Is a touchscreen monitor a good idea?

[latearrival]

Hi all.

 

I'm very new to the sim scene; I've been blown away by DCS's A10C and how refreshingly mature and friendly the community seems to be.

 

I just bought a TrackIR and I love the sense of immersion it gives. However, what detracts from my immersion is having to use the mouse and keyboard shortcuts to interact with the controls rather than just reaching out and touching them.

 

I was wondering if a touchscreen monitor, or a conversion kit like this http://tinyurl.com/2b6r6fc, would be a good idea. I love the idea of looking around the pit with TrackIR and touching the instrument panel as a pilot would.

 

Do you think a touchscreen would work with DCS A-10C? Is it a good idea?

 

(I'm only ever going to have a single monitor, due to various constraints, and so using a combination of touch and regular monitors is not an option).

[hassata]

I would say a touchscreen if a must if you can use it as a second monitor because of HELIOS (http://www.scsimulations.com). If that's not in the cards, maybe get the cougar MFDs from Thrustmaster, which are automatically configured to work with A10C.

[latearrival]

I would say a touchscreen if a must if you can use it as a second monitor because of HELIOS (www.scsimulations.com). If that's not in the cards, maybe get the cougar MFDs from Thrustmaster, which are automatically configured to work with A10C.

 

I'll look into Helios, thank you. Would you mind telling me why flightsimmers prefer to have a separate screen(s), presumably using something like Helios, rather than just employing a single large touchscreen with TrackIR?

[latearrival]

I'll look into Helios, thank you. Would you mind telling me why flightsimmers prefer to have a separate screen(s), presumably using something like Helios, rather than just employing a single large touchscreen with TrackIR?

 

I read this thread and I think I understand why now: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=63122

 

Its easier to fly when you've got key instruments in front of you all the time, no matter where you're looking in the 3d cockpit.

[hassata]

That.

 

And one screen would be either hud only view or cockpit, where would you park the helios interfaces to touch?

[power5]

Doubt you want to pay for a large touch main screen. Would be nice if you got it though.

 

http://www.oneworldtouch.com/category2.html?cid=2&gclid=CPD2kOTvm6YCFQS7Kgod7noKpA

 

I am in the opposite boat as you. I have a 22" touch monitor that I was using for my main screen. Then HELIOS beta was released and I can now use my normal 22" for main and the touch for the helios interface. I do not have TIR so I had the problem that I could touch my switches in A10 or BS, but I had to use some other keys to look around or use the mouse. IN BS you can mouse look and touch at the same time, so it made no sense to touch the buttons. HELIOS is a game changer like TIR is. Next for me is TIR and a bigger 32" 1080p main screen.

[Thorvald]

Go for Helios and use the touchscreen(s) for it. Then get a large monitor for the sim itself.

 

Now that I've experienced "Large screen gaming" I'll never go back to the mid twenties PC monitors... and at sub $500 for 42", you can't go wrong. Even though the res on an HDTV is only 1920x1080, it's perfect at 42" and above.

 

As for Helios, have a look at some of the Youtube videos to get an idea, it makes the sim so much more immersive.

 

Cheers

Tim

[latearrival]

Thanks all. It seems like a large normal monitor and one or more smaller touchscreens (with Helios) is the way to go if you have the budget/space.

 

I'm curious though, especially as a multi-monitor solution is not an option for me, has anyone had a good experience flight simming with just a touchscreen and TrackIR, pressing the controls as seen in the 3d cockpit?

[power5]

If your track IR is stable when you zoom, it will be good. I used mouse look in a10 with my right hand and touched buttons with my left. I am right handed so this was not completely natural but it worked pretty well. Only problem was if I nudged the mouse I would not flip the switch or would press a different button. I am pretty sure you can map a button to pause TIR though.

 

That touch frame looks pretty similar to what is probably built into the screens on touch monitors. My LD220z samsung is glossy just like that device. You can get a 20" touchscreen for about the same price though. At least in the states.

[airdog]

Some helios in action

 

Edited January 3, 2011 by airdog

[latearrival]

If your track IR is stable when you zoom, it will be good. I used mouse look in a10 with my right hand and touched buttons with my left. I am right handed so this was not completely natural but it worked pretty well. Only problem was if I nudged the mouse I would not flip the switch or would press a different button. I am pretty sure you can map a button to pause TIR though.

 

That touch frame looks pretty similar to what is probably built into the screens on touch monitors. My LD220z samsung is glossy just like that device. You can get a 20" touchscreen for about the same price though. At least in the states.

