DIY Twin Touch Monitor Sim

[@kjanbartuah5373]

Hello Mr.Russ. First of all, I would like to thank you for the time you put into all those informative videos you have up to help us newbie in the sim and airmanager. I came upon the video you uploaded with 15.6 inch monitor when I was as researching a chap way I could build my instrument panel without spending too much money on logic tech gears. I’ll tell you , that video was the end of my research. Thank you, thank you! I went ahead to and bought me two of those monitors; hope I bought the right one because the ones I bought were 85bucks each. Anyway, I’m going to have a three monitors panel. 2 Horizontal and one 10.5 inch tablet vertical for the garmin G750. I have all the units now but the only thing that was holding me back was coming up with the panel design to make it look like a cockpit. Again, this video of yours has served its intended purpose! Yaaa! Thank you sir! With that been said, I would please need your help with some information regarding this panel in this video.1. How did you manage to secure those monitors to the panel from the back? 2. What material did you use for your glare shield? I hope ti hear from you soon. Thanks in advance for your time sir.

[@manwinkler]

I want to thank you for sharing this .... as a CFI I am looking for AFFORDABLE and EFFECTIVE solutions to teach procedures, and you are so inspiring.

[@mxcollin95]

This is just about the perfect sim for what I’m looking to do. The only other thing that I think would make this sim perfect is a manual trim wheel maybe just below the gear and flap handles. Also, and maybe this is asking too much but a small window (about the size of a sim gear GNS 430 screen) where an autopilot could be displayed via Air Manager. Absolutely love this setup Russ! Thanks for doing the work to figure it out!

[@COMtnPilot]

Hey Russ! Love your vids! Real world GA pilot here. I have a sim but am still an FSX fan. Been for years! I plan to upgrade my sim in the next few months and will build a panel with some touch screens so I can use the G1000. I will also incorporate your Knobster. Keep up the great work! You earned a SUB!

[@garyrasso6149]

Russ, very nice video. It was a pleasure to meet you at OshKosh ‘19 and speak to the ‘Nob-father’. Your picture, from your booth, is up in my home-grown sim for inspiration as I wait to add the nobster later this fall.

[@mcotherman5957]

LOVE the Knobster! I've built a setup based on On The Glideslope's simulator, except for using Air Manager and touch screens for the panel. My touch screens are ??22 inch?. Air Manager (those guys are rockstars) is SUPER SIMPLE to use and create instruments. I've made and modified several instruments for the Mooney Ovation from AFM Simulation. EASY to do. Air Manager, The Knobster, Pilot Edge and Navigraph are sliced bread! I use my setup to practice instrument work with Pilot Edge. I sometimes forget that I'm in a simulator.

[@rbarlow]

M Cotherman thanks for the feedback. I thought Knobster would be a hit based on my experience with it but nice to know others agree.

[@glennraby5871]

Hi Russ! Another great video! I'm actually in the process of having a panel built by John at Stay Level. This is exactly how I want it to be done. Only difference is that I'm having a modular panel built bc I already have some Garmin GPS navigators from Real Sim that I want to be able to configure in various combinations, and while I know that I can obtain the same results using the second touchscreen and the knobster, well, I already own them so, why not use them, plus is will just add a little more realism. I ended up buying a gear handle from a company in Italy called SimMax. It's a replica of a Baron Handle. The flap switch and switch panel i got from DA. I asked Bobby B at DA if he could add a second magneto switch and an additional fuel pump switch to use for twin engine applications, but he said that he no longer builds custom panels, so I just bought the same one that your using. I would like to add a pedalstal of some sort to include the addition of cowl flap controls, trim wheels, etc. Any suggestions for those components? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and expertise!

[@rbarlow]

Sounds like a great plan. I ordered the DA gear handle (3D printed) and the locking toggle switch the mention in their website by Powell Aviation. The cap screws off the switch and the handle is threaded to screw in. My only concern is the PLA material of the handle is not real durable. I was considering adding a left right selection switch to the panel to select which engine the mag switch controlled. Easy to do in Air Manager but to work with the DA switch panel there would have to be additional 5 pin positions left on the board which I doubt there are.

[@markjones5815]

Hi Russ. First, like all the other new simmers out here, let me say THANK YOU ! I am a 51 year old CFII and have been wanting to create a realistic sim to train with. This setup you have seems to be the most realistic and practical one Ive seen yet. I won’t bore you with my efforts so far , but I felt compelled to tell you it is a pleasure to see great videos from a well spoken, intelligent , and creative person. You have re ignited my old RC airplane creative juices ! I am ordering two Pretchen screens today and look forward to buying a knobster when they come back in stock, and , please know that I totally blame you for wrecking my bank account ! Thanks again ! Mark Jones

[@SimPilot-dl8zy]

Thanks for checking out my sim. I have since lined up those two outside monitors. Now that you have seen it, I would like to remove the instrument panel that is there and use a couple touch screens.

[@ExperimentalSimAvionics]

Nice one Russ. That is very similar to what I will be building and why I worked up a 2 panel version of my C172. I plan to do others to serve this purpose. The conclusion I came to was this type of setup gives the most realism while maintaining a generic setup for those of us that like to fly different birds. Keep up the great work.

[@tangocharlie9291]

Good point!

[@rbarlow]

Experimental Sim Avionics I really appreciate your work... top notch. I am trying to create a metal version of this sim with the ability to placard switches mounted in the panel with magnetic “refrigerator” style die cut magnets as placards. Printed vinyl decals applied to the magnets(with holes for switches) would allow the same group of switches to simulate a large number of airplanes just as the lcd screens can. I think a mega will run it all.

[@paindoc25]

Another great video, Russ. You continue to inspire forward thinking and creativity of spirit to the flight sim community, and we are all better for it. My motion platform V3 from NLR recently experienced a complete break in the shaft of one of the actuator arms and I hope to bring about a repair of same without shipping the unit back to Australia. I plan to send you pictures of the unit in operation once the repairs are completed. Once again, thanks for the inspiring and educational videos!

[@rbarlow]

paindoc25 look forward to seeing your setup.

[@rbarlow]

Did you ever get your motion platform repaired?

[@TAMApttl]

Excellent build! I’m slowly but surely working towards a sfx-100 motion cockpit with all instrumentation. For now though, my 3D printer gets here this Saturday and I have all the hardware for several instrumentation switches and gps buttons etc. I’ll probably start with the Garmin GNS 530 but eventually build G1000s. I want tactile feel for VR, but eventually I may upgrade to a full sim non-vr. I see this as a 1 to 2 year project but I’ll be up and running with the 530 probably in the next couple of weekends. You, OnTheGlideSlope, and Alfred Twinsim have been my inspiration.

[@rbarlow]

MrJoeDynamite Sounds like a solid plan. Keep us posted as you progress. Especially interested in the motion system and hit it works with a sim. I never felt they were worth the cost in the commercial sims I flew in the airlines but with VR it is so immersive that I might reconsider.

[@davidalbritton5898]

Nice info, Russ. Thank you. I always enjoy your videos.

[@zogster01]

Great solution, very smart. Do you know if those screens work with Mac/OS X?

[@RonVF]

Hello again Russ. Update.. I received my two new Wimaxit monitors and got them setup with touch control working on the new PC I just purchased to run them along with a copy of AirManager and Xplane. That just leaves the questions how many copies of AirManager are needed for these 2 computers (I know 2 copies of Xplane are required) and what machine am I connecting the hardware to? Switch panel, yoke, throttles etc. A future video on connecting all this stuff and how everything gets started/running would be great 👍🏻. Thanks for all you do!

