Q: Secondary Monitor Touchscreen

[0utLAW]

Hey guys! It's been a while since I've been on here. I hope everyone is doing ok. I have a question about setting up a Hannspree HT231DPBU as my secondary monitor that is a touchscreen.

 

I don't know if this is an issue or not but I've hooked up the Hannspree as my secondary monitor and when I go to select something on the screen it activates the same point on my primary monitor. Is this normal? Is there a way to only have the touchscreen work on the secondary monitor only? Also, is there any special setup when using it for my front panel in DCS? I am running Helios and exporting the front panel to the secondary monitor.

 

Please ask for more information if needed and if I need to be more clear please let me know. Basically, I only want the touch function to work only on the secondary monitor and not active anything on my primary. For PC info please see my sig.

 

Thanks a bunch!

[0utLAW]

so playing around with it for a couple of minutes it looks like the touchscreen has to be set as the primary display in order for the touch ability to work on only that screen. Does anyone know if it is possible to only have it work as the secondary? If not are there any work-a-rounds?

[cichlidfan]

You just need to go into the control panel and configure your touch settings for the correct monitor. I don't have my sim machine handy to see what the applet is called.

[0utLAW]

Thanks chichlid! You're always awesome! I'll give that a shot.

[0utLAW]

It's in Control Panel/Tablet PC Settings/Configure, hit the setup button and follow the instructions. Easy peezy!

[cichlidfan]

I knew it was easy. It's just one of those things I rarely need to touch so I tend to forget the process until I have to do it again.

 

Glad you got it sorted.

[Mr_Burns]

**BUMP**

 

Respected members, I currently run 3 monitors for display and a 4th 19" hosting the two Couger MFDs and Helios. I have a number of home made panels, AHCP, LAASTE, Landing gear and the one to do flt pln/mark or way pt/steer/pos/other (cant remember the name) and a UFC.

 

But I like a few different aircraft and find I am not that bothered with the tactile feel, just the ability of not using keystrokes in the main, dont mind for views and radio comms.

 

So I am thinking I will get a touchscreen so I can make and run numerous Helios profiles and hang up my Groovy Game Gears until I find my Soul Mate and build a full pit separate to my main gaming rig.

 

What is your thoughts on this, how good are touchscreens with Helios (I dont do the full startup, just need the flight controlls).

 

Any advice on size, is bigger better as I have a bit of space....

 

Thanks

[FSFIan]

I run Loz' A-10C profile on an inexpensive 23" 1920x1080 touch screen that sits below my 24" screen where DCS runs. I have a third 18" screen to keep an eye on TeamSpeak, volume controls etc.

 

A good Helios setup is a huge improvement because of two things:

• operating a touch screen control is much quicker and easier than the "move TrackIR so control is in view, hold still, aim with mouse, click" cycle
  
• you can use your left or right hand to operate any control (to use the mouse I had to take my right hand off the joystick, which can be difficult in some situations)
  

 

I still find myself using the mouse to operate rotaries because of the precision. When the aircraft is well trimmed or on autopilot, I will also use the mouse to operate rotary switches because I find it finicky to do on a touch screen.

For toggle switches and push buttons I always use the touch screen.

 

I recommend you get a 1920x1080 touch screen because most Helios profiles are made for those (also, other resolutions tend to lack inexpensive offers).

 

In the future I plan to build a physical panel again so I can use physical rotaries. It will be a multi-function panel that I can switch to control different things (i.e. an "ILS" mode and a "TACAN" mode), similar to my first experiment in this thread, but with a better layout and two ~2.8" graphical displays instead of the character LCDs.

Combined with Helios that will give me the best usability I can get out of the small space in my dorm room.

[Gadroc]

I concur with Ian. A 21"-24" 1920x1080 monitor is best with Helios. Most profiles are geared towards that and with creative use of sub-panels you can really fit everything you need to fly and still be readable.

 

My original Helios cockpit was 3 1920x1080 touch screens (center, right and left consoles). There are many days I wish I stuck with that as I'd fly more than tinker with the pit... then I look at the pit again and get excited about building it.