This is not a hardware post. I just wanted to point out a feature of the FSX planes that when added to this new switch I got makes starting all the piston planes so much more real.First off the USB key switch was custom made by Desktop Aviator at http://www.desktopaviator.com and if you dont know about them I will say that they are very professional and offer great prices on hard to find hardware products.Assigning the key switch in FS9 was no problem but in FSX it didnt work correctly. I have assigned the key where when turned to the left of center it starts engine one and to the right of center it starts engine two.What was happening was that it would make an attempt but wouldn't stay engaged long enough to turn the motor over. This reminded me of the Maule and how I needed to change the value in this line:normalized_starter_torque= 0.3 //Starter torque factorSo I kept increasing the valve and as it turns out all the piston engine planes need a value of at least 15 and the maule at 18. At 20 will crank it right up but set at those lower numbers the engine acts very much like a normal one and sometimes you have to crank it for a long time (15 secs) and some time it fires right up.So instead of cranking and cranking when it doesnt fire right up by holding the starter engaged I make small attempts until it turns over. Now starting the plane to me seems very real by using an actual key and getting the effect of how I know planes to sometimes need some nursing to get it to turn over.

I have the unit. The only problem is... if the switch is in the off position and you sart the sim with an aircraft that is already started. The off and on switch wiuld be out of sync. Meaning..each key is a toggle switch rather than an off/on switch.For the price, its a nice addition.Manny

I have a GoFlight module that I have assigned for magento increase and magento decrease so I use that to turn the key to select what postion the key is at on the v/c.So what I've done was assigned the key switch like this, I made button 3 top center a neutral (unassigned) and button 2(left) starter engine 1 and button 4 (right) starter engine 2. Works great. I now start the engine by a KEY instead of a button!!!!This to me is the best way to use the switch since theres no way to make it work like a real switch plus you can now start a twin one engine at a time.

Agree that the DesktopAviator product is a nice addition. Mine arrived in the UK only 7 days after ordering, and all queries were dealt with immediately.I wonder if you have the key assigned with the repeat function (can't remember what it is called) so that it sends a stream of whatever keystroke you have chosen to turn the motor over until it fires?--Bryn

Yes I do have the buttons assigned as a repeat (only way it will work). I know the faceplate has the text of off/left/right/both/start but I ordered a special switch (only the key switch connected to a USB cable) so mine is blank Which I plan on labelling with a custom decal. Assigning the keys using the starter engine 1 and 2 and then modifing the FSX plane files like I mentioned above provides a real feel to the overall start up.If you have the switch try what I said (in the first post) as an experiment and then you see what I'm talking about.

That does look like a very nice unit. It looks very well built.I am currently making my own, however I am finding it a very slow process. Hopefully once its finished the panel will add more realism to FSX.http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/164158.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/164161.jpgRhydianwww.cessnasim.blogspot.com

Ime wanting to save for one of those but my parents are worried since it will be there credit card paying for it.My mum thinks its one of those rip off companies but i know it isnt.Could u tell me if it is a good price and if it handles well?Thanks in advanced.

Does the key-thingy damage the USB port? I only ask because, I would think that the back and forth twisting of the key would eventually twist out the USB port...or one would *think* this would/could/should happen over time...RhettAMD 3700+ (@2530 mhz), eVGA 7800GT 256 (Guru3D 93.71), ASUS A8N-E, PC Power 510 SLI, 2 GB Corsair XMS 3-3-3-8, WD 250 gig 7200 rpm SATA2, CoolerMaster Praetorian