Cheap alternative to TrackIR

Skybird · 09-25-08, 08:37 AM

Less than 10 Euros...?

Quote:

To operate properly, Freetrack needs markers in order to represent the position of your head in space.

Depending on the selected mode , Freetrack will need 1 (Single Point mode), 3 (3 Points Clip mode, 3 Points Cap) or 4 (4 Points Cap mode) markers.

These markers, located on a support (usually a cap for Single Point and 4 Points Cap modes, or a clip fastened on your headset for 3 Points Clip mode) are in fact Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Detected by your webcam, they allow the Freetrack software to convert your head movements in data flow which can be used by your game/simulator.
In order to use Freetrack day or night, choice of IR (Infrared) LEDs is advised. Thus, your webcam (equiped with an infrared filter) will only detect the markers and will not be affected by other light sources.
The vast majority of webcams are appropriate for Freetrack use.

The main advantage of this system, is his low cost (less than about ten euros), assuming you already own a webcam. In the other case, you'll have to count a webcam's price in the Grand total.

As an infra-red filter, a good tip is to use two or three dark photograph negatives (or better, not exposed) superimposed and installed in front of the cam lens.

http://www.free-track.net/english/fr...e4646d3d95af5f

sonar732 · 09-25-08, 09:45 AM

That is sweet!

antikristuseke · 09-25-08, 11:50 AM

I think im going to give this a go when i get some free time, my webcam is aparently compatible for it so might as well.

SteamWake · 09-25-08, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antikristuseke

I think im going to give this a go when i get some free time, my webcam is aparently compatible for it so might as well.

Let us know how it works out.

I personally alredy have a trrack IR (collecting dust) about the only sim I ever used it for is IL2

antikristuseke · 09-25-08, 12:13 PM

Well messing arround with an old vcr remote LED the snlge point tracking works just fine, with more effort it would be usable, but i'll leave this project for later, only have 3 days of freedom left. Dont have a soldering iron on hand so making anything practical right now is impossible, and no, im not about to tape everything to my head.

I would probably use it in GTL or GTR2, extra awareness should make for more accurate racing, pluss it will make it easyer to run in a tight pack without bumping into anyone.

Bill Nichols · 09-25-08, 04:51 PM

I'm keeping my Track IR. I use it all the time for my flight sims and racing games.

09-25-08, 04:51 PM	#6
Bill Nichols Master of Defense Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 1,502 Downloads: 125 Uploads: 0	I'm keeping my Track IR. I use it all the time for my flight sims and racing games. __________________ My Dangerous Waters website:

09-25-08, 09:45 AM	#2
sonar732 The Old Man Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Central MO Posts: 1,562 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	That is sweet!

09-25-08, 11:50 AM	#3
antikristuseke Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Estland Posts: 4,330 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	I think im going to give this a go when i get some free time, my webcam is aparently compatible for it so might as well.

09-25-08, 12:13 PM	#5
antikristuseke Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Estland Posts: 4,330 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	Well messing arround with an old vcr remote LED the snlge point tracking works just fine, with more effort it would be usable, but i'll leave this project for later, only have 3 days of freedom left. Dont have a soldering iron on hand so making anything practical right now is impossible, and no, im not about to tape everything to my head. I would probably use it in GTL or GTR2, extra awareness should make for more accurate racing, pluss it will make it easyer to run in a tight pack without bumping into anyone.