Another addition from Saitek for the discerning flightsimmer hits the shelves. What is it? Well, ever sat in a light aircraft, i.e. a Cessna, Piper, etc., and when you have increased the throttle and witnessed the throttle being moved forward to increase the rpm, and seeing it being 'pulled' back to decrease the throttle? How about changing the pitch on some higher performance aircraft, and perhaps to conserve your fuel, leaning off the mixture in flight and increasing it when performance is required?
Well, the TPM Panel does precisely that, and it has a bank of 'flick' switches, number G1 to G9 chrome toggle switches you can allocate a specific function. The three push-pull levers are the throttle, prop and mixture, each one resembling the real item.
The TPM Panel is presented in the customary Pro-Flight superb packaging, matte card, with spot-UV varnish improving the overall look of the package. The mixture of text, schematics, and pictures, leave you in no doubt what awaits you inside.
The box has a sleeve, which easily removed to leave a box, with simple opening displays the unit, superbly packaged, protecting your investment. Careful removal of one of the two cardboard inners displays the actual unit in cellophane, this removed presents a superbly well made unit, with the controls on one face. The unit is presented in semi-matte black, with clear white printed text. The levers have some color coding, i.e., mixture red plastic end cap, prop blue, and throttle black.
The impression of build quality is self evident, this being a most welcome common theme to the Pro-Flight series of hardware. I have to say at this point, I am sent other similar units from other manufacturers, who are doing an admirable job in adding to this hobby, but it is my personal opinion, and I stress personal opinion, the Saitek Pro-Flight range, not only perform well (OK there have been some minor issues with some items) but look right. They look as if they have just been removed, or about to be installed into a 'real' aircraft. I am sure clever 'gizmos' can be attached to yard broom, and work as a joystick, but, we want a facsimile of the 'real thing' to adorn our virtual cockpits...or is it just me?
Still within the box you will find two very sturdy plastic clamps. These will affix your unit securely to any flat surface. You have 'oodles' of depth to the claps, once you attach four screws to the underside of the unit, you can then place the unit onto the selected flat surface, and by rotating the knurled knobs, tighten to the surface, and let me assure you once tightened, it is there to stay, with no unwanted movement.
You will note no CD rom is enclosed, again a simple case of getting the download from Saitek's own web site. The process is simple, and presented no issues at all. I have previously said this is a good Idea, at least this process forces you download the latest drivers, and SST software (Saitek's programming software).
With the above sorted, and installed, I plugged in the USB cable connected to the unit (a good length 1 meter plus is included) into my steadily depleted range of spare USB ports, and started to program the device, accessing the Saitek web site you can download pre-set default settings for a number of simulator/game options, if you wish.
If I am brutally honest, I found this task a little time consuming and confusing, but that is probably something to do with my senior years. I am sure my daughter of 14, would sort it out in a flash, and my 21 year old, would raise her eyebrows in disgust. Undaunted, I arrived at some sort of order. So let's go flying.
Keeping it simple I selected the Cessna Skyvan, started the engine, and started to taxi, after switching the nav lights and strobes on via the toggle switches. Pushing the throttle forward gave some instant throttle input. Making sure the mixture was rich, prop feathering not selected, and selected full throttle, into the sky I went. Throttled back after the climb-out, adjusted the pitch, and leaned off the mixture, all having an effect on the rpm, and fuel efficiency...just as it should!
I must confess not having allocated all the switches to a function, but there are plenty there to satisfy the most demanding 'pilot'.
For those of you who have real world stick experience, you will take to this sort of input instinctively, it's really very realistic. There are multi quadrants available from Saitek if you fly multi-engine set-ups, but for the GA (general aviation) enthusiast, this additional unit offers realistic feel and may I add it is not too big in physical size, it will not be intrusive on any surface, and offered in superb design and build.
I have great fun with this unit, the quality of the build and action can be best described as 'real quality'. The slider action of the tree levers is smooth in both directions, the nine switches are very positive, and with a purposeful 'click' the toggle switch indicates its selection.
As I have mentioned the slide movements throttle, prop and mixture are really great, smooth and positive, but if I was pushed, in real life the travel is less in all three, perhaps by 50%, so to be 10/10 I would have liked the travel distance to have been more realistic. But, do they work, yes, do they look and feel realistic, yes, so I guess there you have it.
I may just be 'super critical', but due to the innovative quality items (and price of these!) being offered, nothing but perfect is expectable. 9/10 isn't that bad!
My unit is staying exactly where it is...a great unit and a joy to use.
Nigel C. Martin
n.c.martin@btinternet.com
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Reviews Of Other Saitek Products:
Saitek Pro-Flight Cessna Controls
Backlit Information Panel (BIP)
Pro Flight Combat Pedals
Pro Flight X-65F Combat Control System
Pro Flight Multi Panel
Pro Flight Instrument Panel / Radio Panel
Pro Flight Switch Panel
Pro Flight Yoke System