Hello,

I have just purchased and installed block F upgrade and there is no way I can activate the A/P, except for the Speed and A/T.

How can I activate the main CMD, ALT HOLD, VERT SPEED, HEADING...?

Please, help me!!!!

Thanks,

Juan

Juan,

The F block upgrades the 757 to a very complicated aircraft that requires you to follow checklists and the proper procedures.  

I must say by the question that you asked I could tell that you have not read your manual. [smiley=embarassed.gif]
I would suggest that you read the manual and become familiar with the aircraft and it’s systems and procedures.

Read the manual the answers to your questions are all there! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

I agree with Cris, but I want to add that there is actually a bug with the autothrottle switch when flying in the virtual cockpit. I already filed a bug report regarding this issue here: http://www.captainsim.net/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1207390047

Apart from that, autoflight works fine for me.

Thanks Cris!

What manual do you mean exactly, manual 2 or manual 5?

Do you mean that I cannot fly the upgraded B757 as any other FS plane? DO I need to go through the FMC every time I want to fly?

Thanks a lot ;)

Juan,

At the minimum manual 5 well help you get a grip on things.  But as I have always told pilots who were transitioning to a new aircraft, “Read everything you can about your new aircraft it will only make things easier on you.” ;)

Yes, you can fly with out the FMC but I wouldn’t.  The FMC does more than navigate for you it provides you with safe takeoff and approaches speeds, trim settings, and allows you to use the automated flight systems.

Once you have mastered programming your FMC it will become a natural part of your flight routine and won’t take that long to do. 8-)

Thanks again Cris.

I will go through manula 2. However, what I have seen so far is that this manual is a description of indicators and buttons. Do we have a real system operation manual for the A/P and other flying issues appart from the FMC?

I see thta you are a retired pilot. Wow! WHat kind of planes did you fly?

Best regards,

Juan

Juan,

Your welcome.  I'm not sure were, I think in manual 5, but CS has put a startup guide in there somewere.
I use most of my old checklists from my aircarrier days and find them to work well.  You might be able to google for the checklists. ;)

I have flown quite a few aircraft in my time but the last commercial was the Boeing 767-200, the big sister to the 757-200.

Sekhet wrote on Apr 5^th, 2008 at 4:59pm:

Juan, Your welcome.  I'm not sure were, I think in manual 5, but CS has put a startup guide in there somewere. I use most of my old checklists from my aircarrier days and find them to work well.  You might be able to google for the checklists. ;) I have flown quite a few aircraft in my time but the last commercial was the Boeing 767-200, the big sister to the 757-200.

So you have No problem with VNAV on autopilot what so ever? Either via CDU or manual input?

havoc04 wrote on Apr 5^th, 2008 at 5:31pm:

So you have No problem with VNAV on autopilot what so ever? Either via CDU or manual input?

As far as programing and normal flight operations I have no problems getting the aircraft to do as it is commanded.  Yes I have found a minor bug or two but nothing that stops the FMC from working almost well as the real one.  All in all Captain Sim has done a great job of simulating these features within the limits of FS9.

The biggest problem I find that people have is not reading the manual and taking the time to become familiar with the aircraft and how it works.

You are absolutely right Cris. I have gone through manual 5 and I was able to complete a basic flight with operational autopilot and the plane followed pretty well the commands.

Although expensive after so many blocks, I have to admit that this B757 is a beautiful machine. I just hope thta the windows do not crash like seems to happen in the real ones.

Thanks and best regards,

Juan

Hello,

May someone please help me solve the heading issue when i want the airplane to play a heading that i specify.  The right click does not work, and my autopilot is very funky overall.  I just need a little help getting goin in the right direction please, so I can finally enjoy a full flight.

Second question when you guys use this do you coincide with FS2004 atc?

Thanks,
Justin

The basics to the heading are this... Make sure you align all 3 INS before you move from parking. then when airborne turn the autopilot on (CMD). Then right click on the black SEL knob below the heading window.

Thank you Steve, however when I apply a right click it brings up the close window display and has no affect over my heading.  Last night I figured out a way to kind of get it going but it's very frustrating.  I have to completely disengage the autopilot, turn the flight director off, manually turn to the assigned heading, select the course on the heading selector and then re-enage the autopilot with the f/d.  Then the plane will hold the course, but will not respond to additional input, and I align all 3 irs each and everytime.  Thanks again sir.

