Track IR with FS

[Rayzor174]

Anyone here use Track IR with either FSX or FS9? I just recently discovered it, and it looks cool, but I wonder how it really is? Is it hard to set up and use? Does it ONLY work in 3D cockpits? What happens when you look at your keyboard? Any insight?
Tim

[Mobius]

I have it and can't fly without it anymore.  It's like going from flying with the keyboard to using a joystick.  It's absolutely essential in my opinion.

See here for another discussion about it: http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2 ... 1200022327

[Fly2e]

See the this running thread for a few answers.
http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2 ... 1200022327

[Rayzor174]

Just as I suspected, the qustions I was hoping to get answers about were pertaining to FSX. That's where others on another site were having problems. But I'm not going to stir this up again. It's not worth it. Older people have problems adjusting to new technology, sorry!
I do have a question about the Track IR device though. I see two options for the device. One for the Track IR Pro system and a second with the sytem plus a clip device for a headset. I don't use a headset. I don't fly online, (for many of the same reasons this original questions turned out to be a nightmare). But is it something that is needed, or beneficial? I read somewhere about a hat clip that comes with the system but FSX had some problems with it. I guess a need an "old" man's simple explanation on what is needed so I can purchase the right hardware to use it with the sims I like. Mainly FSX, FS9 and a few others I won't mention. It just might not be "appropriate to mention anything other than Microsoft FS on this forum. Don't want any more problems.
The tantrum boy

[Mobius]

I've never had TrackIR problems with FSX, if that's what you were wondering (you didn't specifically ask that).  TrackIR uses very small head movements that can be difficult for a few minutes, but once you get used to it, it's second nature.  It also works in all the views, but it works the best in the 3D Virtual Cockpit.  As far as the hat goes, I use the hat with the clip, and it works fine for me.  Also, I've used it in FS9, FSX, X-Plane 8 (I'm going to try V9 tonight), LOMAC, Falcon 4.0 AF/RV, GTR Legends, GTR 2, and IL2, and it's worked fine with all of them.

[Fly2e]

[size=16][font=arial][color=black]Hello again Rayzor.

I have been using TrackIR since it was released. I have both versions.
What is it you want to know as I am very familiar with the product.
A few things.

Track IR come in 2 parts. The receiver that sits on top of your monitor. This unit will not work well in sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
It will plug into your PC by a USB port. It is fully adjustable and you will adjust it to your height in the cockpit seat, angle of view etc..

Next you have the black Track Clip that clips on a baseball cap or a headset. No need to buy their cap as it is a generic cap as any baseball cap will work. It is made of metal that can bend so you can clip it onto whatever you want to wear on your head when you are flying. Since I always use a headset when flying, I have clipped the track clip onto my headphones.




Once you have installed both units, it is time to fly. Your PC will either ask for the driver disc to load the drivers or it will locate them itself.

Fire up your flight sim. Minimize your flight sim. Click on the Track IR Icon and it will open a window and automatically connect to your sim, (whatever you are using), and it is ready for to be used. I usually will start out by going to the airport and get in the airplane in VC mode. Then I will minimize and start Track IR. Then when I go back into the sim, I am sitting right there.

What happens now is wherever you move your head, when in VC mode it will respond as if you are looking that way. It is very sensitive and works really well. After a while you will get familiar with moving your head down a bit to look at the key board. It will take a little to get used to but I will not fly without it! It really gets you into the sim.

There are also profiles you can custom

[Rayzor174]

OK, so I either wear a cap, or a headset while using it. The head thingy picture you show doesn't make any sense to me, but i'm sure if I had it in front of me I'd figure it out.

Do I need this or not?

http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/02- ... p-PRO.html

I've seen where others using this with FSX had slowr frame rates and latency problems, but not with FS9. I've been also told that it works flawlessly with Falcon 4.0 AF. Does it work with newer first person shooters like MOH, and MOF Airborne, or any of the Call of Duty sims?
I know that's not a Flight sim question but I'm curious.
And BTW, I'm trying to "calm" down and I appreciate your courtesy, Fly2e.
Tim

[Mobius]

Here is a list of the programs TrackIR works with and in what directions it works in...

http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/03- ... s-all.html

[Fly2e]

Do I need this or not?

http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/02- ... p-PRO.html

Will get back to you on that as it is new and I am not familiar with it.
Gotta run!

dave

[Felix/FFDS]

OK, so I either wear a cap, or a headset while using it. The head thingy picture you show doesn't make any sense to me, but i'm sure if I had it in front of me I'd figure it out.

Do I need this or not?

http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/02- ... p-PRO.html

I've seen where others using this with FSX had slowr frame rates and latency problems, but not with FS9. I've been also told that it works flawlessly with Falcon 4.0 AF. Does it work with newer first person shooters like MOH, and MOF Airborne, or any of the Call of Duty sims?
I know that's not a Flight sim question but I'm curious.
And BTW, I'm trying to "calm" down and I appreciate your courtesy, Fly2e.
Tim

*My* experience with the Track IR and the Clip  is that I prefer the headset clip - but that's because I always use a headset.  I do not like the way I look in a cap (actually, with or without a cap, but that's a different story), and I'm always using a headset anyway.

You don't *NEED* it, if you don't mind wearing the cap.

*I* do not find any negative effects when using the Track IR with FS9, FS-X or Aces High.

[Tweek]

I just use the normal clip (not the TrackClip Pro) with my headset. I can fix it to the top, so the clip is over my head, without the need for a cap or the extra TrackClip Pro.

This might not work if the head band on your headset is particularly bulky, though. I just about manage to fit the clip on.

[Fly2e]

Do I need this or not?
http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/02- ... p-PRO.html

No, all you need is the TrackIR 4 Pro for $179.95.
That has everything you need.
The Track Clip Pro is for your Headset. I was able to easy clip the unit that comes with TrackIR 4 Pro for $179.95 right to my headset with no problems.
The above unit is specifically designed for headsets but like I said, if you are using a cap, you do not need it. If you are using a headset, try adapting the one they include with the TrackIR 4 Pro for $179.95 as it may work out just fine thus you will not be spending an extra $39.95 FOR SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT NEED.

I think they came out with that realizing that they could sell it if it was designed specifically for a headset.
Hope that helps!

Dave

[mhoffman50]

When using the trackir i have found it convenient  to configure some of my joystick keys to perform the centering and on/off functions.  this way I don't have to take my hands off of the joystick to get the job done.  Of course you need to have enough available keys on your joystick to make it work the best.  Since I have a combo unit of a Saitek45 and MSSW FF2 I have plenty available.

[Rayzor174]

Another Track IR question. Sorry but if I'm going to spend this much money, I've already spent almost $500 on Joystick, rudders, and trim wheel, not t mention add-on software, I don't want any suprises before i invest another $180.
Set up question....does the tracking device have to be at head level in order to work? If it sits on top of my current monitor it will be slightly over my head. Without investing in a new desk my monitor is at itls lowest level. I like my current monitor height but lowering it won't work. Can it sit on the side of the monitor? My Monitor speaker sit on either side and that would place the device about top of my head level.
Anymore insight? Or anything else that might suprise me?

[Mobius]

It doesn't have to be at any level in particular.  It's just a camera that detects infared light off the reflectors (or the LEDs), so it only has to have a clear view of them through your range of motion.  You only have to tilt your head maybe 5