What is track IR and why would the reviewer of fsx state that it will be a manditory purchase for fsx because of virtual cockpits?

TrackIR is a small device that sits on top of your monitor, pointed at your head, and tracks small reflective dots or surfaces mounted on a headpiece you can attach to a cap or your headset.By interpreting and multiplying the motion of the reflective dots the TrackIR software changes your view in a game such as FS9 or FSX accordingly, so that if you turn your head slightly to the right, your view in-game turns considerably more to the right. This allows you to look around the virtual cockpit simply by turning your head a bit, instead of having to rely on point-of-view hats or pan keys. With the later models of TrackIR you can also zoom in and out by moving your head forward and backward, and tilt the view by tilting your head sideways.I'm not sure why it would be a mandatory purchase SPECIFICALLY because of FSX's virtual cockpits, but personally I find it an indispensable tool in FS9 (and no doubt in FSX) for bush / GA flying (not as much for IFR / heavy iron).http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/

The reviewer should have been clearer with his statement.TrackIR would be an indispensible tool; but is not necessary for FSXPesonally I can not fly in FS9 without it, well I can but you know what I mean :) For GA and low and slow bush flying it is a must. For Big Iron, I use it but do more of that type of flying in the 2D cockpit.I really suggest that all simmers give this device a try; your flying will never be the same, adds total immersion to a really dangerous approach.

Thanks sounds good. That's the type flying I do. I have been flying sims since way back and have never flown anything larger than a twin engine prop job, and don't care to. This thing sounds like something I would like, but is rather pricey and right now not included in my budget, but thanks again for the info.

Two things:First off, original poster is your computer not connected to www.google.com like the rest of us? :) Typing "Track IR" into the search box woulda given you even better info than the quality repsonses above. Including a direct link to the manufacturers site with pictures, videos & everything. Google is your friend.http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/02-pro...videos-all.htmlSecondly, I've wanted one of these for a while but could just never bring myself to take the plunge. Finally a few weeks back I had the spare cash with nothing else pressing to spend it on, so I ordered one up (I just wish I'd paid attention to the $30 discount that many sim sites are offering.) which arrived yesterday morning. It's amazing. Total time from opening the package to being in the air in FS9 looking around with head movements was about 5 minutes. It's essentially plug & play. (I'm gonna need to do a little tweaking to get it perfectly suited to my preferences, but it was completely functional outta the box.)I spent all afternoon flying Aces High, FS9, IL2, LockOn, & Falcon. The nighttime was spent racing F1, Nascar, GT Legends, GTR 2, & rFactor. It's a little pricey for a casual simmer, but any serious sim pilot needs to get one of these. It's not a gimmicky 3D goggles or something. It just flat-out works and works well. Anyone doubting should check out the videos on the page I linked above. They're not specially tweaked marketing demos or anything. What you see in the videos is what you get in the games. I've seen absolutely NO loss of frame rates in any of the games I've played. Panning is smoother and more controllable than with the view hat.I cannot recommend the Track IR highly enough. I've owned it for about 24 hours and already find it as indispensable as my HOTAS gear. While I'm sorta glad I waited for the current Version 4, I donno how I managed to sim without it for so long. :)D

I'm on the same page as Doug here. I got mine today. 5 minutes later I'm taxiing out in the Level D under my first true VC experience with FS2Crew. (I was inspired by Bojote's videos)OUTSTANDING! Can't explain how good it is really.It takes a little getting used to, but nailed the approach and landing which felt good. Off now to try Pacific Fighters, TOCA RD 3, and LoMAC!!!! Honestly, this thing is so good I don't know what to say.

Glad to hear that you are enjoying your new TrackIR, and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Totally agree - this is one great piece of kit:D To go one step further, if you have the spare $, try it with the matrox triple head 2 go ;-) Both have really added to the experience and make a great combination.

I guess I should have searched google. I am sorry if I bothered someone about this

No real worries. I'm usually harsher with folks about doing a search first, but this gave me a chance to gush about how #### cool this thing is. :)

No issues, feel free to ask away. ;)