track Ir suported by SB?

[SG1_Rommel]

I am thinking on buying one TrackIr...

[Ssnake]

There's no built-in specific support for it. As I understand it, Track IR can still be used in some "mouse replacement" mode, but I don't know to which extent that is practical in SB.

[Skybird03]

I tried it, head movements replacing mouse movement (true vector needs software support that SBP does not have). I was not convinced. In fact I use TrackIR exclusively in flight sims. Already in driving sims like GTR2 and RBR I find it's value extremely limited so that I do not care to fiddle with it anymore when launching thiese sims. for flight sims it is great, for everything else I would not spend the money on it.

[Dachs]

I disagree there Skybird. I believe if it gets properly implemented, TrackIR will be a great advantage when standing in the TC's position. It will, IMO, make scanning the landscape much easier and more intuitive (SP?) Also one might be able to stabilize the Bino view in a somewhat more natural way, but it all depends on the implementation, ofcourse.
Could be usefull inside the 3D interiors too, when looking for switches and dialing in range.
Maybe even using the TIM in the 2A5 by simply just looking at it, and not have to "select" it.
But hey, thats just me.. I also like to use TrackIR in GTR, so obviously we have different views on this.

Tried the mouse/TrackIR thingie too, didn't like it one bit either!

[Skybird03]

Maybe it depends on the general setup. I use a HOTAS, stick-throttle-mouse, all simultaneously, and I am FAST in handling it. Panning with TrackIR does not give me an advantage over panning with the mouse, while my HOTAS is programmed in such a way, that mouse handling can be intuitively integrated into the handling whenever I see fit. In fact, it is superior, because more precise. TrackIR, even in stabilized mode, constantly creates minor movements. Especially aiming that is precise down to the single pixle is impossible in that manner.

So yes, different tastes, of course - and different setups.

[Dachs]

TrackIR, even in stabilized mode, constantly creates minor movements. Especially aiming that is precise down to the single pixle is impossible in that manner.

So yes, different tastes, of course - and different setups.


Yes, in some sims/games it can be hard to keep the view still, in order to push buttons.
I never been able to use TIR in FS2004 for cockpitwork, but in one of the new Falcon4 versions (RV), it gives a good steady view.
Just have to ask, do you have the Vector expansion ? That was a major improvement, over the vanilla TrackIR 3 pro and the standard reflective dot. Really helps to steady the view!

That being said, in the event it gets implementet, I imagine the TIR will be disabled in the GPS, GAS, and the other views that simulate you have your head "in" the optics. It would be kind of wierd to control the turret with head movement, after all its not an Apache sim ;-)
Where I believe TIR will be usefull, is only in the positions where you are able to look around freely, e.g. out of the hatch or while sitting in the 3D interior, looking at the TC's screen in a Leo2A5 or CV90. You would still have to control the turret with mouse or joystick.
Oh well, one can dream..

[Skybird03]

I have TrackIR 4 and use it in FS2004 (Vector) and IL2 (Mouse). I do not have the LED clip, if that is what you meant.

[Chaplain]

He means the vector expansion, which gives six degrees of freedom. I also have that, and it works wonders in FS2004. On the other hand, I never try to "click" items in FS2004's 3D cockpits. I look at gauges while Track IR is active, and I look at lever positions, but I only make adjustment via hotkeys, joystick buttons and/or Game Commander voice commands. The 3D cockpit jumps around a bit to much with Track IR active to try to use mouse clicks.

I agree Track IR would be nice in SB, if it was handled like in FS2004, where it is only active in the 3D-cockpit view. So, for example, if one is playing the TC in an M113, it would be active when scanning but it would shut off when aiming the M2HB. If it was active all the time, then it would be a real pain in the behind to turn it on and off.

[Skybird03]

I was confused. I am living by the impression that TrackIR >4< always includes the Vector functionality. And yes, the vector thin works wonders in FS2004. especially with high arts virtual cockpits like that of the Piper cheyene by Digital Aviation. I never switch to 2D cockpit. Same is true for the Level-D 767 and the Realair SIAI Marchetti 260. The three back buttons on the throttle are reservbed for smoothing and centering (and switching on and off) the track IR. If experimenting with the internal variables a bit, you can fuinetune TrackIR that it gives fast reaction and with with active smoothing nevertheless offers clickable hotspots. switching between smoothing on and off is no problem with hands both on throttle and stick all the time.

[Dachs]

Yes, I meant the Vector expansion for TIR 3 Pro. I don't believe TIR4 offers enough of an advantage over TIR3, to make it upgrade time for me, just yet.
Think i'll wait for TIR 5, if such a thing is ever made.

So TIR4 comes with Vector right out of the box then? Cool!

[Reload]

My post count is really low so... here's my 2 cents worth...

Track IR for SB = No
Track IR for flight sims = Oh hell yes, best thing since sliced... pepperoni.:luxhello:

[Ssnake]

I can imagine that TrackIR could be useful in SB. I would only want to see it enabled while in the internal turret view and while scanning from the TC's hatch, or in the driver's place, and (as an option) in the external observer's position. But like I wrote before, in any case it's not a top priority thing. I could live without TrackIR for the past ten years in SB, so chances are that it really isn't at the top of the list of badly needed improvements.

[Superbus]

Ssnake do you by any chance play any flight sims (vector extension-supported or maybe just IL-2)? If not, go to someone who has one of those things in his system and give it a shot. I can almost guarantee that once you experience it first-hand you will WANT to put it higher on the priorities list. I hear it's not terribly difficult to implement the support either. My mouth starts watering when I think what SB Pro PE could be like with built-in Track Ir support. http://www.lelv30.net/vieraskirja/img/smilies/drool.gif

I don't have any figures for you but it seems like every other flight sim player has purchased Track Ir already, so there are a lot of these things out there. Most flight sim players are, imo, potential SB buyers. Track Ir support would be good for marketing point of view too.

Their web site: http://www.naturalpoint.com/

A video showing Armed Assault with Track Ir: http://media.naturalpoint.com/video/gamedemo/dec8_trackir_and_arma_fm_low.wmv

[Ssnake]

In flight sims the need for it is much higher. How many racing games have (and need) TrackIR support?

You don't want TrackIR to take control of your sights. You could use it to look out of the hatch (until you activate the binoculars), and it could be nice and fun to have it inside the turret - but be don't have the time for "nice and fun" things as long as there are real emergencies to deal with in our development plan; likewise "could use" and "convenience" things take the back seat to manifest "we need X pronto" type of demand among our .mil customers.

[Ssnake]

The merit of TrackIR is that it eliminates the need for a third arm to look around while you are at the same time fiddling with a joystick or wheel. That situation never arises in SB, except maybe in the case of the driver's unbuttoned view.

[Monkwarrior]

If anyone has a profile for SB then I would appreciate trying that one.
I will use trackir when I receive my copy of SB.

Monk.

[Tacbat]

I'd be intersted in hearing how you make out with the Track IR in SB.

[Monkwarrior]

I'll let you guyz know.
I will be using it unbuttoned since that adds to the experience.
When I have the time I'll make a demo movie using gamecam (better the fraps IMO).

Monk.

[tkairshows]

I use TrackIR in mouse emulation mode. I use it with a Nostromo N52 and have programed macros for turning the TrackIR off and on in different views.