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[How to] Multi monitor MFCD display export set-up guide - Nov 2024 (updated)


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Posted
15 minutes ago, hreich said:

Heres video of my latest problem - after i returned from summer vacation to DCS, i lunched DCS and puf - problem returned. My main dcs screen escapes to wrong monitor...I have setup like this in pic 

And heres video link to google drive of my problem 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tzy7a9rMNgW62aN00--geWY-QTzvZJrh/view?usp=drive_link

image.png

I'm guessing that's an issue with the software, or at least the compatibility of the software that you are using to run the iPad as a monitor.

The easiest solution would be to buy another actual monitor. That's entirely up to you though.

Sorry i can't be of any further help.

Posted
6 hours ago, hreich said:

Heres video of my latest problem - after i returned from summer vacation to DCS, i lunched DCS and puf - problem returned. My main dcs screen escapes to wrong monitor...I have setup like this in pic 

And heres video link to google drive of my problem 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tzy7a9rMNgW62aN00--geWY-QTzvZJrh/view?usp=drive_link

image.png

hreich,

This may sound simple but would like to confirm: Have you verified the position of each monitor in Windows prior to running DCS World? I have to manipulate 2 of my monitors from the Windows Display Settings before I start DCS. In my instance, two of my MFD display swap (e.g. Left MFD becomes Center MFD, Center MFD becomes Left MFD).

Additionally, the arrangement & alignment of your monitors are unusual. Are you using an iPad to export 2 MFDs and another iPad to export the AMPCD (Center MFD)? Is the resolution of Monitor 3 2048x1536? The alignment of Monitor 3 is not aligned to the left margin of monitors 1 & 4.

Could you share a screenshot of your monitor setup from Windows Display Settings? Is it possible to change the resolution on Monitor 3 to match the others (1920x1080)? Then it could be placed below Monitor 2 and provide good alignment.

What is the resolution that DCS sees? How is your monitor configuration file setup?

Here is my example: Monitor 1 is the main viewport (2560x1440). Monitors 2 - 4 are small 800x600 monitors that are used for Left MFD (#2), Right, MFD (#3), and Center MFD (#4). I have to swap monitor 2 & 4 to correspond the displays to the Cougar MFD panels. In my example, DCS sees a resolution of 4960 x 1440. DCS will generate objects in the invisible portion (below monitors 2 - 4) but I will never see it. I have specific coordinates in my monitor config file to prevent DCS from showing objects below monitors 2 - 4.

Screenshot 2025-09-09 110357.png

Posted (edited)
17 hours ago, GeoS72 said:

hreich,

This may sound simple but would like to confirm: Have you verified the position of each monitor in Windows prior to running DCS World? I have to manipulate 2 of my monitors from the Windows Display Settings before I start DCS. In my instance, two of my MFD display swap (e.g. Left MFD becomes Center MFD, Center MFD becomes Left MFD).

Additionally, the arrangement & alignment of your monitors are unusual. Are you using an iPad to export 2 MFDs and another iPad to export the AMPCD (Center MFD)? Is the resolution of Monitor 3 2048x1536? The alignment of Monitor 3 is not aligned to the left margin of monitors 1 & 4.

Could you share a screenshot of your monitor setup from Windows Display Settings? Is it possible to change the resolution on Monitor 3 to match the others (1920x1080)? Then it could be placed below Monitor 2 and provide good alignment.

What is the resolution that DCS sees? How is your monitor configuration file setup?

Here is my example: Monitor 1 is the main viewport (2560x1440). Monitors 2 - 4 are small 800x600 monitors that are used for Left MFD (#2), Right, MFD (#3), and Center MFD (#4). I have to swap monitor 2 & 4 to correspond the displays to the Cougar MFD panels. In my example, DCS sees a resolution of 4960 x 1440. DCS will generate objects in the invisible portion (below monitors 2 - 4) but I will never see it. I have specific coordinates in my monitor config file to prevent DCS from showing objects below monitors 2 - 4.

