I am an Instructor and would like to use MSFS as teaching aids for aspiring pilots. However I am not computer savy. I intend to use a high-end computer(S) (with HIGH-END graphics cards) to support 5 monitors positioned on the CH Products Command Center (simulation table). The monitors would be used for the following views: 1. FRONT 2. R-FRONT 3. L-FRONT 4. LEFT-SIDE5. RIGHT-SIDE I am looking for advice, or direction to somewhere/someone, that could help me set-up the computer(S) and the 5 monitors with the above 5 associated MSFS views. Thanks much!

You have basically 2 choices:1. Run 5 monitors from one High End end PC (I would advise a 6th Monitor to be used as an Instrument Panel)2. Network PCs together.As you state you're not very PC savvy then the first option is probably the best to start with. I would advise using FS9 to begin with to set up your system and devise your training regime. Once proved with FS9 you can think about migrating it to FSX.Get a high end PC with dual PCIe graphics cards. Get 2 Matrox TripleHead2Go (TH2Go) video splitters. Attach a TH2Go to each graphics card. You can now run your 6 monitors.(In theory you could attach 2 TH2Go to each graphics card and run 12 monitors...this would seriously stretch FS9 though) Any more than 6 and you need to move to networking.If you want advice on a system then tell us what your budget is!! People here are very good at spending other people's money!! Me included! If you're not constrained by budget then get a DELL XPS 710 H2C, use the 'customize and buy' and get the best of everything (although the Quad core isn't necessary.. the E6700 Dual processor will do - it's half the price of the Quad) Also specify Windows XPRegardsJim

Microsoft Flight simulator can not split itself between differant computers, so you will only be running a single instance of MSFS on a single computer. The best processor on the market is is the Intel Conroe Core two Duo but even using the top of the range Conroe; I hate to think what sort of a frame rate you will get with 5 monitors with regard to MSFS X unless you are happy with a slide show or are prepared to live with degraded graphics. Best and Warm RegardsAdrian Wainer

Do you think, suggesting Dell is a good idea given the various incompatability problems caused by Dell using non standard fixtures and parts particularly as this would be a very customized instilation.Best and Warm RegardsAdrian Wainer

>Microsoft Flight simulator can not split itself between>differant computers, so you will only be running a single>instance of MSFS on a single computer. I beg to differ! 9 PCs 13 monitors. 9 instances of FS all synchronizedPicture courtesy of Steve FerrisFind out more at www.wideview.itRegardsJim

My Apologies, Well you learn something new every day! WOW! Best and Warm RegardsAdrian Wainer

>Do you think, suggesting Dell is a good idea given the>various incompatability problems caused by Dell using non>standard fixtures and parts particularly as this would be a>very customized instilation.Dell have excellent customer support for their business customers (Well DELL UK do)..you can get 4hr on-site call-out if required. Doesn't matter if they use their own motherboards and power supplies (everything else in an XPS is branded!) if its under warranty then DELL will replace their non-standard part with another non-standard part. If it breaks down DELL don't say 'sorry we can't replace it because we don't use standard parts'. I've used DELL (they're not my only supplier though) for the last 4 years and they've been superbly reliable. I've called out an engineer once when I had a Motherboard failure. the technician came prepared with a replacement system-just in case. This level of service doesn't come cheap..but you get what you pay for.The only thing customized about the installation is the number of monitors..they're just peripherals.RegardsJim

Anyone want a table and four dining room chairs?

You may get a few blank faces on that one X15..but I know what you mean!! Might pay for a ticket to Long Beach too!RegardsJim

LOL Jim, I should have posted a picture so people knew that my flight sim set-up is restricted by the table and chairs in the dining room. It sure looks good on all those monitors though.Long Beach looks more and more likely. Sun is out here, the wind is OK and the runway is.... waterlogged. Maybe tomorrow.

And additional question - yes it's similar to the one I posted on the TripleHead Digital thread.Based only on performance - is Wideview and multiple computers better than the Matrox for four LCD monitors - three 19" for the TripleHead and one 17" for the panel below on the Analog output of the video card.My impression is that multiple computers would be the best performance with Wideview. Am I wrong?

All depends on the spec of your PC.A good video card will easily handle 3x19" with a TH2Go and an additional 17". For the cost of 4 PCs with Wideview you'd could buy one heck of a single PC..but if you've already got 4 PCs and no TH2Go then the 4 PCs would be the cheaper option.. As for quality...I'd have to know your PC specs before commenting.Jim

JimI have a TH2G from Matrox flying the FS9 and the FS X with 6 monitors.THree of them throug the TH2G and the others direct to my two NVIDIA 8800 GTS graphic adapters. It works super.BUT: I think you can only put ONE TH2G on a single PC. Iread about it in the old Matrox forum (now closed).Peter

>Jim>>I have a TH2G from Matrox flying the FS9 and the FS X with 6>monitors.>THree of them throug the TH2G and the others direct to my two>NVIDIA 8800 GTS graphic adapters. It works super.>>BUT: I think you can only put ONE TH2G on a single PC. Iread>about it in the old Matrox forum (now closed).>>Peter>Matrox will only SUPPORT a single TH2Go on any one PC. However if you have 2 separate graphics cards you can run a TH2Go from each.RegardsJim

JimI do not understand:You say only ONE TH2G on a PC.and the On each one Graphic card one TH2G.I have one PC with two NVIDIA 8800 GTS! So I can attach two TH2G on this sytem?Peter