Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Conan on August 23, 2009, 10:47:42 AM
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I've posted a graphics problem over in the Technical Support section Problems with V.2.14 & nVidia 190.38 Driver (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,272056.0.html), which has generated a few emails and comments about the setup I run. Instead of going off topic there, I'll start this new thread here for any comments and questions about the setup itself.
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 CPU.
ASUS Striker II Extreme (http://uk.asus.com/Product.aspx?P_ID=q8RE9mdlDnDHRRRR) motherboard.
Kingston HyperX (http://uk.insight.com/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=KTEA05I3N&nbs_search=C%3D107%26S%3D1043%26lang%3Den-gb%26K%3D%26M%3D%264638v%3DDIMM%2B240-pin%264641v%3DDDR3%2520SDRAM) Memory - 2 GB.
Two ASUS EN9800GX2/G/2DI/1G (http://uk.asus.com/Product.aspx?P_ID=yQ9bMULmO4kprDga) Graphics Cards.
Three Dell UltraSharp 3008WFP (http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&sku=142660) Monitors.
The CPU, Motherboard & Graphics Cards are all water-cooled, which I usually run with an 1800 MHz FSB and the CPU @ 4.05GHz.
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup1small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup1.jpg)
I'm using the SoftTH "triplehead" v1.09 rc1 (http://www.kegetys.net/SoftTH/) software to run the three screens (resolution 5000x2560).
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup2small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup2.jpg)
DxDiag.txt (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/DiskA_DxDiag.txt)
video8.txt (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/DiskA_video8.txt)
SoftTH.txt (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/DiskA_SoftTH.txt)
The yoke setup I'm using is a set of SpitSim Controls (http://www.simcontrol.co.uk/offboard.htm) built by Jon Fellows from SimControl (Based in Torbay, here in the UK).
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/CougarSpitSim007small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/CougarSpitSim007.jpg)
As standard they come with a simple windows usb interface.
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/OrgElec1small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/OrgElec1.jpg)
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/OrgElec2small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/OrgElec2.jpg)
But as a long time Thrustmaster owner, I've converted it over to having the electronics form a Cougar joystick, hence the computer thinks (DxDiag.txt) I have a Hotas Cougar installed and I can use Foxy to program it.
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/CougarElec1small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/CougarElec1.jpg)
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup3small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup3.jpg)
Is anyone else running the SoftTH software? What settings are you using in the SoftTH config file?
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Conan,
I would like to see the pictures, but they doesn't show up.
Maybe you could try photobucket.com instead, I never had problems with their image hosting
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I've posted a graphics problem over in the Technical Support section Problems with V.2.14 & nVidia 190.38 Driver (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,272056.0.html), which has generated a few emails and comments about the setup I run. Instead of going off topic there, I'll start this new thread here for any comments and questions about the setup itself.
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 CPU.
ASUS Striker II Extreme (http://uk.asus.com/Product.aspx?P_ID=q8RE9mdlDnDHRRRR) motherboard.
Kingston HyperX (http://uk.insight.com/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=KTEA05I3N&nbs_search=C%3D107%26S%3D1043%26lang%3Den-gb%26K%3D%26M%3D%264638v%3DDIMM%2B240-pin%264641v%3DDDR3%2520SDRAM) Memory - 2 GB.
Two ASUS EN9800GX2/G/2DI/1G (http://uk.asus.com/Product.aspx?P_ID=yQ9bMULmO4kprDga) Graphics Cards.
Three Dell UltraSharp 3008WFP (http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&sku=142660) Monitors.
The CPU, Motherboard & Graphics Cards are all water-cooled, which I usually run with an 1800 MHz FSB and the CPU @ 4.05GHz.
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup1small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup1.jpg)
I'm using the SoftTH "triplehead" v1.09 rc1 (http://www.kegetys.net/SoftTH/) software to run the three screens (resolution 5000x2560).
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup2small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup2.jpg)
DxDiag.txt (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/DiskA_DxDiag.txt)
video8.txt (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/DiskA_video8.txt)
SoftTH.txt (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/DiskA_SoftTH.txt)
The yoke setup I'm using is a set of SpitSim Controls (http://www.simcontrol.co.uk/offboard.htm) built by Jon Fellows from SimControl (Based in Torbay, here in the UK).
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/CougarSpitSim007small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/CougarSpitSim007.jpg)
As standard they come with a simple windows usb interface.
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/OrgElec1small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/OrgElec1.jpg)
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/OrgElec2small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/OrgElec2.jpg)
But as a long time Thrustmaster owner, I've converted it over to having the electronics form a Cougar joystick, hence the computer thinks (DxDiag.txt) I have a Hotas Cougar installed and I can use Foxy to program it.
