Who in his right mind would dislike a video like this? Besides being an elderly person, such a well presented video. Sir, lots of respect for you. You are an asset to the flight simulation fraternity.
Dear Mr. Russ, your approaches were on the money! Beautiful visual approaches! You maintained the trapezoidal shape. From a pilot to a pilot..Hats off to you sir!
Russ...Just ran across your video while doing research for an upcoming IMC Club meeting concerning home flight sim use....Great video and very helpful. It's been a -lot of years...Great job...Corkey
Maybe for those who have yet to retire. Most wives of recently retired men are probably happy the men have something to do to get them out of their hair.
As they say - it takes one to know one - The Pilot and The Plane. SIMS have been around for a while. "Real" pilot input is ongoing. However you have taken off with the hobby showing how reality can be budget worthy. Thanks for your innovative approach and the excellent way you landed the project. YES - every PUN was intentional! So Roger, Russ. Thank you for sharing...
I purchased the knobster after watching a video you did on the knobster. I have wrote Sim Innovation also, So hopping either you are them will be able to help me find out what is causing problem.
I might need to know what the problem is? It is pretty easy and there is a good tutorial guide on the Wiki. Take a look here and see if it helps: siminnovations.com/wiki/index.php?title=Knobster If not then throw me a bone and I will try to help.
Very informative video and looks like the answer of which I have been seeking! :) I've been a flight simmer for years and a private pilot as well. Lost my medical a few years ago and have been getting into flight simming a lot more to fill the void. I like flying different aircraft and would like to have a more realistic 'cockpit' but didn't want to tie myself down to any one particular layout. The thought of using video screens for the panel was the idea I am building around, but had not yet overcome the 'knob' function to my liking. This looks like a great way to accomplish the task and will most likely be incorporated into my design. Thanks much to you and your colleagues.
Hi Russ, can you explain the 3 50-inch monitor setup? What do we need to do to form a continuous view spanning across 3 monitors? Another question - what's the brand/make of the yoke? Great stuff!
Depends on the simulator. On X-Plane it is easy to create a geometrically accurate three monitor view where each view has separate vertical and lateral offsets as well as field of view. In MSFS this is not possible so you are stuck with using nVidia Surround or some other method to create a single superwide virtual screen that is spanned across all three monitors. Unfortunately the end result is not great as the wide angle view is projected as though it is on a single flat surface. This means the image appears to stretch badly horizontally as you approach the outer edges of the side monitors. The affect is that objects appear closer. their aspect widened, and the result is the seen to speed past as you move by. Not very realistic. I have video that demonstrates this. ua-cam.com/video/a7LfXqpi-I8/v-deo.html I also have a video on how to accurately position monitors to get a proper view in the case where the views are geometrically accurate. ua-cam.com/video/PjdgOBJ5xkQ/v-deo.html
Amazing innovation!!! It is stuff like this that improves and makes the simulation experience very enjoyable and really lends to the realism for sure. Great video!
WOW, Right from the beginning I wondered how people used their controls if wearing their head gear. I saw that you can by the real thing sort of speaking, the combat and take off panels do what they are supposed to do. This gentle man was a pilot and I guess his set up was good enough to get the FAA air time I believe. He had a panels or insert face that worked like the flaps for instance would look like they were actually being utilized and he had a very realistic and these bought separately plate and connect everything into this equipment . He had every thing but the radio hardware. The flaps the compass the radar, even a very realistic but not needed with his Cessna 172. program, soft ware? l am learning something new every day. I could have the real hardware and the screen manager as well???
Love the knobster idea... will be getting air manager for my ipad and knobster too. I'm an ex RAF and RAAF training officer and would have loved this tech for pilot training in ground school and BFT.
Thank you for sharing .... I’ve been wanting to incorporate PC sims into flight training for a long time but found the costs a bit too high. Good chance this will be a wonderful solution.
The leak motion allows you to turn on switches on and off add throttle communicate columns it's very nicely done through the fly inside program it's been up and running for four years now and he is done A fantastic job with it and oculus now is wireless so this makes the experience even better
Hi Russ. Nice video. I am also a retired airline pilot who has been dabbling in flight sims and their current capabilities. I'm convinced that a lot more VFR training could be conducted in these inexpensive FTDs. Have you tried adding a Buttkicker for some tactile feedback? I attached the basic office chair model to my Voltair sim seat and the feedback regarding engine vibes and ground contact is wonderful and very convincing. It's satisfying to feel the landing gear 'chunk' into the bays when retracting, too. Thanks for this video and the knob idea. Grant ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Uplift, A Pilot's Journey now available at Amazon/Kindle
This really is fantastic, thank you for sharing this! I am in the process of producing a custom designed full size metal 1920s biplane joystick and and will work out a way to incorporate your excellent Knobster (just need to change the actual knob bit to make it a bit less modern!!) - Excellent - Many thanks!
Very nice. Russ ...we run similar displays ...I have three 43 inch 4K displays @ 60 Hz. ...close enough ...lol. My system is a an Alienware Aurora 11 with a 10900KF CPU 3.7 GHz that can be overclocked to 5.2 GHz ...it runs cool with water-cooling & 32 Gig of RAM. The GPU is a Nvidia RTX 3080. 18 months ago it was the best one could get & cost a fortune. HOWEVER: it barely runs my three 43 inchers on MSFS. (I don't have XPlane) & I doubt it would support this app. Can I ask what your system is & the settings?
If you are running THREE 4K monitors I am sure it can't handle it. Each 4K monitor has the pixels of 4 1080p Monitors. I run X-Plane at 1080P with a i7-4770K and a GTX1070ti. I can't run at max settings but it is still decent with FPS of 35 or so. I run my cockpit on a second X-Plane installed on a second networked computer which generates pop out displays for the Air Manager cockpit panels. X-Plane has built in networking. MSFS doesn't support accurate views for each monitor so using Nvidia Surround should use far less assets than X-Plane. I suggest you set up your monitors to 1920 X 1080 and the surround surround to 5670 X 1080 and you will get great frame rates. Surround gets a wide view but it badly stretches the image toward the outboard edges. One you fly with 3 accurate views it is hard to suffer Surround. I think 1080p resolution is more that adequate and unless you have excellent vision better than 20/20 the additional clarity when viewed a normal distance is not that noticeable.
