VHF FM Radio Control Panel (COMM 2)
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Left console, below the UHF Radio panel and adjacent to the intercom and antenna select panels.
Provides control of the VHF FM communication radio, used primarily for close air support and communication with ground units. Allows the pilot to select preset or manual frequencies, adjust volume and squelch, and configure transmission modes.
VOL / SQDIS Knob — Dual concentric knob controlling radio volume and squelch disable.
VHF / TONE Selector Switch — Enables or disables audio tone output.
Frequency Selector Knobs (4 total) — Set the VHF FM frequency manually (e.g., 30.000–87.975 MHz).
PRESENT Window — Displays currently active preset channel (1–20).
EMER: Emergency frequency (default fail-safe).
AM: Amplitude modulation (rarely used).
MAN: Manual frequency entry.
PRE: Preset channel selection.
LOAD: Used for programming presets.
DF: Direction finding mode (if available).
TR: Transmit/receive mode.
OFF: Powers down radio.
Recommended hardware (simpit)
Dual concentric potentiometer (10 kΩ) for VOL/SQDIS.
Rotary encoder or multiposition switches for frequency digits.
5-position rotary switch for MODE (EMER–LOAD).
3-position rotary for DF/TR/OFF.
7-segment display or small OLED for PRESENT channel display.
3 mm matte black acrylic or painted aluminum faceplate.
White engraved labels; legends illuminated by green LED backlighting.
Knobs spaced 17–20 mm; main rotary selector larger (16 mm shaft knob) for realistic tactile feedback.
Subsurface green LED backlight for legends and numeric windows.
Edge-lighted acrylic or fiber routing optional for compact builds.
Notes (DCS-BIOS) Use the VHF FM Radio module. Each rotary and switch can be mapped to its discrete functions.
Preset display can be simulated using an Arduino-driven OLED or LCD module connected to DCS-BIOS.
Ensure that the frequency selector encoders wrap around logically between digit positions.