Reddit reviews TrackIr 5 Premium Head Tracking for Gaming

sure, I'll copy/paste here:

The higher-end ones tend to be what's called a H.O.T.A.S (Hands On Throttle And Stick). essentially this is a packaged deal with a joystick and throttle quadrant, and is useful for not having to take your eyes (or hands) off the throttle and stick while flying. Some of these can be expensive like the Thrustmaster Warthog, considered the high end of the sticks. The issue with this as well, is it's modeled off a A-10 Warthog's inputs, so you'll also need to get rudder pedals as well since there is no Z-axis twist on the stick.
For more budget options, I have heard really great things about the T-16000 M. You can also buy the stick and throttle separately if you dont have the cash for both right now.

Another company is VKB, a Russian company but uses magnetic "MARS" sensors. I actually use their Black Mamba and love it, however the item has since been discontinued and the company itself is hard to get hold of. They currently have affordable sticks modeled on the German KG12 - flight stick used in BF109's and FW 190's (although no throttle quadrant with it). Available on Amazon its called Gladiator

Saitek makes several sticks, however they're in a transitioning period. They were just bought-out by Logitech and some people have complained about quality issues with their newer sticks and lack of customer support, so I'd only recommend them if you can get a great deal on a stick on sale, or possibly a used one for cheap. Their models are the X52 Pro, X-55, and X-65. I had the 52 Pro and never had any issues, but its one of those buy beware moments with them right now.

And then there's really affordable sticks that work fine too, such as the logitech extreme 3d pro and Thrustmaster T-Flight X. These are reliable sticks that lack some of the fancy things like buttons and dials for radiator management for example. I know guys who fly using these and love it.

Another thing that is highly recommended to get, but is not required to play the game, is called a Track IR. If you watch in my video, I'm swiveling my head back and forth to check my 6, and make sure theres no enemy aircraft diving on us. I'm not using the mouse, or any input to look around, rather I have a clip on my headset that uses IR sensors to turn my head in game without having to take my hands off the HOTAS. Here's a video of how it works. Again, not necessary to buy, but one of those things to hope to get down the road. There are free alternatives called Freetrack which uses a webcam, I think. I havent messed with that but I know a few guys who do use it and are happy with it.

I think thats a fairly decent summary. Feel free to PM with any questions, or check out our group's forums if you'd like to do some more research
http://aircombatgroup.co.uk/forum/index.php

You can also check out r/hotas which is a great community dealing with news, special offers, user reviews, etc

Cheers!

Whats your current specs?

I'd say avoid VR initially, I personally think it is the better overall experience but its a bit tough to learn DCS in and costs more overall in terms of hardware and performance.

So for under $1k budget, I'd get something like this if you can fit it in your space, or you could spend a bit more and get the [warthog]
(https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T16000M-FCS-Flight-Pack/dp/B01N2PE8CZ/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_147_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=N77385WVH3Q2D79PYPY2) which is a great setup, just no pedals.

Then, trackir or Open track for sure. And yes, you described how it works but its not a 1:1 head turn, and you can change the sensitivity. I don't really move my head more than 15 degrees or so.

Then I'd suggest buying the F/A-18, its a good mix of difficulty and capability.

After that, I'd go for the bottle neck in your system, but I dunno your specs. I'd suggest a 2070 super if you can afford it, or see if you can pick up some decent components over at /r/hardwareswap

After you've got some hours and feeling like you need more, maybe start saving for a VR headset, I'd suggest the index, but I've heard great things about the rift-s. Odessy + on a budget if need be.

Great deal here, awesome product....watch Spudknockers YouTube video on track ir setup...you can download his track ir profile

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029M6VKA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0034HXV3Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492480113&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Trackir&dpPl=1&dpID=418auKjpiKL&ref=plSrch this?

Found the entire pack
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0029M6VKA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492480269&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Trackir&dpPl=1&dpID=515MIsqkQbL&ref=plSrch

Everybody is providing info on the listing so if I may, mind if I question your choice?

