thank you very much. We will add 3-4 button.power on/off,osd menu,many options that pilots can change in osd menu.and long usb cable.aha maybe power on logo.
To be honest this is exactly what I am looking for and I will be buying a set once funds permit. Great review and looks like a solid product. Should both be proud/happy.
To solve your DCS monitor-on-the-left issue, you need to do the following: - tell windows your MFDs are below the main DCS screen. - set the main DCS screen as your main/primary windows display in windows settings - set the DCS resolution to the width of your main display and the combined height. Because your have specified a window/Resolution size the exact width of your primary display, DCS will place its window correctly on the main display and the two MFDs, leaving your left screen open. It has some simple logic about including your main display if you create a "column" or "row" configuration. In your case, you create a "column" of the width of your main display and that allows you to exclude the left. Source: endless testing while developing Helios 1.6
@@samurai1-18 let me know if you got it to work. Here's a very long winded explanation of the four different ways DCS places its window (that I know of.) ua-cam.com/video/ioC2TlrWYH8/v-deo.html
Just got two of the screens for an F16/F18 setup and they are friggin' amazing. The displays now have a power switch on them and the new cables are plenty long enough. Great product!
Today in the office I was searching the DCS forums for small LCD screens to fit into the Cougar MFDs. When I came home and started UA-cam I saw you made a video about what I was looking for. What a coincidence :) I'm really tempted to buy these screens but got to wait for a month or two as I just bought a VPC throttle and stick.
I have 3 of these and I agree completely with Samurai - they're awesome. The power thing bugged me too so I ran them to a separate power strip that allows me to power them down. The Cube Sim "Dude" is incredibly responsive and helpful! Great review.
I have them also. They are great. The guy who produces them is a supper friendly person. Thank you Mister CubeSim. Thanks for the nononse video Samurai 1-1.
Imagine using this in Elite Dangerous or Star Citizen to watch what your fighter pilot is looking at, what your gunners are shooting at, watching your cargo bay camera for invaders, or watch what your ship robot arm/mining drill is looking at. The immersion would be too much to want to stop playing. 😍
Yes we need to find MFD's for Star Citizen, Game Glass is as close as we get... for now. And game glass announced on their roadmap a bi-directional control in their API so that if for example you change your power triangle in ship it will change it on the MFD, if you change you landing gear, VTOL it will change on game glass too. For now this is one way. I would love to have a physical MFD though that could detect it.
Thanks for the review, I've ordered a pair. Straight forward so far through Paypal. I'll update accordingly. One thing about Paypal, Visa wasn't happy about the transaction. Direct from bank account worked fine. I was actually planning on building a couple of these myself, this Cubesim purchase is probably going to save me money based on the BoM price.
Have had Cougar Mfds for a while now. I used to export both displays to a spare monitor which was great but not immersive enough with both being right next to each other. I have since built a physical cockpit so these are exactly what I need. So glad I came across this review and will be ordering as soon as funds allow.
I’ve been looking like this for flying the A10C in DCS, just getting the cougar button boxes om their own doesn’t appeal to me because like mentioned I’d have to look at the screen, the box, then the screen again. But finding the right screens for this size is hard. Thank you for sharing I think you just earned him another customer
Huge thanks for this, I’ve been looking at them over a while and I’ve even opened a forum post in DCS asking if anyone had heard about them a few months ago. Always extremely weary about purchasing things from Facebook ads, as normally they turn out to be garbage. BUT it looks like that’s not the case here, so I think it’s time to get back into contact with Cubesim. They did do a rather intresting mount for the 3 MFDs together so you can get a proper F18 avionics setup, which really takes my fancy
Yeah, I was a bit wary as well, but I've heard from SO MANY people who've had such a good experience with them, so I'd say the risk of a bad experience is low. I'm tempted by the holder as well...
Thank you so much for this! great review of the product while answering some of the questions I had around DCS screen setup, all in less than 10 mins!!
EDIT 2022-04-25: I wanted to update this comment stating that I have received my screens after 8 months. I have not yet tested but all look to be in good order. These screens look great and I ordered them after watching this glowing review. Unfortunately, I have been waiting for these to arrive for 6 months now, and CubeSim continues to push back the ship date stating a new issue each time. I would not recommend purchasing these screens due to shipping times. I think by now there are a few alternatives that you can choose from that ship in a timely manner and have more secure storefronts. In my case, I've surpassed the PayPal protection time limit and cannot receive a refund. So I'm kind of at his mercy.
@@Holytoledo86 update: I’ve been advised that these are shipping soon. So fingers crossed. As far as DIY alternatives: Check out the CLAA070MA0ACW 4:3 screen. They’re on aliexpress. You can use these to make your own screen + enclosure. I’ve not personally done it, but I’ve seen a lot of pit builders use these for MFD screens and even Apache TEDAC screens. I just got two of them to mess with but haven’t started yet.
@@Spiniker0056 Thank you for the advice. The problem I have is I am limited on HDMI outputs on my Graphics Card. Just two. So I may go with USB monitors.
@@Holytoledo86 Of course! Yes, this is something I am also wondering about, and why I was interested in USB screens in the first place. If you have a DisplayPort 1.4 on your graphics card, you may be able to use something called multi-stream transport (MST). It allows you to output multiple screens via an MST hub. There are some bandwidth limitations, but given the screens are 800x600, you're not passing much data at all. The possible benefit of using an MST hub is that the MFD screens are coming straight from your graphics card and not via a USB cable. This should technically lead to smoother framerates. But I have not personally tested MST, so don't make purchases based on the statement above. I am planning on testing both CubeSims screens (if they arrive) and the AliExpress screens to see which leads to the best picture and performance in-game. I'll probably put a post together on the ED forums if I can get some good conclusions 😀
Thrustmaster Cougar??? Another candid review of a product thanks. It's my hope that you continue to tell it like it is, and you have no issues making a error and being vocal about it!! It's a learning curve for all.😎
If you are okay with a soldering iron just get a switch and a usb extension, carefully remove the shielding in the middle of the extension and cut the red wire in two, strip the ends and solder the ends to the switch. Put it into a small case and you have an adapter with an on off switch. For my Hog pit I’m building I went one further and wired them into one of the contact bank of relays I’m using for my pit power... so when I flip the battery switch it sends power to the relays and sends power to the various devices. Actually it’s an Arduino that sends power out sequentially to stop any big surge of power... and looks pretty cool too.