Justin

Delta, I guess you noticed that when the aircraft is loaded up the default heading of 360 is displayed on the HDG Ind window and the Track on the HSI. What I do at this point, I put my curser on the HDG indicator window and center the HDG to the CRS of 342degrees. When ready for takeoff I turn on the F/D then I place my curser on the center of the Bank indicator to get a "+" sign and right click. You should now see a HDG SEL on the ADI. Once airborne and the AP engaged, all I do is to place the curser on the HDG Indicator window to make heading changes. A "+" for right turns and a "-" sign for left turns. AP works great.

http://www.pbase.com/aviator327/image/107591214.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/aviator327/image/107591217.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/aviator327/image/107591220.jpg

Aviator it's delta here just wanted to say thank yo for the clarification haven't had any issues since.

.. is the NAV/GPS Switch?

First of all i plan my Flight in the FS FLightplanner( i got FS9). Then i takeoff and i cant make my Autopilot work! Because if i want the Plane to hold Course it doesnt work or i cant make it to follow the Route! I experienced it on my first Flight from Nice to London Heathrow. Because this FMC doesnt got any Airports programmed outside the USA and the UK ive let the Flightplan show up in the Aircraft! But like i said it doesnt hold the Route. And after Take off i gto an violent rocking from Side to Side. And the Autopilot doesnt climb the Aircraft and the Autothrottle also doesnt work!!!

Can anyone  write an Tutorial how to use the Autopilot and can someone tell me how to stop that rocking?

Hi BA772

I don't think is needed. You probably just didn't see that the whole IRS panel is switched off. The IRS panel is needed for the autopilot. Otherwise nothing will happen. You only have to set all lower switches to NAV. You then wait until you get a few digits on the little screen, that is your heading, if your heading know is selected in the IRS panel.
I had it in the beginning aswell, just set all knobs to NAV and the upper knob to hdg.

Hope this can help. ;D

Greetz
Bombayduck

But will this make that the Autopilot will hold its planned Route???

When i want to Activate the Autopilot i cant activate VS and ALT together because when i switch on VS, ALT goes off and opposite.
And i want to once fly this Beauty!!!! And i got one Question: Do i have to fly with FMC???Becuase if i want to use an FS Flightplan i make it load already into the Aircraft, and if i can do that witch ANV would i have to select?

Hello,
I use FS2004 and CP757 professional.
I noticed one unpleasant problem during my flights over Europe.
Once flight direction is set-up (either through autopilot or via FMC) the plane follows it right but time to time the heading suddenly change (sometimes even more than 40 degrees). The autopilot tries to get back to track so start turning. After a while the heading changes again back and autopilot again follow track and turning back.
Initially I thought it is due to strong winds but it is not the case.
It looks like heading compass changes itself time to time there and back.
Do you anybody from experience pilots have the same issue ?
Is it FS2004 issue or CS757 issue or some of my fault ?

Any advice appreciated
Many thanks
regards
JM

Is there a way to set up the autopilot to disconnect via a keypress? When I press the key I have assigned to that task (which works in all my other aircraft) I get a warning sound and a voice telling me the AP is disconnected however it is not. If I click the AP disconnect bar with the mouse, it disconnects and I hear a different warning sound. I have also observed that pressing the AP and AT buttons in the VC works exactly like it should. Would like to get those button functions to respond to a key press.

Thanks in advance,
Joe

Joe, there is a dedicated thread specific for AP questions.  Please look for it.

At this time, that is not possible, and the reason as best as I am aware is because FS considers deselection of CMD status to be the same as AP Disconnect.  However, a real world boeing does not work this way.  Once AP CMD is selected, you have two options- 1) select another AP to be in command, or 2) pull out the AP Disengage bar.  Since there is no command for "AP Disengage Bar" there is no way within FS itself to set this.

However, it may be possible via FSUIPC?  I don't know this for sure.  I prefer not to touch my keyboard at all during flight, and this is facilitated via yoke, throttles, buttons on those devices, etc.  I do have a button on my yoke assigned to AP Disconnect, but of course this doesn't work in the CS 757.  I think the real plane has a button which WILL "pull" that bar up with a magnetic release, but instead if I need to disengage (I.E. visual approach) I will reach up to the MCP and pull the bar with the mouse click.

