Dual Monitor with PXI-8108

[Jmc006]

I am trying to use dual monitors with a PXI-8108 and the NI DVI splitter as described here

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/0E993D33675CD46A862572D50072C6A3

There must be some software update I need because I don't not have an option for the second monitor?  Does anyone

know what I may need to update, possibly the graphics driver, and where to find it?

I have (2) mobile intel 4 series express chipset family listed under my device manager

driver version 6.14.10.5009

[P.Sanders]

You should be able to use dual monitors because the controller uses DVI-I (single link) connectors which breaks the signal out to a DVI as well as VGA using the splitter. Connect the monitors, boot up your computer and see if the connection gets detected. Also see this link for BIOS updates.

[P.Sanders]

Also check out this similar discussion forum

[Jmc006]

Thank for the reply - But I actually found the problem.  The DVI splitter has one VGA, and one DVI - You must use the DVI port directly to a DVI compatible monitor.  I had an adapter from DVI --> VGA and it did not like that.  So one monitor is hooked up VGA, and the other DVI and all is good.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Evandrofoz]

Can I use a DVI to 2xDVI and use a DVI to VGA on one of the ends?

[Timothy_S]

Are you trying to use three monitors with the setup in question there? Adding another set of splitters could impact the signal quality depending on your monitors and needs.

I'm not aware of a specific test with that setup, but given the correct adapter types and correct signal sources on each adapter, I would imagine you may be able to get it to work.

Again, as with the above posts, reference the linked Discussion Forum thread in the first post here, as you are going to be looking at similar questions in that case.

[farrukhali]

I have a very strange problem, and i am have tried many things and nothing is working. I am aware of DVI-I,DVI-D and VGA as well. Here are the details.

Using a PXI 8108. Its manual says it has The Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset (Graphics and Memory Controller Hub). Bought a 3rd Party DVI-I to DVI-D and VGA Splitter. Two monitors, both HP v221 (has both VGA and DVI-D). The setup worked great for 2 years. Meanwhile, i also bought the NI DVI-I Spliiter (P/N 780868-01) as a backup. The Dual Displays worked great and at the BIOS password prompt, both displays showed the Password entry.

After 2 years (around 6 months ago), my DVI-D monitor (hereby called as Monitor 2) started to flicker randomly, blank Display On and Off. There were no specific symptoms. It started doing this on its own, whether any application was running on the Windows (WinXP SP3) or not. I did re-install the display driver to see if it goes, but it didnt. It was so random that sometimes it started at Windows Log in, and sometimes after 3 4 hrs. The problem was only replicated in Windows, not while Booting Up or at the BIOS password. Hence i suspected a faulty DVI-D cable, probably it had aged or maybe deteriorated due to EMI.

Seeing that the DVI-D cable runs into issues, i ordered a DVI to VGA Converter, so that i can use that at the Splitter end, and get rid of the DVI Cable. I tested it and it worked OK. Before i can use it permanently i ran into another problem.

A requirement came up for a 3rd dispaly. One solution was a PCI card, another surprise solution came out to be Sewell Mini Deck 3.0, which turns a USB port into an external display (Cool). So i ordered MiniDeck 3.0, and installed the driver. It works great and now i have 3 displays working on PXI (1 VGA, 1 DVI-D, and 1 USB).

During this time, while testing the DVI-VGA adaptor, the Monitor 2 (2nd Display, DVI-D) stopped giving display! (This is the issue here..finally). The other two worked fine (VGA and USB), but not the DVI-D one. It didnt even display anything on the BIOS password prompt. The second display is visible in Device Manager (Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family x 2). Also in Display Properties, it is visible and selectable. I can also Check (extend display onto this monitor). but nothing becomes visible on the DVI-D monitor (Monitor 2).

Now i have done the following to resolve, but havent worked.

1. Checked Monitor 2 elsewhere, it works fine. Both on VGA and DVI-D inputs.

2. I have 2 DVI-D cables, both work good on another PC. So the cable are good.

3. Uninstalled DisplayLink drivers (Sewell MiniDeck 3.0) 

4. I dont know what was the display driver version ( Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family) when everything worked (before flickering). But after the flickering, i installed Graphics Driver Version 6.14.10.5009. It didnt help. I have also tried installing the following Driver Versions

Version 6.14.10.4957 (the latest driver available on NI website page for PXI-8108)

Version 6.14.10.5420 (the latest driver available on NI website for Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family)

None of these work.

5. I have checked in BIOS and DDC Routing is set to DVI (as is recommeded here http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/0E993D33675CD46A862572D50072C6A3).

"

• If only the VGA monitor is working, make certain that the DDC Routing is set correctly in the BIOS.  To do this, navigate to Advanced»Integrated Peripherals»Monitor DDC.  Verify that Monitor DDC is set to DVI.  Analog monitors will work when DDC Routing is set to DVI and CRT, however, DVI monitors will not function when DDC Routing is set to CRT."

6. The HP V221 monitor menu has under Management option for DDC/CI Support (On and Off). I have tried it both, but no change in results.

7. I have downloaded the BIOS firmware version 2.0.5f but havent installed it. since its a little too much to ask at the moment. Current BIOS firmware version is 2.0.1f

8. At the PXI chassis DVI-I end, i have used a DVI-I to VGA and used VGA cable into the Monitor 2, it works. Also i have directly input DVI-D Cable into the DVI-I connector, and it DOESNT work. No display. Hence i am suspecting that my graphics adaptor isnt outputting video on the Digital part of DVI-I. 

I would be really, really grateful if anyone can help me towards the solution (or the problem). I cannot describe how much miserable i feel at the moment, after having tried so many things.

Thank YOU,

Regards,

Ali