New Winwing MIP setup questions

[brettt777]

So I finally took the plunge and got the entire three MFD UFC/HUD system. I finally got the time to get it all connected and setup today. I got it working and it's great, but I have a couple issues...

- My MFD's seem kinda dim. I have brightness and contrast maxed out but while they are visible, they aren't great. Is that normal? All the videos I have seen of these, they definitely look brighter than what I am seeing with my set. Could it be a power issue? I have the entire system running off a 7 output Attola 3.0 powered USB hub that's rated at 5vdc @ 4 amps total. Maybe I need to go to a more powerful hub?

- When I have DCS set to the supposed correct resolution and I have the monitor selection on Winwing, my MFD's are working, but the display on my main monitor looks very weird. It seems like it's trying to use a very wide screen (like 27:9 or something) aspect ratio on a single monitor. There are, for lack of a better term, fold lines on the right and left like it's wanting to display DCS on a triple monitor setup. I am looking at doing that pretty soon but right now I only have a single, normal 16:9 32" flat QHD monitor. So why am I getting this weird display? If I change it back to 2560 x 1440, it still looks that way. And if I change that or the monitor type (set it to single monitor) I can get the main display to look normal but then of course, the MFD's don't work at all. What am I missing here? It is very disconcerting to see my DCS world warping and bending like that when I look around. I don't recall ever hearing of anyone else having this issue.

[rob10]

5 hours ago, brettt777 said:

So I finally took the plunge and got the entire three MFD UFC/HUD system. I finally got the time to get it all connected and setup today. I got it working and it's great, but I have a couple issues...

- My MFD's seem kinda dim. I have brightness and contrast maxed out but while they are visible, they aren't great. Is that normal? All the videos I have seen of these, they definitely look brighter than what I am seeing with my set. Could it be a power issue? I have the entire system running off a 7 output Attola 3.0 powered USB hub that's rated at 5vdc @ 4 amps total. Maybe I need to go to a more powerful hub?

- When I have DCS set to the supposed correct resolution and I have the monitor selection on Winwing, my MFD's are working, but the display on my main monitor looks very weird. It seems like it's trying to use a very wide screen (like 27:9 or something) aspect ratio on a single monitor. There are, for lack of a better term, fold lines on the right and left like it's wanting to display DCS on a triple monitor setup. I am looking at doing that pretty soon but right now I only have a single, normal 16:9 32" flat QHD monitor. So why am I getting this weird display? If I change it back to 2560 x 1440, it still looks that way. And if I change that or the monitor type (set it to single monitor) I can get the main display to look normal but then of course, the MFD's don't work at all. What am I missing here? It is very disconcerting to see my DCS world warping and bending like that when I look around. I don't recall ever hearing of anyone else having this issue.

QUESTION 1 - unfortunately yes.  It's something ED has been working on for years but have also said for all that time that they were still looking for a solution and there was no easy answer (i.e. they're trying to figure it out, it's not just a solution that's waiting it's turn to be implemented when the devs have time) .  The current solution is Reshade to adjust the brightness (esp. at night).  You'll find posts in this subforum how to do that.

QUESTION 2 - 1st thing to check is in your DCS settings, make sure you have the MONITORS set as "winwing".  If you don't (i.e. it says 1 monitor) it won't pay attention to the proper layout and IIRC looks like what you described.

[brettt777]

7 hours ago, rob10 said:

QUESTION 1 - unfortunately yes.  It's something ED has been working on for years but have also said for all that time that they were still looking for a solution and there was no easy answer (i.e. they're trying to figure it out, it's not just a solution that's waiting it's turn to be implemented when the devs have time) .  The current solution is Reshade to adjust the brightness (esp. at night).  You'll find posts in this subforum how to do that.

QUESTION 2 - 1st thing to check is in your DCS settings, make sure you have the MONITORS set as "winwing".  If you don't (i.e. it says 1 monitor) it won't pay attention to the proper layout and IIRC looks like what you described.

- Okay, I'll look into this reshading. I don't understand why this would even be a thing. I mean... this system was basically built for DCS. You would think they would make it work properly. I wonder if other brands like the Thrustmaster Cougar MFD's have this same issue. I am also wondering if I need to plug more power into the auxiliary DC input of each display...?

- My DCS settings ARE set to Winwing. That's when I have the issue. If it isn't set to Winwing, the MFD's don't work at all. The MFD's work fine in that they display MFD data and all the buttons work. But my main display has these fold lines and if you zoom out, you can literally see the graphics change direction at these fold lines, like it's looking for two more monitors. My settings, after I apply the MFD settings from SimAppPro, are 4868 x 2104. Obviously looking for a three monitor setup. Do I need to put a custom resolution in there? Funny thing is, when I do the SimAppPro thing, it does not set DCS to "Winwing". I leaves it on one monitor. What am I missing here?

[MustangSally]

Did you watch my vids? There's a thread above

[rob10]

1 hour ago, brettt777 said:

- Okay, I'll look into this reshading. I don't understand why this would even be a thing. I mean... this system was basically built for DCS. You would think they would make it work properly. I wonder if other brands like the Thrustmaster Cougar MFD's have this same issue. I am also wondering if I need to plug more power into the auxiliary DC input of each display...?