Thank you for posting this video! I placed an order with CubeSim after watching it. They will be shipping the upgraded version (longer USB cable, on/off button, and some OSD features) in a couple of weeks.
It’s a good idea but they seem rather expensive. When I bought my MFD Cougars I was surprised it was so difficult to find reasonably priced screens of the right size. I made up some clips to fix them to the lower right hand corner of my service screen which is a workable alternative. Once you’ve found out which DCS LUA files to change it’s just a matter of trial and error to get the right coordinates.
Ordered and paid for these after watching this review 18th Aug 2021... it is now 27th Oct 2021, still no equipment. I have been told 3 times that they will be shipping soon. Think very long and hard before handing your money over for these. I have now contact Paypal about the matter.
Great review! You tone and talking speed make it a very good watch, never dull or boring! Btw: Believe it or not, you can buy USB on/off switches anywhere ...
This looks very interesting, do they display other colors than the green-on-black in your video? Eg. the BMS TGP needs greyscale, some moving-maps would need a full set of colors
Hi Samurai, can you make a quick video regarding what are your preferences for DCS F16C roadmap? A poll has been just released (july 24th letter). So we can vote accordingly!
Are all "CubeSim" MFDs the same (Cougar)? I know the ones on the Facebook group look the same, but there's also a CubeSim site with the cn domain, and Aliexpress has several Cubesims (priced differently from different vendors). I imagine the LCD is generic, but it still need to fit/mount properly to the button/joystick bezel? As far as game integration, how does DCS handle multiple-displays? For example, if you only have one CubeSim, How does it output the MFD/MPD that you want onto that monitor? I'm interested in tinkering in the AH-64D Apache cockpit... coding and firing rockets/guns, etc! All that is done one one display, right?
Samurai, what are your specs and main monitor resolutions? I've never extracted displays before and I'm very tempted by this product, but some guys in my squadron say that extracting displays in DCS can disable gsync or cause issues with 4k. Are you an Nvidia gsync user or 4k flyer? That might be a deal breaker for me if gsync can't go.
@@samurai1-18 Thanks for the reply Samurai. I have a few other questions. Do any of the post processing effects transfer over to the MFD extraction? For example if I'm flying a night mission and I put the NVGs on do the extracted MFDs go out of focus like in the sim? Or how about the day/night setting even without NVG? If I'm flying a night mission where my ANPCD mini map is too bright to read for day setting, and I turn it to night setting for in the sim, can you still read the night settung MFD sitting on your desk, or does it become annoying to read in it's dim state if I'm in a room with normal brightness? Thanks.
I was looking into getting these. But sadly they are backed up almost a month. I just decided to make my own. They came out great and way less than if it were with CUBESIM. Now I understand your paying for the work and convenience and definitely believe they have a quality product, but for those who are DIY I would recommend building your own as you will save a good amount of money. Via Cubesim your looking at spending $360 dollars for screens, plus 150 to 200 for cougars for a total of $510- 560 Bucks. I was able to get my Cougars for $150 and paid $200 for IPS high res screens for a total of $350. I dont want anyone to think I am Knocking CUBESIM as the cost of there product does make sense. This is more for those who cannot pay 500 and prefer 350. Otherwise I think either would be a great setup to have for the DCS sim pit.
I have, but I will say that with the screens in, the hinges of the stand will only go to 90 degrees -- if you want them "angled up" you will need to prop them up (thus the lego in my video :-D)
From what i understand what you are saying, the video signal comes from a standar usb port? Not from the graphic card itself? It is not, like plugging extra monitors to the graphic card. Am i correct?
Great video , was looking for just this, I bought 3 4x3 screens , they stick out and I don’t like it, that’s before this video. How does one get in contact with cubesim to order 3 of these along with extrusion kit to mount them on without going to Facebook. I don’t do Facebook would greatly appreciate your help. Many thanks in advance.
They look AWSOME. But are they so dark for you? They look dark in your video Or is that just how your plane displayed? I run the a10 and use the thermals alot
Awesome! I have been trying to find something like this for a while now. I will purchase and install it soon. As far as powering them down, could you just use the power switch for the individual screens on your USB hub?
does the 4 mounting screw holes go clean through the screens? reason i ask is my 2 TM MFD's are mounted to 2 monstertech mounts and thats how they work with a screw through the device and a nut on the other end. been thinking of picking up a pair of these ,but need to know first if they will work with my mounting solution.
How about input lag? I tried the "poor man's version" via a screen extension app on my old android pad. The lua tinkering was a bit offputting, but i got it to work eventually. But i soon realised some sort of input lag, for lack of better words. For example slewing the TDC was just a tiny bit langing behind. Enough for me to shelf it anyway. So is everything silky smooth with this displays? Additionally: Do you have a rough idea about how much fps you lose? I m already at the edge with my system. Cheerio
Hey pal. Good question -- I noticed no input lag at all on the screens, and I noticed no output lag between the jet in-sim and the screens. I also didn't notice an FPS hit, but I have a pretty beefy system...
