Rowsfire B107 Boeing 737 Overhead Panel Review | Compatibility Guide, Fixes & Real-World Test

Rowsfire B107 Boeing 737 Overhead Panel Review | Compatibility Guide, Fixes & Real-World Test

3 commentaires
For Boeing 737 flight simulation enthusiasts, a high-fidelity and fully functional overhead panel is one of the best upgrades to improve immersion. Today, I’m bringing you a full in-depth review of the Rowsfire B107 Boeing 737 Overhead Panel. This article covers software compatibility rules, common troubleshooting, build quality details, real flight testing, and an exclusive discount code. This is a completely honest, non-sponsored review with no overhyped marketing.

This test is based on MSFS 2020 / MSFS 2024 with PMDG 737-600, 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft. All three aircraft variants have been fully tested and confirmed working properly with two official supporting applications. I will solve the most common issues users face, including connection failures, dead LED displays, reversed switches, and model incompatibility problems.

1. Unboxing & Initial Setup | Live Stream Issues Fixed


I previously live-streamed the full unboxing of the B107 panel on Twitch. During the live stream, I encountered minor connection errors, all of which have been fully resolved the next day.

All issues were software and configuration related, not hardware defects:

After reinstalling Windows, the FSUIPC module was not properly configured

Faulty SimConnect and WSIM services caused simulator disconnection

Solution: Simply restart your PC and re-enable the FSUIPC option inside your project

Currently, I am using the PMDG 737 suite for MSFS 2020. I do not yet own the 2024 version license. All tests in this review are stable and valid for MSFS 2020. I will release an updated guide once I upgrade to the 2024 PMDG package.

2. Most Important Rule | Dual Software Compatibility (Must Read)


Most new users get this wrong: The Rowsfire B107 panel does not use one single software. Different Boeing 737 variants require different software platforms to work correctly.

2.1 Compatibility Chart

PMDG 737-600 / 737-700 (MSFS 2020) → Use MobiFlight

PMDG 737-800 → Use Official Rowsfire App

2.2 Verified Test Results

✅ MobiFlight + 737-600 / 737-700: Full functionality, highly stable

Rowsfire App + 737-800: Perfect compatibility, complete features

❌ MobiFlight + 737-800: Severe missing functions, not usable

2.3 Why MobiFlight Does Not Support 737-800

This limitation is not a Rowsfire hardware issue. It is purely a limitation within the MobiFlight plugin.

PMDG does not fully release all Lvar variables and control codes for every aircraft variant. Currently, MobiFlight only maintains full official support for three aircraft: Boeing 737-700, Boeing 777-300ER, and DC-6.

Although MobiFlight lists the 737-800 in the menu, it only contains parameter codes for MSFS 2024, which are incompatible with the widely used MSFS 2020 PMDG version. The 737-600 only supports fuel cut-off functions and cannot be used for full operation.

In short, MobiFlight has not yet completed the database for 737-800/900. Users must wait for future plugin updates. Rowsfire has filled this gap by officially supporting the most popular variant — the 737-800.

Official product descriptions on the Rowsfire website have been updated to cover full compatibility for PMDG 737-600, 737-700 and 737-800.

3. Firmware & Project Settings | Beginner Guide


3.1 Firmware Selection (Critical)

MobiFlight workflow: Flash MobiFlight firmware

Rowsfire App workflow: Flash official Rowsfire firmware

Wrong firmware will cause the panel to only display “Compatible Mode” with partial functions disabled.

Troubleshooting Method: Unplug and reconnect the USB cable to check the correct COM port, then flash the matching firmware (Mega / Nano chip).

3.2 Mandatory Project Setting (Fix Dead Displays)

If your altitude and landing altitude LED screens do not light up, there is only one reason: FSUIPC is not enabled in your project settings.

All digital display readings on the overhead panel rely on FSUIPC offset data. Always enable FSUIPC when creating a new project, otherwise the display system will not respond.

4. Hardware Build Quality | Pros & Cons


✅ Advantages

Premium Texture: All knobs are made of epoxy resin instead of low-quality 3D printing parts, providing smooth damping and realistic tactile feedback.