Screenshot 2025-09-09 110357.png

My setup  in windows is exactly like in post above,and i have display fusion utility which handles monitor setup with a use of a profile with 4 monitors - that screen with number 3 is from my ipad, and i use mfd cougar taped to an ipad air2 which has native resolution which is  2048x1536 - if i change it to resolution to that one of other monitors which is 1920*1080 i will mess my ampcd export for f-18...That left side that is not aligned to rest of monitors is of not use for my export needs...Only if this setup messes with dcs positioning main screen on largest resolution monitor? My monitor.lua and resolution in dcs are all setup right, because when it was working i got all mfds exported in right position...something changed and i don't know what, when i am away for a few months from dcs and when i get back again my export is all messed up. And here is my monitor.lua

_  = function(p) return p end
name = _('H_0-HR_F18_4-screens')
description = 'Generated from Helios Profile 0 - HR_F18_ 4-screens'
CENTER_MFCD = { x = 720, y = 2496, width = 1200, height = 1200 }
FA_18C_RWR = { x = 322, y = 3395, width = 214, height = 211 }
LEFT_MFCD = { x = 0, y = 1082, width = 850, height = 850 }
RIGHT_MFCD = { x = 1070, y = 1082, width = 850, height = 850 }
Viewports = {
  Center = {
    x = 0,
    y = 0,
    width = 1920,
    height = 1080,
    aspect = 1.77777777777778,
    dx = 0,
    dy = 0
  }
}
-- UIMainView = Viewports.Center
UIMainView =
{
Gx = 0;
y = 0;
width = 1920;
height = 1080;
}
GU_Main_VIEWPORT =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 1920;
height = 1080;
}

null

image.png

Edited by hreich

[sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]

Pilot from Croatia

Posted (edited)

 

Some things to try.

1. Did you try the config file I gave you in your other topic, the one with the displays table?

2. You do not need Helios for what you are trying to do, DCS will do that.
We will need to modify the file for the RWR export, but let us see if we can get it working first.

3. You DO NOT need "Display Fusion" for what you are trying to do with DCS, turn it off or un-install it.
Just Spacedesk for the iPad to work as another monitor.

4. Try moving your screens around in windows display settings, try these

 

4Wide.jpg

Enter resolution in DCS Main Settings = 5888x1536

Config file >>>>> 4wide.lua

 

OR

 

4Z.jpg

Enter resolution in DCS Main Settings = 3968x2160

Config file >>>>>4Z.lua

 

5. You pasted this above 

-- UIMainView = Viewports.Center
UIMainView =
{
Gx = 0;   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<   ERROR, delete the G
y = 0;
width = 1920;
height = 1080;
}


 

 

Edited by jonsky7
Posted

I would recommend following jonsky7's advice.

My observation to your monitor config lua - verify these entries are accurate, including UPPER case:
UIMainView = Viewports.Center
GU_MAIN_VIEWPORT = Viewports.Center

Posted
4 hours ago, GeoS72 said:

I would recommend following jonsky7's advice.

My observation to your monitor config lua - verify these entries are accurate, including UPPER case:
UIMainView = Viewports.Center
GU_MAIN_VIEWPORT = Viewports.Center

Problem solved by changing display location inside windows to this

null

 

image.png

  • Like 1

[sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]

Pilot from Croatia

Posted (edited)

Ok I'm trying to help someone out with some MFDs and a monitor they use for Discord.  

 

The monitor setup image and the lua file I've come up with is attached.   I am just not sure how to have DCS ignore the top monitor completely - if that's even possible.   

 

null

image.png

 

ApacheMFDtest.lua

Edited by Bigity
corrected lua file
Posted
1 hour ago, Bigity said:

 I am just not sure how to have DCS ignore the top monitor completely - if that's even possible.   

