfortable Trim system. It consists of a 4 way BEEP TRIM switch and a FORCE TRIM RELEASE FTR ) button. In real live this is implemented with springs and actors that neutralize pilot's effort in the center of the trimmed position. Is is not possible with normal joysticks to reposition the center position as desired. Therefore we go another way to realize the trim functions. FORCE TRIM RELEASE in EC 135 V5 works as follows:

1. You are flying as needed to hold the desired flight attitude. Your stick is not centered. 
2. Press FTR and hold it pressed. Now your stick is decoupled from the helicopter. 
3. While holding FTR pressed move your stick in its centered position where you have no more effort. 
4. Release FTR. Trimming is new calculated by the plugin. Your stick gets back the control on your helicopter, but in a more comfortable, forceless position. 

For fine tuning the trim position use the BEEP TRIM 4 way switch. 

With Rotor RPM below 80 % pressing FTR button will reset all trimming to zero. So you can get a neutral trim position while standing in IDLE state on the ground. 

Trim functions have other meanings when flying with autopilot. For details refer to AFCS's description. 

See also our video tutorial "Understanding Force Trim Release" to get a deeper comprehension of trim functions.

Force Trim function can be configured to be used with a hardware solution.

Cyclic stick can be locked mechanically or unlocked by clicking on the respective clamp. With locked stick inputs to pitch and roll by joystick are inhibited. 

Collective Pitch

The Collective Pitch controls the power of the aircraft. When using the throttle lever or a normal joystick it will mostly be necessary to reverse the axis in X-Plane's joystick settings. Standard throttle levers give more power when pressed forward. Helicopter's collective give more power when pulled up. 

On the collective pitch pilot can switch on and off

1. Search and Landing Light (if installed)
2. Standard Landing Light

Yaw Control

To compensate the turning moment of the helicopter you need a yaw control. In the simplest case this can be the twist grip of a joystick. Because it is necessary to control yaw while the complete flight and the helicopter will react very strong to these inputs, we recommend to use rudder pedals for flying helicopters. Best are pedals without as center springs. 

Stability Augmentation System (SAS)

YAW SAS and P&R SAS provide artificial stability in yaw axis respectively pitch and roll axis. Both systems are activated automatically by power-up. Pressing SAS/AP CUT deactivates the SAS. Y RST reactivates YAW SAS, P&R RST reactivates P&R SAS. 

Double Control

A second controller can be connected for a co-pilot or student pilot. With the double control function, the controls can be passed between main controller and additional controler without interruption.

The additional control is connected to the PC as an additional joystick and configured as follows:

• Pitch axis → REVERSE1
• Roll Axis → REVERSE2
• Yaw axis → REVERSE3
• Collective → REVERSE4

In order to initiate the handover, the command "Switch Pilot/Copilot Control Status" (here SWITCH) is required, which is sensibly configured to a button on the pilot control.

The transfer is started by pressing SWITCH. Gauges appear in the co-pilot's and pilot's NDs, showing the position of the controls. The taker lines up his controls with those of the giver. With that, control is passed. When all axes have been accepted, the gauges disappear automatically. As long as the co-pilot has sole control, the advisory CO IN CMD is displayed at CAD.

Control can be returned by pressing SWITCH again.

Gauge Color Codes: Green is in control. Yellow is ready to take control. Red has no control. Own control position is cyan, each other's control is white.

Cockpit Arrangement

Depending on configuration cockpit arrangement can be different. The following figures show typical constellations for analog and digital cockpits with the important parts. 

1. CPDS
2. Main Switch Panel
3. Standby Instruments
4. Warning Panel
5. Magnetic Compass
6. Analog Avionics
7. FCDS

Warning Panel as a Part of Instrument Panel represents all warnings. 

1. FIRE warning light and Emergency Engine OFF button
2. ACTIVE warning light shows the status of Emergency OFF
3. LOW FUEL warning for supply tanks I and II
4. ROTOR RPM warning light
5. BAT TEMP battery temperature warning light
6. BAT DISC battery discharge warning light
7. XMSN OIL P transmission oil pressure warning light
8. AP A.TRIM autopilot waring light
9. CARGO SMOKE waring light

On the right hand of the Warning Panel is a yellow MASTER CAUTION light. Further details about meaning of Warning Lights can be found at section Emergency Procedures.

All cockpits also have an Overhead Panel with circuit breakers and switches for different Systems.

1. Circuit Breakers 
2. TEST switches
3. AVIONICS switches
4. Heating and Wipers
5. Fuel Pumps
6. Lighting switches
7. Manual Engine Control

In 3D cockpit circuit breakers and switches are operated by mouse or VR controller. 

In a hardwarecockpit circuit breakers can be accesses by an array dataref. For switches there are custom commands available. 

ATC and Navigation Systems

The aircraft ist equipped with X-Plane's standard Garmin GNS 430 GPS devices (manual at x-plane.com). Optionally some liveries are prepared for Reality XP GTN 750 devices (third party software). 

In the standard configuration, system 2 is assigned to the pilot and system 1 to the co-pilot. 

Note: Internally in X-Plane, the pilot is always assigned the first system. This means that e.g. a frequency setting in the X-Plane map to NAV 1 is displayed in the EC 135 as NAV 2 and vice versa.

If the RealityXP plugin is installed but a livery with Garmin GNS 430 is selected, invalid navigation data may be displayed. With FCDS installed, nav source indicator in ND is displayed in red when invalid data is expected. In this case, the RealityXP device in question should be deactivated manually via the corresponding menu.

Dashboard

A Dashboard gives user an easy control to useful settings for cockpit and cabin. To show or hide dashboard click into the area of warning lights. At dashboard user can

• seat or unseat crew members by clicking on their place
• change the appearance of instrument panel (small or wide, analog or digital, single or dual controls)
• change 530 GNS by GTN 750
• show or hide AviTab display
• remove backseats
• remove left and/or right front door (i.e. for hoist operations)
• place or remove the REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT Flags (by clicking on the respective symbol)

All options are always available in Configurations Menu. 

Engines and related Systems

FADEC

The engines of the rotorcraft are controlled by FACEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). This computer controls rotor RPM as function of density altitude as shown in the following figure. Tumbler on Engine Control Panel provide access to FACECs (2) and Engines (1). Refer to the checklist for further informations.  

The complete procedure for starting and shutting down the engines can be conveniently carried out automatically via menu items: General Operation > Engine Startup (normal procedure), General Operation > Engine Startup (quick procedure) and General Operation > Engine Shutdown.

HI-NR System

To improve performance in CAT-A situations or with a gross mass above 2825 kg, the rotorcraft is equipped with a system that automatically increases rotor RPM by up to 3 %. The system is armed by pressing HI-NR Mode button. When armed, HI-NR Mode will be activated while speed is less then 55 KIAS. A green caution light above the Master Caution Light indicates this. 

Manual Throttle Control

If the governor fails or for training purposes, the throttle of the affected engine can be regulated manually. This requires two TWIST GRIPS on the collective lever. Manual control is activated via the ENG MODEL SEL switch on the engine on the OHP. Setting this switch to MAN freezes the currently set throttle. The speed can now be regulated manually turing the respective TWIST GRIP out of N position.

To return to automatic control, first set the ENG MODE SEL switch back to NORM, then carefully move the TWIST GRIP to position N.

Fuel System

Information will be coming soon...

CPDS (Central Panel Display System)

The CPDS collects all informations about the aircraft and the engines. After power up CPDS starts with a self test. 

Caution and Advisory Display (CAD)

CAD shows in its upper half amber cautions and green advisories. The information is organized in 3 rows. Left row represents system I, right row System II. Middle row shows information about non redundant systems. Cautions are listet in the order of its appearance. Advisories find place below the cautions. If there are more cautions then display lines you can scroll to the next page by pressing SCROLL button. A white line in de middle row indicates that there are more pages. 