[@youngfella3054]

In the G1000 Air Manager screen at 5:05, I see you press on the HDG knob in an attempt to center the HDG bug, and then push the Knobster to achieve the desired result. Could Air Manager be modified to allow an on-screen knob, held momentarily, to behave as a 'push'?

[@rbarlow]

The Air Manager bezels have push button areas in the he middle of the smaller knob

[@youngfella3054]

Yes, I’m able to press the Knobster as you describe, but it’s a two step process to select the HDG bug on-screen then move my hand to the Knobster to press it (to sync the HDG). It might be better if we could simply press and hold the on-screen HDG knob to sync heading. Is this something Airmanager could implement?

[@j.daniel2470]

Thank's For Answring My Questions .

[@rbarlow]

Happy to help

[@robertsilver2211]

Looks great... I picked up a 15in touch screen for my sim set up works great with Air Manager...

[@rbarlow]

Yes I thought a single monitor on a narrower panel might work well too. In my setup I am running two computers and copies of XP11. This is so I can put pop outs on the Air Manager Panels. My i7-8700K /gtx1070ti runs the three visual monitors at about 40-50 FPS and my older i7 with gtx1070 runs the master copy of XP with two panel monitors at 70 FPS. .

[@jeroendekruif9225]

@@rbarlow I really like your setup and am in the stage of building my 1st cockpit, inspired by this video. Can you please tell me how you got the G1000 pop-outs from the main computer to the secondary computer which is running air manager? When you have only 1 computer you would simply drag them to the panel monitors, but now that these monitors are connected to another computer I can't figure out how to do that.

[@sebastiensteiner7923]

Great, great, great video. Thanks a lot. This is exactly what I was looking for. I have Air Manager since a few days, and also a 15.6'' Monitor touch screen. I have a small question because I can't really use G1000 Popup on my panel. My 15.6 inch monitor is connected to the same computer (I have only oene for now) where X-plane and AirManager are running, the monitor is set as main monitor in Windows (maybe this is wrong, but this was the only way I found to make the touch screen working correctly), and I have a second monitor for the sim, a 52'' Samsung TV 4K. My problem is the following one: when I pop-up the G1000 window from Xplane and then click on the upper right corner of the popup to make it movable like a window, everything is Ok. I can then move the G1000 'overlay' under the AirManager panel displayed on the 15.6 monitor, all ok. But, when I try to click (with the touch screen) on a button of the AirManager G1000 panel, the overlay window of the G1000 becomes completely black. I have to move the mouse pointer to the X-Plane window and click somewhere to display again the G1000 overlay. I am running X-plane in window mode not full screen (maybe this is wrong). Do you have any idea of the problem, or maybe you already have a video that explain exactly how to configure and set the overlay G1000 under the Airmanager panel ? Thanks for your answer. Thanks a lot anyway for your video. I just discover your chennel recently and I am sure that this will give me a lot of inspiration for building my own cockpit (I am just starting...) Very interrested also by the knob. This will be my next order...

[@tomfish7605]

I know this I'm a little late to the party. However, I have a question about the touch screen monitors. Is 1080P suitable for the instruments or should I go with 1440P? Love your videos and appreciate all you do for the community. My main monitor is a 49" G9 and I plan on using TrackIR. Thanks, Tom

[@rbarlow]

Well if you are using the monitor for a panel monitor and it is less than 32" the 1080p is fine. If you are going to be very close to a large monitor with instruments on it that better resolution may pay off. I made a B737 overhead panel for a 43" touch monitor and ran it at 4K (2160p) because there was detail lost in the graphics at that large a monitor only about 10-12" from my eyes. If using the smaller 15.6" monitors like I used then 1080p is all you need. If you have 20/20 vision your eye can resolve about 60 pixels per degree. If you set up a sim with a 60 degree FOV, and sit where the actual angle from edge to edge (horizontally) is 60 degrees, a 1920 X 1080 HD would have ( 1920/60= 32) 32 pixels/degree. Obviously a 4K (2840 X 2160) would have 64 pixels/degree or slightly better than you can perceive. I don't have 20/20 anymore so for me the benefits of 4K are not that big. For close up monitors you can do the same. Measure the actual edge to edge viewing angle for any monitor and divide the number of horizontal pixels by that angle to get pixels/degree. That will tell you if you can even see the difference. In reality instrument panels probably benefit less from high resolution than scenery monitors do.

[@z747pilot]

Hello Russ, I am a retired airline pilot, I flew B727 and B707 as FE and all the way to command on the B747-200. Fate had it that I lost my medical due to a heart attack. I tinkered with old flight sims that had these planes (with analog gauges). I am following your path in building a home brewed sim but can't find any topics in this regard, since you're so well versed and active in these projects, have you come across any old heavy airplanes setup? Thanks, Ed

[@chopperskier]

Great setup Russ- I am wondering what GPU (or multiple GPU's?) are you using? ...The knobster is key. I've been trying to use just the touch screens +Airmanager, and the dials don't work worth a crap... even the switches are LAGGY AF! Running a 7800X3D/7900XTX/64GB Ram, so a pretty high powered machine, and I still can't get it to work in real time. +5 second lag on anything with air manager... marginal at best, definitely not as good as just using the mouse. Still trying to tweek it, but I'm frustrated with it. Only using 1 touchscreen, as that's all there is room for on this high end GPU. How do you plug in 5 monitors, which insanely high end GPU are you using that supports 5? I think even the 4090 only has ports for 4.

[@rbarlow]

@@chopperskier late tonight but this is an old video 5 years ago using a 10 gen i7 cpu and GTX1070ti gpu. I use a docking station that creates additional hdmi ports from usb3.0 connection See Pluggable products Be sure you have the latest Air Manager version and plugin installed. There were some issues with lag but I thought that was corrected now

[@jettpiedmont3815]

Hi Russ, nice set-up. Curious as to what you used or how you created the curved black glare shield at the top of your panel? Also, I see SimInnovations has taken over the Knobster. Do you know if the Knobster is made to order? Every time I have visited the SimInnovation website, the Knobster version 2 is Out of Stock. I haven't emailed them regarding availability, but was wondering if you had any information you could relay? Thanks.

[@rbarlow]

Jett Piedmont that took a little ingenuity and a couple scraps I had lying around. First I made three 3” wide strips from the leftover masonite I bought for the panel for the straight sections. Then I took some scraps of fiberglass reinforced wall panel I had (www.menards.com/main/paint/paneling-planking/paneling/textured-fiberglass-reinforced-plastic-frp-wall-panel-4-x-8/frpm090wtt4809c/p-1444450799332-c-8168.htm?tid=437407866349873245&ipos=1 ) and made two 3” strips to complete the radius between the straight sections. The stuff 0.09” thick and is pretty flexible so I added two layers to about match the thickness of the Masonite. I put some gorilla glue polyurethane glue between layers which stiffened it up as it dried. I used a little painters tape to hold the edges flush with the adjoining Masonite as it dried. Then I applied some cool carbon graphite looking tape that comes in a 6” wide 6” roll from Pep Boys. I cut it in two strips longwise and used it to cover the top and underside. (Trimbrite Carbon Fiber self advesive Carbon fiber look film ). I then applied Cowles Truck/SUV Edge Trim Black 8’ Larger U shaped design for Trucks and SUVs. Also from Pep Boys. That added the nice front edge. Then I added some flathead screws and panel washers painted glossy black to the top to dress it up to look more realistic. You could possibly find a better material for the curved sections but I had the fiberglass reinforced panel material lying around. It is sold in 4” x 8’ sheets so I wouldn’t buy a $25 sheet for the purpose. I did consider some thin plexiglass and heat bending the radius by laying it over the panel as a form. Any flexible board that can make the radius will do and the gorilla glue and layers stiffened up just fine. As for the Knobster the new version should be out next month hopefully. I just took an old dual push button encoder and a Arduino Nano to make a Knobster for this test. I will replace it with a new USB version when I get one. I have a prototype but didn’t want to destroy the case to panel mount it. It is truly plug n play. As easy as plugging in a mouse and it works. If you can’t wait I could help you build an Arduino version but I will go USB when available. Hope this helps.

