*FIRST LOOK* Winwing A320 FCU Unit - Full Review & Comparison With MiniFCU

[@AdventuresWithPennyLane]

I received my miniFCU yesterday and I'm blown away! I have it mounted on a small VESA desktop mount for now. A friend is 3D printing a stand for me though. The miniFCU was super easy to program with MobiFlight so I can now use it with any G1000 aircraft too. I reprogrammed the EXPED button to activate the ILS

[@zephirusvideos]

4:22 You can also mount the brackets on the back to use on a desk, and it will look better :) They are both side and back brackets :)

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

Indeed. Great versatility.

[@koseng9621]

In a korean review video the guy is able to use some functionality in MSFS. It seems the winwing FCU identifies as a joystick. You can use the joystick settings in MSFS to set heading, altitude and so on which will work for example in FBW.

[@OrganAviator]

I think alot of the negatives are counteracted by the price. You are never going to get 100% accuracy so I think the winwing is a no brainer

[@ronaldjames]

I agree I’m a stickler for accuracy but for the price and size I’d overlook them

[@mammid9622]

What are the negatives

[@infinitewisdom9619]

The font, the light tone, the cumbersome setup with SIMAPP Pro.

[@hpharold23]

The price to quality is just superb!

[@infinitewisdom9619]

@@hpharold23 It seems to be, yes. I haven't gotten mine yet, still waiting for the payment Email. I've ordered on 28th of march. Do you have yours?

[@yams900]

Well explained, nice and clear...everything I needed to know. I've placed my order today and looking forward to start using it. Your tutorial saved me both time and lots of gray hair, thx mate

[@CrashEd1664]

Love mine! Fits under the monitor and works great with the Fenix. It’s incredibly well built and for the money it’s a no-brainer!

[@lourencocoelho6629]

did you purchase it in for pre order at the time? I think I will purchase the winwing right now, but it's said that the ETA is above 45 days so idk, what would you advise me to do, or where you in the same position?

[@CrashEd1664]

@@lourencocoelho6629 yes I pre-ordered. I’d go with WinWing if it were me. Have a look on KZbin - WinWing recently announced their roadmap at the FlightSim Expo. They have some really nice Airbus peripherals coming including a CDU, all at excellent prices.

[@DroneOnGameOn-DarrylCurd2024]

Looks fantastic, the size and the price are the deal breaker for me on the WinWing unit, i already have it on pre-order, colourisation of the display wont bother me to much or the font detail as it will be the first unit i own of this type and i have nothing to compare it with apart from my in sim fenix airbus. ive got a feeling i will have to re organise my desk space and monitor layouts to accommodate the whole WinWing glareshield. Ive wanted a product like this for years.... I followed the kickstarter for the minicockpit fcu and pleased i never joined in the hype as there have been many many minifcu units shipping with faults/damage or faults developing shortly after unboxing. WinWing for the win win for myself, happy flying virtual pilots.

[@mellewisselo8025]

totally agree with you on that one. Fortunately this unit will be able to slide under my monitor. And I can't wait for the EFIS and glareshield to join in too.

[@budguy21]

MiniFCU has excellent customer support. Any damaged units have been replaced immediately at no charge.

[@lunarair]

Honestly without miniCOCKPIT paving the way beforehand throught Kickstarter, these product probably won't even exist. They have opened up the market for copycats to consume. Pity

[@CrashEd1664]

Completely agree. And why is it a pity @lunarair? It was only a few years ago that you would have had to pay a grand for an FCU - companies like WinWing are bringing affordable home cockpit controllers to the masses. This can only be a good thing. And it wasn’t down to miniCockpit - there have been many before (JavaSim etc), plus Mobiflight if you want to make your own…

[@normwright4894]

@@lunarair so you dont like progress.....go back in yiour shell

[@liamrey]

I cannot wait for this. It’s a perfect addition for a desktop, especially with the TCA stuff, I’m really not an Airbus fan, but the size of everything means it’s better for my own set up right now! 😃

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

Seems home cockpit building has never been easier!

[@richardcross8790]

Can't wait for mine to arrive. That the font might not quite be right doesn't bother me, I don't have anything to compare it to. Not being as deep as the mini cockpit one is good, hopefully means it'll sit under my monitor, i can always raise it if necessary. The angle is also a plus, will make it easier to use then the mc unit. As others have said, if this lives up to expectations I won't hesitate to add to it with an efis when released.

