TrackIR 5 in 2023: Is it Still a Must-Have?
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- Опубліковано 13 жов 2024
- TrackIR 5 has been a favorite of mine for some time and I re-visit it in 2023 after having spent quite a few years using it for DCS and Microsoft Flight Simulator. This Track IR5 review will go through what TrackIR 5 is at a basic level and give an overview of what simulation titles I think benefit most from TrackIR 5 with the likes of DCS and X-Plane among those.
I also discuss some different flight simulation hardware setups and how Track IR 5 complements them in different ways.
To finish off, I'm often asked if Track Clip Pro is better than the Standard track clip. My answer might surprise you in the old Track Clip Pro vs Track Clip argument.
My Current Flight Setup
Next Level Racing F-GT Elite amzn.to/3mqni5S
Next Level Racing Direct monitor Mount amzn.to/3KS1jPD
Next Level Racing ES1 Seat amzn.to/3ZveyK6
Honeycomb Yoke amzn.to/3mqni5S
Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant amzn.to/3ETLZy2
Thrustmaster Warthog Flightstick amzn.to/3Ygaxbx
Thrustmaster Warthog Throttle amzn.to/3ZveyK6
Gigabyte 32 inch Gaming Monitor amzn.to/3ZveyK6
Samsung Tab A7 amzn.to/3JaeUAL
Virpil Control Panel 2 virpil-control....
TackIR 5: amzn.to/3LB9pwz
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Tobii Eye Tracker 5: amzn.to/3LB9pwz
I've used TrackIR for 15 years now, TrackIR 4 from 2008 to 2009 IIRC, and from then till now, it's TrackIR 5. I've never had the software issues you describe. Also never had my profile automatically switched without any input from me. And for these years of trackIR 5 use, I've never used the standard track clip because that would force me into wearing a hat. Can't combine a hat and a headset, and since I wear a headset all the time, I opted for the track clip pro. Much better detection and accuracy if you know how to set it up. This is my 2nd TrackIR 5 since I started using it. The first one died for no reason (probably was defective) but this 2nd one I've had since 2013, so I've had it for 10 years and it's still good. Only gone through 3 Track Clip Pro's in all these years and the first time was because it was broken by a careless friend. The 2nd time, it wasn't broken. I just changed my headset and the new one had a slimmer arm than the previous and the track clip pro foam had already "adapted" to the thicker arm of the previous headset and therefore was loose on the new headset.
I also own the Tobii Eye Tracker 5,, and this would have been my TrackIR replacement except for one reason: My primary flight sim is Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Tobii Eye Tracker 5 has no pause button for it. A pause button is a must-have for flight simming because when you're flying and turning knobs or entering stuff in the FMC, for instance, you're head movements make it hard to accurately turn the knobs/push the buttons. But if you have a pause button, you can pause the Tracking camera for as long as you want and take care of the business on the FMC, then resume tracking. If you do this on the Tobii, it recenters your view, which is a huge NO-NO!!! You can however overcome this with sims like DCS because the pause function is included with the Tobii Game Hub.
Also, when you say the price is $250, are you talking USD? I ask because trackIR is $149.95 and the Track Clip Pro is $34.95, but if you buy the bundle it's $169.95. Been this way for a very long time.
I've used track iron for years. Only trouble I have experienced is if there is a bright light behind you such as an open door to another room with sun light entering in it will cause the camera to flutter around.
If you are having any trouble with it returning to default it is because you do not have it set to "Exclusive". Otherwise it works great!
What's track iron?
I've had my TrackIr 5 for over 10 years and it still works.
good to know its lasted.
I have the TrackNP which is just a copy of the TrackIR 5. It works with the TrackIR software and having owned a genuine TrackIR 5 before, it works just as well. One bonus is that the replica Track Clip Pro is actually wireless with its own battery pack. Highly recommended!
Nice. Can you post a link to that. Keen to see it.
Does the TrackNP work with already owned TrackIR items? Like if I buy the TrackNP Clip would it work with the TrackIR station?
@@S386LWBNM probalby. i got it aswell. it even uses the trackir software xD
These companies are suiciding by refusing to bring down the price.
Tobii seems to buckle a little with freequent discounts, but they seem to rather invest in sponsoring everyone and their mum instead of cutting the price properly.
1 year on still going strong?
I’ve been using Track IR 5 for around 5 years now. I never had any problems at all! The clip would not break as easy as you might think, just take care of it and it will work for years!!
Have you ever had any issues with the software?
@@g-locmedia Not really, it’s been a smooth ride for me. I think sometimes we fail to set the camera correctly and that can be problematic. Once you set up the sensitivities correctly, is really easy to get it back to the center again…
@@Noock I sometimes experienced a little bit of drift but set up the space bar as a re centre shortcut.
@@Noock I had several of these clips break apart. I assume you don't take them off daily after flying?
Also they use cheap foam in that clip and it basically softens up and falls out - I had to re-glue every single of them.