Advanced Circuit Design: Equipped with multiplexer expansion modules. Just like a power strip expands outlets, the multiplexer expands hundreds of switch, light, and display functions through a single USB connection.

Reliable Synchronization: The latest MobiFlight version improves state detection. The hardware switches can auto-sync with simulator status after restarting the software.

Full Feature Set: APU start sequence, EGT temperature display, anti-ice system, probe heat, exterior lights, IRS alignment, ground call, and attendant call all work perfectly.

⚠️ Minor Drawbacks & Suggestions

The unit is heavy with a depth of 35mm. For VESA mounting, use spacer adapter plates to avoid piercing the internal PCB with screws.

A small number of switch logic reversals on 737-800 are currently being optimized and fixed by the official technical team via software updates, which is not a hardware failure.

No dedicated indicator lights for door status or equipment warnings, resulting in minor function trade-offs.

Engine start knobs do not feature solenoid auto-reset, which is standard for this price range. Users can manually reset after hearing the in-game ignition sound.

Backlight adjustment uses an encoder instead of a potentiometer, which could be upgraded for smoother fine-tuning in future iterations.

5. Real Cold & Dark Startup Test


Test scenario: MSFS 2020 + PMDG 737-700, British Airways Speedbird, Gate 216, Heathrow Airport, cold & dark state.

The entire workflow runs smoothly with zero lag:

Ground power, battery, and bus transfer switches respond instantly

APU startup fully replicates real Boeing logic. Low-pressure indicator and EGT gauge rise and fall accurately in sync with the simulator

ALT and Decision Height encoders work smoothly with real-time screen updates

Engine start procedures behave correctly. Users can reset the knob after hearing the ignition click sound

Anti-collision lights, navigation lights, wipers, anti-ice, and bleed valves all function flawlessly

This panel completely eliminates the disconnected feeling of mouse and keyboard operation, bringing massive immersion for daily simulation training and casual flights.

6. Exclusive Discount Offer


Thanks to Rowsfire for providing an exclusive reviewer discount for the B107 overhead panel:

Use corrected coupon code: frostynut at checkout to save $120 USD

The code is long-term valid and can be used with the official affiliate link for instant price reduction.

7. Verdict | Is It Worth Buying?


As a cost-effective professional Boeing 737 simulation peripheral, the Rowsfire B107 delivers excellent overall performance.

It features solid build quality, high visual fidelity, and stable core functions. The dual-software solution fully covers PMDG 737-600, 737-700 and 737-800, perfectly fitting daily flight training and entertainment use.

All current minor imperfections are software-level optimizations and will be continuously improved through official firmware and app updates, rather than hardware flaws. For dedicated Boeing 737 simmer fans, this is absolutely a worthwhile upgrade.

8. FAQ


Q1: Can the 737-800 use MobiFlight?

No. MobiFlight lacks complete data support for the 737-800. You must use the official Rowsfire app.

Q2: Why are my altitude displays not lighting up?

Check if FSUIPC is enabled in your project, confirm correct firmware flashing, and restart your PC to reset simulator services.

Q3: Are reversed switches caused by hardware damage?

No. Partial switch reversal on 737-800 is a software mapping issue, and the official team is arranging urgent fixes.

Q4: Does this panel support MSFS 2024?

Yes. The 737-800 works natively on 2024. The 737-600 / 737-700 requires future MobiFlight database updates for full 2024 compatibility.


3 commentaires

hesham NOOR
hesham NOOR

i can’t download application for B107 can you send me a direct link to download

DONALD COLLETT
DONALD COLLETT

The dash panel adjustment knob turns 360 degrees. The panel lights can either be what would be considered normal or dim. Even with the setting at max in the dim. Other than that I am very happy. I currently use the Rowsfire app and only fly the X-Plane 12 with the Zibo mod.

Alan
Alan

To hear that the engine start switches dont automatically click over is a disappointment for the price. I’ll stick with what i currebtly have.

Laisser un commentaire

Ce site est protégé par hCaptcha, et la Politique de confidentialité et les Conditions de service de hCaptcha s’appliquent.