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/CougarElec1small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/CougarElec1.jpg)
(http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup3small.jpg) (http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~simon.shaw/forum_pics/Mysetup3.jpg)
Is anyone else running the SoftTH software? What settings are you using in the SoftTH config file?
*DROOL
:aok
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I'm in Jackson Michigan on Comcast and the photos show up here.
That is quite a setup.
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I can see the pictures now - but I had to connect to my work ISP through a VPN-tunnel. So it seems there is an issue between my home ISP and the image host.
Great setup - clever idea rotating the monitors 90degrees to maintain a good aspect ratio :aok
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cant see the pics :(
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Sweet set-up... to bad it's a Spit :t :t
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Thanks Guys.
I’m not sure why some can see the pics, yet some can't. I'm away till the weekend, but I'll try moving the pics to a new host when I get back.
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But as a long time Thrustmaster owner, I've converted it over to having the electronics form a Cougar joystick, hence the computer thinks (DxDiag.txt) I have a Hotas Cougar installed and I can use Foxy to program it.
That's pretty neat. I'm in the process of building a simpit and really don't want to give up the flexibility of my Cougar when I make my control wheel. I think I will try to do something similar.
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Freekin sweet
<S> from a spitdweeb to THE SpitDweeb
love it
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Freekin sweet
<S> from a spitdweeb to THE SpitDweeb
love it
Normally I'd make some kind of comment about necro-bumping a thread, but this is pretty cool so I'll keep my mouth shut :x
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Conan, where 'bouts in Surrey do you live mate? Can I pop around for a quick cup-o-tea and a fly in your Spit. :D
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Freekin sweet
<S> from a spitdweeb to THE SpitDweeb
love it
Thanks JimmyC <S>
Gosh a year to the day since I started this thread, and so much has changed. Doesn't time fly! I've just finished rebuilding the "Rig" and sold off the old bits as a working system. Now up and running with the following setup:
Intel i7 980x CPU.
ASUS Rampage III Extreme (http://uk.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=jy0uafxYBCrJwksC&templete=2) motherboard.
6 GB Corsair Dominator GT CMG6GX3M3A2000C8 (http://www.corsair.com/products/dominatorgt/) Memory.
Three ASUS ENGTX480/2DI/1536MD5 (http://uk.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=B6fn5EvgG3e6FLA6&templete=2) Graphics Cards.
Enermax ERV1250EGT (http://www.enermax.co.uk/produkte/netzteile/revolution85.html) 1250w power supply.
Windows 7 (64bit) ultimate.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Computer-Aug2010-small.jpg)
Water Cooled, but still just stock speeds at the moment.
The same screens as before, but I've welded up a new wall bracket to get rid of the overlapping bezels.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Bracket-1.jpg)
Although having the screens overlapping reduced the size of the gaps between screens, the middle monitor was slightly further away. This made it look slightly smaller than the other two monitors giving parallax problems, e.g. things like the horizon didn't always line up.
It works much better with the screens all flush. It also makes it feel even bigger, can't say I even notice the bezels.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/images/Conan-setup-Aug2010-1.jpg)
Combined visible area now 52" by 25 1/4", Corner to Corner 58". The two bezels between each screen comes to about 5.7cm or at a pixel pitch of 0.2505 about 230 pixels; giving 1600+230+1600+230+1600 = 5260
So I'm now running Aces High at a resolution of 5260 x 2560
I've also ditched the SoftTH Software in favour of NVIDIA's new 3D Vision Surround Technology (http://www.nvidia.co.uk/object/3d-vision-surround-technology-uk.html).
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/header_3d_vision-small.jpg)
I'm just running the "Surround" part i.e. triple screen, not the "3D" part (I don't have the glasses or the monitor refresh rate for that!), but I'm seeing a 300% increase in fps over SoftTH!
Old Setup (listed at the beginning of the thread) along with most of the eye candy turned off in AH gave about 30-40fps
New Setup running SoftTH and the same AH settings gave about 50-55fps
New Setup with the new NVIDIA Surround drivers and the same AH settings gives about 150-160fps (Vsync off for testing)
In fact a big enough improvement that I've been able to finally up the eye candy and still keep 60fps (Vsync on)
Currently using these settings
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/AH-setup-Aug2010-1.jpg)(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/AH-setup-Aug2010-2.jpg)
Gives about 100fps with Vsync off, so plenty over overhead to keep a rock solid 60fps with Vsync on.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/AH-setup-Aug2010-3.jpg)
Conan, where 'bouts in Surrey do you live mate? Can I pop around for a quick cup-o-tea and a fly in your Spit. :D
I'm 'bouts in the corner of Surrey where it meets Hampshire and Berkshire mate, Frimley if you know it, but very close to Farnborough airfield. I'll stick the kettle on. ;)
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1 sugar please.