[@jettpiedmont3815]

@@rbarlow Thank you for the informative tips on your glare shield. It is very kind of you to offer to build a Knobster for me, but if you say the usb version 2 is coming in a few months or so, I can hold out for that. It will give me time to further pay off my current expenditures of the three tv "monitors" and the touch screen monitor. Not to mention the pre-order of the Honeycomb Alpha yoke that hopefully arrives late September. So, I am in no rush as things for my flight sim are slowly coming together. I appreciate all your past informative videos with Air Manager and such, as they helped steer me toward the flight sim I think I'd appreciate the most and I'm patiently willing, albeit aggravatingly, to wait it out for what I want my sim to be. Thanks again.

[@fbhombal]

Have you thought of making a blue tooth Knobster so it may connect to the airmanager ipad app?

[@MrJustBeginning]

Hey Russ - with your triple screen I assume you are using Forward with Scenery view. Does this view not put you 'in front' of the plane and not in the seat so how do you compensate on your landings and takeoffs?

[@bebo995]

Hi Russ, How did you make the black dash-board that outlines this cockpit panel? -I wish you went more into the build here. Keep them coming!

[@rbarlow]

Robert Zimmer I had some scraps of a fiberglass reinforced wall panel that is somewhat rigid yet flexible enough to make the radius around the corner. It is 0.09” thick so think. I cut two layers and glued and stapled one layer using gorilla glue. Then added a second layer gluing it on the first. Afterward I added some carbon fiber looking contact paper film I got at Pep Boys auto. I added a black plastic door edge trim also from a Pep Boys.The glued layers are quite rigid and strong.

[@dixielandfarm]

Great job, Russ!

[@andreasstorvik2706]

Amazing work! You are very inspiring. How did you attach the touch panels on the frame? Do you have any pictures from the back of the panel? Also wonder how you did your "glare shield"?

[@RonVF]

Would love to see the back of the finished panel and how you have the monitors attached.

[@rbarlow]

Maybe after I tidy up the spaghetti a bit :)

[@abangl1882]

Hi Russ, thank you for your videos. Very good. I have followed your advice, bought 2 x 15.6 inch touch screen monitors. I was told windows only recognised one display as touch screen. (Could be wrong) The question is how to tell Windows that both are touch screens? Do you have to go into windows settings? Or is it automatic? Thanks

[@rbarlow]

the windows OS doesn't know how to associate the USB touch grid to the multiple monitors. It assumes the touch grid is associated with the main monitor with the upper left a point 0.0 Open settings and search for "Calibrate" and you should see something like "calibrate touch and pen". Select that and the "click setup" and follow the on screen directions, Basically it will turn each monitor white one at a time and direct you to touch it once if it is a touch screen and just press the return or enter key if not. That way it will know how to associate the touch Inputs with the proper monitor. Easy peasy.

[@camtah]

Great Videos Russ: How did you mount the monitors on the back side? Are they just sitting on the cross piece of lumber or did you secure them somehow? I currently have (3) 12" touch screens, but they are 1366x768. I am thinking of upgrading to these monitors

[@robzavaglia1179]

Hey Russ: Thanks for putting out high quality videos. My follow-up on this video is how are you powering both of the Prechens? If you're using a powered USB hub that also acts as a distributor cap for all of the other peripherals, would you mind sharing the make and model? I already swung and missed with the Juiced USB-C powered hub that's a driver fail, and before I start trial and error with more purchased thought I'd ask you. My Stay Level panel arrives tomorrow and I was planning to mount a hub to the back if it I can find one with enough juice to power the monitors. Thanks in advance for any input, and keep the content coming--you helped me build my sim very smartly!

[@flybobbie1449]

On my sim i have a window frame set a few inches from the screens, hiding the joins of the screen. Gives a real depth of field as you move your ahead and slightly around the window frame. A feeling of being detached. If only i could stop fsx crashing out on esc.

[@PilotDaveAviation]

Wow, that's so awesome. Thank you for sharing....

[@PHPhilippeCAUX]

One more information, the panel I am using is the C172 premium panel with G1000

[@beckerdo]

Wow, nice job. Can you point me to video/website that shows how the hard switches are incorporated into your sim? I too have touch panels and the Knobster, but for flaps and lights I like hard wired switched. Your knobs and switches look cool.

[@Test-Pilot1194]

Any recent updates or improvements to the cirrus vision G1000? Love this video, and currently have 2 15.6” touchscreens in a shopping basket. Thanks👍🏻

[@c.e.sherrod3183]

Hi Russ. First of all - it was nice meeting you in person at the Sim Expo in Orlando. My question is a unrelated to the touch screens, but I bought salvage car seat that's electric for my cockpit chair (from a Honda Odyssey mini van). Do you have any ideas on how to power the chair. I'm sure it will need a converter to go from 120v AC to 12v DC, but I'm not sure about the power needed. I know the seat uses a 30 amp fuse in the car, and from what I've seen online the amps needed to run the chair are probably more than 5 amps (one guy measured 5 - 7 amps for moving up or down with a 200 lb person in the seat) and less that 30 amps (the size of the breaker used in the car). This is what I've found online from different people, but the comments are a little sketchy and I'm not sure if they know what they're talking about. I haven't been able to find anything about the chair motor specs from the local Honda dealer, so I'm having to guess at it. One person suggested an 18v cordless tool battery, but I have no idea how to wire it. Thanks for any suggestions. PS - just bought a 24 inch touch screen to use with knobster and air manager, but I like the idea of two 16s instead.

[@rbarlow]

C.E. Sherrod I am no expert but a power supply like this might work Aiposen 110/220V to DC12V 20A 240W Switch Power Supply Driver,Power Transformer fo... www.amazon.com/dp/B01B2U0DEY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_sH0wDb161D9SB Does the seat have a heater? That could raise the rates amperage. If you have a 20a supply be sure to put a 20 fuse in the circuit. I’d ask an auto mechanic to help you figure out which wires are the 12v power and ground wires. There is probably a plug that connects to the car. I wish I could help more but I have a manual BMW seat in my sim. Good Luck. Let me know how it goes.

[@c.e.sherrod3183]

@@rbarlow Russ - you are amazing. That's the one I was looking at on AMZN :). Thank you so much.

[@glennraby5871]

Hey Russ, well I finally got my panel from Stay Level Avionix. It's a modular panel. I have the option of having twin touchscreens, but I also have two seperate modular panels that I had John make for me. On one panel I have a RSG Garmin 530/430 panel with audio panel. The other modular Panel i have the Garmin 750/650 touchscreen navigators, also from RSG. Or I could just another touchscreen on the right hand side to run a G-100 cockpit. I have the knobster mounted in the middle as you do in this video. I'll send you a picture. I do have a question regarding the touchscreens though. I tried ti find a Prechen, such as you have, but I couldn,t find any anywhere. I ended up ordering a Johnwill instead. Same size and dimensions, in fact, when I sent one to John so he could make sure it was the same size as the Preshen, He told me it was actually the same exact touchscreen, just had a different brand name on it. Exact same manual as the Preshen. Anyway, my question is, how do you get the touchscreen function to work? The manual is a little vague, at least for me!! It says that I need to use an additional Type-C signal cable to enable touchscreen function. Could you possibly explain that to me please? Thanks for your time!!

