Flight Testing The SimWorld MCP and EFIS

I use the Mode Control Panel (MCP) and Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) produced by CP Flight.  These units have been the mainstay in the flight simulation community for several years and for the most part they are robust, reliable, and more or less look similar to the OEM units. 

Recently, other companies have begun to manufacture MCP and EFIS units to replicate the real aircraft part as closely as possible in both appearance and functionality. 

LEFT:  SimWorld MCP retrofitted into a Flight Deck Solutions (FDS) MIP.  Initial impressions exceed expectations, especially when comparing the appearance of the MCP to the OEM item.

SimWorld, located in Poland is a relatively new company that is making great leaps forward designing and manufacturing reproduction B737 panels and other parts.  One of SimWorld's premier items is their 'plug and play' MCP and EFIS.

I am currently in possession of a SimWorld MCP and two EFIS units.  These units have been retrofitted into a Flight Deck Solutions (FDS) MIP and flight testing has begun.  In due course a detailed review will be published.  I also will be, at the same time, reviewing the CANBUS system that SimWorld use to connect their various panels to the computer and Flight Simulator.

To test and evaluate the unit will take some time as the protocols I use are very thorough.  In the next few months (depending upon time) I should have enough data to enable a detailed review to be written.  The review will address at the minimum the following:

• Manufacturing technique (materials, painting, lazer cutting, etc);
• Accuracy and scale to the OEM MCP/EFIS
• Robustness and longevity;
• Functionality to OEM unit;
• Quality assurance;
• SimWorld pre-sales and after-sales support;
• Reliability and consistency in operation; and,
• An overview of the CANBUS system.

Note that I have no affiliation with SimWorld, or any other manufacturer.  This review will be a balanced opinion based on my use and the use and opinion of other users of the MCP and EFIS unit.

Glossary

EFIS - Electronic Flight Instrument System.
MCP - Mode Control Panel.
MIP - Main Instrument Panel.
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer (aka real aircraft parts).

Update on February 1, 2017 at 19:29 by FLAPS 2 APPROACH

There have been a few problems that needed to be sorted out on the MCP that was sent to me for evaluation.  After considerable testing by myself and SimWorld, it was determined the problem stemmed from a number of unreliable potentiometers.  These potentiometers were part of a bad batch delivered by the supplier.  Filip at SimWorld decided the best option was to manufacture a new MCP and this has only just been received via UPS.

Interestingly, the replacement MCP has a number of improvements over the old-style model which includes the use of Swiss-made commercial-grade potentiometers.

Over the next few weeks I will flight test the new-style MCP and document the results in a separate post.

Update on April 7, 2017 at 16:59 by FLAPS 2 APPROACH

The review of the SimWorld MCP and EFIS is almost complete.  The flight testing has finished and I'm putting the final touches to the detailed review.  I hope to have everything ready for publishing in the not too distant future.   F2A

Update on May 15, 2017 at 21:52 by FLAPS 2 APPROACH

Finally, after considerable flight testing and editing a review which was very long, the final review of the SimWorld MCP and EFIS has been published.   I hope it answers the questions that many have been asking me in private messages and e-mails.

The review can be read here: MCP and EFIS by SimWorld - Review.

And to answer the question to whether I am impressed with the panels and will be keeping them in my simulator - Yes I will be - unless an OEM Collins panel appears at a reasonable price :)

Comments

[Marek Lomboski]

Hello from Poland

I am keen to hear your tails of Simworld MCP. They are expensive and I concern myself no better than other company.

I trust review from you because you are not in pocket of company.

Thank you. Marek

[FLAPS 2 APPROACH]

Thank you Marek.

Rest assured that my review will be fair and honest. You are correct that any review or comment I make will be unbiased.

My best, F2A

[Liam Joinman]

Hello Willow

This is great. Please make you review very detailed and leave nothing out. I am thinking of buying a simworld mcp so this review will help me make my decision. Thank you. Liam

[Leanne Johnston]

Simworld charge a lot of money for their MCP as does FDS.

I am looking forward to reading your review of the MCP. I like the way you tell it as it is and do not hide small imperfections.

If your review is positive (and I hope it will be ) I will seriously think about buying from Simworld. Onward and upwards, Leanne

[Tim Collins]

Excellent - I await the review Willow. Simworld have promoted the MCP as the best out there so I am keen to hear your thoughts. Any idea when you will publish your findings ? Tim

[John Casey]

Simworld charge a lot for their MCP. Before I buy I want ti make sure it works as advertised. I trust your site as you steered me well away from SISMO (thanks). When do you believe the review will be ready as I want ti buy a replacement MCP soon. Keep up the good work, John

[Fred Lam]

When can we expect the review! We cannot wait forever...... This should be done quickly so we all know the better product to buy. Fred

[FLAPS 2 APPROACH]

The review will be published when I am satisfied that the product has been thoroughly tested. Why publish a review that does not cover off on all aspects - that doesn't make sense to me. Also, please try to understand that I have other projects and the review i something I do on the side - it is not my primary job. Best, F2A

[Olivier]

Hi Willow,

Did you have to make modifications to your FDS MIP to allow a proper installation of the Simworld MCP ?

Kind regards,

Olivier

[FLAPS 2 APPROACH]

HI Oliver,

Thanks for the note. Yes, the FDS MIP needed modification to enable the SimWorld MCP and bracket to fit correctly.

The modification was not difficult. The two main aluminum brackets beneath the glareshield had to be shortened (by cutting the metal) to allow placement of the SimWorld bracket. I am referring to the brackets that cannot be seen without removing the glareshield. I also had to remove the long horizontal metal rod that resides in the groove of the glareshield. After the modification the SimWorld bracket fits very well.

I was concerned that by shortening the brackets the glareshield would become unstable and maybe move a little when pushing against the buttons on the MCP, but this has not been the case. I can swap out to the CP Flight MCP with ease. Best, WilloW