Investigating head tracking options

[ShamrockOneFive]

Hey folks,

 

I've decided 2019 is the year I finally (finally!) stop using a hat switch and keyboard buttons for looking around the sim world and instead get some sort of head tracking device. There's options out there and I wanted to get some of your suggestions and experiences with using different gear.

 

TrackIR is the obvious one. It's pricier but maybe also the easiest to setup? I have heard that the software isn't the best and it does need a wire to work.

 

I've also investigated Delanclip and their PS3 Eye camera solution which seems like another possibility. I assume this uses OpenTrack and that it works ok with IL-2 (and other sims)? They have a new wireless option which is awfully appealing to me.

 

What else is out there?

[Leon_Portier]

Wow! I didn´t consider to use keyboard to look around, are you panning the camera or are you using the snap views?

 

For the cheapest headtracking option you could use the Aruco paperclip.

You basically print out a piece of paper with some bars on it, mount it to your head and with webcam your Opentrack calulates the head position.

Works 6DOF and requires any webcam, Opentrack and a black-white printer.

While it works really well, tracking with 30 FPS, you have to sit in a well lit room though.

[ShamrockOneFive]

25 minutes ago, Leon_Portier said:

Wow! I didn´t consider to use keyboard to look around, are you panning the camera or are you using the snap views?

 

 

Panning the camera. I use the hat stick on my Gladiator to pan around and the WASD keys to zoom and move side to side for better visibility. It works surprisingly well and I'm able to function in a multiplayer dogfight reasonably well.

 

Quote

For the cheapest headtracking option you could use the Aruco paperclip.

You basically print out a piece of paper with some bars on it, mount it to your head and with webcam your Opentrack calulates the head position.

Works 6DOF and requires any webcam, Opentrack and a black-white printer.

While it works really well, tracking with 30 FPS, you have to sit in a well lit room though.

 

Interesting! I will add to the list.

 

OpenTrack works well for you with IL-2?

[Leon_Portier]

Opentrack works well for me in IL2 and other sims.

For emergencys it has a TrackIR emulator I think.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

TrackIR 5 is the de facto standard for gaming head tracking. It is almost plug-and-play, albeit rather expensive. It will just work in all but the most pathological situations. 

 

Opentrack is an alternative that provides similar functionality, but be aware that many optical methods using standard webcams will only offer intermittent tracking under anything but ideal conditions.

 

Head tracking is great, but it does have its limitations. Rotating your head while staring at a fixed screen can feel a bit strange. It’s nothing that you can’t get used to with the right configuration, but hat switches do remain a comfortable alternative despite their limited speed and precision. For me, head tracking ultimately became a stepping stone towards VR.

Edited January 6, 2019 by Mitthrawnuruodo

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

Using Delan Clip with the modified PS3 Eye camera + OpenTrack software. No problems at all and a LOT cheaper than NaturalPoint´s TrackIR. But whatever suits your preference and wallet

[LLv24_Zami]

I also have Delanclip,  PS3 Eye camera and Opentrack software. I`ve used it for a long time now, it`s been great and can recommend it. I haven`t used TrackIR so I can`t compare but Delanclip is working, that`s for sure ?

[TWC_Ace]

If you are on budget - Edtracker pro. If the money isnt a problem then TiR5.

[Seb71]

Edtracker pro is not that cheap (unless you DIY). And it only has rotations (3DoF).

[ShamrockOneFive]

Thanks all!

Track IR definitely still on my radar but a I am leaning towards Delanclip for the lower price. I think I even have a PS3 Eye Camera. I have to see if I can find it. I have a bit of a wishlist for equipment this year (new stick and throttle too) so I'm trying to pace myself

 

 

[TWC_Ace]

1 hour ago, Seb71 said:

Edtracker pro is not that cheap (unless you DIY). And it only has rotations (3DoF).

It is 3 times cheaper than TiR5. Also its using pseudo 6DOF (actuall roll can be tied to lean over and behind and lean over and duck below via opentrack software). Also its solution (gyro plus magneotmeter) is superior to camera tracking imho...also no deoendance on light sources, no lost tracking at extreme angles. Only problem I have sometimes when the view goes 180 deg ifIm using opentrack. But thats on my end I need to tune it better.

Yes, TiR5 is the way to go if the money isnt an issue.

Edited January 6, 2019 by blackram

[Seb71]

If you already have a webcam, give OpenTrack + ArUco printed marker a try. Not perfect (you need to get the camera angle just right and tweak the curves), but it does not cost anything extra.

 

1 hour ago, blackram said:

It is 3 times cheaper than TiR5.

 

Yeah it's cheaper, but still not negligible if TrackIR 5 is seen as expensive. For some games (such as in Elite Dangerous) just rotation (3DoF) is OK, but in Il-2 BoX (and in DCS) I would miss not being able to move the head left/right and up/down. I'm sure it is way better than using a hat switch, though.

[Taxman]

As others have stated there are cheaper alternatives to TrackIR5 and I bought it along with the TrackIR5 Pro clip.  I do not use the Pro clip anymore as I have found that the regular IR5 clip works just fine.  I believe that the Pro clip is extra $25.00 not sure.  Just checked with amazon and you can pickup  TrackIR5 for around $125.00 us.  I have now had the IR5 for 5 pulse years and have been very happy with it.

 

[[DBS]MDS1]

Just to add to the very useful comments already made,

Track iR was an absolute game changer for me, both here in Great Battles and IL-2 1946. I would say, if you can afford it - go that route. You won't regret it. The software is straightforward, and there are plenty of you tube videos to assist with setting up advanced settings and profiles etc.

 

Which ever route you decide to go, it's got to be better than the hat switch, you will really notice the difference, and get far more immersion. I certainly did!

Good Luck!

Kind Regards,

MDS1

[Remontti]

12 hours ago, blackram said:

If you are on budget - Edtracker pro. If the money isnt a problem then TiR5.

I don't know if Edtracker is valid option. Everything is out of stock, availability dates are out-dated and I got no answer to my email.

[TWC_Ace]

On 1/6/2019 at 9:53 PM, Seb71 said:

If you already have a webcam, give OpenTrack + ArUco printed marker a try. Not perfect (you need to get the camera angle just right and tweak the curves), but it does not cost anything extra.

 

 

Yeah it's cheaper, but still not negligible if TrackIR 5 is seen as expensive. For some games (such as in Elite Dangerous) just rotation (3DoF) is OK, but in Il-2 BoX (and in DCS) I would miss not being able to move the head left/right and up/down. I'm sure it is way better than using a hat switch, though.

Again, edtracker pro van use pseudo 6dof..in opentrack you can set your actual roll as lean over nose and lean to the side and behind your back (lean behind your tail)....its even more natural..

[Alonzo]

I really liked my EDTracker, gave it up a while ago when I got VR. I don’t think the 3DoF is a big drawback and it’s much better than no headlook. I since got a TrackHat and while it works reasonably well the camera regularly gets spooked and it needs to be stopped and started. Might just be my config but I haven’t got it working to my satisfaction yet. I’m using TrackHat whole I wait for a repair on my 2+ year old Oculus Rift.

 

Gold standard is of course VR so I would recommend that but it’s not cheap and you need a good rig to support it.