TM MFD's and Lilliput 8" USB LCD Monitors

[Evader]

I've been using a pair of Thrustmaster MFD's attached to Lilliput UM-80/C USB monitors with velcro for A-10 for years. I wanted to add a 3rd MFD for F-18, but the arrangement was getting out of hand. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003LS95SG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I decided to use 1/2" MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and make a panel 26"Wx14.25"H to mount 4 Lilliput monitors. I also had a 8" UM-80/C/T that my plan was to view Airfield maps using TouchBuddy. Haven't ever perfected that plan yet....someday. My main screen is ASUS RG348Q at 3440x1440, so configuring 4 monitors at 800x600 adds 3200x600 which fits well within my main monitor resolution. My DCS setting is 3440x2040. No performance difference if I'm running one Lilliput or four.

 

I first took the Lilliput USB monitors apart. Very easy to mount and arrange on the MDF without the plastic housing. Makes the arrangement much more compact. I outlined 3 monitors across the top with the Touch in the middle and one centered below the Touch screen to act as the 3rd MFD for the F-18. I will use the front plastic bezel for mounting the touch screen. For the MFD's, only the TM MFD's will be cut out on the MDF, with the Lilliput's mounted backside. It just so happens the TM MFD's are the exact height of the frameless Lilliput's, making layout super easy. I drilled three small holes below the TM MFD'd to mount the Lilliput button PCB to access the power/intensity functions for the Lilliput's.

 

I have three Plugable USB 3.0 powered Hubs to power all the crap I got attached. USB monitors, MFD's, Stick, Throttle, Rudder, TrackIR, Mouse, Headset....etc!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RM5OF70/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I plan on getting a MonsterTech Flight Sim pit someday and this being 26" wide should mount on the 25" wide frame, using the driving wheel add-on.

 

Anyway, just wanted to throw the idea out there. You really only need a drill, circular saw, and Jigsaw and good layout skills to complete. I did use my Festool TrackSaw and table saw too, but a steady hand with a circular saw will do. I'll paint satin black when finished. I will post some pics later.

[Marcq]

We need pictures!! :music_whistling:

 

Marc..

[jnr4817]

Pics please and sounds awesome.

[Evader]

Here is a couple of pics with the front side panel cutout for MFD's and Touch panel. Waiting for paint to dry before I continue. The Thrustmaster MFDs are mounted so they are flush with the MDF on the backside. The Lilliput's will then be placed and secured over the MFD's.

 

I have glued on a 1/4" thick by 1/2" wide strip on one MFD. I will place these strips around the LCD panels to hold them in place. 1/4" MDF is also the exact thickness of the Lilliput LCD panels. More pics to come.

 

To mount the touch panel bezel, I carefully drilled out the mouting holes with 3/32" bit and self tapped 4-40 SHCS to secure to the MDF front panel. I'll have to secure the LCD panel itself with more 1/4" MDF strips, details later on that.

Edited February 26, 2019 by Evader

[NightShiftNinja]

Looks awesome, how well are the usb screens recognized by windows? Or are they hdmi and usb powered? Also would you mind sharing a link to the screens your using.

 

One thing that I can speak from experience works extremely well in MDF is threaded inserts, drill a hole, put a little wood glue and then use a machine screw to attach screens and mfds to the MDF, then you are not worried about stripping the screws out of the wood. They can be found on Amazon or banggood for cheap.

 

 

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[Evader]

Thanks Gotwake for the insert idea. Years ago when I first got these Lilliput USB monitors, the Display Link Drivers sucked! Now I use Windows 10 and they are plug and play, no problems. The power and data come over one USB cable. So no worry about Display ports on your video card.

 

The first link in my first post goes to Amazon to the Lilliput's. I just received my 3rd one today for the 3rd F-18 MFD.

 

The Plugable powered USB hubs (second link, first post) provide plenty of power for multiple monitors and all the other flight gear we all use (I have 3 of these). I just ordered a Buddy-Fox A-10 UFC, so I have another piece of gear!

 

Just mounted the center touch screen and inserted the TM MFD's to get a better idea of layout.

Edited February 28, 2019 by Evader

[Evader]

So, decided to modify the shape of the panel as eventually I plan to get a MonsterTech pit and thought I might need some leg room. So I cut out the dead space.

 

Also will mount the Buddy-Fox UFC on top when that comes in. My next thought is do I want all these USB cables running out of this or should I mount the USB hubs inside the panel. Inside the panel is my choice, easy to take apart the Plugable USB hubs and just mount the PCB inside allowing better cooling. Also ordered a couple of small USB fans for cooling as this will be completely enclosed.

 

Shown is my method of securing the Lilliput LCD panels. I glued 1/2" wide by 1/4" thick MDF strips around the LCD panel to hold in place. Then secured 3/4" wide corners with screws. Easily removed if I need to replace a panel.

[Evader]

Here is a test of just two of the MFD's (A-10) and as I suspected the viewing angle is not perfect, find myself moving my head left/right to get full view of the MFD screens.

 

So, a Change to the Change, had to get the CAD out to get good dimensions. I angled the left and right MFDs a total of 14 degrees to give a better view of the MFD's without moving my head.

 

It will be 3x the work with all the pieces. Instead of a front and back panel, I'll have six pieces all cut at 7 degrees of angle. Quality Festool Tracksaw and Miter saw make that easier. Might as well do it right if you do it at all.