TrackIR 4 + Pro Clip

**mdavenport** · 05-30-2008, 05:16 PM

I've just discovered the trackir and have to say it looks fantastic.

I really want to go out and buy one tomorrow as I am very impressed. I don't want to order over a web site as I want to use it tomorrow....

Is it really that good on FSX or are the video's I've seen painting a very good sales picture - any feedback from owners?

Does anyone know any shops in the UK that stock these, i.e. PCWorld (I did check here but they don't have any :-(

Help...

Yours impatiently
Mark

**jimmymac** · 05-30-2008, 05:49 PM

It is a very good piece of hardware to have. I suggest that you get it with the hat clip, and not the one that attaches to headphones, as I've had a lot of problems with it. The headphone attached one jerks around a lot, and it is difficult to set up, and is an extra $39us. But once it's setup, and it doesn't take long it is a very good item to have in your flight sim arsenal. Make sure you get the latest drivers for it on line at their site. Also, it only works in the vc mode, as I have the Carenado Mooney, and it works flawlessly. Enjoy.

**opcartmell** · 05-30-2008, 05:55 PM

Well, it seems there's always another opinion. I like both the hat clip and the track clip pro. I use the hat clip when engine noise and ATC is not a problem for others, but when someone else is in the room (like my wife on her computer) the track clip pro is great attached to my headset. However, it is fragile and not to be abused. Both work extremely well for me and are great for VFR flying. I don't like it as well for IFR since I like the 2D panels better for that. Overall, it's a great enhancement to FSX. I would, however, buy direct. I believe you'll get better service that way.

**mdavenport** · 05-30-2008, 06:24 PM

whilst digging around I came across a product called 'capcha' or somthing with a similar name. Basically it uses your webcam for 6dof.

Has anyone got any feedback on this as its free if you already have a web cam as I do?

Is it a good alternative?

Thanks
mark

**Wing Fat** · 05-30-2008, 06:43 PM

The YouTube vidoes I've seen of webcam-based 3D manipulation look experimental at best. I think TrackIR is the way to go if that's what you're interested in.

**NikeHerk67** · 05-30-2008, 07:22 PM

The Track IR is a great add and is a lot of fun flying with the Virtual Cockpit.
If you get it don't wear any metal jewery or perhaps a shirt with a metal zipper.
It took me awhile to figure out why I was getting some crazy results.

**munnst** · 05-31-2008, 05:13 AM

Hi,

use it all the time with FSX. Works perfectly with no issues.
I use the standard hat clip attached to my headphones and it works fine. Just remember to look at the screen centre and press F12 to align your view. It takes a little time to train your mind to move your head to look rather than your eyes but it soon becomes second nature. I fly the Aerosoft beaver and you can peer out the windows, check instruments and even read the GPS. For taildraggers you can look over the nose or out the side to make landings easier.

Ted.

**Driftwood** · 05-31-2008, 07:46 AM

I'm a "believer" as well. Been using the Trackclip Pro for a while now and love it! I started out with the hatclip and that got old fast (for me) which is why I went with the Trackclip. The extra wire coming off your headset (which I use all the time) was a little bit of a pain but I simply taped it together with my headset wire in a few spots and that resolved that issue nicely! It takes a little getting used to but once you have you won't be sorry!

**lnuss** · 05-31-2008, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by mdavenport

Is it really that good on FSX or are the video's I've seen painting a very good sales picture - any feedback from owners?
.
.
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Yours impatiently
Mark

You've gotten some good answers above, but I'd add that the ability to move forward or back in the cockpit, and up or down, as well as tilting your head, are as valuable assets to the TrackIR as being able to smoothly look sideways or up and down. As a result, you can, when in the pattern for example, look out the side of the aircraft toward the runway, and even lean to the side of the cockpit and look back a little further if you need to, making it easier to see the runway. You can also lean forward or backward or even duck down a bit in the cockpit to see around windshield pillars, etc., all just by moving your head around (and maybe your body a bit, too). You can even shift your body to the side and maybe a bit forward, while looking somewhat down, to see panel switches that are hidden by the yoke. And you can raise up in your seat a bit to see over the nose when you need to, as well.

The responsiveness of the TrackIR is adjustable to suit your tastes, and you can have a different profile for each program you use it with, if desired. I'd note, too, that in FSX the TrackIR works in spot view, as well as in other views, and I've assigned the locking function (essentially disables TrackIR) which is initially assigned to (if I recall correctly) the F8 key to a joystick button instead. There are occasions in the VC when it's handy to lock your view for a moment or two, and in other views it becomes (to me) even more important. In FS9 (if memory serves), TrackIR works only in the VC.

The biggest adjustment, to me, was that you move your head only a little to get a lot of movement in FS, in order to let you see the screen, but even that is adjustable, and you soon become accustomed to it, with a bit of practice. It's now very awkward for me to use FS without TrackIR.