PSX WINCTRL PFPx

[Jamie]

While existing solutions work very well, I wanted to explore an approach that more closely replicates the appearance and behavior of the original CDU hardware. I wanted to get rid of MobiFlight as wel, Mac compatibilty, etc. And, admittedly, I seem to have far too much free time on my hands   I release the code here.

I currently own a WINCTRL PFP7 only, it seems to work on other PFP systems as well.

Check the .ini file for the right unit (captain/co setup WINCTRL).

v1.54 GUI version
----------------------
Download the Windows and macOS version here: The GUI version 1.54
- bugfix Mini is always on top

v1.53 GUI version
----------------------
- bugfix wrong Qi sends/demands
- keep-USB-alive-test > sends brightness value every 15s to unit
- window position fixes (Mini/Full positions)

v1.50 GUI version
----------------------
- macOS version included, you can simply rename it (e.g. Aerowinx PFPx) and place it in your Applications folder
- easy CDU switching
- mini controls -> always on top
- more features and fixes

Important to mention if you run macOS:
1) If you get the error "The application "Aerowinx PFPx GUI" can't be opened."
You can solve it by opening a terminal: Applications/ Utilities/ Terminal

then type (copy/paste):

Code Select Expand

chmod +x /Applications/Aerowinx\ PFPx\ GUI.app/Contents/MacOS/psx_winctrl_pfp
Try again: it opens a popup > Choose Done

Settings -> Privacy & Security -> scroll a bit down and click Open Anyway -> again Open Anway on the popup. You might need to enter your password. Done.

2) for the MacOS version you have to rightclick the App then Show Package Contents > Contents > MacOS.
There you will find the .ini file to edit.
Maybe I change this later to add the PID and DID fields in the GUI.










v1.30
------------
Download Win/macOS/py version: PSX WinCTRL PFPx - 29 june 2026 v1.30

- This is the 'old' Terminal/Console version. Works fine, no GUI
- Major cleanup
- Cryptography removed
- Aerowinx MCDU fonts by Martin and Hardy
- JSON removed
- FIX: color inverted chars (e.g. RTE DATA > Wind)

v1.24
------------
Fallback version: PSX WinCTRL PFPx - 23 june 2026 v1.24

Changes:
- Brightness bar showing on scratchpad + it matches timings as in PSX
\_ this works on the Legacy CDUs as well, not quite as real as it gets, but it matches the funtction of the WINCTRL - BRT + button.

- Less output when reconnecting to PSX

Old Console version 1.30 description
--------------------------------------
For the scratchpad I have a gimmick:

Code Select Expand

+-----------------------------+
| Scratchpad commands       
+-----------------------------+
| CDU-L    Left CDU         
| CDU-C    Center CDU       
| CDU-R    Right CDU       
| CDU-ATC  ATC key mode     
| CDU-ALTN  ALTN page mode   
+-----------------------------+
- *No need for MobiFlight*
- Works on macOS and Windows (Linux might work as well, run the .Py)
- It autodetects Legacy or LCD CDU, so green letters or fullcolor/white.
- Screen blanking implemented
- Full color CDU LCD support
- Has all the special characters like [] and ° like in 52°.
- Also uses the compressed or smaller fonts and normal fonts
- CLR keep pressed wipes the scratchpad
- BRT+/- keep pressed, changes brightness in 3s from full dim to full max vise versa
- ATC/ALTN key swap per CDU command: CDU-ATC (PFP4) or CDU-ALTN (PFP7)
- CTRL-C Saves the CDU selection + Brightness in the INI.
- auto reconnect in case you restart PSX, just leave the app running, it reconnects automatically.
- heavily vibe-coded 

Could work with multiple CDUs if someone can test please?
You need to run in a separate directory for each CDU as active CDU is being saved in the INI.