Hope it helps.

Hello Bob,
Will check out the mentioned thread. I too assign all the AP disconnect, trim and autothrottle commands to yoke buttons. I do that thru FSUIPC, using buttons on the yoke to send key presses. I quess per your comments that is not possible on the CS 757. On my other add-on Boeings, when the AP button is pressed it causes a "soft" Ap disengage which disconnects the servos without interacting with the AP disconnect bar.  Once again thanks for your input.

Regards,
Joe Esposito

Hey guys i hope yall fine, look i am having a problem with my captain 757. i just bought yesterday and i cant figure it out on how to engage the A/P i engage the F/D and  on airborne the A/P bottom   does not work. i am familiarized with fmc and or if u guys know any tricks please let me know.bring your ideas and ill keep trying.  thanks

I am posting here since this IS an AUTOPILOT issue I think or is it an Approach issue?  Although I am only a simulator commercial pilot, I was able to train on Boeing 757/767 CBT through the generosity of a close friend who is a captain for a large airline.  Anyway, when pushing APP, it is my understanding that all three CMDs are to activate for a LAND3 approach.  Mine don't.  What am I doing wrong.  I have lnav pushed and runway selected in the CDU no discontinuity.  Anyone who has the answer please help me out here.  I am tired of landing my plane manually when it cound autoland. Reading the CS manuals has not helped and Boeing says they should.  PS I was under 1500 feet and on glidepath but Approach was not descending. :-/

For Aguinaldo9.  Once you have gained some altitude, I usually fly manually to 1,000 feet AGL before engaging the autopilot which is done by pressing the CMD button with the mouse.  Normal practice is the center CMD but you can use any one of the three.  You will need to press the Heading Select with a right click into the center and also if you have A/T engaged, press SPD.  Else, use LNAV and the FMC will take over navigating your course.  ATC will give you course changes until they turn you over to your own navigation which you can do in A/P mode easily before activating LNAV.  Now somebody solve my APP problem, please.

tgycgijoes wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2009 at 3:53am:

I am posting here since this IS an AUTOPILOT issue I think or is it an Approach issue?  Although I am only a simulator commercial pilot, I was able to train on Boeing 757/767 CBT through the generosity of a close friend who is a captain for a large airline.  Anyway, when pushing APP, it is my understanding that all three CMDs are to activate for a LAND3 approach.  Mine don't.  What am I doing wrong.  I have lnav pushed and runway selected in the CDU no discontinuity.  Anyone who has the answer please help me out here.  I am tired of landing my plane manually when it cound autoland. Reading the CS manuals has not helped and Boeing says they should.  PS I was under 1500 feet and on glidepath but Approach was not descending. :-/

I've spent some hours in a CRJ sim for the same reasons you point out above.  Quite a thrill, is it not!

I assume from what you've said that the FMC controlled the descent, and brought you in proximity of the approach, if so, that rules out all FMC items except one...

I assume you selected an approach?  Or at least a runway?  The database on the FMC in CS757 is limited, even if it shows approaches and runways it doesn't always store the ILS frequencies for that runway.  Check the NAV/RAD page and see if the ILS is in there.  If it's not punch it in (like 108.70/326 for freq and course) and shift it up to the ILS location with the left side key.  Or, you can put it into the ILS radio directly, which is on the center column of the Aisle stand, below the transponder and above the rudder trim.

Once you're holding heading and altitude to intercept the ILS, and assuming you're below the slope, click in APP mode and when you start to get near the ILS, the plane should turn in, and once it's intercepted the GS, shortly before landing LAND3 will engage and all 3 CMD modes will come on.  I've had a few cases where it did not engage LAND3 until I was almost to my DH setting, and as I recall those were all rough landings because the LAND3 didn't flare soon enough.

The biggest keys here are to make sure the freq and course are in the ILS radio, and to have patience- LAND3 won't engage until you've intercepted glideslope and I believe I won't engage unless the gears and flaps are down.