When a new caution comes on, all present cautions are hidden. Blinking amber bars indicate the new cautions. Press CAD's SELECT button or CDS/AUDIO RESET on your cyclic to acknowledge the cautions. 

The lower part of CAD provides information about fuel tanks. If a Fuel Management System is installed you get also information about fuel flow and estimated remaining flight time. 

Buttons BRT+ and BRT- can be used to control the brightness of the display. 

VEMD (Vehicle and Engine Monitoring Display)

The upper display called FLI (First Limit Indicator) shows important parameters of the engines, i.e. torque (TRQ), turbine outlet temperature (TOT) an N1 speed. If any parameter reaches a temporary allowed range, this is marked by a yellow bar. Exceeds the parameter a limit it is marked by a red blinking bar. 

The needles represent the parameter marked with white boxes. During engine start-up this is TOT, during flight TRQ or the parameter most next to the limit. 

When operating in a yellow range a red word LIMIT comes on. After time limit or parameter limit is reached, the word LIMIT is framed by a red box. Flying under OEI conditions will also activate a counter showing the remaining time in the temporary range. 

Below the needles is an indicator for the mast moment of rotor mast. 

In the upper left and right edge of FLI are displayed some special cautions. 

The lower display shows in the ELEC/VEH page electrical and pressure parameters and the outside temperature. Press + or - buttons to change the displayed electrical parameters between DC Voltage (DC [V]), battery current (BAT [A]) and generator current (GEN [A]). 

Press SCROLL to toggle between ELEC/VEH page and SYSTEM STATUS page, which shows FADEC's parameters. 

After engine shutdown the lower display automatically changes to FLIGHT REPORT page. Here you get information about your flight. Press RESET to go back to ELEC/VEH page. 

CONFIGURATION page shows the equipment of the aircraft. This can only be displayed on the ground while both VEMD displays are switched off. In this situation press OFF1→OFF2→SELECT within 2 seconds.  

Buttons BRT+ and BRT- can be used to control the brightness of the display. 

Never switch off CAD or VEMD inflight!

FCDS (Flight Control Display System)

The flight Control Display System consists of a PFD (Primary Flight Display), a ND (Navigation Display) and an ICP (Instrument Control Panel). The following figures show typical displays of PFD and ND in HSI Mode and Sector Mode. 

The navigation sources displayed on the HSI or in Sector Mode are shown in the following colours: cyan for VOR or NMS, magenta for ILS, amber for an unusual combination and red for an inactive source.

Displays are controlled by the Instrument Control Panel (ICP). There are separate ICPs for piltot's and co-pilot's side. 

• ▲ Zoom out (Sector Mode, this is synchronized for pilot and co-pilot)
• ▼ Zoom in (Sector Mode, this is synchronized for pilot and co-pilot)
• PFD Toggles PFD's Composite Mode
• ND Toggles ND's HSI Mode and Sector Mode
• NAV SOURCE Changes navigation source: VOR1/ILS1, VOR2/ILS2, NMS (GPS)
• ↑ Needle to ADF1 or VOR1
• ⇑ Needle to ADF2 or VOR2
• EXT Displays external sources on the ND
• DH Rheostat Decision Height
• CRS Course Bug
• BARO Rheostat Barometric Pressure (Altimeter)
• POS Pitch Reference Artificial Horizon

The following external sources can be displayed on NDs: Weather radar with map (only when called from sector mode), weahter radar, AviTab map (only in ), FLIR (if configuated). Press ND to quit EXT mode. 

Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS)

When AFCS is installed and not activated, AUTOPILOT caution comes on while collective lever is raised. This is only for information of pilot. Acknowledge the caution by pressing SELECT on CAD or CDS/AUDIO RESET on cyclic stick and ignore it.

The Automatic Flight Control System is EC 135's autopilot. The system is very complex and works in many different modes. The principle is similar to that of other airplanes' autopilots, but there are also many differences.

Control Panel for AFCS is installed in the slant console or the center console, depending on other equipment.  

Engagement and Disengagement of AFCS

AFCS is engaged by pressing AP button. Amber indication light OFF will disappear. System is now active in A. TRIM mode. 

Pressing AP button again will disengage AFCS. Pressing SAS/AP CUT button at cyclic stick will also disengage AFCS and additionally all SAS functions. When AFCS is disengaged amber OFF in AP button is illuminated.

After disengaging AFCS warning light AP A.TRIM, caution AUTOPILOT and warning gong come on for 10 seconds.

Overriding AFCS

Pilot can override AFCS temporarily by pressing FTR button.

1. To change the reference attitude press FTR. 
2. AP is now overrides. Fly hands-on to the desired attitude while holding FTR pressed. 
3. When desired attitude is reached, release FTR button. 
4. Bring stick quickly back in it's neutral position. Autopilot will hold the new attitude (A. TRIM Mode) or reference airspeed or altitude (depending on engaged upper mode). 

Also BEEP TRIM overrides AFCS functions. Details depend on active mode and are described there. 

At departure or approach flight autopilot may work against pilot's intensions. We strongly recommend to disengage AFCS during this time or fly hands-on by holding FTR button pressed. 

A. TRIM Mode

This is standard mode after activation of AFCS. While A. TRIM mode is active, amber indication OFF in A. TRIM button is off. AFCS's status lines in PFD are empty. In this mode autopilot will hold the helicopters flight attitude as it was when activating the system. 

Disengage: Press A. TRIM button. OFF is illuminated. System goes to AFCS SAS mode. 

Override: BEEP TRIM buttons change the reference for desired flight attitude in pitch and roll. 

Upper Modes

In addition to A. TRIM Mode AFCS provides 10 Upper Modes. When an upper mode is armed an amber indication light A is illuminated in the respective button, when engaged a green C (coupled) or ON comes on. Activated HDG or ALT.A Mode is indicated by a green ▸ next to the caption. At PFD active modes are indicated by a green text, armed modes by a cyan text. 

Upper modes can only be activated if AFCS is on. Source for the upper modes is always the selected source on the pilot's side.

When an upper mode is disengaged caution DECOUPLE will come on for 10 s at CAD. Pressing A. TRIM button will disengage all upper modes an switch to AFCS SAS mode. 

ALT Mode

Holds altitude (vertical mode). 

Engage: Press ALT button. 

Disengage: Press ALT button oder select other vertical mode. 

Override: BEEP TRIM forwards and afterwards change reference altitude.

IAS Mode

Holds indicated airspeed (vertical mode). 

Engage: Press IAS button. 

Disengage: Press IAS button oder select other vertical mode. 

Override: BEEP TRIM forwards and afterwards change reference speed. 

VS Mode

Holds vertical speed (vertical mode). 

Engage: Press VS button. 

Disengage: Press VS button oder select other vertical mode. 

Override: BEEP TRIM forwards and afterwards change vertical speed. 

GS Mode

Follows glide path of an ILS (vertical mode). 

Engage: Press GS button. 

Disengage: Press GS button oder select other vertical mode. 

HDG Mode

Holds heading (lateral mode).  

Engage: Press HDG button. Set desired heading with HDG rheostat. (From V5.10)
Set desired heading with HDG rheostat. Press HDG button. (Up to V5.03)

Disengage: Press HDG button or select other lateral mode. 

Override: BEEP TRIM left or right and HDG rheostat change reference heading. 

APP Mode

Follows VOR or locator of an ILS (lateral mode). 

Engage: Tune in frequency of VOR or ILS. Press APP button. APP mode will be armed and automatically engaged when the nav source is captured. As long as APP mode is armed another active lateral mode stays engaged. 

Disengage: Press APP button or select other lateral mode. 

NAV Mode

Follows a course given by GPS/NMS, VOR or HSI (lateral mode).

Engage: Tune in frequency of VOR or programm GPS/NMS. Press NAV button. NAV mode will be armed and automatically engaged when the nav source is captured or GPS/NMS is selected. As long as NAV mode is armed another active lateral mode stays engaged.

Disengage: Press NAV button or select other lateral mode. 