Captain can you kindly let me know the monitor name and its price. I appreciate it. By the way you did a great job keeping the center line during landing in flight sim. It isn not easy
A great sim presentation. Thanks for all the information. Air Manager and the knobster look like exactly what I need to round out my simulator! Many thanks.
Oh sorry to use your page I had a question and it directed me here but your a fellow simmer we all work together to help each shame the rest of the world aunt the same as us eh lol Great video giving me room for thought
I enjoy your videos and would love to set up touch screen monitors for using Air Manager but I have two new Dell pc's (an XPS 8930 and G5 5090) and when I connect the portable touch screen monitors, the touch feature doesn't work. I can imbed pop outs from xPlane onto the panels, but have to use a mouse to operate the buttons and knobs :(
Be sure you have the touch monitors USB connected to the PC and that it is calibrated so the computer knows where the touch grid is on the desktop. Otherwise it assumes it is on the main monitor. Go to setting and search for Calibrate touch and pen and follow the instructions. It will white out each monitor and ask you to touch it if it is a touch monitor. If not it says hit enter until all monitors are reviewed. It will then be able to associate touches with the correct screens. Let me know if that doesn't help.
Thank you for responding. I made the touchable monitor the main monitor and the touch features work, at least in the browser. I made the adjustment in xPlane graphics settings by reversing the settings of the top monitor (which was the main monitor) and the bottom monitor (the touch monitor). I also made adjustments to Air Manager so the panel shows up on the correct monitor (the touch). Two problems that I haven't figured out how to fix yet. Even though the touch monitor is working as a touch screen monitor, the touch feature doesn't seem to be working on the Air Manager panels and all of a sudden, I'm not able to exit X-Plane. When I try to exit X-Plane the program locks up and the X-Plane screens are still showing. Finally the windows task manager reports that X-Plane isn't responding. Trying to figure out flight simulation using multiple screens and Air Manager is quite a challenge for this 78 year old retired computer tech guy and private pilot who hasn't flown a real plane in 30 some years :) I'll keep trying.
Mike Wauge did you go to the Air Manager “Settings” tab and select the input mode to TOUCH ? Default is MOUSE and NONE is the third choice. Were you running a panel in Air Manager when XP11 locked up?
I changed the main monitor back to where it was because everything started giving me trouble. I need to figure out how to tell the system where to set up touch. Just now I made the touch monitor the main display again just to see if checking the mouse box would help. It did. I was able to locate the panel by looking at the custom box which shows all four monitors. Once I found the panel, I drug it to the touch monitor and low and behold, it worked! I was able to minipulate the instruments. But alas, whether to try to solve the problems of changing main monitors or trying to get the panel to show up on the touch monitor??? Also, the only way I can see and access the pop up instruments is to have the background set to transparent. But when I do it there are gaps all over the panel showing whats beneath the panel (the 4th part of the xPlane cockpit). I've so much to learn. I think I saw somewhat of a user manual in wiki so I'll read it and see if it answers any of my problems. Thank you so much for your help, which is getting me closer to what I'm try to setup here. Still can't exit X-Plane - it locks up and I have have to use the task manager to clear the screen. I probably need to reinstall X-Plane and it could be because I'm using the beta release which allows for much higher frame rates although I don't really see any improvement in the graphics quality. Does this ever help keep my mind off of all the problems the world is facing!
Success! Thank you so much. The button and switches work pretty well but the knobs, especially the small ones don't work so well. Too bad one can't use either mouse or touch without having to close the panel and change the settings. And X-Plane quit freezing up when closing which is a relief. Again, thanks much. I will study up and make more progress. My favorite planes are Mooneys however, there are only instruments available specific to Mooney and most of the switches and buttons don't work on either my Honeycomb - I wonder if that will be a problem with all add-on planes?
What a nice video , I am not a flight simmer , but I do various other Sims cars and trains I am also very interested. In DIY project's , I think multi mode switchs can also work with in most Sims , very much so if one cost is to be taken into and not building a dedicated SIM control based of one type of car , train or plane .most Sims not deal with a wide range of vehicle types , but I am not one for swapping wheels or other control methards to have the correct layout for a say vehicle , that is just to costly . I like the touch screen and then using some sort of soft dash or cockpit layout , instead of building real instrument based layout . But thanks I really enjoyed your video .
Hi Russ. Congrats on retiring !! I flew for 26 years. DC9's. I miss it. X-plane 11 is pretty close though. I have to get better controls. Maybe some nice rudder pedals. It feels odd to flare so low compared to real life. :) Great invention that Knobster. And those instrument panels. Wow. That is great. So many times I see flight simmers stuck using these generic panels. I learned on steam gauges. That's flying to me. Sure the digital gauges worked but with that software you can design your own. I might have to build a sim with multiple screens. I'm amazed. It takes a one screen computer game and truly transforms it into an experience along with muscle memory of moving switches. True immersion.
Knobster is available from Sim Innovations . Their Wiki has directions on a Do -It-Yourself version but no kit is available. The manufactured version has several advantages but if you are innovative and like making things the DIY is very functional and cheaper.
Absolutely ingenious! but how you would go about building such a set up as yours I wouldn't have a clue, I mean, I know several "knobsters" but they are all the two legged variety
Hello Rush. I am just getting ready to purchase a full Redbird flight simulator and the reason behind this is that I can actually log my flight time on it. Can I legally log my flight time on your sim
Dale Bolen no not unless you go through the FAA certification process. I may try to develop an affordable certified BATD in the future but now Redbird is a good choice if you can afford it.
Yes, wow I do love this sim setup! Im still just learning about aviation, I'm 15, and been flying a few times, already looking for old planes to fix up! In the mean time, x plane 11 is what I have for now, and I might try and make my own knobs, and yes, grand cayman sure is awesome! I dream one day to become a commercial pilot and fly down there. But becoming a pilot is now just too expensive, on top of school, I just cant make enough money to fly, hopefully I will find a way!
Jesse Fremont keep learning with flight sims and think about the military. I got a scholarship to college with Air Force ROTC and got to fly Fighters (F-4) before the airlines. I studied Aeronautical Engineering. I got my Private Pilots license when I was 17. I worked fueling planes at a local airport and got a discount on my flying too. Good luck!