Hope it helps. ;)

Thanks, Bob for your help.  I just cracked up going into LAX again because of what I saw in another thread called Glideslope.  Kinda my same problem.  I am thinking that Captain Sim needs to make a patch to make the aircraft better in APP for LAND3.  I can perfectly land my PSS Boeing 757 but I like the graphics and automations of Captsim better.  I will try what you said tomorrow since its Midnight right now on Sunday and tomorrow is a REAL workday not in the cockpit.  Will post here again after I fly tomorrow afternoon and try the Approach again.  Localizer WAS captured and the airplane lined up with the runway.  Frustrating to say the least and preventing me from going on VATSIM until this works right.  >:(

Bob Markey wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2009 at 6:40pm:

The biggest keys here are to make sure the freq and course are in the ILS radio, and to have patience- LAND3 won't engage until you've intercepted glideslope and I believe I won't engage unless the gears and flaps are down. Hope it helps. ;)

I second that, and i would also add, that from what i have experienced there is one more condition to make the autoland active. You have to be fully stabilized on the GS and LOC. In certain weather conditions it might be difficult and can happen really late or even never. With mild weather 100% of my landings were in autoland mode. So unless you are flying in hurricane, you might be doing something wrong.

Haven't flown in a few days being too busy with work here and at home but the last flight tracked GS all the way into the ground.  It looked so perfect after I clicked and lit APP I did not pay attention to whether all three CMDs were lit or not but it tracked all the way into a flat landing at the threshold of the runway and before I could disengage to flare myself pancaked into the runway just hard enough not to bounce but call a "Crash" after a three hour flight.  Needless to say, I was perturbed (to say the least and not print bad words LOL).  Will try again when I get down to the sim on Sunday after Divine Services.   :)  Thank you to all for the help.

Hello @ll,

I'm in the opinion, that the autopilot turns to early by using the LNAV mode and following the entered FMC route. So it need nearly 1-1,5 min until the aircraft is on the magenta line again. Is it normal or can I change this anywhere, because other aircraft like another company 737NG and another company 767 following the magenta line strictly without any offset.

Kind regards

Johannes

I have made two flights now after studying my Boeing 757/767 CBT.  You have to be sure that you have the proper ILS frequency and course entered, and just for good measure, I switched the VOR's to manual and entered the ILS freq and course into both of them as well.  Although it gets a bit hectic keeping up with ATC course changes, reducing speed, lowering flaps, even with my FDC copilot helping, I have captured the glide slope after clicking LOC and when it is captured, pressed APP.  Lo and behold just after pressing APP ALL THREE CMD ARE LIT I have a Autoland 3 lit and have landed beautifully if a little hard both times at KSFO.  Disconnect Autopilots with the Disengage bar, reverse throttles with my Goflight pedestal and taxi to the gate.  WOW DOES IT FEEL GOOD! :) :) :)

Hi everyone,

I got the 757 3 weeks ago (directly here at CS) and i am trying to figure things out. But now i need help.

My problem is the AP as well as the A/T function. I read the manuals as well as tutorials on the net. I aligned and set the IRS switches, i can program the FMS `til the PRE-FLT COMPLET message - now it starts:

1. As mentioned in the manual nr. 3, page 22 (of course i completed the previos pages) - i set the thrust levers to 1.10 EPR (with AP and A/T activated as stated in the manual) and press EPR (in the manual picture the THR button) - nothing happens. Automated start with Vr set in the IAS/MACH indicator is not working for me. In fact - my thrusters NEVER work automated. I can activate all the switches (EPR(THR) or SPD) - the lights come on but thats it. I also followed the 757-200 FMC tutorial here at the forum - it is just not working as described there.

But it gets worse:

2. After manual takeoff i activate LNAV, VNAV and press CMD (L). The plane banks voilently and starts swinging right and left with bank-angles easily exceeding 40deg. That happens no matter what i set the bank limit selector to or which command button i choose. The only way to stop the rocking is disconnect the AP.

Additionally - a flight without FMC is impossible. The planes swings too when i activate the AP - even when HDG is on HOLD. Also the V/S is not working - the light is on and i can set the value - however the plane is not following and i end up swinging with a V/S of 6kf/min. The vertical speed selector itself is without function. Only in the display itself the V/S value can be changed.

Other things: The weather radar is just stuck with the test picture. A manual can not be found using the link in the manual.

The speed bugs can only been seen in the VC.