[@rbarlow]

Glenn I ‘d love to see a fee pictures of your panel. I am at barlow320 at the domain Gmail which is a .com. I had a bit of confusion with my monitors touch a first also. First, if it is like mine it has a USB-C port and a micro USB port. You cannot power the panel from the same USB port that you use to connect to the computer to transmit touch signals. I think I have the power from a wall plug adapter to the USBC and the micro USB to the computer. It may not matter. I have another Prechen that has a round 6v power socket and Although the monitor will operate off the USB connection, touch only works when I also have the 6v attached. You should hear the windows connection tones when plugging in the usb to the computer if they are connecting. You also may need to calibrate the touch if it is connected and doesn’t respond to touches.let me know if you need help with that.

[@CmteGustavoMChacon]

That’s perfect!

[@PHPhilippeCAUX]

Thank you Russ for your quick feedback. Sorry for not mentioning the Sim I am using. I am actually using MSFS. Another problem I have is that since I installed Air Manager, my Saitek panels are no longer working (Switch Panel, Radio Panel and Multi Panel). I am also confused between AM itself and the Plug-In... I installed AM but not the Plug-in... WHat is the purpose of the Plug-In ? Any idea on these 2 new points on top of my message sent yesterday about my external view rotating when I am turning a nob on my touchscreen. Best regards,

[@rbarlow]

First, you need to install the plugin by running that installer. It will scan your computer and search for simulatorss and install the plugin. It will appear as an „Air Plugin“ folder in the MSFS’s Community folder. It allows Air Manager to connect to the Sim so without it AM won’t work to display sim data and make inputs. Second, it is still unclear what is happening but it sounds like you may not have calibrated your touch screen and windows is confused and it thinks the inputs you are making are occurring on the other screen Watch this video to understand Multi Touchscreen Setup:Windows 10/11 - 3 minute tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5rQo2tobrh4oNk

[@PHPhilippeCAUX]

@@rbarlowThansk again Russ for your feedback. Very interesting your tutorial for touchscreen monitors. I will look into this. I should receive my knobster by the end of the week. And I guess I will get the real benefit of the cominnaison of the touchscreen and the knobster. Concerning my problem with Logitech/Saitek panels, i ran a specific plug-in for logitech panels and all my panels are back in good operation. I have looked at many of your videos and liked them a lot. I cant wait flying with the knobster... I will give you a feedback on my experience. Best regards, Philippe itor. Still

[@pappybo49]

Russ, I very much like your setup. With its clean and simple lines with everything you need right in front of you. My only question is (and I feel foolish asking) would the device in the center of the panel be the knobster? If so, how does it work? Are there positions other than tuning right and left such as in and out? And where do I buy one. Thanks for indulging me in my stupidity. It just seems like a really clever idea.

[@mannychohan]

You can buy it at siminnovations.com. Believe it is $99.

[@pappybo49]

Manny C Thank you.

[@nicolasferriere2538]

Nice work! How about the total cost pc and whole sim included ?

[@joshdumalski7835]

Excellent video Russ. Quick question. Are you running your main triple displays off one machine? What computer runs the touch screen displays and how are they all tied together?

[@rbarlow]

Yes Visuals on a 1070ti medium settings getting 50-55fps and the two panels running x-Plane and Air manager gtx 1070 getting 70 fps

[@jackwilliam3675]

Russ you always do great videos. Always thinking ahead and doing something new. I am not familiar with Stay Level.

[@rbarlow]

I like what Stay Level does. Saw them at Flight Sim Expo and they do quality work....plasma cut panels with powder coat finish. Check them out.

[@rbarlow]

Jack William staylevelavionix.com/ good stuff but not cheap

[@chrisybradshaw8594]

Hu Russ, awesome video.ive not yet decided if i should make a curved 180 screen for my flight sim, and use two projectors, or to use three games screens like you have i will be using air manager with either . What are your views on this ,would be much appreciated Thanks in advance

[@ThomBesch]

Hi Russ, where did you find the G530? I can;t find it. I'd really rather have a GTN 650 or 750, but I can't find that either. Thank you for your videos. Thom

[@rbarlow]

RealityXP addons -all use Garmin Trainer software and are very high fidelity reality-xp.com/

[@ricktana]

Russ, ever since you posted this video a few months ago, it motivated me to create a cockpit panel similar to yours. I am using the same 60-degree wrap-around with three 50" TV's. The cockpit panel finished using the same two Prechen Monitors. Now I am ready to purchase the Air Manager programs I need. My question to you is: How you are getting Air Manager to run on the two cockpit displays? Are you using two copies of Air Manager or Air Manager and Air Player? And, if needed, can Air Player run on the same PC as Air Manager without a significant performance hit? I have an I7-8700K with a GTX-1080 to run the external visuals. My other and older PC that I will run X-Plane and the two cockpit displays on has an i7-4770K and a GTX 780. I'm not sure how the GTX 780 will handle X-Plane plus the two panels. I'll give it a try and upgrade if necessary. Thanks again for what you do for our community. Rick S.

[@rbarlow]

Your computers sound fine. Run Air Manager on the lower powered one along with a copy of XP11 as the Master copy. You need to have the master so you can popout the GPS windows and position them behind the Air Manager panels (in the transparent "holes"). On the faster computer run another copy of XP11 as an external visual with the three view visual on the three monitors. The master will compute the flight model and you can dial back the graphics settings to keep a good frame rate. You can even zoom in on some thing like the cockpit headliner to reduce graphics load since all you are really gong to view are the GPS windows. Set the visual as high as performance allows and to still keep a decent 30-40 fps. You only need I copy of Air Manager but unfortunately 2 copies of XP11. Try a coupon code of "showspecial" and you may get 20% off if the deal is still available. Let me know how it goes.

[@ricktana]

@@rbarlow Thanks Russ for the reply. The one area that I'm still not sure of is how to get the Air Manager Panels on both of the Prechen displays. Do I need Air Player as well? And if so, can I run both Air Player and Air Manager on the lower-powered PC? It was my impression that Air Manager could only do one panel on one screen only. Like you, I will also be flying other types of aircraft using Air Manager for displaying both flight and engine panels on separate screens. I've been out of town on business all week and will be diving back into the sim on Monday. I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row ahead of time. Many thanks for all your help.

[@J-L_Pilot]

Hi Russ, I installed a setup like yours with 3 monitors and 2 touchscreens. How did you get the Audio Panel of the G1000 on your Touchscreen?

[@rbarlow]

That is in the Sim Innovations Air Manager free store for X-Plane.

[@melocoop]

Great builds. Now that you have tested the HoneyComb Yoke (which i just purchased today). How would that swap or transition into the Yoko slot. Also I have been watching out for the Throttle Which has a nice set of switches itself. I am very interest in building a Panel set up and you Idea is absolutely great for wanting to do more with just general aviation aircraft. Thanks a bunch!!

[@royalfolkspark]

👍👍👍👍 You saved how much, by building your own ?

[@johnvybiral4896]

Russ, I thank you for another very nicely done video. I recently started using two identical RCA Cambio touch-screen lap-tops with Air Manager running on each one. They have removable keyboards that snap into place with magnets. About 230 USD each. So, altogether, you have FIVE screens! What video card are you using that has five outputs? Thanks again, Russ!