ALT.A Mode

Holds a predefined altitude (vertical mode). 

Engage: Select target altitude by ALT.A rheostat. Press ALT.A button.

Disengage: Press ALT.A button or select other vertical mode. 

Override: BEEP TRIM forwards and afterwards change vertical speed.  

GA Mode

Go Around Mode is used to abort approach. It will hold a indicated airspeed of 75 kt.  

Engage: Press GA button at collective lever (assign the joystick command sim/autopilot/take_off_go_around to a button). 

Override: BEEP TRIM forwards and afterwards change reference speed. 

BC Mode

Back Course Mode is not supported. 

Sling Operations

This aircraft can be equipped with a cargo hook and a winch. Choose a livery with the respective equipment or change the configuration of your livery by using the configurator. 

Basics of sling operations

Use the Sling Operations menu at a starting point.

In the upper area of the menu you can select the attachment point for a load:

• Cargo Hook (Hook 1) 1st hook of the Cargo Hook supplement.
• Cargo Hook (Hook 2) 2nd hook of the Cargo Hook supplement.
• Hoist Rescue winch.

The menu points are only available if the respective supplement is installed. They are also disabled if any load is attached to avoid accidentally change while flying. 

In the lower area of the menu you can operate the sling load settings:

• Add Sling Object is an alias to X-Planes Weight And Balance menu where you can choose an object to attach. 
• Drop / Pick-up Load is the menu representation of the custom command Toggle Sling Load which allows you to drop or pick up the attached object keeping the cable. This only works with objects designed for this purpose.

To initiate sling operations we recommend the following procedure: 

1. Choose the intended attachment point (one of the cargo hooks or the winch).
2. Choose your object for example by clicking to Add Sling Object. 
3. If necessary, click on Drop / Pick-up Load or pressing Toggle Sling Load to hide the object an actually attach it during the flight.

Pay attention to the maximum gross mass for all sling operations! If in doubt, take less fuel with you or reduce the weight of the helicopter otherwise. 

For all sling operation it is necessary to assign X-Plane's command Jettison Payload to a button on your stick or keyboard. This opens the hook and releases the load as standard or an emergency operation. 

Cargo Hook

Cargo Hook is ready to use when it is installed. This supplement has two hooks to choose from. The maximum load is 1300 kg. When installed and not loaded with a weight, an advisory HOOK UNLD appears in middle column of CAD. V_NE with attached load is limited to 100 KIAS.

To change the length of the cable, click on the Cable Length menu item. You can switch between three preset lengths: 10 m, 20 m or 30 m. This is only possible when hook is not loaded. 

Press Toggle Sling Load to drop the object keeping the cable or re-attach it to the cable. Press Jettison Payload to drop the load including the cable.

Hoist (Rescue Winch)

To operate the hoist set WINCH CABLE CUT switch at overhead panel to CC-ARM ON. While hoist system is activated CA CUT ARM caution is indicated on CAD. The rest of the operation takes place via a handheld device or via special custom commands. We recommend assigning these commands to joystick buttons or the keyboard.

Control Pendant	Commands	Remarks
Boom In/Out switch	Hoist boom turn in Hoist boom turn out
Reel In/Out thumb wheel	Hoist Cable Down Hoist Cable Up
CUT Cable push button	Jettison Payload
Cable meter display		Shows the length of the cable.
Caution light		Inidcates cable length within 3 m before reaching fully reeled in or reeled out position. Hoist speed is reduced automatically.
Overheat light		Illuminates when temperature limits are exceeded. Is illuminated for 2 seconds to check operation when hoist is initially powered-up.

Maximum hoist load is limited to 230 kg. During hoist operation or with fully or partly extended boom and/or opened sliding door V_NE is limited to 60 KIAS. Cable length is 50 m. 

Sling Operations menu provides 3 additional options to be used with the winch:

• Board/unboard Pass 1  
• Board/unboard Pass 2 
• No Boarding 

When winch cable is in fully reeled in position, pressing Toggle Sling Load will attach the passenger 1 or 2 to the winch and get him off board. His weight is removed from the helicopter and transferred to the winch. Conversely, he gets back into the helicopter if he is already hanging on the winch cabe pressing Toggle Sling Load. The third menu item No Boarding has no effect on passengers and weight. It allows the user to control all parameters himself.

Pimp your own objects

The mechanism behind the Toggle Sling Load command only works if the objects supplied with this add-on are used as loads. Developers can, however, simply extend their objects in order to use them with this mechanism as well. For this purpose, the EC 135 provides a dataref rotorsim/ec135/hook_unloaded. It indicates whether the object should be drawn or not. 

A value of 0 means, the object has to be drawn. 

A value of 1 means for a cargo hook object, that it has to be hidden. For a winch object the object has also to be hidden, but the winch hook should be drawn. 

The following video demonstrates this behavior for a winch object. The mouse pointer first marks the attachment point. Then it goes to the linked dataref and shows the required animation by changing the dararefs value. The dataref is provided as read-only. It can be monitored by the object, but you can't write to it. 

 

This way the plugin can detach an object while keeping the sling visible. The corresponding weight changes are automatically calculated within the plugin.

Using External Power Unit (EPU/GPU)

An external power supply can be connected to work on the ground without loading the battery. This function can be controlled via the menu (Connect GPU in the General Operations menu) as well as with X-Plane's standard joystick or keyboard commands for a ground power unit GPU On, GPU Off and GPU toggle.

When connecting a GPU at CAD the Cautions EXT PWR and EPU DOOR come on and indicate that an external power supply is connected and that the door behind which the receptacle is located is opened. As long as the external power is connected, the battery and both generators are automatically disconnected. They cannot be connected together wir the EPU. 

If starting of the engines is effected by means of an external power unit, both starter/generators serve as starter for the engines, however, they are disconnected from the helicopter's power supply system as soon as the engines are running.

Search and Landing Lights

The helicopter can be configured with two different Search and Landing Lights. The retractable Search and Landing Light left and/or right in the floor of the cell as well as the Spectrolab SX 16 Searchlight. They can also be installed simultaneously and then share the same control commands from the X-Plane standard for spot lights:

• ON (sim/lights/spot_lights_on)
• OFF (sim/lights/spot_lights_off)
• LEFT (sim/lights/spot_light_left)
• RIGHT s(im/lights/spot_light_right)
• UP (sim/lights/spot_light_up)
• DOWN (sim/lights/spot_light_down)

If Search and Landing Light and SX16 are installed in an aircraft at the same time, the Search and Landing Light is automatically controlled via the commands. With the command SX16 (ec135/controls/select_sx16), the control can be switched to the SX16. Triggering the command again switches back to the Search and Landing Light.

In the Plus version it is possible to change the command's function so that SX16 is selected while the command is active. This is done via an entry in the preferences file. This allows the function to be controlled with a toggle switch, as is actually installed in the collective. Only this functionality is available in the Pro version.

If at least one of the lights is switched on, an advisory S/L LIGHT appears in the CAD.

Special features

The Search and Landing Light folds out automatically when switched on. This behavior can be customized in the preferences file. It retracts automatically when switched off. If the Search and Landing Light is completely retracted without switching it off, the advisory LDG L RETR comes on in the CAD.

As an aid to recognizing the target of the control, the user can activate an additional Advisory CTRL SX16 in the preferences file if required. It appears when the controller is switched to SX16. It is also possible to preset the SX16 via the preferences file so that after loading the helicopter the control goes directly to the searchlight and not to the search and landing light.

All functions of the Preferences file are listed in Appendix 1.