Lastly the cable is just annoying. I use a wireless headset so that cable always reminds me of how ancient TrackIR is.
Just having to un-clip it if you need a short bio-break and don't want to miss comms on DCS for example is wild.
And now we get to the why: It's just a vastly outdated device, both the software and the hardware.
It never got updated anymore once their patent trolling started to fail.
You can read more on this here: naturalpointofview.blogspot.com/
Ironically that company was patent trolling while actually those devices were developed to support disabled people.
Not amazing.
Can I ask what region you're from? I'm around the EU and took care of my track clips extremely well, yet all 3 of them broke after about a year of use. I never had any issues with software or with the tracking, and it was great but them breaking was a deal breaker after 3 years. I think it might just be a local production/quality control issue. Or maybe they get damaged in shipping. Got no idea as I also know people that had no issue with TrackIR too, along with others that had similar experiences
What I did was use the Delan Fusion wireless when I first started flying in DCS. I did have track IR as a back up ( unopened) and sold it last year.
I bought 3 TrackIR Pro clips in my history of using them. All of them lasted around a year before breaking when I treated the last 2 like they were the most fragile objects on earth. The build quality is pretty bad (at least in the EU region, maybe its a factory/production issue) but the tracking is great while it lasts. I believe this company can go to great places if they were to fix that problem of theirs. For now I'll be using VR and Tobii head tracking which I haven't had issues yet after some years even though both of them take a longer time to set up than TrackIR and get convenient settings with
Note: I have met many people from the US who had 0 issues with trackIR, so if you're from there and don't mind risking a bit of money, go for it. in terms of tracking TrackIR is still one of the best. I also had not a single software issue in 3 years of my use with it. The software personally was really convenient and good. If it wouldn't break I honestly would recommend this over high end VR, or any other head tracking.
Note 2: If you're not using the track clip pro that attaches to headsets, also nevermind this comment. I don't think the other product can break at all if you take care of it
Thanks for your POV and feedback. Great for others to hear.
I use the track clip on my wireless headset. I just used two plastic tie wraps and put it on the top of the headband.
Thanks for sharing your experience and review for TrackIR 5. This is most helpful review I have found in 2023 (heaps of searches) as I consider if/when/what to purchase. Thank you! (clup tric plo.. lol)
I just attach my trackclip to the top of my headset via a hair tie borrowed from my wife, easy to put on easy to take off, no extra wire's. In my instance it seems to track perfectly fine for SC but then my man cave isn't particular bright, one day i'll get around to trying out my trackclip pro.
Thanks for the info. I might try that out.
Track IR wasn’t available during lockdown so I bought an equivalent from Grass Monkey Simulations for about £80 delivered from the US to the UK. I use it with open track. Battery powered with no cable. Recommended.
I have used opentrack before with a makeshift headset but coudn't get it working that well. Thanks for the recommendation on Grass Monkey Simulations. I'll have a look at that.
@@g-locmedia ua-cam.com/video/HihxGMaGppA/v-deo.html this is an overview/review of the latest version. I have the same ‘puck’ and headband. This version has a better camera which wasn’t available when I bought mine. For the money I’m very happy with it.
I remember in MSFS the first time I leaned forward to see the runway that was obscured by a pillar of the frame in the cockpit. At that point I knew I’d made the right choice in terms of extra immersion. Also leaning in towards the controls in DCS. So much better that pressing a button. I’m now contemplating triples. I currently have two 27” for work but one is only 60Hz. Probably not a deal breaker for now. Though most of the recommended 1440 160hz+ IPS models are hard to come by in the UK right now.
Keep up the good work.
@@doifeellucky thanks mate. Yea I have triple 1440p monitors. That plus track ir is amazing. I couldn’t go without it.
I totally agree. I use it and it's been great.
@@takeoffwithjakesoft do you use it with DCS or a different sim?
100% required it's like a joystick or yoke. Freetrack is a good option I used freetrack for many years for IL-2. I lost my freetrack IR clip and ir made camera, not sure how that happened must be in a pile of a junk but anyways I bought track IR 5 and they work the same just for your information.
After a lot of research I finished up going with the Grass Monkey (puck) 240Hz wireless unit.
After using earlier TrackIR models I found the absence of the cable from the head mounted unit was real a game changer - it's not only cheaper than TrackIR - it feels a lot less fragile - especially the head mount piece.
That said, I run a single ultrawide monitor and as with other head tracking systems it needs calibrating, and just like TrackIR it was still a struggle learning to keep my head still enough to avoid getting dizzy in the beginning! 😂
For anybody looking into head tracking it's definitely worth adding to the research list.
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve heard a few good things about the grass monkey.
I’ve never had an issue with feeling dizzy with TrackIR. I’ve had people try it out briefly demoing my sim set up and I always ask, and no one has felt uncomfortable with it first try.
