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CrazyAviator

TrackIR 5, what do you think?

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I saw this video

This guy seems to really like it and it caught my eye right away. My concern is how well does it configure itself to ARMA? If its like anything else so far its bound to be bugged.

So for those of you who use it do you like it? Are there any particulars which make it unusable or unstable. Does it really prove to be effective when running around on foot.

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I love it.

I also got mine after seeing that video and I couldn't be happier!

To get it working with ArmA I or II, just download and install the Trackir software, plug in your Trackir, and start ArmA. It's as simple as that. You can tweak every setting to how you like it, disable or enable anything you want, it's great!

If you've got the money, get it. You wont be disappointed.

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My concern is how well does it configure itself to ARMA? If its like anything else so far its bound to be bugged.

So for those of you who use it do you like it? Are there any particulars which make it unusable or unstable. Does it really prove to be effective when running around on foot.

Actually, TrackIR is incredibly stable and reliable in Arma2. Once you've got the sensitivity configured to your liking and set up a "reset" key so that you can center the view if you (physically) shift position, you get used to it very quickly. Eventually you learn to rely on it, because it comes in extremely handy. I got my TrackIR5 about 2 weeks before Arma2 came out, used it successfully with both Arma1 and Arma2 and haven't had a problem with it so far. (Not even under Windows 7)

The only "glitch" I've ever had with it is that it may spaz out for half a second if you're smoking while playing. The lit end of a cigarette is obviously an IR source which tends to briefly interfere with tracking whenever you take a drag. It's nothing major though.

As for using TrackIR on foot, yes it is definitely useful, although perhaps not as much as in aircraft. Make sure to turn down/off your float zone when using TrackIR, otherwise you'll be getting really confused when your body, gun and head are all pointing in different directions :D.

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I have TrackIR 4 and love it. Wouldn't even try flying anymore without it (in ArmA , FSX or IL2) and I like the leaning aspect. Only wish you could raise your FOV to peek OVER items as well (ala FSX where you can raise yourself up to look over the nose of your plane)

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You lot are teasing me - I want to purchase this but I'm waiting on attaching my other 2 * 24" monitors (for a total of 3), but then I'm also waiting on purchasing components for a new machine.

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Ok Im buying Track IR 4 now the prices have dropped so much.

Frankly, I really cant see the benifit in buying TIR5, it doesnt seem a whole lot different....

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the benefits of tir5 over tir4 would mainly be the improved resolution. That being said, i'm very happy with my tir4pro.

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Have you all tried FreeTrack as an alternative? It's free from what I've heard.

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I've been thinking about buying TrackIR but am a little confused on wich version to get as v5 is a little expensive, is it worth paying the extra to get v5 instead of v4??

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Have you all tried FreeTrack as an alternative? It's free from what I've heard.

Nothing in this world is free.

You need a pretty good webcam. You need all the stuff so you can put together the IR soruces. So no its not free but its cheaper.

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Nothing in this world is free.

You need a pretty good webcam. You need all the stuff so you can put together the IR soruces. So no its not free but its cheaper.

Ok you're right... not free but cheaper. So anyone tried it in Arma2?

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Have you all tried FreeTrack as an alternative? It's free from what I've heard.

FreeTrack isn't supported in Arma2, unfortunately. There is a petition in the Suggestions area of the forums, which you can sign to show your support for its implementation.

Frankly, I really cant see the benifit in buying TIR5, it doesnt seem a whole lot different....
I've been thinking about buying TrackIR but am a little confused on wich version to get as v5 is a little expensive, is it worth paying the extra to get v5 instead of v4??
I never had a TIR4, so I can't say anything about the differences. From what I understand, TIR5 is more responsive and "smoother" though. Hard to say whether the experience with a TIR4 would be noticably inferior.

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looks intresting, but at the same time, geeky as hell :D

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Yeah it does.

But all the same if you are a flight simmer like me (gee, that really helps me look less geeky : )! ) then you would lust after one of these.

I am going to get it, not so much for Arma2, but for Lock On, it will make such a big difference in situational awareness and immersion. I cant wait!!!

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I saw this video

This guy seems to really like it and it caught my eye right away. My concern is how well does it configure itself to ARMA? If its like anything else so far its bound to be bugged.

So for those of you who use it do you like it? Are there any particulars which make it unusable or unstable. Does it really prove to be effective when running around on foot.

It works fine with BIS games.

Excellently supported.

I prefer to disable the zoom in zoom out bit, I find that more of an annoyance than a feature.

Running around on foot, I don't use TrackIR except when I am flying. I find the level of co-ordination required to judge the direction you are facing and the direction your body is facing greatly reduces the intuativeness of the control system.

It's one more thing to mentally juggle and offers no particular extra reward for me. I prefer to scan with the mouse.

If I really really wanted to look left and right while running, pressing ALT and using freelook would be my preference, just as it is whilst driving. But I never do.

This device comes into it's own during flight in my opinion where it is tuely mega and makes control of a air vehicle vastly more accurate and intuative. This is a flight sim peripheral.