It's a function of the method of export that DCS is doing.  All brands have the exact same issue.  More power won't help brighten them (unless you really crank it up at which point it will be really bright for a very short period of time (and will likely make a big noise too) ).

[Phantom711]

vor 22 Stunden schrieb brettt777:

I wonder if other brands like the Thrustmaster Cougar MFD's have this same issue.

The Thrustmaster MFDs are just the bezels, there are no actual displays.

A while ago there was a thread where someone showed a method where you kind of „hack“ into the BIOS (or CMOS or whatever) of the respective displays and thus can turn it brighter. I‘m relatively sure it was either here or the Virtual Reality subforum.

[brettt777]

I found a YT video where the guy explains how to make a UIMask that gets applied to the MFD's only and from what I saw on his video, it really makes a big difference. 

 

[SKYWARRIOR]

Hi, Have just bought the WW DDI's and have had issues setting them up with Microsoft :Display app" . Apparently the auto download of this when updating windows leaves a hook that wont allow one to move forward from downloading it. It says it's up to date. I had a WW engineer help with this and he said its a first but will post a proper result very soon for everyone to see. If I could have fixed it I would not be on here !

Subsequently there was an update of Simapppro this morning (UK gmt ) and now there is an issue with the main monitor display over the three DDI's. I am trying to get some more help from WW but 8 hours difference means not much sleep and just wondered if I had read something refering to this problem and a fix on DCS forums.  I was also asked to try moving the three monitors to the side but after reboot they re appeared in the middle where the engineer put them last. The display app is treating all screen as one it seems. Any help welcome and maybe a link to your video Mustang sally which I cannot find on this thread as far as I can see. Maybe me as I had only two hours sleep after a severe hour WW /China fix it session !!!

[MustangSally]

Are your monitors plugged into the same hub side by side?

[rob10]

3 hours ago, MustangSally said:

Are your monitors plugged into the same hub side by side?

Gotta say, not sure that should be an issue.  Mine happen to be alternating screen/ddi buttons and I've never had an issue.

Setup videos are here:

 

Edited January 10 by rob10

[SKYWARRIOR]

Found the answer to my specific problem: After so many hours of tech support  online with China who had not seen this display manager problem before, but fixed it, I went to fly for the first time with my new setup now fixed.

However Simapppro showed a new update that was not there the day before and so I down loaded it and it messed up the screen layout that was fixed the day before.

I replaced the DDI screens in the correct position and that fixed it ! 

In order to get the HUD lettering in the panels to appear though I have to have Simpapp pro running in the background or I have a monitor with correct info and a Hud with no info on it defeating the object of having it. I dont have a problem with this except I chose to also buy an F16 stick but dont use the vibrator part as it seems unpredictable BUT I have read it has an issue with frame rates lowering by about 20 fps.

I have a strong set up, but  so  far I have not experienced any visual issues but can anyone confirm that either Simapppro or vibe  unit has a n effect on frame rates please.

Regards

David

[rob10]

SimAppPro can have an impact in FPS.  IMO, especially if you aren't using the vibration function, you should do the following:

In the file \SimAppPro\resources\app.asar.unpacked\Events\wwt\wwtExport.lua

CHANGE AT LINE 19 to 0.3:
winwing.interval=0.3 -- default is 0.03

Basically this changes how often SimAppPro communicates with DCS.  This reduces these calls by a factor of 10 and reduces the load.  Back in the early days of SimAppPro this had a bigger effect and WW eventually changed it to this (or similar) by default to reduce the impact.  At 0.03 the impact is much less now, but still noticeable.  NOTE that you'll need to make that file read only after you change it as SimAppPro will change it back every time you run it.  I'd recommend setting it off read only before updating in case something changes in that file during an update, but that's probably not required most of the time.

[SKYWARRIOR]

Hi Rob, Thank you for the info and I will make the changes you suggested . I have to run Simm app Pro because I need UFC info on the panel so there is no choice as far as I can see. One thing thats been very worthwhile is upgrading the screen image on the DDI's as recommended on this forum and its a different screen with a brightness and clarity not available as out of the box.

Thank you

David

[rob10]

5 hours ago, SKYWARRIOR said:

Hi Rob, Thank you for the info and I will make the changes you suggested . I have to run Simm app Pro because I need UFC info on the panel so there is no choice as far as I can see.

Unless you're running VR and don't care about the displays on the UFC etc, your are stuck running SimAppPro.  IMO it's worth a little hit because having that info showing on the UFC (and lights on throttle synced) etc add so much.  Enjoy your setup.

[SKYWARRIOR]

Hi, made the file change and saved read only so thank you for the info 

David

[SKYWARRIOR]

Hi, Problem solved with a return to a previous "Inferior power/grade " USB 2 hub that I had discarded to use a new more expensive 10 port high power USB S hub that in fact I now discover has caused all these problems !!

 

We learn something every day !