Hi Samurai, did you have an issue with performance running these? I have ordered and found that I have to run a screen resolution of 6240 x 2160 to make the .lua file to work. This tanks my FPS.....what did you find?
So the screens are complete, it just plug them in and set them up for DCS or BMS? There is no soldering needed? as I have been further investigating and it is a little undclear.
That's a really nice piece of hardware. But honestly I'm really glad to have sticked with VR. Yes the resolution is low on the CV1, but the ability to bind the 2 zoom leves to my hotas and to lean closer to the tv screen on the su-25t made me happy with it. Still, that's a really nice setup.
Love how you wanna go real cockpit as much as possible and then use 50 colors of lego to set it up 😂😉 All joking aside, great review and looks epic man!
Pretty sure you will now be the COD on my death certificate...The missus is gonna murder me when I order 3 of these in the very near future. Great channel! But I my be going blind, where is the link for the forum post about adjusting the mfd lettering? The latest update made them unreadable on my second monitor :(
Will screens on the MFD require additional GPU power to render? I mean, will it add to the monitor resolution by whatever resolution each MFDs have? I would want these screens, but don't know if my graphics card can take it.
ULTIMATELY, what we REALLY need is a TOUCHSCREEN MONITOR...but that probably wouldn't work will considering the screen resolution. Otherwise, someone at Thrustmaster, would need to build a HOTAS with dual (or Tri) MFD specifically designed to work in DCS... Even at $1000 for the set it would be worth it - especially if they squeezed in the Pedals.
Can you tell me how much it costs to buy two mfd sets in the video? Cubesim's Facebook page said backboards and holders should be purchased separately for $30 each. Did you buy one mfd set of video for 180 dollars per backboard and holder? Or did you buy it for 120 dollars?
Very good review, of a little known product ... makes me glad to have subscribed to your channel. Didn't saw this on ED Forum, you should by all means open a thread there to showcase this video :)
If you are just wanting the MFD's to be next to each other you can buy a 1080p USB 15 inch monitor and do what I did. Export the mfd screens just like Samurai 1-1 did to the USB monitor and then i put double sided tape on the back of the cougar MFD's and bam! I had the same setup. I think i bought the screen for 180 bucks at MicroCenter and it has served me well. Now, if you don't want the screens side by side then this is a great option.
@@samurai1-18 There is a way to overwrite the hud font, in the overall font lua, hud font is the font as MFD, just need to create a separate font for hud by copy the mfd font and modify the thickness and assigned it to hud.
The TM cougars are the most underrated and cheap bit of kit to increase immersion, especially in VR you just place them in the (vaguely) right place (the desk) and I use them every time I fly F16, f18, a10c or harrier.
You can configure DCS to work with second monitor on the side, problem is you won't be able to use it during gameplay, because it will be all black. I have my DCS configured like that, simply in lua file in "Center" section you have to define begining of the game display on second monitor. If you have two 1920x1080 monitor (MFCDs doesn't matter at this point) in "center" section set x=1920.
I see that Cubesim supplies the .LUA for DCS , did you use these in DCS > seems simple with the .lua provided. Please comment, sounds like you got some special help ? Looks great.
@@samurai1-18 search for the helios software on the dcs forums. its normally used for pitbuilders for instrument and display extraction. since the mfd's can be natively displayed, only the lua file needs to be adjusted. in the helios software you can do that in a graphic way. then you hit update and it updates the necessary lua file for you. not need to run the software after that if you dont use other instruments. looks complicated at first, actually isn't.
@@nighteyes2010 hey Tim I bought these DDIS but as yet to get them to work properly can you assist via voice call discord or Teamspeak which ever will work for you
Any idea how these would work with the JF-17 screens? In DCS, I fly F/A-18, F-16, AV-8B, and the JF-17, but the Jeff screens are a bit larger ipad-like. The only thing that has kept me from purchasing is the utility of them with swapping aircraft.
I know it's a bit late reply but things are out of stock these days anyway and there is still no comparable product.. If you guys look at the Jeff screens the information on the bottom is usually not that important than the one on the top. So I decided to cut the screen in half, displaying only the upper half on my external display. If there is really a need to look at the 2nd half (e. g. to check alignment), I look down in the cockpit. Besides that, radar, HSI or pod screens can be easily exported. With the OSBs I did the same. Map the one from top and bottom 1:1 and the upper 5 left and right to the cougars. Works absolutely perfect and better than building a custom solution for only that plane. I'm exporting displays for F14,16,18,JF17,AV8B and FC3s. KA50 is the only one I'd say it's a bit weird.
I would recommend that you buy a usb switch with power buttons for every output. I have one like that and they are really useful. Hotas and pedals are wired to it and I can turn off the devices and power them down without having to unplug and replug. all the time. And for your screen configuration process I would suggest that you get Displayfusion. Then you can have different profiles with how you have all monitors arranged. One profile with your monitor below on one and to enable it you just right click on the logo at the taskbar and pick your profile!
@samurai 1-1 Hello there :) I noticed your main screen is G-Sync which I assume it has refresh rate higher than 60Hz. I also have G-Sync monitor with refresh rate 144Hz. Did you notice if after installing the MFDs (and flying in DCS) your refresh rate on the main screen dropped to 60Hz as the entire setup works as a single 'big' screen? I wanna buy this product but I don't want to give up the high refresh rate on my main screen. I will submit an order if it keeps the high refresh rate on my main screen :D
@@dcs.specialk thank you for your reply. I don't have issue at the moment. I have one main screen (Gsync) and it works properly. I wonder if adding more displays, like the MFD cubesim displays, might downgrade the refresh rate of the main screen to 60Hz. Any idea?
