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: Sixpack recall annunciators and Master\Fire buttons

It took me around 5h excluding painting time to get two-side 6pack announciators ready for use. Well, it's really cheap, but fully functional solution. Total cost was around 20 EUR for both, excluding electronics as  panels are connected to two FSBUS cards (IO/DO64) which drives MIP switches and announciators.

Before

After

Base (MDF 12mm)
You can copy the idea and adjust the dimensions to the rest of your own glareshield. I recommend to create cardboard template before cutting MDF. Note, it's better to paint after gluing.

Required parts (both sides):

• 16 5mm high-brightness led (14 * yellow, 2 * red) 
• 4 momentary back-lit push buttons (see below)
• 4 tact switches
• 2 engraved back-lit panels 60x30 (own design, click here to download .cdr file)
• 2 5mm transparent plexiglass plates 60x30
• 2 plexiglass plates 80x40

Wiring

RESET_A and RESET_B switches are creating parallel circuit. You can only use one switch, however my six pack engraved front panel is glued on it's left and right side to those switches. So, no matter where you press the front panel one of the switches will click. See the below.

I have been searching Internet for solution which could be used for Master Caution and Fire Warn. Finally I found perfect buttons 32x32mm at NOWY Elektronik. It was just only for 1,5 EUR per one. All you may need to do is to print out labels and place behind color cover. Also, you will have to replace standard bulb which is included by high-brightness led.

Gallery

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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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