Question about Avionics package...

[HondaCop]

Ok guys, I have somewhat of a dilemma. Since I am building my pit based based on the PMDG 737 for FS9, I need to know what are my options as far as an avionics package for my pit.

Do I need to have an avionics package which INCLUDES a MCP and CDU? Since I will be installing CDU/EFIS/MCP hardware units on my pit, I don't know if I still need to have software based MCP/CDU/EFIS such as those provided by PM, SimAvionics and/or Flight Deck Software.

If I don't need to have software versions of the MCP/CDU/EFIS, then I guess I can go with FSXpand in order to have all the PFD/ND/EICAS screens I need and the MCP/CDU/EFIS hardware modules will interact with the PMDG software. Is this correct?

I want to make sure I get this right before I make any purchase on an avionics package. Thanks for any help.

[HondaCop]

Anyone? :)

[HondaCop]

Pity please?

[HondaCop]

This is driving me nuts. I have done tons of research and I just can't seem to understand which software would be best for my planned config.

Project Magenta is out of the question due to it's outrageous pricing.

I am left with SimAvionics, Flight Deck Software and FSXpand. I will be using FS2004 on Windows XP Pro SP3, PMDG aircraft and eventually, I will have the Opencockpits EFIS and MCP, which I plan to fabricate via their KITS.

Then probably will get the FlyEngravity FMC/CDU.

So, with the above hardware and FS version, which would be the best avionics package for me to acquire? SimAvionics does NOT have a MCP/EFIS/CDU, so I don't know if this one would be better for me since I will have hardware version of those.

SimAvionics and Flight Deck Software both have MCP/EFIS/CDU, but I'm not sure if I even need them, since I will be using the FS9 PMDG.

Please, can someone shed some light on this? I need to know so I can make the avionics package purchase and continue with my build. Thanks again.

[scally1968]

Sim-Avionics all the way :p

You can interface all types of Hardware with this, I use all opencockpits Hardware MCP,EFIS, CDU all interfaced using SIOC and their Input/Output cards.

My Opencockpits overhead is interfaced using BUO836X joystick cards for the Switches and Opencockpits USB outputs cards for all LEDS.

Sim-Avionics is worth every penny.

[Joe Lavery]

Check out Ian Sissons website:
http://www.737ng.co.uk/how.htm

He has already done what you are contemplating and is a regular contributor to this site.

Hope that helps,

Joe.

[fordgt40]

Hondacop

I will try to help!

Firstly FSXpand is a useful programme but currently will not provide you with avionics gauges that can reflect all the "managed" modes on the MCP. FSXpand is fine for standby gauges and EICAS, though if you buy an avionics package you will have these anyway

PMDG is currently limited to FS2004 and it is very trying to link it into other programmes and hardware as PMDG do not provide information on their offets. I suggest you check out Ian Sissons site http://www.737ng.co.uk/. He has worked wonders with PMDG/FSXpand and connecting H/W.

Ignoring PM then you mention Sim-avionics and FlightDeck software. I do not follow your comment about "SimAvionics does NOT have a MCP/EFIS/CDU" - it would not as it is a software package - it does, however, have a functional graphical representation which enables you to pass EFIS/MCP/CDU commands to the main avionics package until such time that you have a H/W unit completed. FlightDeck software, is I believe similar.

If you have not already downloaded and tried the demo versions of the avionics packages, then this would be a good idea as it will provide a better understanding of what is available and their relative merits - the Simavionics manual is excellent and gives a good insight into its functionality and how it interfaces with your hardware

As the building will take some time:D, you do not need to make your decisions just yet, it might be worth waiting to see what the new FSX PMDG will be like when it is hopefully released later this year.

Hope this helps

David

[dvincent]

Hello HondaCop,

first we must clear out something...
PMDG is an (excellent) add-on to FS, BUT... it is not a standalone program wich means it is incorporated in FS as an aircraft.
If you want to build a cockpit you need standalone software packages such as Sim-Avionics, Flight Deck Software or Project Magenta. Those kind of packages collect data from and send data to FS to manipulate the behavior of FS.
I 'd suggest you download a demo version of each package and test them out.

As a hint: Sim-Avionics was at first developped for the B777. PM started with the B737 and went over to B747, A320 and so on. Flight Deck Software focuses on the B737-800/900.

Greetz,

Dirk

[Jackpilot]

I am deep into 737 NG (hard to write it off and start with a clean slate) and I have Project Magenta which , despite all this hype about the price is the best bang for the buck. The price is high but not outrageous!

This being said, if I had to start cold duck, I would build a 737 -200. Tons of gauges on the net, cost zero, fun maxi..with today computers you can undock at will on different screens, use wideview for the outside, forget the FMC which is a boring way to fly, even the MCP to a lesser degree...Glass cockpits are fun to look at , not sure they are that much fun to fly....
My 2cents.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c29/jackpilot/classic3.jpg

[Michael Carter]

I'd have to agree with you there. Though, for me they aren't even much fun to look at. That /\ is fun!

[HondaCop]

I do not follow your comment about "SimAvionics does NOT have a MCP/EFIS/CDU"

Sorry about that! I meant to say that FSXpand does not have a built in MCP/EFIS/CDU.

Ok, I have a general idea now and I think that yes, my choices are between SimAvionics and Flight Deck Software. As for the person who said that the PM software is not outrageously priced, I guess we all have different criteria when determining what is expensive and what is not. Yes, I know that this hobby is extremely expensive, but I just can't seem to justify spending a $1,000 on a software package, especially now when we have 2 other vendors at a fraction of that cost with almost the same degree of functionality and quality.

I will go ahead and download the trial versions of both the SA and FDS packages and see which one is better for me. Thanks guys!