Whilst I understand the power of the EPIC for flightsims, like many others it seems too difficult to bother with, which is a shame. The way I see it, there are guys who are programmers and guys who aren't. If it was a simple point-and-click affair as it is with programming a Thrustmaster for example, then sure I'd go for it, however I fear that it will be an expensive mistake if I went that route today. I'm just saying that if it came with a nice and simple program that's easy to program, they would sell a LOT more systems. Which brings me to the alternative (compromise) solution, in a keyboard emulator. These seem much easier to set-up and they have a suprising amount of functionality. Sure they ain't anywhere as fancy as the Epic and they only emulate keystoke combinations, but just looking at all the keyboard commands available for FS2000 for example, and you have enough there to offer a good degree of realism it seems, and most importantly it means that you get airborne quicker. They are a whole lot cheaper too! I have to say that after reading some of the posts hear, it does nothing to improve my own confidence in the Epic, especially as a programming novice.I'm still planning my sim (B777) and I figure that since I'll be running 6 PCs, I could install a couple KB emulators on different machines which should mean that commands don't clash between machines and also gives me more switches/buttons at my disposal per unit. The only feature I can't figure out is how to display the Altitude/ HGD/ SPD/ selection indicators on the homebuilt MCP. Anybody have any ideas? I'm going to install all the switches/ buttons in the sim, and have all of the wiring come to the one external panel so that one day if Epic becomes a breaze to use, it will make swaping over to Epic easier than it would be otherwise. Has anybody used Hamstrom emulators and what do you think of them.Also does anybody know where I can find designs of linked control yokes and dimensions of the B777?

HiThe big thing with Epic is not only bttons, but the fact that you light LED,displays and drive stepper motor.If you dont know this site yet go there now you l be please.http://www.meriweather.com/flightdeck.html

To tell you about Keyboard emulators compared to EPIC... I would much prefer using EPIC instead of emulators. From my experience, before I purchase EPIC. It is much many of hassle trying to connect so many wires to keyboard emulator and it made my cockpit look like a bowl of spaghetti! also to be honest, it doesn't make me feel like I am flying real simulation. I know to obtain EPIC and stuffs might be quite expensive, but it is worth it. especially it includes every thing like real life such as lighting up the push buttons, 7 segment digit displays, and control motor (if using gauge or auto throttle). About trying to figure out how to display the altitude, heading, Airspeed, Vertical speed on MCP... There is such so many website that can explain you how to connect 8 of 7 segment digit display communicating with PC, but it doesn't work as well as you think compared to EPIC's 32 digit display module. You can contact Robert Prather, he has the dimension of B777 and good news, he is flying B777 check out through his website "The 777 Project" at www.promfd.com/newhome.htmGood Luck

Good PointsBut with keyDirect* I've managed to direct all input through hacked keyboards, and the outbound lights and LEDs are driven through PIC micro controllers. Spaghetti is at a minimum, and its cheap compared to EPIC. A LOT cheaper.And you dont know, once its working, that its not EPIC, 'cos all the lights work and the so do the buttons!Dave

Nobby,This may be true but I guarantee you I will know immediately that it is not EPIC just by merely touching your yoke. EPIC allows precision adjustment and mapping to such things as throttles, yokes, speed brake levers and anything else containing a pot. No keyboard can accomplish that.Michael