Thrustmaster Cougar MFD LCD Upgrade

[@gungriffen]

It's 2020 and flat screens are cheaper than ever, why doesnt Thrustmaster just offer MFD's with in an intergrated screen already?!

[@DCS.1-1]

Vr

[@annekedebruyn7797]

@@DCS.1-1 Not just VR. Integration sucks. Developers cost money. It's not really necessary. For most people just having quick access to the button is more than enough.

[@DCS.1-1]

That's my point I have them in VR & they are a life saver. His setup is pretty nice for 2d panel can't argue there .

[@Simlife101]

@@DCS.1-1 i agree, once you have played in VR there is no way i would use these over my VR but that said the Cougar pack is great and i plan to mount them in my cockpit at the Exact same place as it would be in the plane so I get a 1 to 1 feel when I push the buttons they will feel like there as far away as they would be if I was in a real plane

[@TorianArmrag]

That's why I don't got those so for years. because there is no version with a fitting screen. So I don't want buy parts of a thing to figure out by myself how it works and if it fails I'm standing there with pieces and can't do anything with them. sad.

[@devonvg18]

Is it possible to make a tutorial on how to set up the lua's I'm stuck. I have the same LCD's as you and they work great

[@TheCraigHudson]

I just ordered the mfds, I wish someone would have had pre made screen to purchase with these. By the way your set up looks great.

[@sileniusix436]

Check out cubesim. They make bespoke screens just for this.

[@markharris8929]

CubeSim from China already does these as a kit, and supplies the LUA file too. For those of us who want it ready cooked.

[@TeambitDK]

And he's really helpful too 😁

[@DavidVanmeterDutch]

Cubesim seems great but the price is high. ~$600 USD for the three screens, mounts, and lua file. NO MFDS included.

[@killswitch6673]

Yea u pay ur arm and 2 legs for it lol

[@johnprice4847]

Would you be willing to link the source code for the lua files and the microcontroller?

[@stuarthill6065]

This is great, something I really want to do. I see so many ask about this. It is a shame the Thrustmaster don't offer this LCD screen as a built in option. Are you able to share the LUA file? And also the thingyverse link for the 3D prints. I have a 3D printer, so I could print.

[@clynned9664]

Please share the Lua Files, i build them too, but i dont know how to write the file correct

[@JohnH5528]

@@clynned9664 I just did one of these builds, and the LUA file config will be specific to your set up (Size of your screen(s) resolutions, placement of your multiple monitors etc) - so someone else's LUA file is unlikely to help. This video helped me do it ---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZKneoaIZpyBb6c

[@kirrasdad]

Could you please share your LUA files with me? I am building the exact same project..

[@ricardobornman1698]

Looks freakin sweet!

[@thefridge71]

Nice one brother. Have just designed and made a couple of these myself, bit of a different design but similar principles. The hardest part I am finding is removing the rubber screws from the front of the MFD hahahaha!

[@crazyhorse18]

TOp VIDEO ! must have

[@jameswardlow150]

Hi @Rigg Gaming. I have just started tackling this upgrade, and I have got everything nicely setup so that I can view the Left MFCD as I want it but the screen display is populating the entire screen. How did you resolve this. Do you just tell the LUA file that the maximum resolution is less than the 800x600 offered by the monitor to shrink the viewing area to size, or is there something else I should do? Would you maybe be able to share your LUA file? I used the screens as per your link, and I am having the cases 3d Printed as we speak.

[@Jp21577]

I got the faceplates printed but are too small for my screen. I have a 7” lcd., module size: 164.9mm x 100.00mm (6.5” x 4.0”)

[@jusam6854]

Ok, I'm not understanding here. I've already printed the case with no alterations. Followed the link to the screens and it says the dimensions are 154mm x 129mm. The case is 161.9mm x 123.8mm , so how does the 129mm side fit the 123.8mm dimensions of the box? I don't want to order these screens and have them be the wrong size.

[@comrademustard8902]

Great stuff! Just out of curiosity which method did you use for exporting the MFD onto those screens? Is it UltraMFCD?