If you have the money a dual stick and rudder pedals setup will give you much better freedom of movement IMO compared to one stick and a throttle and it makes controlling the ship with FA Off much easier if you ever decide to explore that option. Just make sure, if you consider my suggestion, that you get a set of pedals with toe brakes and set those for throttle/reverse.

It is very easy to coordinate if you're used to driving a car and having two sticks will give you analog control of pitch/roll as well as translational thrusters. It's very easy to match speed with a Sidewinder or Hauler in my Eagle while still keeping my nose (and guns) pointed up at his cargo hatch but after a while it almost becomes like a whole extra level of freedom in flight control.

My personal setup consists of 2x Thrustmaster T16000M flight sticks (which are incredibly precise and well built for the cost), CH Pro rudder pedals and Track IR and I think it's awesome. I also use Voice Attack for some functions like lights, hardpoints and cargo scoop as well as power distribution so I don't need to move my hands off the controls. Just some food for thought, links below.

Sticks: http://www.amazon.com/Hercules-2960706-Thrustmaster-T-16000M-Flight/dp/B001S0RTU0

Pedals: http://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-Pedals-Simulator-300-111/dp/B0000512IE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1420480922&sr=1-1

TrackIR: http://www.amazon.com/TrackIr-Premium-Head-Tracking-Gaming-Pc/dp/B0029M6VKA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1420480970&sr=1-1&keywords=TrackIR

It's possibly more investment than you're ready for but if you end up with the HOTAS and feel like you need more control just keep it in mind. While you can't use that particular stick without having the throttle I don't see why you couldn't set it aside and place another stick down if you wanted to go that route. Personally I ended up replacing my old stick with 2 new ones but I also have someone to hand my old stick down to. (I got my brother Elite for Christmas so we could play together) ;)

Whatever you decide, I wish you luck and fly safe Commander!

HOTAS mounts:

https://www.monstertech.de/en/product/joystick-hotas-table-mount/

On the cap is the reflectors for TrackIR5:

https://smile.amazon.com/TrackIr-5-Premium-Head-Tracking-Gaming/dp/B0029M6VKA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492567143&sr=8-1&keywords=track+ir5+pro

i ordered mine from amazon. arriving today. pretty excited

http://www.amazon.com/TrackIr-Premium-Head-Tracking-Gaming-Pc/dp/B0029M6VKA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415723740&sr=8-1&keywords=trackir

Vertical807 - Flight Sim Addons/Specs/Sim Settings - November 28th, 2017


Peripherals:

Mouse: Senlleo Gaming Mouse

Keyboard: Sonfan Backlit Gaming Keyboard

Controls: Logitech G940 Flight System

Head Tracking: Track IR5 with hat-clip

Headset: Sades SA902B 7.1 Channel Virtual USB Surround Stereo

USB Hub: AmazonBasics 7 Port USB 2.0 Hub

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Specs

CPU: Intel I5-6500, default clock

GPU: Gigabyte GTX1060 G1 Gaming

Motherboard: ASUS Micro ATX DDR4 LGA 1151 Motherboards H110M-E

Case: Corsair Carbide Series 200R Compact ATX

RAM:
Ballistix Sport LT 8GB Single DDR4 2400 MT/s

Kingston HyperX FURY Black 8GB 2133MHz DDR4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepard3d_v4.1

Scenery:

FlightBeam:

KSFOHD, KDEN, KIAD, KPHX

FSDreamTeam

KFLL
, KDFW
, KMEM
, KLAX
, KLAS
, KORD

ImagineSim

KATL

Taxi-2-Gate

KMCO, KSTL

DRZEWIECKI DESIGN

NY AIRPORTS V2 X, NEW YORK CITY X V2, MIAMI CITY X

FlyTampa

KTPA-Rebooted
, KMDW
, TNCM full-extended
, Toronto

SunSkyJet

KPHL

LatinVFR

KEVW
, TJSJ
, KMIA
, KRDU


Orbx

Global Base
, Vector
, OpenLC
, TreesHD

Turbulent Designs

TerraFlora

Weather:

[ActiveSky for P3d_V4 with Cloud Art](

Running Global Configuration!

