Networking A Second Computer

[westside]

I am about to attempt to network a second computer to my flight simulator computer to run Saitek Pro Flight Instrument Panels. I have tried to use them with out the second computer and it just turns my main display all jerky like the frame-rates are in the toilet.
The instructions say the they can be run on a separate computer networked to the main FS server to free up the main computer from having to process so much video information. I am already running 5 monitors from the two video cards in the main FS computer. Has any one networked a second computer to your main FS computer. I have never attempted anything like this before and was seeking some advice

Mark

[JBaymore]

Westside,

Chack down in the "homebuilt" section in the older posts.  This has been discussed a lot there, I think.

I do not know the Saitek modules specifically, but likely they need to "see" the data stream coming out of FS200whatever to work. 

The normal means to "fool" an external program into thinking that FS is running on that same computer is the use of the payware FSUIPC to extract the data from the sim and then WideFS to get the data onto the second computer in a form that makes a program "think" that FS is running on that same machine.

Networking for all XP machines is rather simple.  Mixing Vista in adds complications.  Right at the moment.... unless ALL machines are also running Win 7....... Win 7 mixed with XP on a network is a bit of a nightmare that I have not yet been able to get working correctly.

best,

...........john

[westside]

All XP as my main is XP and the old one is that way as well. I have the local computer guy coming over tomorrow and I am hoping he can get it to work.

Mark

[JBaymore]

westside,

Here's the link to the payware yopu'll likely need that I mentioned above:

http://www.schiratti.com/dowson.html

Also there are plenty of docs there on the necessary networking issues.

best,

..........john

[westside]

Hey John

Thanks, That is certainly next. I have successfully networked the two machines together and the Saitek Pro Instruments are working fine. That was the original goal but now that I have crossed the line I will be looking into other networking expansions for FSX. (FSWideView and Ellie Avionics)

[JBaymore]

Remember WideView is for running different stand alone vesion of the core sim program "in -sync" on different machines to allow visual graphics to show on multiple monitors. 

WideFS is a different thing.....for date exchange.

And the FSX version of FSUIPC is different from the non FSX version.  And it sort of "includes" part of WideFS......but you still need the other part (I think).

Yup.... you are headed down the slippery slope.  Hold on to your wallet! 

best,

.................john

[westside]

Slippery slope indeed. I was wondering how many computers can be networked on this system and how powerful they have to be? My first networked computer is also the first computer I installed FSX onto and it barely kept up.I guess the next step would be to upgrade the main computer and retire the old one to the network. Windows 7 and a new version of FSX would probably be the best for a new build.............Ouch that's going to hurt!

[JBaymore]

My simpit currently takes five and will eventually have a sixth.  There are others with more than that running a single pit.

best,

...............john