[@rbarlow]

John Vybiral actually I am running two computers. I know there is a way to use the internal graphics to run a fifth monitor but my frame rate was already minimally acceptable with 4 monitors. I now the three visuals on my i7-8700 k / 1070ti as external views networked to my master XP11 running on a i7-4770 / gtx 1070. That way I can have XP pop out windows with the Air Manager Panels. I get 45-55 FPS on the visuals and 60-70 FPS on the master. I now need a new computer for my VR setup as I stole the gtx1070 from that cockpit.

[@earn5555]

Hi john vyboral. May I ask about your set up, how does it perform to run one main computer with two separated touch screen laptops?

[@jimstanford4636]

I love your setup. As a former GA pilot who cannot get a medical I’ve built a sim so that I can still enjoy flying and wish I’d found your channel before I did sim. Oh well time for a new project! I think in a previous video you said you had 3 50” screens. What’s the angle on those?

[@rbarlow]

Jim Stanford I have them on three rolling monitor stands so it is adjustable but I have found 60 degrees field of view on each monitor with each monitor back at a 60 degree angle gives me a very realistic 180 degree total view and the sweet spot for the perfect view is far enough back to get my panel in front of the monitors. Remember that the panel has to be offset to the right so the pilots eye view is centered and normal to each of the three monitors. With 60 degrees that puts the pilot eye position centered and even with the rear edge of the two side monitors. I have a video about this geometry. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpvHmIJ4f5qrobM

[@cuthbery0759]

What do you use to mount up those 3 50inch monitor . And also what did you use to mount your overhead screen panel too? Great work btw

[@wildgoobsid5]

Awesome Thankyou. I think I will order a knobster and build a second just for fun. Arduinos don’t always go that well for me. Thanks.

[@OrlandoemCasa]

Russ. Could you provide more info about the single switches you used for this project? Thanks

[@bruceyboy7349]

Hi Russ. Another informative video. I bought a 15.6 inch touchscreen a couple of days ago on the strength of your previous videos and my Zibo 737 setup is now underway (I will be buying other touchscreens too). I have a question for you. I'm using xtexture extractor for my nd and pfd displays (again, using info from your previous video) but I'm thinking that if this didn't exist then it would be extremely hard to replicate everything that is required for these displays. My question is simply, are you aware of any other options? Are we just lucky that xtexture extractor exists? Thanks.

[@rbarlow]

Wayne Sibley yes it would be extremely hard. Garmin has teams of. Engineers and for X-Plane (Philip Ringler) to Reverse engineer the G535/430 and G1000 is a giant feat. If think in time more developers will have pop out windows for their Airplanes. Carenedo,s Premier 1 jet has pop out displays for example. The guys at Sim Innovations are working on a way to stream the textures directly to the Air Manager instrument so there would be no invisible holes and resizing and positioning popouts. It would be able to stream fron X-Plane to AM on another computer as an MP4 stream. Fingers crossed.

[@stevemayer7057]

Hi Russ. Excellent vid, just wondering how is the 737 overhead coming along?

[@rbarlow]

Steve Mayer I gave the files to the boys at Sim Innovations and I think they’re going to offer it for sale soon. I had it at the Flight Sim Expo in Orlando to demo it and it was well received. I would still like to add night textures so hopefully that will be coming for free upgrade in the future....also upgrades as Zibo evolves.

[@stevemayer7057]

Russ Barlow . Excellent... thanks for the reply👍

[@NoelKerns]

Wow, very nice!

[@nyxdoc2801]

Russ, we love you here in 🇮🇷.

[@justtruth8310]

Russ What are the dimensions of the frame you made? I'm in the process of making my instrument panel now. Im thinking 42 wide by 23 high. What do you think? I have 2 NAV/COM Radios, 1 multi, q switch panel, I want 2 15" instrument monitors, Yoke honeycomb, and a throttle and some other small extras like toggle switches. Thanks Bill

[@randywhitson1922]

Hi Russ, Great Panel. I've built one similar by mostly watching your videos. Do you have any familiarity with the RealityXP Garmin 430? I have that, but the knobster overlay's obviously don't work for that. I have tried using the X-plane 430, but just cannot get reliable info out of that unit (map does not move, waypoints don't show, CDI does not respond, etc.). The Reality XP 430 works well, but then I give up my Knobster for that. The Knobster is the real deal. Thanks for any input.

[@rbarlow]

The reality XP units have some custom Commands and day to rest so the overlay needs to be modified to work with them. It wouldn’t be very hard and maybe someone has already done it you might check the community store to see if there’s multiple versions. If not let me know and maybe we can work on that.

[@randywhitson1922]

@@rbarlow thanks for the reply Russ. I found an example in the Reality XP manual and converted it to work on the 172 Airmanager panel I created. All works as desired and linked to the Aspen. Thanks for all your videos - they inspired me!

[@1947cessna140]

Russ, I see the Knobster is now available for purchase so I want to purchase it and two touch screen monitors and duplicate your set up for my X-Plane 11. Would you please provide specs for the construction of the panel, mounting of the touch screens and whatever other information is needed to duplicate your sim set up. Thank you.

[@johnhobson3950]

Russ, Thanks for another great video. Where do we, here in the states buy Knobsters?

[@rbarlow]

I will do a video just as soon as they are available. Should be within a month hopefully. I am a spectator too.

[@johnhobson3950]

Thanks, Russ. I’ll be waiting too.

[@FlingwingNZ]

Hi Russ, awesome stuff, love your channel and the good work you are doing. Would Air Manager run "stand alone" without a flight sim to feed data from sensors via Arduino to gauges? Thanks.

[@rbarlow]

Good question and you are not the first to ask. It is possible to take the Arduino inputs and use them in a script to display graphics based on them. All the arduino does really is report what is happening to it to Air Manager. Then what Air Manager does with that info does not require the sim. For example you could create a digital or analog input and in the callback display that data on a gauge or in text on an Air Manager panel. I have created several simple Air Manager instruments that have no exchange with the sim. So, yes.

[@FlingwingNZ]

@@rbarlow I bought the AM software last week and I'm waiting for the Arduino and Raspberry to turn up... excited to get started.

[@ronkramer3476]

which monitiors? the one you showed in the other video isn't listed on amazon?

[@daviddavis7042]

Russ, great project. Question, I see you have three screens for the outside view and 2 touchscreens. How do you get around the 4 screen limit on most graphics cards? If I could do that I would be doing this like a flash! Many thanks David

[@rbarlow]

David Davis I actually have two computers running X-Plane, one for the three visual monitors, and one to control the panel and Air Manager. The master is the panel computer and the graphics settings can be dialed way back since it is only running the flight model and the popped out windows for the panel. If you have a very robust computer you may be able to enable your integrated graphics in your cpu and use that port to drive a fifth monitor and still be an acceptable frame rate I think you would have to reduce the graphics settings but if you could live with that you could avoid the cost of a second computer and extra copy of X-Plane. Let me know how it goes if you try either path. Michael Brown from XForcePC has a KZbin video on how to enable the onboard graphics as a fifth graphic port if you are interested

[@daviddavis7042]

That makes a lot of sense. I assume that the master computer is the less powerful of the 2? The 3 screen one would have to carry some hefty graphics load.I obviously need to resurrect one of my retited machines!

