MIP: MCP V3 from OpenCockpits

Instead of making the MCP panel on my own I have decided to place an order with OpenCockpits. That was mainly due to high volume of encoders, switches and 7-segment led displays required. Of course, the FSBUS project offers full support for all parts listed above, but I had not time for soldering  :).

In general, there are two different layouts of MCP panels, it's Collins and Honeywell. As you could see below Collins one seems to look more modern, but in real aircraft functionality of both is similar. However, if you wish to obtain  plug'n play unit please look into details as usually not all switches are supported.

    HONEYWELL

    COLLINS (newest)

    (two above screens are taken from ProSim737)

I reviewed a few MCPs available on the market and some have been rejected cause of the price above 1,000 EUR. As I said my choice was V3 from OpenCockpits with white digits, no metallic box (real picture below). Well, I am happy with the quality and I strongly recommend their V3 it's fully functional, easy to configure with ProSim737 via SIOC and relatively cheap, 393 EUR incl. VAT. Real photos below...

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MIP: First order and disappointment... a story of Poldragonet MCP

There is a sad story behind my first MCP plug'n play Collins-like layout panel ordered at Poldragonet  (symulatory.com), real picture below.

Unfortunately, the panel was broken at start e.g. encoders were not soldered properly to PCB, switches lock down when pressed, selected digits had different brightness and as far as I remember VSPEED display didn't work at all. It looked like third quality product...

Shit happens, it's just an an electronics...but the problem started from not being able to get in touch with Poldragonet for support. After several weeks of silence I was asked to send it back and stuck with the same problem, again no response for weeks. I gave up, requested a refund and I successfuly received the money back.

My negative recommendation for Poldragonet is because of their horrible approach toward the customers e.g. massive challanges in getting response by email, unanswered phone calls or voice mails, and the most important: delays in delivery measured in months.

Another story is that the MCP panel I received was built on a very old FSBUS v2.2 electronics, not supported natively by ProSim737.

So, think twice before placing the order...

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