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Saitek Pro Flight Switch Panel. Finally more information.

Navy Chief

Navy Chief

Senior Member
It took me a week, if not longer to finally get registered on the Saitek Forums.

They have a two-step process. First you receive a Confirmation email from them, and then you have to be "approved" to enter their forums.

After I finally got approved to enter the forums, I read some posts about this product, and problems that people are having, similar to mine.

To begin with, the panel works, using Simconnect, with FSX, which is why it will not work with FS9.

As I understand it, the unit was designed to work with default FSX prop aircraft, although it does work with at least some payware addon types.

Other folks besides me aren't happy about the lack of backlit switches, as previously advertised. Yes, it is an easy workaround, but when it is listed as a feature......

I am positive there will be a lot more information forthcoming on the Saitek forum. A more in-depth user manual needs to be released, and a "How To" video would be helpful too.

Pete
 
Chief, I've used Saitek products off and on for the last few years. They always have worked great up until their warranty is over... and then they'd crap out on me or they'd cost more to fix than what the initial cost was. The only thing I'm running now from Saitek is an Eclipse keyboard that's backlit. I like it but after a year it's showing a lot of wear on the keys. But the lighting still works. :icon_lol:

Their forums 7 yrears ago were simple to register on, and no approval was needed to enter their forums. Good luck with help from Saitek.... you'll need it. ;)
 
Ok, here's one thing I don't understand. Using the Magneto selector switch, I don't understand how to select a twin engine aircraft? As it stands now, when I select "start" both engine start simultaneously. I just wondered if there is a workaround, either using the Controls Assignments in FSX, or FSUIPC?

NC
 
I have a question for you, navychief. Do you need any other controller to plug this into? Can I use it without a yoke?
 
I have CH Pedals, CH Throttle, and CH Fighterstick (but am currrently using a Logitech 3D Pro Force Feedback joystick).

To answer your question, no, you don't need a yoke or any other controller to use with this panel. It connects to computer via USB, and FSX recognizes it using Simconnect. It does NOT show up on the list of controllers in FSX, however. You cannot assign any other functions to the panel; it is built in.

I am hopeful, however, that somehow there is a way to use FSUIPC to modify things to suit my needs, though. I guess now is the time to finally learn what FSUIPC can do!

The panel does work ok. I am just wanting to be able to do more with it, than designed, I suppose.

That, and I need to learn more details about proper aircraft start procedures, etc....

I also have a CH Yoke, but rarely ever use it.

NC
 
I have just purchased the Saitek Pro Flight Switch Panel. Only works light switches and gear. No backlighting as advertised. Rotary switch for engines does not work. Engines turn but fail to start. Why L R Both/start. No manual. Does anyone know how it works or how to set it up.
Saitek yoke,pedals and throttles no problems. very disappointed with switch panel.
 
Dissapointing to hear what you say. I'm always hesitant with Saitek, as I have been burned myself a few times. They would have fantastic products if it wasn't that they damn things break all the time or had better support.
 
I've never heard of Simconnect. Does this need the internet to use?

I'm sorry, and I must sound like a complete noob, but heck, this is expensive, and I'd like to be sure that I understand it all before I get it.
 
SimConnect is built in in FSX and the program that now interfaces between the sim and outside programs/hardware. In the old days we only had programs such as FSUIPC and IntelliScene to do that for us.
 
Ok, great. Maybe I'll get it, and it will be my first in an oncoming line of fancy, rather pricey goodies :)
 
I'd say DTA is handsdown the better choice over Saitek. At least things work with their products..... can't say that about Saitek it seems. ;)
 
Am thinking about getting their Auto Pilot panel, maybe. As for the Saitek start panel, I am trying to get it to work the way I want to......

NC
 
navychief said:
Am thinking about getting their Auto Pilot panel, maybe. As for the Saitek start panel, I am trying to get it to work the way I want to......

NC
Click to expand...

keep us informed....I was about to order it but after reading this I stopped!!!!:mixedsmi:
 
I have the desktop aviator version of this (www.desktopaviator.com). It works well generally, although it requires a registered version of FSUIPC to use. Occasionally it will send a signal that randomly changes the view in my sim, but to be honest I haven't done much troubleshooting on this. Generally happy with it. I wish the Saitek worked as promised, because it looks much slicker.
 
Any updates on the abilities of the Saitek switch panel? Christmas is coming up and I need to start putting a list together.
 
If you are talking about the freeware, yes. The panel itself, was designed for FSX only; but thanks to Stefano's freeware software, the panel will work with both FS9 and FSX. Understand though, the panel is also only designed for single engine props. However, it will start multi engines, but there is currently no way to isolate individual engines. Stefano is working on this though.

NC
 
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