I own the 757-200 Captain Pro Pack v.2.1 incl. the -300 and Freighter addon. All are installed right now and the described probelm happens with the -200, -300 and -200F. I also checked this behaviour with and without FSUIPC.

I own several payware addons incl. the CS 727, C 130 and 707. All are flying as intended - for me indicating that my basic FS9 setup is ok. I know that there have been a couple of problems with this plane and i waited buying it - but now after reading several reviews after v. 2.1 and almost all were very positive (the ones not so positive could at least fly the plane and did report these bugs) i got it.

The swinging is mostly found on the FSX forum of the 757. I could not find a reference to the mentioned problems here using the search function. So hopefully somebody can help me with some suggestions?? Are you using FSUIPC and if yes which version?

Thanks!

GG

Hello,

I've searched the forum, but it's kind of hard to figure out what to search for. I just bought the 757 (+ Freighter) and, when on autopilot, when changing the speed setting for the auto throttle, the speed at which it is set moves very very quickly. So quickly in fact, I have a hard time getting the exact speed I want set. I have this same problem when adjusting the DH too. However, the altitude and, if I recall, the heading can be set just fine.

Has anyone else run into this?

Thanks!
Ian

drepamig wrote on May 20^th, 2009 at 3:24am:

Hello, I've searched the forum, but it's kind of hard to figure out what to search for. I just bought the 757 (+ Freighter) and, when on autopilot, when changing the speed setting for the auto throttle, the speed at which it is set moves very very quickly. So quickly in fact, I have a hard time getting the exact speed I want set. I have this same problem when adjusting the DH too. However, the altitude and, if I recall, the heading can be set just fine. Has anyone else run into this? Thanks! Ian

I have not noticed such problems with my system and i have both the fs9 and fsx versions in Vista, however there are some things that move 2 units per click like the DH so maybe you can try clicking when you get near the desired limit rather than holding the button?

I assume this is a Autopilot related thing.

When I descend using FLCH, the 757 doesn't want to capture the target altitude. Instead, it goes below the target altitude (lets say 3,500 ft.) then applies full power and goes beyond 3,500. Has anyone else encountered this? I've reinstalled about 3 times and that hasn't fixed it.

Iam new to the captain sim 757 fs9 , can some one tell me how to get the auto pilot to work, ive read all the manuals and still cant get it to work, id be very grateful for anyones help, thankyou,Marcus.

This video is your friend :
http://www.captainsim.org/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1236018623

Thankyou very much for your help, the videos are wonderful,all the best.

If you are above the ideal descend path and enable VNAV autopilot gets you into overspeed, is this normal?

cheers,
tobi

Hello Guys,

I've got a problem with the 757, V2.1, FS2004 in Vista. When I takeoff the aircraft is fully ready and no problems, after takeoff I switch on the AP to LNAV and FLCH. But when the ATC vectors me I have a problem. For example: I want to fly heading 250 from heading 290. So I dial this heading and push the Heading Sel button but then he doesn't fly to heading 250 but to 246 or 247. But when I press shift-z in Flight Simulator, Flight sim says I am flying heading 250 but the CS 757 says I'm flying heading 246. Maybe something wrong with the IRS alingment?

Here is a Screenshot:

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq281/Evertie/fs92009-08-1911-03-07-07.jpg

As you can see here, Flight sim says i'm flying heading 300, the 757 says i'm flying heading 303, and the heading must be 300.

Evert

Hello Evert

Actually, your plane is flying on  heading 300, (see the white arrow), and the nose of the plane is pointing to magnetic heading 300.
But you have a front left 21 knots wind, which is drifting your plane to the right, on a 303 track. Your HSI value is showing your current track  (see TRK indication on left of the box) and not your heading. A/P heading mode is keeping a magnetic heading, not a track, so you have to adjust your heading selection to take the wind into account ;).
This is perfectly normal. The track is the resulting vector of the heading combined with the drift.

aaah ok,

Never seen it before  :o.

Thanks for your help!

Evert

Bombayduck wrote on Jan 17^th, 2009 at 9:01pm:

Hi BA772 I don't think is needed. You probably just didn't see that the whole IRS panel is switched off. The IRS panel is needed for the autopilot. Otherwise nothing will happen. You only have to set all lower switches to NAV. You then wait until you get a few digits on the little screen, that is your heading, if your heading know is selected in the IRS panel. I had it in the beginning aswell, just set all knobs to NAV and the upper knob to hdg. Hope this can help. ;D Greetz Bombayduck

My IRS panel always shows the blinking ALIGN message, I have it set to NAV but the ALIGN message is always there? How can I extinshish this message?

