rajul

My Feedback: (58)

I have received many questions about the TrackIR system and how it works with Aerofly 5 and RC7. At the outset, I would like to thank the IPACS team for the excellent development work in adding this new feature to further enhance the realism of Aerofly.

The freedom to look in any direction ahead/behind/above/below the model, and the improved peripheral vision to check ground references make the flying experience very natural! Without the TrackIR, the model is always centered in the display with no peripheral vision at higher altitudes. The TrackIR is really an advantage for all types of flying including IMAC, pattern and 3D!

Let's have a look at the hardware and software. The whole system comes in a plastic box as shown below.

rajul

My Feedback: (58)

You'll find a USB IR camera, a magnetic base (base and camera can be instantly assembled with a magnetic connector and placed on the computer monitor), a TrackClip (which is basically a three-point reflector that can be clipped to the brim of a hat), a quick start guide, and a software download instruction.

rajul

My Feedback: (58)

Here are a couple of close-up shots of the front and rear of the IR camera. You can see the IR sensor chip through a transparent window at the rear of the camera. The IR camera continuously sends and receives IR signals which are reflected from the TrackClip.

rajul

My Feedback: (58)

And this is how the IR camera sits on top of the monitor. The legs are adjustable so that it clamps nicely to the monitor. It is best to place it near the center for easy alignment later. Then just plug it into any usb port.

rajul

My Feedback: (58)

Let's take a look at the TrackClip. It is basically made from spring steel, epoxy coated in black color, and is very light. Clipping the TrackClip to the hat is a breeze and it attaches snugly to the brim. There are three parabolic silver reflectors built into the TrackClip and these reflectors enable the IR camera to detect the orientation (six axis) and distance of your head from the monitor. Pretty cool stuff!

rajul

My Feedback: (58)

The instructions provides the url for downloading the software, basically from the TrackIR website. Download was pretty fast and no registration was required. You could also download the software manual but I found out later that the software interface was pretty intuitive and easy to use. Well, I figured out the fastest way to setup the software, and also managed to optimize the parameters for fixed pilot position in Aerofly 5. What you need to do is to first roughly center your head position with respect to the display, look into the center target in the software panel, then click F12 to center it. Below are my optimized parameters which you can set in the software menu (this will give what I feel is the closest pilot eye view/movement in the field but you can adjust it to your taste):

Motion control: Speed = 0.8; Smooth = 10
Profile: One:One (Tick the exclusive box)

You only need to set this once, and the software will retain your latest settings. Note that you have to run this software first before starting up Aerofly 5. There is nothing that needs to be set in the Aerofly 5 program , so that makes it even easier! Here's a screenshot of the software interface.

rajul

My Feedback: (58)

OK, I hope this gives you guys a better idea on the TrackIR system. It's really easy to use and it has added a new dimension of experience to flying in Aerofly! If you have any questions, please feel free to post them here and I'll try to help. Cheers!