Which panels should I buy first??

[mrmaster]

Hi All now I got a really funny question but it seems to be important:

I will order the Poldragonet panels on monday and am unsure about a few things.

First: Which panels should I buy first? Overhead or Pedestal? I can only afford one at a time because right now I have a limited budget and thought that I would buy half of the MiP ( i'm buiding a single seat trainer) + efis panels + mcp + either overhead or pedestal now what is better? or better to work with? or should I buy Pedestal + Overhead? I will have to make two orders so that will add up 120€ of shipping .... Or is the shipping less when I order the smaller packages (MIP+MCP+EFIS+FiRE PANel+annunciators) although they always write 60 € with DPD?

second:
I tried to contact them but they don't answer - I read a lot about their bad customer service but I think my order should work out. Now is it possible to get half of the MIP panels? And to get the set of Annunciators for the Overhead but not in the complete overhead kit? I am doing all the electronics by myself so I only need panels!!!


I hope you can help me!
Marc

[notgotaclue]

Hi,
I would concentrate on the MIP and buy the full set. That is what you spend most of the time looking at and I guarantee you will regret it if you only buy half, it will make all the difference to the experience.
As for the overhead V's pedestal. I would go for the overhead as you will use the switches for lights, engines etc.
I would not bother with the pedestal if you are strapped for cash. They are relatively simple to build and all you really need is the Opencockpits Mutli-radio for starters and this can be added to when finances allow. Do you really need (or will you use) all the other panels on the pedestal?
Just my opinion and I am sure others will disagree. When it comes down to it, the pit is yours and whatever you feel is right.
Cockpit building and limited budget do not go hand in hand. ;)
I am looking at buying a fire warning, master caution, sixpack and 2 x AFDS panels to finish off my MIP. That is over £400 just for a few flashing lights. Must get a cheaper hobby.
Allan.

[mrmaster]

ok you got a good point there with the MIP.

So I am going to concentrate on the MIP (that includes half of the MIP panels - take a look at my website www.x737cockpit.wordpress.com then you know what I mean with single seat trainer - the MCP panel + EFIS panel and the fire panel because that one is sold seperately) That makes:
MCP: 50€
EFIS: 20€
Fire: 25€
and MIP panels (I didn't get a price from Symulatory but I expect about 80-100 €
total: 175-195€
plus the shipping = 60 €

and that is why I thought I would also order either the Overhead Panels (320€) or the Pedestal Panels (230€) because either ones would still be in the budget and the shipping won't change. Probably I'll go for the Overhead because I can still use my Saitek Multi Radio until I invest into the Panels. Then I still need the Annunciators but they don't answer on emails....

Marc

[notgotaclue]

Hi,
You are further on with the build than I thought.
Do you regret not building the full pit? I know I would. 8-)
As for Poldragonet - I was going to buy from them but they didn't answer a simple question so lost out on a large order. Glad I didn't buy from them as I got a great deal on Ebay.
Allan.

[Aaron]

Hi guys

In my cockpit we go for the pedestal first, the reason is that its cheaper to build than the overhead, and you dont need any logic software (another pay to do). Its not too realistic to start the engines with CTRL+E, but this is better than try to get the right VHF frecuency via keyboard.

In addition, you are not including the electronics, which is more or less the same cost than the panels (cards, leds, rotatory, encoders, switches, etc...)

I buy several times in poldragonet with no problem at all, and they always reply to my messages!

[mrmaster]

well you know with the electronics I got the 7 segment displays, I got the multiplexer and all the leds so that is no problem. switches and encoders yes... but that will come together over time.

my only concern is the missing possiblity to communicate with the people from poldragonet as I got a few things to discuss (MIP panels, annunciators) let's see if someone answers - maybe one of them is here on this forum?

@Allan

I only got a normal size room in our basement and I am the only enthusiast in our family so it would only be more expensive to build the second side, which would not be used so that's why I decided to build only one side

edit: does anybody know if it is possible to get the buttons for the mcp, efis, autobrake panel and the others?

Marc

[notgotaclue]

I buy several times in poldragonet with no problem at all, and they always reply to my messages!

I sent them several messages regarding items and not once did I receive a reply. Maybe I was unlucky.
Allan.

[mrmaster]

and that is my only concern because how should I get half the panels and the buttons and annunciators if it is impossible to communicate with them....

[notgotaclue]

and that is my only concern because how should I get half the panels and the buttons and annunciators if it is impossible to communicate with them....

....by shopping elsewhere.
Why give them your hard earned cash if they haven't got the decency to answer a simple question.
Allan.

[mrmaster]

and where? there is no company offering similar prices at the same quality....

[jonesthesoftware]

Surely some golden rules for buying from anyone or any company on the internet are
1 If you haven't got a landline phone number and a traceable address then obviously they have something to hide so don't deal with them.
2 Try not to pay full price up front unless they are established/vouched for by others.
Just imagine what happens if you pay up front and then don't receive any goods, how wil you trace them especially in a foreign country?
I know it's difficult to judge some companies,individuals but you can search the internet first for any good or bad references before dealing with any one/company.
regards
geoff

[notgotaclue]

.... and pay using Paypal through a credit card - not Western Union to Bubba's sick Uncle in Nigeria who makes panels out of his shed to pay for treatment.
Allan.

[jonesthesoftware]

Some info you might find useful
If your email is ignored try this one:
biuro@symulatory.com
or here's the phone no. 0048338753776
and if that doesn't work here's their address:
JAKUB GAIK
ul.Żwirki i Wigury 2
34-120 ANDRYCHÓW
POLAND
try the phone as many polish people speak some English
regards
geoff

[mrmaster]

this is great! thank you so much for you help, all of you! Tomorrow I am going to call them (the information with their phonenumber is priceless) but I already took a look at opencockpits.. I'll maybe go with their panels for the MIP but maybe I'll take a look at POldragonets overhead so

[mrmaster]

Since the guy on the oder side hung up the phone after I mentioned Poldragonet they can forget to get my money in the near future. I think Opencockpits has a nice quality - My plan is the following: Now I'll buy all the panels I need for the MIP plus the EFIS and MCP - building those panels is already some nice work that I can take up with while I am having stress in school ;P Next thing will be the Overhead - It'll be my christmas present from some family plus my own money I will probably have earned by selling the 7 segment displays I am offering (interested =? ) this will take approximately until mid 2012 - that will be the time when I'll get my Pedestal to complete the cockpit. Probably everything is finished by the time I leave for college to the USA and I can't take this simulator anywhere because I wouldn't get it out of the door so it will stay home alone for some time :/ This hobby is so damn addictive but I love it sooo much!

thanks for your help guys! If you have any idea or interest in the 7 segment displays just tell me!!!!!!

Marc