Russ Barlow thanks for replaying! Yes I’ve been thinking about the military, it’s a bit different in Canada (military is not as big!) And also what sucks is my local airport is close to closing, not closed, but has been on the Engle for quite some time now! I will keep working my way! I also think I’m going to get the knob, as it is a fabulous product!
Hi Russ, thanks for the knowledgeable videos. im running Air Manager for my instruments in my 'testing phase' home cockpit, its a great bit of software. My next stage is to attempt the Garmin 530 display...so do I require a TOUCH screen capable TFT screen if I set up the GPS separately? thanks again
Thanks for your video. I am a new flight simmer and just bought a flight sim system at FlightSimCon with Xplane. I plan on adding more devices like air manager and possibly your knobster sounds very good.
The beta 4.0 is working but some functions based on events don’t work because MS has not implemented them in the SDK. The beta is public and on the Wiki.... installs separately from the 3.7 version so you can try it without disrupting your current version.
Check out some of my later videos I have a even better touchscreen that I have found by WIMAXIT. They have edge to edge glass touchscreens and are very responsive. They are 15.6 inch.
It's called Leap motion little sensor that mounts on the headset along with flying side program you get the best of everything and if you really want to kick it up a notch more get the motion simulator this will put you back in an airplane for real
Mr. Barlow, im a full and equip flight simmer since 2008. Do you have a link to get the panel we see on your video please? I don't find anywhere. Thanks to reply. Peter.
Which model number touchscreen monitor are you using? Also I use certain payware instruments such as the Flight1 GTN 750. Can these units be used with an Air Manager Panel?
Russ thanks for the video. I am a pilot as well and have struggled with simming due to the lack of realism that only pilots can understand. Operation of the instruments is one and will defiantly order you switch, as that has been a major source of frustration. But my second question is the same as Sally’s why not VR vs the multiple monitor set up?
C.E. Sherrod they will be coming with the AM 3.5 upgrade. That version will allow the background image including transparent areas to be in the panel background image. It will also offer click-through to allow you to click touchscreens like the GTN750. No special tricks required, Ot is too complicated as described in this video so the wait may be worth it. It will be a free upgrade for current users.
AirManager is a cool concept but the people making it insist on ripping everyone off like most payware flight sim companies. It's 65 Euros and you have to buy a separate copy for each additional computer running panels. They have AirPlayer which lets you just display gauges on a computer for 30 Euros but that's still 95 euros for something you can do for free with other tools and a bit more setup. The Android version is worth it at about $22 on the play store, just to have radio stacks on a tablet instead of the screen.
I know these guys and believe me they are not getting rich selling Air Manager. I am surprised how many people will spend thousands of $$ on sim hardware but complain about the relatively low cost of software. The previous version cost about 35 Euros and had no limit on number the of installations... and the program was pirated and even published and sold by some unauthorized guy in a foreign third world country. I realize many hobbyists create products for free but real, robust and supported products require lots of work and not many programmers work for free. I agree there are inferior , more difficult to use products for free and for some they are worth the hassles. For many others the value is there at this price. Thanks for the comments. ps. I don't like paying for things either :)
Hmmm... my largest tablet is 9" (Nexus 9)... I'd like to see how large the knobs and stuff would show up on my tablet... but I'm not gonna pay $30 just to test it. With they had a demo for the Android version...
Russ your videos are awesome, tell me something, I saw in your video the Garmin 530 bezel but I didn’t found in the air manager, is a paid instrument? Thank you.
That's great. I don't sim (not since the early days of microsoft flight sim) and have no desire to spend the money and time to do so but I can see how this will please many people who do. Thanks for the video.
Bryan Liggett how do you manipulate the knobs? The controllers are very cumbersome. If there was an excellent hand tracking system and a sim customized to use it count me in. I just upgraded to the Rift S and the resolution is much better than my Rift CV and Odyssey Plus. I was surprised it seems so much clearer. I agree. VR is the future but without reliable hand tracking is is not a great vehicle for pilot procedures training. For visual flying like the pattern or aerial combat VR is awesome!
Really good control yoke makes a big difference especially the one with little Motors inside to make turbulentie a real Sensation. x plane 11 is my favourite and for Airforce DCS world
Hi Russ, I purchased air manager already but it will take me some time to get a touch monitor but I would like to know if they can be a way to use the knobster only with my xplane10 controls or is only for air manager? Thank you
casq882 no sorry but it will only work with Air Manager Desktop version. It will work with any dial on all standard Air Manager Panels and you could use it temporarily with a standard monitor. In that case you would select the knob with a mouse click instead of a touch.
@@rbarlow Thank you because that still is amazing to be able withbregular monitor. I studied aviation in So Salvador but never got opportunity for employment but this simulation complete my dream Thank you Ross and excellent work you are doing. My name is Carlos. Take care
If you want to up your realism alot more, you should install vatsim! it’s a virtual ATC software with controllers at all big airports, it is so realistic and really adds something to the game
Seems to be out of stock worldwide. The Covid pandemic has backlogged Elma the encoder manufacturer. So now the day April they will have a good stock back. There is a DIY option that can be inexpensively made from a Dual Encoder and an Arduino Nano. Let me know if you have basic soldering skills and I can help you make one.
I have the same question. I’m a novice in sims and would love to get into building a sim but have no idea where to begin. Did you get an answer to your question? I wish I could find a book with a shopping list of needed items, software, etc.
Currently no medical and since I was denied can’t do Basic Med. I should get a Class III but so far not willing to jump through the FAA hoops. I fly with my brother-in-law in his Comanche. I can’t say out for good but possibly.
darnedghost2008 it looks very beautiful to the eye and if flies as well as it looks it will be awesome. I see it needs 50 Mbs bandwidth internet for Mac quality... not excited to need internet to use my sim but we will see.
@@rbarlow Thanks for your quick response :) It would be awesome if you do a review of the FS2020 when it releases. Cool with somebody with your experience and hear your thoughts.
