1. #1
    TrackIr4 and Track Clip Pro, is it required, and what's the benefit to it, and how does it differ from normal set.

    Don't know whether to get the bundled version, or just TrackIR4.

    Could you fellas that are using please give advice, would be much appreciated.

    Thanks in advance for your help.
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  2. #2
    TrackIr4 and Track Clip Pro, is it required, and what's the benefit to it, and how does it differ from normal set.

    Don't know whether to get the bundled version, or just TrackIR4.

    Could you fellas that are using please give advice, would be much appreciated.

    Thanks in advance for your help.
    Share this post

  3. #3
    when I was getting my trackIR, I read about a number of issues with the track clip pro, so ended up going for just trackIR
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  4. #4
    Tully__'s Avatar Global Moderator
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    Nov 2003
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    TrackIR4:Pro comes with a standard TrackClip (fits on a baseball cap). It has 3 reflectors and relies on an infrared light built in to the TIR sensor mounted on your monitor.
    The TrackClip:Pro has active LED light sources built in (powered from a USB pass through connector) and clips on to your headphone headband.

    The basic version is a little cheaper but is more prone to interference from random light and heat sources (reading lamps, sun shining through a nearby window, candles, fireplaces and gas heaters). If you wear your baseball caps towards the back of your head, the sensor can lose visibility on one or more of the reflectors when you look up, causing tracking to fail. If for some reason you can't wear hats, this version has an immediate and obvious disadvantage.

    The Pro version of the TrackClip requires power from a USB port (though I've heard some people convert them to battery operation) meaning you need a lead to your computer. As it mounts to your headset, this lead can be bundled with your headset lead for neatness. If you don't use a headset then this version has an immediate and obvious disadvantage.

    Some people find that when using the trackclip, turning their head to the left causes the sensor to lose sight of one or more of the LEDs, interfering with tracking function. On the other hand, the LED's provide a much brighter IR signal than the reflectors on the stanard version, making it much easier for the sensor to distinguish between the clip and random light/heat sources.

    Both types can suffer interference if you wear spectacles with highly reflective frames or hats/clothing with reflective material on them.

    In short, each type has its advantages and which one works best for you will depend on your budget, your posture, how you wear your hat/headset, the senistivity settings you use for Track:IR and the lighting/heating situation where your computer is set up.
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  5. #5
    Thanks Tully and Sirrith,
    Will probably go for the clip pro bundle, as I used TrackIR2 previously, till changing to Vista x64, which isn't supported and used a wooden ball on my headphones (reflective gear on ball), which worked great for me, so if the LEDs stop backlight a bit, it must help, cause that was the only problem I ever had with that setup, and I used to cop a bit of flak from the missus for having the curtains shut all the time.
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  6. #6
    Bearcat99's Avatar Senior Member
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    IMO the clip is a waste of money.. I have it.. and I don't use it for the reasons Tully mentioned... and try as I might I could never get it to work right.. I use a hat & the 3 refelectors and I am happy as a clam.. except for the bread I dished out for that clip... As far as the ambient light thing goes.. well with TIR4 it is almost a non issue except in the most glaring instances. With my TIR2 if someone came downstairs and turned on the light while I was flying... it was a hassle.. but with 4 I can fly with the lights on or off... and even a lamp behind me...
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  7. #7
    I use the hat.Thought I would hate it,but I have got used to it.
    The fact that the clip has a wire to the computer puts me off.
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  8. #8
    steiner562's Avatar Senior Member
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    Mar 2004
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    Baseball cap tir4 owner here also,not sayin what team to stop a flame war. ,had the clip and sent it back......just didnt work as good for my liking.
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  9. #9
    Received TrackIR yesterday, clip will be another week, and found it great as is, so clip may have been a waste. Oh,well it's already paid for, will see once it arrives.

    Thanks for your input Fella's.
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