Help A32x FCU - what to buy

[Sso]

Hi,

For my new P3Dv2 PC, I wish to purchase an A32x Hardware FCU.
Currently I use the Aerosoft X A320/A321, but that may change.

What are the options?
Do you have any experience to share?
Have you come across others experience?

Thanks in advance

/Stephen

[sstusek]

Oh, finally some Airbus topics 

Here are some options for A320 FCU I know of:

http://www.cpflight.com/sito/dettagli/fcu320.asp
http://www.flightdecksolutions.com/components/a320/a320-glare/fds-a320-pro-mx-fcu-efis/
https://www.skalarki-electronics.eu/en/component/virtuemart/a320-glare/a320-fcu-proversion-2013-detail?Itemid=0
http://cockpitsonic.org/shop/fcu-usb/
http://www.fscockpit.eu/afcu.php

or less expensive but more generic :
http://vrinsight.com/public_html/index.php?module=Board&action=SiteBoard_1&iBrdNo=31&sMode=SELECT_FORM&PHPSESSID=c7dfbcedbcf64457c5665bbaf1b8835e

As far as I know none of them will work with Aerosoft X A320, there are some drivers out there for Wilco and FSX A320.
You will need one of the "homecockpit" add-on A320 software like Project Magenta, AirSimtech or JeeHell (the downside of building A320).

Regards,
Simon

[Sso]

Thanks - disappointing news...
no chance to control via aFSUIPC?

Anybody have experience w any of these external A32x sim products?

/Stephen

[Sso]

and where do the Airbus builders hang out online?

not much here...

[sstusek]

Hi,
Well all is not that bad, you can always try Jeehell freeware A320 FMGS B31 (great stuff) at http://www.jeehell.org/A320FMGS_B32.2.exe

I think it is already compatible with most of FCU`s, browse through :
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=263

I find the biggest downside of all A320 software is dependency from poor A320 models!
I am/was using AST A320 Experience Advanced package. It was a real revolutionin in A320 cockpitbuilding when I bought it... Time goes on and in the last two years the development has stalled (from  Advanced package user's perspective)! Everybody is eagerly waiting for bug fixes and coming release with main features like GO-Around, Holding, Flight Path Vector (TRK/FPA), ... 

Well, that is for another topic...

Regards,
Simon

[Sso]

Interesting comment regarding AST. I looked at it a while back, and there was a lot of good stuff "Just around the corner". Didnt buy it due to this, and doesnt sound like it has moved far since.
After all, its not cheap...

[Sso]

By models do you mean airfiles?
Which do you use?

Is there none that is realistic, you find?

[sstusek]

Hi,
Well I am using modified PA model but have not flown for some time. I am slowly building A320 cockpit and waiting for a mayor update, new feature or new A320 model that would motivate me again.

Here is section of the airfiles/models discussion from AST forum :
..."Each flight model up to now (Project Airbus, IFDG, JustFlight, Overland ...) is a mix of comprimises and not one works perfectly. Too high fuel consumption in idle thrust (Project Airbus), bad open descend behaviour (JustFlight), steering troubles (IFDG), unrealistic trim settings, bad climb performance, wrong engine start times and so on."...
Not to mention the fly-by-wire functionality and protections!

I am not an A320 pilot so I am not to judge but as far as I read It looks that Aerosoft AirbusX seems to be the best model so far. Unfortunately not usable with Airbus Suite because its external logic is blocking/fighting AST logic.

We are all waiting for FlightSimLabs A320 and hopefuly possible Homecockpit edition?! Until then, we'll have to work with what we have. 

[sstusek]

If we get back to original topic, I think the right FCU for Aerosoft A320X is VRI MCP Combo II –Airbus FCU. Probably the only FCU that works with it, although it does not look very Airbus!?

Regards,
Simon

[Sso]

Thanks,

Saw the combo II. Not too imptressed with the design.
I would like to have something that can be expanded, as time and space permits.

/Stephen