Lots and Lots and Lots of monitor and graphics card questions

[JCook]

In preparing for the building of my A10C pit - I haven't studied up much yet on monitors and graphics. Currently I have an i7 930 6GB with an nVidia GTX 460 1GB supporting a 28" monitor.

 

I'll be building a more powerful PC later this year specifically for the A10C pit. There are lots of monitors to consider for the sim pit.

 

(1) Primary display (will be 28" for now and upgrade to 40" or 50" later)

 

(2) TM Cougar MFDs initially until I build custom MFD panels. I think both these MFD options will be supported by 8" monitors.

 

(?) Monitor(s) for the center instrument panel (ADI, HSI Alt, VSI, RWR, etc) size(s) unknown.

 

(1) For the engine instruments - I think that is a 10"

 

There are also smaller displays for the UHF radio, CMSP, CMSC and CDU but those appear to be multi-line displays that interface differently than regular graphics cards.

 

I'm not sure how to implement the center panel instrument panel - ideally and ulimately I'd like to go with analog gauges for some of those instruments. No idea how difficult thats going to be though.

 

Are there known components and working plans for analog gauges within the DCS A10 community that would be relatively easy to build?

 

What type of graphic(s) cards do I need and what interface cards will I need for the multi-line displays? Also what is the best behind the panel arrangement of monitors to support the front panel?

 

Haven't yet studied how the sims graphics are redirected to separate monitors and I'm assuming multiple gauges can be placed on a screen with proper placement for the panel; and gauges can even be rotated 90 degrees if the monitor needs to mounted on its side.

 

Will the A10C make use of a dual CPU graphics card? Is 1GB of video RAM enough? Do I need multiple cards? SLI?

What cards should be connected USB? - which ones VGA or HDMI?

 

I want a minimize the performance hit from supporting multiple monitors.

 

Thanks in advance for your input

John

Edited January 7, 2012 by JCook

[airdog]

There is plenty of discussion in this thread about cards for cockpits. Gadroc is building a pit similar to what you are doing so going with his opinion and his expertise cant hurt. There are other threads on the SCS forums that would be helpful also.

http://www.scsimulations.com/showthread.php?1670-I-m-looking-to-upgrade-my-system-to-multi-monitor-Helios...need-input-advice

[rocketeer]

Building analog gauges requires pretty advanced skills compared to cutting panels and wiring switches. Unless you plan to buy them, which is very expensive. I say you have enough things on your hands, building the CP frame and panels, sourcing for many switches and knobs, wiring and configuring them, getting LCD and LEDs and seven segment displays and figuring out the output solution. Why dont you just use a monitor to display the gauges for now, then upgrade to analog ones later you have more time, money, better skills? There is much to do and learn, so my own approach is to get a basic CP done first, no analog gauges, no back lighting, even no CP frame, conquer all input switches first, then the various output displays mentioned above. Then worry about other upgrades later. But that is just my own approach. You may have more time and financial resources to tackle all at the same time. I just have to prioritize mine.

[JCook]

airdog - thanks, I'll take a look at those thread discussions - I've been focussed more on the consoles and panels lately - so much to learn...

 

rocketer - your point is well taken. Whenever possible I'm looking for solutions that others have already had success with. I think you're right about using digital monitors for now and that is what I had planned. When I see a solution for analog gauges that I can implement I'll start with one build and go from there.

[JCook]

Is it possible to off load some of the graphics processing requirements to a second PC. Such as having the graphics for the MFDs, CDU, etc. run by a networked secondary PC?

[cichlidfan]

Is it possible to off load some of the graphics processing requirements to a second PC. Such as having the graphics for the MFDs, CDU, etc. run by a networked secondary PC?

 

Since he sim currently does not even use all of the cores available in one PC, somehow it seems unlikely.;)

[JCook]

I haven't seen any information on how the video signal is being split to all the different monitors. I've read a bit about how it is done in the software but how is it being done in the hardware?

 

Multiple Graphics cards?

Some type of video splitter?

USB ports?

[cichlidfan]

how is it being done in the hardware?

 

Multiple Graphics cards?

Some type of video splitter?

USB ports?

 

D. All of the above.;)

[JCook]

Thanks man :thumbup:

[Deadman]

I would advise you to decide how much you wan t to spend then what do you want a glass cockpit or analogue then start shopping:thumbup:

[JCook]

Budget set. Already started buying stuff. Still not sure how I'm going to run several monitors from one PC. But I'll keep searching the forums.:book:

[Deadman]

Good luck:thumbup: