IRTrackStar

[Chris65]

Anyone use one of this IR tracker by rjsimtech?  I am using a home made IR tracker (using plywood!!) but the connections are loose, I have to take it apart and solder it as it is just liquid taped together, but this may be a better way to go.  My only concern is that it is rechargeable, I am not too big of a fan of this as  my second IR tracker is built on battery and hat and the battery always dims when you don't want it too (9v system).

 

The thing I like is that it is in North America and not the UK so faster to obtain.

 

I hope posting the link is ok, if not my apology, not promoting the product just asking for experience, not trying to violate rule 8.

 

(I had placed the link to the product here but deleted it, not sure if that would be allowed or not, advise please).

[[CPT]Crunch]

Not a competing product to this game, and helps to play and enhance the game, and is a legit commercial or build it yourself devise, I'd say your well within the limits and totally safe to post away.  Ain't no rules or law against that, game developers naturally like devices and methods that help to play their games better, something about game sales I suspect.?

[Chris65]

Thanks, that was my thought too, but being new to the boards didn't want to step on toes.

 

The tracker looks well built.

[Cynic_Al]

I cringe whenever I see that type of system mentioned and cannot believe anyone would pay that much for it.  Given that you have already made a DIY clip, It sounds to me as though all you need do is improve your workmanship.  If all the connections are properly soldered there should be no reliability issue.  For optimum battery life the LEDs should be connected in series not parallel. 

Of course the smart thing to do is to eliminate the need for an on-clip battery, by copying the TrackIR system of LEDS mounted on and ideally powered by the camera.  In place of LEDS, your clip would have reflectors made from retro-reflective tape.

[Chris65]

My two IRs are series, one USB powered and the other 9V, I like the 9v for no wires but hate the battery.  Tomorrow I will rip my wired apart and solder it.  Both work with my TRACKIR5 but I have been using the hat clip 95% of the time.

 

I do agree they are a bit expensive to purchase commercial, my rig cost me $12Cdn to make for each.

Edited February 20, 2022 by Chris65

[Chris65]

Well I built two new clips, one 5v usb and the other 9v battery, both work great and I would say the 9v works better then the 5v usb.  They won't win any prizes, one is on a plywood frame and the other on thick cardboard wrapped in electrical tape, but total cost for both is about $10.

[No_85_Gramps]

2 hours ago, Chris65 said:

They won't win any prizes, one is on a plywood frame and the other on thick cardboard wrapped in electrical tape, but total cost for both is about $10.

My first couple of clips were made on plywood frames, and yes, they won't win any prizes. If you know someone with access to a 3d printer you can find plans for nice clips on the internet. Here's a link to the one I used, my son-in-law printed it for me, and it looks great.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:260088

 

Here is how it looks:

 

[Chris65]

That is very nice, store quality.  No one I know has a printer nor does my small city library (don't know why a pop of 25K is a city), but I am happy with what I have right now.

 

***Ha, just checked and the library 90km from me will print out the project (must be under 3 hours) and then put it on the library van to the local branch for pickup. Cost is .10 cent per gram of filament used.  Do you know how long your project took?***

[No_85_Gramps]

No idea how long it took. I just emailed the plan to him and he printed it. I can ask, but I'm pretty sure he won't recall as it was a couple of years ago.

[CAFulcrum]

Look on amazon or ebay for the 3D printed IR mounts.  I got one on amazon for $20USD a few years ago with a USB plug for power and velcro straps.