Windows: psx_winctrl_pfp.exe
macOS:  macOS unzip and place in Applications 'Aerowinx PFPx.zip'
Python3: psx_winctrl_pfp.py*

Github: https://github.com/JamieJanssen/PSX-WINCTRL-PFPx
* if you want to build or run the Python version, install hidapi and cryptography first:
pip install hidapi

[PanosI]

Great work Jamie!

If you only had PAP3/3NPDC/3MPDC to work your magic on them.

[Jamie]

Great work Jamie!

If you only had PAP3/3NPDC/3MPDC to work your magic on them.

I might plan my vacation in LGAV Seriously

[PanosI]

I might plan my vacation in LGAV Seriously

You are most welcomed.

[roccod]

Hi Jamie, how do I get this to work on my Mac?  I'm not getting anything if I click on the Mac file?

[Jamie]

Hi Jamie, how do I get this to work on my Mac?  I'm not getting anything if I click on the Mac file?

I see, try to open a terminal: Applications / Utilities / Terminal
go to the directory where you unpacked the zip.

Then start with

./psx_winctrl_pfp_MacOS

Optionally you can try this .app bundles MacOS app:
https://www.jamiejets.com/psx/psx_winctrl_pfpx_macos.zip

Mac is safe but sometimes cumbersome: it may say "This is not safe, Move to trash" and "Done". Then go to Settings > Privacy & Security > below Open Anyway. Try again and select "Open Anyway" then "Allow".

You need to allow permissions when it asks for it.

[Jeroen Hoppenbrouwers]

I need to convince the other half of my brain to hit <order> on that web site.

[PanosI]

I had the same problem with my MacBook Air. With your app is now working perfectly !

[PanosI]

I need to convince the other half of my brain to hit <order> on that web site.

Don't overthink it Jeroen 
WINCTRL products for the price are no brainer.
You can buy 4 FMC at the price that the next cheapest competitor offers their.

[Jamie]

I need to convince the other half of my brain to hit <order> on that web site.

One pair of shoes = one PFP (FMC/CDU)
A purse = a computer part
Jewelry = maybe an M2 or, if you have the money, a 8Gb ram-stick

[roccod]

Works perfectly now!  Thank you once again.

[PanosI]

I need to convince the other half of my brain to hit <order> on that web site.

[Jeroen Hoppenbrouwers]

"Die Auslandssendung wurde im Export-Paketzentrum bearbeitet und ist auf dem Weg in die Region des Empfängers."

...

[Hardy Heinlin]

They send from Germany?

[andrej]

If I remember correctly, they have regional websites (Europe, US, UK?). So it is very likely.

[Jeroen Hoppenbrouwers]

Fr, 19.06.2026, 10:54, Lahr, Deutschland
Die Auslandssendung wurde im Export-Paketzentrum bearbeitet und ist auf dem Weg in die Region des Empfängers.

Do, 18.06.2026, 12:40, Neumark, Deutschland
Die Auslandssendung wurde an DHL übergeben und wird für den Weitertransport in das Zielland/Zielgebiet vorbereitet.

[Jamie]

I uploaded v1.24

Changes:
- Brightness bar showing on scratchpad + it matches timings as in PSX
- Less output when reconnecting to PSX

as always:
It has an .EXE/ Macos app/ Pyton code (python3 psx_winctrl_pfpx.py)

In case of problems, v1.21: https://www.jamiejets.com/psx/psx_winctrl_pfpx_1.21.zip

[PanosI]

Jamie, I have this with the new version

Starting...
[CDU] loading Font to PFP

[ERROR] Encrypted font detected, but cryptography is not installed.
Install with: python -m pip install cryptography

Press ENTER to exit...

[Jamie]

aah oke sorry
I update the zip, just a minute...

[Jamie]

Jamie, I have this with the new version

Starting...
[CDU] loading Font to PFP

[ERROR] Encrypted font detected, but cryptography is not installed.
Install with: python -m pip install cryptography

Press ENTER to exit...

Can you try again please? Just re-download. Zip should be around 22mb.