Track IR finally working in AH

[Kirin]

Despite all my cries for help in the support forum kept unheard I finally figured out how to get the Track IR running in AH!

How to install Track IR in AH:

 - Track IR software:
 -- map a key to "right click"
 -- check "FPS mouseview"
 -- lower sensitivity on both axis
 -- !! minimize window - otherwise pan mode cannot be activated in AH - be sure that the "pan mode" key is not mapped in the Track IR software

 - AH:
 -- delete stick.cfg file
 -- !! don't use the AH calibration tool anymore --> that means you have to calibrate your stick under windows (pity if that doesn't work, e.g. Saitek X36)
 -- enter pan mode
 -- with the "right click" key held you can pan around swiftly


Things in AH that hinder proper use of Track IR
* having to hold down a key for free mouselook is a real pain - a "toggle mouseview" key would be appropriate
* visible cursor travelling around in your field of view all the time - how about making the cursor visible on clipboard only (where it is used)
* stick-your-head-outta-the-window feature puts Track IR users at a disadvantage as they are bound to one head position (very probable straight through the sight) and cannot bend around the back armourplate for example -  6 view suboptimal (maybe more realistic?!!)
* mouseview in AH is very, very sensitive and not scaleable (as far as I know)
(* icons in general lessen the advantage of Track IR)

Still, Track IR is one step further to realistic simming - immersion factor is very high! Implementation to sims differs from not so good as in AH to superb as in IL2. (Fly! works even better I heard). Well, I hope HTC will put some effort in better integrating this marvelous piece of hardware for it's really more than just a gimmick! They guys at http://www.headtracking.com are very supportive towards the gaming community what should be appreciated.

[edit: lost the whole thread due windows error - maybe forgot 1 or 2 things in the retyping]

[Wotan]

kirin the mouse cursor is a bmp map image .

you cand reduce its size change the color you might jus t delete it.

I agree a free mouse look would be great.

[Kirin]

Oh, thx Wotan - edited the mouse cursor to a non-disturbing level - in fact a crosshair - try to keep it centered on tgt

[Revvin]

How are you panning the view? with a reflective dot, wand or the ring? I was interested in this bit of kit but thought I might feel like a bit of a tit with a dot on my forehead although I suppose it could be attached to a headphone band or something, would be interested to hear your thoughts as the TrackIR does look like a handy bit of kit.

One other use for an unhindered mouse view would be the forth coming Thrustmaster Cougar HOTAS which has a microstick which can be used as mouse input. I have one on order and plan to use the microstick in conjuction with the F8 pan mode, the microstick is depressable so I can map the right button to that but it would be nice to have a key to press to allow an unhindered mouse control.

Please HTC can you give us this feature?

[Kirin]

Well Revvin - the reflector dot is really small - I got it on the nose-bridge of my glassses and it took my GF 2 days to discover it...

With a little adjusting head movement really feels natural and you can track a con like padlock would! I set sensitivity at a level I get 6view at about 30 degrees dot movement. Still having to get used to it - I can track an enemy easily at about 300 degrees but ded six views are hard to hold - especially in defensive scissors. Lost a few fights that way yesterday. One good thing in AH is that the view recenters after you release the mouseview button - that way you never get completely disorientated.

Experimenting with various dot formations now to get more fluid, steady feedback.

About the mousestick. The mousestick on the Saitek X36 was absolutely not acceptable using for mouseview. Much to slow and jumpy. Dunno how TM incoorperate it - Still my taking is that Track IR enchances your sim experience 3 times by a third of the price of the Cougar...  Although wouldn't reject it if someone give it to me...

[Revvin]

I am thinking of getting a Track IR device, just don't like the idea of sticking dots to my forehead all the time (I don't wear glasses) thanks for your input Kirin I guess I'll go take another look at their web-site. The 30 degree movement for 6 view sounds good, whats it like for small tracking movements say just a short look over to your right 45 degree or maybe look up just above the canopy line? also do you have to hold your head pretty still and do you find you strain your neck at all? I ask because I slouch all over the place in my seat.

As for the microstick, well yes the X36 is more like a cursor stick much like the old Thrustmaster TQS throttle used to be but from what I have read on the Cougar its microstick is very much like those little joystick's you'd find on many of the modern analogue joypads such as a PS2 or XBox pad so thats what made me think of mapping it to the F8 pan view mode in AH if its that good, if it was like the X36, TQS etc I would'nt bother at all.

[Kirin]

Yes, you have to hold your head quite still in order to get a steady view (until they integrate deadzone into the software - next patch probably). For shooting purpose I disable the tracking (in AH aswell as in IL2) as long as the con is in my reticle.

The beauty of Track IR are just those small up to 60° trackings - I come to stage (using it for 1 day now) where I have tgt centered on screen all the time - excellent for lag pursuit - I don't know, somehow it gets so routine you don't think about it - the tgt just stays in center.

Like I said, dead 6 view is still a problem as well as 90° up views. But this requires training I suppose.

About neck strain - been flying all night yesterday - it was quite a workout - but no permanent damage...  no headache or so...

Another place for the dot would be the boom of a headset as you mentioned - no need to look silly - but, well you look silly anyway when you track a con in dogfight - ask my GF!!!!

[Revvin]

OK one more (or even two) question do you have to calibrate the device everytime you boot-up? can you set it for different levels of sensitivity for different programs?

[Kirin]

No calibration at all - all set by sensitivity and positioning

Infinite profiles to set: e.g. IL2 needs totally different setup than AH

[WWBard]

not sure if it is relevant here, but i use 3 dots together to broaden the reflective area (partially overlapping each other) on the end of my mic boom.

I use a key to turn on trackir (an easily accessible stick button) and another key to return view to centre (don't know if AH has this function, as i am just checking these boards to decide if i want to play it).

this works VERY well for me in il2.