Multi-monitor set-up guide & help (unofficial)

[Fuchs]

Hi, 

 

I'm coming to you as I can"t make it work as I would like...

 

here is my config

Monitor 1 is a 50 inches res: 3840x2160

Monitor 2 is a 17 inches res: 1680x1050

Monitor 3 is a 24 inches res: 1920x1200

 

My wish is to use monitor 1 as the main screen for DCS use monitor 2 to show MFD for F16, F18 and Av8b

Monitor 3 is planed to show Web browser, Discord or briefing ...

 

I tried to make a lua with some infos found on the web but nothing work as expected and now even the lua didn't show up in the menu

 

here is the lua à made but probably totally false...

 

Thanks to the one who will help me to make it work

 

_  = function(p) return p; end;
name = _('Fuchs');
Description = 'Two monitors + MFD'
Viewports =
{
     Center =
     {
          x = 0;
          y = 0;
          width = 3840;
          height = 2160;
          viewDx = 0;
          viewDy = 0;
          aspect = 3840/2160;
     }
                LEFT_MFCD = 
                {
           x = 34;
           y = 2683;
           width = 500;
           height = 500;
     }
                 RIGHT_MFCD = 
                 {
           x = 1145;
           y = 2683;
           width = 500;
           height = 500;
                  }
}
UIMainView = Viewports.Center
LEFT_MFCD  = Viewports.LEFT_MFCD
RIGHT_MFCD = Viewports.RIGHT_MFCD

 

Edited January 30, 2021 by Fuchs

[jonsky7]

16 hours ago, Fuchs said:

Hi, 

 

I'm coming to you as I can"t make it work as I would like...

 

here is my config

Monitor 1 is a 50 inches res: 3840x2160

Monitor 2 is a 17 inches res: 1680x1050

Monitor 3 is a 24 inches res: 1920x1200

 

My wish is to use monitor 1 as the main screen for DCS use monitor 2 to show MFD for F16, F18 and Av8b

Monitor 3 is planed to show Web browser, Discord or briefing ...

 

I tried to make a lua with some infos found on the web but nothing work as expected and now even the lua didn't show up in the menu

 

here is the lua à made but probably totally false...

 

Thanks to the one who will help me to make it work

 

_  = function(p) return p; end;
name = _('Fuchs');
Description = 'Two monitors + MFD'
Viewports =
{
     Center =
     {
          x = 0;
          y = 0;
          width = 3840;
          height = 2160;
          viewDx = 0;
          viewDy = 0;
          aspect = 3840/2160;
     }
                LEFT_MFCD = 
                {
           x = 34;
           y = 2683;
           width = 500;
           height = 500;
     }
                 RIGHT_MFCD = 
                 {
           x = 1145;
           y = 2683;
           width = 500;
           height = 500;
                  }
}
UIMainView = Viewports.Center
LEFT_MFCD  = Viewports.LEFT_MFCD
RIGHT_MFCD = Viewports.RIGHT_MFCD

 

 

 

Try this post below

 

 

[Fuchs]

awesome, I finally get the rights infos

 

Thanks

[jonsky7]

18 minutes ago, Fuchs said:

awesome, I finally get the rights infos

 

Thanks

You might only want to use monitors "1 and 2" when you do your resolution calculation.

This should leave monitor 3 free for your web browser etc.

[Fuchs]

my previous figures was good, just a issue with the file format.

Thanks for the help 

[kewldude27]

Hi all, after finally upgrading to 2.5 (was waiting till i got new hardware) , ive spent several hours with my multi monitor setup. I have one main monitor then two smaller 800x480. I have since upgraded the main monitor. before it was set at 1152x864. now this one is set up at 1920x1080. Since I made my old config file i have lost my easy monitor creator which i downloaded 5-6 years ago to help me do this. can somewon take a look, heres my old monitor file i was using from version 1.5 . i have since then upgraded the main monitor to 1920x1080, and possibly help me get this running again. thank you for your time Ive included my original monitor file and a pic of my multi-monitor setup which one smaller display is out now cause of a lost power cord issue.

