Concerning multi monitor setup

[Spatate]

Most of the threads i read are settled with more than one PC...

Does that mean, more than 1 licence of FSX? or is there a trick?

[David Rogers]

Hi,

Almost all PCs / Graphics Cards these days have 2 video ports (VGA or DVI) on the back, so programs like FSX and FS9 can be used with multiple monitors. You only need 1 copy of FSX in this case.

However, most users in here are using PCs that are networked together. In some scenarios, 1 PC is running FSX and other PCs are running specialist software like Proejct Magenta. In other cases, multiple networked versions of FSX may be running on multiple PCs. In this latter case, multiple licenses/versions of FSX are used.

Hope this explains.

[jmig]

Excellent post, David.

[Michael Carter]

So, when multiple copies of FS are running on two or more networked computers, what keeps everthing synched up?

I'm going to have to do this soon for my engine stack and WX radar, but I don't have a clue how all of this works together.

[Trevor Hale]

The only reason you would ever run multiple copies of MSFS is if you want multiple views spanned across the network. IF you are running other applications across the network wideclient and wide server take over and transport the data between networked machines. You cannot run radio's on another computer (unless they are hardware) with software that supports wide client communication.

Hope that clears that up.

[JBaymore]

BSW,

Are you planning on using the "in-sim" panel displays from FS2004 (or X) on those other computers for your EICAS and WX Radar? it sounds like that from what you said.

Personally I'd be thinking of (and AM) using stand alone gauge packages for both of those. I use SA-WXR for weather and FSXpand for EICAS. All they need are FSUIPC and WideFS on the network.

best,

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

[Spatate]

I have seen duplicated panels... pilot , co-pilot does that takes 2 connectors or is there a cable that splits the signal ?

according the fact that we all want to keep the cost low, i am trying to exploring every possibilities... if i can avoid some hardware that would be good!

[wollo]

If you want to sync 2 or more copies of FS use wideview - www.wideview.it if I remember correctly.

[Michael Carter]

I'll end up doing what Trevor said.

I'll run the outside views from one computer and the main panel and engine instrument panel from from the other.

Shouldn't I be able to open the engine panel, undock it, and drag it to the monitor I want to display the engine gauges on? Similar to what I've done with my one outside view and main panel view?

This is all very confusing.

[Kennair]

BSW,

As wollo mentioned, if you want to open FS panels on network PC's you need a copy of FS on each PC and run Wideview (link above). This little application loads as a guage in the main FS and keeps all other networked versions of FS sync'd. I haven't used it, but certainly read of others using it quite successfully. It's mainly designed for multiple outside views but I believe it can also be used to show panels.

I prefer the option of third party network panels, however you are then in the realm of Project Magenta. FS Expand is a good and cheaper option which I am certainly investigating. I must say though that with a belly-buster PC and using a TH2GO it can give you SIX monitor outputs. Use widescreens if you want to span lots of panels. Lots of options.

Ken.