Aircraft:

PMDG

PMDG 737 Base Package
, PMDG 737 Expansion
, PMDG 777 Base Package
, PMDG 777 Expansion

TFDI

B717-200

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P3D Settings and Visual Modifications:

PTA



ENVTEX

Settings and textures are in Thopat preset .rar file! Follow them as closely as possible!

-Thopat Preset



Game settings


[My P3D.cfg](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N0KbATTwi9WJndWUF-F1sR0pAvEK1lsz/view?usp=sharing)

[Traffic](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q2i8E89NFQMSXqWk4_1cL6aFL1kfOh2L/view?usp=sharing)

[Display](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nAWVmQbWbsXmfLDbLp8v3V1G460hyGVp/view?usp=sharing)

[Lighting](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KvNhElk211apWxDuNlZ2Mda6v0zfK7px/view?usp=sharing)

[Realism](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gxyTBU7CPe66Mzw5eAj-TlcPmmLFrAJp/view?usp=sharing)

[Weather](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AHuUMnoN0d0zip3Pcpw7G5eBcwzgrYbP/view?usp=sharing)

[World](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BNSaLIxPmn4TrZmJXzmwvxh_bLTnvCO0/view?usp=sharing)


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I also do live-streaming on YouTube every once in awhile, check out my channel if you'd like!

Virtual Airlines:

Delta Virtual

United Virtual

Southwest Virtual

FedEx Virtual

The cheapest would be a Xbox controller. But the Logitech G27 and TrackIr would be the best.

Saitek and CH Products make decent products. It comes done to knowing what you want to fly and reading reviews to know what to get. A lot of Saitek items have been discontinued and have higher prices now, but I think some of their com units are just awesome.

If you have the budget to get that build you initially shared and plus all the extras checkout these guys - LINK


Depends, Some cards can run 3 monitors and some only 2. You don't necessarily need them to share the same resolution but it helps. If you want to forego extra monitors this product is great for FSX.

TrackIR 5 This includes a clip that attaches to a hat that will use reflectors that track your head.

TrackIR 5 w/ TrackClip Pro This one includes the Trackclip pro which unlike the hat clip attaches to a headset and uses active IR LEDs as opposed to reflected light, it is slightly more accurate than the hat clip

X55 Rhino $200

X52 Pro $130

T-Flight HOTAS-X $50

HOTAS Warthog REALLY Expensive ~$400, one of the best sticks on the market, but you would also need to buy a set of Rudder pedals as this stick does not twist.

I play ETS2 as well (picked it up during the Steam Winter Sale last year). It's a different experience for sure. I've delivered maybe a dozen loads so far? I put a TrackIR5 on my christmas list, and am hoping that makes it a little more enjoyable and makes the looking-around not so tedious.

Were you trying to buy direct? It's only $135 on amazon. I have the pro clip as well, but I never use it. It's kinda junk. Hat clip works just as well.

alternately I know you can just buy the pro clip, and use it somehow with FTNIR and a PS3 Eye webcam which are like, $10-$13 but offer 60FPS recording - which helps a lot with the tracking.

Like others mentioned, we play DCS - Digital Combat Simulator. It's a realistic simulator for military aircrafts. Learn more on YouTube.

You need a joystick (HOTAS) to get started properly. For best realism and seamless fun, you need TM Warthog HOTAS. But you can get started with a cheap one like T-Flight or T.16000M FCS. I think Logitech 3D Pro and TM T-16000M are out of stock.

Other realism enhancers are Track IR and Rudder pedals.

Download the free game and you get 2 aircrafts TF-51D and an Su-25T. They are pretty basic and you will understand what the game offers. If you like it, you can buy a fully modeled jet like A-10C or MiG-21bis or Mirage M-2000C.

