Controlling the monitors behind the MIP

[vidarf]

This week, the monitors for my 737 MIP will arrive. two 19" widescreen and one 15". Any good ideas on how to be able to switch on and off those puppies? The adjustment knobs is not important, as I can reach them when I have to do adjustments, but for the "normal day operations" I would like to reach the on/off knobs.
I've fiddled around with an idea involving some mechanical linkage pushing on the knobs, but I would love to toss the question into the arena and get some feedback.

How do you do it? I could allways let the monitors be in soft stand-by mode, but that's really not a good idea. Fire hazard over time, shorter lifespan, power usage and so on...

[carlos hermida]

Hi Vidarf,

I have all of my TFT's connected to one APC surge protector with switch (think that all models came with it) , so when i am out i power off this switch and of course all goes off. By the way i have all my hardwares connected to two APC surge protection, nothing gets on when i am out of my sim.:p

[Paul G]

I use a power bar which everything to do with my sim is plugged into, including computer, power adaptors and of course visuals. Monitors remain on at all times that power is connected.

The benefits of this approach are
1. I don't waste energy when the sim is not in use
2. I don't leave things on which could overheat and cause a fire (like power adaptors can)
3. In the event of a problem "in flight" I have one switch that takes everything off line
4. Powering up and down is simple

If you're looking for a more sophisticated approach, why not attach the power to your LCD through a Phidget controlled relay and enable it through one of the aircraft systems. That would look realistic too!

Good luck

Paul

[vidarf]

Thanks guys, but you are missing the point here. How can I make it easier to reach that little power on/off button on the monitor itself?
A power outlet with a switch will be used, but I am not sure if the monitors "remebers" the "on" state if you interrupt power to them.

[andarlite]

Thanks guys, but you are missing the point here. How can I make it easier to reach that little power on/off button on the monitor itself?
A power outlet with a switch will be used, but I am not sure if the monitors "remebers" the "on" state if you interrupt power to them.


I have a couple of Samsungs, Acers and BenQ LCD monitors and they all "remember" their "on" state. I also just use a power bar to power them all on. Would be strange if yours didn't.

Regards,
Henry

[carlos hermida]

All mine monitors "remember" too, i think that yours will work in the same way, Vidarf...

[Paul G]

Yeah all of mine do too. Of course if you 'want' a power switch for each one then mechanical is the only way to go. It's not realistic though, and sounds like you won't need it.

Cheers

Paul

P.S. Couldn't you simply try switching on your monitor, unplugging and plugging back in to see if it restores? If it doesn't it sounds like an exception to the way they normally work

[jmig]

I ran all three of my in cockpit monitors through on-off switches. Use the 12v side of the brick and put the switch in between. The switches are mounted on a panel inside the cockpit.

Works like a charm.

Here is a picture. Slightly out of focus but you can see the three switches.

[dnoize]

Vidar,

So far i've never run into a TFT that didnt remember its on or of state, so i dont think you should be worried about that.

Mine are switched on by a master/slave extention unit. The PC driving the screens is the master and when the PC is switched on the the extention unit detects this and powers all slaves (screens).
When PC is powered down slaves get switched off.

Stef

[mpl330]

May be / may be not a problem - of my 3 lcd's in the MIP 2 remember their state and one always is off when I power back up and so I have to reach in and get the button pressed to get it back to standby - wonder if there is a setting in the monitor iteself to correct it?? :???:
Mike

[Tomlin]

Yes, Im a bit confused myself. When I turn the PCs ON, the monitors come on. When I shut the computers down (remotely via RealVNC) they shut off.

Do yours not turn off automatically?

[PaulEMB]

Same here,

The "front end" of the sim is powered by one power bar, so switching on gives power to all PCs, monitors and power packs for backlighting etc.

When the PC is fired up, the monitor becomes live, and hey presto! I have a "walkround sequence" for PC starting - first the MSFS PC, then once that is running. Pilot MFD/ND. EICAS, CDU, MCP. F/O Displays, and round to the back for PM Systems / Instructor station.

PM Systems interrogates the hardware and sets the displays to off if the battery / bus bar / avionics master is off.

At the end of play, I switch off all computers via the PM CDU, and all is saved until next time.

[vidarf]

Great, thanks! :) I was just wondering about that. I have a (rather old) LCD display that doesn't come on if the power is interrupted. My monitors will arrive tomorrow, so I can do a test then.

Anyway, now this question is answered as well as placed in the vault of knowledge. :)