Limits

General Limits

Maximum Gross Mass	2910 kg
VNE (at 0 ft altitude, OAT +30 °C) At higher density altitude and temperature VNE will be lower	155 KIAS
Maximum operating altitude	20 000 ft
Maximum operating altitude for hover in ground effect / takeoff and landing	12 000 ft
Minimum OAT	-30 °C
Maximum OAT	ISA + 39 °C
Ground Sloping	max. 6°
Hover turns	max. 60°/s

Rotor RPM

Condition	Power ON	Power OFF
Minmum Transient (max. 20s)	85 %
Minimum Continuous	97 %	85 %
Maximum Continuous	104 %	106 %
Maximum Transient (max. 20s)		112 %

RPM Warning Light and Audio Warnings

NR RPM	RPM Light	Audio Tone	Reset
NR ≤ 97 %	ON	Intermitted Low	Yes
NR ≥ 106 %	Flashing	Gong	Yes
NR ≥ 112 %	Flashing	Continuous High	No

Engine and Transmission

Condition	Transmission (Helicopter) Limits max. TRQ %	Engine  max. TOT °C	Engine max. N1 %	Engine max. N2 %
Starting Transient		895 (5 s)
Starting		810
Transient				108 (20 s)
Partial Power	2 ×10
All Engines Operating:
Takeoff Power (5 min, V ≤ VY)	2 × 78	897	100.0	104
Max. Continuous Power	2 × 69	879	99.0	104
One Engine Inoperative:
30 sec. Power	128	1024	105.0	104
2 min. Power	125	994	103.5	104
Max. Continuous Power	89.5	942	101.3	104

Fuel Tanks

Tank	Total fuel liters	Total fuel kg	Unuseable fuel liters	Unuseable fuel kg
Main	594	475.0	4.25	3.4
Supply	112	90.0	2 × 2.6	2 × 2.1
Totals	706	565.0	9.45	7.6

Mass and Balance

The helicopter automatically changes its mass with the configuration and via the crew menu.

In X-Plane 12, the center of gravity will also be adjusted. To do this, the plugin accesses the 9 stations that X-Plane 12 provides for this. Each device that can be attached to the chopper via the configurator is assigned a weight and one of the stations. This also applies to the crew members. The equipment and loading therefore have a direct impact on flight behavior.

Station 0 represents the CG as defined in Plane Maker. Stations 1 to 4 correspond to the seats in the cockpit and in the cabin. Station 5 is the cargo compartment. Stations 5 to 8 are used by attachments such as searchlights or winches.

Emergency Procedures

Warning Light Indications

AP A.TRIM

AFCS is disconnected manually or due to failure. This warning is indicated for 10 sec-onds and disappears automatically even if AFCS remains disconnected.

Procedure: Fly the helicopter manually.

BAT DISCH

Battery is the only electrical power source. Normal during engine start.

Procedure: Reduce electrical consumption as much as possible. Land as soon as practicable.

BAT TEMP

Battery overtemperature

Procedure: BAT MSTR off. In flight: Land as soon as possible. 

FIRE (ENGINE 1 or ENGINE 2)

Overtemperature in engine compartment

Procedure: If in flight, establish OEI condition. Press respective EMER OFF switch and shutdown the affected engine. Land immediately. 

Note: Pressing the FIRE switch, the emergency shut off valve will be closed. When the emergency shut off valve is closed the caution F VALVE CL appears on the CAD.

LOW FUEL 1 and/or LOW FUEL 2

Respective supply tank fuel quantity below 24 kg

Procedure: Check both XFER pumps on. If both FUEL LOW warning lights remain on: Land within 10 minutes. 

ROTOR RPM

NRO 97% or less – steady light

NRO 106% or above – flashing light

Procedure: Adjust collective lever as necessary to maintain NRO within normal range. 

XMSN OIL P

XMSN oil pressure is below minimum

Procedure: Land as soon as possible. 

Caution Light Indications

MASTER CAUTION

Caution indication appeared on CAD

Procedure: Check indication on CAD and perform corresponding emergency procedure. Push CDS/AUDIO RES switch (on cyclic stick) or SELECT button (on CAD) to reset. 

CPDS caution Indications

ACTUATION (MISC)

Failure of a series actuator (AFCS)

AUTOPILOT (MISC)

AFCS is disconnected manually or due to failure. 

Procedure: Fly the helicopter manually. 

BAT DISCON (MISC)

Battery is off-line (normal when BAT MSTR switch is in OFF position).

Procedure: Check BAT MSTR switch. If indication remains on, land as soon as practicable. 

BUSTIE OPN (SYSTEM I or II)

Electrical systems are separated. High load bus disconnected. 

Procedure: Respective BUSTIE sw RESET. If caution indication comes on again: Land as soon as practicable. 

DECOUPLE (MISC)

An upper AFCS mode is decoupled. This caution is indicated for 10 seconds.

DEGRADE (SYSTEM I or II)

Indicates a change or loss of a number of governing functions

ENG CHIP (SYSTEM I or II)

Metal particles detected in engine oil. 

Procedure: Establish OEI flight conditions. Perform emergency shutdown of affected engine. Land as soon as practicable. As an alternative to the emergency shutdown eng switch of affected engine can be set to IDLE position. This allows to use the engine for landing. It is necessary to be prepared for engine failure and to monitor N1, TOT, TRQ, oil pressure and oil temperature of the affected engine closely. 

ENG EXCEED (SYSTEM I or II)

Counter for OEI 30 sec./ 2min. power limitations expired or engine parameter has been exceeded. Indication only on ground. 

Procedure: Maintenance action required before flight. 

ENG FAIL (SYSTEM I or II / CAD and FLI)

Respective N1-RPM below threshold value.

Procedure: Establish OEI flight conditions. Perform emergency shutdown of affected engine. Land as soon as practicable.

ENG IDLE (SYSTEM I or II / CAD and FLI)

The respective engine switch is in IDLE position.

ENG MANUAL (SYSTEM I or II)

Engine MANUAL mode is selected by switching ENG MODE SEL from NORM to MAN. There is no automatic governing function. Throttle has to be controlled manually by twist grip.

Returning to NORM mode: ENG MODE SEL switch to NORM. ENG MANAUL caution disappears. Then turn twist grip carefully to neutral Position. Check TWIST GRIP caution off.

ENG OIL P (SYSTEM I or II)

Affected engine oil pressure below minimum.

Procedure: Establish OEI flight conditions. Perform emergency shutdown of affected engine. Land as soon as practicable.

EPU DOOR (MISC)

External power receptacle access door is open. 

EXT PWR (MISC)

External power is applied. 

FADEC FAIL (SYSTEM I or II / CAD and FLI)

Fuel metering valve is blocked. Automatic acceleration, deceleration during power changes and NORM start are impossible.

Procedure: Adjust collective lever as necessary to maintain N_RO within normal range. Adjust torque of affected engine manually by respective TWIST GRIP. 

MANUAL mode is only available in

FLI FAIL (SYSTEM I or II / CAD and FLI)

Loss of two out of three signals (N1, TRQ, TOT) of the same engine. The numerical values of the failed parameters disappeared. The parameter designation is yellow. The Needle of the respective engine disappeared. If FLI FAIL and FADEC FAIL appear simultaneously, refer to FADEC FAIL procedure. 

F PUMP AFT (MISC)

Failure of aft fuel transfer pump, or dry run.

Procedure: Check fuel quantity in main tank. If quantity is sufficient to keep both fuel pumps wet, check FUEL PUMP XFER-A switch on. Switch OFF if indication remains on. If main tank fuel quantity is low, switch FUEL PUMP XFER-A OFF.

F PUMP FWD (MISC)

Failure of forward fuel transfer pump, or dry run.

Procedure: Check fuel quantity in main tank. If quantity is sufficient to keep both fuel pumps wet, check FUEL PUMP XFER-F switch on. Switch OFF if indication remains on. If main tank fuel quantity is low, switch FUEL PUMP XFER-F OFF.

FUEL (MISC)

The fuel quantities of the supply tanks begin to decrease. Caution appears when fuel quantity is approx. 36 kg (tank 1) or 32kg (tank 2).

Procedure: Chek fuel quantity indication of main tank and supply tanks. Check fuel XFER pump swiches on. Land as soon as practicable.

FUEL PRESS (SYSTEM I or II)

Engine fuel pump inlet pressure low.

Procedure: Switch FUEL PRIME PUMP (affected engine) ON. If caution indication remains, switch pump OFF and land as soon as practicable.

FUEL VALVE (SYSTEM I or II)

Fuel valve is in a position other than commanded.

Procedure: Land as soon as practicable.

F VALVE CL (SYSTEM I or II)

Fuel valve is in closed position.

NOTE The F VALVE CL caution indication will come on after pressing the respective EMER OFF switch marked “FIRE”.

GEN DISCON (SYSTEM I or II)

Respective generator has failed or is disconnected from the power distribution system. Normal while Starter is running.

Procedure: Affected GEN switch RESET, then NORM (via OFF). If GEN DISCON caution indication remains on: Affected GEN switch OFF. DC VOLTS, GEN AMPS and BAT AMPS check. If battery is discharged: Reduce electrical consumers as much as possible. Land as soon as practicable.

NOTE One generator alone will provide sufficient power for normal services.

GEN DISCON (SYSTEM I and II)

Both generators have failed or are disconnected from the power distribution system. Only ESS BUS I + II are available.

Procedure: Each GEN switch RESET, then NORM (via OFF). If both GEN DISCON caution indications remain on: Both GEN switch OFF. Reduce electrical consumers as much as possible. NOTE: The battery will supply the ESS BUS I and II. SHED BUS sw EMER ON if necessary. DC VOLTS and BAT AMPS check. Land as soon as practicable.  

NOTE: Flight endurance depends on battery loading.  

SHED BUS switch is available only in

GYRO (MISC)

Failure of a sensor such as AHRS or Rate Gyro.

HYD PRESS (SYSTEM I or II)

Pressure loss in the respective system, the other system retains power.

Procedure: Land as soon as practicable.

NO TG INST (MISC)

No Twist Grips installed. Caution comes up for 10 seconds if switched to MANUAL throttle mode without having installed or configured throttle rheostats.

OVSP (SYSTEM I or II)

Overspeed protection system failure. 

Procedure: Land as soon as practicable. 

P DAMPER (MISC)

Failure of the Pitch Damper.

PITOT HTR (SYSTEM I or II)

Pitot/Static heater is switched off or failed.

P/R SAS (MISC)

Failure of P/R SAS or inoperative.

PRIME PUMP (SYSTEM I and /or II)

Prime pump(s) in operation.

NOTE Prime pumps must be OFF during normal flight operations.

REDUND (SYSTEM I or II)

Indicates loss of redundancy or failure with no effect on fuel control system.

ROTOR BRK (MISC)

Rotor brake engaged.

Procedure: Check rotor brake lever in Off position. If indication remains on, land as soon as possible.

SHED EMER (MISC)

SHED BUS switch is switched to EMER ON.

Procedure: Reduce electrical consumers as much as possible. Land as soon as practicable.  

SHED BUS switch is available only in

STARTER (SYSTEM I or II)

If STARTER caution indication remains on after reaching IDLE speed a relay blockade is evident. The indication is normal during engine starting. 

Procedure: Perform emergency shutdown of affected engine. Land as soon as practicable.

TRIM (MISC)

Failure of AFCS’s autotrim.

TWIST GRIP (SYSTEM I or II)

Twist grip is not in its neutral position. 

Returning to NORM mode: ENG MODE SEL switch to MANUAL, then NORM. ENG MANAUL caution disappears. Then turn twist grip carefully to neutral Position. Check TWIST GRIP caution off.

MANUAL mode is only available in

XMSN OIL P (SYSTEM I or II)

XMSN oil pressure in respective pump system is below minimum.

Procedure: Land as soon as practicable.

XMSN OIL T (MISC)

Transmission oil temperature above maximum.

Procedure: Reduce power as much as possible. Land as soon as possible. 

YAW SAS (MISC)

Failure of Yaw SAS or inoperative.

Single Engine Emergency Shutdown

	Make certain that the collective lever is adjusted to maintain the normal engine within OEI limits.
	Procedure
	1. ENG main switch (affected engine)	IDLE, check right engine then OFF

Inflight Restart

	Procedure
	1. Collective lever	Adjust to OEI MCP or below
	2. Collective lever friction	Adjust to maintain position of lever wehen released
	3. Electrical consumption	Reduce
	4. ENG MAIN sw	Check OFF
	5. FADEC sw	Check ON
	6. Engine PRIME PUMP sw	On
	7. ENG MAIN sw	FLIGHT; STARTER caution comes on
	When N1 > 50%
	8. Engine PRIME PUMP sw	OFF
	9. Electrical consumption	As required
	10. Starting triangles	Check disappeared
	If restart is not successful:
	11. Single Engine emergency shutdown	Perform
	12. LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE

Autorotation

	Procedure
	1. Collective lever	Reduce to maintain NR within limits
	2. Airspeed	75 KIAS recommended
NOTE	Maximum range airspeed	90 KIAS
NOTE	Minimum rate-of-decent airspeed	60 KIAS
	3. Double engine emergency shutdown	Perform
	AT APPROXIMATELY 100 FT AGL:
	4. Flare attitude	Establish
	TOUCHDOWN:
	5. Landing attitude	Establish
	6. Heading	Maintain
	7. Collective lever	Increase to stop descent and cushion landing
	AFTER TOUCHDOWN:
	8. Collective lever	Raise slowly to prevent abrupt stop
	9 BAT MSTR sw	OFF

Normal Procedures

Refer also to our video tutorial for engine start-up. 

Pre-Start Check

	Overhead Panel:
	All switches	OFF or NORM
	Instrument Panel:
	All switches	OFF or NORM
	BAT MSTR sw	ON; CPDS internal test starts
NOTE	Do not switch off CPDS during or after flight
	CAD	Check no INP FAIL message
NOTE	If INP FAIL appears in conjunction with the appropriate caution(s), this caution(s) will not be provided during flight. Abort pre-start check.
	Overhead Panel:
	FIRE EW 1 test sw	EXT/WARN
	CAD	FIRE EXT and FIRE E TST must come on (system I)
	Warning Panel	FIRE I must come on
	FIRE EW 1 test sw	OFF
	FIRE EW 2 test sw	EXT/WARN
	CAD	FIRE EXT and FIRE E TST must come on (system II)
	Warning Panel	FIRE II must come on
	FIRE EW 2 test sw	OFF
	CDS/WARN UNIT TEST sw	WARN UNIT (all warning lights and gong must come on)
	CDS/WARN UNIT TEST sw	CPDS: Check display self test
	Fuel XFER pumps (AFT and FWD)	ON; Check caution (F PUMP AFT/FWD) off
	Fuel XFER pumps (AFT and FWD)	OFF
	Both fuel PRIME pumps	ON and check cautions coming on
	A-COLL light sw	ON
	Instrument Panel:
	CAD & VEMD brightness	Adjust as required
	VEMD	DC voltage: minimum 24 V
	CAD fuel quantity indication	Check quantity
	FADEC sw I then II	ON
		Check following cautions:  -TRAINING -ENG MANUAL -DEGRADE -REDUND
	Cyclic Stick:
	TRIM REL sw	Press

