fs2k-2comps-2 displays-can I do it?

[TOAD6147]

Two NIC's, a crossover cable, and a freeware program like VNC might do the trick but I'm not sure.

[DVNT1]

It's unlikely that any remote control program (VNC, pcAnywhere, etc) would do what you want.
You would need some software that allows your computer to have two different display outputs.
The laptop is likely to have this because it typically has a different output for the external monitor. With the laptop and another monitor you could do what you want (if the game allows it).

[adl6009]

I know that flight sim 2k supports multiple monitors. And I think that win98 and up supports multiple monitors. But this is a little different. Instead of sending an out put from one card (that supports 2 monitor output) to 2 monitors I am suggesting to use 2 computers to display the output of one program on 2 monitors. Know what I mean?
Would I be able to run the view out the front window through a 3d card on one computer and display the 2d output of the flight instruments. If I could do this then I cold get a real fast 3d card for the desktop machine (aka geforce 3) and not worry about a 2 monitor video card that doesn't play 3d too good. And instead of spending 500 to 700 dollars on a flat panel that will display the dashboard, I can spend a few more dollars on a laptop that I wanted to buy anyway.
Thank you, I appreciate your help.

[radbasa]

My dad's an avid FS2k fan, he does all of that virtual airline stuff. Anyway, he uses 2 monitors. On his main monitor, a 17" on a GeForce2 MX, he's got the main 3D view and main instrument panel. On the secondary monitor, an upgrade-leftover 14" on a Savage4, he displays GPS, radio, and any other 2D panels. Before the Savage4, all it had was an S3 Trio64V+. Worked well enough.


It works fine, maybe a drop of 1 fps max. It took a while to get working properly though. The technique is to install them one card at a time. And to use the newest drivers.


The system was on Win98, then WinMe, and now is on Win2k. Worked well on all OSs.

[This message has been edited by radbasa (edited 07-03-2001).]

[adl6009]

I was thinking of getting one of those dual monitor cards so that I could display the flight instruments in one monitor and the outside view in another. Then I thought would it be possible to network a laptop to my desktop and use the laptop to display the flight instruments?
This might be a better solution for me because I thinking of getting the laptop anyway, I could get a real 3d card for the desktop computer and it would look cool on my desk.
I'm not too experianced with networking issues and stuff like that so I thought I would ask about it here. Would it work? What would I need to hook it up, nic cards?. Could it be done with usb type connections? Any thoghts or ideas would be welcome.
Thanks.

[DVNT1]

adl6009, I think I understand your question and it probably won't work with two computers.
Using radbasa's idea of a second video card and monitor would probably be cheaper than getting a good dual output video card and monitor.

You might be able to add a second video card but use VNC or pcAnywhere to show the second screen on the laptop (which prevents the purchase of a second monitor).

As for some of your other questions...using a NIC in both computers along with a crossover cable is all you need to buy to support a network between the two. It could be done with USB but that is very limiting compared to NIC cards.