Why Head Tracking?

[imaca]

Have been curious about TIR, but just too expensive for something I probably wouldn't like. The only advantage to me is 6DOF.
A hat with modifier button can easily be set up to give 17 view positions operated with just 1 thumb, and (for me) is totally instinctive to use. Personally I would be more inclined towards getting a throttle with second hat to use for the other 3DOF.
The nervous system of the hands have the amazing ability to learn tasks, and then offload control of them from the conscious mind (as any musician knows).
By contrast, head control seems very awkward. I can't think of any other system (except for disabled) that uses it.

[albx]

Originally Posted by imaca

Have been curious about TIR, but just too expensive for something I probably wouldn't like. The only advantage to me is 6DOF.
A hat with modifier button can easily be set up to give 17 view positions operated with just 1 thumb, and (for me) is totally instinctive to use. Personally I would be more inclined towards getting a throttle with second hat to use for the other 3DOF.
The nervous system of the hands have the amazing ability to learn tasks, and then offload control of them from the conscious mind (as any musician knows).
By contrast, head control seems very awkward. I can't think of any other system (except for disabled) that uses it.

Try FreeTrack (google for it as i don't know if link are allowed), it's not expensive if you already have a webcam, and you'll never go back....

[Foo'bar]

Originally Posted by albx

Try FreeTrack (google for it as i don't know if link are allowed), it's not expensive if you already have a webcam, and you'll never go back....

But you have to build it yourself. I wonder when Saitek finally will start to make a cheaper alternative to that much too expencive piece of plastics made by natural point.

[Masi67]

Bought Tir5 about one year ago. Simply like it, runs great on my 7 year old PC.
For years I was using CH Pro Throttles minimouse for viewing. It was good too, but it got weary after years

Pros
- Increases SA alot
- Easy install
- Brings alot of immersion, got me back to Il2
- My neck does not hurt anymore, if I play longs sessions
- Actually helps me in Rolling Scissors and in Scissors.


Cons
- Well, it is expensive
- You need to study settings to get headtracking to work to your personal likings. All those curves, after that it is easy configure.


Oh, I recommend to get trackclip too. You wont loose focus with that one.

-Masi

[albx]

Originally Posted by Foo'bar

But you have to build it yourself. I wonder when Saitek finally will start to make a cheaper alternative to that much too expencive piece of plastics made by natural point.

yes.. you're right.. you need to build it yourself... but with an old hat,3 leds and a USB printer cable i made mine, and it works very well. If somebody is interested in a config for the il2 i can send mine, i found it somewere and adjusted for better response...

P.S.
I don't think another company will make a TrackIR alternative, naturalpoint think it's their tecnology and patents... (but nintendo wii remote works like trackir, a small camera that read 2 infrared leds)

Alberto

[brando]

"naturalpoint think it's their tecnology and patents..."

No "think" about it - Naturalpoint have been into head-tracking technology from the beginning of PC usage, enabling disabled people to use computers. They did develop the technology and they did patent it. The move into games and sims was a no-brainer and they have continued to develop and support their products right into the present day.

As for this constant cry of "too expensive" there's several choices. Build your own device, buy TrackIR, or use buttons & mouse. I chose to buy Naturalpoint's devices and I don't regret the decision. I just bought TiR 5 and sent my 3Pro to a squad-mate. 5 is a great improvement, and I don't regret saving up for it! It only took me about three months to salt away the money.

[Artist]

Good point, brando. There's so much misuse of patents out there that one tends to forget, that there *are* companies who not only earned their patents, but actually use them for something different than lawsuits...

And for those with more time than money there's FreeTrack + webcam/wii + headgear. Total costs approximatly €50 and a lot of fun buliding the headgear (at least for me).

[sigur_ros]

Originally Posted by brando

"naturalpoint think it's their tecnology and patents..."

No "think" about it - Naturalpoint have been into head-tracking technology from the beginning of PC usage, enabling disabled people to use computers. They did develop the technology and they did patent it.

Naturalpoint have 0 TrackIR patents.

http://naturalpointofview.blogspot.c...sive_patenting

[Artist]

Originally Posted by sigur_ros

Naturalpoint have 0 TrackIR patents.

http://naturalpointofview.blogspot.c...sive_patenting

...seems to build a convincing case (makes me feel silly, concerning my earlier post). I wonder who it is. Does anyone know?

Apart from that, I'd be interested in a poll:

What kind of POV-system do you use:
[ ] FreeTrack
[ ] Track IR
[ ] Other Head-Movement-Based-Tracking System (???)
[ ] Fingers (Coolie Hat or similar)
[ ] Mouse

Any suggestions?

[swiss]

Originally Posted by Foo'bar

But you have to build it yourself. I wonder when Saitek finally will start to make a cheaper alternative to that much too expencive piece of plastics made by natural point.

It's not the hardware you pay - it's R&D.

Originally Posted by albx

yes.. you're right.. you need to build it yourself... but with an old hat,3 leds and a USB printer cable i made mine,

So your hat is USB powered too?