CH MFP / MFD Mini-Review

[TopB]

Just ordered and recieved one of these today, here is a small review:

Mini-Review: CH Multi-function Panel
MSRP: Panel with 25 keys $189.95 + Shipping (USD)
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Optional Accessories:
MSRP: Additional 25 Keys $72.95 (USD)
MSRP: Additional Clear Tray $14.95 (USD)
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Note: For Visa and MasterCard you can order at the
CH Site ( http://www.chproducts.com/shop/usb.html#23 ).

What do you get:
1 USB MFP Panel with Clear Key Tray.
1 CDROM with Control Manager Software V4.2
25 Keys, labeled 1 thru 25
1 Installation Instruction Pamphlet
1 Sticker Sheet with various letters, symbols etc.
1 Sticker Sheet plain/blank that you can write on.
(Would be nice if CH had a printable template sticker sheet.)

Picture: The Box



Picture: The Contents



Picture: Panel with printed MFD template slid under the clear
tray that attaches to the MFP. Buttons stick to the tray surface.
(The CH Hanger Forum has a section with various printable images you
can download and use on the panel) http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=46



PART 2 BELOW:>>>

[TopB]

Picture: Panel with buttons attached above the image. Buttons
have an adhesive surface that is pretty strong. You must ONLY
twist them to remove, DO NOT PULL them. From what I understand
you can just wipe the adhesive surface with a damp cloth and
restore it to like new.




Picture: The Bottom for you curious few.


Picture: In position on my desk next to my X-Keys ICP.


Programming the buttons is pretty easy. Users of other CH Product
will have no problem as the MFP uses the Control Manager Software.
Basically what I did was open Control Manager, add the panel to my
current set up of the CH Throttle, Pedal and Fighter Stick.
Then I just pushed the Button for OSB1, had the Control Manager
record the keystrokes for OSB1 and insert them. I repeated this
until I had 40 buttons programmed. 20 for the Left MFD and 20 for the Right MFD.
Until I purchase another panel, I just use the RED/GREEN mode Buttons located in the top right corner to switch between LEFT/RIGHT MFD.
I still need to figure out what I will assign to the 5 extra buttons not needed for an MFD.

Picture: CH Control Manager programming the buttons.


That’s it, awesome product. You can have 16 of these hooked up!!!

Final Note:
Debby McDowell at CH answered my emails promptly and
Took my order over the phone, A+ for customer service.

[D.V.]

Yup. Awesome toy. I have mine over a template of Stops ICP. I didn't find the programing as easy, since I'm used to FOXY programming which I find much easier. I'm thinking of picking up another one to set up an MFD like Top has.

Looking good Top! That's a helluva cockpit you're developing.

[Pavehawk]

I've been contemplating buying one of these for this exact purpose Top. Let us know how it flies.

[TopB]

This is the final set up for the moment , almost have too many keys.
The ultimate goal will be to get one more of these and then along with the Xkeys, my dream set up is done. 2 MFD's and and a Xkeys ICP!

[Pavehawk]

Are the little grey buttons in the upper right of the MFP the mode switch buttons?

[TopB]

Originally Posted by Pavehawk

Are the little grey buttons in the upper right of the MFP the mode switch buttons?

Correct, two buttons and two LED Lights, Green and Red Mode. Allows you to double the keys and let's me simulate both left & right MFD's.

Works great!

[TopB]

Here is a small video I made of using the MFP to drop external tanks:

http://www.72ndvfw.org/TopB/movies/ch_mfp.wmv

Gives you an idea of how nice the CH MFP is, as well as how nice it is
to not have to use the mouse to click in the cockpit!

[D.V.]

Looks awesome Top. My second one should be here Monday, since it didn't make it this week.

[Gambit]

so from what I can tell, there is a still image on the back of the panel? I wonder if there is a way to send the actual MFD image to it for real time.

[Gunfighter]

I've been a CH Products guy since 1993 (X-Wing) and love their stuff.

But $189 for a 25-key programmable keyboard? Yikes.

[Waxer]

Cheaper than drugs, tho.

[Gunfighter]

Originally Posted by Waxer

Cheaper than drugs, tho.

Cheaper than my last girl-friend. 'I know you're excited, but you'll just have to wait until I finish blowing you up'.

Yeah, there's worse things to spend money on than flight gear.

[JulietteKlonk]

This is a great computer.

[digital_steve]

Just to add to this; i got myself a CH MFP recently and have it setup as my ICP with secondary functions plus a few extra buttons.

This thing is pure, pure gold.