> Warning: if you try to fly with a keyboard, you will quit playing the game :-/

Cheers!

I would recommend against the farming sim wheel and go with something like the Logitech G920/G29. Just because it will be more compatible with other games such as Euro Truck Sim or other driving games. I also HIGHLY recommend TrackIR if you get a wheel. Using the mouse to look around is a major pain in the dick (trust me I did it for years).

Here's my setup right now. On the left I have a joystick I use for loader controls and stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/TrackIr-Premium-Head-Tracking-Gaming-Pc/dp/B0029M6VKA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412263667&sr=8-1&keywords=trackir+pro

If you want to get a similar feeling for less expensive, you can always check out TrackIR. It's a sensor that mounts to your headset or hat and tracks your head movements so you can look around like in VR. Works great and I found a secondhand one on eBay for about $80. Brand New they're $130, but a used one should work just the same.

https://www.amazon.com/TrackIr-Premium-Head-Tracking-Gaming-PC/dp/B0029M6VKA/ref=asc_df_B0029M6VKA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309892766843&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7584461253437923987&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031113&hvtargid=pla-406644911175&psc=1

Thanks for the info!
Are you considering a replacement or are you going to stick with the edtracker?
I'm actually thinking about just buying another used phone with a working gyroscope. I can get a used Note 4 for around $200 on craigslist ...

Or what about something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/TrackIr-5-Premium-Head-Tracking-Gaming/dp/B0029M6VKA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1487658431&sr=8-3&keywords=edtracker

There is a few game modes for this game in arcade AB and realistic RB the predominate method of flying your plane is mouse aim.

Using mouse aim AB + RB mode, you are give an autopilot that effective gets the plane to follow the direction of your mouse and he will prevent you pushing the plane too hard and entering a flat spins while banking too hard.

There is a third mode called simulator SB, in this mode the predominate method of controlling your aircraft is joystick. However the joystick, rudder pedals or other peripherals are half of the setup.

The other half of the set up is head tracking, as you need a means of moving the screen to keep track of your opponent while in a dogfight. You can attempt to use the mouse to move the camera but it will leave you one hand down in combat and it probably will not end well. A lot of sim pilots use head trackers such as Track IR for this purpose. There is alternative such as android application that use your phone attached to your head or other device.

I fly a little sim but I do not have head tracking so it makes it very difficult to compete against any other pilot with a level of skill, I get very lucky some times.

I'll sell ya one for $100. I used it for about 6-8 months and really enjoyed it in various games but then I got VR and it's just sitting here collecting dust.

Sensor & Track Clip Pro with original packaging for 100 bucks, shipping not included. THIS is what is on offer and is what I paid for it when new ($140~).

Roughly $6000.

The biggest ticket item was the GTX690 ($999), and the three monitors ($324 each). We have about $1600 into the rest of the PC (512g SSD, 3.9ghz Intel Core i7-3770K, 16gb 1600mhz RAM).

The Saitek components are pretty reasonable, the FIP displays add up though. Here is a table of my spreadsheet, it doesn't include the cost of the GTX690, or the PC, or a few misc things like the keyboard.

| Item | Qty | Cost | Total |
|:-------|:------:|-------:|--------:|
| Saitek CES432100002/02/1 Pro Flight Cessna Yoke System | 1 | $165.78 | $165.78
|Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller | 1 | $138.99 | $138.99
|Saitek Pro Flight Cessna Rudder Pedals | 1 |$177.23 |$177.23
|Saitek CES432110002/06/1 Pro Flight Cessna Trim Wheel|1|$44.99|$44.99
|Pro Flight Instrument Panel| 6 | $123.38 | $740.28
|Saitek PRO Flight Radio Panel |1 | $120.52 |$120.52
|Saitek PRO Flight Switch Panel| 1 | $79.52 | $79.52
|TrackIr 5 Premium Head Tracking for Gaming |1 | $145.00| $145.00
|Logitech Wireless Gaming Mouse G700 |1 | $69.15| $69.15
|Plantronics GameCom 780 Surround Sound Stereo PC Gaming Headset |1| $57.24 | $57.24
|Playseat Flight Seat |1 | $499.00| $499.00
|ASUS PA248Q 24-Inch LED-Lit Super-IPS Professional Graphics Monitor| 3| $323.82 | $971.46
|Saitek PRO Flight TPM System |1 | $129.92 | $129.92
|Total | | |$3,339.08