So many questions Russ. Where do we get the Knobster from? And what graphic card do you use to get three 50inch screens running and at what resolution? Thanks
Three 50(actually 49”) screens run at 1920 x 1080 each and a touch screen 1920 x 1080 all in my gtx1070 gpu. I will provide info on where to buy the kit and DIY instructions in a week or two. Subscribe to this channel to be the first to know. You can also sign upon the mailing list at www.theknobster.com
Russ Barlow I’m a new subscriber to you feed and have become a huge fan. I’m getting ready to build a sim cockpit (around ~$4k I think) and want to start with a solid PC to dedicate to X-Plane 11. I plan to follow your model with 3 screens and a touch panel. I didn’t see where you posted the DIY you mentioned above and am hopeful you can point me to it or tell my about you PC hardware? Fantastic work and I appreciate your sharing these videos - something for others to strive for. Best- MM
Suzanne Smith I have never received any compensation for my work from Sim Innovations (Air Manager). I am retired and liked what they are doing with the product and have helped them out spending my own money and time to travel to shows and build compatible software & products. Only recently they offered me a $5 per unit royalty on my Knobster idea which they now market. Although their website hasn’t been updated I have served in no official position with Sim Innovations for about two years. When I started helping they had no funds to pay me anyway. That being said I still love what you can do with Air Manager.
@@rbarlow I apologize for my comment. It was said in haste as I saw you listed on the staff of Air Manager. It was also said before I checked out all the other videos you've done. Very impressive work. Don't know if you noticed, but I did comment very favorably on one of your other ones, after I wrote the above comment. Your videos are of excellent quality with a wealth of information for simmers, and I've been going through them eagerly. So, again, please accept my apology and keep up the great work!
Russ, this is great. I would like to know all the particulars. Will this run onan xbox series x? What hardware are you using like the throttle quads and all. What ipads are you using? Thanks for the vid. I got my private in 1970 in Honolulu, x country's to Maui. Dont think I could pass a class 3 now (72). I have been exploring the FS on xbox. It also has audio atc whick I love. Thanks again.//John in Oregon
Unfortunately Xbox has limitations a PC doesn’t. You can’t use third party plugins like Air Manager and many others unless it comes from the MS store. Do far there is no Simvonnect support. Also no VR support. You can only use hardware that MS includes support for. The whole thing is somewhat “sandboxed” so it isn’t easy for developers to interact with. For a basic sim experience Xbox is amazing for the cost of entry. None of the currently available Xbox yokes/ flight sticks/rudders /quadrants are very good. Hopefully Honeycomb’s Xbox compatible products will come soon.
@@rbarlow Thanks for getting back to me, I have heard much the same but you are the first person I have seen so advanced in building a cockpit. I will continue to track your vids untill I learn the best way to go. I am convinced the G1000 has to be part of it though and I have only seen an introductory vid of it. Thanks for your channel. I will be watching with gratitude. //ji
@@rbarlow OK, after re-reading this several times, do you have a system component group you would reccomend? Frankly, I would rather use a pc anyway, I just have no idea what components I need. Thanks again for any info on this. I have built several systems but not with a simulator in mind but I could. Would your pc have to be connected to the internet during operations? Can you still use atc like in MS FS ? // John in Oregon
@@Rubin5342 currently MS FS doesn't support multiple monitor with geometrically accurate views. You can stretch the output across three monitors using nVidia surround but to looks bad toward the outer edges. MSFS promises this in the future though. X-Pane can do it all now, WATCH THESE VIDEOS AND SEE IF THEY HELP ua-cam.com/video/ZOdI__BMat4/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/vZfz2qisJ40/v-deo.html Feel free to ask questions after watching the videos
Who in his right mind would dislike a video like this?
Besides being an elderly person, such a well presented video.
Sir, lots of respect for you. You are an asset to the flight simulation fraternity.
Someone with no life
a total jerk
An idiot that who
Elderly? Lol. Not.
@@GreyGhost-r4z Yeah since when is 65 elderly. His other hobby is probably waterskiing.
Dear Mr. Russ, your approaches were on the money! Beautiful visual approaches! You maintained the trapezoidal shape.
From a pilot to a pilot..Hats off to you sir!
Thanks for the heads up on this setup. The knobster idea is brilliant, and I am looking forward to flying with this gear. Cheers, Richard Hobbs.
Russ...Just ran across your video while doing research for an upcoming IMC Club meeting concerning home flight sim use....Great video and very helpful. It's been a -lot of years...Great job...Corkey
Breaking News:
Wife's are the ones disliking these sim videos.
Maybe for those who have yet to retire. Most wives of recently retired men are probably happy the men have something to do to get them out of their hair.
Very informative video Sir !! 50 years in actual flying and still have fire in the belly for more.........impressive !!
As they say - it takes one to know one - The Pilot and The Plane. SIMS have been around for a while. "Real" pilot input is ongoing. However you have taken off with the hobby showing how reality can be budget worthy. Thanks for your innovative approach and the excellent way you landed the project. YES - every PUN was intentional! So Roger, Russ.
Thank you for sharing...
I purchased the knobster after watching a video you did on the knobster. I have wrote Sim Innovation also, So hopping either you are them will be able to help me find out what is causing problem.
I might need to know what the problem is? It is pretty easy and there is a good tutorial guide on the Wiki. Take a look here and see if it helps:
siminnovations.com/wiki/index.php?title=Knobster
If not then throw me a bone and I will try to help.
Very informative video and looks like the answer of which I have been seeking! :) I've been a flight simmer for years and a private pilot as well. Lost my medical a few years ago and have been getting into flight simming a lot more to fill the void. I like flying different aircraft and would like to have a more realistic 'cockpit' but didn't want to tie myself down to any one particular layout. The thought of using video screens for the panel was the idea I am building around, but had not yet overcome the 'knob' function to my liking. This looks like a great way to accomplish the task and will most likely be incorporated into my design. Thanks much to you and your colleagues.
Learning a ton from you Russ!! Keep up the good work!!
Nice. There always come something new to our hobby. Thanks for sharing this item. And smart idea you had with that knob.
Thank you so much for sharing. I really appreciate your help. Lots of love from here in Iran 🇮🇷
Excellent and informative. Thank you. Where does one buy the knob you are using?
Very nice. Thanks to you I am rediscovering simulated flight. Thank you.
Very cool setup - thanks for the video!