I bought a USB to USB-C cable (short) for my phone to use a flash card through the case, having an ah-ha moment I plugged my DELAN clip into it and eh viola! I can plug my DELAN clip in anywhere! I can go shopping, drive my car all kinds of activities with it and am always ready to get shot down! xD
@@nicolasnicolas3889 wat
I have one. I use it if I'm filming a mission or I need a backup if my VR needs charged. Used to use it exclusively before I got my VR. Man needs a backup if he has to get airborne
ha ah ah ah ha. Any excuse for more gear. Just like me.
Been using TrackIR for 4 years…works great, and never had a problem with it. I race with ACC, and I had to adjust the rate of movement to slow it down (my preference), but that was all! Works great, and I definitely recommend it.
I too still use it to this day but also sometimes the tobii. Going to look at beam next. It looks interesting.
I see you have a yoke and a Hotas set up all in one, I’m trying to do the same thing! Any chance we could get an in depth review of all your peripherals and a cockpit tour?
I do mate. There’s an older video in my library with exactly that however I’ve made some big changes recently and there will be another video coming soon with all the updates.
going on 7 years ,never ever thought of the cord breaking, as for bugs, every now and then it freezes when i look the console panels in the F-16
When you mention the difference between the TrackCipo and the TrackClipPro I feel that it is all to do if you have any issues with daylight. I find that the standard TrackClip works as it should as loong as the room I am in does not have to much daylight. If there is then the Pro is much better, I used the TrackiR for MFS2020, ETS2 and looking into maybe using in some other sims :)
I actually used the track ir for racing sim to. I just disabled some of the axis.
I have the Oculus VR set and Track IR5. It's not a contest to me. I use the Track IR5 almost exclusively. I have not even tried the other brands of head tracking because there's no need. Yes, the cable tethers you to the PC, but I don't go anywhere when I am playing DCS or MSFS 2020. I am sure there will be dozens of comments telling me all the other choices and why I am an idiot for sticking with Track IR. Don't care. I use what works and the old saying if it works there's no reason to fix it applies.
I’ve tried a few others mate and Tobii eye tracker 5 is the only comparable one bit both of them are expensive for what they are. But it’s what they can do, that’s where the value is.
TrackIR in ArmA 3 is superb, much easier flying helicopters and such and just looking around while on foot is also cool.
You surely must know by now that you click exclusive in the main section were you decide which profile to use to keep whatever profile you use a lot. Using the hat clip is the way i go but beware of sunlight, it will screw around with tracking and cause all amounts of issues. In the daylight, just keep curtains, blinds drawn, for me, that is the only issue i have. At night there is zero issues using the hat clip. I tried the pro clip but that went straight back in the box. An extra thing to have strapped onto headphones of which could be a problem mounting depending on the thickness on the headphones, plus the dam cable and the fact that it is very flimsy and prone to snap. Use the hat clip on a baseball cap and your good to go, MFS 2020 is superb with trackir. Just remember to take it off the cap if you plan on wearing the same cap outside.
I have track and tobi and have used Tobi for a while now but since watching this I pulled out Track and boy am I glad I didn't sell it! The response is much better than Tobi, not sure if it's because of an updated Flightsim profile but it feels so much more accurate now.
Thanks for your feedback. Great info for anyone looking to purchase either of these.
Thanks for this comment
I use a LG C1 65" tv for DCS and the height of the TrackIR 5 would not work that high up. The Tobii 5 is working just fine for me mounted at the bottom of the TV.
Both units and the way they attach to the monitor/TV are both Mickey Mouse. But, I think the Track IR was worse for mounting. If you don't have a bezel on your TV/monitor you are outta-luck... The day that computers and VR really work, every time without nausea, is the day I will make the switch. We are so close!
Interesting that the track ir won’t work when mounted that high in a 65”. Hood for people to know. Thanks for highlighting. Yes I feel like the next 5-10 years we’re going to get our minds blown with VR.
Glad I kept mine as a backup. Meta borked the software for the Quest headsets with version 0.68, and without my backup I'd be completely deadlined
I was actually very surprised how well phone solutions work now. Modern camera modules have a depth sensor, and it adds a great layer to face tracking. It is not those poor solutions we had before when depth information was recalculated only from the camera 2D image, cameras can actually build 3D models of the heads right now using IR depth sensors. There are apps which use this tech both for iPhone and Android platforms and they deliver very good results. The only difference you will notice is a slight delay compared to Track IR (~100 ms), but for MSFS it is seriosuly more than enough, and costs $10. Also, it was more comfortable than Track IR and never glitched. It is plenty even for DCS when you don't need very snappy HMCS. Was using this with my Android phone for couple weeks while my VR was not available, and it worked flawlessly.
Thanks for sharing. I am VR guy using the HP Reverb which I love but it creates a pain point for content creation. I was on the fence between the TrackIR and the Tobii. I just ordered TrackIR as a result of you analysis. Thanks again and share more great stuff.