[@ClevaTreva]

Hmm... the text on my miniFCU isn't etched. Or at least it doesn't appear to be? The miniFCU's text does look clearer though. Thanks for the detailed review and based on it I'll be sticking with the miniFCU and their future releases. :)

[@kralkrauterblach414]

ordered , price is best ever , people with low money are very happy (like me) to afford this , under 100 euro incl shipping (hope im not wrong) , to bad you have to wait long time (few months) when is available , but when most reviews are bad in few weeks i cancel

[@John-xg3ll]

Expedite function button is a customer option. I picked up a new toy in Hamberg the other week and its fitted. There are MANY options and customisations. Like metric altimeter on the altitude scale or instead above the clock on the SD page. CPDLC. Etc.

[@JESSEY_IFS]

I have the this FCU. For the orange screen, I found that is that the angle of view. If you place the FCU a 90 degree on your desk and you look it, it look like the real color!

[@jay-rus4437]

Im choosing to be patient, but definitely watching this one. Even if I spend $130 later, so be it.

[@koen3950]

How could the text and markings be printed yet work with a backlight? Doesn't this mean its actually etched or engraved? There is obviously no "blue" behind these markings...

[@csyoutubeacc]

As an airbus pilot. The Mini FCU is the most accurate in terms of appearance and tactile feel. I love the simplicity of the setup. It just works!! For me the smaller size is a bonus as it makes for a neat and tidy setup. I look forward to the forthcoming MiniFCU panels coming soon.

[@lol-j7u]

try wingflex fcu

[@MusicBug12]

it seems amazing but they are ALWAYS sold out. A huge bummer, hopefully winwing can keep up with the demand with their product.

[@TimAyro]

It's just a shame it's nearly 300 bucks now. The Winwing is literally a third of the price.

[@peteallennh]

Thank you for the review! I do like the display color better on the minifcu unit, so I agree with you there. I would love to be able to mount this on top of my Honeycomb Alpha and then hopefully add the side panels in the future if they release those. It seems incomplete to me without the two side panels and glare shield.

[@joerihuffmeijer3247]

As a vr only person the winwing is unbeatable, no font issues, correct angle, correct size and with spadnext programming should be a breeze.

[@andyholmes9485]

Thanks. Needs to be compatible with Fenix for sure to consider.

[@karnyvekz]

It will be.

[@Stwutter1973]

I'll never understand why companies send products out for review that you literally can't test. If the drivers arent ready yet, then they should at least ask you to hold fire on the review until it's actually usuable - or just not send it yet.

[@zephirusvideos]

I think that is a good sign. Sometimes companies bother a lot and even force reviewers to be aligned with what they want. In this case I think they are being completely honest.

[@andybrockbank3027]

Get it in the hands of reviewers and build the epectation

[@Julian-mo9dn]

the winwing one appears to be pretty light… i assume it’s not easy to use the pulling mechanism without the unit gliding on the desk?

[@joelmulder]

Sure, it’s not as well built or physically accurate as the Mini Cockpit or other alternatives, but it’s also many many times cheaper. Once Winwing releases more of their planned commercial aviation peripherals (an EFIS panel is next, after that likely an MCDU), you’d likely be able to get an FCU panel, EFIS panel, and MCDU (without display, maybe even with) for the same price as a single FCU from any other brand.

[@snowshoe3274]

I have a hotas made by winwing and it's really great quality. If this is anything like that, then it's a good purchase.

[@FoxtrotSierra]

Do the rotary knobs click when turning? I couldn't hear that in the video. Thanks!

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

Yes they do. And feel very sturdy when turning too.

[@RiemsAI]

I'd choose the one that is cheaper of course, who cares if the font is a little bit different than that of the actual airbus, i doubt it even an airbus captain would notice the difference. But then again it is still NOT CHEAP unless youre probably an airline captain who can afford it or a youtube reviewer who got a demo unit.

[@RWalt-lp6ie]

Installation could be a deal braker if too involved, but at this price point along with future add-ons...EFIS?? I would certainly buy one.

[@007markymark007]

FYI not sure if winwin have released the drivers you needed now but there are working reviews of this unit out now

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

Yes, seems they're now available. Excellent 👍

[@aeroworld0_0]

I think they modelled older FCU which was installed in EIS1 times as it was quite redish

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

I did look at some older MSN models, and whilst they were more red/orange, it wasn't quite a orange as this. The video doesn't really do it justice.

[@MrWilliamchang]

This video makes me wants to order one.

[@alcrewroom]

Cheers Gav got ours on pre order.