Over $500 CDN for a pair of small screens is too rich for my blood. I can just put them both on an 11.6 " screen for less than $100, which is still expensive when you consider the cost of a 24" 1080p monitor, that could also be used. No power button for the screens and a short cable? For that price, they need to be perfect and at least have a warranty. Also, BMS has an MFD extractor built in?! Why in the hell does DCS not have that by now then?? Still having to fiddle with .lua files. Ridiculous.
@@samurai1-18 I like that you're posting these, but these are very expensive for what you're getting. How are they better than an 11.6" screen (which fits 2 cougar MFDs perfectly and costs $400 less)? That comparison would make this more useful.
>Just an idea. Have you tried to give the utility monitor( most left) negative position values? Or alter your monitor lua file in adding the number of lateral pixels of your left display to the numbers of your main monitors x-position and mfds x-positions. So if your main game monitor is called "Center", then next would be to check if "UIMainView = Viewports.Center" and "GU_MAIN_VIEWPORT = Viewports.Center" in your lua. Maybe give it a try.
I didn't find the lua files and native display export for DCS that difficult at all to decipher, and I'm just an electronic tech with a very light programming background. In fact, using BMS made it even easier, as it gave me the pixel coordinates of the windows on the secondary screen which I then just plugged directly into the lua file.
Gadget... interesting but glancing down w track ir? Way back I used a usb tablet for a mfd on falcon 4 but when I finally got a track ir it made it look like a distraction while recording game video.
Samurai 1-1 would you mind posting in game video of it during one of your campaign missions? I would be interested in seeing it in action. Thanks again for this video I knew nothing about this product until your video.
Just use powered USB hubs that has a power button. I use powered USB hubs for my whole sim setup. That way the VR headset, Warthog, and MFDs are only on when I use the sim.
thank you very much. We will add 3-4 button.power on/off,osd menu,many options that pilots can change in osd menu.and long usb cable.aha maybe power on logo.
You're welcome!
There you go, folks -- straight from the man himself!
To be honest this is exactly what I am looking for and I will be buying a set once funds permit. Great review and looks like a solid product. Should both be proud/happy.
once you add these few fixes I will also be buying a set, they look to be exactly what I'm after. do you have an email mailing list @cubesim ?
Not having displays is waht held me back from buying those MFDs. Where are you selling these? Amazon? It's hard to find a place to buy these.
Have them available on amazon. I will want to get a set !
To solve your DCS monitor-on-the-left issue, you need to do the following:
- tell windows your MFDs are below the main DCS screen.
- set the main DCS screen as your main/primary windows display in windows settings
- set the DCS resolution to the width of your main display and the combined height.
Because your have specified a window/Resolution size the exact width of your primary display, DCS will place its window correctly on the main display and the two MFDs, leaving your left screen open. It has some simple logic about including your main display if you create a "column" or "row" configuration. In your case, you create a "column" of the width of your main display and that allows you to exclude the left.
Source: endless testing while developing Helios 1.6
I'm SO trying this. Thanks!
@@samurai1-18 Did this solution work for you?
@@samurai1-18 let me know if you got it to work. Here's a very long winded explanation of the four different ways DCS places its window (that I know of.) ua-cam.com/video/ioC2TlrWYH8/v-deo.html
Just a heads up for everybody: The solution works like a charm, just remember to adjust the cubesim.lua file accordingly.
Just got two of the screens for an F16/F18 setup and they are friggin' amazing. The displays now have a power switch on them and the new cables are plenty long enough. Great product!
Today in the office I was searching the DCS forums for small LCD screens to fit into the Cougar MFDs. When I came home and started UA-cam I saw you made a video about what I was looking for. What a coincidence :)
I'm really tempted to buy these screens but got to wait for a month or two as I just bought a VPC throttle and stick.
I've got something to admit: I was reading your mind while you were at work :-D
I have 3 of these and I agree completely with Samurai - they're awesome. The power thing bugged me too so I ran them to a separate power strip that allows me to power them down. The Cube Sim "Dude" is incredibly responsive and helpful! Great review.
Yeah, CubeSim guy is awesome...
Awww, come on mate, cut it out. I am trying to save money over here!
Sorry pal!!! :-D
lol
Print the enclosures yourself on a 3d printer.
@@theeltea what? You want me to buy a 3d printer too? :D :D
@@pegasus3880 I just used my local 3d fab shop. uploaded online and they were ready next day
I have them also. They are great. The guy who produces them is a supper friendly person. Thank you Mister CubeSim. Thanks for the nononse video Samurai 1-1.
Yeah, he's super-helpful, isn't he! Good customer service is always important...
Imagine using this in Elite Dangerous or Star Citizen to watch what your fighter pilot is looking at, what your gunners are shooting at, watching your cargo bay camera for invaders, or watch what your ship robot arm/mining drill is looking at. The immersion would be too much to want to stop playing. 😍
Yes we need to find MFD's for Star Citizen, Game Glass is as close as we get... for now. And game glass announced on their roadmap a bi-directional control in their API so that if for example you change your power triangle in ship it will change it on the MFD, if you change you landing gear, VTOL it will change on game glass too. For now this is one way. I would love to have a physical MFD though that could detect it.
Thanks for the review, I've ordered a pair. Straight forward so far through Paypal. I'll update accordingly. One thing about Paypal, Visa wasn't happy about the transaction. Direct from bank account worked fine. I was actually planning on building a couple of these myself, this Cubesim purchase is probably going to save me money based on the BoM price.
Nice
Have had Cougar Mfds for a while now. I used to export both displays to a spare monitor which was great but not immersive enough with both being right next to each other. I have since built a physical cockpit so these are exactly what I need.
So glad I came across this review and will be ordering as soon as funds allow.
Very cool!
Great review! Recently subbed, been really enjoying the contents, looking forward to more!
More to come!