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Wear flat shoes when you go round Kaz some people get concerned when a man turns up in high heals :old:
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:rofl :rofl
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In my best Steve Martin imitation.... Wow! Just........Wow!
Thanks for posting Conan. Unfortunetly, the link to SpitSim only takes you to a url parking site or such. I tried a google search but no luck.
Cheers!
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Unfortunetly, the link to SpitSim only takes you to a url parking site or such. I tried a google search but no luck.
Yes I know, it was valid when I posted it, but I can't edit it now.
I first heard of the SpitSim in Dec 2007, the brain child of Jon Fellows. Jon is a retired engineer and Spitfire lover. At the time he was still working part time for a friend of his, Bill Trezise. Bill had a small company called "Simcontrol".
Basically a two man outfit as far as I could see when I visited at the beginning of 2008. The SpitSim was Jon's own project though, built in his spare time, but using the workshops and website at Simcontrol for the project.
Unfortunately Bill Trezise passed away last year and with him Simcontrol. :salute
I think Jon Fellows continues to build the SpitSim under his own company now, "Real Feel Controls", but I don't have a web link, sorry.
You could try emailing him at spitsim@yahoo.co.uk for details.
There's some more pics on our squad website: SpitSim007 (http://www.swift72.co.uk/SpitSim007.htm)
I know of one other SpitSim owner - John Nation - his review of his SpitSim can be read HERE (http://spitfiresite.com/2010/04/spitsim-spitfire-cockpit-simulator-product-review.html)
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Terrific setup Conan, great effort..... if I may dive in (not just tire kicking, I built a home cockpit back in the late 90's when everyone thought such antics were a sign of early dementia) I notice your speakers aren't exactly huge, and I wondered if you have got around to installing a sub-bass transducer under your seat? I remember how mine suddenly 'came to life' when I fitted one and couldn't walk past without saying something, in case you haven't tried it yet.
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It is a terrific set up
Might have to commission one if fortune smiles on me one day :)
<<S>> 72 Squadron from 71 Squadron
Pop on to knights ch 171 any time
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<S> 71st and 72nd, pop into The Few's private vent server if you wish. I'll be happy to PM you guys the details.
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71st and 72nd
(http://www.steelmenonline.co.uk/forums/style_emoticons/default/facepalm.gif)
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(http://www.steelmenonline.co.uk/forums/style_emoticons/default/facepalm.gif)
:lol
I just love your hat and flying boots think i'll get me some for the winter :aok
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:lol
I just love your hat and flying boots think i'll get me some for the winter :aok
I know, very sad, but it all adds the Immersion. :bolt:
It is a terrific set up
Might have to commission one if fortune smiles on me one day :)
<<S>> 72 Squadron from 71 Squadron
Pop on to knights ch 171 any time
<S> 71st and 72nd, pop into The Few's private vent server if you wish. I'll be happy to PM you guys the details.
<S> Many thanks for that, we'll all have to hook one day.
I have to confess I don't often fly the Spitfire or even WWII much these days.
You'll tend to find me when I've got time to go online (not as much as I'd like) tootling around WWI in my Camel under my other Walter Mitty persona; Sid.
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Terrific setup Conan, great effort..... if I may dive in (not just tire kicking, I built a home cockpit back in the late 90's when everyone thought such antics were a sign of early dementia) I notice your speakers aren't exactly huge, and I wondered if you have got around to installing a sub-bass transducer under your seat? I remember how mine suddenly 'came to life' when I fitted one and couldn't walk past without saying something, in case you haven't tried it yet.
Hi SCTusk, You have shot me down many a time in my Camel <S> and I've felt every shot through my sound system.
Current setup is a 7.1 Surround Sound GigaWorks S750 (http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/multimedia/display/creative-gigaworks-s750.html)
Left, Centre, & Right speakers mounted behind the screen.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Left-Centre-Right.jpg)
Left & Right Side speakers just in front and to the side of the screens.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Camel_setup.jpg)
Rear Speakers about the some distance behind me.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Back.jpg)
210 Watts subwoofer mounted under the seat.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Base_box.jpg)
Is this what you mean by a "sub-bass transducer", or have you something else in mind?
