Best 2nd Monitor Size

[Midwestboi]

I am looking to get a second monitor for use with either Helios or Hawgtouch for displaying the MFD's and the main flight instruments for the A-10C. I plan to use Cougar MFD's stuck to the 2nd monitor as an overlay since I cannot afford a touch screen and I prefer the feel of actual buttons anyway.

 

I just don't know what a good size would be for having additional flight instruments displayed, taking into consideration the amount of screen space taken up by the MFD's.

 

I suppose I should also state that I do not own this sim yet, which is why I am unfamiliar with the sizes of the MFD's and flight instrument panels. However, I am planning in advance since I know the type of setup that I want and what I can afford.

 

Thanks for the help.

[cichlidfan]

The answer depends on what you want on it besides the MFDs. If you want a full blown setup then I would say 22-24" 1920x1080. Smaller will work but that depends on your needs.

 

Here is a good example of a full blown helios setup if you intend on going that route.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=76541

 

Remember, switches on helios can be done with the mouse too, not just touchscreen.

[Midwestboi]

Thank you! Yes, that is exactly what I was looking for. I had been looking into a 23"-24" 1900x1080 monitor because I thought that size might be what was needed, but I wanted to ask for input first.

 

I am glad that Helios works with the mouse; I've read in the forums that Helios is a bit more user friendly than HT as well, although I haven't had the chance to work with either yet.

[whatever]

The economical route I went down was to use my old (non widescreen) 17" monitor, (under a 32" TV :)

 

(i tried to upload a picture with this answer .. hope it worked :) sorry no picture here of it working)

 

It's pretty good with 2* TM MFDs blu tacked to the bottom corners, and a cut down helios with basic instruments (and cheap cheap cheap!).

 

The other advantage of smaller (non widescreen) second monitor is that if (like me) you sit back and move the monitors towards you for games, (until front monitor is about 6" over the edge of the desk, supported on a flat bit of metal) it will be less likely to interfere with your joystick & throttle (if mounted, like mine, on the side of the chair)

 

Another point (which may be unique to old monitors?) if you are mounting the monitor low down. The picture can be brighter if you turn the monitor upside down and rotate the video (because of the way viewing angles are designed). Worth trying.

[Midwestboi]

Thanks for that! ;-) Actually, a 23" WS 1900x1080 monitor can be had for less than $150- so it really isn't too expensive.

 

I actually created a cockpit out of PVC pipe, and have made the front 2nd monitor stand adjustable. The 42" HDTV sits right in front, about 3' away, the 2nd monitor will sit down lower- just so the top edge of the 2nd monitor is even with the bottom edge of the TV (at viewing angle).

 

Thanks for the point about the viewing angle and tilting though, I may need to take that into consideration as well.

 

Forgot to mention, my PVC cockpit does dual duty between racing games and flight sims; it is designed to be quite adjustable in that regard. The monitor shelf can be moved back closer and longer pipes added to become the wheel stand. I bought the design off someone on E-bay and altered the design. The design has the flight sim throttle on the left and the joystick on the right- but I prefer the joystick between the legs- so I changed it and added the center placement for the joystick... I now use the right-hand area for the mouse. Since I had a stand on the right next to where the chair sits, I created a nice keyboard stand at a 45 degree angle for easy access as well. :lol: Quite a simple, versatile, and inexpensive multi-purpose solution.

Edited August 2, 2012 by Midwestboi