Motion platform operation & troubleshooting

Basic operations and how to troubleshoot common issues with the motion platform on a Redbird system.

Glossary  |  Power-up sequence  |  Power-down sequence  |  Basic troubleshooting

 

Basic operations

NOTE: The circuit for the simulator must be properly grounded and provide the
recommended voltage. Improper grounding or incorrect voltage can cause injuries
and damage to the device. If you have a motion platform, the circuit cannot contain a
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Redbird is not responsible for damage caused
by improper grounding or improper voltage provided by the facility.

 

CAUTION: When operating the device, make sure that the area around the simulator
is clear of persons, equipment, or other hazards. Also, be aware of possible pinch points created by simulator movements (if applicable). See the image below for clearance dimensions. 

Redbird full-motion flight simulator clearance dimensions

Glossary

Motion platform (MP)

The motion platform provides effective motion feedback for yaw, pitch, and roll. It is comprised of several, linked sub-systems, including:

  • Position and acceleration calculations running on the motion system command software installed on the flight simulation computer;
  • A control panel with motor drives, logic computer, and testing and calibration controls;
  • An electrically driven, gimbaled motion base with three electric motors and two hydraulic safety locks;
  • A full range of limit and position sensors.

Motion system design for Redbird full-motion flight simulators

Motion control box

Every motion platform has a motion control box that houses the components that drive the movement of the system. The motion control box is usually mounted either on the front of the frame, on a stand to the side, or underneath the cabin.

Motion control box location on Redbird MCX

Push-button (PB) station

Each motion platform should have a push-button station mounted either on the frame close to the entrance or on top of the motion control box.

Push-button station on Redbird full-motion flight simulator

Pathway sensor & pathway reflector

Each motion platform should have a pair of pathway sensors on the front corners and a pair of pathway reflectors on the rear corners. Ensure that each pathway sensor has a clear line of sight to the reflector on that side and that there aren't any objects in the path of the yaw axis. 

Pathway sensor on Redbird full-motion flight simulator  Pathway reflector on Redbird full-motion flight simulator


Power-up sequence

To initialize and run the motion platform when you load a simulation, use the following sequence:

  1. Turn the surge protector on to provide power to the system. You should hear the cooling fan underneath the floor of the cabin start up. 
    Surge protector

  2. Turn the motion platform on by pressing the green button on the push-button station.
    Where to turn on the motion platform on the push-button station
    When the motion platform turns on it will slowly yaw to the right and then quickly return to the center. Keep people and objects away from the path of the simulator.
    Yaw motion movement of a Redbird full-motion flight simulator
  3. Verify that the motion platform is powered on. If the red stop button on the push
    button station is illuminated, the platform has power.

    Push-button station illuminated

  4. Toggle the "motion platform" toggle-switch to ON when launching a flight through Navigator. The toggle-switch should change to ON/Green when properly selected. 

    Motion system OFF in the Redbird Navigator operating systemMotion system ON in the Redbird Navigator operating system
Note: The default position of this toggle switch is OFF; this needs to be toggled ON before each flight for the motion platform to work properly. 

 


Power-down sequence

  1. End the flight if one is currently running.

    END FLIGHT button in the Redbird Navigator operation system
  2. Press the clear red button on the push-button station to turn off the motion platform.
    Location of the STOP button on the motion platform push-button stationThe backlight inside the red button should extinguish, indicating the motion system is off. 

  3. Power down the motion platform by turning off the power strip.* 
    Surge protector

*Note: Do not power off the power strip if the simulator's computer is still running. Turning off the computer by removing power suddenly can cause significant issues if things get corrupted. 

 

 


Troubleshooting

When initializing the motion platform, you may occasionally encounter the following
issues:

 


Motion platform will not power up, doesn't calibrate, or won't return to center

  1. Make sure the motion control box is plugged into the surge protector.
  2. Make sure the surge protector is turned on.
  3. Make sure the simulator is centered (especially the yaw axis).
  4. Make sure the emergency stop (located inside the cockpit) is released/disengaged.

    Emergency stop button in the cockpit of a Redibrd AATD
    Note: Rotate the emergency stop button clockwise to disengage. 
  5. Make sure the pathway sensors are properly lined up with the reflectors and that there aren't any objects interrupting the beam. 

Red light on PB station doesn't illuminate
PB station red button

  1. Make sure the push-button station cable is plugged into the motion control box.
  2. If the red light does not start blinking during initial calibration, then the light bulb is burned out and needs to be replaced. Contact Redbird Support and they can provide a price or part number for the light bulb.

Red light on PB station turns on when pressed, then turns off immediately

  1. Make sure the emergency stop button inside the cockpit is not engaged.

    Emergency stop button in the cockpit of a Redibrd AATD
    Note: Rotate the emergency stop button clockwise to disengage.

  2. Make sure the emergency stop cable is plugged into the motion control box.
  3. If you continue to experience the red light shutting off, contact Redbird Support for further troubleshooting.

Yellow light not blinking after releasing the green button

  1. Make sure the simulator is centered (yaw axis especially). If it is not centered, turn off the motion platform, then manually move it to center and try again.
  2. On the motion control box, check the fault light.
     
    Fault light on the motion control box of Redbird full-motion flight simulators
    Count how many times the fault light flashes and then reference the table below.

    This table is for Model 2 (white) motion control boxes. 

    Fault Light Flashes Fault Description
    0 No Fault
    1 Computer Problem
    If power cycle does not clear, PLC or program must be replaced
    2 Yaw Axis Sensor
    Encoder has failed, is not turning, or is not wired
    3 Pitch Axis Sensor
    Pitch potentiometer failed or not wired
    4 Roll Axis Sensor
    Roll potentiometer failed or not wired
    5 Yaw Axis Control
    Yaw axis will not stop or is moving the wrong way
    6 Yaw Drive
    Drive failed to run, indicating fault or lost power
    7 Pitch Drive
    Drive failed to run, indicating fault or lost power
    8 Roll Drive
    Drive failed to run, indicating fault or lost power
    9 Yaw Travel Limits
    Limit sensors on at the wrong time, or both are on
    10 Pitch Travel Limits
    Limit sensors on at the wrong time, or both are on
    11 Roll Travel Limits
    Limit sensors on at the wrong time, or both are on
    12 Not Used

The above table is for the Model 2 (white) motion control boxes. For the Model 1 (grey) control boxes, reference the legacy document here: Grey Box Fault List

If unable to resolve the issue using the table above, contact Redbird Support for troubleshooting assistance, and reference the fault code you're getting. 


Yellow light is blinking after releasing the green button

Pathway sensors aligned

  1. Make sure there aren’t any obstructions on either side of the simulator. If there is an obstruction, remove it and restart the motion.

  2. Make sure both pathway sensors are aligned with the reflectors on the rear wheel covers.

  3. If one pathway sensor is not illuminated, re-align the sensor or reflector and attempt to restart.

  4. If the simulator does not move after checking the previous steps, contact Redbird Support for further diagnosis.

Pathway Sensor Models:

How to know when your pathway sensors are aligned


Contact Redbird Support with any questions or for troubleshooting assistance.