EuroHarmony Community Forums

Community Discussion => Flight Simulation Matters => Topic started by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on January 27, 2011, 09:05:05 am

Title: FreeTrack head tracking software
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on January 27, 2011, 09:05:05 am

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

Title: Re: FreeTrack head tracking software
Post by: EHM-1465 Dominic on January 27, 2011, 11:53:10 am

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 ;)

Title: Re: FreeTrack head tracking software
Post by: EHM-1997 Alexander on January 27, 2011, 12:11:14 pm

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

Title: Re: FreeTrack head tracking software
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on January 30, 2011, 04:39:25 pm

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!

Title: Re: FreeTrack head tracking software
Post by: EHM-0654 Murray on January 30, 2011, 06:59:34 pm

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.

Title: Re: FreeTrack head tracking software
Post by: EHM-2387 Eric-Jan on January 31, 2011, 08:17:30 pm

I used the recommended SFH485P LEDs: javascript:openreq('http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheets/50/486602_DS.pdf' (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...