Any recommendations?

[beaky]

Still slowly trying to spec out the components for my next (FS9-only) rig, and as I often do, I started thinking about something else: building a simpit for it. Basically it will be built around a projected image (most likely the VC), but I think I want to have at least two small LCDs for views of map, external views, GPS, radio stack, etc.  So now    , of course, I have to re-examine my hardware requirements...
Note: I don't want to go the "glass cockpit" route; the 3-monitor setup will be for a VC view and two multi-view screens, if that's possible.
Eventually, I may build a module containing either one more display (for view of the "six pack") or invest in some USB-interfaced instruments.... so it may be wise for me to have 4-monitor capability from the get-go...
Some questions now arise: What makes the most sense, graphics card-wise, for a 3 or even 4-monitor setup? Will I need two 2-port cards, or is there a card available that will handle distribution of different VGA signals? I guess most cards can only render as many different outputs as it has ports, but is that true in all cases? another note: I don't want to use S-vid outputs for any of this stuff, if I can help it.
My other concern is whether or not I can set this up so that I could, for example, easily switch one of the "aux" monitors between radio stack view and engine instrument view while flying.
Naturally, all these functions will depend on the views available in the aircraft models; some will have good enough VCs that I won't need a close-up view of parts of the panel... but the bottom line is maximum flexibility.
 I'd appreciate any input from those who are running more than two monitors...
 

[JBaymore]

rottydaddy,

Not sure how well a projected image will work for using the virtual cockpit to fly with.

[beaky]

rottydaddy,

Not sure how well a projected image will work for using the virtual cockpit to fly with.  Most who use projectors use them for the out-the-windscreen view.  For such fine detail as gauge readings, you will need a very good projector...otherwise the pixelation might be an issue.

More typical is to use the projector for the OTW view...and then use other monitors for the instrument panels.   If you put "2d panels only" on the second thru Xth monitors... they at least are very much less demanding on the graphics and allow things like using a PCI video card mixed in without slowing things to a crawl.

See here for a pit that takes that approach:

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=homebuild;action=display;num=1144589423



best,

.........john

That's a sweet setup. Not quite what I have planned, but it's a good example of what you're describing. Still need to know what it takes, hardware-wise, to use 3 or four monitors... ?
As for my projector, this whole scheme hinges on making one out of an overhead projector (which I have already) and a hacked 12-15" LCD (still looking for a good price on that). I can't really afford what a quality LCD projector would cost, but I know the TFT/overhead quartz-lamp projector will look better than a cheap LCD projector. I'm also planning on having a rather small projected image: probably less than 48" diagonally (my current design has no cockpit structure, just a sort of generic panel, built up more on the sides than the middle so I can be fairly close to the projection screen). Should work OK, especially if I can run the TFT at 1024 or better.
But if the res. still isn't good enough to read the VC instruments, I might still adjust the image so that I see just the view over the panel, and display the instruments on a monitor until I get around to adding some "real" gauges.  I like to be able to look around using Vc mode...
In any case, I'm flexible on that. If I'm not happy with how the homemade projector looks, I might just use a fairly large CRT as the primary, and relegate whatever LCD I've purchased for the projector as an instrument display.
It's all very much in the "napkin-sketch" phase right now; first  I need to spec the right PC hardware for the job so I can configure my next build properly. I will probably be flying the new rig with my current single monitor and store-bought stick/throttle for a while before I have the pit ready, but I want to have the computer ready to interface with the number of monitors I'll eventually use.