Russ, indeed a Game changer coming from a real experienced pilot. Many thanks.
Is air manager.
I just subbed. Thanks for your insight. I’ve been trying to figure this stuff out for some time.
This is fantastic... that kind of innovation advances flight sim for all of us
Sim Innovations has the Knobster in stock at TheKnobster.com . It has been improved to a true usb plug and play version ... no longer Arduino based
Who would not like this:
Employees of other Sim companies. Lol
This Sim is rocking it.
Excellent video! Great information
Hi Russ, can you explain the 3 50-inch monitor setup? What do we need to do to form a continuous view spanning across 3 monitors? Another question - what's the brand/make of the yoke? Great stuff!
Depends on the simulator. On X-Plane it is easy to create a geometrically accurate three monitor view where each view has separate vertical and lateral offsets as well as field of view. In MSFS this is not possible so you are stuck with using nVidia Surround or some other method to create a single superwide virtual screen that is spanned across all three monitors. Unfortunately the end result is not great as the wide angle view is projected as though it is on a single flat surface. This means the image appears to stretch badly horizontally as you approach the outer edges of the side monitors. The affect is that objects appear closer. their aspect widened, and the result is the seen to speed past as you move by. Not very realistic. I have video that demonstrates this.
ua-cam.com/video/a7LfXqpi-I8/v-deo.html
I also have a video on how to accurately position monitors to get a proper view in the case where the views are geometrically accurate.
ua-cam.com/video/PjdgOBJ5xkQ/v-deo.html
Amazing innovation!!! It is stuff like this that improves and makes the simulation experience very enjoyable and really lends to the realism for sure. Great video!
Thanks for sharing! What touch monitor you are using in this video? Regards
Brilliant ! Andrés from Santiago, Chile.
Fantastic clip Russ
Regards
Dave from Scotland
WOW, Right from the beginning I wondered how people used their controls if wearing their head gear. I saw that you can by the real thing sort of speaking, the combat and take off panels do what they are supposed to do. This gentle man was a pilot and I guess his set up was good enough to get the FAA air time I believe. He had a panels or insert face that worked like the flaps for instance would look like they were actually being utilized and he had a very realistic and these bought separately plate and connect everything into this equipment . He had every thing but the radio hardware. The flaps the compass the radar, even a very realistic but not needed with his Cessna 172. program, soft ware? l am learning something new every day. I could have the real hardware and the screen manager as well???
Great idea. Simple and effective.
Love the knobster idea... will be getting air manager for my ipad and knobster too. I'm an ex RAF and RAAF training officer and would have loved this tech for pilot training in ground school and BFT.
You say a game changer and I think you are bang on.
Thank you for sharing .... I’ve been wanting to incorporate PC sims into flight training for a long time but found the costs a bit too high. Good chance this will be a wonderful solution.
Congratulations for your amazing work!
Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful flight sim , yes it’s really fabulous sim
The leak motion allows you to turn on switches on and off add throttle communicate columns it's very nicely done through the fly inside program it's been up and running for four years now and he is done A fantastic job with it and oculus now is wireless so this makes the experience even better
Great one sir
Thank you for your wonderful detailed video!!
Superb idea 👍
Nice.Does AirManager & knobster work with MSFS 2020?
Love your videos
Hi Russ. Nice video. I am also a retired airline pilot who has been dabbling in flight sims and their current capabilities. I'm convinced that a lot more VFR training could be conducted in these inexpensive FTDs.
Have you tried adding a Buttkicker for some tactile feedback? I attached the basic office chair model to my Voltair sim seat and the feedback regarding engine vibes and ground contact is wonderful and very convincing. It's satisfying to feel the landing gear 'chunk' into the bays when retracting, too.
Thanks for this video and the knob idea.
Grant
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uplift, A Pilot's Journey now available at Amazon/Kindle
Hooked up my Buttkicker to my Volair sim seat as well. Makes a world of difference in the whole experience. Now it is hard to do without it for sure.
This really is fantastic, thank you for sharing this! I am in the process of producing a custom designed full size metal 1920s biplane joystick and and will work out a way to incorporate your excellent Knobster (just need to change the actual knob bit to make it a bit less modern!!) - Excellent - Many thanks!
Very nice. Russ ...we run similar displays ...I have three 43 inch 4K displays @ 60 Hz. ...close enough ...lol. My system is a an Alienware Aurora 11 with a 10900KF CPU 3.7 GHz that can be overclocked to 5.2 GHz ...it runs cool with water-cooling & 32 Gig of RAM. The GPU is a Nvidia RTX 3080. 18 months ago it was the best one could get & cost a fortune.
HOWEVER: it barely runs my three 43 inchers on MSFS. (I don't have XPlane) & I doubt it would support this app.
Can I ask what your system is & the settings?
If you are running THREE 4K monitors I am sure it can't handle it. Each 4K monitor has the pixels of 4 1080p Monitors. I run X-Plane at 1080P with a i7-4770K and a GTX1070ti. I can't run at max settings but it is still decent with FPS of 35 or so. I run my cockpit on a second X-Plane installed on a second networked computer which generates pop out displays for the Air Manager cockpit panels. X-Plane has built in networking. MSFS doesn't support accurate views for each monitor so using Nvidia Surround should use far less assets than X-Plane. I suggest you set up your monitors to 1920 X 1080 and the surround surround to 5670 X 1080 and you will get great frame rates. Surround gets a wide view but it badly stretches the image toward the outboard edges. One you fly with 3 accurate views it is hard to suffer Surround.
I think 1080p resolution is more that adequate and unless you have excellent vision better than 20/20 the additional clarity when viewed a normal distance is not that noticeable.
Captain can you kindly let me know the monitor name and its price. I appreciate it. By the way you did a great job keeping the center line during landing in flight sim. It isn not easy
A great sim presentation. Thanks for all the information. Air Manager and the knobster look like exactly what I need to round out my simulator! Many thanks.
Can you post which screen you used? also where did you get the knob? is it available from an electical parts components distributor somewhere?
I have an earlier video all about the Prechen Monitors I use
This is an incredible idea.