Starting Engines

	Before starting engines
	Rotor area	Clear
	Abort start procedure
	IMMEDIATELY ABORT START FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: IF IGNITION DOES NOT TAKE PLACE AFTER REACHING OF N1 = 20% BUT LAT-EST AFTER 15 SECONDS. WAIT FOR 30 SECONDS BEFORE TRYING STARTING AGAIN. TOT RISES ABNORMALLY RAPIDLY ABOVE 810°C AND IS QUICKLY APPROACH-ING 895°C. IF ENGINE HANGS. (Stagnation below GROUND IDLE limits) NO POSITIVE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION OIL PRESSURE INDICATIONS UPON REACHING GROUND IDLE CONDITION. IF N1 OR N2 INCREASE BEYOND ENGINE LIMITS.
	ENG MAIN sw(s)	OFF
	Starting first engine
NOTE	Either engine may be started first
	First Limit Indicator	Check needle shows TOT
	ENG MAIN sw first engine	IDLE, simultaneously start clock Monitor: - N1 increase - TOT rise (≈ 720 °C); note that FLI needle moves not until ≈ 350 °C. - Engine oil pressure - N2 and NRO increase
	Ground IDLE	Check N2 ≈ 70%
	HYDRAULIC Check:
	TRIM REL sw (on cyclic stick)	Press
	Cyclic stick	Unlock
	HYD test sw	SYS 1 Check caution indication HYD PRESS (System 2)
		SYS 2 Check caution indication HYD PRESS (System 1)
		NORM
	Starting second engine
	First Limit Indicator	Check needle shows TOT
	ENG MAIN sw second engine	IDLE, simultaneously start clock Monitor: - N1 increase - TOT rise (≈ 720 °C); note that FLI needle moves not until ≈ 350 °C. - Engine oil pressure - N2 and NRO increase
	When IDLE speed of N2 ≈ 70% is reached:
	Both Fuel XFER pumps	ON
	Both Fuel PRIME pumps	OFF
	INVERTER sw	ON
	AVIONIC MASTER switches	ON
	Instruments	Set and check
	Both ENG MAIN switches	FLIGHT
	After rotor RPM has stbilized:
	Both ENG MAIN switch guards	Close
	Engine quick start procedure
	INVERTER sw	ON
	TRIM REL sw	Press
	Cyclic stick	Unlock and hold in neutral pos.
NOTE	Only one engine will begin starting cycle. After reaching N1 ≈ 50%, the second engine will begin its starting cycle automatically.
	First Limit Indicator	Check needle shows TOT
	Both ENG MAIN sw’s	FLIGHT, simultaneously start clock Monitor: - N1 increase - TOT rise (≈ 720 °C); note that FLI needle moves not until ≈ 350 °C. - Engine oil pressure - N2 and NRO increase
	When N2 ≈ 70% at both engines:
	Both Fuel XFER pumps	ON
	Both Fuel PRIME pumps	OFF
	AVIONIC MASTER switches	ON
	When both engines in Flight idle:
	Instruments	Set and check
	HYDRAULIC Check
	HYD test sw	SYS 1 Check caution indication HYD PRESS (System 2)
		SYS 2 Check caution indication HYD PRESS (System 1)
		NORM

System Checks

	Miscellaneous Checks
	Optional equipment checks	As required
	SAS Check
	SAS / AP CUT push-button	Press Check CAUTION indication: -YAW SAS -P/R SAS
	SAS Y RST switch	Reset YAW
	SAS PR RST switch	Reset P/R
	AFCS Test (when AFCS intended to be operated in A.TRIM mode)
	TEST button	Press to initiate system test
	Warning panel	AP/A.TRIM appears
	CAD	During test the following cautions appear: -AUTOPILOT -TRIM -ACTUATION -P/R SAS -GYRO -DECOUPLE -YAW SAS -P DAMPER
	PFD	/ YR / P / flashing
	Cyclic stick	Check motion during trim test
	If system test was successful (lamp of the test button out):
	CAD	All autopilot relevant cautions disappear
	AP button	Press to engage the autopilot (OFF lamp of the AP button goes off)

Pre-Takeoff Check

	NRO / N2	Check ≈ 98 %
	FLI needles	Check matched at same parameter
	All WARNING, CAD & VEMD indications	Check
	All doors	Closed
	Collective pitch	Unlock

Takeoff 

NOTE	If AFCS is engaged, it is required to override the autopilot temporarily during takeoff procedure by using the Force Trim Release button. Alternatively A.TRIM mode can be deactivated while lifting off. Autopilot then operates in SAS mode.
	Cyclic stick	Perform small input; check start-ing triangles disappeared
	Hover flight	Perform
	NRO / N2	Check ≈ 100 %
	FLI needles	Check matched at same parameter
	All WARNING, CAD & VEMD indications	Check
	Recommended takeoff procedure:
	Acceleration and climb	Start nose down pitch rotation and simultaneously increase power smoothly so that the helicopter gains speed and height.
	When reaching 50 KIAS	Maintain airspeed until reaching 50ft AGL, then accelerate to VY (65 kt) and climb through 100ft AGL

Pre-Landing Check

NOTE	If AFCS is engaged, it is required to override the autopilot temporarily during takeoff procedure by using the Force Trim Release button. Alternatively A.TRIM mode can be deactivated while lifting off. Autopilot then operates in SAS mode.
	All instruments	Check
	All WARNING, CAD & VEMD indications	Check

Landing

	Recommended landing procedure
	After reaching 50 ft AGL	Descent with ≤ 500 ft/min at 40 KIAS
	Before touchdown	Establish flare attitude to reduce ground speed and raise collec-tive lever to cushion landing
	Touchdown	Establish with zero groundspeed
	Cyclic stick	Neutral
	Collective pitch	Lock

Engine Shutdown

	ENG I/II main switches	IDLE
	Inverter sw	OFF
	Avionic Master switches	OFF
	STBY/HOR sw	OFF
	Fuel XFER F + A pumps	OFF
	All electrical consumers	OFF; except anti-collision light and FADEC sw
	Cyclic stick	Lock
	ENG I/II main switches	OFF
	Engine parameters	Monitor
	When rotor has stopped:
	Anti-collision light	OFF
	VEMD	Check FLIGHT REPORT page for counter cycles and exceeded mast moment indications
	FADEC switches (2)	OFF
	BAT MSTR switch	OFF

Appendix 1: Preferences file format

User preferences are saved in a text file named ec135v5.ini (ec135pro.ini for Pro version) which is stored in the folder Output/preferences of your X-Plane installation. The different filename for Pro version makes it possible to have freeware or Plus version installed side by side. 

These instructions are intended for advanced users!

The file format is based on the common INI file format with the following characteristics: 

• Entries are case sensitive
• Boolean values must be written as integers, where 0 means false and 1 means true
• Comments are not fully supported

Preferences file can be edited with every plain text editor. Please do not use word processing programs such as Word. 

The following describes the individual keys that can be used in the ec135v5.ini and ec135pro.ini file. Unknown keys written in the correct syntax are ignored. If the keys are not available, the standard value is usually automatically accepted. Some data is saved in the file every time the aircraft is unloaded.

