P3D and Delan Clip

[Ezra 29]

Anyone using the Delan Clip (poor man`s Track IR) for P3D. I was wondering since I ordered one for another sim but was wondering how it performs with P3D.

https://delanengineering.com/

Edited January 7, 2020 by Ezra

[ZLA Steve 374]

I used it for a while. It works well provided you tune it properly and mount the camera so it's centered in line with the clip.

Edited January 7, 2020 by ZLA Steve

[Ezra 29]

Thanks for the reply and the tip.

Cheers

[Ezra 29]

Just an update on the Delan Clip performance and compatibility with P3Dv4.5 and (opentrack-2.3.11-beta3) coupled with CL-Eye Test.

Let me preface by stating I never used head track in all my years (30 years) of flight sims. I just used the hat on the flight stick. The following has radically changed the way I fly now in the hobby. Having said this, you don`t need head-track to enjoy the hobby but it sure helps in SA and cockpit intuitive as you fly. Maybe not so much in "auto" flight mode, but for sure in hands on flying and most notably approaches and acrobatics, etc.

PURCHASING

After purchase, make sure you check your E-mail from Delan because they also give you "Passwords" for the two former apps that are required. Otherwise, "Opentrack" is not free as advertised (go figure). But they are free when you purchase Delan Clip. This an affordable and quality piece of kit for the flight sim enthusiast and I have no affiliation with them. I also have no opinion on Track IR since I cannot afford it.

Just a brief note on the above. Make sure you also purchase the camera mount as well. It is listed separately.

SETTING UP

First of all make sure you install the apps first without plugging in the hardware. Once installed then plug in the USB kit for the camera first and then the Clip.

Secondly, it makes a huge difference when you "Velcro" and also "Zapstrap" the Delan Clip to the side of the headphone so it does not move. I also used a small piece of double sided tape under the camera mount to secure it to the top of the monitor.

Thirdly, you can use a pair of needle nose pliers to tweak the vertical alignment of the stainless clip to your preference and the camera (as mentioned above). There is a youtube video (link on Delan Clip Site) that demonstrates how to bend the stainless steel mounting arm (it won`t break) to accommodate whatever headset you use.

Delan Clip Setup Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvVnrI6P9cs&feature=emb_logo

Fourthly, to activate, make sure you select "Microsoft FSX SimConnect" in the "Output" drop down window on the opentrack app (it won`t work otherwise). Also, make sure CL-Eye Test app is closed (off) before you start the "opentrack app." The camera app is not needed other than to set up its exposure rate, etc. Therefore, leave the camera app OFF or the "opentrack" app won`t work. When things are up and running both lights (red and blue) will be active on the camera fascia. When OFF, the blue light will always be on regarding the camera even when "opentrack" app is off as well. The red light comes on along with the persistent blue light when "opentrack" is on.

Last but not least, minimize the opentrack app into tray. You can still access the app if you minimize the flight sim in order to tweak the "head-track" mapping. At least you can in DCS.

There is no additional "hacking" required within P3Dv4.5. It is all setup in SimConnect within P3D already by default.

Finally, boot up P3D and have fun.

CONCLUSION

The Delan Clip takes some getting used too but it works remarkably well with (6 DOF) cockpit. Check their site for other sim compatibility.

Note: Each third party aircraft (and Sim) may have it`s own particular Track IR support. For further tutorials on Delan Clip "mapping" set-up, the following link is a good one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN-CD1MDe4Y

Cheers.

Edited January 16, 2020 by Ezra
Added Information and coherence