Will I need TrackIR for this?

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

Hey everyone, This is my first post here so I'll start with a short intro to myself. This is the first IL game or real flight sim I will have ever played, War Thunder got me into flight sim's in general but as I started to improve I moved away from keyboard/mouse (mouse aim) controls, to a joystick (3d extreme pro) and moved the their historic mode aka arcade+, but it still wasn't enuf, something still just didn't feel right.

 

 So I tried full real battles and although it was the experience I was looking for, sadly its player base is dying out. Also I found it incredibly hard to spot anyone in full real mode, and this leads to my biggest concern with purchasing IL2 BOS. Will I be able to participate in multiplayer without head tracking software?

 

 Currently I use the hat controls on the joystick to look around and hotkey's to quickly look behind me, is this option available in IL2 BOS?

 

 I would bite the bullet and buy it, but I have decided to wait for the release of the Oculus Rif, I also don't have pedals but I have been doing fine with the twist grip rudder control so far.

 

Thanks for any advice you may have, been following this community for awhile now and I have very excited by what I see in game, and in the player base.

Edited December 7, 2013 by ScottyOnTheSpot

[BeastyBaiter]

I was a long time hold out with the hat switch on my X-52 pro, only making the switch to TIR last December after 20+ years of flight simming without. I can say that TIR makes looking around more comfortable, but it is not required. I played RoF for 3+ years with only a hat switch online. I did well and buying TIR didn't make me any better. A hat switch is just fine for MP. I don't view it as an advantage, it's more of a comfort and immersion thing. BoS uses the same engine as RoF, so there shouldn't be any real difference in hat vs TIR.

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

Awesome! Thank you for the information, I'm off to download the early access right now, cheers!

[pixelshader]

It's not needed, but it'd be easier to set up than a nice keyboard + stick config. Not sure if a hotas would have enough buttons for all the looking, head movement, and zooming.

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

I guess that's the one advantage to not having a HOTAS setup, I have one hand fully dedicated to hotkeys lol.

[Lextor]

Surprisingly, my story is almost identical to yours. I also started playing WarThunder not long ago, immediately hated arcade mode and moved to full real battles. Bought the exact same joystick (3d extreme pro) and started thinking about buying TrackIR. But having studied the subject, I decided to wait until Oculus Rift HD. And what is more, I don't like the idea of wearing all these stuff on my head just to turn the camera... I have tried various software, and I can say that it's not necessary to buy the TrackIR, a very cheap and effective solution exists. I tried different programs, like FaceTrackNoIR and FreeTrack, they have a lot of options, but they are very demanding on the processor power and work with a noticeable delay. I spent a lot of time on the settings and could not achieve a satisfactory result. Then I accidentally found out about a program that is used to move the mouse cursor by turning the head. One of the WT forum members recommend it for gaming purposes... Its very old piece of software for WinXP, but it works on my Win7.. And It works just perfectly! It's lighning fast, doesn't eat your processor time, and is very accurate in face tracking. All you need is a good web camera (I use PlayStation3 Eye @ 120fps). Set HeadMouse sensitivity at about 15-20%, then set up mouse look in the game as you like, and enjoy! (don't forget to bind a center view key, just in case)

 

I just uploaded a video of my first dog fight. Check out the first 20 seconds, as you can see I have no problems with looking around. (I have zoom on my hatswitch)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hou2RgvsFGI

 

The link to a program:

http://nipg.inf.elte.hu/headmouse/headmouse.html

[dburne]

Well there is no way I could go back to using a hat to pan my view, but I have been using Track IR for 10+ years and am spoiled by it.

The immersion it adds for me is incredible.

I am an offline player, so advantages/disadvantages don't matter much to me, I am all about immersion - making it as realistic as I possibly can within the confines of my desktop.

[M4rgaux]

Surprisingly, my story is almost identical to yours. I also started playing WarThunder not long ago, immediately hated arcade mode and moved to full real battles. Bought the exact same joystick (3d extreme pro) and started thinking about buying TrackIR. But having studied the subject, I decided to wait until Oculus Rift HD. And what is more, I don't like the idea of wearing all these stuff on my head just to turn the camera... I have tried various software, and I can say that it's not necessary to buy the TrackIR, a very cheap and effective solution exists. I tried different programs, like FaceTrackNoIR and FreeTrack, they have a lot of options, but they are very demanding on the processor power and work with a noticeable delay. I spent a lot of time on the settings and could not achieve a satisfactory result. Then I accidentally found out about a program that is used to move the mouse cursor by turning the head. One of the WT forum members recommend it for gaming purposes... Its very old piece of software for WinXP, but it works on my Win7.. And It works just perfectly! It's lighning fast, doesn't eat your processor time, and is very accurate in face tracking. All you need is a good web camera (I use PlayStation3 Eye @ 120fps). Set HeadMouse sensitivity at about 15-20%, then set up mouse look in the game as you like, and enjoy! (don't forget to bind a center view key, just in case)

 

I just uploaded a video of my first dog fight. Check out the first 20 seconds, as you can see I have no problems with looking around. (I have zoom on my hatswitch)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hou2RgvsFGI

 

The link to a program:

http://nipg.inf.elte.hu/headmouse/headmouse.html

 

I use facetracknoir with the point tracker and a homemade hat. It doesn't use much cpu and work way better than simple face tracking.