Thank you. Your right. VR for content creation is not really the best way to go.
Interesting. I'd be curious to know your thoughts on comparing the track IR vs VR for flight simulator. I'm planing to use it for visual reference maneuvers for flight training. The challenge with VR being that you can't see your sim gear without lifting the headset. I'm wondering if track IR with monitors is a more effective way to go. Thoughts?
Thanks.
Ben
@@benh2134 , I have the Reverb G2 and while I like it , you nailed it. I always had to lift the headset to find my controls. The TrackIR solved it hands down. I can use either my Bravo Quad trim wheel with a look down or in the case of my DC-3 I can use my mouse wheel to trim touching the wheel in the cockpit. I use a 43" HD monitor which I sit in front of in a Next Level Racing sim chair. The feel looking around is very natural with visual references right where expected. I hope this helps.
@@FlightSimVRDad Good to know. I am new to all this and have been leaning toward VR but now considering track IR. The visual reference maneuvers require that I be able to view or pan 180 degrees, like wingtip to wingtip then back to the front to reference instruments and make corresponding corrections with the controls. Single monitor might be challenging. I'm thinking track IR with 3 monitors could nail it.
From your experience am I on the right track here? Or way overdoing it. Suggestions on Track IR unit to buy?
Appreciate the feedback.
Ben
@@benh2134 Hey Ben, I was thinking the same way about 3 monitors but I was glad I took a friend’s advice and bought 1 large 4K monitor instead. One thing to consider is you get better frame rate performance with 1 monitor versus 3. The wing tip to wing tip view was not an issue for me at all. As for what I use is the pro model instead of the cheaper ball cap clip. Both work but things are smoother with the pro unit that clips to my beats audio headphones. The only downside to the pro unit is the cable needed to connect it.
I want to get some sort of head or eye tracker but I just feel like i would get extremely annoyed with it. When i play any game, i like to keep my eyes centered with my head. I dont want to turn my head just to move the camera but my eyes have to stay locked on the screen. If that makes any sense. That's where I think I would prefer VR. Because when i turn my head, eyes would obviously not follow with a head tracker. That would take some getting used to. I dont know, maybe i'm overthinking it.
It's actually fairly intuitive when you get going with it but I can understand your concern.
Can you set it up so that the response is on a non linear curve so that you can actually see behind you without having your head actually looking behind you irl and seeing behind you on the front monitor?
Yea you have control of the full curve. It’s very customisable
I couldn't live without at least some form of tracker, and mine is the TIR5.
For me, the basic clip is absolutely fine. I see no need for the Pro device. I have my clip attached to the top of my headphone band, mounted on a stiff wire extension to place it more forward than my face (actually, a bit farther forward even than when mounted on a ball cap.)
In short: Indispensable!
I have never had one instance of a profile swap during the 4 years of use thus far, nor any other software glitch I'm aware of.
I agree. Indispensable. I’m still getting the odd software glitch. Even after a fresh install of windows.
I first got Track IR 10 Years ago. Perfect little Device for me. Ive tried VR its just not there yet I preferer my 4k flat screen With Track IR. By the way ive got a cheep Chinese's track IR 5 that I upgraded from Track IR 4 and it works flawlessly. It has a battery attached so you don't have to have a cable tethered to the pc.
That sounds awesome. How long do you get out of the battery?
@@g-locmedia I have a chinese wireless one aswell, and i'd say I charge it (about 1h to charge) every 3 to 4 dcs sessions (1 session is about 3 to 4 hours for me) so plenty of battery life if you wanted to sim a hole entire day. I could drop you an alliexpress link if you want, it's about 40 dollars for the clip and would work with your track IR just fine.
@@SPIKE2X7 that’s pretty insane. Can you post a link to the one you got?
@@g-locmedia Yes you get many hours of battery life before you need to charge, Around 12 hrs. By the way the reason i switched from reflectors to track clip is because strong light sources can confuse the track IR Camera. With the led's of the clip its makes for less problems with other light sources causing conflict in the IR Sensor of track IR.
@@SPIKE2X7can you leave the link?
Any sim-ish flight or driving game absolutely needs a head tracker, IMHO.
Imagine sitting in your car with a stiff neck so you can't look around at all, or even blinders on the sides, that's what it feels like to play without, and you might not realize it until you try head tracking.
But there are also free alternatives. You might be very good with an analog thumb stick, or free software like SmoothTrack works well with your webcam, and setup.
Thanks for the insight on SmoothTrack
I used TrackIR for long time in my flight simulators games. Since past year I get Tobii and now is , IMOP, better for me, no items on your head, so easy.
Is very sensitive and you need adjust to your requierements, but when you get it.... Incredible.
Cheers
I’ve heard a few good things about the Tobii. So you would recommend it?
@@g-locmedia he just did you tool
Track ir is better than tobii since its more precise and does not jump around like tobii does @g-locmedia
The Track Clip Pro I use because I don't wear a cap for gameplay, especially with 5 monitors (2 monitors high)
Are you using two monitors for the cockpit
@@g-locmedia No, three monitors low are connected to my primary computer for widescreen play. Two monitors above connected to monitor out of game situations on secondary computer. Streaming/Chats/Server status, etc.
@@S386LWBNM that sounds like a very cool setup.
I've been using TrackIR for 2 years and my main complaint is that when for example I am in the middle of a hard banked turn I tilt my head to align to the horizon but when I turn my head in that twist position, the system moves the viewport as though as I just look left-right just sitting straight up in the cockpit showing either ground or sky. Basically it ignores the "new" x-plane of my tilted head.
Are you using the track clip pro or the standard track clip?
@@g-locmedia Standard clip on the hat brim.
@@faidon90125 that’s a little of. I haven’t experienced that. I check tomorrow and see how far away I’m sitting from my track ir to see if your in relatively the same position.
TIR is a must in flight and race sims. I lobbied race sim developers to support TIR in their sims. This was back in 2000, I believe. When I wrote about it in some race sim forums, I was met with a lot of resistance from players. One very common reply was "TIR is for flight sims, not race sims." They just didn't get it. I didn't let their negative view hinder my insistance that TIR would be perfect in race sims. Thankfully the sim devs understood.
I've tried them in race sims and I think it works well for head movement but not rotation.
By all means; I love TrackIR.
I'm glad I bought TrackIR. I waited a long time and thought it wouldn't be that great. But playing with TrackIR is so much better. Once you play with a motion sensor, you don't want to play without it. You need to set the sensitivity well - because for example in ATS/ETS the basic setting is very sensitive and while driving, even looking around is distracting. All it takes is a moment, and suddenly you have a working instrument that makes you feel into the game. Flight Simulator is amazing even in the basic settings. However, I think it would be good if a new version came out with eye tracking. TrackIR is just for playing, Tobii is good for working - it's more versatile. However, Tobii offers one more advantageous feature - namely, you don't have to wear a hat.
I like head/eye tracking better than VR. I have a big 4K monitor, and I want to watch it. At the same time, I don't want to wear anything on my head. I believe that one day there will be implants that will induce "hallucinations" (we will see the game world with our own eyes, and just by thinking we will be able to play). Until then, I will prefer a head tracker.
They are great for those of us that play on screens. I would be without my head tracker. I moved to a Tobii Eye Tracker recently and love the wire free and no clip nature of it.
ive had track ir for the longest time and i lost the IR reflector, bought a tobii, and its not on the same level of how good the Track IR is. i just wish they added IR stcikers or something so u could mod ur headset or a hat without having to use the clip
Does it help with situational awareness when landing as I seem to have trouble getting the sense of height when I need to flare? Any comments would be welcome and thanks for the vid.
For that I reckon VR is what you want to get that depth perception
@@g-locmedia - VR is not for me.
Can you tell us how to triple screen MSFS?
Just enable it in the experimental section within the setting menu.
I had never flipping the profile on me. Not even once. Maybe there is a hotkey that can be assigned to switching profiles that you are pressing by accident? 🤔
I have the DelanClip IR set. I also have TrackIR. My question is can the DelanClip replace TrackIR's ProClip headset in the event of TrackIR's ProClip going on the blink?!
You'd probably be in the best place to answer that as you have both. My only head tracking experience is track IR and Tobii.
This is a year old video, but keep in mind that TrackIR 5 IS a cheap chinese product. a lot of the more expensive copycats are the exact same product. I paid significantly less than TrackIR prices for a "TrackNP 5" and it came in a shitty looking box. I popped it open, opened up the sensor, and what do I find? A genuine TrackIR logo. Comes from the same factory.
I have had my trackir unit for many years. I wanted to get back into IL 2 Sturmovik with the new versions. My TrackIR worked great with IL2 1946. But I bought a new computer with Windows 11 and installed the newest TrackIR driver. It shows up and it works fine in the TrackIR settings program. It worked in the Scripted Mission mode of IL2, but for some reason in other modes my view was backwards in the cockpit and can't fix it. Now I'm looking backwards in all the modes of IL2. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the driver....reset key bindings to manufacturer original settings, and increased light filter threshold in the TrackIR settings. Nothing. Any ideas?
When you say its backwards is it actually facing 180 degrees in the game?
@@g-locmedia yes looking out the back of cockpit...I can see the headrest or whatever you call it. It's actually the back over right shoulder
Hi, I was hoping someone can help me. I played dcs years ago but without any trackir, the game was fun but I can only imagine the experience with trackir, it’s essential if imagine!! My question is does trackir work in light or dark rooms ?
Dark room will be better. If the room is too bright it may struggle a bit. I e never had any issues though even when my sim was in the main living room.
@@g-locmedia perfect I prefer a dark room or playing at night. I’m going to knock the cobwebs of the pc and download dcs again but I definitely need trackir for a better experience. I had a vr on my pc ages ago but the pc wasn’t able for the vr. Does trackir require a very high end pc like vr does or does it work easy enough
@@Jamesmolloy29 also check out Tobii eyetracker.
@@g-locmedia which one is better and less hassle? Which one works better in darker areas
I Have Issues With Setting Up The Curves With Tracker IR. I'm Ready To Give AimXY From Cubesim A Go.
Trackhat is another more affordable alternative to TrackIR. been using it for years, starting from the basic modified PS camera, and now with its own designed sensor. Very satisfied with it
I'll chekc that out. Thanks for the suggestion
i just got mine a few days ago half the time i turn on dcs the tracker isnt working or on its red so im not to happy with the program crashing a lot
Is is set to auto go to the system tray?
Dude got hit with the "purple burglar alarm" at the beginning
Parpal bargular alarm
Your video missed the best advantage and the worst disadvantage of TIR5.
The best advantage is that you'll able to use helmet mounted sights in DCS for pointing out targets in DCS. For example A/G operations in A-10 that's invaluable.
The worst disadvantage is that you have to create an almost completely dark environment around your computer. You are constantly fighting against sunlight if your room has windows and even the smallest gap between the window frame and the shader can cause headache. Furthermore, it's not so healthy and mood friendly that you have to fly always in a dark room, even it's a hot summer day outside....
Regarding wires on your head... I'm using DelanClip which is a headpiece with integrated battery (however I had to put a filter on the LEDs because they are too bright for TIR5) but I'm pretty sure that there are many more other wireless solutions for TIR5. You can use a simple portable USB battery pack for example, and connect that to Track Clip Pro, then you can move freely in the room.
I'm using TIR more than 10 years, my first unit faulted in last year, but re-purchased it. It's a must-have.
Thanks for this video. I was wondering about it, but I think it would not be worth the investment having a 49"
one of the great things for a 49 inch ultrawide with headtracking is the extra vertical view you get. If you don't need the vertical view then maybe not worth it.
I don't get how there's a claim that system resources are an issue. The software for TrackIR has remain mostly unchanged since it came out in 2009/2010...maybe earlier. Software that updates for shits and and giggles like that tend to bloat in memory very unecessarily. Similarly, if no one complained about it taking up resources back in 2010, how the heck did that become a problem in 2023? I don't even know how you manage to blame TrackIR specifically when I'm sure you have a ton of other stuff running in the background (as any sim pilot does). SimAppPro's (WinWing) for a while very seriously tanked DCS performance through exports - I'm not even sure that's fixed.
Also, I doubt there's a bug related to profile switching. You possibly haven't noticed that there is a key binding for profile switching, which you almost certainly want to turn off. I suspect you might occassionally be hitting said hotkey and having that happen, otherwise it's a very serious bug, that even if 1% of TrackIR users experienced, it would be a well known deal breaker. Unless you switch profiles within the same game/sim, just switch profiles directly in the TrackIR window.
I’ve seen Track IR pull off 3-4 fps as soon as it’s switched on. I will check out your suggestion about they keybinding to make sure there’s nothing set in there though. Thanks for the info on that.
@@g-locmedia
Sorry, the difference probably doesn't matter to you, and most people. I say the following as a means to possibly help you recover the performance, or understand how it is somewhat misleading to say that the TrackIR software causes a performance gap.
I'll maintaining that there's no way 3-4fps is the dip from a 13+ year old basic program like TrackIR if we're talking CPU resources. Unless it's 3-4fps from 300+ down to 297 or something.
If I consider that TrackIR is actually using your GPU resources, then the problem seems more clear / obvious: the preview window is 3D accelerated, but should not at all be running while you're playing a game. Windows should know that window isn't visible because it should minimize to tray as soon as DCS, or any other sim, starts using it. Unless you explicitly pull up TrackIR5 to "awaken" the window again forcing it to render, in which case you are now sharing the GPU acceleration resources between two programs. As light as TrackIR is, context switching is the penalty. You should always minimize TrackIR to tray and leave it there.
The other possibility is that with TrackIR you are actually able to look in different directions and DCS is highly optimized to render where you are actually looking. It's trivial to sit in the same plane, same point in space on whatever map, and you get wildly different frame rates looking at the cockpit, versus outside at the ground, versus the sky above. And there may even be a penalty when DCS knows TrackIR is on. The rendering system cannot optimize knowing you have a static view until/unless you press a view change button.
I am on my second one because I totally disrespected my first one had it since Blackshark came out cannot fly DCs without it.
One you get one you never go back.
Its a clincher on if i play games for any significant time. If i have to force it with mods and freepie, moatst often that's good enough. But more games should have native support.
with the likes it's DCS its essential if your on a single monitor
I have both Tobii 5 and TrackIR. Tobii is more convenient, TrackIR is more accurate and easier to configure.