[@paalmiso]

I have multiple panels from winwing and they always deliver quality.

[@needlesbeckett]

Hi, have you loaded SPAD.next to see if identifies the unit? If so it should be possible to assign inputs whilst waiting for the official drivers. I used to own all the Saitek panels but they were too generic for my liking. I’ve done the VR bit but it’s not ideal for flying large passenger jets. This plethora of new, type specific units makes this an exciting time fore commercial flightsim users. Thanks again for a great review 👍👍

[@seattime4075]

Have preordered, looks excellent for the price.

[@mnieuwhof]

I'm into Virpil devices so configuration madness is not new to me... You addressed some concerns that are taken away for me. To bad they send a device that can't be used but this first-look review was great though!

[@DaOchi85]

The purchase decision is really difficult. The MiniFCU is no longer available for purchase. I found one on a classifieds site, 40% cheaper. But the workaround with the Fenix is really annoying. You'll see, this "loophole" will be closed and then the MiniFCU won't work anymore. I've pre-ordered the Winwing now. At least it comes with Mounting Bracket, is DCS compatible (apparently), and you don't have to modify the display for the orange tone with a film AND it's cheaper.

[@ArabShield481]

I order but i couldn't pay ...i heard they will send you emails to pay later when they ready to ship ❤

[@pete2398]

Got my minifcu 2 days ago paid the$269 price . didn't know about the winwing one. Having a hard time with returning this minifcu after several emails with them what bad service they have.😢😢😢

[@zk9058]

Will the buttons light up (ap, ath, appr)? Didn’t appear so in the video, but wondering if maybe they will when selected in the sim.

[@iwantottle9943]

They will, they’re illuminated in some other videos of it. It’ll be because the lack of drivers at the moment but hopefully that’s released soon

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

Yes they will 👍

[@mrdog4155]

Think about making the expd button replaceable so you can put either a blank or a printed button

[@ech0tang0]

I think I will set my to Chrono. I use that much more than Expedite.

[@Hamuhamuanuku]

Great video - always 👍 take away:let’s monitor closely what’s going to happen 😂

[@bellofello1]

I definitely prefer the slim form factor of the winwing FCU

[@andy70d35]

Looks OK, but not sure if I would change the minifcu for it. Have looked at a few reviews, for winwing, and it seems a mixed bag some people say their equipment is good others say it is rubbish, and they keep breaking, and have to be replaced.

[@josecarlossuarezperez447]

Hello, can you show me or tell me your configuration of the buttons, I have doubts about some configurations for the fenix, thank you

[@dionysus1701]

Just looking , is your setup fully working? Where are the green lines on the buttons? Should be lit up as the ANNLT was in test mode.

[@zealwing]

looks amazing for the price

[@jean-francoisragneau1816]

Thank you for this video and of course it is a shame that you were not able to compare in flight use and another point to know is whether it would be usable with a PMDG 737 or any other liners. Merci pour cette vidéo et certes il est dommage que tu n'as pas pu comparer en utilisation de vol et autre point à savoir c'est si il serait utilisable avec un 737 de PMDG ou tout autre liners.

[@adnan-i8d8l]

Does this work with the FBW A32NX and headwind A320?

[@bar10dr]

Dude, how do you set up the software? I just got mine, I don't understand a single thing. How do I make this work in MSFS2020? Can you make a tutorial?

[@ddobagi_1540]

It only works on DX11, I need to update it soon so I can use it. I can't give up on FG on DX12.

[@josealbertofra]

Good morning, I'm using directX 12 and it doesn't seem to work, do you know how it can be used with directX12?

[@ruimartins7759]

No green lights?

[@zephirusvideos]

After drivers release

[@80derek]

What a terrible marketing blunder by wingwin sent out a unit and it doesn't work. Your review was very polite.

[@zephirusvideos]

They explicitly say in the website that it will work with FenixA320 and other planes later this month. Also, it works, just look for other videos.

[@T-Tailer]

Are you able to map it to other aircraft?

[@SurvivingRetirement]

when will they do one for the pmdg 737 ??

[@CSTNKTAP]

Hi, do you know if it works or will work with XBox? Thank you

[@lucasdownunder]

I am currently flying with my own 3D printed unit, I can't argue with the price. ~A$160 vs A$415 for miniFCU (once it's back in stock) is a no-brainer at least for me.

[@graemeknight2600]

To me it’s a great price $167au compared to over $450au for the mini. Can’t wait to get mine.