I’ve been looking like this for flying the A10C in DCS, just getting the cougar button boxes om their own doesn’t appeal to me because like mentioned I’d have to look at the screen, the box, then the screen again. But finding the right screens for this size is hard.
Thank you for sharing I think you just earned him another customer
Huge thanks for this, I’ve been looking at them over a while and I’ve even opened a forum post in DCS asking if anyone had heard about them a few months ago. Always extremely weary about purchasing things from Facebook ads, as normally they turn out to be garbage. BUT it looks like that’s not the case here, so I think it’s time to get back into contact with Cubesim. They did do a rather intresting mount for the 3 MFDs together so you can get a proper F18 avionics setup, which really takes my fancy
Yeah, I was a bit wary as well, but I've heard from SO MANY people who've had such a good experience with them, so I'd say the risk of a bad experience is low. I'm tempted by the holder as well...
Thank you so much for this!
great review of the product while answering some of the questions I had around DCS screen setup, all in less than 10 mins!!
EDIT 2022-04-25: I wanted to update this comment stating that I have received my screens after 8 months. I have not yet tested but all look to be in good order.
These screens look great and I ordered them after watching this glowing review. Unfortunately, I have been waiting for these to arrive for 6 months now, and CubeSim continues to push back the ship date stating a new issue each time. I would not recommend purchasing these screens due to shipping times. I think by now there are a few alternatives that you can choose from that ship in a timely manner and have more secure storefronts. In my case, I've surpassed the PayPal protection time limit and cannot receive a refund. So I'm kind of at his mercy.
Thx, steering clear.
Any idea what the alternatives are?
@@Holytoledo86 update: I’ve been advised that these are shipping soon. So fingers crossed.
As far as DIY alternatives: Check out the CLAA070MA0ACW 4:3 screen. They’re on aliexpress. You can use these to make your own screen + enclosure. I’ve not personally done it, but I’ve seen a lot of pit builders use these for MFD screens and even Apache TEDAC screens.
I just got two of them to mess with but haven’t started yet.
@@Spiniker0056 Thank you for the advice. The problem I have is I am limited on HDMI outputs on my Graphics Card. Just two. So I may go with USB monitors.
@@Holytoledo86 Of course! Yes, this is something I am also wondering about, and why I was interested in USB screens in the first place.
If you have a DisplayPort 1.4 on your graphics card, you may be able to use something called multi-stream transport (MST). It allows you to output multiple screens via an MST hub. There are some bandwidth limitations, but given the screens are 800x600, you're not passing much data at all. The possible benefit of using an MST hub is that the MFD screens are coming straight from your graphics card and not via a USB cable. This should technically lead to smoother framerates.
But I have not personally tested MST, so don't make purchases based on the statement above. I am planning on testing both CubeSims screens (if they arrive) and the AliExpress screens to see which leads to the best picture and performance in-game. I'll probably put a post together on the ED forums if I can get some good conclusions
😀
Thrustmaster Cougar??? Another candid review of a product thanks. It's my hope that you continue to tell it like it is, and you have no issues making a error and being vocal about it!! It's a learning curve for all.😎
Yeah, I make all kinds of stupid mistakes! But nobody is perfect...
@@samurai1-18 what's a thrustmaster Cougar? I have the FCS system. To me I'm learning to the does and don'ts
www.thrustmaster.com/products/mfd-cougar-pack
If you are okay with a soldering iron just get a switch and a usb extension, carefully remove the shielding in the middle of the extension and cut the red wire in two, strip the ends and solder the ends to the switch. Put it into a small case and you have an adapter with an on off switch.
For my Hog pit I’m building I went one further and wired them into one of the contact bank of relays I’m using for my pit power... so when I flip the battery switch it sends power to the relays and sends power to the various devices. Actually it’s an Arduino that sends power out sequentially to stop any big surge of power... and looks pretty cool too.
Hog pit? Needs pictures! :-D
Really cool, I have to say prior to me switching to VR I would have ordered them before the video had ended😀👍
Cool! They are really good!
Thank you for posting this video! I placed an order with CubeSim after watching it. They will be shipping the upgraded version (longer USB cable, on/off button, and some OSD features) in a couple of weeks.
Good choice!
It’s a good idea but they seem rather expensive. When I bought my MFD Cougars I was surprised it was so difficult to find reasonably priced screens of the right size. I made up some clips to fix them to the lower right hand corner of my service screen which is a workable alternative.
Once you’ve found out which DCS LUA files to change it’s just a matter of trial and error to get the right coordinates.
Thanks
Does that work with msfs ?
Great review thank you I ordered a set and the process was a little strange however great customer service. Mine will be here soon.
Hope you enjoy it!
can't find the order button on the web page
Ordered and paid for these after watching this review 18th Aug 2021... it is now 27th Oct 2021, still no equipment. I have been told 3 times that they will be shipping soon. Think very long and hard before handing your money over for these. I have now contact Paypal about the matter.
Ahaha the Lego stand, great job!
3:42 You have Corona😏
Lego FTW! And yes...I do.
I love the LEGO! Beer is bad tho haha
I think I will be purchasing these. Great write up...my only concern is getting them to work properly in DCS, and a few other flight simulators.
I'll be honest: DCS doesn't make it easy or intuitive. I think somebody needs to do what Falcon MFD Extractor does for BMS...
Great review! You tone and talking speed make it a very good watch, never dull or boring!
Btw: Believe it or not, you can buy USB on/off switches anywhere ...
Yeah, my next step is a switchable USB hub...
I also have a pair of these and can agree with everything Samurai says. These would have to be the best purchase I've made for sim gear.
Cool!
This looks very interesting, do they display other colors than the green-on-black in your video? Eg. the BMS TGP needs greyscale, some moving-maps would need a full set of colors
They are green on black only because I fly the F-18C hornet in the video. They are true windows monitors with a full colour set...