Section	Key	Comment
SETTINGS	JoystickSensitivityPitch	Sensitivity of the joystick on the pitch axis. This value overwrites the setting of X-Plane. The original value is restored when the EC 135 is unloaded. If the sensitivity is changed in the X-Plane menu while the EC 135 is loaded, this new value is saved here for the next time the machine is called up. Default value: 0.00
SETTINGS	JoystickSensitivityRoll	Sensitivity of the joystick on the roll axis. This value overwrites the setting of X-Plane. The original value is restored when the EC 135 is unloaded. If the sensitivity is changed in the X-Plane menu while the EC 135 is loaded, this new value is saved here for the next time the machine is called up. Default value: 0.00
SETTINGS	JoystickSensitivityHeading	Sensitivity of the joystick or pedals on the yaw axis. This value overwrites the setting of X-Plane. The original value is restored when the EC 135 is unloaded. If the sensitivity is changed in the X-Plane menu while the EC 135 is loaded, this new value is saved here for the next time the machine is called up. Default value: 0.00
SETTINGS	JoystickAugmentPitch	Artificial stability for control inputs on pitch axis. This value overwrites the setting of X-Plane. The original value is restored when the EC 135 is unloaded. If the stability setting is changed in the X-Plane menu while the EC 135 is loaded, this new value is saved here for the next time the machine is called up. Default value: 0.00
SETTINGS	JoystickAugmentRoll	Artificial stability for control inputs on roll axis. This value overwrites the setting of X-Plane. The original value is restored when the EC 135 is unloaded. If the stability setting is changed in the X-Plane menu while the EC 135 is loaded, this new value is saved here for the next time the machine is called up. Default value: 0.00
SETTINGS	JoystickAugmentHeading	Artificial stability for control inputs on yaw axis. This value overwrites the setting of X-Plane. The original value is restored when the EC 135 is unloaded. If the stability setting is changed in the X-Plane menu while the EC 135 is loaded, this new value is saved here for the next time the machine is called up. Default value: 0.00
SETTINGS	JoystickHasFtr	The joystick is equipped with a hardware force trim function.
SETTINGS	PositionLightsAtRunning	0 Position lights are off after load with running engines (default). 1 Position lights ar on after load with running engines.
SETTINGS	StrobeLightsAtRunning	0 Strobe lights are off after load with running engines (default). 1 Strobe lights ar on after load with running engines.
SETTINGS	LastStandardReset	NEVER TOUCH THIS!
SETTINGS	DoubleControlsEnabled	0 No Co-pilot controls. 1 Co-pilot controls are installed and calibrated.
SETTINGS	CollectiveWritesToDataref	0 Collective is connected as a standard joystick (default) 1 Collective writes it's data to dataref rotorsim/ec135/external_collective_ratio. Range is 0.00 to 1.00
SETTINGS	CollectiveDatarefReversed	Reverses the interpretation of the dataref rotorsim/ec135/external_collective_ratio.  0 Standard interpretation. 0 is collective down, 1 is collective full deflected (default) 1 Revered interpretation. 1 is collective down, 1 is collective full deflected.
AFCS	ResetTrimAtDisengage	0 Trim is retained when the autopilot is switched off. 1 Sets the trim back to neutral values when the autopilot is switched off.
SYSTEMS	DecisionHeightPilot	Decision height for the display at the pilot's side in ft.
SYSTEMS	DecisionHeightCopilot	Decision height for the display at the co-pilot's side in ft.
SYSTEMS	NdMode	Mode the Navigation Display has when switched on. 0 MAP 1 HSI (default)
SYSTEMS	HiNrEngaged	0 HiNr switch not engaged by default. 1 HiNr switch locked by default.
ROTORSYSTEM	TipWeightMultiplyer	Factor for a change in the kinetic energy of the rotor during autorotation. Do not change this!
ROTORSYSTEM	TrimResetRate	Changes the speed at which the trim is set back to neutral values, e.g. when the autopilot is switched off.
FUEL	FuelWeightAtReload	Weight of fuel set when the aircraft is loaded in kg.
PV_HORIZ	Engaged	Automatic line of sight control (horizontal): Engagement. Not available in PRO version.  0 disengaged 1 engaged (default)
PV_HORIZ	RateMax	Automatic line of sight control (horizontal): Turnrate. Default value: 35.00
PV_HORIZ	Deflection	Automatic line of sight control (horizontal): Deflection. Default value: 12.00
PV_HORIZ	Curve	Automatic line of sight control (horizontal): Responsiveness. Default value: 2.00
PV_VERT	Engaged	Automatic line of sight control (vertical): Engagement. Not available in PRO version.  0 disengaged 1 engaged (default)
PV_VERT	RateMax	Automatic line of sight control (vertical): Turnrate. Default value: 20.00
PV_VERT	Deflection	Automatic line of sight control (vertical): Deflection. Default value: 4.00
PV_VERT	Curve	Automatic line of sight control (vertical): Responsiveness. Default value: 2.00
PV_ROLL	Engaged	Automatic line of sight control (roll): Engagement. Not available in PRO version.  0 disengaged 1 engaged (default)
PV_ROLL	RateMax	Automatic line of sight control (roll): Turnrate. Default value: 30.00
PV_ROLL	Deflection	Automatic line of sight control (roll): Deflection. Default value: 5.00
PV_ROLL	Curve	Automatic line of sight control (roll): Responsiveness. Default value: 1.00
CREW	Pilot	Is the Pilot boarded after load? Default value: 1
CREW	Copilot	Is the Co-pilot boarded after load? Default value: 1
CREW	Doctor	Is Passenger 1 boarded after load? Default value: 1
CREW	Passenger	Is Passenger 2 boarded after load? Default value: 0
CREW	Patient	Is Passenger 3 boarded after load? Default value: 0
LANDINGLIGHT	ControlSelectAdvisory	When set to 1 an advisory CTRL SX15 is created, that comes on when direction control is set to Spectrolab/SX16 search light. Default value: 0
LANDINGLIGHT	ExtendedLightAtOn	Angle of the extendable landing light after switching on. Can be between 0.00 (full retracted) and 1.00 (full extended). Default value: 0.85, in PRO Version 0.00
LANDINGLIGHT	LandingLight1AtRunning	0 Fixed landing light is off after load with running engines (default). 1 Fixed landing light is on after load with running engines.
LANDINGLIGHT	LandingLight2AtRunning	0 Extendable landing light is off after load with running engines (default). 1 Extendable landing light is on after load with running engines.
LANDINGLIGHT	LandingLightSearchRunning	0 Search light is off after load with running engines (default). 1 Search landing light is on after load with running engines.
LANDINGLIGHT	SpectrolabPreselected	When set to 1 direction control is switched from the Search and Landing Light to Spectrolab/SX16 search light automatically after loading a livery. Default value: 0
CARGOHOOK	CableLenght	Standard cable length for sling operations with cargo hook. Default value: 10.00
UDP	MultiCastAddress	Adress for multicast send and receive from master to slave.  Default value: 239.255.0.1
UDP	MultiCastPort	Port for multicast send and receive from master to slave.  Default value: 30001
UDP	SendIntervalTime	Time between sending the data packets in ms. Default value: 0.033 (corresponds to 30 transmissions per second)
UDP	TransmitCockpitData	0 Only data for the outside view are transmitted (e.g. rotor animation). 1 Data for displaying instruments on slaves are also transmitted. Default value: 0
INSTALLATION	Slave	0 This computer works as a master and sends data. 1 This computer works as a slave and receives data.  Default value: 1
TWISTGRIP		Never touch these items!

Example for a preferences file

[SETTINGS]
JoystickSensitivityPitch=0.000000
JoystickSensitivityRoll=0.000000
JoystickSensitivityHeading=0.000000
JoystickAugmentPitch=0.000000
JoystickAugmentRoll=0.000000
JoystickAugmentHeading=0.000000
ReportLogLimit=20

[SYSTEMS]
HiNrEngaged=1
DecisionHeightPilot=130.000000
DecisionHeightCopilot=130.000000

[ROTORSYSTEM]
TrimResetRate=0.05

[FUEL]
FuelWeightAtReload=495

[AFCS]
ResetTrimAtDisengage=1 

Appendix 2: Technical Information Pro Version 

We recommend the hardware from, simparts which is optimally matched to our software.This makes it particularly easy to build the home cockpit. Of course, the connection to the hardware can also be established in other ways, namely directly via standard USB joystick controllers such as the BU0836. This solution is particularly inexpensive and is ideal for hobbyists who really want to tinker everything themselves. The necessary basic knowledge is imparted in the following.

Connection of buttons and switches

Unless the CAN bus solution from simparts is used, the EC 135 Pro offers the option of connecting all important buttons and switches via standard USB joystick controllers such as the BU0836. To do this, the software generates special custom commands that can be assigned to the individual ports of the controller. In order to influence the performance as little as possible, we differentiate between different types of switches. These are optimized in such a way that as few contacts as possible are closed in normal flight conditions.

• Push Button. As usual, the contact is closed as long as the button is pressed.
• ON switch. As usual, the contact is closed when the switch is in the on state.
• OFF switch: The contact is closed when the switch is in the OFF state.
• 3 pole switch (e.g. ENG switch). The corresponding switches usually have two each one closed contact in the extreme positions. Accordingly, you need two ports of the joystick controller. The software provides two custom commands for each of these switches. In centered position there is no command. This position is recognized by leaving one of the of the other positions. 

