Thrustmaster MFD Cougar Pack (Compatible with PC)

IN PACKAGE:-2 MFD USB Controllers with approx. 81 inches of USB cable from base to plug-in per MFD-2 Base sets with parts for adjusting the degrees at which they sit-Instruction manual-CD Software-Multiple back plate images (some which are blank so you can write what you want)-2 clear front plates to protect the back plate images or LED/LCD screens (Not included - but if you wanted to add them)PROS:+Good solid build and feels durable+Plug-n-play+Very long USB cord+Simple/easy software+Adjustable back-lit green light that can get VERY bright+Heavy base if you intend to use them standing up+Parts included to adjustable the degrees at which they stand+Price is very reasonable for what you getCON- The buttons feel "squishy" instead of feeling like solid clicks when pressed. It takes away from the aesthetic feel a bit, but I easily get over this given the immersion these give. Although, I am a bit concerned given how soft they feel if they might get stuck or sticky later on down the road, I've had them for about 2 months now and no issues - so I can't ditch a star for that...yet. But if it does happen, I'll update my review so potential future purchasers will know.------NOTE:-These DO NOT come with LCD/LED screens. It is not advertised and at their price point, I don't expect them to be included either; thus, expect to spend extra to buy LCD/LED screens if you want to put them behind these. It just amazes me at some of the reviews/comments I see of people upset as they don't come with screens included. If they did, these things would be in the $300-$700 range. I appreciate the fact they do not come with it so average working Joe's like me can buy them :) Later down the road if you want to buy and add screens, you can.GAMES:-DCS A-10 - If you are buying them for this, it's simply plug-n-play. DCS World recognizes these and automatically sets ALL buttons for you. Even the brightness, contrast, and gain buttons in the corner work!-FALCON BMS - Falcon recognizes these as gaming controllers but, you'll have to manually set each OSB in Falcon's button settings to the corresponding button on the controllerOSB 1-5: Top row buttons (from left to right)OSB 6-10: Right row buttons (top to bottom)OSB 11-15: Bottom row buttons (from right to left)OSB 16-20: Left row buttons (from bottom to top)You can also assign the brightness up/down function in the settings menu to Brightness button as well.This just took all but 5 mins. and everything worked great!OVERALL AND FINAL THOUGHTS:While I definitely do not think you should get these before you have a good solid HOTAS system and IR Tracker, it comes in solid 3rd for me - even before rudder pedals - which are stupidly expensive :)If you or your friends are asking "What's the point if there's no screen behind it?" It's an easy answer...it keeps your hands off the mouse! You can change your MFD screens in game with the click of a button and faster than you can with your mouse, especially if you mount them. Again, not to mention the immersion that you're sitting in the cockpit.So far I love them. Definitely a must if you enjoy flight sims.

I am an avid flight sim builder...I have several sim "pits" some simple and some very high fidelity.Probably one of the hardest things to integrate is the functionality of the Multi Function Display.These were only available in Europe for a long time. The average price I paid from simw was about$130.00 USD, you can get 2 sets and then some here now.They come 2 MFD's per box/set, are heavy weighted, and have a good kinesthetic feel when actuating the buttons.Plug and Play compatible with all modern operating systems. The brightness of the backlighting on the buttons and controls is user selectable based on how dark the room is/personal preference. CD drivers were included or you can download at parent site.Sturdy construction and tons of configuration options for tyour desk or whatever angles your situation presents.Well thought out design. Integrates flawlessly with Microsft FSX and X-Plane9.Very Durable, I have 5 sets of these in use in my store and the customers can get real "touchy feely" with the gear.I haven't had any problems yet, the first pair has several hundred hours of use.Don't feel constrained by the F-16 label...they simulate any modern fighter MFD quite well.Very low cost is the strongest selling point.If a fully functional HUD is the Holy Grail, these certainly are the Excalibers of flight simulation.The cardboard and plastic screen inserts they provide are good so you can do just about any level of realism you choose.I spray painted one set of the plastic inserts gloss black and when inserted backwards can fool active duty military pilotswith their realistic appearance.I have dual Doublesight 7" monitors behind 1 set and Falcon MFD extracts perfectly to them...I would probably go with 8"monitors next time to lose a very small gap.Bottom line is these are dirt cheap, work seamlessly right out of the box, and integrate easily with FSX and X-Plane.My strongest personal recommendation for value and function.M.E. "Butch" KissickLCDR USN (Ret)F-14 RIO[...].