Hi guys,

since I upgraded to V2.2 i get some serious swining (nose up and down) when in cruise. Before this "update" everything was normal, should I return to V2.1 ? or is ther any tweak ?

I get everything setup, FMC overhead panel EVERYTHING.. I take off, push Lnav and Vnav and when I activate the autopilot... nothing takes effect, just keeps flying straight. Advice?

Similar problem here, I've just downloaded V2.2:
On Take-off auto-thottle switch is ON, EPR button Lit, but the throttle levers don't move (unless I advance it myself!)
V/S inoperative, SPD inoperative, HDG just creates a violent rocking motion (side to side).

Captain Sim, I need help.

Thanks
Bruno Silva

EDIT: Problem solved FSUIPC calibration issues.

Hi...

I have many problems with the Captain Sim 757 please help

First.. After takeoff.. with LNAV mode engaged the AP performs only the FIRST plotted waypoint... and not the next one neither any of the following

the other problem.. In manual radio tunning mode... the DME only shows distance from a 50-52 NM distance from the selected VOR, normally the VOR dme indication is detected within a 200 nm distance...  >:(

Any suggestions please???

Thank you so much!!!

GGLurch wrote on May 18^th, 2009 at 8:39pm:

2. After manual takeoff i activate LNAV, VNAV and press CMD (L). The plane banks voilently and starts swinging right and left with bank-angles easily exceeding 40deg. That happens no matter what i set the bank limit selector to or which command button i choose. The only way to stop the rocking is disconnect the AP. ... Other things: The weather radar is just stuck with the test picture. A manual can not be found using the link in the manual. .... The swinging is mostly found on the FSX forum of the 757. I could not find a reference to the mentioned problems here using the search function. So hopefully somebody can help me with some suggestions?? Are you using FSUIPC and if yes which version? Thanks! GG

Hey everyone.

I had exactly the same problems. and no usefull answer in any forum...
i tried edit aircraft.cfg, recalibrate joystick in FSUIPC.... nothing.

Then after further 6 hours i read in an other forum about FSUIPC overwrite from the CS 757 setup.

And i looked in my folder an yes, it was downgraded to 3.9.0. but the actually version is 3.9.8. Reinstalled FSUIPC and IT WORKS !!
Autopilot and weather radar.... no problems :)

i hope this could help others with same problems...

greets

I need help with the auto pilot.  I have the fmc load and all seems to be in order

1. in the OH if the INS lights are all blinking is that ok?

2. just before takeoff I select LNAV and VNAV auto pilot is off after rotation and at 1000 feet I select the auto pilot CMD and it does not engage?  What could be causing this?

Using FSX

Kolo wrote on Jul 8^th, 2010 at 10:53pm:

GGLurch wrote on May 18th, 2009 at 8:39pm: 2. After manual takeoff i activate LNAV, VNAV and press CMD (L). The plane banks voilently and starts swinging right and left with bank-angles easily exceeding 40deg. That happens no matter what i set the bank limit selector to or which command button i choose. The only way to stop the rocking is disconnect the AP. ... Other things: The weather radar is just stuck with the test picture. A manual can not be found using the link in the manual. .... The swinging is mostly found on the FSX forum of the 757. I could not find a reference to the mentioned problems here using the search function. So hopefully somebody can help me with some suggestions?? Are you using FSUIPC and if yes which version? Thanks! GG Hey everyone. I had exactly the same problems. and no usefull answer in any forum... i tried edit aircraft.cfg, recalibrate joystick in FSUIPC.... nothing. Then after further 6 hours i read in an other forum about FSUIPC overwrite from the CS 757 setup. And i looked in my folder an yes, it was downgraded to 3.9.0. but the actually version is 3.9.8. Reinstalled FSUIPC and IT WORKS !! Autopilot and weather radar.... no problems :) i hope this could help others with same problems... greets

Good evening to all, that's absolutely right. The newest version of FSUIPC solves every problem including all autopilot difficulties. Thanks for that post, it saved my day!