Oh sorry to use your page I had a question and it directed me here but your a fellow simmer we all work together to help each shame the rest of the world aunt the same as us eh lol
Great video giving me room for thought
I enjoy your videos and would love to set up touch screen monitors for using Air Manager but I have two new Dell pc's (an XPS 8930 and G5 5090) and when I connect the portable touch screen monitors, the touch feature doesn't work. I can imbed pop outs from xPlane onto the panels, but have to use a mouse to operate the buttons and knobs :(
Be sure you have the touch monitors USB connected to the PC and that it is calibrated so the computer knows where the touch grid is on the desktop. Otherwise it assumes it is on the main monitor. Go to setting and search for Calibrate touch and pen and follow the instructions. It will white out each monitor and ask you to touch it if it is a touch monitor. If not it says hit enter until all monitors are reviewed. It will then be able to associate touches with the correct screens. Let me know if that doesn't help.
Thank you for responding. I made the touchable monitor the main monitor and the touch features work, at least in the browser. I made the adjustment in xPlane graphics settings by reversing the settings of the top monitor (which was the main monitor) and the bottom monitor (the touch monitor). I also made adjustments to Air Manager so the panel shows up on the correct monitor (the touch). Two problems that I haven't figured out how to fix yet. Even though the touch monitor is working as a touch screen monitor, the touch feature doesn't seem to be working on the Air Manager panels and all of a sudden, I'm not able to exit X-Plane. When I try to exit X-Plane the program locks up and the X-Plane screens are still showing. Finally the windows task manager reports that X-Plane isn't responding. Trying to figure out flight simulation using multiple screens and Air Manager is quite a challenge for this 78 year old retired computer tech guy and private pilot who hasn't flown a real plane in 30 some years :) I'll keep trying.
Mike Wauge did you go to the Air Manager “Settings” tab and select the input mode to TOUCH ? Default is MOUSE and NONE is the third choice. Were you running a panel in Air Manager when XP11 locked up?
I changed the main monitor back to where it was because everything started giving me trouble. I need to figure out how to tell the system where to set up touch. Just now I made the touch monitor the main display again just to see if checking the mouse box would help. It did. I was able to locate the panel by looking at the custom box which shows all four monitors. Once I found the panel, I drug it to the touch monitor and low and behold, it worked! I was able to minipulate the instruments. But alas, whether to try to solve the problems of changing main monitors or trying to get the panel to show up on the touch monitor??? Also, the only way I can see and access the pop up instruments is to have the background set to transparent. But when I do it there are gaps all over the panel showing whats beneath the panel (the 4th part of the xPlane cockpit). I've so much to learn. I think I saw somewhat of a user manual in wiki so I'll read it and see if it answers any of my problems. Thank you so much for your help, which is getting me closer to what I'm try to setup here. Still can't exit X-Plane - it locks up and I have have to use the task manager to clear the screen. I probably need to reinstall X-Plane and it could be because I'm using the beta release which allows for much higher frame rates although I don't really see any improvement in the graphics quality. Does this ever help keep my mind off of all the problems the world is facing!
Success! Thank you so much. The button and switches work pretty well but the knobs, especially the small ones don't work so well. Too bad one can't use either mouse or touch without having to close the panel and change the settings. And X-Plane quit freezing up when closing which is a relief. Again, thanks much. I will study up and make more progress. My favorite planes are Mooneys however, there are only instruments available specific to Mooney and most of the switches and buttons don't work on either my Honeycomb - I wonder if that will be a problem with all add-on planes?
Great video. Thanks for the upload.
What a nice video , I am not a flight simmer , but I do various other Sims cars and trains I am also very interested. In DIY project's , I think multi mode switchs can also work with in most Sims , very much so if one cost is to be taken into and not building a dedicated SIM control based of one type of car , train or plane .most Sims not deal with a wide range of vehicle types , but I am not one for swapping wheels or other control methards to have the correct layout for a say vehicle , that is just to costly . I like the touch screen and then using some sort of soft dash or cockpit layout , instead of building real instrument based layout . But thanks I really enjoyed your video .
amazing stuff , thanks for the awesome video
AMAZING, Sim builder fan since 20 years and you have a great idea SIMPLICITY BUT FUNTIONAL :)
Hi Russ. Congrats on retiring !!
I flew for 26 years. DC9's. I miss it. X-plane 11 is pretty close though. I have to get better controls. Maybe some nice rudder pedals.
It feels odd to flare so low compared to real life. :)
Great invention that Knobster. And those instrument panels. Wow. That is great. So many times I see flight simmers stuck using these generic panels. I learned on steam gauges. That's flying to me. Sure the digital gauges worked but with that software you can design your own. I might have to build a sim with multiple screens. I'm amazed. It takes a one screen computer game and truly transforms it into an experience along with muscle memory of moving switches. True immersion.
Thank you for sharing
I WOULD LIKE TO BUY THE KIT WITH KNOBSTER. IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE?
Knobster is available from Sim Innovations . Their Wiki has directions on a Do -It-Yourself version but no kit is available. The manufactured version has several advantages but if you are innovative and like making things the DIY is very functional and cheaper.
@@rbarlow THANKS SO MUCH. I JUST ORDER MINE. LOOKING FORWARD TO TRY IT
Absolutely ingenious! but how you would go about building such a set up as yours I wouldn't have a clue, I mean, I know several "knobsters" but they are all the two legged variety
One way to make it even cheaper is using TrackIr, I could not do any siming without it
Hello Rush. I am just getting ready to purchase a full Redbird flight simulator and the reason behind this is that I can actually log my flight time on it. Can I legally log my flight time on your sim
Dale Bolen no not unless you go through the FAA certification process. I may try to develop an affordable certified BATD in the future but now Redbird is a good choice if you can afford it.
Yes, wow I do love this sim setup! Im still just learning about aviation, I'm 15, and been flying a few times, already looking for old planes to fix up! In the mean time, x plane 11 is what I have for now, and I might try and make my own knobs, and yes, grand cayman sure is awesome! I dream one day to become a commercial pilot and fly down there. But becoming a pilot is now just too expensive, on top of school, I just cant make enough money to fly, hopefully I will find a way!
Jesse Fremont keep learning with flight sims and think about the military. I got a scholarship to college with Air Force ROTC and got to fly Fighters (F-4) before the airlines. I studied Aeronautical Engineering. I got my Private Pilots license when I was 17. I worked fueling planes at a local airport and got a discount on my flying too. Good luck!
