New Simgears ICP PRO Review

This review of the new Simgears ICP PRO is not sponsored in any way. I have purchased the original ICP LT as well as this new ICP PRO with my own personal funds. It is a review by an end user for the end user. I hope you will find it informative.
For reference, the last update on November 22, has the ICP LT installed in the pit.
A couple post production notes: The ICP LT will also include the HUD Block mount as the PRO does.
I am pretty sure the panel backlighting can be dimmed by other means than the external voltage regulator. I just haven't figured out how as of this time.
‪@simgears7402‬

[@walkerdb84]

Good stuff, starting my Viper pit journey so I'm looking forward to new videos!

[@bdmski]

I believe the right side of the ICP was used for FLIR capable huds in the block 30s. Lantern is the name of the F-16 targeting pods. Love your setup! I’m waiting for my LT to arrive. I have a similar setup to your old one with a racing chair. Cheers!

[@GDViperWorks]

The LANTIRN system that was controlled through the right side of the ICP was a 2 pod system. Part of it was the FLIR for targeting (T-Pod) and the other was the navigation pod. One to fly one to fight. For US aircraft, they were on the Block 40/42 aircraft. The navigation pod was used to fly low level. FLIR added an IR image to a larger HUD than the block 50 represented in DCS.

[@Garebare1]

@@GDViperWorks the WAR HUD

[@lordbarry6693]

I received mine on november too, worth the wait!

[@alexsp7086]

The Pro and LT are identical now in all areas except for the dobber and the Light Box.

[@jimmyg370]

Except the 220 price difference between the two models!!! Plus separate charge for stand that once was included at no cost.

[@mrcroa2564]

In F4 BMS the brightness knob would have a specific function. It's the FLIR brightness in case you have a NAV pod installed. So it's pretty cool it can be used that way.

[@GDViperWorks]

Block 50 does not use LANTIRN so the knob is otherwise unused.

[@flajflaj]

You only need to prepare yourself for long waiting. My unit is still not sent after 6 weeks. Can't wait to fianly have it on my desk :(

[@jimmyg370]

I am still waiting and it will be over 8 weeks for me when it's all said and done!

[@jusam6854]

@@jimmyg370 Ordered mine about 3 weeks ago. Do they ever send any kind of package tracking? Or do you just sit n wait?

[@stevo905]

I have the same ICP from simgears,combined with cubesim mfd screens,fantastic settup!!

[@jeromegraves2826]

Thanks for the detailed review! Quick question: Where did you get your DED display? Looks really good.

[@GDViperWorks]

You can find it here: www4.jaheli.nl/

[@jeromegraves2826]

@@GDViperWorks Thanks!

[@RainmanHST]

Looks pretty good for a replica. I’m not sure if they programmed it that way or you did but your ICP wheels are incorrect. “SYM” is actually the HUD brightness and “BRT” is the FLIR brightness. “CONT” is for the FLIR contrast.

[@phil-1115]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't there a detent "off" switch on the left thumbwheels on the real icp? These don't seem to have those.

[@RainmanHST]

@@phil-1115 yes that is correct left side only have switches

[@phil-1115]

@@RainmanHST, I wonder if these can be replaced with pots that have a switch? You would think, for the price of the Simgear ICP, that they would have these operate correctly. I bought my ICP from Mike Williams years ago and it has the switches in the thumbwheels. I am going to look at the differences and see if they can be swapped over. When my Simgear ICP finally arrives.

[@RainmanHST]

@@phil-1115 I guarantee they can. I’m not sure why either? Maybe they didn’t know they have switches? The only issue would be accessing the inside to wire them as I am sure they probably designed their own PCB for them, thus you wouldn’t have anywhere to add switches to their board.

[@Vortex31415]

Thanks for the excellent review. I just ordered mine in Oct 2023, hoping it arrives soon. You mentioned that the BRT knob wasn't bound to anything; perhaps I misunderstood. Can I bind it as an axis in DCS for some other function? I fly in VR so the brightness on the panel itself is not important to me. However, it would be useful to me as a generic axis in DCS. Can I use it that way? Thanks in advance!

[@GDViperWorks]

All inputs are bindable. My older LT, the BRT controlled the panels backlighting. The newer LT and PRO have a lighting module. So BRT is bindable.

[@Vortex31415]

@@GDViperWorks this is excellent to hear, thanks!

[@LoosMoose]

I just ordered the new F-16 Simpit from SimGears and looking for information on the MFDs. They said that the Thrustmaster MFD bezels are compatible but no mention of the displays themselves. Since it is a year later now, I am looking for suggestions on products that would be available. I have the WinWing TQS and agree, it is 100% functional and does a nice job but I would like something more accurate with the same quality. I am using the TM F-16 stick with the RealSimulator FSSB R3 Lightning.

[@GDViperWorks]

@@LoosMoose I don't have any information about their deskpit. I use cubesim displays and Thrustmaster MFDs.

[@tc5273]

Thanks for the review. Very timely. Ordered the LT last week and hoping it arrives soon. The site now says the LT also has the metal front and back plate. You mention in post production the HUD block mount. Having seen your previous vids, is the actual mounting the full HUD block or is the end piece (where the ICP attaches) a separate piece? Edited to add. Just seen the end of the vid and it appears it has a part of the surround with it too? If so, great news for mounting!

[@GDViperWorks]

I also learned after posting that the HUD stand/mount included with the new PRO, will also be the new mount supplied with the LT. That's a nice upgrade. My pit does not use the supplied HUD face as I have an entire HUD block within my pit. I simply unscrewed the PRO from the supplied stand, and replaced my LT with it on my complete HUD block. I did not use the supplied stand within my pit. As I added a photo to the video, you can see my old LT mounted into the new HUD stand and placed on a shelf.

[@tc5273]

@@GDViperWorks Seen thanks. In my excitement of the surround being included, I must have missed the pictures. Hopefully it will save me from fabricating one. Thanks again and your pit is awesome, keep up the great work!

[@theeltea]

What are the display models you used for your FFI and DED? Thanks

[@nikp5087]

Just received my ICP Pro and cant get the Sym wheel to work. is there are way to bind this?

[@GDViperWorks]

It is bound to HUD brightness as an axis.

[@dragasath2730]

Hey, I just received my LT and the buttons feel kinda strange, not sure if they need some run-in. Does PRO buttons feel the same or are they using different switches?

[@GDViperWorks]

My LT is older. A question best for Simgears.

[@oppotato5440]

Would you say the Otto dobber is worth the money over the LT? Or is the LT dobber good enough?

[@GDViperWorks]

There is definitely a cost to the Otto dobber. The LT dobber works perfectly fine and is great for most users. I like the Otto on the PRO. It has a much stiffer tactile and authentic feel. The PRO push buttons also seem more tactile and positive. But that is relative to my 1 year old LT. I do not know if Simgears changed the pushbutton switches on the new LT.

[@jimmyg370]

It depends if you want to spend the extra 220 Euros for a dobber and control box? I ordered just the LT and the mounting box/stand, should be good enough for what I'll use it for.

[@Sirmellowman]

would you be willing to sell your old ICP?

[@GDViperWorks]

I'm going to keep it. It makes a night shelf ornament in the HUD block mount.