For sure is. Just don't have it included it the total screens size, and all other y values are 0 plus the size of the screen. I'm lazy so I use Helios to do this stuff for me. Default config, unselect top one, click the middle for the main menu, save.

I'm sure someone will give you a file in return in no time. 😉 

Cheers! 

Posted (edited)
19 minutes ago, MAXsenna said:

For sure is. Just don't have it included it the total screens size, and all other y values are 0 plus the size of the screen. I'm lazy so I use Helios to do this stuff for me. Default config, unselect top one, click the middle for the main menu, save.

I'm sure someone will give you a file in return in no time. 😉 

Cheers! 

Excellent thanks.  I can adjust the file to discount the top monitor.  Just didnt figure it was that easy heh.  

 

And the DCS resolution will just match the 3 main screens and the 2 MFD ones?  Basically, set it up like the top one doesn't exist and DCS should display the main viewport on the 3, and the MFDs on the small ones?

 

EDIT: Nevermind, Y will start at the bottom of the topmost (ignored) monitor

 

Edited by Bigity
  • Like 1
Posted
23 minutes ago, Bigity said:

Excellent thanks.  I can adjust the file to discount the top monitor.  Just didnt figure it was that easy heh.  

Correct. While DCS can do strange things from time to time.

24 minutes ago, Bigity said:

And the DCS resolution will just match the 3 main screens and the 2 MFD ones?  Basically, set it up like the top one doesn't exist and DCS should display the main viewport on the 3, and the MFDs on the small ones?

Viewport on what you called centre in the graphic.

26 minutes ago, Bigity said:

EDIT: Nevermind, Y will start at the bottom of the topmost (ignored) monitor

👍🏻

  • Like 1
Posted
Got em squared away aside from the tweaking of the exports to fit inside the frames, thanks! 
Happy to help!


Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

Posted
On 9/10/2025 at 11:43 PM, jonsky7 said:

 

Some things to try.

1. Did you try the config file I gave you in your other topic, the one with the displays table?

2. You do not need Helios for what you are trying to do, DCS will do that.
We will need to modify the file for the RWR export, but let us see if we can get it working first.

3. You DO NOT need "Display Fusion" for what you are trying to do with DCS, turn it off or un-install it.
Just Spacedesk for the iPad to work as another monitor.

4. Try moving your screens around in windows display settings, try these

 

4Wide.jpg

Enter resolution in DCS Main Settings = 5888x1536

Config file >>>>> 4wide.lua

 

OR

 

4Z.jpg

Enter resolution in DCS Main Settings = 3968x2160

Config file >>>>>4Z.lua

 

5. You pasted this above 

-- UIMainView = Viewports.Center
UIMainView =
{
Gx = 0;   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<   ERROR, delete the G
y = 0;
width = 1920;
height = 1080;
}


 

 

Thanks just stumbled on your post as of today...but i did change the other day my setup to something like from your first example. Thanks anyway...

I have another question for you - you suggested to export rwr screen - but for that i need to do the patching through helios software - is that right? How to do that?

And also another one - is exporting rwr going to taint MP side of DCS? 

[sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]

Pilot from Croatia

Posted
10 hours ago, hreich said:

Thanks just stumbled on your post as of today...but i did change the other day my setup to something like from your first example. Thanks anyway...

I have another question for you - you suggested to export rwr screen - but for that i need to do the patching through helios software - is that right? How to do that?

And also another one - is exporting rwr going to taint MP side of DCS? 

Exporting the RWR requires file mods, which does not pass integrity check on servers requiring "Pure Scripts"

Helios can modify the file, or you can do it manually.

I would send you the modified file but I'm not at home for a week or so.