Russ Barlow thanks for replaying! Yes I’ve been thinking about the military, it’s a bit different in Canada (military is not as big!) And also what sucks is my local airport is close to closing, not closed, but has been on the Engle for quite some time now! I will keep working my way! I also think I’m going to get the knob, as it is a fabulous product!
Sorry (from the earlier first comment) I wasn’t going to make the knobs! I was going to buy one and install it on my sim! 👍
Hi Russ, thanks for the knowledgeable videos.
im running Air Manager for my instruments in my 'testing phase' home cockpit, its a great bit of software.
My next stage is to attempt the Garmin 530 display...so do I require a TOUCH screen capable TFT screen if I set up the GPS separately?
thanks again
Thanks for your video. I am a new flight simmer and just bought a flight sim system at FlightSimCon with Xplane. I plan on adding more devices like air manager and possibly your knobster sounds very good.
Happy and Safe Flying!
If I show you my panel could you make it work?
Air manager as of now October, 2020 not functioning with FS2020, they say they are working on it.
The beta 4.0 is working but some functions based on events don’t work because MS has not implemented them in the SDK. The beta is public and on the Wiki.... installs separately from the 3.7 version so you can try it without disrupting your current version.
What size of touch screen are you using do you have the brand of it? Thanks
Check out some of my later videos I have a even better touchscreen that I have found by WIMAXIT. They have edge to edge glass touchscreens and are very responsive. They are 15.6 inch.
It's called Leap motion little sensor that mounts on the headset along with flying side program you get the best of everything and if you really want to kick it up a notch more get the motion simulator this will put you back in an airplane for real
Sorry that was supposed to say leap motion this gives you the ability to use your hands in the VR
Mr. Barlow, im a full and equip flight simmer since 2008. Do you have a link to get the panel we see on your video please? I don't find anywhere. Thanks to reply. Peter.
Which model number touchscreen monitor are you using? Also I use certain payware instruments such as the Flight1 GTN 750. Can these units be used with an Air Manager Panel?
And oh yes, the knobster is fabulous. //ji
Love your setup, essentially, this is otherwise an ad for the nobster. ;-)
If you haven't found the G2 Cirrus Vision yet, check it out! Greatly improved flight model and auto throttle
Awesome Russ!! 👌 it’s great
Russ thanks for the video. I am a pilot as well and have struggled with simming due to the lack of realism that only pilots can understand. Operation of the instruments is one and will defiantly order you switch, as that has been a major source of frustration. But my second question is the same as Sally’s why not VR vs the multiple monitor set up?
hey russ i am working to find a full size l-1011 cockpit sim in the next year love your vid s
Really loving the knobster!
I replied to your comment on my video. Let me know if you got that message. Thanks! Keep up the great work
Russ. Is the panel that you are using here available in air manager? I can't find most of those instruments on their website?
C.E. Sherrod they will be coming with the AM 3.5 upgrade. That version will allow the background image including transparent areas to be in the panel background image. It will also offer click-through to allow you to click touchscreens like the GTN750. No special tricks required, Ot is too complicated as described in this video so the wait may be worth it. It will be a free upgrade for current users.
AirManager is a cool concept but the people making it insist on ripping everyone off like most payware flight sim companies. It's 65 Euros and you have to buy a separate copy for each additional computer running panels. They have AirPlayer which lets you just display gauges on a computer for 30 Euros but that's still 95 euros for something you can do for free with other tools and a bit more setup. The Android version is worth it at about $22 on the play store, just to have radio stacks on a tablet instead of the screen.
I know these guys and believe me they are not getting rich selling Air Manager. I am surprised how many people will spend thousands of $$ on sim hardware but complain about the relatively low cost of software. The previous version cost about 35 Euros and had no limit on number the of installations... and the program was pirated and even published and sold by some unauthorized guy in a foreign third world country. I realize many hobbyists create products for free but real, robust and supported products require lots of work and not many programmers work for free. I agree there are inferior , more difficult to use products for free and for some they are worth the hassles. For many others the value is there at this price. Thanks for the comments. ps. I don't like paying for things either :)
Hmmm... my largest tablet is 9" (Nexus 9)... I'd like to see how large the knobs and stuff would show up on my tablet... but I'm not gonna pay $30 just to test it. With they had a demo for the Android version...
three 50' touch screens can be expensive. What are the specs on the screens you purchased?
Russ your videos are awesome, tell me something, I saw in your video the Garmin 530 bezel but I didn’t found in the air manager, is a paid instrument? Thank you.
Now that 3.4 is released I will try to get it on the store as soon as possible.
That's great. I don't sim (not since the early days of microsoft flight sim) and have no desire to spend the money and time to do so but I can see how this will please many people who do. Thanks for the video.
Virtual-reality using fly inside you're actually in the plane this way and you can use all the flight panels you want
Bryan Liggett how do you manipulate the knobs? The controllers are very cumbersome. If there was an excellent hand tracking system and a sim customized to use it count me in. I just upgraded to the Rift S and the resolution is much better than my Rift CV and Odyssey Plus. I was surprised it seems so much clearer. I agree. VR is the future but without reliable hand tracking is is not a great vehicle for pilot procedures training. For visual flying like the pattern or aerial combat VR is awesome!
Really good control yoke makes a big difference especially the one with little Motors inside to make turbulentie a real Sensation. x plane 11 is my favourite and for Airforce DCS world
Hi Russ, I purchased air manager already but it will take me some time to get a touch monitor but I would like to know if they can be a way to use the knobster only with my xplane10 controls or is only for air manager? Thank you
casq882 no sorry but it will only work with Air Manager Desktop version. It will work with any dial on all standard Air Manager Panels and you could use it temporarily with a standard monitor. In that case you would select the knob with a mouse click instead of a touch.
@@rbarlow Thank you because that still is amazing to be able withbregular monitor. I studied aviation in So Salvador but never got opportunity for employment but this simulation complete my dream
Thank you Ross and excellent work you are doing. My name is Carlos. Take care
What's your opinion about VR in sim cockpit?