 

_ = function(p) return p; end;
name = _('lmfcd+camera+rmfcd');
Description = 'Left MFCD on the left monitor,Right MFCD on the right and camera on the center'
Viewports =
{
Center =
{
x = 800;
y = 0;
width = 1152;
height = 864;
viewDx = 0;
viewDy = 0;
aspect = 1.7;
}
}

LEFT_MFCD =
{
x = 2000;
y = 00;
width = 800;
height = 480;
}

RIGHT_MFCD =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 800;
height = 480;
}
GUI =
{
x = 800;
y = 0;
width = 1152;
height = 864;
}
UIMainView = GUI

 

 

 

[jonsky7]

Here you go.

Resolution for DCS is 3520x1080 in DCS settings menu

Select kewldude27 for monitor setup in DCS settings.

 

for two smaller displays, when you replace the power cord.

 

_ = function(p) return p; end;
name = _('kewldude27');
Description = 'Left MFCD on the left monitor,Right MFCD on the right and camera on the center'
Viewports =
{
Center =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 1920;
height = 1080;
viewDx = 0;
viewDy = 0;
aspect = 1920/1080;
}
}

LEFT_MFCD =
{
x = 1920;
y = 600;
width = 800;
height = 480;
}

RIGHT_MFCD =
{
x = 2720;
y = 600;
width = 800;
height = 480;
}
GUI =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 1920;
height = 1080;
}
UIMainView = GUI

 

 

Or running only one of your smaller displays

 

_ = function(p) return p; end;
name = _('kewldude27');
Description = 'Left MFCD on the left monitor,Right MFCD on the right and camera on the center'
Viewports =
{
Center =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 1920;
height = 1080;
viewDx = 0;
viewDy = 0;
aspect = 1920/1080;
}
}

LEFT_MFCD =
{
x = 1920;
y = 600;
width = 400;
height = 480;
}

RIGHT_MFCD =
{
x = 2320;
y = 600;
width = 400;
height = 480;
}
GUI =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 1920;
height = 1080;
}
UIMainView = GUI

 

Alternative guide

 

Edited February 26, 2021 by jonsky7

[Gumbie]

On 4/8/2016 at 5:38 AM, KESTRAL24 said:

http://forums.eagle.ru/attachment.php?attachmentid=138143&stc=1&d=1460107981

My monitors setup is similar except for my first monitor is a 34'' curve  at 2560 x1080  and then I have a second monitor that is a 27'' flat at 1980x 1080 and then my 2 small cubesim monitors  in display it got Monitor #2  27''flat  monitor #4 cubesim  monitor #3 Cubesim  Monitor #1 34'' curve.    The question I have here am I going to have issues trying to use the second monitor like I've been doing for like Twitch or opening files.   When I play the game it seems like the game only stays to the 34'' monitor but with the addition of the new cubesim monitors I am not sure how this is going to work out.   So any information or help here would be gratefully appreciated I did try to go back and read this post from the start but it gets very over whelming to try and find some similar through all the post.  If anyone can help me do lua file I would greatly appreciate it.

Edited March 3, 2021 by Gumbie

[jonsky7]

On 3/3/2021 at 10:30 PM, Gumbie said:

My monitors setup is similar except for my first monitor is a 34'' curve  at 2560 x1080  and then I have a second monitor that is a 27'' flat at 1980x 1080 and then my 2 small cubesim monitors  in display it got Monitor #2  27''flat  monitor #4 cubesim  monitor #3 Cubesim  Monitor #1 34'' curve.    The question I have here am I going to have issues trying to use the second monitor like I've been doing for like Twitch or opening files.   When I play the game it seems like the game only stays to the 34'' monitor but with the addition of the new cubesim monitors I am not sure how this is going to work out.   So any information or help here would be gratefully appreciated I did try to go back and read this post from the start but it gets very over whelming to try and find some similar through all the post.  If anyone can help me do lua file I would greatly appreciate it.