Hi Samurai, can you make a quick video regarding what are your preferences for DCS F16C roadmap? A poll has been just released (july 24th letter). So we can vote accordingly!
I can...
Samurai 1-1 Thank You Very Much!!!
Are all "CubeSim" MFDs the same (Cougar)? I know the ones on the Facebook group look the same, but there's also a CubeSim site with the cn domain, and Aliexpress has several Cubesims (priced differently from different vendors). I imagine the LCD is generic, but it still need to fit/mount properly to the button/joystick bezel?
As far as game integration, how does DCS handle multiple-displays? For example, if you only have one CubeSim, How does it output the MFD/MPD that you want onto that monitor?
I'm interested in tinkering in the AH-64D Apache cockpit... coding and firing rockets/guns, etc! All that is done one one display, right?
Awesome Review!!! You’ve just improved my quality of life
Glad I could help!
Wow. Great review. I might have to get them. I have wanted screens in mine for the longest time.
You should!
Some humans amaze me with the amount of knowledge they are able to obtain and understand! You could put on inline on/off switch.
Thanks!
Hi, nice MFDs, are suitable also for DCS F16C? Are multicolor screens or just green scale?
Samurai, what are your specs and main monitor resolutions? I've never extracted displays before and I'm very tempted by this product, but some guys in my squadron say that extracting displays in DCS can disable gsync or cause issues with 4k. Are you an Nvidia gsync user or 4k flyer? That might be a deal breaker for me if gsync can't go.
I have a GSync monitor and fly in 4k -- never had problems with either...
@@samurai1-18 Thanks for the reply Samurai. I have a few other questions. Do any of the post processing effects transfer over to the MFD extraction? For example if I'm flying a night mission and I put the NVGs on do the extracted MFDs go out of focus like in the sim?
Or how about the day/night setting even without NVG? If I'm flying a night mission where my ANPCD mini map is too bright to read for day setting, and I turn it to night setting for in the sim, can you still read the night settung MFD sitting on your desk, or does it become annoying to read in it's dim state if I'm in a room with normal brightness?
Thanks.
I was looking into getting these. But sadly they are backed up almost a month. I just decided to make my own. They came out great and way less than if it were with CUBESIM. Now I understand your paying for the work and convenience and definitely believe they have a quality product, but for those who are DIY I would recommend building your own as you will save a good amount of money. Via Cubesim your looking at spending $360 dollars for screens, plus 150 to 200 for cougars for a total of $510- 560 Bucks. I was able to get my Cougars for $150 and paid $200 for IPS high res screens for a total of $350. I dont want anyone to think I am Knocking CUBESIM as the cost of there product does make sense. This is more for those who cannot pay 500 and prefer 350. Otherwise I think either would be a great setup to have for the DCS sim pit.
Parts List? Which Screens did you use, etc.
Greatly appreciated the website information, I love the variety of items to purchase. Thanks
You are so welcome!
Samurai, did you get the backboard and back board holder too? I see that they are $30 each too, so that would make each MFD $180.
I didn't...
bought from Cube too. Stellar work! Thanks for the review.
Glad you like it!
Do you have the screens mounted in the stands that the cougars come with? I just ordered 3 thanks to your recommendation.
I have, but I will say that with the screens in, the hinges of the stand will only go to 90 degrees -- if you want them "angled up" you will need to prop them up (thus the lego in my video :-D)
From what i understand what you are saying, the video signal comes from a standar usb port? Not from the graphic card itself? It is not, like plugging extra monitors to the graphic card.
Am i correct?
That's right -- windows has drivers for the USB which takes video, so no need to plug into the video card -- just straight into a USB...
Oh wow you gained a ton of subs in like 1 week... awesome work
Thanks!
I fully agree with your comments on here as I have also taken the plunge and bought these screens too from the Dude and CubeSim. 👍
Awesome! You won't be disappointed...
Samurai 1-1 I’ve already got them and not disappointed at all... they’re fantastic
well done
thanks for the review.
Cubesim is truly remarkable and passionate about his work
Great video , was looking for just this, I bought 3 4x3 screens , they stick out and I don’t like it, that’s before this video. How does one get in contact with cubesim to order 3 of these along with extrusion kit to mount them on without going to Facebook. I don’t do Facebook would greatly appreciate your help. Many thanks in advance.
Glad I could help. His email address is zs29901837@gmail.com
They look AWSOME. But are they so dark for you? They look dark in your video Or is that just how your plane displayed? I run the a10 and use the thermals alot
They can be a bit dark some times...but I can always make out what they are presenting okay...
Awesome! I have been trying to find something like this for a while now. I will purchase and install it soon. As far as powering them down, could you just use the power switch for the individual screens on your USB hub?
does the 4 mounting screw holes go clean through the screens? reason i ask is my 2 TM MFD's are mounted to 2 monstertech mounts and thats how they work with a screw through the device and a nut on the other end.
been thinking of picking up a pair of these ,but need to know first if they will work with my mounting solution.
How about input lag? I tried the "poor man's version" via a screen extension app on my old android pad. The lua tinkering was a bit offputting, but i got it to work eventually. But i soon realised some sort of input lag, for lack of better words. For example slewing the TDC was just a tiny bit langing behind. Enough for me to shelf it anyway.
So is everything silky smooth with this displays?
Additionally: Do you have a rough idea about how much fps you lose? I m already at the edge with my system.
Cheerio
Hey pal. Good question -- I noticed no input lag at all on the screens, and I noticed no output lag between the jet in-sim and the screens. I also didn't notice an FPS hit, but I have a pretty beefy system...
@@samurai1-18 neat. thanks
Hello
Would you do a review of trackir 5? Or maybe a comparison vidoe with delan tracker?
