Only for FSX - but then indispensable!

A warning (and at the same time the only negative point) First of all: This device is what it looks like to use only in connection with the Flight Simulator X by Microsoft. Other flight sims (at least all that I've tried) can be connected to the switch panel apparently not control, and also in the guide is no mention of other Sims. One may correct me if I am wrong.

For those who do not shy away from spending 75 euros for a device that you can use only one game (ie for all hardcore FSX Simmer) the following may be said: The Switch Panel is awesome! Similar to the Flight Yoke and the Rudder Pedals it is felt after a few minutes of flying as indispensable, and in conjunction with the two named it the ultimate image control combination for the flight simulator.

But first things first:

General description: The scope of supply of the switch panel consists of a coherent control panel with USB cable, a "mounting frame" (more on this below), some provided little screw, a minimum manual and a software CD.

The dashboard includes so pretty all the switches that are common with piston engine with an ordinary plane: battery, generator and avionics master switch, fuel pump, de-icing as well as the usual switches for lighting including instrument panel lights.. All of these switches are realistically designed as a toggle switch, placed sensible and clearly (and realistically) labeled. In addition, there is a (also realistically designed) gear lever including 3 control lights and a "key" to start the engines, which is nothing more than a rotary switch with 5 positions.

Structure: Using the supplied mounting frame, the control panel can be on either or (better) screws under the table top. A clamping device for fast losing weight is not provided. However, significantly more meaningful is the combination with the Saitek Flight Yoke. The mounting frame fits exactly on top of the base of the control horn and can be secured with the supplied screws in no time. Once associated with it, the Switch Panel never needs to be removed again, it constitutes from now on a solid unit with the control wheel. This also applies to the cable connection: The USB cable is simply plugged into an existing USB ports on the Flight Yoke and remains henceforth it. This is why I also do not know exactly how long the cable is actually (I guess a meter) - I've never had to handle.

Processing: The whole unit is processed (like Saitek otherwise usual) excellent and stable, also sees it (not least due to its highly visible metal screws) very professional and realistically made. One sees him not to, that it is mostly made of plastic, only exception to this is the "key". Mounted on the Flight Yoke the panel forms an optical and functional unit, the good visual impression even through the chassis lights (more on this below) is completed. The switches respond accurately (anything else would be for simple toggle switches also an impertinence!) And with an audible crack. Processing suggests a long service life. I have the Switch Panel now a good six months and can not detect any signs of wear.

Installation and function: The Software Installation literally takes only seconds; the device is implemented directly in FSX, so no further programming (neither for the instrument itself nor in FSX) necessary or even possible. The switches perform exactly the functions that correspond to its label. This includes functions that would otherwise be controlled not directly through key commands in FSX, such as the Roll lights or rotating beacons. Here, only keyboard commands are not easy to emulate, but the unit controls the functions directly. This means on the one hand that you can tilt the vacated shortcuts confidently, if you will, on the other hand, that the two-way switch also work the same way: There is an "A" - and an "off" position, and you can already clearly see whether a system is on or off the unit. But you have this switch in the game at least once have served: Only after the first "movement" of a switch, the switch position on the device and in the game guarantees synchronism. This is done, however, without saying when a plane "cold" starts and before the game all switches set to "Off" on the device.

The "key" works like its counterpart in the game, the only difference is that you have to manually turn it back on after starting from the "Start" position to the "Both" position, because it has no return spring as in reality. But you get used to it quickly, and if you forget it, it has no consequences.

The gear lever make me particularly fun: He, too, has a clear "top" - and "down" position, which is detected by the game, thereby the operation much more realistic than a keystroke on the G key. The three accompanying lights are more than just a visual gimmick: you are directly connected to the simulation, can be red (retracted), yellow (in transit) or green (extended) light up. Here, they do not change synchronously, but just like in the game in quick succession, the color, depending on which wheel is first extended or retracted. If the aircraft used has no landing gear, the lights are off and the lever has (of course) no function. This also applies to the other switches: Does the airplane used no corresponding switch (eg, the ignition key at Jets), the counterpart on the device has no function and can not be reprogrammed as I said.

Conclusion: This unit is only for FSX enthusiasts, where it can not be realistically enough. For those players that thing every euro is but worth. It is an excellent workmanship, works perfectly and makes with its numerous functions and its realistic design, both visually and functionally correct what ago. Mounted on a Flight Yoke (and best in conjunction with the rudder pedals) it is the ultimate virtual controller, you do not want to miss even after a few flights.