 

In windows display settings, put your two cubesim monitors under your main monitor

Sorry for poor drawing, I'm on my phone. Make sure you align the left and right cubesims to the left and right edges of your main monitor.

 

Then your config file should look like

 

_ = function(p) return p; end;
name = _('Gumbie');
Description = 'main monitor and cubesims'
Viewports =
{
Center =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 2560;
height = 1080;
viewDx = 0;
viewDy = 0;
aspect = 2560/1080;
}
}

LEFT_MFCD =
{
x = 0;
y = 1080;
width = 800;
height = 600;
}

RIGHT_MFCD =
{
x = 1760;
y = 1080;
width = 800;
height = 600;
}
GUI =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 2560;
height = 1080;
}
UIMainView = GUI

 

The resolution for DCS will be 2560x1680

 

This should leave your second large monitor free for twitch etc.

[Coyote_One]

Reading through all the different posts has been crazy to try and replicate.... My mind is numb. No matter what I do, my profile never shows up. I went and copied someone else's profile and theirs shows up but not mine and I copied all the entries and just changed the resolution. I must be thinking the wrong numbers here. 

Main 3440x1440
Secondary monitor (Discord, srs, ts, etc, etc) 1920x1080

SINGLE 11.6" 1920x1080 <-- Need both Left and right MFD's on the same screen left and right side respectively for Viper and tomcat

 

Its probably pretty pretentious of me to ask for help or what I'm doing wrong here and if someone can steer me in the right direction. Ive changed the values so many times and the profile doesn't show in the list. This was a STABLE install but I used the CMD to change to Open BETA a long time ago. Which is why you probably dont see the OpenBeta folder but I assure you im running OB.

 

Below is my layout where #3 and #2 are 1920x1080 and #1 is 3440x1440. The width of all screens would be 7280x1440. What I dot understand and nobody has them is this "Screen.width / 3" section.

Ill need Both MFD's on screen 3 which sits physically behind my keyboard below #1.

I thought this was much simpler and I'm debating just returning the screen and MFD packs honestly. What Am I doing wrong? Attached are as many screen shots as I can give for info. I'm obviously doing something wrong. Any input from the pros is appreciated. Hopefully I can expand my experience. Its crazy how this threads 11 years old and theres no easier way....

[jonsky7]

OK skuzzlebutt

 

Few pointers

1. You're saving in the wrong location, you want to save your config file in

Your saved games folder/DCS/Config/monitorsetup

2. Align the left edges of monitor 1 and 3 in windows display settings.

3. Don't count monitor 2 in the resolution calculation if you don't want to use it for dcs. DCS does not like to use monitors that are left of the "main display" set in windows display settings. That may not concern you if you plan to use monitor 2 for Web etc.

4. Check the maximum resolution your graphics card can output.

5. Your DCS resolution will be 3440x2520

6. Try the following config. You must do step 2 for this to have a chance.

 

_ = function(p) return p; end;
name = _('custom');
Description = 'main monitor and mfds'
Viewports =
{
Center =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 3440;
height = 1440;
viewDx = 0;
viewDy = 0;
aspect = 3440/1440;
}
}

LEFT_MFCD =
{
x = 10;
y = 1440;
width = 825;
height = 825;
}

RIGHT_MFCD =
{
x = 1099;
y = 1440;
width = 825;
height = 825;
}
GUI =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 3440;
height = 1440;
}
UIMainView = GUI

 

 

 

I made the following thread which may be easier to follow.

 

 

Edited March 23, 2021 by jonsky7

[Chenstrap]

Hi, I recently did a PC build update and am trying to get DCS setup properly again. Note that I only run DCS on a single display, and dont have any external displays and such I wish to use. 

 

The problem I am having is getting the sim, when in windowed mode, to appear on my center display. I first tried toying with making various displays my main display but that did not seem to work, though worked fine in windowed mode

 

I tried the .lua fix for a single camera, but that doesnt seem to fix anything? No matter what numbers I put in the "X and Y" values in my Lua file, the game display never changes location. Ive tried restarts, DCS repair/cleanup, power cycling, everything short of a fresh install. I have to do similar things with another sim I play (iRacing), so I am familiar with moving the game menu around using pixel counts like in the Lua. Just seems like the DCS window never responds frustratingly.