I find myself going back and forth on it. There's something to be said for not having to wear the reindeer antlers and a headset if you dont care to.
Thanks for the feedback on the Tobii.
I also have both and switched completely to Tobii5. It’s so much more convenient to not have something attached to your head. And I found it not much less precise as TrackIR and like add a few percent of the actual eye tracking to my setting to have a button or stuff coming in at a glimpse. :-)
How do you see the screen when you have to turn your head all over??
You still have to keep your eyes on the screen
It’s actually more intuitive than you think
@@g-locmedia yeah I’d have to experiment with it to fully grasp the capabilities
If you have some at 3 a clock in dcs and you point your head there. Won't you be moving your head from the screen or am I just stupid?
The track ir responds to small head movements to make large on screen movements. Sounds like it would not work well but it’s quite intuitive.
@@g-locmedia I see, thank you
Does this work on ATS?
I don’t know where you got that pricing from but NaturalPoint sells the TrackIR 5 for $149.00 US. That’s not very expensive at all. I notice that civilian flight sim players seem not to use it much because mostly what they’re doing is looking straight ahead. But in the combat sims you would be at such a severe and frustrating disadvantage that the game wouldn’t even be worth playing. So it’s a funny topic for a video to try and discuss whether this is worthwhile. It’s an absolutely essential piece of gear, again without it these games aren’t even playable. TrackIR is still the gold standard for head tracking.
TrackIR does not use up system resources, anymore than your mouse does. If you have any PC performance issues, they will just be more noticeable when you turn and move your head, that’s what you’re noticing. For the trouble you might have with switching profiles, just enable persistent profile in the settings. And regarding the track clip vs pro, the only good reason to go with the LED pro is if you’re in a brightly lit room where reflections are a problem. Clearly if that’s your normal lighting in the video then this is a non issue.
It’s 14 years old for what is a few IR lights and webcam, few places do the same thing for much cheaper and you could make your own for less than $50 and a PlayStation 3 level camera. Imagine simping for a company who vastly overcharges their product and has stopped all innovation, it’s nothing but a cash cow for them.
@@duckysyn What you pay for a product has nothing to do with its raw components. By that logic a new car should cost a few hundred dollars for some glass and metal.
I have one of those cheap chinese knock-offs and it's identical to the official version (uses same software). Use mine with FS2020. My only complaint is the monitor mount which is crap - I 3-d printed my own in the end.
what if i play warthunder. is it worth it?
Yea War thunder would benefit from eye tracking,
I wouldn't leave home without it.
Essential. Especially if your on a single monitor.
It died on me after only two years of use. It was running super hot and then it died. Poor quality I think. While it was working it was fine.
I find price of TrackIR questionable, with the fact, how easy and cheap is to make one by yourself.
Thanks, super helpful!
No worries. Glad it helped.
TrackIR is the cheapest looking piece of junk I could never live without.
Lol. Love the you out that ha ha!
Same Absolute game changer for me
Yep that sums it up perfectly! Very well said!
I'm using trackir since 2008..we are in 2023...every single day I cannot fly without... As chopper's pilot in DCS and Arma 3.. Flying chopper at extremely low altitude and as fast as possible to reduce your time exposure in hostile environment push your adrenaline to the max turning your head right and left quickly give you the advantage to spot any others threat close to you but give you as well the perfect knowledge of your closest environment.... Could anyone tell me if trackir is enabled on to squad... I need to test my skill as chopper's pilot in squad. Thks to give us all those advice
lol
Hi. I'm wondering if you could try using this with vr?
My theory is that you could use trackir and something like the cardboard VR headset to connect to your phone and have a mix of vr with trackir. This would be alot cheeper and really cool to try.
Yeah the non pro version you dont have a wire, but you have to wear a cap 😅
TCP their you go sorted
Can someone help me my track ir is locked in dcs but it works ibn other games dcs registers the device but it dosent work
Just checking you’ve enabled track ir in the options menu?
Yes it used to work and then one day it just toped working in game also when i unplug it and plug it back it dcs registers that it has been switched on
@@lolboy6861 are you starting track IR before DCS? Also are you running the beta version?
@@g-locmedia yes i am and yes im using the beta
The only Issue I have is light pollution from a window in my room. I have a 3d printed battery powered track clip pro from Grass Monkey Simulation's.
A few people have mentioned that, what kind of better life you getting?
@@g-locmedia I use a recharable AA battery and get 60 ish hours of use for every battery.
its 2023, and trackir is still wired....and the only wireless option i found was in ebay and it looks shady AF
Now say Purple Burglar Alarm. 😂
Why can't they just use facial recognition without this old IR tech?
Things are changing. Working on a Tobii Eye Tracker video, due out soon.
We want to see the products and information about it, demos of the proiduct, its use.... not your face for hours.
Thanks mate. I’ll take that on board. Always looking to improve my review videos.
Trackir and flat screen in 2023?
Come one!
VR is far superior!