[@daviddavis7042]

I don't think my motherboard, (an i9 x299 mk2) has integrated graphics. I have a couple of retired machines I could resurrect. I assume that I can use the Air Manager on the secondary machine as my 2080s are mounted in the original i9 machine. I am interested to see what SLAVX do for you on the panel. I am quite interested in that myself, lathough it may cost a fortune to ship to the UK. I will keep you posted. I think this project will not complete until after Xmas, as I am waiting for Sim Innovations to have a knobster in stock.

[@tubeslats]

Can I also do this 2 computer approach using MSFS?

[@ccruzsanta]

Hi Mr. Russ where I can buy your panel with everything as you show. Or do you have a new version.

[@rbarlow]

Sorry it is DIY however Stay Level Avionix offers custom built panels that will match what you see here. They are good guys.

[@avproductions5184]

Where did you find the g1000 middle panel (with the display backup)?! Can’t find that in the basics Air Manager gives you.

[@rbarlow]

Give me an email and I will sent it to you. It is homemade.

[@rbarlow]

The Audio panel you want is the Garmin GMA 1347 Audio Panel for X-Plane and is in the community free store. Just click the Create/Edit tab in Air manager and click the download icon. You can type Garmin into the search field at the top to find it easier. If you are using MSFS gotr to Simstrumentation.com and look in the Generic instruments list to download it to import to Air Manager.

[@planeptr]

What did you use for the glare shield around the top and sides of your panel? Thanks!

[@ShawnSmith-uy3zr]

I enjoy your videos and find them quite informative, but I know little about building a simulator such as, what computer should I use, programs etc. My goal is to become a CFI so I'd love to practice on a home sim to save money

[@tangocharlie9291]

X-plane 11. I7 7700k or 9900k, overclocked. 1080ti or 2080 ti graphics card.

[@ShawnSmith-uy3zr]

Any brand of computer you recommend? And of course, cost

[@rbarlow]

Shawn Smith just be sure to use an intel cpu and NVIDIA gpu as AMD doesn’t seem to play well with XP. Obviously faster is better but go to User Benchmarks ( www.userbenchmark.com/ )to get real word comparison of CPU and GPU speeds. It seems you pay a lot for the top of the line to get marginally higher performance. Remember you are shooting at a moving target and whatever you buy will likely be lacking in 3 years. I kind of think the RTX2060 Super is a good value but if that is too pricey the GTX1660ti is decent too. For comparison I have a gtx1070ti in the computer running the three visual monitors in the video and get 50-55 FPS with an i7-8700 non-liquid cooled cpu.

[@researchcapt]

Fantastic! Is it possible to have two knobs, one below each monitor?

[@rbarlow]

Yes you can have one for every instrument but the idea is to keep cost down. I would say one for front panel and one for overhead if there is one.

[@alandunston1597]

Russ, with all the screens, are you having to use more than one computer? Also, what I heard there are only certain TV monitors that should be used for gaming/simming due to the millisecond response times. Did you do any research into the monitors you chose or was your selection just price based?

[@rbarlow]

I am running the two monitors for the desktop and Arduino switches on the master computer running on copy of explain 11. The second more powerful computer is driving the three visual monitors running another copy of X plane 11 as the external monitor computer.I did a video more recently where I ran a total of five monitors off a single computer by using the onboard graphics to drive the fifth computer. I did a number of performance comparisons that you might find interesting. This is that video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIDHepKVd7KUqpY As for selecting a TV you are correct. You need to think about such things as the viewing angle and the input lag. A good source of information is a website www.rtings.com/tv . They have a section on gaming computers. I usually buy at Costco with its liberal return policy so I can try it before I decide to keep it.

[@rayfranks7001]

Russ, I have been watching your videos along with a few others. I use to fly till cost just got to expensive. Still thinking about ultralight route but in the mean time looking to put together a sim. From looking at all the videos I think you setup is the most cost effective. One large 42" curved monitor for main display, panel with two touch screen, plus yoke probably honeycomb. I do understand I will need the knobster and software for gauge/panel setup. I see in this video you have three monitor plus the touch screens. What do you think about the 42" curved monitor setup? Thank you, Ray

[@rbarlow]

If you are happy with about a 90 degree wide field of view it will be fine. For instrument practice that is fine. If you want wider view of 180 degrees FOV so you can look out the wing line for flying patterns and ground reference maneuvers you can’t beat 3 large monitors. I wouldn’t be surprised if you could get 3 decent 55” TVs for not that much more than the big curved monitor. If you thought you might go that way in the future I’d probably get a single flat 55” TV and possibly run it at 4K instead of 1080p

[@emanuelamezquita5192]

Thanks Russ for the videos. It is posible you can share the brand for the two 15.6 monitors and where I can get them? Thanks!

[@rbarlow]

Prechen is the manufacturer and I found on Amazon... I have a previous video about the monitor kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGG8dXuEZ8p2g6M There are many similar lcd screens available at Amazon and other online vendors

[@lsk4414]

I'm having problems with trying to figure out how to put together a setup just like yours with the three main displays and two touch panels I have purchased my first touch panel a when Max it and I am successful in using an HDMI port and a USB c port for touch capabilities but I don't know how you were able to do two touch panels would you please elaborate that or maybe we could open up a dialogue directly through email

[@dziemvuong5024]

Hello Russ, may I ask how much fps drop did you experience with those 2 panels connected.?

[@rbarlow]

Sorry I don’t have an exact number but it isn’t much. Our manager can run in some of the unused cpu cores the sim can’t use. Guess is 2-3 FPS

[@wildgoobsid5]

Likewise with the diy options. I have all the parts but no arduino sketch. Also have you tried two knobsters - one for each panel or monitor?

[@rbarlow]

wildgoobsid5 you don’t need a sketch. There is a Arduino Knobster installer in the Sim Innovations Wiki. You could use multiple Knobsters but the whole point is to be able to operate any knob on the touch panel with a single Knobster. The only practical reason I see for a second Knobster would be to keep the Knobster near the other panel like an overhead panel.multiple Knobsters are supported although only one knob can be selected at a time for use with any knobster

[@stricklandgarageaviation2864]

Hi Russ, I have asked before but haven't received any ideas what my problem could be. I have 3 55" LG TVs and 1 22" touch screen monitor, running by windows11. I also have the knobster. My problem is that when calibrating the monitors, my system doesn't recognize that my 22" monitor is a touch screen monitor. The mouse can highlight the knob or switch on the touch screen and the knobster will operate that highlighted knob or switch. When I touch the screen, the main 55" TV reacts to the touch. All the cables are connected according to the manuals. Thanks in advanced for any thoughts......Tom

[@rbarlow]

You need to calibrate the touchscreen. The usb touch grid and the monitors video are not associated by windows. It just sees touch inputs and with multiple monitors and by default assumes the touch is on the main monitor. You could make your touch monitor your main monitor or calibrate the touch to associate the touch signals with the correct monitor. Not sure exactly how it is called in Windows 11 but in windows 10 you search settings for “calibrate pen and touch“ . It will highlight each monitor in turn and have you touch it if it is a touch monitor or press return if not. You might have slightly different wording but a google search for “ windows 11 calibrate touch monitors” and it may help you. I am not home until Monday but if you can’t figure it out by then I will try on my windows 11 computer.

[@stricklandgarageaviation2864]

@@rbarlow Thanks for the reply. I tried setting my 22" monitor to the main screen and then went to calibrate. I got all the screens to white (which I haven't been able to do before) and it directed me to touch these "Xs" on the corners of the 22" touch monitor. After completing this, I was able to touch the screen (22") and the monitor responded. I thought I had it fixed but the knobster didn't work. I started the Air Manager and X-plane and Still no luck. I think I'm getting closer. I'll keep trying things. There has to be a way.