 

Good point about the stability. If we could buy monitors here in Australia for the same price as you guys enjoy on the other side of the Pacific, I'd buy a touchscreen and just throw it away if I didn't like it :smilewink:

[ilikepie]

have you checked out the touch screen overlays from the aussie company cyclotouch?

 

they turn a normal monitor into a touch screen and can go as large as 52". i have a 22" on order and the cost was 260.00 aus. i got it while it was on special.

 

worth looking into :thumbup:

 

 

Good point about the stability. If we could buy monitors here in Australia for the same price as you guys enjoy on the other side of the Pacific, I'd buy a touchscreen and just throw it away if I didn't like it :smilewink:

[latearrival]

have you checked out the touch screen overlays from the aussie company cyclotouch?

 

they turn a normal monitor into a touch screen and can go as large as 52". i have a 22" on order and the cost was 260.00 aus. i got it while it was on special.

 

worth looking into :thumbup:

 

Ilikepie - yes, I did stumble across cyclotouch. The thing I wasn't too sure of was how accurate the overlay would be. If you can be bothered and you remember, it would be great if you could post back with your impressions once you've installed it.

[metalnwood]

Also 'touch screen kit' on ebay will give you lots of similar options. The thing about the cyclo is it has a bezel all around it to put in front of the monitor and a lot of the ones on ebay are mounted inside the monitor case.

 

The only issue I could guess with the cyclo is if you have a monitor with a raised bevel as lots do and the monitor is below eye level like in a lot of helios setups then the front of the touch screen could be 1/4" in front of the lcd which means when you touch low on the screen you are actually touching slightly high. Not sure if it's an issue or not. Pie will likely know soon.

[MackTheKnight]

I have an Acer 23" Touch Screen. They only make one model that has a touch overlay and they are competitively priced at around $350 CAD.

 

I use mine in the 3D cockpit for flipping switches, etc. It works well, but I ended up assigned the track-ir pause button to my hotas, as I find at times it is easier to pause track-ir before hitting switches. Otherwise it can be a bit hard to accurately hit the right switch if you move your head at the same time...

 

I would also like to try Helios, but lack of space is also a concern for me.

 

-Mack

[latearrival]

I have an Acer 23" Touch Screen. They only make one model that has a touch overlay and they are competitively priced at around $350 CAD.

 

I use mine in the 3D cockpit for flipping switches, etc. It works well, but I ended up assigned the track-ir pause button to my hotas, as I find at times it is easier to pause track-ir before hitting switches. Otherwise it can be a bit hard to accurately hit the right switch if you move your head at the same time...

 

I would also like to try Helios, but lack of space is also a concern for me.

 

-Mack

 

Mack, your setup is exactly what I'm considering 'upgrading' to. But since you're interested in Helios, I take it that you're not 100% happy with your setup? Is it having to pause track-ir that spoils the immersion and has you wanting to try Helios? Or is it that you want a set of instruments that are permanently in front of you regardless of which way you are looking with track-ir?

Edited January 5, 2011 by latearrival

[CBR9]

With the release of Heilos on the horizon I bit the bullet and ordered a touch screen from Dell. Its their new release ST2220T. Has, for me at least features I'm looking for. My cockpit is a desk top, my main monitor is a 26" Samsung. I entend to use the dell, on my desktop, using its adjustable stand to place it canted back at least 45 degrees, placed in front of my main. I believe it will go as far back as 65 degrees.

 

While this isn't a feature that someone would want if wall mounting or on a arm would use. The monitor also comes with speakers, which in my case I would prefer not, because it just increased the height of the unit. Dell claims they are instock, although being on a hour with their customer service no on could confirm it. For my trouble they gave me an addition $25.00 credit which works out to $284 plus taxes (free shipping). Suppose to be here by the 11th, just before the release of Helios I hope (or about).

 

From what I see of the previews of Heilos I'll be quite happy. Have thrustmaster MFD's and never got the energy up to convert them over to active screens.. with heilos I believe that problem is solved. Worse case, I just got a new monitor for my Win7 machine.

 

Now if we could just get someone to make a "heilos" to program all the different HOTAS ...

 

Google the monitor, might be something some of you are interested in.

[Flim]

Well, you can use Helios to make a stick profile!

[CBR9]

I noticed that too, and to say the least am very impressed with Heilos. Wish you the best of luck with all your products. I'm in on the day you release, just sorry I missed the beta option.