David

SOLVED

[SKYWARRIOR]

Hi, The stuff is never ending it Seems . I have totally cleaned my computer. Downloaded new Windows 11 and at last solve the issue of keeping display positions as outlined above. `This has really no logic but it at least works. Now I cannot get my screens to communicate with my F18 cockpit ! In SAPRO all is well and green on the left hand side but it did ask about checking the  DDI screens to the right of that line for a while but all that is now green.  Each individual screen checks out in the test page and the buttons register in that page . There were issues with left or right or middle screen but related visits to the menu and (part numbers to identify the screen) seemed to sort that out. 

Problem is when I start DCS the images appear on the screens and the are in the correct placing but do not have any button effect in game. They are just remote. The in game image does register to mouse clicks but a bit reluctantly after the start.

Any ideas ?   One day I shall be back to flying this stuff but not yet without some more hassle it seems

[rob10]

Have you actually bound any of the OSB buttons in the DCS bindings?  And done so under the "F-18" tab?  They are not automatically assigned.  If you're using the provided download option from WW I have no idea because I have never used them.

[MustangSally]

You need to bind all the buttons

[SKYWARRIOR]

I have been into controls and selected the screens but nothing is there and yes they are missing . I have selected each screen and  "RESCAN " but without success.

Am I doing this correctly ? The Hud works , the stick, the PTO and Throttle all work its just the buttons. I have sent these pics to Win Wing and they will come back to me as I have re installed `SIM ap pro and uni screen display three times. As you can see from the pics they connect in s/ap/pro but not there in game

[SKYWARRIOR]

Hi both, I say both because you have both given the solution to the problem. Am I missing something regarding the set up of these screens. In the first instance they just seemed to work ( when the display position problem was solved). Now the columns are empty, so :

1 Where do I find the default files for each of three screens 

2 I have downloaded some from the win wing site but they are modified I assume and my right DDI using one one of these does not set up the radar and RWR as I did before so I want the original un modified settings. Are they on the WINWINg site or ? You say maybe make your own but how please.

3 I have found that s/ap/pro is all okay in a retrospective way but not so easy for my small brain to get into from the begining. 

I am nearly there now as the download files work but maybe not as I want and thank you for your help and maybe just get me over the line with answers to the above

Thanks

 

[SKYWARRIOR]

Hey at last I seemed to have got this going again after 3 weeks !  Its probably my small brain that has been the problem bit I have taken notes for the future and hopefully I will return to flying the best plane I.M.O. with the best immersion so far.

Thank you everyone for your politeness and patience, its appreciated

 

Thank you

[SwissHornetDriver]

Hi all

I really enjoy my WW MIP and it‘s great fun to fly it. 

However, there are two things that don't work so well:

 

- The radar cursor moves way too fast and it's very difficulz to designate targets with the cursor

- The radar contacts are very dark and therefore difficult to make out on the screen. They are much brighter in the cockpit in DCS.

 

Are these known problems or do you have any tips on how I can solve these problems? I use profiles in the WW Simapp Pro software.

 

Thank you very much for your help.

[rob10]

8 minutes ago, SwissHornetDriver said:

- The radar cursor moves way too fast and it's very difficulz to designate targets with the cursor

- The radar contacts are very dark and therefore difficult to make out on the screen. They are much brighter in the cockpit in DCS.

For the radar cursor, go into your AXIS COMMANDS section of bindings and for the TDC Designator Controller (for the F-18 anyway, likely called something else in other planes) go into AXIS TUNE (at the bottom of the page) for the TDC Controller and add a curvature and/or reduce the saturation.  Just realize (again depending on plane) that speed in different systems may be different (so slowing on the radar may make it too slow on something else) so you need to find a happy medium that works for you.

The dim screens are unfortunately a byproduct of the way DCS exports it's screens so it's a technical limitation not related to WW hardware.  ED have stated multiple times they are looking to change it but that it's not an easy fix so not fixed yet.  The best you can do is download ReShade and use it to brighten your WW MFD's.  There are a few videos in this subforum that describe how to do it.

Edited March 29 by rob10

[PacFlyer23]

On 12/11/2024 at 12:43 AM, brettt777 said:

I found a YT video where the guy explains how to make a UIMask that gets applied to the MFD's only and from what I saw on his video, it really makes a big difference. 

 

I implemented this solution a few weeks ago and it works great.

I do wish he's slow down a bit and actually explain why the things he's doing work, not just what to do.

I watched the video a dozen times to make sure I was doing exactly what he directed. There were a couple of times I could have used more of an explanation. For example, I used GIMP just like he was using, but in the video he had already opened a new file in it. When I started GIMP and opened a new file it had some default settings that I wasn't sure if they were important - such as dimension of the file which was at 1920 x 1080. I noticed in the video that his file had in its header on top 11520 x 3184, same as the screenshot file he'd made. So I set my new file to same as my screenshot file dimension - 3840 x 2160. Not sure if I needed to do this but when I dragged my screenshot into GIMP it matched the new file exactly and dropped right into it. 

Not sure how UIMask works in Reshade to do its magic with the brightness of my three DDIs, but it does.