Track IR purchase

[Dirk the Jerk]

I am looking to step up my game and add TrackIR to my set up. After watching lots of DCS videos I see that this is really a necessary item.

I currently have an old Saitek x52 and for the time being this will work. I would love to buy the Warthog Hotas but with a child in a master's program and 3 other children in school, needless to say money is tight.

My question is this: How much different is TrackIR 4 (with the pro clip) va TrackIR 5 (w/ Pro Clip)? I just need to purchase what is most economical and best for the sim (A-10C)?:geek:

[Blooze]

I have the TrackIR 4 and I can't imagine how the 5 would be any better. The hat clip was working perfectly fine but I decided to try the Proclip and was disappointed when I got it. It was way too sensitive and although I still use it I had to disable all of the axis options except pitch and yaw to get it to work to my liking. It also has a reputation for being very fragile with poor workmanship. So in my opinion, save your money and go for the TrackIR 4 with the free hatclip. You will need to get familiar with the software so you can tweak it until you get what works best for you but I don't think the 5 or the Proclip would improve your experience.

[Dirk the Jerk]

Thanks Blooze! I will look into the set up you have unless someone can point me in a different direction...

[fangav]

I also run just the hatclip BUT I have no light source's behind me and that is when the pro clip comes into play AFAIK.

[Quirkitized]

I use trackir 5 with hatclip. I have the pro clip but find it a hassle and an annoying weight on my headphones. Hatclip works just fine for me. So I vote to save some money don't get pro clip.

[Dirk the Jerk]

So let me get this strait, The Pro Clip will help with a multitude of lighting situations and the hatclip is for a lower lighting condition?

[Quirkitized]

I notice very little difference between the pro clip and hat clip whether or not I have all lights on or off. Bit I imagine if your room is very bright with lights and/or sunlight pro clip might perform better as it as three led lights so its easier for trackir sensor to see.

[tjhowse]

If you're somewhat handy you could have a crack at building a freetrack setup. It's what I use for flying the A-10C and F-15C and it cost me a grand total of one second-hand wiimote ($20), a coathanger($0.10), a USB bluetooth dongle ($5), some infra-red LEDs ($1) and a strip of retro-reflective tape cut off my high-visibility vest.

 

http://free-track.net/

 

 

I've since used an adhesive hook to attach the wiimote to the wall behind my computer, for greater stability.

 

As of 1.1.1.1, ED made an interface to talk the open freetrack protocol. Samtheeagle implemented it in a DLL which enables seamless integration with all DCS modules: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=75917

 

Additionally, Naturalpoint are complete turdburgers, and any money given to them is money given to Hitler: http://naturalpointofview.blogspot.com.au/p/trackir-anticompetition.html

[Dirk the Jerk]

Thanks Quirk! For both post!

 

TJHowse. I will look into "Freetrack" as an option. I have been known to be handy and I do have a bit of time on my hands....

[AceKng1]

I second checking out Freetrack. I bought a PS3 Eye Toy for $15 and bought a TrackClip Pro since I had no experience and I wanted something fast. It works perfectly with Freetrack. The movement is extremely smooth and accurate in sim. In fact, I don't see how TrackIR could be any smoother. The main downsides to Freetrack are you have to come up with your own camera and clip and the software can be difficult to get working at times. There are several guides around though on how to set everything up.

[Dirk the Jerk]

Thank you AceKng1. I will take a more detailed look into Freetrack