VR is is you have a crazy PC to run it.
@@g-locmedia
mmm...
Perhaps, these are mi rig's specs:
i7 gen 11, 64G DDR4 3200, RTX4070, DCS installed on M2 - currently I use a Quest 3
Previous rig was:
i5 gen 7, 48G DDR3 2400, RTX1080TI, DCS installed on SATA SSD
At that time I use a Quest 2.
I have been using OpenXR Toolkit for some time now, I don't recall exactly when I started to use it.
I just dont see any reason for me to spend 300 bucks on a few grams of plastic and something a ps2 camera can do ...
My friend has a DIY job with a PS camera, it s not bad but I reckon I'd still choose the TrackIR over it.
@@g-locmedia I'll probably get the Meta Quest 2, as it's the same price as the TrackIR for a decent VR headset. Tho, I greatly appreciate your comment! Keep up the good quality content, mate! Have a nice rest of your day!!
@@clxudzYT thanks. Yea the meta quest 2 is now a great value headset. You’ll find some good prices on it.
TrackIR5 cannot be recommended. The part is not even recognized correctly by the PC, despite the correct installation process.
The attachment to the monitor is really wobbly and cheap. I don't think it's worth the money you pay for it.
Unfortunately there's not much competition here. Its either track IR or Tobii Eye tracker.
Get a chinese copy, don't give a single cent to natural point, they sell a product that is ass, it's buggy, packs incredibly outdated sensors, and is worth maybe 10% of what they ask for it. It's bafling to me that, with the sim explosion after covid hit, they haven't even tried to get a new product on the market. They launched TrackIr 5 in 2009... that's 14 years ago! The copies work just as good (or bad), but sometimes are more durable because they use metal on the clips instead of plastic, and are still very overpriced, but not as much as "the real deal".
2 years in and I've never had a problem. Neither software or hardware.
200$ is expensive
i see this and think why just go vr wtf :D
The resolution in VR is still too low for me. Also there's the comfort issue. After about 30 mins with a headset on I just want to take it off. I love the depth perception of VR but it just falls short in too many other areas at the moment. It is the future though.
Okay Scottish man. Say "Purple Burglar Alarm" 3 times fast.
I can't. Haven't you heard?
I really don't think this is a good choice for a combat flight sim. You have a limited field of view still and if someones on your six, you're screwed. For like 100 bucks more you can get a VR headset and be able to look all the way around
the resolution on those cheap VR headsets are terrible though.
@@g-locmedia the quest 2 has a good enough resolution. 1832x1920 per eye. It's only low resolution when you play games through the quest standalone. It's fine running off a PC given that you have a good enough pc
Also the quest 3 just released...
I don't wear hats so trackir is definitely unimmersive for me
Almost none of these crappy youtube videos mention you need to be a complete black room for this to work well - it's a sensitive pos
I’ve never had an issue. I think if you have direct sunlight coming through it might be though. But I don’t think you need a completely black room.
TrackIR is trash. It constantly makes random movements and is difficult to setup. I've had it for a few years now and every now and then I hope the software is better. I'm always disappointed.
There Tobbi eye tracker too. I haven't had any experience with it but people seem to love it.
Trackir is rubbish it never works. i have one and two both are terrible, would not waste my money on it again. Look at the video he is in a darken room.
My Trackir 5 is 10 years old and like NEW Wires HAVE NEVER BROKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow. Still running good as new?
Hello, I watched the videos and I would like to buy something like this, but I also saw that you can make a HeadTracker out of a regular camera and I don't want to invest a lot of money in it, so isn't it better to buy a camera and just install the software?? Thank you @G-LOC MEDIA
There are many people who have created their own head trackers with varying degrees of success. I’ve seen some really good ones and some average ones. It’s a great way to go if you want to get your hands dirty and save some cash.
@@g-locmedia Hello, thank you for your reply and I would like to do it as cheaply as possible so I will try this cheaper way and then invest in it. Thank you
Hello i would like to know one question only . How to turn on and off Trackir in DCS ?
There should be a custom key setting in track or software to turn it on and off.
I've been using TrackIR for years and never had the problem of it changing to another profile, never! So I have to suspect that maybe there is a key-binding conflict, though I never looked into changing profiles via key stroke. Very disappointed with EA games right now because they haven't made TrackIR available with the new WRC game!
ua-cam.com/video/B8LWkg0HIYQ/v-deo.htmlsi=gIpBd7mR2HWVYEu1
You might be on to something there. I'll check that out.
Get a Husky - they are Cool.
Lol. I love Huskies but unfortunately I live in sunny Queensland. Too much of a tropical climate here.
@@g-locmedia unfortunately :D the best joke of this week :)
I know I will NEVER Pay $300 for TOBI TOY TRACKER!!!! Track IR 5 makes a Fool out of Tobi everytime!!🤣🤣👍👍
I use them both for different things. I think they both have their own strengths and weaknesses.