 

Would like to see a HOTAS program that has all the "good" features of the current ones. That you'd be able to use with any brand of HOTAS. I'm using CH rudder pedals and was able to get a program written over at the CH webpage that give me progressive braking in FC2..

[MackTheKnight]

Mack, your setup is exactly what I'm considering 'upgrading' to. But since you're interested in Helios, I take it that you're not 100% happy with your setup? Is it having to pause track-ir that spoils the immersion and has you wanting to try Helios? Or is it that you want a set of instruments that are permanently in front of you regardless of which way you are looking with track-ir?

 

I'm mainly interested in it for the CDU panel as I find it's very awkward to pause track-ir in just the right place to use the buttons on the CDU with the touch-screen, this way.

 

I have a small 12" Touch-Screen collecting dust and Helios could breath new life into it, I think. :) I used touch-buddy years ago but it seems to be fading away and doesn't seem to work very well with Win 7.

 

Don't get me wrong - all-in-all I love the way things are setup as I have now with just using the touch-screen for the clickable cockpit. I just think I could be more efficient with a dedicated CDU. And I don't want to give Apple $800.00 for one of those IPAD's as I'd never use it for anything else. LOL

Edited January 5, 2011 by MackTheKnight

[latearrival]

CBR9 - Yes, I had my eye on one of those ST2220Ts. I hope they work as well as they look. I believe the ST replaced the SX2210T which had pretty good reviews.

 

Mack - Glad you love your setup. If the 12" touch screen works out well for you with Helios, I might go ahead and get the latest Dell touchscreen to use as my main, and then use my laptop for the CDU (assuming Helios runs quick enough over the network).

 

Thanks everyone for your help/suggestions.

[Purg]

Good point about the stability. If we could buy monitors here in Australia for the same price as you guys enjoy on the other side of the Pacific, I'd buy a touchscreen and just throw it away if I didn't like it :smilewink:

 

I've seen widescreen 21" HP touchscreens for ~$350. Not sure about its performance but 3 of those together would make for a nifty cockpit. :D

[latearrival]

I've seen widescreen 21" HP touchscreens for ~$350. Not sure about its performance but 3 of those together would make for a nifty cockpit. :D

 

3 of those together would indeed make for a nifty cockpit. Unfortunately it would make for a nifty divorce too :smilewink:

[Loz]

With the release of Heilos on the horizon I bit the bullet and ordered a touch screen from Dell. Its their new release ST2220T. Has, for me at least features I'm looking for. My cockpit is a desk top, my main monitor is a 26" Samsung. I entend to use the dell, on my desktop, using its adjustable stand to place it canted back at least 45 degrees, placed in front of my main. I believe it will go as far back as 65 degrees.

 

While this isn't a feature that someone would want if wall mounting or on a arm would use. The monitor also comes with speakers, which in my case I would prefer not, because it just increased the height of the unit. Dell claims they are instock, although being on a hour with their customer service no on could confirm it. For my trouble they gave me an addition $25.00 credit which works out to $284 plus taxes (free shipping). Suppose to be here by the 11th, just before the release of Helios I hope (or about).

 

From what I see of the previews of Heilos I'll be quite happy. Have thrustmaster MFD's and never got the energy up to convert them over to active screens.. with heilos I believe that problem is solved. Worse case, I just got a new monitor for my Win7 machine.

 

Now if we could just get someone to make a "heilos" to program all the different HOTAS ...

 

Google the monitor, might be something some of you are interested in.

 

Have you received your monitor yet.

I'm interested because I read on the official Dell Forum that this monitor has to be assigned as the windows primary monitor for the Touch Screen to work??

You may want to look Here

If true then I would think that might cause problems particularyly with a Multi Screen Setup using Helios.

 

It has certainly put me off wanting this monitor as I'm sure it would cause all sorts of probs with my setup.

[latearrival]

Have you received your monitor yet.

I'm interested because I read on the official Dell Forum that this monitor has to be assigned as the windows primary monitor for the Touch Screen to work??

You may want to look Here

If true then I would think that might cause problems particularyly with a Multi Screen Setup using Helios.

 

It has certainly put me off wanting this monitor as I'm sure it would cause all sorts of probs with my setup.

 

Good pick up Loz. The monitor that thread refers to is the 2210 though. CBR9 bought it's successor, the 2220. Dell US just told me that the 2220 can be used as a secondary under Win 7. I look forward to CBR9 confirming this!