Saitek PRO Flight Switch Panel (PZ55)
by Saitek
List Price:
Our Price: $82.87
You Save: $17.12 (17%)
Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days
Category: CE
See more product details
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SaitekAudio: German (Subtitled); German (Manual)
Format: CD-ROM
Platform: Windows XP
Model: PZ55
Color: Black
Product features:
- Realistic landing gear control with LEDs indicating actual gear status from Microsoft FSX
- Start your aircraft engines and access other cockpit functions with ease
- Conveniently attaches to the base of the PZ44 Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System (sold separately)
- Compatible: Windows 7, XP/XP64, and Vista
- Connects via USB 2.0
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Saitek PRO Flight Switch Panel (PZ55)
Customer Review: Does what it's supposed to, but could be so much better
Summary: 4 Stars
I won't re-hash all of the previous comments but merely add my experiences that I haven't seen posted yet.
First, the good points (from a real-world pilot):
Unit functions as described. I used the included screws to mount it solidly on top of my Saitek radio panel.
I am building a center console for my simpit and the option to de-mount the unit from it's plastic enclosure is a big plus. This will allow me to mount it in the center console with no problems.
The landing gear lights sequence CORRECTLY when the gear is coming down. For instance, if the right main gear goes down and locks before the others, then that gear light will correctly turn green while the others are still in-transit. Very nice touch since Saitek could have simply went with "all up" or "all down". I had a left main gear failure on an EMB-120 and this unit correctly showed that gear to be stuck in-transit so it really added to the experience.
Although there is only one "start" position on the knob to the far left, I can still start my jet (B757) correctly by sequencing the air valves, using the START knob and starting that engine, return the knob to run once started, then do the same with the other engine. Not quite as realistic as the Real Thing but this should work great in a single-engine aircraft (for which it was intended).
As far as general-aviation aircraft go (such as the C-172), you can properly perform a runup by starting the engine, setting the parking brake, running up to 1800 RPM and sequence the left and right magnetos. I checked the accuracy of the unit by "failing" the left magneto in the C-172 and during the engine runup, selecting the Left mag. The engine (correctly) wanted to die at that point so the knob functions as in the real aircraft.
Now the bad (or not so good):
The leftmost knob is not spring-loaded to return from the start position to RUN when released (like in a real aircraft). Not a big deal but, depending on the fidelity of your sim, could overheat a starter if left in the Run position by accident.
The on/off rocker switches are very loud. Flip one and you are rewarded with a resounding CLACK! It will definitely let you know that you activated that switch but might not be good for the late-night flier with sleeping kin close by. I put a piece of 1" thick foam in the ample space in the back of the unit and it helps quite it somewhat. The switches DO take some effort to flip which will make the unit wobble unless securely mounted.
The plastic on the provided enclosure is quite a bit thinner than the panel itself. Not a big deal but makes it feel "cheap" when compared to the panel of the unit, which is a heavy plastic (good).
Since I fly at night a lot, the switch positions can be very hard to see unless you have a light nearby. I wish there were LED indicators (off/green) above the switches themselves which would certainly help in seeing them. In addition, backlighting the lettering would be a definite plus since it would then be easy to make out the switch functions. To my knowledge, none of the Saitek panels are backlit.
Probably the biggest downside (in my opinion) is the proprietary nature of the unit and the inability to reassign/relabel switch functions to something other than what they are assigned at the factory. For instance, I never use the Cowl Flaps switch and it would be nice to use it for something else. It would have been easy for Saitek to make this unit be seen as a standard Windows HID device with all the re-assignment (and compatibility) benefits that that would offer but alas, it was not to be. You cannot use the unit with anything other than Flight Simulator unless someone offers a software go-between to read it's state and re-assign it to something else (Falcon 4.0 for instance).
In conclusion:
This unit will not "add" any functionality beyond what you can do with simple keystrokes but WILL immerse you deeper into the flying experience since you'll have switch clicks and lights when your on that scary, low-visibility night approach. As a plus, if you fly many aircraft, a quick glance will tell you whether the gear is down or not as opposed to hunting for the gear indication on an unfamiliar aircraft.
Shutting down the anti-ice, lights, etc at the end of a flight is satisfying since your rapidly clicking everything to the OFF position and shutting the engines down. If on a group flight, this unit will give you finer (and quicker) control of your strobes, nav lights, etc so as not to blind your fellow pilots.
Speaking of group flights, others like it when you taxi into position and hold all the while sequencing your taxi and landing lights to the correct positions.
I've flown with this unit for over 3 months and, while a bit expensive for what it does, would certainly buy it again as it adds a little something extra to the flight sim experience. It's a good thing any time I can get away from the keyboard to perform a function.
Description of Saitek PRO Flight Switch Panel (PZ55)
Upgrade your flight simulation experience for Microsoft Flight Simulator X with the Saitek Pro Flight Switch Panel. Whether attached to the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System, free standing on a desk or mounted into your own cockpit setup, the Saitek Pro Flight Switch Panel is an ideal way to expand the number of controls for your flight simulation setup. Control your landing gear, engine power, landing lights and 11 other important aircraft functions from one compact unit.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
Similar Digital Cameras & Photo Products
Saitek PRO Flight TPM System - Throttle/ Prop/ Mixture AxisSaitek; Release date: 2011-02-02; Windows Vista; CE
Best price: $133.02
Price in other shops:
Saitek Three Lever Pro Throttle Quadrant (PZ45)Saitek; Windows XP; CE
Best price: $49.84
Price in other shops:
Pro Flight Instrument PanelSaitek; Windows XP; CE
Best price: $120.47
Price in other shops:
Saitek Pro Flight Yoke Power Adapter (PZ44UX)Mad Catz Inc; CE
Best price: $14.99
Saitek PRO Flight Radio PanelMad Catz; No Operating System; CE
Best price: $117.70
Price in other shops:
Pro Flight Multi PanelMad Catz; No Operating System; CE
Best price: $116.35
Price in other shops:
Saitek CES432110002/ 06/ 1 Pro Flight Cessna Trim WheelSaitek; Windows; CE
Best price: $44.35
Price in other shops:
Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Gold EditionMicrosoft; Microsoft; Release date: 2008-09-23; Windows Vista; Video Games
Best price: $22.99
Price in other shops:
Saitek Pro Flight Rudder PedalsSaitek; Windows Vista; CE
Best price: $99.82
Price in other shops:
Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44)Saitek; Windows XP; CE
Best price: $117.91
Price in other shops: