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MilesD

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  1. MilesD
    Update: I started designing the enclosures this morning. I hope to fire up the 3d printer this afternoon and print out some test units. Next up is CNC milling of the thermo-forming molds for production units. @ FoxDelta, Here is a pic of the first go at the FCU enclosure. @MemphisBelle, I have secured the domain name pointctrl.com. My son got busy, so It looks like I have to add the web site to my list as well. You will be able to purchase PointCTRL right on the website. @ Ratcatcher, Thanks for your concern, but this is more of a hobby than work for me, so no chance of getting burnt out. Although I don't think I've played DCS online with the 99th in months, and I really do miss it.
  2. MilesD
    Mr Wags, Thanks for sharing. Since you fly VR, I would like do send you a VR cursor control device, called PointCTRL, for your evaluation. It doesn't require any DCS code to implement, and is seen as an HID mouse and Keyboard. I have been developing PointCTRL with this community's input, specifically using DCS. I am still a few weeks away from shipping out some production prototypes to DCS centers of influence, so just let me know if you would like one. https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=218861 Thanks, Miles
  3. MilesD
    Update: The HMS sensors were delivered ,so I can start moving into the production phase now. Here's another video showing calibration procedures. Thanks for the kind words Ratcatcher, I hope you enjoy your Holiday. Miles
  4. MilesD
    Hey All, I am still waiting on the HMS sensors to be delivered, meanwhile software development continues with mostly tweaks for user options, and preparation for production. I am not totally satisfied with the pointer resolution with the new wide angle optics. Bottom line is only about one third of the sensors FOV is being utilized. I have been sourcing interchangeable lenses for VR and conventional monitor use. Its not a complicated issue, I just need to integrate a slight magnification lens for optimal cursor resolution. @ Marine3302, I actually had a haptic sensor on one of the first prototypes that used a gyro and accelerometers to sense a finger movement like a flick of a switch. The sensor would quickly vibrate for a second to confirm the finger flick. I found the button banks a much better solution with their tactile and positive control. Since I am using transceivers, I have considered haptic feed back for game events, guns, bomb release ext. The hardware is locked in for now but I am sure I will be adding features in the future. I have the bare minimum of my new pit area completed enough to throw up another video tonight. Miles
  5. MilesD
    Update: Production PCBs arrived today for the HMS and the Auxiliary Push-button Banks. I guess we'll call them APB's, unless Ratcatcher has something better, like he usually does. Were just waiting on the sensors now, which shipped on 21 November. Left to do is, continued firmware and software optimization, especially the user interface to change default settings and the enclosures. Thanks Miles
  6. MilesD
    Hi FireCat, Wow, thank you so much, I truly do appreciate the time you spent compiling that list. I was wondering how many people were participating in this thread and I did not think it was that many. I have already purchased or ordered enough parts to make 1000 units. Some components I had to purchase in even larger quantities, but I plan on using them for other products in the future. This thread is becoming a bit large, If anyone has any suggestions to consolidate information and updates please let me know. My son is making a website to order units with the domain pointctrl.com, but as long as it's okay with forum rules, I would like to keep the ideas and dissemination of information through this forum. I do owe Sérgio and his excellent site https://www.helisimmer.com, and others some more polished content as soon as soon as its ready. I am not a social media guy, so any help would be welcome. My only experience with dissemination of information is one terrain feature back from the objective. I was thinking of consolidating important information in the first post with a link to it in my signature, the way others do. Again, any suggestions are welcome. Update: The HMS boards are being shipped as I write this, and I am still waiting on the tracking sensors that were shipped on the Oct 21st. I am trying to get my new pit area usable so I can post a new video. Thanks, Miles
  7. MilesD
    Hi Metal Gear I had originally used a flat top wide angle lens ,but I was getting a reflection of my hand and the radiant intensity was low. I did a lot of experimenting with different angle lens and feel I have a good compromise now, balancing intensity and angle. You are correct, it's PixArts latest sensor. I have an extremely restrictive NDA with them. They have a similar sensor with partial datasheet listed on their website. That sensor is available on allibabba in small quantities for $30.00 each. I requested a quote from them for 250 units and the price was still $30.00. Thanks for the questions, I was following your FFB thread for a while, great stuff!! Miles
  8. MilesD
    Hi Graham, I will have to pick up P3D in the future to test it. Any function you can perform with a mouse should also work with PointCTRL. There are a lot of user configurable options that should allow the user to be able to optimize it to their personal preferences or applications. I am developing PointCTRL specifically with DCS because that is what I fly, However it should work well with any flight sim. As soon as I get my new pit area usable, I am going to test it with other sims. One of the delays with PointCTRL was that I redesigned the FCU’s to reversable, so they can be used facing forward and used with conventional monitors like you suggested. There are certain distance parameters that must be maintained after calibration, but it works well. A two-camera system that I plan on developing in the future will also calculate distance, making the finger distance from screen parameter less critical. More to come on that in the future as well as tracking integration. Thanks for the interest and comments, Miles edit, Thanks Chic, didn't see your post.
  9. MilesD
    Lucky, that just looks damn cool!!! It looks like it does something much more sinister than a mouse press. Awesome work!! Miles
  10. MilesD
    @ mariner3302 and Firecat and others who have offered to contribute. Thanks for the offers, I truly do appreciate it, but I would not be comfortable accepting money until PointCTRL is actually ready to ship. But please continue to offer your thoughts, ideas, and observations. Funds are not slowing the process, it is optimization and the countless small nuances of implantation that are taking much longer than I anticipated. But the nuances are critical to making the experience as natural as possible. Update: I completed the hardware proofing of the HMS tonight, I had issues that needed a small design update. I am ordering the production PCBs for the HMS tomorrow, I should have them in a week. Now that things are starting to get locked in, I will try to post a new video soon. Thanks Miles
  11. MilesD
    Its still $175.00, I was trying to keep it around the cost of TrackIR. I may have to make the VR Headset auxiliary button banks optional, if I cant get the production cost down. Update: I cut the revised HMS boards tonight and I just temporarily placed some components for a visual reference. The weight without the enclosure is 0.25oz or 7 grams. You can see 2 push-buttons on the top front of the HMS. They can used be used as a UI for PointCTRL, or can be configured as key-presses. Towards the back of the HMS, you can see 2 JST 4 pin header connectors for the auxiliary button banks. I am experimenting with having PointCTRL being read as a Mouse and joystick so any buttons can be mapped as joystick buttons. Right now they can be mapped as keyboard presses with any combination required. I had a few issues with the joystick HID descriptor running along side the HID mouse descriptor. Anyway here are a few pics of tonight's work.
  12. MilesD
    Agreed with everyone. I switched to tactile switches a while ago for the FCU for all of the reasons you stated. I was always going to go with tactile switch banks on the VR headset. I was originally going to go with 2 small capacitive sensors on the camera mount for a user interface with the PointCTRL software. But I also switched that to small tactile switches. Thanks for your spot on input, and keep it coming. Update: I received the new sensor datasheets today and just finished the PCB redesign. I am going to cut them as soon I finish a short honey-do list for the wife. Miles
  13. MilesD
    Thanks Ratcatcher, just fixed it, its just my old tired brain. Miles
  14. MilesD
    Very well said, I need to be more concise and to the point like you. Miles
  15. MilesD
    Not be be a Debbie downer, but just to manage expectations a little, here was my first experience with PointCTRL. Right before my initial test I thought "this is really going to change the VR experience". After a few minutes of use I thought "well, this is kind of disappointing". Functionally, it was working mostly as expected, but there was no "wow this is great" moment. It just felt very natural and intuitive. I found myself reaching for the mouse often and then realized I did not have to, but still, no big deal. After a few weeks of use and adjustments I began to think, "is this really worth it?" It was not until I used DCS without PointCTRL that I realized that "wow, this really is worth it". Going back to the mouse was a real pain in ass, and I could not stop reaching for switches. So in summery, going to PointCTRL feels like no big deal, and it does take some time to break the mouse habit. I think its no big deal because its a natural thing to do, and lets face it, moving a switch is not very exciting. But once you get comfortable with it there is definitely no going back. A nice side benefit is muscle memory. One of the things that I really noticed when going back to the mouse was the steps involved in moving a switch. First you have to find the physical mouse, then move it to locate the cursor, and then align the cursor with the switch. Now I find myself in a case 1 recovery looking left at the carrier and without looking away, my arm and hand automatically extend to where the hook lever is, I quickly glance to where where my hand is extended and the cursor is usually right over the lever. A button press and the hook down. My hand consistently and automatically moves to the location of a switch or button that I am thinking of pressing, but I don't seem to have made the conscious decision to move it there. Any shooters out there know that muscle memory is usually easier to obtain with major muscle movements which is what PointCTRL utilizes. Just some thoughts, Miles
  16. MilesD
    Hey All, No big update here. The production order for the HMS sensors shipped on the 21st, so I hope to see them soon. Unfortunately after cutting and assembling several production prototype HMS's, when I went to install the new sensor I found out the pin-out had changed. Dumb mistake on my part, I thought the sensor just had new optics. I am waiting on the new datasheets before I can proto the new HMS. I would really like to be shipping these before the end of the year. I hope I can. Thanks, Miles
  17. MilesD
    Auxiliary Headset mounted buttons it is. I changed the capacitive touch pads on the HMS to small buttons. I will be cutting this board today and if all goes well ordering the production HMS boards tomorrow. Here is a pic of the HMS board. it is quite small amd light at 1.8" x 1.1" or 45mm x 28mm. The weight without the enclosure is 0.25 oz or 7 grams. The weight of the FCU without the enclosure but with the battery is 0.55 oz or 14 grams. The HMS will mount to the top of the VR headset with the sensor mounted below the board at a right angle. The micro headers marked APB1 and APB2 are for the auxiliary push button harnesses. I will add an actual pic a soon as I have it assembled Thanks Miles
  18. MilesD
    Today I was able to assemble and test the production FCU Finger Control Unit. They functioned as intended. I did have a few issues with the reflow soldering but that was not a design board issue. Now that the production FCU is complete, I am adding the final enhancements to the HMS Head Mounted Sensor. I am adding two capacitive touch sensors on the top of the HMS that can be programed as joystick buttons. They can be used for things like simulating holding binos to your eyes to zoom, turn on and adjust NVG’s, and helmet mounted sights. I was also thinking of adding 2 plug ports on the HMS where you could plug in 2 banks of 3 push-button switches like the ones on the FCU. You could then double face tape each bank to separate places on your VR Headset. The intent being to simulate things that you would naturally adjust or activate on your helmet. I think the tactile buttons would be more effective than then the capacitive touch sensors on the HMS, but both would be included. Let me know your thoughts on this. I want to say thank you to everyone participating or following this thread. As I said before, I really do appreciate this community, and everyone’s words of encouragement and support. If it was not for your interest, investment of time, and support to improve PointCTRL, I probably would have just made a few of these for my friends and got distracted by something else shiny and never put in all the time and effort to bring this product to market. So Thanks again!!! Miles Here are a few pics of the production FCU without the enclosure.