What are you looking for in terms of flight control hardware? What kind of aircraft do you want to fly in? Also, what's your budged?

If you just want an inexpensive stick that covers all the basics, get a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. Sets you back only ~$26 and will probably serve you well for a long time.

If you want to go for a realistic experience, I'd recommend getting the following hardware (ordered by importance, obviously subjective):

• A proper controller: Depending on what you want to fly there are several high-end control systems that will allow you to control your aircraft in a more realistic way. For military aircraft, you should take a look at the CH Fighterstick and throttle, the Saitek X52 Pro or, if you're rich, the Thrustmaster Warthog. I have no experience with the CH stuff, but I've owned several X52s over the years. It's true that you will probably not find a similarly featured controller for that price, but you should know that the X52 has some serious issues. More info here. Long story short, Saitek has some serious problems with quality control and your mileage with the X52 will pretty much depend on whether you get a good unit or not.
  The Warthog is insanely good, but also insanely expensive.
  If you want to fly general aviation aircraft, I recommend looking at the CH Yoke or the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke. Both are solid, affordable yokes that will make for a pretty good experience. If you want to get serious, keep an eye on the Iris Dynamics Force Feedback Yoke. It's not out yet, but it promises to be an affordable simulation-grade yoke with realistic force feedback - Keep in mind that "affordable" means ~$800 in this case.
  
  
• Head tracker: Head tracking is an absolute game changer. It will make your sim experience magnitudes more immersive and enjoyable. TrackIR 5 is probably the easiest way to get head tracking going, but it's pretty damn expensive. Also, NaturalPoint, the company making TrackIR, is frequently coming under fire for iffy business practices and anti-consumer behavior. Read more here. If you want an alternative, take a look at FreeTrack or FaceTrackNoir.
  
  
• Rudder pedals: A twisty stick is okay, but to get precise input you will definitely need proper pedals. I own Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals and I'm very happy with them. They are pretty comfortable and adjustable. If you want to go for realism, I'd recommend the CH Pedals - they have a much steeper angle and are closer to what you'd find in a real aircraft.
  
  
• Multiple monitors: Having three monitors is a definite plus. The wider field of view will definitely help you on the immersion front (having peripheral vision in your sim is pretty great) and in combination with a head tracker you'll get an awesome visual experience from them. If you want to go crazy, add a touchscreen to your setup like this guy. Keep in mind that running a multi-monitor setup requires a beefy GPU.
  
  
  As far as addons go, I unfortunately only have experience with FSX. For FSX there are some addons that I consider essentials:
  
  
• Accu-Feel: An amazing addon that adds lots of dynamic sounds and physics. Accu-Feel makes your sim feel much more authentic and fun.
  
• EZCA: A camera plugin that adds dynamic head movements and snap views. Works very well with TrackIR. EZCA will make turbulences, g-forces and ground movements feel much better.
  
• FTX Global: A graphics addon that gives FSX good ground textures, buildings, trees and more. Makes FSX look pretty nice even without tons of scenery/shader/texture packs.
  
• Active Sky Next: A weather addon that adds realistic weather systems, cloud textures and even friggin' tornadoes! Looks and feels much better than FSX's default weather.
  
  Sorry for not being able to recommend any X-Plane addons. I haven't tried that sim and have absolutely no experience with it.
  
  I hope you found something useful in this wall of text. Anyways, welcome back to the hobby, have fun! :)
  
  
  
  Edit: Swapped out the video with one that fits better.