If you want to up your realism alot more, you should install vatsim! it’s a virtual ATC software with controllers at all big airports, it is so realistic and really adds something to the game
I like PilotEdge but the same idea...true it really adds to the realism.
Great video Russ.
Subscribed :))
what brand and size is the screed Russ?
thanks.
where can we buy the knobster?~?
Seems to be out of stock worldwide. The Covid pandemic has backlogged Elma the encoder manufacturer. So now the day April they will have a good stock back. There is a DIY option that can be inexpensively made from a Dual Encoder and an Arduino Nano. Let me know if you have basic soldering skills and I can help you make one.
Russ I am just starting up so what do I need.i have a lot of things at the moment. But not everything.
I have the same question. I’m a novice in sims and would love to get into building a sim but have no idea where to begin. Did you get an answer to your question? I wish I could find a book with a shopping list of needed items, software, etc.
Hey Russ...do you fly G A currently or are you out of the actual cockpit for good...
Cheers!
Currently no medical and since I was denied can’t do Basic Med. I should get a Class III but so far not willing to jump through the FAA hoops. I fly with my brother-in-law in his Comanche. I can’t say out for good but possibly.
Great video, great sim.....but did I not see info....... like a web site or something? I could have missed it
P Wells Did you watch the full last 30 seconds? Websites for all the key elements listed; an unconventional approach, but its there.
Waaw very intuitive. Beautiful cockpit . Have you ever tried VR ? this together with a haptic glove you can touch everything. 😊👍
Did you see the video I made ua-cam.com/video/mWfKkJdA8ZY/v-deo.html
Great video!!
Hi, what you think of Microsoft Flightsim 2020? :)
darnedghost2008 it looks very beautiful to the eye and if flies as well as it looks it will be awesome. I see it needs 50 Mbs bandwidth internet for Mac quality... not excited to need internet to use my sim but we will see.
@@rbarlow Thanks for your quick response :)
It would be awesome if you do a review of the FS2020 when it releases. Cool with somebody with your experience and hear your thoughts.
But oculus also comes with controllers that does the same thing essentially but I like the leak motion I don't have to hold onto any other controllers
So many questions Russ. Where do we get the Knobster from? And what graphic card do you use to get three 50inch screens running and at what resolution? Thanks
Realised there was a url given and subscribed. Be interested in the other question though.
Three 50(actually 49”) screens run at 1920 x 1080 each and a touch screen 1920 x 1080 all in my gtx1070 gpu.
I will provide info on where to buy the kit and DIY instructions in a week or two. Subscribe to this channel to be the first to know. You can also sign upon the mailing list at
www.theknobster.com
Russ Barlow thanks.
Russ Barlow Not sure I could live with 4k screens running at 1920x1080. They would look quite pixelated.
Russ Barlow I’m a new subscriber to you feed and have become a huge fan. I’m getting ready to build a sim cockpit (around ~$4k I think) and want to start with a solid PC to dedicate to X-Plane 11. I plan to follow your model with 3 screens and a touch panel.
I didn’t see where you posted the DIY you mentioned above and am hopeful you can point me to it or tell my about you PC hardware?
Fantastic work and I appreciate your sharing these videos - something for others to strive for.
Best- MM
Russ Barlow is on the staff of Air Manager, so I guess he would tend to give the product a plug...…….
Suzanne Smith I have never received any compensation for my work from Sim Innovations (Air Manager). I am retired and liked what they are doing with the product and have helped them out spending my own money and time to travel to shows and build compatible software & products. Only recently they offered me a $5 per unit royalty on my Knobster idea which they now market. Although their website hasn’t been updated I have served in no official position with Sim Innovations for about two years. When I started helping they had no funds to pay me anyway. That being said I still love what you can do with Air Manager.
@@rbarlow I apologize for my comment. It was said in haste as I saw you listed on the staff of Air Manager. It was also said before I checked out all the other videos you've done. Very impressive work. Don't know if you noticed, but I did comment very favorably on one of your other ones, after I wrote the above comment. Your videos are of excellent quality with a wealth of information for simmers, and I've been going through them eagerly. So, again, please accept my apology and keep up the great work!
Suzanne Smith no offense taken. I just wanted to explain my connection to Sim Innovations. Thanks for the comment.
How much is this simulator
Russ, this is great. I would like to know all the particulars. Will this run onan xbox series x? What hardware are you using like the throttle quads and all.
What ipads are you using? Thanks for the vid. I got my private in 1970 in Honolulu, x country's to Maui. Dont think I could pass a class 3 now (72).
I have been exploring the FS on xbox. It also has audio atc whick I love. Thanks again.//John in Oregon
Unfortunately Xbox has limitations a PC doesn’t. You can’t use third party plugins like Air Manager and many others unless it comes from the MS store. Do far there is no Simvonnect support. Also no VR support. You can only use hardware that MS includes support for. The whole thing is somewhat “sandboxed” so it isn’t easy for developers to interact with. For a basic sim experience Xbox is amazing for the cost of entry. None of the currently available Xbox yokes/ flight sticks/rudders /quadrants are very good. Hopefully Honeycomb’s Xbox compatible products will come soon.
@@rbarlow Thanks for getting back to me, I have heard much the same but you are the first person I have seen so advanced in building a cockpit.
I will continue to track your vids untill I learn the best way to go. I am convinced the G1000 has to be part of it though and I have only seen an introductory vid of it.
Thanks for your channel. I will be watching with gratitude. //ji
@@rbarlow OK, after re-reading this several times, do you have a system component group you would reccomend?
Frankly, I would rather use a pc anyway, I just have no idea what components I need. Thanks again for any info on this.
I have built several systems but not with a simulator in mind but I could. Would your pc have to be connected to the internet during operations?
Can you still use atc like in MS FS ? // John in Oregon
@@Rubin5342 currently MS FS doesn't support multiple monitor with geometrically accurate views. You can stretch the output across three monitors using nVidia surround but to looks bad toward the outer edges. MSFS promises this in the future though. X-Pane can do it all now, WATCH THESE VIDEOS AND SEE IF THEY HELP
ua-cam.com/video/ZOdI__BMat4/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/vZfz2qisJ40/v-deo.html Feel free to ask questions after watching the videos
@@rbarlow Rodger, doin it now than, you. //ji
Awesome 👏
Thanks 🤗