[@rbarlow]

@@stricklandgarageaviation2864 Most common mistakes are not selecting the Knobster setting in the panel settings. First be sure the panel responds to mouse or touch inputs depending on your Air manager settings tab. In the Home tab with the desired panel selected on the left List, you see the layout area on the right where you can position and resize instruments on the panel. If you scroll down below the layout area a ways you will see a Knobster popup menu. It probably says disabled, set it to Knoster(A). Then touches or mouse clucks to a dial/knob should highlight yellow.

[@RonVF]

Hello Russ, I know you did a comparison on the IPad vs tablets a while back. Any updated information? Do you know if the knobstir will work with iPads? I have 2 extra iPads i would like to use vs spending the extra $400 on touch screen monitors not to mention the need for an extra PC. Any additional thought would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. P.S. love your videos!

[@rbarlow]

No update but Knobster will NOT work with iPads or Android. It will work with Windows 10 Tablet computers which are not too expensive. I remind you that if you intend to also display a sim (XP or FS) popped out window(PFD,NS,MFD, G530, ect) on the monitor it needs to be attached to the computer running the flight simulator so the window can be dragged over to that display.

[@RonVF]

@@rbarlow thanks for the quick reply. I guess I’ll plan to do with the 2 touch screen monitors on my older Windows7 PC to start. I also have a newly built gaming PC, I9900, SSD 32GB ram, GeForce 2080ti for the main displays. I am using both XP as well as MSFS but i need to be practicing instrument work as I am getting ready for my CFII. XP seems to be the clear winner for the time being. Thanks for all your great tutorials.

[@PHPhilippeCAUX]

Hi Russ, I purchased Air Manager and I have a problem that seems to be known. I do not have the Knobster but will soon purchase it. In the mean time, when I try to adjust one knob from the touchscreen, the outside view on my other monitor is moving around at the same time than the knob that I am adjusting. Any tip on how to fix this ? Best regards, Philippe

[@rbarlow]

You didn’t say what sim you are using. It sounds like you are using touch control to turn a dial on an Air Manager panel? Tell me a little more

[@j.daniel2470]

I Would Also like to Know Where You Get Air Manager, And Nobster Knob . Thank You.

[@rbarlow]

Siminnovations.com

[@justintime4planes]

Could you please show how to program this to Microsoft flight simulator ?

[@glennraby5871]

Hi Russ, I was wondering, how did you mount the knobster so that only the knob portion is on the face of the panel and not the entire unit. I am having a panel built for me by stay level and i was curious if there was a different model or mount that I would need in order to accomplish this. Thank you!!

[@rbarlow]

Actually that is an earlier Arduino model built with a cheap Desktop Aviators encoder. You can remove the knobs and open the case and remove the retaining nut that holds the encoder in the case. Then just make the keyed hole in the panel and insert it and secure with the mounting nut and reinstall the knobs. To remove the knobs you first have to remove the end cap and loosen the retaining nut on the collet. Then you can remove the lower knob which has a collet too. As an alternative you can surface mount but you need to make a hole big enough for the usb-c plug to get the usb cable to the front side of the panel. If you look at my last video you can see I did that since the cheap encoder had failed. I hope to get a StayLevel panel in the future and would probably mount with just the knob exposed. If you need more help I can provide further guidance on how to open the case and remove the guts of the Knobster to remount it. When reinstalling leave a bit of gap between the knobs or the upper knob will not be able to close the press switch.

[@rbarlow]

Glenn I just remembered that the NL guys didn’t use the soft touch knobs so the knobs are not with collets but are press on.

[@glennraby5871]

Russ Barlow Ok, I thought that might have been the arduino version. I’m having a panel built by John as we speak. The knobster will be mounted on the outside with a hole just below it for the cable. Not as clean a design, but I’m sure it will be just fine. Super excited to get the panel. It’s a custom modular panel with two 15.6” touchscreen displays, but the display on the right will be able to be removed and I have two separate modular panels for an audio panel and 530/430 stack from Real Sim Gear and another modular panel for a 750/650 stack. Got the Yoko yoke and Q6 throttle quandrant. Baron gear handle from an overseas company, flap handle and switch panel from DA. The panel has a pedestal for the Q6, a trim wheel and the Garmin GFC autopilot. Currently using the new 49” Samsung curved monitor, but I’m already thinking about doing a three panel setup to have 180 degree view. Should be quite the setup!!

[@rbarlow]

Glenn Raby so upon further investigation of the new Knobster to remove the back gently pry the back up away at near behind the usb connector point. The knobs do have a screw. You can use a fingernail to gently pry the cap out and there is a screw for the upper knob. Not sure about the lower but it may just slide on.

[@rbarlow]

Glenn Raby sounds like a great setup.Please send pics if you can when things are set up as I plan to purchase a SLAVX panel too...just too busy lately.

[@manwinkler]

Brilliant!

[@gabiitou]

How do you actually have almost all instruments ? I can do the alt click in flight sim 2020 but only one instrument pop up, cannot use the touchscreen as you. How do you use the touch screen and also how did you show all instruments ??

[@rbarlow]

Using Air Manager to display panel. See my other videos.

[@dougkehoe3758]

I musta missed it... no how to wire up 3 monitors to computer (err 2 touch screen,1 monitor)...? Maybe it’s on ur air manager film...

[@mattglandfield680]

Russ can you detail the config setup for this build? I have two computers but am unsure of where air manager needs to be installed (Master or Slave?) I plan on using my lower powered PC to drive the avionics and my new super speed computer to drive the forward views using my matrox tripple head to go. Also is there a template on what shape of hole to drill to mount the knobster? Thanks. Matt

[@rbarlow]

Yes I run the visuals (in my case separate views in X-Plane to get a geometrically accurate view) on the slave(external visuals) computer and the Air Manager panel on the Master. This is necessary since only the Master updates the popped-out G1000 /G530 windows . If you are not using the virtual cockpit on the Master computer you can reduce the graphics settings and set the view to some area like the headliner in the cockpit to improve FPS. The 2D G1000/G530 windows are not dependent on Graphics settings.

[@PacoJr-wr5ju]

Mr. Barlow, I am new to simulation layouts and I have no clue how monitors, main screens , and the computer interfaces with X Plane.

[@rbarlow]

PacoJr1950 that is a very broad question. Do you own X-Plane11 already? If so I would first be sure you can operate the basic sim with a single monitor. You can start easing the keyboard and mouse but I suggest you at least get a cheap joystick with a throttle control and a few buttons for basics like gear, flaps and brakes. There are lots of KZbin videos for beginners with X-Plane 11. Once you are comfortable with flying the sim then you can start expanding with rudder pedals, additional monitors and perhaps a panel running with Air Manager. Take your time and have fun learning a little more each day. Good Luck !

[@lynnsatterthwaite5038]

I want to do DYI Knobster. Most the information for DIYers has disappeared from the web.Can you help here? need sources for 3d prints and sources for hardware

[@jaybeckham]

Where or how will we hear when the new Knobster is available?

[@rbarlow]

I will post a video just a soon as they are available. Watch this channel. I am not involved in the production but will let you know. Hopefully in the next month.

[@SimPilot-dl8zy]

Russ is there a way I can get hold of you? Thanks,

[@WaltKingLee]

Hello Russ. I just upgraded to a Windows 11 system with a 3080ti and 12th gen i7. I trying to set up my Wimaxit touchscreens again and calibrate pen and touch input etc won't even show up as a settings option. Did Windows not include this on their 11 desktops?