As has been pointed out, I usually wear a headset as well which fit in with the TrackIR.
Here modelled by George the mannequin is my flying hat complete with a Sennheiser Headset & TrackClip PRO incorporated into it.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/George.jpg)
The new Miles sound system works a treat with all the external sounds played through the Surround Sound, and the Internal/Vox thru the headset.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Audio-setup.jpg)
I built a home cockpit back in the late 90's when everyone thought such antics were a sign of early dementia
Funnily enough my wife keeps saying something similar. :D
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lol ok, you seem to have that one covered :salute Next time we merge, if I'm fortunate enough to get a shot off I'll send some quiet bullets so I don't damage your eardrums.
A trandsducer converts the lower bass into movement, kind of a large mass thumping about instead of a speaker cone; attached to your seat it gives a genuine sensation of motion, or 'connectedness' when guns fire, engines rumble, and so on. I dare say your subwoofer does a fair job of this already but if you wanted the whole biscuit you might be able to lay hands on a used Aura Interactor (I've seen them come up on Ebay) which had a transducer in a backpack driven by a purpose built amp working through a special filter. I stripped the transducer out and attached it direct to my sim seat.... the doctor said the bleeding would stop eventually but I'd probably always have a slight limp.
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Thanks, I'll need to look out for one of those. :aok
The biggest thing I miss with my setup is no force feed back, but you can't have everything.
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Thanks for the links Conan. I enjoyed looking thru the pics and the article.
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Tusk, Thanks for the tip about the "sub-bass transducers" and "the Aura InterActor’s" they are great. :aok
I did a bit more research and found this web site on how to build your own sub-bass transducers and amps.
Adding Tactile Transducers (http://www.simprojects.nl/transducers.htm)
But given the price you can pick up Aura InterActor’s for, it didn't seem worth it.
I managed to get two new Aura InterActors from Amazon for £10 and an Aura InterActor Cushion from eBay for £6.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Aura-InterActor.jpg)
Having stripped the seat down, the "Cushion" replaced the original foam padding perfectly,
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Seat-back.jpg)
and I've mounted the two standard "Transducers" under the seat in some old electrical boxes just to give them some protection.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Seat-bottom.jpg)
The Aura Amps; I've hidden round the back of the monitors,
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Aura-InterActor-Amps.jpg)
and with the seats cover replaced,
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Seat-Front.jpg)
the only clue to the "Transducers" is a few cables around the back of the seat.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Seat-bottom2.jpg)
My original plan here was to hook one of the standard "Transducers" to the external sounds coming from the Surround Sound system, but that didn't work so well. So they are all connected via some splitters to the "Internal" sounds (engine, guns, stress, stall buffet, etc.) coming from the front panel audio (headset) but with slightly different "Filter" settings.
As you say this really brings the whole setup to life. I really enjoyed that Dog Fight we had yesterday, I could feel every: overspeed, stress creak, stall buffet, bullet hit.
Just fantastic. <Salute> :salute
Sid (aka Conan).
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Hi SCTusk, You have shot me down many a time in my Camel <S> and I've felt every shot through my sound system.
Current setup is a 7.1 Surround Sound GigaWorks S750 (http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/multimedia/display/creative-gigaworks-s750.html)
Left, Centre, & Right speakers mounted behind the screen.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Left-Centre-Right.jpg)
Left & Right Side speakers just in front and to the side of the screens.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Camel_setup.jpg)
Rear Speakers about the some distance behind me.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Back.jpg)
210 Watts subwoofer mounted under the seat.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Base_box.jpg)
Is this what you mean by a "sub-bass transducer", or have you something else in mind?
As has been pointed out, I usually wear a headset as well which fit in with the TrackIR.
Here modelled by George the mannequin is my flying hat complete with a Sennheiser Headset & TrackClip PRO incorporated into it.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/George.jpg)
The new Miles sound system works a treat with all the external sounds played through the Surround Sound, and the Internal/Vox thru the headset.
(http://www.swift72.co.uk/forum_pics/Audio-setup.jpg)
Funnily enough my wife keeps saying something similar. :D
Sid now that I know youre hammering of me in ww1 arena a few weeks ago was entirely due to 3 screens, spitfire controls a massaging seat and nothing whatsoever to do with piloting skills I feel a lot better.Awesome stuff M8 :cheers:
Tinribs aka shotdown.
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hehe I meant get one Interactor not three.... when you get shot down in a sim you're not supposed to need a real ambulance LOL
Awesome, just hope you're in a remote cottage somewhere and not on the fifth floor of a residential block in a tough neighbourhood.