Head Tracking in 2022

[BondVillain]

Hi All.

I currently use VR, it’s amazing but definitely has limitations.

What are the current head tracking options in 2022. Am I better going for Track IR? despite it being old? Any better options? I don’t mind spending a bit if it’s worth it..

If you list a different option, please let know any pitfalls with it?

Thanks for the info

Villain..

[Doverdown]

I have Track IR but i have never tried anything else for head tracking. Some people in the group use free alternatives which seem to work fine too.

The big pitfall imo is that it doesn’t work if sunlight directly hits your room and is very sensitive to reflections. I always have to darken my room at dawn/dusk therefore. Apart from this however, and if you set it up correctly, it works pretty well for me.

[Loco]

What limitations are you referencing? I have only used VR for the past 2.5 years or so (at least in DCS, BMS is another story).

There are various setups with PS3 Eye cameras with the IR filters removed, but if you have TrackIR already, they're not any better (or any worse, to my knowledge). WHat has come a long way are things like different track clips from 3rd parties, some are even wireless.

[BondVillain]

VR limitations to me are;

It’s hot in the summer.
For learning something, it’s not ideal removing the headset to read something.
If you want to record for YouTube, VR is rubbish..

Just my thoughts,

[Onyx]

VR limitations to me are;

It’s hot in the summer.
For learning something, it’s not ideal removing the headset to read something.
If you want to record for YouTube, VR is rubbish..

Just my thoughts,

Have you tried one of the kneeboard apps? E.g. this https://github.com/OpenKneeboard/OpenKneeboard
When I have a new aircraft I just load up the manual in there. Actually better than switching back and forth if you have only one monitor.
Recording wise I am happy with the quality of e.g. this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDZ1I76UjOo
What is mostly ruining my videos are my head movements. You cant show a calm scene when the view jiggles all about.

[BondVillain]

That’s a great video

[Loco]

Yeah, I use OpenKneeboard and love it. It's such a helpful reference in VR to read through all the guides - it also works in 2D, so it's a great tool even if you don't want to continue in VR. You can import PDFs straight to it, rearrange them, and whatnot and do all of these things on the fly, unlike the DCS kneeboard which requires the game to be closed.

[Jotun]

Tobii eye tracker 5 is another one I have seen a few people using recently. It costs around the same as TrackIR does, but doesnt require the user to wear a tracker on their head. It is something I'd look into more if my TrackIR ever broke.

[Mala]

Tobii eye tracker 5 is another one I have seen a few people using recently. It costs around the same as TrackIR does, but doesn't require the user to wear a tracker on their head. It is something I'd look into more if my TrackIR ever broke.

This is what I have been using. I came from using the TIR and still have it even. I just like the lack of headgear at all which is why I keep using tobii. It is good, but I will say it is not as good as TIR. The head pitch up is limited which can make spotting stuff up high harder. I don't believe it is as "fine tuned" as TIR either, but really it is still very similar. good piece of kit nonetheless.

[Emmy]

I’m a straight TrackIR user if for no other reason than I like simple and I find that the experience of flying with friends creates enough “willing suspension of disbelief” without having to cut myself off completely from my surroundings. <shrug>