It seems there's a new CDU on the block from a new company called Cockpit Masters. Directly it's for the 737, but works for the 747 and 777 too. It's a bit more economical than some other solutions and is all run off a single USB which is appealing. There's an FSElite review and a couple YouTube videos that look pretty encouraging to me. Has anyone seen any further commentary or have any feedback?

Here's a link to the product:

https://www.cockpit-master.com/index.php?id=3390

They state they are planning for MSFS NG3 compatibility down the road too. It seems like there's some unknowns for that, but probably realistic. Any reason to doubt that?

I'm thinking about picking one up, but trying to do my homework first. FDS of course has a good CDU too, but it's a bit more expensive and the interfacing seems a bit more (particularly needing USB, power, VGA/HDMI or Ethernet).

It's available from the different seling companies for quite some time with the price varying wildly- this one is the cheapest I've found and from quite a reputable team.

They’re also available at Aerosoft and My Pilot Store, not about $800 USD. It’s no guarantee, but being carried by major retailers seems like a good sign in general. 

Opencockpit.com makes as very good and affordable CDU module that can be used with B737 NGX/NGXU, B747, and B777 in FSX and P3D with rksoftware OC4BAv5 and also as the CDU for most airplanes in MSFS that use CDUs with Oi4FS.

 

https://www.opencockpits.com/index.php/en/products-en/item/FMC B-737 V3 Mounted & ready?category_id=81

3 minutes ago, nas123 said:

Opencockpit.com makes as very good and affordable CDU module that can be used with B737 NGX/NGXU, B747, and B777 in FSX and P3D with rksoftware OC4BAv5 and also as the CDU for most airplanes in MSFS that use CDUs with Oi4FS.

 

https://www.opencockpits.com/index.php/en/products-en/item/FMC B-737 V3 Mounted & ready?category_id=81

Yes, I’m aware of both that one and FDS, but find the additional graphics card input very unappealing. 

1 hour ago, ESzczesniak said:

Yes, I’m aware of both that one and FDS, but find the additional graphics card input very unappealing. 

What do you mean with "but find the additional graphics card input very unappealing"? Sorry, but didn't quite understand your concerns.

34 minutes ago, nas123 said:

What do you mean with "but find the additional graphics card input very unappealing"? Sorry, but didn't quite understand your concerns.

In addition to extra cabling, it requires to configure a separate window in the sim to be displayed on the CDU, as opposed to the USB- only connection.

1 hour ago, SergeyPe said:

In addition to extra cabling, it requires to configure a separate window in the sim to be displayed on the CDU, as opposed to the USB- only connection.

Those are my concerns too. I only have so many outputs on my video card between a monitor, TV for flight swimming, and VR headset. 
 

And then undocking/redocking the window is small, but tedious at the start of every flight. And the initial setup is tedious getting the window size and position correct. 

didn't realize undocking and redocking is required.  I have the skalarki MCDU.  With the hardware interface from FSLabs it just works.  No resizing required.  They don't have something like that for the 737 gear?

On 6/28/2021 at 12:09 AM, ESzczesniak said:

Has anyone seen any further commentary or have any feedback?

I'll have mine in a couple of weeks; will provide the feedback then. 

3 hours ago, micstatic said:

didn't realize undocking and redocking is required.  I have the skalarki MCDU.  With the hardware interface from FSLabs it just works.  No resizing required.  They don't have something like that for the 737 gear?

I’m not sure about the 737 from them. I’ve had an old FDS unit. I was thinking the Skalarki would have similar issues since it still has an HDMI input. But maybe FSLABs interfacing has allowed more options. With FDS, you have to undock the CDU screen and move it over to the CDU monitor. It’s not horrible, but kind of annoying as well. 
 

This really is a first world problem, but I’d love the idea of not having it register as another monitor. Windows multiple monitor management is annoying, and even more so if you have a WMR VR headset that creates multiple new displays. 

Edited June 30, 20214 yr by ESzczesniak

OK, I've got a device from Sismo. What can I say- it's worth every cent paid for it. Very well-made, solid, good screen, the buttons have a positive click. And you don't need to configure/ install anything- just make sure that the "bridge" software (as they call it) is running together with the sim. As soon as the supported plane is loaded (PMDG 737NGX in my case) it's being recognized and the thing is fully operational. The sync with the sim is perfect- no lags, everything is running smoothly.

The only drawback is the total lack of any documentation in the box; the link in the software is taking you to a website that is still under construction. You have to go to https://www.cockpit-master.com to get the latest version of software and the basic info (like the need to have a software running with the sim). There is also a forum where the additional support information is available.

I want to say Cockpit master FMC works well with the PMDG 737NGXu I found that I need to run everything as admin but that is ok.   The key entry is very good, and it makes flying the 737 more enjoyable.  I am using P3D 5.3 HF 1 and everything works well. There is one issue which is avoidable.  The battery power on the 737 needs to be turned on soon after the aircraft is loaded so that P3D connects to the hardware FMC.  If the plane sits for a while and everything is in a wait mode, when the power is turned on the 737, the screen of the Cockpit Master FMC stays blank.  I have tried to unplug the UBS and restart the cockpit master program, but it does not work.  Not sure if I am the only one with this issue but restarting the computer fixes it.  I am happy with the product overall and would recommend it.

 

I bought the cockpit master 737 cdu and also enjoy using it.  I like that there is added value in that it can be also used for the 777 and 747.  Now i'm just trying to find an MCP to go with it

With Spad Next I also get to use it with the CRJ in MSFS ...  Soon we should see support for the FBW A320 now that they have added their websockets FMC...