I certainly can, although I can't right now as my Delanclip needs replacing...
@@samurai1-18 oh.
Well you can tell from experience then the differences.
Hi Samurai, did you have an issue with performance running these? I have ordered and found that I have to run a screen resolution of 6240 x 2160 to make the .lua file to work. This tanks my FPS.....what did you find?
Yeah, I did notice a bit of a performance hit. It's bound to happen; your GPU needs to push more pixels out the door in the end...
So the screens are complete, it just plug them in and set them up for DCS or BMS?
There is no soldering needed?
as I have been further investigating and it is a little undclear.
No soldering needed -- very plug and play...
@@samurai1-18 Great, thx for the info.
That's a really nice piece of hardware. But honestly I'm really glad to have sticked with VR. Yes the resolution is low on the CV1, but the ability to bind the 2 zoom leves to my hotas and to lean closer to the tv screen on the su-25t made me happy with it. Still, that's a really nice setup.
Fair enough!
Cubesim now has my business. I’ll be purchasing soon now I’ve seen this review. I’ve been looking for displays to use as MFCD’s also. Cheers
Love how you wanna go real cockpit as much as possible and then use 50 colors of lego to set it up 😂😉
All joking aside, great review and looks epic man!
These are frickin awesome! Thanks for the review!
Glad you like them!
Pretty sure you will now be the COD on my death certificate...The missus is gonna murder me when I order 3 of these in the very near future. Great channel! But I my be going blind, where is the link for the forum post about adjusting the mfd lettering? The latest update made them unreadable on my second monitor :(
DAMN! Just forgot to include the links! Sorry!!!
Hahaha no worries! But thanks for the great video!
Will screens on the MFD require additional GPU power to render? I mean, will it add to the monitor resolution by whatever resolution each MFDs have? I would want these screens, but don't know if my graphics card can take it.
They have discreet onboard GPUs, so run themselves.
Currently there's no way to get them to work with star citizen right?
ULTIMATELY, what we REALLY need is a TOUCHSCREEN MONITOR...but that probably wouldn't work will considering the screen resolution.
Otherwise, someone at Thrustmaster, would need to build a HOTAS with dual (or Tri) MFD specifically designed to work in DCS... Even at $1000 for the set it would be worth it - especially if they squeezed in the Pedals.
Can i use those screens if i already have a 3 monitor setup ?
Hi there, did you have any issues with the fans emitting high pitch noises?
Can you tell me how much it costs to buy two mfd sets in the video? Cubesim's Facebook page said backboards and holders should be purchased separately for $30 each. Did you buy one mfd set of video for 180 dollars per backboard and holder? Or did you buy it for 120 dollars?
I didn't buy the backboards, but I should have...
Very good review, of a little known product ... makes me glad to have subscribed to your channel. Didn't saw this on ED Forum, you should by all means open a thread there to showcase this video :)
Thanks. Yeah, I probably should post on the forums...
If you are just wanting the MFD's to be next to each other you can buy a 1080p USB 15 inch monitor and do what I did. Export the mfd screens just like Samurai 1-1 did to the USB monitor and then i put double sided tape on the back of the cougar MFD's and bam! I had the same setup. I think i bought the screen for 180 bucks at MicroCenter and it has served me well. Now, if you don't want the screens side by side then this is a great option.
Cool!
When you change font thickness, does that reflect on your hud too?
it does...
@@samurai1-18 There is a way to overwrite the hud font, in the overall font lua, hud font is the font as MFD, just need to create a separate font for hud by copy the mfd font and modify the thickness and assigned it to hud.
I used Lilliput touchscreens before I got VR. It was awesome! Nice to see an alternative.
Cool -- never heard of Lilliput. Are they good?
The TM cougars are the most underrated and cheap bit of kit to increase immersion, especially in VR you just place them in the (vaguely) right place (the desk) and I use them every time I fly F16, f18, a10c or harrier.
Cool! I must try VR
You can configure DCS to work with second monitor on the side, problem is you won't be able to use it during gameplay, because it will be all black. I have my DCS configured like that, simply in lua file in "Center" section you have to define begining of the game display on second monitor. If you have two 1920x1080 monitor (MFCDs doesn't matter at this point) in "center" section set x=1920.
Cool. Thanks!
These look fantastic! Can they be run off of an externally powered USB strip?
I’m sure they can...
@@samurai1-18 Thanks!
I see that Cubesim supplies the .LUA for DCS , did you use these in DCS > seems simple with the .lua provided. Please comment, sounds like you got some special help ?
Looks great.
ehhh, you know that with the helios software, you can actually set those lua files for dcs with just a few clicks right?
Whaaaat!?!?!
@@samurai1-18 search for the helios software on the dcs forums. its normally used for pitbuilders for instrument and display extraction. since the mfd's can be natively displayed, only the lua file needs to be adjusted. in the helios software you can do that in a graphic way. then you hit update and it updates the necessary lua file for you. not need to run the software after that if you dont use other instruments. looks complicated at first, actually isn't.
@@nighteyes2010 hey Tim I bought these DDIS but as yet to get them to work properly can you assist via voice call discord or Teamspeak which ever will work for you
Any idea how these would work with the JF-17 screens? In DCS, I fly F/A-18, F-16, AV-8B, and the JF-17, but the Jeff screens are a bit larger ipad-like. The only thing that has kept me from purchasing is the utility of them with swapping aircraft.
I was thinking about that the other day when I tried the JF-17. Not sure -- I will give it a go and report back...
