Not if the statements are true, which judging by other replies to this thread, they maybe.

Well, in its defense, the patched Lago MD-80 panel is far from just an accurately behaving autopilot. There is some real systems depth built in, at par with the PMDG 737 or the LDS 767. Lots of detail is evident to me, but may be lost on some...i.e. load meters that react to changes in power drain and available power sources, fairly complex modeling of the power bus structures, a good early-generation FMS, one of the best pneumatic systems models out there (gives low anti-ice temp warnings a short time after power is pulled back too far to keep air press up), indications with hyd transfer pump right where I expect them etc etc. When you throw a switch, you can actually look to see if the systems reacted as expected. Many other advanced panels are in reality only skin deep in this regard.Pair it with the excellent JCA models, and the Maddog is worth having...so long as you don't need to ask Lago for anything like actual support. Some of the features required scrubbing the manual as they weren't obvious...like operation of external lights and Nav2 radio.If you're one of those folks who are fixated on VCs to the exclusion of all else, this one's not going to make you happy. If you're a systems guy, it will. If you know how to make a 2D panel sing, especially if you have a second monitor available...you will. The 2D night lighting appears to be fixed.The Flight1 label, for me, implies that a product will be of sufficiently high quality to warrant the price (if not, you can get your money back). It doesn't automatically rocket any Flight1 product right to the front of the pack against all comers, although enough of their products do that as well. I'm not a fan of the Iron Knuckles DC-9, for example, because knowing that it continues to burn down fuel with FS in pause mode makes me question other design choices...and I have Stellan Hilmersby's excellent freeware DC-9 panel, which is hard to beat at any price. Likewise, I'm not sold on the F1 MD-80 product, especially from a systems perspective. I'm sure it's not a waste of time, but I won't annoint it "the winner" amng all MD-80 add-ons just because F1 decided to market it. Would much rather see their label and customer support behind the Lago product. Would guess that Lonny Payne's MD-80 (new Eaglesoft release) is worthy of a look, too...if it's like his previous work it's probably fairly solid systems-wise, but graphically less developed.Lago have been circling the drain for years now. Buying from them is definitely a risky proposition. That said, I found the Maddog to be worth the risk. Others won't, and rightfully so.RegardsBob ScottATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-V L-300Santiago de Chile

The orignal poster is absolutely correct about FSE and Lago. The graphic made by Len, one of most prolific designers for FSE, posted that graphic since the FSE exchange has not functioned since Aug 11th, 2005. Repeated request for repairs, along with countless E mails, and gone unanswered or unresolved. Lago may be doing fine with other products, but have completely left users in the cold with FSE. Money down the drain. That's why almost everyone from the FSE community switched to EZ scenery, and are communicating on BEV forum, which they were kind enough to open for us since Abacus does not have a forum. Thank you BEV. You have my support and my money for your effort.

Bob,ahhh, breath of fresh air, someone else has noticed the nice details of the Maddog. Down to a toned down APU sound, when the front door gets closed at the end of the boarding procedure. I love the AP. Turn on IAS Mode at the acceleration altitude and dial the pitch wheel to 250. The LAGO smoothly loweres the nose and stops at +800-1000 fpm to pick up speed (while the others cough and even descend during climb to accelerate).Or altitude capture below 10000 ft at 250 kt from a high IAS mode climb rate, a challenge for Autopilots. It's smooth as silk in the LAGO. Other Autopilots get a nasty hickup ...Mike

Hello,Some modes of the Flight Deck: MD-80 autopilot are hand programmed and some are default. The VNAV function uses a combination of the two. At this point there is no IAS mode for climbs and descents but I hope to have that available at some point. I know when it comes to porducts that you have your value for the price issue and I hope that people will see all that you get with the various panel choices, systems modeling and great customer support is well worth the money.ThanksLonny

Lonny,that left me puzzled. If you have e.g. VNAV climb, why don't you have the IAS Mode in ? It's "basically" the same. FMS EPR similar to EPR CL, stabilize speed by varying pitch. Can you describe exactly how you simulate e.g. VNAV Climb. In which regard is the MS default AP involved ?IAS Mode in future is certainly nice. But if I may ask, why did you release it now and not when all AP modes are ready (especially if it's such an important mode for the MD) ?My guess is, if you want to reach Autopilot fidelity and tame the Maddog AP behaviour, you probably need to get the default MS completely out of the way and make an entirely custom autopilot.Mike

Well, it is not a simple as you might think. The VNAV is only active for descent. Also, the EPR CL, EPR CR, have nothing to do with speed, they have the autothrottle hold a specific EPR setting.Lonny

>>Let's see...>>Slander, libel, deliberate misrepresentation of facts with>>intent to do harm.>>>>You're in a world of trouble if anyone decides to take legal>>action against you over your statements.>>and here you come along, pretending to be a lawyer, with your>own baseless accusations and claims. Didn't you claim that>anyone who distributed other peoples files is in for criminal>actions against them?>>Give it up man. The day somebody can't say this in a forum is>the day we all throw our Constitutions away.I agree Alex, he always comes into these threads talking rubbish, (perhaps that's why the post are so high) and stiring it up, have a look at other posts on the same lines he makes. Not worth reading when you see that name beside itUK

Forgot to say I agree with the original posterUK

Mike listening to you I might have to take a second look at the Lago MD81. I didn't know the systems modeling was so detailed (or should I say all the major holes were fixed). I haven't played around much with version 1.5 after I found out I still couldn't get realistic night flying out of the bird. I mean dusk, dawn, and night is a no go with this model plus the lack of any support left me cold on the product. I actually don't have a problem with the VC during the day as it is very acceptable and fully interactive. At night all you have is a red dome light that looks like something right out of the early FS2k2 days

why can't I be a "systems guy" who hates the idea of a limited view 2d panel?I cannot fly looking at a post card. The VC gives me the being there viewpointI hope in a new patch they fix the VC lighting, until then I will stay away

>> Also, the EPR CL, EPR CR, have nothing to do with speedSure, but has to do with IAS Mode. AT holds a specific EPR, you dial a speed and at AP varies pitch to stabilize that speed. That's all I said.Real MD80 flying is mostly Autopilot flying. You have a limited FMS, VNAV only for descent and no IAS mode.I think, it's nice concept to offer various panels for those that want panels with the freeware SGA model, but it seems yours/Eaglesofts offering is not intended to compete with the LAGO Maddog when it comes to most authentic MD80 experience. Mike

I remember that Aero Lloyd Captain tried the Flight 1 VC, but gave up after a couple of minutes with a "nice, but probably not meant for flying" comment. It was due to the jumping gauges, making accurate flying impossible.I usually do not even try VCs. How's the situation with Airliners now? Is there any VC, that has the SAME gauge update rate like in the 2D panel ?Mike

Your impersonation of an incompetent lawyer is most amusing! What else can you show us? Oooh, I know....do a quack doctor now! :+ Sidney Schwartz KPDX

Depending on what system you have, there are a few. The smaller GA aircraft have great refresh rates, dreamfleets A36 and B58 are awesome. RealAirs SF260 is great, although I have not purchased it yet as it isnt my style. The PMDG 744 gives me smooth gauge refresh rates. So does the ATR from Flight1. the PSS 777 is pretty good with that too. Slowly developers are getting there.