Multi Monitor Setup

[wvcooper]

Hi All,

I am currently running a 19" Monitor as my main screen for flight sim. However, i have two old 14" monitors doing nothing. Can anyone tell me is it worth setting them up as surround vision for my flight sim or one for gauges etc...?

Also if this is possible how do i do it as there is only one slot in my pc for a monitor to be connected.

Any advice would be great.

Cheers

Coops

[pacman99]

What are your system specifications, and what graphics card are you using?

You can set up a multi-monitor display by attaching a new PCI video card to your motherboard, this will allow you to connect another monitor to the system. You won't be able to have a functional outside view (such as a side view of the cockpit) on the second screen, as two external views are too much for one processor to handle. But you can display guages, radios, GPS, and other 2-D devices quite well on the second screen.

If you are considering upgrading your current AGP card, another option is to purchase one that comes with 2 monitor connectors. You will then be able to attach both monitors to this one AGP card.

I presently use 2 monitors, a 19" and an old 17", both on one AGP card and I'm really enjoying it, I think you would too. Not only that, but you will increase your desktop for non-sim related activity - very useful when wanting to have several windows open at once. (A web page and word processor, for example.)

I tried setting up one monitor on the AGP and the second monitor on a PCI card, but had a significant frame rate hit. (Others have reported no such problem in this configuration, however.)

So if you have a spare PCI card, use that. If not, I would suggest an Nvidia card, whether you consider adding a PCI or buying a new AGP. Visiontek is a manufacturer of both, see their cards here:

http://www.visiontek.com/retail.shtml#

If you really want exterior views, you may want to consider setting up a small network (see today's flightsim.com article on multiple monitors using WidevieW)but this can get expensive.

I hope this helps,
Pacman
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...c4259c9376.gif

[wvcooper]

First of all thanks for your reply. The next thing is my system spec:

Win 98 se
512MB SDRAM
Hercules 3D Prophet 2 4000 64MB AGP
Sound Blaster Audigy
AMD Duron TB 900MHZ CPU

I have an old Savage 4 32MB Graphics card which is PCI and you mentioned something about frame rate hit? This is a big issue with my system as i cannot run FS2002 with the sliders above half as the flight sim just stops.

I was thinking about a new graphics card maybe if i stop buying the cheap crap and just spend my money on a decent card i might have better results.

So if i was to insert this PCI card into a spare slot would it make much difference in frame rates?

Anymore info would be good and i don't think i could afford the networking option, well my missus would kill me.

Cheers

Coops

[donbaril]

Hi Coops
I'm running a 733 with 512 ram geforce 2 32meg agp card, my second card is an old pci 4meg video card. I am Now using XP but was using ME and I do not get any frame rate hits. I use my second monitor for NAv & GPS.
Don

[xplanefanatic]

I have a geforce 4 ti 4400 it has a dvi out and a vga out...I have the vga hooked up to my 17" flat screen and the dvi (I had to buy a dvi-vga adapter) is going to my flat panel 15". I have the main display (17" flat screen) set up as the normal view, then I drag flightmax fsnav and an undocked main panel so I can fly in the vc....very easy to do and I experinced NO fps at all...good luck

[pacman99]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Apr-11-02 AT 05:36PM (EDT)[/font][p]I think you'll just have to try out the PCI card and see what happens! Try consulting Creative Labs tech support if you're having any problems with the Savage 4, but I think your set-up should function, the only question is the frames-per-second issue..

If you decide to buy a new card, do some research on what AGP card is right for you and in your budget. If you go the route of a dual port AGP card, and if one of those ports is DVI (for flat panel screens only) you can buy a "DVI to VGA" adaptor for very cheap. This will allow you to run 2 CRT monitors. A dual port AGP card may help you run 2 monitors more smoothly, but remember that Flight Simulator is very processor-dependant, so the card may not neccessarily give you a significant overall frame rate boost. You'd probably need a faster processor for that.

Also, how old are your "old" 14" screens? I had a 1993 14" that won't work on today's cards. Before starting, check to see if your screens are working by plugging them into your current AGP card, just as a test.

Pacman
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...c4259c9376.gif

[wvcooper]

Thanks for those tips pacman but i have a few more questions before i leap into this with both feet. Do i need to install any software to make my pc realize i am running two screens? and what is the likly hood of any conflicts between my two graphics cards?

I ask this last question as i've heard of problems before with onboard graphics conflicting with a graphics card, so i was just wondering about two graphics cards?

Cheers

Coops

[pacman99]

As far as I know, WIN 98 supports up to 9 monitors at once, so you don't need any special software for that - it's already there in the operating system. And you can use different graphics cards from different companies. But this only works if all the graphics cards you use support multiple monitors.

So with your system, the only question I have is whether or not the Savage card supports multiple monitors... My guess is that it does, and if so, you shouldn't have a problem. The only way to know for sure is go through the Savage card tech manual, call Creative Labs and ask them, or just try it.

Setting Up Multiple-Monitors on WIN 98
1> Install the PCI card. This is your secondary card.

2> Start Windows 98. Windows automatically detects the new card. When you are prompted, restart your computer.

3> During Startup, Windows initializes the new secondary adapter and displays a message indicating the card is correctly initialized.

4> If the primary card displays in 640x480 and 16 colors, right-click the desktop, click Settings, click the Colors down arrow, and then select the 256 Colors setting or a higher setting. Click OK, and then restart your computer.

5> After you log on, right-click desktop, click Properties, and then click Settings. In the Display area, Windows lists each video adapter in your system. Find the new adapter you want to use, and click on it.

6> Click the Extend my window desktop onto this monitor check box, and then click Apply.

That should do it.

If you are having problems, contact your system manufacturer if your computer is still under warranty, or Microsoft. For help with the Savage card, get in touch with Creative Labs.

I hope this helps!
Pacman
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...c4259c9376.gif