 

In the attached image, I am trying to get the sim to open on monitor number 3. No matter what I try, in windowed mode, the sim tries to boot on Monitor 2. Note, monitors 2, 3, and 4 are all 1920/1080. Monitor 1 is 2560 x 1440.

 

Here is my setup LUA.

_  = function(p) return p; end;
name = _('Chen');
Description = 'One monitor configuration'
Viewports =
{
     Center =
     {
          x = 1920;
          y = 0;
          width = 1920;
          height = 1080;
          viewDx = 0;
          viewDy = 0;
          aspect = screen.aspect;
     }
}
GU_MAIN_VIEWPORT = Viewports.Center

The lua appears in the settings menu when DCS launches so I have no reason to believe its not saved in the correct location

 

I know from reading that the x = value should theoretically nudge the screen left and right. No matter what I have tried, the screen just launches on monitor 2. Ive tried X at 0, X at 1920, X at 3840, X at -1920, and the result is always the same.

[TAT0R]

sorry , my mistake

 

Edited May 24, 2021 by xShin37x

[Section8]

Hi all, would appreciate a hand trying to fix this silly issue.

 

I've upgraded my setup and now have two 1440p monitors side by side that I'd like to use for DCS. The only thing is the right monitor that I am exporting my MFCDs, etc. to is slightly offset to adjust for the different monitor heights.

 

 

DCS interprets this weirdly and instead of filling up my second display entirely it just spans the "main" screen across and does not adjust for the position difference in the windows control panel. This leaves a bar on the bottom of the secondary display with my desktop background (ignore the  #3 display as its not used) and creates a weird offset. Any idea how to resolve this?

 

 

Edited August 7, 2021 by Section8

[jonsky7]

50 minutes ago, Section8 said:

Hi all, would appreciate a hand trying to fix this silly issue.

 

I've upgraded my setup and now have two 1440p monitors side by side that I'd like to use for DCS. The only thing is the right monitor that I am exporting my MFCDs, etc. to is slightly offset to adjust for the different monitor heights.

 

 

DCS interprets this weirdly and instead of filling up my second display entirely it just spans the "main" screen across and does not adjust for the position difference in the windows control panel. This leaves a bar on the bottom of the secondary display with my desktop background (ignore the  #3 display as its not used) and creates a weird offset. Any idea how to resolve this?

 

 

 

 

In windows display settings, try and grab monitor 2 and align it with monitor 1, rather than trying to align 1 with 2. A bit of back and forth and you can normally get them aligned perfectly.

[Section8]

4 minutes ago, jonsky7 said:

 

In windows display settings, try and grab monitor 2 and align it with monitor 1, rather than trying to align 1 with 2. A bit of back and forth and you can normally get them aligned perfectly.

 

 

Hey jonsky, thanks for the reply! They are offset in windows display settings on purpose as the monitor stands are different heights. I was wondering if there was any way to keep the monitor configuration the same in the windows settings and adjust the DCS config so it would work properly. Any ideas?

Edited August 7, 2021 by Section8

[jonsky7]

1 minute ago, Section8 said:

 

 

Hey jonsky, thanks for the reply! They are offset in windows display settings on purpose as the monitor stands are different heights. I was wondering if there was any way to keep the monitor configuration the same in the windows settings and adjust the DCS config so it would work properly. Any ideas?

 

I might have misunderstood your question. If you really want to have your displays setup like you have, then you need to adjust the resolution in DCS.

 

You will need to add some vertical resolution in the DCS settings menu, by as many pixels as your 2nd monitor is below your 1st.

You can type a resolution in the box in DCS, you don't have to pick one from the drop down menu.

[Section8]

13 hours ago, jonsky7 said:

I might have misunderstood your question. If you really want to have your displays setup like you have, then you need to adjust the resolution in DCS.

 

You will need to add some vertical resolution in the DCS settings menu, by as many pixels as your 2nd monitor is below your 1st.

