johnv2pt0 Posted May 7, 2014 Posted May 7, 2014 I'm considering on starting the insanity of pit building after an upcoming move. If I have it my way, I'm looking to build a large physical cockpit in a dedicated flight sim room. For me, the first decision that will drive all others is what type of display and what limitations come with it. I am looking to get at least 180deg, but would love 270. How many projectors would I need for a setup like this? Also, how do projectors effect FPS? Are they commensurate with monitors? ex. 3 projector negatively effect fps the same as 3 monitors do? I have a fairly nice pc atm. I7-3930k oc to 4.0ghz, nvidia 690, 16gb, ssds. I get around 30-70fps with settings maxed. What performance could I expect if I was running multiple projectors, and say 3 monitors of varying resolution for the cockpit itself? I know, with so many variables it's hard to say, but a "poor, ok, good, great" kind of answer would be helpful. Thanks ~
metalnwood Posted May 7, 2014 Posted May 7, 2014 (edited) If I was going for a real pit using projectors then I would definately go for a screen configuration like Zahry has here http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=122853 I think a curved screen would be the way to go. I have run four screens in DCS, 5760x1080 with another 1920x1080 screen for mfd exports etc. With a 7970 and an i5@4.5 I was getting 30frames most of the time capped at 30fps. Thats an idea of what you could expect, I guess with more processor and better GPU you could get more. I don't know how much of an fps hit you get with the warping software required for multiple projectors on a curved screen. Projectors have the same number of pixels to push as screens but you are going to work with a larger FOV. I.e., I had 3x1080p 42" screens giving me just short of 180 degrees. You will have 270 degrees. So, while you are pushing the same resolution you are rendering more objects and scenery so that will impact the frames but to what extent I cannot say. Looking at your pc specs I would say you need to upgrade to get the most out of a 3xprojector setup with 270 fov. If you can go more aggressive on the OC to at least 4.5 that will help and I do not know the current state of DCS and it being able to utilise your 690 as an SLI card. IMHO, to do it justice I would be looking at a 780ti with 6gb ram as you are looking at at least four screens for your config. Currently there is no 780ti 6gb but there is talk about it, there is a very expensive titan black though. Very expensive.. At least in NZ $$ I like my new nvidia cards over my ati cards but I don't like the 3gb in my 780ti when 4gb is default in the high end and cards. castAR is something that on the surface his potential, should be nice for a 270degree wrap around screen but I don't think the reality is that its lower res pico projectors will give you what you want. Edited May 7, 2014 by metalnwood
johnv2pt0 Posted May 7, 2014 Author Posted May 7, 2014 (edited) Thanks, very helpful. I have been following Zahry's thread with great interest, but I think space will be an issue there. I don't think I'd be able to fit a cockpit in there, and the screen height wouldn't be great enough either. I currently run off of only 1 gpu on the 690...sli just makes everything worse in DCS. Sounds like I would need a substantial pc upgrade, and by the time I start on the project it will be time for that anyway, so that's ok. And maybe, just maybe, EDGE will fix everything...right....right?! :) I'm looking to build something on this scale: How much of a vertical angle can projectors throw on a surface and still have an non-distorted image? If i were to mount the projectors right overhead the cockpit, how close in could I move the screens? ...I wonder if anyone has tried making the canopy of the cockpit itself the viewing surface. A canopy of monitors/tvs... Edited May 7, 2014 by johnv2pt0
agrasyuk Posted May 7, 2014 Posted May 7, 2014 Projectors don't have a "vertical angle", position it further away and picture gets larger but the angle stays the same . unless projector has zoom feature of course but even then zoom range is usually quite limited . There will be no distortion when quality projector positioned properly and projects on flat surface . For our purpose look at short throw projectors. calculator tool on projectcentral.com can be a rough guide to estimate screen size at given distance for particular models. I'm planning to use combination of benq W1080ST and 820ST Anton. My pit build thread . Simple and cheap UFC project
johnv2pt0 Posted May 8, 2014 Author Posted May 8, 2014 Projectors don't have a "vertical angle", position it further away and picture gets larger but the angle stays the same . unless projector has zoom feature of course but even then zoom range is usually quite limited . There will be no distortion when quality projector positioned properly and projects on flat surface . For our purpose look at short throw projectors. calculator tool on projectcentral.com can be a rough guide to estimate screen size at given distance for particular models. I'm planning to use combination of benq W1080ST and 820ST Ah, yeah I don't think I explained well enough. I meant if the projectors were mounted on the ceiling overhead the cockpit and the screens were not all the way up to the ceiling, then there's a negative angle there...which will get larger the closer in the screen gets to the projector. I think I get what you're saying though and I will try to edumacate myself more. Thanks for the link, it looks to be a great reference. I like your pit. How come no updates since 2013?! ;)
agrasyuk Posted May 8, 2014 Posted May 8, 2014 when you shop for projector ceiling mount notice that some of them have an extension available making it possible for the projector to get lower and closer to the perfect height. use documentation for recommended positioning, it will be different from model to model . if perfect height can't be achieved you will use keystone correction, inexpensive units usually have a digital keystone which means that the image is re-scaled and you are loosing some quality yeh, still working on the sim room. year passed and i yet to unpack the equipment. something of greater importance always pops up :cry: Anton. My pit build thread . Simple and cheap UFC project
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