[@bagwaa9948]

I imagine this will be perfect with Spad next

[@cgtrout]

@Iluv2Fly-kc5mu What issues have you had with it? Works great for me and means less fuss changing my controls when i switch between planes.

[@007markymark007]

One important question, unlike the minifcu which you need to put a weight on top of or hard fix to your desk in order to stop it moving, does the WW stay in place on the desk when pushing and pulling the knobs?

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

No, you'll need to fix it or use the pads to help secure it.

[@ronaldjames]

@@Easyjetsimpilotdo you think a vesa mount would work with it ?

[@andy70d35]

@@ronaldjames looks to lack the depth of the miniFCU so no way of a VESA mount unlike the miniFCU.

[@ronaldjames]

@@andy70d35 oh alright thanks

[@rogermoore52]

I had assumed the Expedite button was in the box to attach if you wanted to? Is this a pre-production unit. I recall mini-fcu changed the colours multiple times. Great review Gav

[@rezaomar3397]

You have to buy the expedite button separately if you want it

[@rogermoore52]

Thanks I’ve just seen that in another review. Just pay the shipping they said and the key is free.

[@chaoz1666]

@@rogermoore52 correct the keys will be sent free of charge only shipping needs to be paid

[@TheStarWarsCurmudgeon]

I ordered today, but I'm a little concerned about whether I am on a legit site with the spelling errors and such. Where is WinWing located?

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

Yes this sounds like the correct site, as the company are based in China so the translation isn't always perfect.

[@TheStarWarsCurmudgeon]

@@Easyjetsimpilot Thanks, Easyjetsimpilot!

[@Hughes2405]

HI, could you tell, how long the USB cable is? thx

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

I didn't use the supplied one for the review, but it isn't very long. Perhaps 1.5m at a guess.

[@saytoga]

Is it compatible with XBOX or it's for PC only?

[@normwright4894]

is SIMAPP PRO free

[@michelloranger2590]

The size, quality and price for me will be a plus. I ll be looking for your next video when the driver is available. Thanks for posting this.

[@Thoddy398]

I am happy with my full glare unit from quickmade, high quality, only usb c for data/power and a very good customer service. The WW FCU looks so cheap for me, let alone that missing EXP button. However it will have its market.

[@charlieromeoaviation]

For what it's worth, you usually shouldn't have to use that Expedite button anyway. Also most new Airbus Aircraft don't even have that anymore

[@007markymark007]

That's an interesting view, I'd say the quickmade glare unit actually looks more DIY than the WW or Minicockpit products. Also the quickmade unit doesn't look much like the airbus IRL.

[@BlueMax717]

You know someone doesn’t know airplanes when they mention the expedite button. It’s never used, hence why airbus removed it. 😂

[@t0urette]

@@BlueMax717Well, I use it almost every flight if available. When you fly with high cost index and reach TOD there’s often risk for overspeed with rapidly changing winds. Managed descent is safe option when you get lower altitude and your speed buffer is not so close to overspeed anymore. Another trick is to use open descent first so it also keeps thrust idle but then you have to constantly increase your speed if you want to get down faster. Expedite climb is also nice feature when you want to reach an altitude faster where you get ATC short cut after take off. Sure you can do it manually too with selecting green dot speed ect. Just my toughts after 8000h experience with different airbusses (A319, A320, A321, A330, A340, A350).

[@forzaspeedster]

Minifcu basically has better quality, but the winning is a solid option for cheaper

[@blk_miss1le963]

I have a mini fcu and the quality isn't that great

[@ronaldjames]

Has anyone got it working with xplane ?

[@vickomf1]

any idea when shipping begin?

[@infinitewisdom9619]

early May I've read that somewhere on their website or their social media - that's their expectation.

[@aprodigy6991]

it already did if you'd order through their global store instead of the other ones... mine's preparing for shipping

[@vickomf1]

I’m looking at Continental US

[@aprodigy6991]

@@vickomf1early may, ya

[@aprodigy6991]

na, mine is on its way and fedex says it arrives friday next week

[@richardcarter5404]

I am curious to see how it performs once drivers are released, Ironically I just got my Mini FCU yesterday and while I love it I am not sure it is worth the $328 CDN + $54 tax and import. I am sure a lot of people will be eager to see you use it in the sim for a proper comparison to the Mini FCU

[@koseng9621]

And another british youtuber seems to use it fully working with Fenix.

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

Yes. The Driver is now available and working with MSFS where it wasn't yesterday.

