Transponder ALT mode issue

[canox]

Hi Mr Keith

I spoke to you earlier on the network about a transponder ALT mode issue. My Xplane aircraft, the Blackshape Prime ultralight, has a digital display and doesnt seem to have a transponder mode selector switch. Its just always 'on'.. you can only cycle through the squawk code digits. I had an issue with it not transmitting in ALT mode properly even with the correct squawk code. PDFs included with the plane dont mention a transponder mode selector switch and I havnt figured out any way to change it.

Here is a screenshot from the manual showing the digital display.
http://i.imgur.com/DfVf70z.jpg

The Prime DOES have an empty space on the panel where you can add an instrument in Planemaker. I could maybe plug a different transponder in there, Im gonna play around with that. If you have any solutions please let me know. Im running Xplane 10.22 64 bit Win7. Otherwise Ive been having tons of fun on the network so far

Thanks!

[Pieces]

You can assign a key (or combination) to the altitude function on the transponder. You would then hit that key at the appropriate time. I've been able to work around similar issues in other planes. For example, the Carenado Mooney doesn't have an alternator switch of any sort, so I mapped a key command to turn on the alternator.

[canox]

Pieces thanks very much I never thought of that! I will try it and post the result.

[Keith Smith]

Sounds like the designer of that panel just wasn't aware of the real world operation of a transponder. This is a recurring theme with plane designers...case in point, designers not including an alternator in the airplane!

All that said, if you're not in airspace where a Mode C transponder is required, then it's not something you have to fix. I brought up the solution in case you were simply not seeing the right button on the panel, however, if it truly isn't there, then we can work with it on the network. You could let the controller know that you were unable to squawk Mode C and we'd deal with it. You'll hear a lot of "say altitude" requests along with "report reaching [altitude]" since we truly can't see your altitude on the scope if you don't have altitude reporting switched on.

Interesting problem! It's up to you if you choose to solve it. Don't feel like it's a showstopper it you can't.

[brianshell]

Another interesting issue with the Carenado Baron 58 model.... When the transponder is turned "off", the PE controllers report that it is in a "constant state of ident". (I've had this happen multiple times). No big deal, you flip it on, and set everything properly, and the issue goes away...

But an "off" transponder, apparently, is not really "off" in this particular model.

[canox]

I wouldnt expect that in Carenado planes, they are so detailed. No problems in my Pipers but Ill have to watch out for that in the Baron.

Edit: I tried Pieces' advice and just mapped the ALT mode to a button on my keyboard, seems to work fine now! Thanks again.
New issue.. I can never receive ATIS in this plane.

I have a couple of other quick question regarding Xplane..
How does PE draw other traffic? Will I see be able to see traffic from FSX users? How does it work if someone is flying a plane I dont have?