It's all in the spatial awareness.

Opinions will differ, but that's mine.

---------- Post added at 01:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:10 PM ----------

Have you all tried FreeTrack as an alternative? It's free from what I've heard.

I tried it a long time ago, you should be able to see if Track IR is an option you wish to pursue with this software, but the increased resolution, read fluidity, is much much better with TrackIR.

If head tracking is something you wish to pursue TrackIR is the best way. There is a clearly noticeable difference betweent the two.

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I prefer to disable the zoom in zoom out bit, I find that more of an annoyance than a feature.

I love it, variable zoom that works in every situation. It also means I don't have to hold my breath every time I want a closer look at something. The only thing is to make sure you set a deadzone in your profile so you have a nice comfortable area where you're normal at zoom.

Actually, for Arma I have a reasonable dead zone for all the axis, so it's very easy to keep it centered forward when shooting and so on. Otherwise it does get a bit confusing as you mention. The TrackIR software lets you set up as many profiles as you want with different sensitivities and deadzones, some axis disabled, and so on; and in the list of supported titles you can select which profile to use. Then the software automatically loads the profile when you run the particular game, which is pretty nice - wish the Saitek software did that.

If I didn't already have a TIR4 I'd get the 5; a little bit more expensive but I think the extra viewing angle would be good and a higher resolution can't hurt.

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The only (and main) problem I have with TrackIR and Arma is when turning my rifle to the direction I'm looking at. It takes few seconds for me to actually align those two and this could get me killed in tense situations.

How do you guys do it? It would be ideal if one could "freeze" the direction of the head and just let the body align itself with it by moving the mouse.

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Love my TrackIR 5. Best addition to flight since the joystick. Great for ground combat, too.

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I bought 5 recently, and I like it, but....the Pro clip is made of some kind of cheap plastic and breaks easily......I don't understand why Natrual point made it like that for an otherwise flawless product. It adds something new, but takes time to get used to....haven't made a final verdict, yet.....

And yes, it is expensive.....

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I've got both TIR4 Pro and Freetrack.

In Arma1 they both work just fine. TIR performs better but freetrack is way cheaper. For Arma II, you have to use TIR. I got mine used on eBay, but it's no problem at all. Don't regret buying it at all. I play GRID too, and it works in that game as well.

There is a poll started by Placebo to see how many people want FT support in Arma2. It hovers around the 85% in favour, which is quite some margin, but I'm not convinced BI will build in support for it.

For flying, it's essential, it really increases your awareness of what's around you and particularly, how close to the ground you are. If you're gunning in an aircraft, being able to zoom just by leaning towards the screen is a massive boon, likewise if you're an AT dude.

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Headtracking is one of those things you think is a gimmick... until you try it...

Then, for about 15 minutes you think "what the hell is all this motion every time I move"?..."I don't like this"...

Then shortly afterwards you're into the game - trying to survive..... You forget about trying to "use" headtracking and just get on with it... Some small motion at the edge of the screen catches your eye - you turn your head to look at it (its the "natural" thing to do - no conscious thought required)... the view turns with you!

Thats when you make the transition... you just sort of expect the view to turn when you turn your head... it becomes natural and expected - you stop noticing it - until it's not there!

Very hard to describe - but most headtracking users feel lost without it once you make the "adjustment"...

It's obvious from my sig where my particular headtracking preferences lie... :D but from a general point of view - headtracking adds a whole new dimension to the game... you won't regret trying it...

Anyway - I'd advise the new TrackIR 5 if you're willing to lay out that level of cash - its a redesign over the trackIR 4 model - better resolution...handles heat better I think - particularly if you're using "passive IR" tracking (hatclip rather than LED sideclip)... the clip IS a bit plasticky an fragile tho... I could make one better than that! - in fact... I did! :D

(click "Freedom" for a pic or two).....

B

Edited by Bushlurker

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I'm convinced, i'm getting TrackIR probably v5 :)

Thanks for your inputs everybody :cool:

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The only (and main) problem I have with TrackIR and Arma is when turning my rifle to the direction I'm looking at. It takes few seconds for me to actually align those two and this could get me killed in tense situations.

How do you guys do it? It would be ideal if one could "freeze" the direction of the head and just let the body align itself with it by moving the mouse.

Bump! Anyone?

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@NOB Perica...

"pause tracking" key ???

I don't know about TrackIR software-specifics but you can define all that sort of stuff in Freetrack - I can't imagine TrackIR not having a similar facility..... ask in their main thread - you'll find everybody very helpful...

B

Edited by Bushlurker

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@NOB Perica...

"pause tracking" key ???

I don't know about TrackIR software-specifics but you can define all that sort of stuff in Freetrack - I can't imagine TrackIR not having a similar facility..... ask in their main thread - you'll find everybody very helpful...

B

There is a pause tracking key in TrackIR.

For me the greatest advantage is in flying. I cannot play anymore without it.

As for the 4 vs 5, I personally decided for the 4 with Clip pro. And I'm very happy it it.

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