FreeTrack head tracking software

[EHM-2387 Eric-Jan]

I just started a little project to create a cheap TrackIR alternative, using the FreeTrack software http://www.free-track.net/english/), and some cheap hardware.

I ordered the parts (IR LEDs, resistors, shrink tube, battery holder, batteries, red wire, black wire, soldering wire) a couple of days ago, and yesterday evening, all was delivered.

Details

Over the weekend, I'll be soldering it all together, and I'll put that on the hat. So I hope to show you all the results in a couple of days.
Stay tuned!

[EHM-1465 Dominic]

Nice project E-J, I've got Track-IR and it makes a really big difference to how realistic flights are in the VC so a free version is a great idea

[EHM-1997 Alexander]

I have the TrackIR v4 and it's awesome. v5 is better but I can't justify the cost.

Let us know how the home-brew goes E-J

[EHM-2387 Eric-Jan]

Well, I got it all soldered together, but I am still not happy with the lack of "brightness" of the LEDs, so that makes tuning the sensitivity of FreeTrack a drag.
I have removed the IR filter from my webcam, and placed a visible light filter in its place, but still too much interference from other pixels next to the LEDs.
I shunted the series resistor, so it's only the LEDs now, in series on 3 1.5V batteries. Can't get much simpler (or brighter) than that

I could go for a 9V block with a series resistor, or add another 1.5V battery, or so, but I'll let that simmer for a bit now. I have some work preparations to do for tomorrow, so I'm gonna call it a day. Next weekend another chance!

[EHM-0654 Murray]

Important question if you're having brightness issues E-J, what voltage are your LEDs? If they're 5V, and you're running 3 in series, you'll actually need a touch more voltage and a resistor to pull it down again.

[EHM-2387 Eric-Jan]

I used the recommended SFH485P LEDs: javascript:openreq('http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheets/50/486602_DS.pdf')
Forward voltage is 1.5V, so the 4.8V I am offering now (batteries are still brand new ) should do the trick. I even shorted the series resistor, but to no avail.

Maybe I'll go for the parallel setup, but that would mean re-routing all wiring, and I didn't feel like that last Sunday afternoon any more. So maybe next weekend...

To be continued...