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I've run out of monitor ports, what do I do?
I've run out of monitor ports, what do I do?

What to do when you run out of HDMI or video ports on your computer.

Brad avatar
Written by Brad
Updated over a week ago

A number of RealSimGear hardware items have built-in video displays, such as the G1000, GNS430/530, and GTN650/750 units.  Each of these units requires a dedicated HDMI video connection to your PC, and once connected to your PC, needs to be set up as "Extended Desktop" mode.  (Note: RealSimGear does not supply HDMI video cables due to the variations in video connections on a PC).

As one can imagine, if your simulator is already running other displays, for instance, the standard 3 display setup for external visuals, and one wants to add the G1000 package (for instance), your video card may simply not have enough video connections to support it all.

Well, good news!  There are a few inexpensive options out there to get a few more HDMI connections from your PC.

  • First note, be careful that you DO NOT use a SPLITTER.  Instead, make sure you are using one of the options below.  A "splitter" will give you 2 for 1 on-screen support, but it will simply duplicate your images, not really want you to want.

  • In many cases, your PC is using a stand-alone video card (such as a GTX 1060/1070/1080/2060/2070/2080, etc).  However, in most cases, your motherboard ALSO has a small video card in it as well, known as the "onboard video".  Typically this onboard card is disabled in your computer BIOS when a stand-alone card is installed, but it is possible to re-enable the onboard and use them to power more displays.  Check with your PC maker on whether this might be possible on your system.

  • If your computer has USB3 ports (the blue ones), you can use a Dual USB3 > HDMI adapter such as THIS one.  It will provide you with dual HDMI ports (almost like a small external video card).  

  • Or THIS one which provides a single HDMI connection

  • The same goes for USB-C ports, THIS USB-C > HDMI adapter will provide a single HDMI connection.

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