  • Like 1
Posted
On 1/13/2021 at 12:29 PM, jonsky7 said:

Changing the default opening position of the kneeboard

The kneeboard by default opens in the bottom right corner, that's fine when you are only using a single monitor. Now you've added multiple monitors, it will open in the bottom right of your "game resolution" as described above. This may be on a smaller screen that you're using for MFD's, with TM Cougars etc. 
You can live with it sure, as you can drag the kneeboard around now it's not so bad.
If however you play DCS often, you may get tired of doing this. Below is a mod that allows you to specify the location that the kneeboard will open in, and what size it will be. It works for most aircraft modules, however it does not work for Razbam's AV8BNA and Mirage 2000C. Razbam are using their own kneeboard it seems, most other aircraft use the default DCS kneeboard.    

This zip file contains some mod files, you can either use a mod manager like OVGME, or copy them manually into
DCS World\Scripts\  --The main DCS install directory, eg C:\Program Files\DCS World\Scripts......   NOT "saved games"

Kneeboard.zip 5.57 kB · 199 downloads

 

Below is the same mod files, updated for open.beta 2.8.2.35759

Kneeboard2.zip 5.87 kB · 139 downloads

The Mod adds 3 files, IT DOES NOT REPLACE ANY ORIGINAL FILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Though their filenames are very similar !!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Whichever method you choose check the folders to make sure the files have copied correctly.
DCS World\Scripts\Aircrafts\_Common\Cockpit\
should contain the file
ViewportHandling-resize.lua
and ViewportHandling.lua should remain

viewporthandlingresize.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DCS World\Scripts\Aircrafts\_Common\Cockpit\KNEEBOARD
should contain the file
declare_kneeboard_device2.lua
and declare_kneeboard_device.lua should remain

kneeboard.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

and 
DCS World\Scripts\Aircrafts\_Common\Cockpit\KNEEBOARD\indicator
should now contain the file
init2.lua
and init.lua should remain

indicator.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the next steps you will need notepad++
https://notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/

Go back to 
DCS World\Scripts\Aircrafts\_Common\Cockpit\
and open the file
ViewportHandling-resize.lua     <--- NOTE the -resize in filename!!

This is where will configure where we want the kneeboard to open.
Line 33 says 
    dedicated_viewport = {0,0,default_width,default_height}

This is already modified in the above download and will open the kneeboard on the top left at the default size.

You can however replace all the text with numbers, eg:
dedicated_viewport = {1000,360,600,800}

where
dedicated_viewport = {position-X coordinate, position-Y coordinate, width in pixels, height in pixels}
much like configuring your MFDs, see above MFD export guide!

The original line reads dedicated_viewport = {default_x,default_y,default_width,default_height}

viewporthandlingresize1.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We now need to change the aircraft files to look for the newly installed mod files above. The easiest way is to use notepad++ to do this automatically.

Open notepad++
Click on the Search button
Click on Find in files

note1.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enter the following, make sure to copy the entry listed in bold in full including quotation marks and brackets:
Find what: "KNEEBOARD/declare_kneeboard_device.lua")
Replace with: "KNEEBOARD/declare_kneeboard_device2.lua")
Filters: *.lua
Directory: G:\DCS World\Mods\aircraft     (you will have to change this to your install directory)

edit: some aircraft have a space in the line 
dofile(LockOn_Options.common_script_path.."KNEEBOARD/declare_kneeboard_device2.lua")
and some do not, so this instruction is slightly different to the one included in the text file that is in the zip file.

note2.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click on "Replace in files" and click OK

note3.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notepad++ will replace the text in all of your installed aircraft files

note4.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When complete, the number here should be pretty much how many aircraft you have installed.

note5.jpg

On the next DCS update, you should only have to do the steps to replace the text in the aircraft files.

 

Cheers

Jon

I made a macro for Notepad++ to edit all the declare_kneeboard_device files so that after each DCS Update, it will reduce your workload.

Two things to note:
1. Edit the folder location for your main DCS installation folder on Line 19.
2. Copy & paste Lines 14 - 23 into the existing shortcuts.xml file for Notepad++. It can be found here: C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Notepad++
3. These basic instructions are also found inside the XML file.

shortcuts.xml

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