I'd like to set up an MFDBB with two displays operating in extended mode where the cursor flows from one screen to the next. That part is easy.
But then I want to mirror those two displays on a second pair of displays on the upper helm, and install a second keypad/controller up there too. That would give me dual screens at both helm, screen/nav control at both helms, just with the restriction that what appears on the lower pair of screens is the same as what appears on the upper pair.
I think I can do this by taking each of the DVI outputs from the BB and directing the DVI-D part to one display, and the VGA part to the other. Both of these signals appear on the DVI connector of the BB, and I think cables exist to split out the analog VGA as described. An even better way would be to run the DVI-D output to both display in parallel, but I don't know enough about DVI to know if that will work.
Has anyone ever tried this?
@twistedtree:
You can't use both analog and digital signals at once. Take a look at this site for details:
http://www.dvisplitter.net/
/afb
You could split the VGA signal, buy two of these: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.41301
Or go from DVI-D to HDMI and use the splitters available for that:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.29770
You have to pick either DVI or VGA and use a splitter. Some PC's with a DVI-I output will allow you to use both at once but not the MFDBB. (unfortunately)
A dvi splitter would be helpful in replicating signals to 4 devices http://www.kvmstuff.com/video-routing/video-splitters/dvi-video-splitter.html
We used a $20 DVI splitter for the ouput from an MFD8, and ran about 25' of cable to the upper helm. Both displays showed no degradation of video quality at all. So splitting the DVI signal should not be a problem.
You cannot add a second controller in "extended mode". Probably because they don't want you using the BB at a second helm when you could buy another furuno chart plotter.
Also, the DVI output is a "single link" which not supposed to be able to support a passive split but you can use a powered Single link dvi box to split them.
Old thread, new question.
Correct me if I'm wrong. Splitting the DVI signal will give you clone screens, right?
Is it possible to use a second screen in extended mode with one MFDBB orTZTBB?
Thanks,
Michel