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FreeTack

PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2010 4:45 pm
by Tomcat5
Does anyone use it?  Would it be better to just buy a TrackIR?  I want to know how good it is before I build a headset.  http://www.free-track.net

Re: FreeTack

PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2010 8:30 pm
by machineman9
I tried to make my own set up for it but it didn't exactly work. I'll probably give it a go some time this summer as I understand the electronics behind it far more than I did at the time.

Given that it can only cost a few quid, yeah I think it is a good choice. Even if it doesn't work and you want to use TrackIR after that, it will not have been a huge financial loss anyway.


Give it a shot and see what happens.

Re: FreeTack

PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2010 4:11 am
by TigerAl
Given that it can only cost a few quid, yeah I think it is a good choice. Even if it doesn't work and you want to use TrackIR after that, it will not have been a huge financial loss anyway.

What he said.

I built one a while ago for a few pounds, mainly to see whether I liked flying using the VC - I'd only used the 2D cockpits up to then.  It works fine but I found it gave me an appetite for the real deal.

Currently saving up to get TrackIR.

I'd definitely recommend building one though ... even if you then decide to get a TrackIR - it's a fun little project.

Alex

Re: FreeTack

PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2010 3:11 pm
by Tomcat5
Alright, thanks for the input.  I guess I'll start looking for a spot where I can buy LEDs and stuff within the USA in-store.  RadioShack, maybe?  I try not to buy this kind of stuff online, because of the shipping cost.  Anyone have any ideas?  I have wire, though not a battery case or LEDs.  This will be a fun little electronics learning project.

Re: FreeTack

PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2010 4:02 pm
by TigerAl
I got my stuff from a local store in the UK - http://www.maplin.co.uk but I think Radio Shack is the US equivalent.

The instructions should be pretty straightforward and I'm sure the guys at Radio Shack will be only too pleased to provide help on what you could use for switches, LED's etc.

I used a 9v battery as the power supply and the online program worked out the resistors and the wattage of the LED's for me.  I fitted it all to an old set of headphones with a small rocker switch to turn it on.

The hardest part for me was having the webcam just recognise the LED's and tune out the background light.

Have fun and keep us posted on your progress.

Alex

Re: FreeTack

PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2010 6:48 pm
by Tomcat5
Okay!  Sounds cool, I'll pick up my stuff over the weekend and ask if I have any questions.  I'm not good with the elctrical stuff...  I work with electronics all day, but have never built my own, or anything,  :P.  Thanks