  19. MilesD
    Update: Unfortunately, an order with the latest components got delayed and won’t be here until Friday (my fault), so I can’t assemble and test them yet. So here is pic of the final FCU configuration. Note the lower center button for tactile button confirmation. After a few minutes of use, there is no doubt about what button you are about to press. Also note the new battery configuration. After significant testing I went with a semi-permanent battery because I was unable to source an ideal size without a pigtail. Since PointControl only draws about 4ma when idle and between 8ma and 30ma when tracking depending on the selectable brightness level, the 150ma battery should last a minimum of 10 hours if you were tracking for 20% (which is high) of your gaming time at a high brightness. I also went with an onboard barrel jack for charging instead of the fussy PH1 micro connectors. Empty to full charge time is approximately 1hr. @tribundf, Thanks for the suggestion, and I do appreciate it, however, I would not want to accept any funds until the product is shipping. I also don’t think a wait list will be required, judging from the unique views on you tube, this is just a small niche market. I will probably try and come up with some other tracking devices for different markets to use all the sensors I had to order. Off topic: @hansangb, Respect to you Sir. Being an Infantry Commander is significantly more challenging than what we do. Miles
  20. MilesD
    Update: The Production boards arrived today for proofing. Getting closer. Off topic: as if alcohol could ever be off topic. Actually, I was New Castle exclusive for a few years following my time in GB. My wife's, "go to" summer drink is Pimm's. I think Tuskar was the beer of choice in Kenya.
  21. MilesD
    Off Topic, I believe it was the mid 90’s. It was when Dianna died in the car crash. I was quartered close to Buckingham Palace, Victory House maybe, and I remember the rows of flowers at the gates. But no P Company for me. I guess I’m just a poser. Airborne units do Jump exchanges all over the world. We jump with the host nations aircraft equipment and Jump Masters, usually followed by some type of op. At the end you drink a lot and get pinned. Here’s a pic pinning Kenyan Paratroopers with American jump wings. To this day, I still can’t believe that nobody burned in, There were ruck sacks and G3 rifles freefalling from the sky that day, and the warmest beer I ever had. Well, it was Africa. Miles
  22. MilesD
    It was inspired by your DMS. If I recall correctly, I think I was in the Yorkshire area working with one of your Para Battalions, something like Katerect I think, were I got my British Para wings. Anyway HMS it is. Production Update: FCU PCBs are almost complete, I should have them by the beginning of the week.
  23. MilesD
    Ah yes ,I meant Thick8. Your spot on with the functionality., and you are the man with the acronyms, I guessing former RAF?. In keeping with your "across the pond" influence, how about the HMS for Head Mounted Sensor. One the options with Track IR and a conventional screen is to mount it to your headset, hat, or a headband, so it may not be exclusive to display mounting. Thanks Miles
  24. MilesD
    I love it, but the pic is gone.
  25. MilesD
    Good suggestion Drakeshoot. I tried various 5 way switches and found the push-buttons the most comfortable, and felt I had the most positive control with respect to knowing what button I am pressing. The 5 way was kind of like the comms switch on the warthog throttle in that you were not 100% sure which selection your making, at least for me it feels that way. Ratcather posted a pic of one that may have worked better than the one I tested. While most dials can be manipulated with the hold left click and mouse move function, you can also customize the buttons as modifiers such as center and aft button press = mouse scroll down, and even choose the speed to exponentially increase the longer you hold it. I was looking at a dial above the buttons for the scroll wheel, but I had to stop the development changes somewhere to start production. I am also thinking of a detachable button panel that would allow users to change the button interfaces. The good news is that any new FCUs will be available separately, and will be compatible with all HMD sensors. Hey Ratcatcher, if your out there, I need another name for the HMD so it is not confused with the VR HMD. Thanks for the input. Miles
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