Time to Buy an MCP

[jskibo]

I previously sold my CPFlight 85% USB MCP that I used for a simple desktop setup.  i liked it, but I was having issues with SimA and the alt displays and wanted something that was 100% the size of a real MCP.

So now with the build of my flightdeck in progress, i am shopping for an MCP but looking for advice.

I would love to have the FDS unit, but my budget won't allow that, so.....

I'm between the CPFlight and OC units. 

Current plan is to run SimA (with ProSim as a backup / Alternative).

I like the white digits, but the CPFlight Pro at 999 euro (which converts currently to $3.9 Million with the weak USD) is near budget busting levels, more so when you add the dual EFIS Pros.

Any comments on either the OC White digit version or the CPFlight EL version using the above mentioned avionics suites?

How easy is it to get the OC ones up and running (I'm no SOIC Pro)?

[fordgt40]

Hi

The OC MCP runs ok with Sim-Avionics. I think the only functionality missing is the speed display should show "a" and/or flash if an incorrect speed value is entered. Though I think some clever sioc coding could simulate this. If you are unhappy about using SIOC then there are scripts around that can be used. I have a "rough and ready" one that worked last time I tested it - a year ago!!

David

[dharrison]

Overall Scott has had good luck with the CP-Flight one. I am not sure which he has but it is backlightable and has the yellow numbers. Our issues are not assoicated with the MCP that I can think of. He is using Sim-A.

Scott will comment more I am sure.

For sure for interface with Sim-A FDS's stuff is best.

Don

[Efe]

John I know its not the info you are looking for but we used all CP Flight modules (headed by the pro MCP) with PM and FSX and we were very happy. A couple of complaints here and there but overall very happy. That is why, as you know, I'm currently getting a set of CP Flight modules for myself.

[jskibo]

Thanks!

Not against CPFlight and I think there stuff is good, in fact, the EL MCP fits my requirements (except the display color), and is well within my budget (499 + 199 + 199).

More of what am I giving up by using an EL and EL EFIS parts versus the PRO models, and what am I giving up going to OC modules strictly for the MCP and EFIS.  My radios are FDS so no tie in or interface needed.

I had the issue using the 85% MCP and SimA and I spent a week troubleshooting it, but gave up as I knew I was going to use a full scale MCP in the end.  Hope what I experienced was isolated to either the 85% module or just me being an idiot

John

[Efe]

Well not so much the EL MCP but you're going to miss the dual concentric knobs on the EL EFIS with CP Flight.

[XOrionFE]

Hello John,

As Don mentioned I have the CP Flight MCP and EFIS and they are in fact the EL Series.   Peter and Steve at FDS were kind enough to make me a modified bracket which allows them to bolt right up into the FDS Pro MIP and Glare that I have and they fit nice although they dont totally fill out the space and you have to take some foam insulation tape to nicely fill along the tops.     I have been very pleased with the quality of the CP Flight EL Series.  They look fantastic (IMHO) and were plug n play with the Sim-A software.    We had initially some problems with the Baro encoders and Sim-A but in version 1.14 of Sim-A that seems to have been resolved.
Posted in my other post already but you can clearly see its operation in this youtube video as well as my other youtube videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54UfOgIe5E0

Now all that said, I saw the FDS ones at their openhouse last year and if I coudl afford them right now and they were readily available I would probably get the FDS.   Eventually I probably will....

But I dont think you can go wrong at all with CP Flight EL series.

Scott

[Aerosim Solutions]

I previously sold my CPFlight 85% USB MCP that I used for a simple desktop setup.  i liked it, but I was having issues with SimA and the alt displays and wanted something that was 100% the size of a real MCP.

Hi John, I have the 85% CPFlight USB MCP and I will be buying SimAvionics when my rebuild is at a stage when I need it. Could you elaborate a bit more on your ALT display issues please? When I was using PMDG the ALT display used to jump to 50,000ft quite often which was annoying having to wind it back manually all the time.

Cheers Gwyn

[jskibo]

Gwyn,

The issue I was having was the mcp would adjust the sim-a display and momentarily show the correct altitude in the hardware display but then revert back to the altitude shown at start up. It would climb to the correct altitude but never show it in the window. Easy when you have  the software display showing but real tough with just the hardware. Might be fixed now as I sold mine in November.

John

[jskibo]

OK, I'm sold.

EL Series MCP and Dual EFIS on order....sigh, only a six week wait.

Running out of fun stuff to order for the MIP / Glare area.  Might be time to start looking at an overhead.......