Hey,Do we have an engine display option (to switch at least between the EFIS mode and Compact Engine Display of the PFD/ND option) with the release of the 737-600/700? I really enjoyed your latest screenshots, but so far I

Patrick-lemme clarify this so nobody gets confused:there are two distinct pairs of LCD displays that an airline can choose.One is what type of Primary Flight Display / Nav Display it will have.The other is what type of Engine Indicators it will have.The choices are:a) PFD/ND or EFIS/MAP:( Over/Under EICAS (Upper/Lower) or Side-by-Side (one display - the one on the bottom is normally blank).These are the steps we are taking with our releases:The release of the 737-600/700 pair will feature a PFD/ND for the Primary Instruments. (First release, coming very soon).The release of the 737-800/900 pair (which will follow later) will feature an EFIS/MAP pair for the Primary Instruments (next release, some time later).BOTH releases will feature the Side-by-Side EICAS, which is ideal for MS Flight Sim, as it fits all the engine indicators in one display. The first reason: Since most of us use only one screen for our flight enjoyment, there's really no need to "split" the information into the Upper/Lower display, therefore creating an artificial need for an extra panel inside FS, just so that each of the two EICAS displays will be half-empty.The second reason: Once we're done programming the EFIS/MAP display, which is as common as the PFD/ND pair, we'd really rather focus our efforts on creating new and exciting features, such as the TAWS, or the Vertical Situation Display, inside the NavDisplays.Wouldn't you agree?I hope this clarifies the issue completely. :-)

>>The release of the 737-600/700 pair will feature a PFD/ND >for the Primary Instruments. (First release, coming very >soon). > Argh...gotta get painting :-eek PeteModel Artwork DeveloperPrecision Manuals

Hmmm.... I hate to say this, but please! Give us the splitted engine displays as an option! I simply love the "clean" feeling of it! Would be a shame not to be able to se the IMO typical NG instrument layout!Ofcourse, I

I second this, it just isn't right flying the EFIS/MAP's side by side with PFD/ND.Andrew R.Calgary, Canada

Jonas/Andrew-There will be not upper/lower EICAS displays. That decision was made after carefully examining the usefulness, practicality and USER-INTERFACE issues associated with adding a lower display.Upon researching it- we found it to be impractical and completely unwieldy.While this may disappoint you- we felt strongly that it was best to remain within some constraints presented to us by MSFS. Adding the split engine displays is a TREMENDOUS waste of space and capability within MSFS- and would prevent us from having the flexibility to add some features that we have planned for future growth of the product.(Features that you will actually USE, I might add....)Thus we made our decision and ended the discussion.Robert S. RandazzoPrecision Manuals Development Group http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/coolcap.gifwww.precisionmanuals.com

"(Features that you will actually USE, I might add....)"I guess and say Robert is talking about a working wether radar for FS2004??? ;-)I might also be completely wrong! :-(Matthias

Thank

Hey Lefteris,thanks for your reply. Although I completly understand your point regarding the advantages of space and more flexibility, I

Hi Robert,Thanks for the reply. Can't say I'm too happy about that decision, would it be possible to pay for 2 or 3 panel/plane sets to get the over/under implemented at some point or another? Perhaps if the lower DU is oncorported in with the throttle quadrant/FMC's?Just throwing around ideas .Regards,Andrew R. Calgary, Canada

I

Andrew-Hahaha.... Keep talking like that and we'll have you drug tested at the end of each flight....In short- No.One of the things that is hardest to explain is why certain decisions MUST be made in certain directions. There are always some constraints. They key is to balance them against each other and come up with the best product capability mix.Thre will be no upper/lower. End of discussion. ;-)Robert S. RandazzoPrecision Manuals Development Group http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/coolcap.gifwww.precisionmanuals.com

Well, I tried :-D!Thanks Robert,Andrew R.Calgary, Canada

Hi PMDG team!Despite Robert ending the discussion I just cant keep quiet.;-)Its a bit disappointing that you chosen to exclude the centerpedistal, I dont know if its just me that it feels like you dont get the whole cockpit experiens, one EFIS display short to.:-If I could chose I would dump one of the main panel options for a compleet centerpedestal, but that

Johan-You didn't read my response too closely. There is a center pedestal... There is not a lower DU.It gets tiring being critically handled for something that none of the critics have seen yet...I'm quite confident that once you get your hands on the airplane, you'll see what we mean.