More than one computer for P3D2

[DocBird]

Dear Alll,

 

Nowadays most of us have not only one computer available but two, three or even more.

 

I for example have an current desktop (i7 2600k @ 4.4 Ghz, 8 GB RAM, GTX 780) for flying and an “old” desktop PC (Intel dual-core @3.5 Ghz, GTX 460, 4GB RAM), a laptop (i3 dual-core, onboard graphic, 4 GB RAM) and an Android-Tablet.  

 

What are the possibilities to use all of this hardware and what do we need to link up several computer to share the tasks of simming? And do I need to buy additional licenses?

[mgh]

Prepar3D is limited to "only on no more than one computer at any one time"

[Glynn]

LM would beg to differ

 

Multi-channel capability – Users can harness the power of this new feature to operate Prepar3D with multiple computers creating a more expansive viewing capability all the way up to 360 degrees field of view.

 

But he will need multiple licences unless he goes for the developer subscription which will allow him to test multi-channel on more than one PC.

[Glynn]

Gerry,

What you actually said does not answer the OP's question (as usual)

 

What he asked was "What are the possibilities to use all of this hardware and what do we need to link up several computer to share the tasks of simming? And do I need to buy additional licenses?

 

The correct answer is:

What are the possibilities to use all of this hardware

Yes you can utilise multiple PC's with P3Dv2, in fact that is an "Advertised feature" as the following page shows:

http://www.prepar3d.com/product-overview/

 

LM supply some example cfg's here:

http://www.prepar3d.com/sdk/SampleNetworkAndMultiChannelConfigFiles.html

 

And do I need to buy additional licenses?

 

you will need multiple licences unless you go for the developer subscription which will allow you to test multi-channel on more than one PC.

 

>You will get two full copies of the Prepar3D client and the software development kit (SDK) from Lockheed Martin so that you can develop and integrate your applications!*

 

>The program is also open to any individual or business who is interested in using Prepar3D to develop applications and add-ons.

 

That's you, me and the OP covered right there.

 

Lets not try to unravel the (multiple) EULA's or the ethics arising from them here on Avsim, we both know where that leads.

[Arwen]

I was also interested in the original questions, as I have a pretty good laptop as well as my desktop PC.  And the ONLY one here who actually answered those questions completely (for me) was mad dog, so thank your for that. Now I know the answers.

[DocBird]

Peace, Gentlemen!

O.k., o.k. I understand that the “normal” licenses are limited to one computer at a time but that P3D2 can be run in Multi-channel meaning that two computers (with two licenses) are running simultaneously. I see that the developer license may be a “one-license-solution” for running P3D2 on two computers at a time. Thanks for making this clear.

Thanks Mad Dog for posting the links for the multi-channel use of P3D2. I will read through those pages soon.

But in addition to that my questions is more if it is possible to let any add-ons run of the network computers, especially add-ons that are hard on the frames.

For example: I have noticed a strong fps hit by running Traffic 360 in P3D2. If I set it AI-Traffic in P3D2 to 25% commercial traffic and 50 % GA it brings my systems to its knees if I fly in populated areas like around NYC or Seattle. And this is clearly a question of the CPU, not the GPU. So it would be nice to let the AI-traffic be generated by a second computer.

Or I have heard that it is possible to run the weather engine (e.g. REX) on a network computer. But does this give me significantly more fps?

Would it be possible to run the AI-Traffic on a networked computer? That seems to be an fps eater.

Can I run the laptop to display the instrument panel? If so, what does it take?

[Glynn]

 

 

Ok, dude. I'll try not to agree with you and support your position anymore

 

Sorry Mate, I took from your reply that you were joining in with Gerry's cryptic attempt to lure the unwary into his web of legalese riddles.

 

My mistake.

[RoboRay]

Sorry Mate, I took from your reply that you were joining in with Gerry's cryptic attempt to lure the unwary into his web of legalese riddles.

 

My mistake.

 

lol, no, but I do see how you could interpret it that way. 

[KingGhidorah]

So if one runs with the multiple channel option, does that mean that they also have to have an identical copy of each addon for each computer as well? I understand one needs multiple P3D licenses, but how does this work if I'm running an addon aircraft, or an addon scenery? Does it require basically an identical copy of everything on all machines?

[Boylston]

No.  You don't have to have everything.  I use two installations linked where one simply runs the visuals and the other displays a VC view of the instrument panel.  The VC/instrument computer has default scenery and all fancy graphics options dialed down.

[Glynn]

Well that's that sorted out then.

Boylston has negotiated his way around this sticky web of EULA's and amateur legal counsel to actually report back that P3D on multiple PC's is possible.

Thought that might be the case because that's exactly what LM  has been putting up on it's Website.

 

Visions now of MGH frantically rummaging through his neatly filed stack of user agreements and screaming in silent rage at his monitor. 

[DocBird]

I feel a little like in Kindergarden!

Gentlmen! Could you please stopp to hijack this thread and get back on toppic instead to fighting you private wars against each other? Thanks!

 

So one of my questions was: Could a network computer do (i) the AI traffic and/or (ii) the weather and "inject" it to the main P3D computer?

[n4gix]

I've cleaned out this thread of the argumentative and pointless posts. Please stick with the topic ladies and gentlemen!

[FRed Baron]

I use multiple pcs (WidevieW with proper Licenses) to answer FlyingDoc; I don't think AI can be run remotely; but I currently use ActiveSkyNext on the network and it works great - (have to configure simconnect properly). I also own Opus and GlobalRealWeather that have their own remote connecting protocols (no simconnect,) and there are a few other weather programs that also work on a network like ActiveSky2012w/SimConnect and REX I believe.  

[exodus1977]

I use multiple pcs (WidevieW with proper Licenses) to answer FlyingDoc; I don't think AI can be run remotely; but I currently use ActiveSkyNext on the network and it works great - (have to configure simconnect properly). I also own Opus and GlobalRealWeather that have their own remote connecting protocols (no simconnect,) and there are a few other weather programs that also work on a network like ActiveSky2012w/SimConnect and REX I believe.  

 

I've thought about doing this myself. Does this take a noticeable load off the 'main' computer running the sim? (Is there a noticeable performance increase?)