MCP — Mode Control Panel
Full build log for the 737 MAX Mode Control Panel: panel design, encoder wiring, backlighting, and MobiFlight configuration.
Overview
The Mode Control Panel (MCP) is the autopilot brain of the 737 MAX flight deck. It controls speed, heading, altitude, vertical speed, and the various autopilot modes via a row of encoders, buttons, and seven-segment displays.
This page documents the complete build process — from initial measurements and CAD work through to final wiring and MobiFlight configuration.
Panel Design
The MCP panel was drawn from scratch in Fusion 360 using reference photos and dimension data from the PMDG documentation. All cutouts are parametric, so adjusting the encoder hole diameter cascades across the full panel.
The panel is cut from 3mm black acrylic with a white engrave for the legends, giving a clean backlit look.
Components Used
| Part | Spec | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary encoders | 24-pulse with push | 6 |
| Seven-segment displays | 0.56" common cathode | 12 |
| Backlight LEDs | 3mm warm white | 42 |
| Toggle switches | Taiway 2-pos | 8 |
| Pushbuttons | Momentary, flush | 14 |
| Arduino | Mega 2560 | 1 |
Wiring
Each encoder connects to two digital input pins on the Arduino Mega. The seven-segment displays are driven via a MAX7219 chain to keep pin count manageable.
MobiFlight Configuration
All inputs and outputs are mapped through MobiFlight Connector. The encoder increments map to SimConnect events for each autopilot variable.
Photos
Photos coming soon — panel is complete and functional.