I know it's a bit late reply but things are out of stock these days anyway and there is still no comparable product.. If you guys look at the Jeff screens the information on the bottom is usually not that important than the one on the top. So I decided to cut the screen in half, displaying only the upper half on my external display. If there is really a need to look at the 2nd half (e. g. to check alignment), I look down in the cockpit. Besides that, radar, HSI or pod screens can be easily exported. With the OSBs I did the same. Map the one from top and bottom 1:1 and the upper 5 left and right to the cougars. Works absolutely perfect and better than building a custom solution for only that plane. I'm exporting displays for F14,16,18,JF17,AV8B and FC3s. KA50 is the only one I'd say it's a bit weird.
(Not everyone is on Facebook!) You have a link?
Unfortunately I don't -- it's all they have I think...
AWESOME video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Will these work with Falcon Allied Force?..
I would recommend that you buy a usb switch with power buttons for every output. I have one like that and they are really useful. Hotas and pedals are wired to it and I can turn off the devices and power them down without having to unplug and replug. all the time.
And for your screen configuration process I would suggest that you get Displayfusion. Then you can have different profiles with how you have all monitors arranged. One profile with your monitor below on one and to enable it you just right click on the logo at the taskbar and pick your profile!
Wow --- SUPER helpful comment! Thanks man -- getting both today!
@samurai 1-1 Where did you save the lua file in DCS? Can you please help?
Is there a way to still do this or a better way now in May 2024?
Where can I buy them? I do not have facebook nor will I. I should have been specific.
Best to contact the chap directly via email in that case: zs29901837@gmail.com
@samurai 1-1
Hello there :)
I noticed your main screen is G-Sync which I assume it has refresh rate higher than 60Hz.
I also have G-Sync monitor with refresh rate 144Hz.
Did you notice if after installing the MFDs (and flying in DCS) your refresh rate on the main screen dropped to 60Hz as the entire setup works as a single 'big' screen? I wanna buy this product but I don't want to give up the high refresh rate on my main screen.
I will submit an order if it keeps the high refresh rate on my main screen :D
Have you tried disabling vsync? Had the same issues with other displays, vsync off solved the problem.
@@dcs.specialk thank you for your reply.
I don't have issue at the moment. I have one main screen (Gsync) and it works properly.
I wonder if adding more displays, like the MFD cubesim displays, might downgrade the refresh rate of the main screen to 60Hz. Any idea?
I have a 120 Hz main display and had those issues but they vanished with disabling vsync in DCS graphics settings.
Special K Cool, thank you!
^this^
Over $500 CDN for a pair of small screens is too rich for my blood. I can just put them both on an 11.6 " screen for less than $100, which is still expensive when you consider the cost of a 24" 1080p monitor, that could also be used. No power button for the screens and a short cable? For that price, they need to be perfect and at least have a warranty.
Also, BMS has an MFD extractor built in?! Why in the hell does DCS not have that by now then?? Still having to fiddle with .lua files. Ridiculous.
Okay...
@@samurai1-18 I like that you're posting these, but these are very expensive for what you're getting. How are they better than an 11.6" screen (which fits 2 cougar MFDs perfectly and costs $400 less)? That comparison would make this more useful.
Karl Hungus in case you didn’t notice, the appeal of the MFDs come with the individual buttons you can press.
Try doing that on your 1080p screen. Lol
TOp VIDEO ! must have
Thanks mate, just placed an order for two
You won't be sorry!
Hi Samurai / Cubesim...I dont use and wont use facebook, how can I get in touch please? Interested in these.....
I've just messaged him -- will find a way to put you in touch -- wait one...
Hey pal -- he's said email is best: zs29901837@gmail.com
Thx buddy
Those MFDs are friggin' awesome! Thanks for this!
Well it's been 5 months and nothing has turned up!
>Just an idea.
Have you tried to give the utility monitor( most left) negative position values? Or alter your monitor lua file in adding the number of lateral pixels of your left display to the numbers of your main monitors x-position and mfds x-positions. So if your main game monitor is called "Center", then next would be to check if "UIMainView = Viewports.Center" and "GU_MAIN_VIEWPORT = Viewports.Center" in your lua.
Maybe give it a try.
I haven't. I wouldn't even know how to do that?
Samurai 1-1 This should help explain how to get the numbers right in the LUA file. forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=4269827&postcount=7
I have the Two Thrustmater screens whats his website please
I didn't find the lua files and native display export for DCS that difficult at all to decipher, and I'm just an electronic tech with a very light programming background. In fact, using BMS made it even easier, as it gave me the pixel coordinates of the windows on the secondary screen which I then just plugged directly into the lua file.
I just got mine, and I am to the LUA oart, Any help would be great
Gadget... interesting but glancing down w track ir? Way back I used a usb tablet for a mfd on falcon 4 but when I finally got a track ir it made it look like a distraction while recording game video.
I like it...it certainly adds fidelity to the MFDs...
Samurai 1-1 would you mind posting in game video of it during one of your campaign missions? I would be interested in seeing it in action. Thanks again for this video I knew nothing about this product until your video.
Why not add a push button Power switch yourself Samurai? It wouldn't be hard. Or just buy USB power cords with switches already built in.
Great minds! Bought a new power bar with power switches...
You’re very good at this. As others have already said, great tone, pacing and overall presentation. My wallet doesn’t like you so much though 🤑
New mic? Sounds awesome.
Indeed! www.hyperxgaming.com/unitedkingdom/en/microphone/quadcast-gaming-microphone
Just use powered USB hubs that has a power button. I use powered USB hubs for my whole sim setup. That way the VR headset, Warthog, and MFDs are only on when I use the sim.
Ordered. Great idea! Thanks!
Great review thanks
Does USB CUBESIM affect FPS?
He Samurai. Has anyone else released an all around screen and button frame in one product with USB.
I do not do Facebook and want to purchase, so... what else you got CubeSim?
zs29901837@gmail.com is their email address
@@samurai1-18 Thanks - and I really enjoy the channel
@@FdxDad50 Great to hear!