[@rbarlow]

Fear not. The monitor needs to have both power and a separate usb connection to work. There should have been a power adapter with a usb A to C cable. I think the usb C ports on the side of the monitor are marked. The monitor will run using only the usb power from your computer but it cannot power both the monitor and the touch grid. Try setting things up this way and see if it doesn’t show pen and touch calibration show up so you can tell windows what monitor the each touch grid is associated with.

[@WaltKingLee]

@@rbarlow I will try this when I go down from supper in a few mins. Strangely, I had to do the opposite and take the adapters off to get them set up on the old computer. I'll send the results. Oh. BTW, Running Alpha, Bravo, Knobster, and Pedals. I flipped my old 3 handle throttle upside down, stuck it under the Bravo and now use it additionally for parking brake, cowl flaps, and spoilers. Simstrumentation group has some great G1000 and Garmin audio panel bezels free on github. One of my real world pilot buddies I fly with did the graphics for them. They work great. Thanks!

[@traveltheworld1870]

I notice you have 5 monitors. How are these attached to your CPU? All graphic cards I can find have 4 inputs max.

[@rbarlow]

Using a Pluggable USB-C docking station that can provide 2 or 3 additional ports depending on the model see kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIvJq2Wnnth9apI

[@traveltheworld1870]

@@rbarlow Thank you so much. Your channel is amazing!

[@rbarlow]

Thanks. I would guess the Pluggable line has improved since that video but mine is still “pluggin” away

[@whiteyg2455]

Question on the setup. You appear to have triple screens to fly on plus the 2 touch screens. Are all five connected to one pc running both xplane and air manager.

[@rbarlow]

Since I want to have the G1000 windows popped out and on each of the Air Manager panels those two monitors are running on a separate computer and copy of XP11 as the "master.popped " on the Network tab. The three visuals are on another computer and set as "External Visuals" on the network page of settings. It is important that the popped out windows are on the master as the GPS is not updated on the External Visual computers. Since the view form the master is not being used it can be directed into a closeup of the cockpit headliner so it has no real work to do graphically. Also you can reduce the visual settings without affecting the popped out 2-D windows. This means the computer really doesn't have to be that strong to get a good FPS while calculating the flight model to send to the external visuals.

[@whiteyg2455]

Russ Barlow thanks Russ! Looks like I got some shipping to do.

[@whiteyg2455]

Or shopping lol.

[@youngfella3054]

Hi Russ. I'm having real trouble setting up my dual touchscreens purchased on Amazon. Windows 11 extends the desktop to both of them (HDMI works OK), and the mouse travels to each, but only ONE touch screen responds to touch. I have tested each screen separately and they each work fine as touch screens on their own. It seems like Windows can't differentiate between these two screens in terms of their touch-response hardware (connected via USB). Did you ever have any trouble setting up dual touch screens? Reply

[@rbarlow]

Easy issue to fix. You need to calibrate your touch so Windows knows how to correlate the touch inputs to the correct monitor. Just open settings and search for “calibrate”. L III l for the choice like “ calibrate pen and touch” or something similar. It will turn each of your monitors white and the onscreen text will tell you to touch the monitor if it is a touchscreen or press enter if if not. After cycling through all your attached monitors it will know which usb touch grid is on which monitor. By default it assumes that grid is on the main monitor and that’s why each would work individually

[@youngfella3054]

@@rbarlow Thanks Russ. The white setup screen works for each touchscreen monitor when only it is connected. When I have both screens connected, only one responds to touch. I believe my PC doesn't see these as two distinct USB devices. Possibly a hardware issue. Thanks all the same for your guidance.

[@youngfella3054]

Hi again Russ. I returned the faulty touchscreens (which I suspect had no serial numbers and the PC could not distinguish between them) and bought another two from a different supplier. Guess what? They work! On X-Plane 11 with Air Manager and a Knobster, I find that when I interact with the touchscreens, they rob focus from the main monitor and cause it to blink off momentarily each time. This also has the undesirable effect of making the keyboard inaccessible, so I can't key 'B' for brakes, or look around with my numerical keypad cockpit view presets. Until, that is, I return the mouse pointer to the main screen and click once. Have you ever noticed this dark-screen blink effect? Are you able to maintain use of your keyboard? All screens are connected to an Nvidia GTX 1070.

[@rbarlow]

@@youngfella3054 this isn’t a problem in my setup since I never interact with the sim because all my controls are on the Air Mgr touchscreen or other hardware. If the sim and you Air Mgr panel are on separate computers this is not an issue either. But, I remember this issue and I think I found if you extend your air mgr panel size so that it extends onto your sim monitor a tiny bit( even I pixel) this doesn’t happen. It may have something to do with windows putting XP into game mode so you may want to research that. See if it is on or off and try flipping that. Just try dragging the am panel slightly onto the sim monitor and see if it helps. Let me know in case someone else asks. Or I can experiment to find the fizz which I know I found once before but can’t exactly recall right now sitting in my family room.

[@youngfella3054]

@@rbarlow thanks for your detailed reply. Further internet research revealed several simmers have solved the dreaded 'Black Flash' in X-Plane (when moving from the simulator screen to a second or third screen in extended desktop) by setting screen resolution to one pixel less, vertically. That is, 1920 x 1079. I achieved this by creating that custom resolution in the Nvidia control panel, and then selecting it in the Windows Display Settings. As for keeping focus on the main screen after any interaction with the second or third touchscreen, I found an ingenious little tool called Touch Mouse Tools. This separates your mouse from your touchscreens. Now I can interact with the X-Plane cockpit via Air Manager on either touchscreen, and then immediately press a keyboard command, such as Brakes (B), or look around the cockpit with my numerical keypad.... all without having to physically move and click the mouse pointer back to the main monitor.

[@dmlubar]

Is there a problem adding two touch screen monitors if you are already using 3 for your flight sim? Can the video card handle multiple monitors? Do you need some type of splitter or an additional video card?

[@rbarlow]

I just did a recent video of this topic using the onboard video to run the fifth monitor.

[@ronlevy7288]

what plug in do you use for the G1000? is the Xplane accurate/true to the menus and functionality? I have downloaded a few on FSX or that are for FSX and they were all trash.

[@rbarlow]

Ron Levy X plane has a pretty good version. Phillip Münzel who programmed it is a CFI and has experience with the real thing. That being said it is not 100% accurate. Compared to FSX this is fantastic IMHO

[@nimbapilot6925]

Hello Mr.Russ. First of all, I would like to thank you for the time you put into all those informative videos you have up to help us newbie in the sim and airmanager. I came upon the video you uploaded with 15.6 inch monitor when I was as researching a chap way I could build my instrument panel without spending too much money on logic tech gears. I’ll tell you , that video was the end of my research. Thank you, thank you! I went ahead to and bought me two of those monitors; hope I bought the right one because the ones I bought were 85bucks each. Anyway, I’m going to have a three monitors panel. 2 Horizontal and one 10.5 inch tablet vertical for the garmin G750. I have all the units now but the only thing that was holding me back was coming up with the panel design to make it look like a cockpit. Again, this video of yours has served its intended purpose! Yaaa! Thank you sir! With that been said, I would please need your help with some information regarding this panel in this video.1. How did you manage to secure those monitors to the panel from the back? 2. What material did you use for your glare shield? I hope ti hear from you soon. Thanks in advance for your time sir. Sorry for posting from two different accounts. This is my main KZbin page.

[@joem5110]

I'm surprised you found some straight lumber at Menards.

[@rbarlow]

Have to get there early and dig through the stack😁and it costs an arm and a leg these days