You can type a resolution in the box in DCS, you don't have to pick one from the drop down menu.

 

 

I see thanks! I suppose I will have to offset the heights in my config with the added pixels then. This points me in the right direction. I had a feeling, but wasn't sure it was the real proper way to do it. Thanks very much!

Edited August 8, 2021 by Section8

[jonsky7]

10 hours ago, Section8 said:

 

 

I see thanks! I suppose I will have to offset the heights in my config with the added pixels then. This points me in the right direction. I had a feeling, but wasn't sure it was the real proper way to do it. Thanks very much!

 

 

Check out the guide I made for setting up MFCDs, I think that doing it the way you want to will cause some issues in DCS, nothing major, things like the controls indicator might not appear where you want them, then you'll have to decide if it's better for you to have your desktop behave as you want it, or DCS.

 

You shouldn't need to change your centre viewport, just the y position of anything you want to display on the 2nd monitor.
 

Viewports =
{
Center =
{
x = 0;
y = 0;
width = 2560;
height = 1440;
viewDx = 0;
viewDy = 0;
aspect = 2560/1440;
}
}

DCS will render things within the resolution you give it, whether or not you have any part of a display to actually show it.

 

So similar to the examples in my guide, yours will look like this. Anything DCS renders in the red area, you won't be able to see it as there is not any part of an actual display there.

 

Edited August 8, 2021 by jonsky7

[blackturbo]

thanks jonsky xD i finally got to try your lua you made for me, but ive encountered strange issue. ever since i upgraded to the newest update, my sky is black now and also iam unable to use my two other monitors for some reason on any lua file! my game setting is correct for multi monitor, full screen is off, and windows is set to extended desktop mode. but no matter what i do  my other smaller monitors do not do anything anymore other than show the windows background. maybe its because i havent activated this copy of windows 10? i have un activated version as i havent got a keycode yet. thanks for ideas xD

[jonsky7]

7 hours ago, blackturbo said:

thanks jonsky xD i finally got to try your lua you made for me, but ive encountered strange issue. ever since i upgraded to the newest update, my sky is black now and also iam unable to use my two other monitors for some reason on any lua file! my game setting is correct for multi monitor, full screen is off, and windows is set to extended desktop mode. but no matter what i do  my other smaller monitors do not do anything anymore other than show the windows background. maybe its because i havent activated this copy of windows 10? i have un activated version as i havent got a keycode yet. thanks for idea

 

If your desktop is spread across your monitors, then I can't see not being activated would stop DCS doing its thing.

 

As for the black sky, all I can suggest is going to

saved games/DCS

and delete the folders

fxo

metashaders2

They will be rebuilt when DCS next starts.

 

In order for me to help you sort out your mfds, I need:

1. Screenshot of your windows display settings showing the arrangement of your monitors.

2. Resolution details of your monitors

3. Where you want the MFDs to be.

4. Screenshot of DCS settings, the page with resolution etc

5. Maybe attach the monitor config file you are using.

 

[blackturbo]

okay sorry didnt realize i had two names on the forum, one made by mistake, you wrote a file for me weeks ago name kewldude27. I solved the black sky by turning off crossfire. but still cant get my other two smaller monitors to work. as i said, my desktop is set to extended. they do nothing when i play. heres the config screen.

 

[blackturbo]

 

yay!! i knew i forgot something, after looking at the screenshot for awhile, i forgot to do the resolution. and my lua works perfect, thanks again to you. your the man!  

 

 

            dya

[jonsky7]

35 minutes ago, blackturbo said:

 

yay!! i knew i forgot something, after looking at the screenshot for awhile, i forgot to do the resolution. and my lua works perfect, thanks again to you. your the man!  

 

 

            dya

 

Nice one

[b1n4ry]

Hi, i have a question:

 

I have 3 monitors, all are 1920x1080, but my center monitor is 27" while the one left and right are 24".

This will obviously won't make the picture from the center align with the ones on the side.

Has anyone had a similar issue and could help me out, if they fixed it?