Functionality of Thrustmaster MFDs

[Bob1943]

I have noticed that TM offers a 2-pack of MFD panels. I am curious as to how these panels interact with the MFDs that we see on our computer screen while flying a sim that uses MFDs.

 

Specifically, if I push a certain button on the TM MFD, does that button push translate to the same button on the MFD on the computer monitor? In other words, will we see that button being depressed on the on-screen MFD display, with a corresponding change of the on-screen MFD display that correlates to that specific button. Is it like a clickable on-screen cockpit scenario, except that we are actually pushing a physical button on the TM MFD, instead of using our mouse to click the on-screen button?

[hansangb]

I have noticed that TM offers a 2-pack of MFD panels. I am curious as to how these panels interact with the MFDs that we see on our computer screen while flying a sim that uses MFDs.

 

Specifically, if I push a certain button on the TM MFD, does that button push translate to the same button on the MFD on the computer monitor? In other words, will we see that button being depressed on the on-screen MFD display, with a corresponding change of the on-screen MFD display that correlates to that specific button. Is it like a clickable on-screen cockpit scenario, except that we are actually pushing a physical button on the TM MFD, instead of using our mouse to click the on-screen button?

 

Yes. But many people who don't use VR like to export the MFD in game to a monitor that you can attach to MFD. 8" USB or VGA to maximize the experience.

 

Basically, Thrustmaster MFD is a USB button box. It's no different other than there is native support for A10 and FA18 out of the box. Although in FA18, the button number was different so you had to manually reassign it.

 

Not a big deal in the big scheme of things.

[Bob1943]

So, to be clear, when you push a button on the external TM MFD display, it will actuate the correspondingly assigned display button on the on-screen MFD display? I understand that you would have to map the buttons in a controller setup in say, DCS Control Settings.

 

Yes, I don't know why TM, or someone else, does not sell these with the LCD display panel already built in. Seems like that would be a hot-selling item. I have seen some home-made setups like that on YouTube - very impressive, but beyond my skill set.

[lxsapper]

You can assign them to do anything in the Sim, including pushing the corresponding MFD buttons.

 

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Some modules will assign them the proper assignements of this once DCS recognizes them.

[Bob1943]

That link is broken, says "An error occurred".

[Emmy]

Mine worked perfectly out of the box in the A-10C, Hornet and Viper.

 

Great investment (IMO)

[eaglecash867]

So, to be clear, when you push a button on the external TM MFD display, it will actuate the correspondingly assigned display button on the on-screen MFD display? I understand that you would have to map the buttons in a controller setup in say, DCS Control Settings.

 

Yes, I don't know why TM, or someone else, does not sell these with the LCD display panel already built in. Seems like that would be a hot-selling item. I have seen some home-made setups like that on YouTube - very impressive, but beyond my skill set.

 

Yup. Right out of the box, it will actuate the corresponding display button, except for the rocker switches at the corners. They are reversed from where they are in the on-screen MFDs in the A-10C. As I recall (since I haven't used my Cougars in a while), they're placarded correctly, just positioned on opposite sides. So, it depends on whether you're going to be looking at the placards, or if you want the physical locations to match.

[Bob1943]

Yup. Right out of the box, it will actuate the corresponding display button, except for the rocker switches at the corners.

 

So, you are saying that the buttons were already correctly mapped to the onscreen display, right out of the box, no manual button mapping needed? Wow! That sounds pretty slick, and, fun.

 

Does each MFD just connect to a USB port?

[eaglecash867]

So, you are saying that the buttons were already correctly mapped to the onscreen display, right out of the box, no manual button mapping needed? Wow! That sounds pretty slick, and, fun.

 

Does each MFD just connect to a USB port?

 

Yup. No manual button mapping needed, except if you want to correct the physical positions of the rocker switches in the corners. They'll be backward with the default setup. Connect each one to a USB port, and they'll go right to work in DCS without much fuss.

[Rudel_chw]

That link is broken, says "An error occurred".

 

This is the proper link:

 

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[Bob1943]

Nice video. That would be so great if TM would make those with the video panels already installed. Would probably be a great money-maker.

[hansangb]

So, to be clear, when you push a button on the external TM MFD display, it will actuate the correspondingly assigned display button on the on-screen MFD display? I understand that you would have to map the buttons in a controller setup in say, DCS Control Settings.

 

Yes, I don't know why TM, or someone else, does not sell these with the LCD display panel already built in. Seems like that would be a hot-selling item. I have seen some home-made setups like that on YouTube - very impressive, but beyond my skill set.

 

 

It's ridiculously easy to setup even with external monitors. Also, you don't *have* to set it up in some aircraft if you only want the TM MFD's, it just works out of the box. What planes are you interested in?

 

And yes, when you physically push a button, it'll be like you're pushing the in-game button using the mouse.

 

This is what it looks like when I had the 3 monitors + 2 8 inch monitors for the MFCDs.

 

Edited February 3, 2020 by hansangb

[hansangb]

BTW, those are 8" monitors which are slightly bigger than what fits for the MFDs. So I just covered up the excess monitor with a plastic "Wanted" signs that you can buy from Home Depot (any hardware store) And I just painted it matte black.

 

7" is JUST slightly too small, and 8" is a little bigger but a better fit.

 

What hardware PC do you have? Also, I noticed you flew in the Air Force? What did you fly, if you don't mind my asking?

[Bob1943]

Intel i7 7700, 32GB RAM, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB, MSI Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon AC, Nvidia RTX 2070Super

 

I flew the F-111, F-100, and A-37. Flew 165 combat missions in the F-100 in Vietnam in 1970, 612th TFS at Phan Rang AB.

 

While I was flying the F-111 at Nellis AFB, I was able to get some backseat time in the F4 with the Fighter Weapons School instructors.

 

Fun years.

Edited February 3, 2020 by Bob1943

[hansangb]

Intel i7 7700, 32GB RAM, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB, MSI Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon AC, Nvidia RTX 2070Super

 

I flew the F-111, F-100, and A-37. Flew 165 combat missions in the F-100 in Vietnam in 1970, 612th TFS at Phan Rang AB.

 

While I was flying the F-111 at Nellis AFB, I was able to get some backseat time in the F4 with the Fighter Weapons School instructors.

 

Fun years.

 

 

Wow, that's quite a career! I've always thought the F-111 was a cool looking plane. Something about the lines of it.

 

Also, I'll Private Message you. When you log in next time, it'll let you know that you have a private message. It has to do with the MFDs.

[GazAce]

It's ridiculously easy to setup even with external monitors. Also, you don't *have* to set it up in some aircraft if you only want the TM MFD's, it just works out of the box. What planes are you interested in?

 

And yes, when you physically push a button, it'll be like you're pushing the in-game button using the mouse.

 

This is what it looks like when I had the 3 monitors + 2 8 inch monitors for the MFCDs.

 

 

 

Ohh I like the look of that!