[@rigggaming3908]

No, I edited the Lua script in the Monitorsetp folder within DCS Used this video as a basic guide as I didn't have a clue what I was doing at first: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGnZeHiJprGYe5o

[@Mr.Thompson]

Very nice modification turning them into actual MFDs. Would you please describe how you got the aircraft displays onto the screens? Have you attached them to the PC as additional monitors and then used a multi-monitor-capable Flightsim or did you use some additional software/plug-ins?

[@rigggaming3908]

They are set up as additional monitors, no other software needed. You just have to configure the Lua file in the dcs folder for your specific monitor layout and screen sizes, linked the video on where I found out how to do that. Then each aircraft with MFD will should display on your screens

[@martinbell8369]

Great video. I currently run triples from my 3080ti so haven't got enough outputs to run the screen. I have an old gtx1080. Is it possible to put it in a spare slot and run the screens from that?

[@rigggaming3908]

I don't see why not if you pc lets you use both cards at once but I have never run 2 cards.

[@martinbell8369]

Thanks.

[@jusam6854]

Great vid man, thank you. I'm getting ready to try this for DCS.

[@wurzlgaming]

HELLO ! thats very interesting ... may ther be a chance to support the game " cold waters" as well ?

[@flyingandfooding4929]

Hi! Thanks for this great video, I am just about to order the parts myself. Before that I am just wondering how you connected the screens to the Computer? Personally I only have 1 hdmi port and 3 Display ports. As such I would need to buy some conversion anyway. Any tips?

[@rigggaming3908]

I just used 2x hdmi to display port cables from the screens to the pc

[@BMD8]

@@rigggaming3908 did you notice any kind of performance drop when running these off the gpu? I was wondering if running usb screens might be better since i think those run from the cpu instead, considering my cpu is barely breaking a sweat compared to the gpu maxing out

[@rigggaming3908]

@@BMD8 I didnt really notice any drop in performance.

[@CA-gc8me]

£50 of filament/power would more translate into ~ 2-3kg of filament + power (£0.2 per 1kWH)... Doesn't look that heavy

[@hugodc1225]

Finished to print everything for two mfd with buttons and supports all in pla and I think it's more like 5€... not 50£ my issue is getting the right screws and press nuts, etc.

[@kristopher4237]

Hey bud, these are amazing. Are you willing to fix up a pair of these and sell them?

[@3e5t1a55h4d0w]

HOW MUCH FOR MAKING THAT FOR ME? PLEASE I NEED THEM BUT I AM NOT THAT GOOD AT BUILDING STUFF LIKE THAT !!!

[@hudsonshires6141]

Fantastic job; I'm thinking I might give this a go for Star Citizen.

[@sonytv4935]

can you tell me how too configure lua file as ive the same screens and need to change lua files

[@thecanadian1]

Honestly .. THIS is how I assumed these units came out of the box. for 200 bucks.. lol. Good job on making them actually useful.

[@Exn0m]

They dont cost 200 bucks in Germany. IT is about 80€ here.

[@JarppaGuru]

1:52 its just monitor. why other would not work

[@Mahfudsidiq22]

LUAR BIASA simylator pesawat. Serasa dalam pesawat

[@sotaventorecords2773]

great video! I am currently trying to setup a similar setup. My Graphics card only has one HDMI, did you have the same issue? How did you get around it?

[@rigggaming3908]

My card has 2 hdmi and 2 display ports, I used the display port with hdmi converter but if you dont have at least 2 spare you won't be able to set it up

[@sotaventorecords2773]

@@rigggaming3908 thanks! Sorted it, the screen I was using the resolution was too high for then hdmi to dp adapter. As soon as I tried one of these screens it worked!! I still have nightmares about that lua file! Haha

[@tobur]

Nice setup. I have something similar in mind. But I have only 1 HDMI slot available in my graphics card. I cannot find a solution with a HDMI splitter yet (they split into the same picture, not two seperate ones as needed for the two MFDs). Did you plug your MFDs into two seperate HDMI slots? Any ideas? Edit: I just realized, I need a docking station, not a splitter I guess

[@rigggaming3908]

Yep splitters won't work, you would need a graphics card with at least 3 ports, so 1 for main monitor and the other 2 for the MFDs

[@thomgizziz]

@@rigggaming3908 No you don't you just need to use USB 3... there are adapters for hdmi if you want. This is pretty basic knowledge.

