OQAR/PQAR Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ header
OQAR/PQAR Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ/054 OQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX: Are there any formatting requirements for MO disks used in the OQAR?

If the MO disk has not previously been used in an OQAR (e.g. if it is new), it should first be Low-Level Formatted, using the software provided by the manufacturer of your PC-based MO drive.

If the disk has already been successfully used in an OQAR for recording data, further Low-Level Formatting is not required.

To obtain more information on Low-Level Formatting, go to PS1231 (OQAR BAD MEDIA Message).

 

FAQ/055 OQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX: What is the purpose of the battery pack in the OQAR? Are there any maintenance recommendations for the battery pack?

Go to PS1252 (OQAR Batteries) for this information.

 

FAQ/056 OQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all OQAR versions): Why does the OQAR display BAD MEDIA message?

The OQAR displays BAD MEDIA when it is unable to access the MO disk for writing and reading purposes. This can be due to a number of possible causes. Go to PS1231 (OQAR BAD MEDIA Message) for more information.

 

FAQ/057 OQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all OQAR versions): Why does the OQAR display INVALID MEDIA message?

The MO disk is not compatible with the OQAR variant. For example, if you try to use a 230MB disk in an OQAR which is only compatible with a 128MB disk, the INVALID MEDIA message is displayed.

It is also worth noting that 128MB MO disks are now obsolete. To check the compatibility of your OQAR with 230MB MO disks, download SIL D52000-06.

 

FAQ/058 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): Can I easily check how much recording media space has been used in my OQAR/PQAR?

Yes. This check can be done using the front panel buttons on the OQAR/PQAR. Go to PS1224 (Establishing the OQAR/PQAR Capacity Used) for more information.

 

FAQ/059 OQAR and PQAR: PPN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): Can I install an OQAR or PQAR in place of the existing tape-based QAR on my aircraft?

To compare electrical connector pin interfaces, go to PS1127-4US (QAR Pin-Outs) and PS1127-6US (OQAR-PQAR Pin-Out Support).

Contact the airframe manufacturer to check that OQAR/PQAR is approved for installation on the aircraft type, related Service Bulletins, listing in IPC, etc. Alternatively, an STC may be required.

 

FAQ/060 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): Can I prefix recorded OQAR/PQAR data files with the aircraft tail number?

Yes. Go to PS1175 (Tail Numbering Notes) for instructions.

 

FAQ/061 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): How can I check the settings for data format configuration?

This can be done via the front panel buttons. Go to PS1282 (DMEP Control Setting Instructions) for information.

 

FAQ/062 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): How can I interrogate the ARINC 429 labels configured into the OQAR/PQAR?

This can be done via the front panel buttons. Go to PS1281 (A420 Label Monitor Instructions) for information.

 

FAQ/063 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): How do I enable or disable the Recycling mode on my OQAR or PQAR?

Recycling mode is normally set via one of the parameters in the configuration file. It can also be changed manually via the buttons on the OQAR/PQAR front panel. Go to PS1223 (OQAR/PQAR Recycling Mode Setting) for more information.

 

FAQ/064 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): How do I restore the OQAR/PQAR to its default configuration?

The default configuration can be restored via the front panel buttons. Go to PS1245 (Restoring the OQAR/PQAR Default Configuration) for instructions.

 

FAQ/065 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): How do I set time and date in the OQAR/PQAR internal clock?

Time and date are set via the OQAR/PQAR front panel buttons.
Go to PS1182 (Time and Date Setting) for instructions.
Go to PS1172 (Time and Date Formats) for additional information.

 

FAQ/066 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): On the recording media, what is the purpose of the USERAREA folder?

The USERAREA is a protected area of the storage media, where the customer can store information in the form of electronic files. Go to PS1275 (USERAREA) for more information.

 

FAQ/067 OQAR and PQAR: PPN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): There is no flight data on the recording media from this OQAR/PQAR. How can I check to see if the OQAR/PQAR is receiving data from the DMU on the aircraft?

a) This can be checked using the front panel buttons. Go to Go to PS1280 (Activity Monitor Instructions) for more information. b) If (a) above does not identify the problem, download the OQAR or PQAR Line Maintenance Troubleshooting Guide.

 

FAQ/068 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): What files and folders should be on the MO disk removed from OQAR or on the PCMCIA card removed from PQAR?

Go to PS1203 (OQAR/PQAR Media Contents Checking) and PS1175 (OQAR/PQAR Tail Numbering Notes) for more information.

 

FAQ/069 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): What files do I need to delete from the recording media, before re-using it?

Go to PS1234 (OQAR/PQAR Media Re-Use Instructions) for more information on this subject.

 

FAQ/070 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): What is Run Control? Is my OQAR/PQAR configured for it?

Run Control is one of the parameter settings in the OQAR/PQAR configuration file. It is a feature to enable or disable the recording of data by the application of an external discrete input line. Go to PS1269 (OQAR & PQAR Run Control)and PS1270 (OQAR & PQAR Run Control Setting) for more information.

 

FAQ/071 OQAR and PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all models): What is the recording capacity of the OQAR or PQAR?

The recording capacity depends upon (a) the data rate and (b) the storage media capacity. Go to PS1259 (Recording Capacities in Flying Hours) for more information.

 

FAQ/075 PQAR: PN/D52000-XXXXX (all PQAR versions): Are there any formatting requirements for PCMCIA cards used in the PQAR?

A new PCMCIA card should be formatted using Windows (FAT) formatting function, prior to its first use in a PQAR. This is not necessary on subsequent use of the same disk.

 

FAQ/076 QAR Test Set: PN/D51501: Is there any specific calibration requirement for the QAR Test Set?

The recommendation is that QAR Test Set P/N D51501 be returned to Curtiss-Wright Christchurch for calibration check every 12 months.