When wiring the panels, it is important to know which switches are of which type so that they are installed in the correct orientation.

Desgination of Button or Switch	Type	Command
Battery	3 pole switch	ec135/panel/battery_ON ec135/panel/battery_RESET
GEN I	3 pole switch	ec135/panel/generator_1_ON ec135/panel/generator_1_RESET
GEN II	3 pole switch	ec135/panel/generator_2_ON ec135/panel/generator_2_RESET
ENG Main Switch I	3 pole switch	ec135/panel/eng_1_OFF ec135/panel/eng_1_FLIGHT
ENG Main Switch II	3 pole switch	ec135/panel/eng_2_OFF ec135/panel/eng_2_FLIGHT
FADEC I	OFF switch	ec135/panel/fadec_1_OFF
FADEC II	OFF switch	ec135/panel/fadec_2_OFF
Mode Select MANUAL I	ON switch	ec135/overheadpanel/manual_1
Mode Select MANUAL I	ON switch	ec135/overheadpanel/manual_2
Light A-COLL	OFF switch	ec135/overheadpanel/a_coll_OFF
CAD OFF	Push Button	ec135/cpds/cad_off
CAD SCROLL	Push Button	ec135/cpds/cad_scroll
CAD BRT+	Push Button	ec135/cpds/cad_brt_up
CAD BRT-	Push Button	ec135/cpds/cad_brt_down
Vemd OFF 1	Push Button	ec135/cpds/fli_off
Vemd OFF 2	Push Button	ec135/cpds/elec_off
Vemd SCROLL	Push Button	ec135/cpds/vemd_scroll
Vemd RESET	Push Button	ec135/cpds/vemd_reset
Vemd +	Push Button	ec135/cpds/vemd_plus
Vemd -	Push Button	ec135/cpds/vemd_minus
Vemd BRT+	Push Button	ec135/cpds/cad_vemd_down
Vemd BRT-	Push Button	ec135/cpds/cad_vemd_down
PFD Pilot OFF	Push Button	ec135/cpds/pfdpilot_off
ND Pilot OFF	Push Button	ec135/cpds/ndpilot_off
MFD Copilot BRT +	Push Button	ec135/cpds/pfdcopilot_brt_plus
MFD Copilot BRT -	Push Button	ec135/cpds/pfdcopilot_brt_minus
Light POS	ON switch	ec135/overheadpanel/pos_ON
Light STROBE	ON switch	ec135/overheadpanel/strobe_ON
Instrument LIGHT	3 pole switch	ec135/overheadpanel/instrument_light_DAY ec135/overheadpanel/instrument_light_NVG
PRIME PUMP I	ON switch	ec135/overheadpanel/prime_pump_1_ON
PRIME PUMF II	ON switch	ec135/overheadpanel/prime_pump_2_ON
XFER F Pump	OFF switch	ec135/overheadpanel/xfer_f_OFF
XFER A Pump	OFF switch	ec135/overheadpanel/xfer_a_OFF
PITOT HTR I	OFF switch	ec135/overheadpanel/pitot_heater_1_OFF
PITOT HTR II	OFF switch	ec135/overheadpanel/pitot_heater_2_OFF
INVERTER	OFF switch	ec135/overheadpanel/inverter_OFF
AVIONICS I	OFF switch	ec135/overheadpanel/avionics_master_1_OFF
AVIONICS II	OFF switch	ec135/overheadpanel/avionics_master_2_OFF
STBY HOR	3 pole switch	ec135/overheadpanel/stbyhor_TEST ec135/overheadpanel/stbyhor_ON
BUS TIE I	3 pole switch	ec135/overheadpanel/bus_tie_1_NORM ec135/overheadpanel/bus_tie_1_RESET
BUS TIE II	3 pole switch	ec135/overheadpanel/bus_tie_2_NORM ec135/overheadpanel/bus_tie_2_RESET
SHED BUS EMER	ON switch	ec135/overheadpanel/shed_bus_EMER
ICP ND Button	Pushbutton	ec135/icp/nd_pilot ec135/icp/nd_copilot
ICP PFD Button	Pushbotton	ec135/icp/pfd_pilot ec135/icp/pfd_copilot
ICP Arrow Button	Pushbutton	ec135/icp/arrow_1_pilot ec135/icp/arrow_1_copilot
ICP Double Arrow Button	Pushbutton	ec135/icp/arrow_2_pilot ec135/icp/arrow_2_copilot
ICP NAV Button	Pushbutton	ec135/icp/nav_pilot ec135/icp/nav_copilot
ICP EXT Button	Pushbutton	ec135/icp/ext_pilot ec135/icp/ext_copilot
ICP Push Baro Rheostat	Pushbutton	ec135/icp/std_pilot ec135/icp/std_copilot

All circuit breakers implemented in the model are currently only accessible via the writable dataref array rotorsim/ec135/circuit_breaker_array. The table below shows the assignment of the c/b and the index in the array. The value 1 indicates that the c/b is switched on, the value 0 stands for a switched off c/b.

Array index	Circuit Breaker
0	VEMD_1
1	VEMD_2
2	CAD_1
3	CAD_2
4	WARN_1
5	WARN_2
6	HYD_P_1
7	HYD_P_2
8	FUEL_L_1
9	FUEL_L_2
10	FIRE_E_1
11	FIRE_E_2
12	INV_1
13	INV_2
14	FADEC_1
15	FADEC_2
16	START_1
17	START_2
18	IGN_1
19	IGN_2
20	FUEL_V_1
21	FUEL_V_2
22	FIRE_D_1
23	FIRE_D_2
24	PRIME_P_1
25	PRIME_P_2
26	N2_1
27	N2_2
28	SMOKE_DET
29	AUX_TANK
30	XFER_A_PUMP
31	XFER_F_PUMP
32	PITOT_HTR_P
33	PITOT_HTR_CP
34	ESS_BUS_1
35	ESS_BUS_2
36	MASTER_1
37	MASTER_2
38	YAW_SEMA
39	ROLL_SEMA
40	WIPER_POWER
41	WIPER_CONTROL
42	ROTOR_RPM
43	DME
44	PITCH_DUMP
45	ANTI_COLL
46	VHF_1
47	VHF_2
48	ADC_1
49	ADC_2
50	AHRS_1
51	AHRS_2
52	TRIM_REL
53	PR_SAS_DC
54	PR_SAS_AC
55	FCDS_1
56	FCDS_2
57	YAW
58	PFD_1
59	ND_1
60	MFD
61	MAST_MM
62	GROUND_BAT_CONTROL
63	GROUND_BAT_POWER_1
64	GROUND_BAT_POWER_2
65	PFD_2
66	ND_2
67	TRIM_ACT
68	POS_LIGHT
69	LDG_LIGHT_POWER
70	LDG_LIGHT_CONTROL
71	SHED_BUS_1
72	SHED_BUS_2
73	HOR_BAT
74	RAD_ALT
75	VOR
76	NAV_1
77	LOAD_HOOK_POWER
78	LOAD_HOOK_CONTROL
79	STBY_HOR
80	GPS_1
81	GPS_2
82	CKPT_LT
83	PAX_CARGO
84	LIGHT_LDG_FIX
85	INSTR_LT
86	COMTROL_SX16
87	LIGHT_STROBE
88	WINCH_CC_PL
89	WINCH_CONT
90	WINCH_CC_PED
91	ADF
92	HTG_MOTOR
93	HTG_CONT
94	RH_PASS_VENT_SYS_PWR

Instruments

The instruments are displayed via the 2D cockpit. The corresponding view shows all displays in a small space arranged side by side and one below the other. On the hardware side, a separate screen is required for each display. As a rule, it will be necessary to install several graphics cards in the PC in order to have a sufficient number of display connections. 

In an ideal cockpit, the analog instruments and the warning lights are represented by real instruments ans lights, but it is also possible to display them directly from the 2D cockpit on a separate screen.

 

More information will be coming soon.