[@lybrics9273]

I would love to do this, but I wouldnt know how. any recomendations for a guy who dont have the skills or the tools to build something like this?

[@VeezyLife]

Do you have a link maybe that you followed As a guide for this? I designed my own cases and printed them, have screens shipped, but haven't had time to find a good source on installation instructions for the actual screen mirroring and all that to set it up. Would appreciate any help or if you can point me to a source

[@SDsc0rch]

if TM won't give us MFDs with built in screens... why won't someone else do it??

[@ImSouljah247]

do you have a tutorial in how to program you lcd to show the cockpit mfd's . did you a write script TMM, TMJ or LAU?

[@alex_mtb7772]

Nice vid Could u show how u configured it please Thanks

[@azpect9846]

Do you have a tutorial or know of one that I can use to make something similar? I am mainly interested in the code you used to make this work.

[@elitezen1377]

Great Job !

[@Cyge240sx]

I like your blue piece on the table HEHEHEHEH. Good video man

[@KingEli]

Great setup but dude seriously what's up with all the dust..?

[@robertmantell1700]

Mr Rigg? Are you willing to post a copy of the .lua files you edited to make everything work with the Raspberry screens?

[@killswitch6673]

Did u use regular HDMI cables? To connect the screen

[@rigggaming3908]

Hdmi for the screens but I ran out of HDMI port on the graphics card so usde HDMI to Dsplay port cables

[@pablonavarro2114]

How did you built it? Do you need any raspberry pi for the screens or not? I would like to know how to built step by step, but there is no clear path

[@justinhammontree4214]

Do you have to set the screens up Everytime or are they ready to go in every aircraft?

[@rigggaming3908]

Any aircraft that can display the MFD will send it to the screens as long as you have them set up in the monitor lua script

[@yuri_1989]

I'd pay you to set all of this up I.e build it and set it up for arma 3 if your open to it

[@killswitch6673]

I just ordered 2 of those lcd like urs today. I believe ur word thanks so much for this vid

[@StefanodeLucadirector]

Hi, this looks amazing! I already own cougars mfd and I am planning to build the same setup. Just a question: my graphic card (msi geforce rtx2070) have only one hdmi port that I am already using for my monitor (the card feature also 3 display ports but I think are useless in this case). Can I use a hdmi splitter?? How you solved it? Thanks a lot in advance!!!

[@rigggaming3908]

That is the same as my card, I used 2 Display port to HDMI cables to connect the screens to the PC, a splitter will not work.

[@StefanodeLucadirector]

@@rigggaming3908 Thanks a lot! I've placed orders. I'll let you know how it went.

[@jubuttib]

Converting DisplayPort to HDMI is a great call. For people who stumble upon this and are already running a triples setup and don't have extra ports to spare, you can also get USB display adapters/GPUs that aren't terribly expensive (not super cheap either) that will enable you to connect more HDMI displays. These are separate from those ones intended for laptops that basically just use an alternate mode to pipe DisplayPort through USB, those are unlikely to work on a desktop.

[@jamegumb7298]

@@jubuttib DisplayPort can output native HDMI on 99% of fairly recent gpu's, easy with a passive adapter. HDMI has no such option to output DisplayPort. This means active adapter, more potential for problems.

[@jubuttib]

@@jamegumb7298 Yup, sounds along the lines I was saying. DP to HDMI is a good call, and if you've run out of ports you can try an USB GPU.

[@CaptHog]

Can you tell me where you bought the screens from or a part number/information?

[@rigggaming3908]

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B072JTB73F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@CaptHog]

@@rigggaming3908 thanks! Sorry for the late reply. I had ordered 3 and they are now built into my F-18 cockpit.

[@johnporten8303]

Those are pretty sweet

[@dotnetdevni]

What screens did u use most use 8” so bit sticking out on left

[@shutupandplayyerguitar4339]

Do you use iPhone for head tracking?

[@rigggaming3908]

No Trackir

[@tipsywheels8650]

do any companies make these with screens already built in?

[@MatthewSmith-fg9pi]

Hi nice set up . Does it hit the graphics card hard with adding those extra screens ?

[@TeambitDK]

Also if anyone is looking for a custom made ICP, I know a really great guy.