With a lowcost cam the total cost of was ~30€

 

ps. Don't use headtracking as a mouse, use game protocol Freetrack 2 it will be much better and with 6dof, if you need help setting things up pm me.

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

DUDE, you're my new best E-friend. That's amazing, why haven't I hear of this before. You just saved me a lot of money, this is a perfect workaround until the Rift HD consumer version comes out.

[Nonolem]

I was a long time hold out with the hat switch on my X-52 pro, only making the switch to TIR last December after 20+ years of flight simming without. I can say that TIR makes looking around more comfortable, but it is not required. I played RoF for 3+ years with only a hat switch online. I did well and buying TIR didn't make me any better. A hat switch is just fine for MP. I don't view it as an advantage, it's more of a comfort and immersion thing. BoS uses the same engine as RoF, so there shouldn't be any real difference in hat vs TIR.

 

Same with me... I used the mouse since years to look around and I was fine with it. A few weeks ago I bought a TIR. It's more confortable and immersive, it's easier for the 6 DoF, but not essential, in my opinion. You can continue with what you used to do....

 

I think that using the mouse is far easier, faster and more precise than the hat... Anyway, do with what you used to do...

 

It's my opinion. We had a discussion on the french forum about that a couple of weeks ago, and some said that a TIR is absolutely essential. So I bought one, but it has not changed my mind... I think that with some training virtual pilots can do very well without it.

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

I noticed on the Vid that there are some visual oddities on the very edges where the chat box is. Was that from the software or something else?

Edited December 7, 2013 by ScottyOnTheSpot

[Lextor]

 

I use facetracknoir with the point tracker and a homemade hat. It doesn't use much cpu and work way better than simple face tracking.

With a lowcost cam the total cost of was ~30€

 

ps. Don't use headtracking as a mouse, use game protocol Freetrack 2 it will be much better and with 6dof, if you need help setting things up pm me.

 

Well, my brother tried it (home made diode tridents and hats etc), turned out not very handy. I like HeadMouse solution for its simplicity and efficiency. You don't need all these protocols and drivers, at any moment you can turn on or off this little program, it does not eat up system resources, you don't need to wear all these hats/diodes/wires. I'm very happy with it.

 

 

I noticed on the Vid that there are some visual oddities on the very edges where the chat box is. Was that from the software or something else?

Nah, it is stupid YouTube AutoFocus... I'm not an experienced uploader, so I answered "yes" when it asked me if i want to improve my video.. thanks for letting me know, in 10 minutes the original video should be restored.

Edited December 7, 2013 by Lextor

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

Must have been meant to be.. Just got a decent webcam for a great price. OfficeMax is selling their Logitech webcams for 50% off right now, if you need one I'd suggest checking it out.

 

Thanks for all your help on this, I'll get ahold of you If I need help setting it all up, your offer is much appreciated

Edited December 7, 2013 by ScottyOnTheSpot

[Lextor]

Just made another little demonstration (at takeoff have to look at the pedals, trying to get used to my new controls)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYdOsB1kll4

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

That look's really smooth, I can't wait to get my webcam and get it set up now. Look's like the game just finished downloading, thanks again for your advice, I'm going to go see if I can even get one of these beasts off the ground and back again.

 

Once I get my cam set up I hit ya up on how best to set up the calibration options. See you in the skies!

Edited December 7, 2013 by ScottyOnTheSpot

[kongxinga]

 

 

 

Well, my brother tried it (home made diode tridents and hats etc), turned out not very handy. I like HeadMouse solution for its simplicity and efficiency. You don't need all these protocols and drivers, at any moment you can turn on or off this little program, it does not eat up system resources, you don't need to wear all these hats/diodes/wires. I'm very happy with it.

 

 

Nah, it is stupid YouTube AutoFocus... I'm not an experienced uploader, so I answered "yes" when it asked me if i want to improve my video.. thanks for letting me know, in 10 minutes the original video should be restored.

 

Lexfor thanks for recommending that program. How does it compare to just using FaceTrackNoir without wearing diodes (although I have the LEDs on my track clip and a PS3 Eye).

 

Don't worry about dying playerbase on WT, most of us FRBers are here. I think many FRBers were tired of the lies from Gaijin about valuing the simmers, and felt used when they switched to the arcade mousers. I for one am glad the BOS devs are treating this properly like a sim, instead of trying to "balance" or other gamer nonsense.

