By Don E. Eller
The item is well built and easily configures FlightSim X to utilize it via an included utility. Another utility that does full functional test of LED, displays and switch position is useful for testing panel separately from FlightSim X. This eliminates the complication of trusting flight simulator to be communicating properly with the panel.
Pros - adds nice realism to flight simulator x and easy to setup
Cons - a little pricey, and cannot utilize the built-in powered USB hub in the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke. Causes hub exceeded power message. Finally had to connect the multipanel directly to computer USB port. This is also true for the Saitek Radio panel. Only the Saitek switch panel can be connected directly to the yoke without exceeding hub power. Seems Saitek should have engineered a better solution, providing more hub power or bundling a powered hub of sufficient capacity.
By SEATAC
For the price, you can't beat this auto pilot panel.
The display is large and easy to read and the controls are easy to use.
The buttons are backlit so when you activate any of the functions, you know it because they light up.
The trim wheel is very precise so it makes flying when not using the altitude hold easier.
It looks great on the desk and is so much more intuitive and much easier to use than trying to scan the cockpit and click all around the screen to set the auto pilot.
The only complaints are that the knob to switch between CRS, HDG, IAS, VS and ALT requires a lot of effort. But it is a sturdy metal knob. The other thing I would have liked is a button to switch between IAS and Mach for the airliners. Other than that, it works great and is a wonderful addition to your flight simming experience.
By R. A. Head
I knew I'd like this. It's all I expected. I don't much fly airliners and only a business jet here and there, so the only thing I don't use on this is the auto throttle. Everything else is very handy to have. I fly the virtual cockpit, so it's very difficult to sort the OBS knobs, buttons and switches while bumping around in turbulence. No more problems!
The unit came VERY well packed in foam. It is very light. All three units are very light. Well built, just light. If they are all attached to each other in a stack, they will not stand up by themselves. I didn't want to mount them on my Saitek yoke, so I built a small box to mount all three Saitek units in. This way, they don't slip around on my wooden desk, and I didn't want to use velcro.
My only complaint is that the most important functions a panel would have are split up between the Saitek units, and to get them all, ya gotta buy all three. Radios, flaps, trim, gear, and switches. Radios are their own unit, trim and flaps on this unit, and gear on the switch panel.
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