[@ryankonrad5685]

Would you happen to have any for sale?

[@rigggaming3908]

Only made the 1 sorry

[@Kalrak]

With what games are those 2 screens compatible with ... i play world of war planes and elite dangerous ?

[@rigggaming3908]

should do as the work as normal monitors

[@maxstetsenko9615]

I have the same screens but cannot get past the no signal on the screens and then they go into standby mode and I can't seem to windows 10 to recognize the screens. Any suggestions as to what you did to enable the screens?

[@rigggaming3908]

When I 1st plugged the screens in the PC was running and didn't detect them, I rebooted with the screens on and they were detected. ddn'tt have to do anything more than that.

[@CrazyRussianPilot]

Top Work !👍👍👍

[@Mack_737]

Ive just picked up a Ender 3 Pro and the screen enclosures will be one of my first projects. Would PLA be ok for this or do the screens heat up enough to cause problems? Any recommendation for filament type? Thanks

[@rigggaming3908]

That will be fine they don't get too hot

[@Mack_737]

@@rigggaming3908 Thanks

[@DCano01571]

Que pena que las botoneras de Thrusmaster sean tan pequeñas......

[@FlavourlessLife]

Hey, did you have any issues with conflicting screen refresh rates? For example, is it possible to run your main monitor at 144Hz, but the small displays at 60Hz? I know this used to be a problem on windows 10, but I'm not sure if they fixed it.

[@rigggaming3908]

I run main at 75Hz and 2nd at 60Hz and then the 2 smaller at 60Hz with no issues, so I guess you could run main at 144Hz and other 60Hz but don't quote me on it ;)

[@FlavourlessLife]

@@rigggaming3908 Brilliant, thanks for the reply.

[@kamicj3522]

U guys make these videos but never show how to setup the LCD screens

[@mersyndol]

Not In VR then?

[@tomaszwota1465]

In vr you don't need the screens, just the cougar mfds. But they sure are nice for 2d/sinmpit approach

[@nichtsergeant]

Can you link the screens you used?

[@rigggaming3908]

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B072JTB73F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@rigggaming3908]

They don't come with a power supply

[@nichtsergeant]

@@rigggaming3908 Thank you!

[@ato2960]

Rigg Gaming may I ask what you see for power?any links?

[@rigggaming3908]

@@ato2960 www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QKQ7JT7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@chrissmith839]

Great video thanks, could you share the case 3d print file if poss? Cheers

[@rigggaming3908]

www.thingiverse.com/thing:3877146

[@414mayns]

How do you export the MFD displays to the screens?

[@rigggaming3908]

You have to do it by edit g the Lue file, I have put a link in the description on how to do it as it is different for everyone :)

[@blacknass1943]

realy realy coool

[@kaztrack1775]

what program do you use for the screans?

[@No1sonuk]

The game (DCS in this case) has multi-monitor support built in. It just needs a simple monitor config file to be created.

[@strifcon]

Where did you get the case for the LCD screen?

[@rigggaming3908]

www.thingiverse.com/thing:3877146

[@rigggaming3908]

Then printed them out

[@strifcon]

Awesome thank you

[@-knight-7008]

mate, you are my hero. I have been wanting to do this for the past 3 years and I will finally do it with your help if you willing to help me please?

[@thejetfighter]

Nice work!

[@ericandi]

Why not just press the buttons in the airplane in DCS?

[@No1sonuk]

Because you have to use a mouse to find the button and press it. It's more difficult than it sounds, especially if you use head tracking. Once you've used hardware MFCDs you won't want to go back.

[@dewetdavel]

Great video thanks! We're busy doing the same at the moment, but struggling with the lua setup. Would you be willing to share your lua? We also have 800x600 7 inch screens. Many thanks for your time!

[@rigggaming3908]

My lua file will prob make things worse as I run 4 monitors and ultra wide as well, my best advice is to follow this video as I didn't have a clue what I was doing till I watched this:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGnZeHiJprGYe5o

[@dewetdavel]

@@rigggaming3908 Thanks, yeah we finally worked it out...and it's really not as complex as it looks (like everyone says.) Nice looking setup you have!

[@bengnom6669]

@@rigggaming3908 Could you please share your LUA files?