[Wolger]

Lexfor thanks for recommending that program. How does it compare to just using FaceTrackNoir without wearing diodes (although I have the LEDs on my track clip and a PS3 Eye).

 

Don't worry about dying playerbase on WT, most of us FRBers are here. I think many FRBers were tired of the lies from Gaijin about valuing the simmers, and felt used when they switched to the arcade mousers. I for one am glad the BOS devs are treating this properly like a sim, instead of trying to "balance" or other gamer nonsense.

 

True enough. I'm one of the FRB flyer looking for more.

 

And War Thunder FRB made me bought TIR5, for me it's an essential tool. I just can't get used to Hat switch for POV.

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

So just took out my first Lagg. HOLYCOW this is waaaay different from War Thunder and in all the right ways. Took me 4 tries to finally get off the ground only to die while trying to do some low level attack runs......I am having a blast, loving this game so far.

Edited December 7, 2013 by ScottyOnTheSpot

[ph1317]

What about padlocking enemy/friendly planes?

Is it supposed to be working in this version?

I tried but no success. In IL2 padlock worked very well.

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

When you say padlocking, do you mean a button that would let you track your enemy while its toggled or held down? War Thunder has something like this and it is helpful, unfortunately it's not in the FBR mode.

Edited December 7, 2013 by ScottyOnTheSpot

[Lextor]

Lexfor thanks for recommending that program. How does it compare to just using FaceTrackNoir without wearing diodes (although I have the LEDs on my track clip and a PS3 Eye).

For me, HeadMouse is better. It has no curve tuning, only X and Y sensitivity, but it works more smoothly and has instant response. I have a 42" monitor, and I'm sitting pretty far from it. A webcam is hanging on the top edge of the screen, more than a meter away from my face. So, from this distance, FaceTrackNoIR could not recognize the face and I had to move up closer. HeadMouse works fine even from such a distance, it has faster and more reliable algorithm of finding the reference points on the face. Anyway, guys, it just my opinion, maybe someone will like another program more. Try and choose the one that suits you best.

Edited December 7, 2013 by Lextor

[Bearcat]

You wont need it but it won't hurt.

[VR-DriftaholiC]

You won't regret track ir if you get it!

[ph1317]

When you say padlocking, do you mean a button that would let you track your enemy while its toggled or held down? War Thunder has something like this and it is helpful, unfortunately it's not in the FBR mode.

 

Toggle command.  There is something like this in the controls command list, but it doesn't seem to work.

So I'm wondering if it's one of those things that haven't been implemented yet.

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

Toggle command.  There is something like this in the controls command list, but it doesn't seem to work.

So I'm wondering if it's one of those things that haven't been implemented yet.

 

Ah ok, yeah it would be nice if something like that is added, even if it just for the lower level setting.

 

So I have been messing around with the controls and I am quite pleased with the amount of control you can have over your point of view and where you would like your default view to be set to. It's actually much easier to look around the cockpit  and track targets with the hat control then it was in War Thunder.

[LordNeuro*Srb*]

Lextor how i make HeadMouse to work. I instaled the program and it is tracking , but when i start bos nothing heppening. Is there somthing u need to do to make it work in bos or what? Any help is welcome.

[Lextor]

Lextor how i make HeadMouse to work. I instaled the program and it is tracking , but when i start bos nothing heppening. Is there somthing u need to do to make it work in bos or what? Any help is welcome.

 

Do you have checkbox "mouse moving" enabled in the program? It should move the cursor when you turn your head. For the game there is no difference between HeadMouse and your optical mouse. Maybe you have disabled the mouse look in the game? Try to move the camera with the normal mouse, does it work? Also check your camera settings in the game, here is mine (I use Pan Camera mode): 

 

 

Don't forget to bind pilot's head bow and turn on mouse axis Y and X!

 

Edited December 8, 2013 by Lextor

[LordNeuro*Srb*]

Thx Lextor. I turned off in head mouse program to move mouse. It was anoing wile i was testing to move my mouse cursor. I will tray it turned on.

Thx for u help.

S

[Zippy]

You won't regret track ir if you get it!

I am with driftaholic on this. I bought TrackIR a couple of years ago. I can't imagine a flight sim without it now. I used that hat switch until then. If you can afford it, I think it is the way to go.

[TheCheese]

I'm pretty sure padlock was working for me? You might just need to make sure you're holding Ctrl when you press the button so that it knows to lock onto an enemy aircraft

[ll./JG77_JadeBandit]

Really? I have pad lock checked but I have no idea what button activates it. I'll need to look closer at my controls.

 

 Lextor, thanks for the pic's, my webcam should be here in a few days and this will help a lot.