[@Yamal6261]

Nice 👍

[@AvivCohen92]

Paid now for mine, cant wait!

[@austriankangaroo]

wait you already got your email that you can pay?

[@AvivCohen92]

@@austriankangaroo Yea i got it few hours ago

[@austriankangaroo]

@@AvivCohen92 oh nice, didnt get it yet

[@AvivCohen92]

@@austriankangaroo My friend didnt get the mail either.. I guess you will get it soon though

[@HarryWrout]

That looks sick

[@barlowmccarthy1295]

is it xbox compatible?

[@josecarlosdealmeidasemedo4816]

Dear Sir, I hope you forgive me first of all, that problably it is not the right place to adress my problem about the miniFCU arrived today to me. Now, I have not a clue how to adress my issue to the people who sold the miniFCU... The question here is that in spite of everything is working OK whit the A320 Fenix that I use most of the times, a "singular" issue is here: The miniFCU remains PERMANENTLY WITH ALL LIGHT ON, even when I shut down the PC... It is my understanding, that you may have a closer relationship with the people of the miniFCU, so, I decided to adress to you in order you coul be so kind to enlight me about this ussue. Thanks in avance for you attention. From Portugal, Jose Carlos de Almeida Semedo

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

I simply unplug the usb cable when I'm not using it.

[@josecarlosdealmeidasemedo4816]

Sir, Thank you very much for your reply... (off course....) I guess we hope they can solve that software issue!!!! Best regards, jc

[@pigsfly6043]

To me, the Winwing looks rushed. The font is not as good as the mini. The buttons and knobs look to be low quality. The lcd color is horrible looking. I guess all those things allow for a lower price.

[@sloastyrr]

Is it Xbox compatible?

[@III_Nick_III]

The colours are different between different FCU models IRL. The winwing one actually looks much more accurate than the miniFCU colour wise

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

Indeed. Some Airbus have white digits. The video doesn't really show off the colour correctly though - it is very orange.

[@jjstevenz]

I cant wait for mine, the quality is next level! im gonna get the whole setup!

[@andybrockbank3027]

Etching is only an issue if the text is likely to have fingers dragging over it on a regular basis. In this case it isn't likely or doesn't appear to be.

[@Vv-gk4cu]

I am amazed by the fact that Airbus has removed the Expedite feature from its planes. How do pilots descent rapidly on an emergency without it?

[@Easyjetsimpilot]

Thrust levers Idle - initiate decent, Spoilers - wind speed up to MAX/Appropriate speed.

[@peterrowney5180]

I think most airlines actually prohibit use of the exped function.

[@michaelcorcoran7444]

Only the A320 family ever had EXPED, and it is a customer option.

[@budguy21]

same way every other aircraft does

[@jsurfin1]

Emer Descent procedure does not require the use of the Expedite button.

[@CptLee33]

Still waiting for payment email :(

[@kralkrauterblach414]

it says on webpage you have to wait few weeks/months

[@CptLee33]

@@kralkrauterblach414 everyone else got there’s lol and they said everyone will have shipment by May. So I should get it any day now

[@daveyoung2056]

Mini for me all day long 👍

[@daveyoung2056]

Are you going to demo the wing flex?

[@ech0tang0]

There are other videos out there showing the unit working in MSFS so I am not sure why he couldn’t get it working.

[@VonycBln]

The size wouldnt bother me, but the font and fontcolour does.... looks "ugly"

[@Juzzy007]

Way too big. MiniFCU is a more reasonable size, considering other add-ons are happening.

[@kralkrauterblach414]

hahaha bulls.... mini is much more unrealistic , im happy is nearly original size , like in real cockpit

[@danielpena-un8vl]

the minicockpit FCU looks cheaply made, while the winwing looks a lot more solid and higher quality.

[@simsaren]

Never trust winwing when it comes to quality. It's trash for what they charge

[@British919]

It’s good

[@charlieromeoaviation]

Have you seen the price of other Flightsim products? For 95€ it's really a good deal

[@stuartg6965]

I really don’t have a big budget for flightsim kit, so this could be ideal BUT I’m gonna wait to see how this handles for you when the drivers are released before placing an order

[@simsaren]

@@charlieromeoaviation I am very much aware of peripheral pricing. I also have personal experience with winwing. The thing will break within 6 months. Enjoy dealing with their absolutely fantastic customer support

[@simsaren]

@@stuartg6965 I wouldn't have high hopes, but fair argument. Although see my previous statements regarding winwing and be warned