Just came across something called Opetrack and smooth track for head and eye tracking as an alternative to Track IR.  Anyone using it with the Fenix and if so, what is your feedback?  I had TrackIR a few years ago but didn’t really like it so I’m curious if this is a better alternative.  Thanks!!

I have/Use both. I originally came across this a few years ago and have used it ever since. I do recommend it and I can't fly without it. The only down side is that it uses video so you need to have some light for it to work, I just turn on a desk lamp and that is enough for it to work properly.  Setup is easy, I actually use an old Iphone for it and have not had any issues. Make sure you follow the setup instructions on https://smoothtrack.app/ .

48 minutes ago, jjeffreys said:

I have/Use both. I originally came across this a few years ago and have used it ever since. I do recommend it and I can't fly without it. The only down side is that it uses video so you need to have some light for it to work, I just turn on a desk lamp and that is enough for it to work properly.  Setup is easy, I actually use an old Iphone for it and have not had any issues. Make sure you follow the setup instructions on https://smoothtrack.app/ .

What type of flying do you do?  I do IFR with jetliners so I am not sure if it would be useful.  If I have a USB Webcam, would i need Smoothtrack?  

1 hour ago, jjeffreys said:

I have/Use both. I originally came across this a few years ago and have used it ever since. I do recommend it and I can't fly without it. The only down side is that it uses video so you need to have some light for it to work, I just turn on a desk lamp and that is enough for it to work properly.  Setup is easy, I actually use an old Iphone for it and have not had any issues. Make sure you follow the setup instructions on https://smoothtrack.app/ .

Thanks for the link. Will purchase and download onto my phone tonight.

All I do is Tubeliner flights. I am not sure on the webcam side, as far as I know smoothtrack only works with a mobile device either IPhone or android. I know there are some programs that work with a webcam though I just can't vouch for them. I am sure that both will use opentrack which does work very well though. My son has used smoothtrack on DCS and he has been very happy with it there also. If you have an old phone laying around it will probably work, you just hook it up via WIFI and download the app. I have used it both through the WIFI and the USB, USB works the best.

1 minute ago, TrafficPilot said:

Thanks for the link. Will purchase and download onto my phone tonight.

Spend some time adjusting the curves in opentrack I normally setup Dual curves for X and Y axis so it is to my liking, I also set a dead zone so I can have some slight head movement without it translating to the screen. Also make sure to set the reset position button and freeze buttons in opentrack, this will allow you to quickly go back to zero position and if you are programing the FMC or EFB you can push the freeze button to hold it where you are looking.

3 minutes ago, jjeffreys said:

Spend some time adjusting the curves in opentrack I normally setup Dual curves for X and Y axis so it is to my liking, I also set a dead zone so I can have some slight head movement without it translating to the screen. Also make sure to set the reset position button and freeze buttons in opentrack, this will allow you to quickly go back to zero position and if you are programing the FMC or EFB you can push the freeze button to hold it where you are looking.

Thanks for the reminders! I haven't used OpenTrack since I last used MS2020 3 years ago so have forgotten most of the setup info.

Android store reviews are excellent so it's a definite download for me. Saves fiddling with a webcam on my new Flight Sim PC.

23 hours ago, jjeffreys said:

I have/Use both. I originally came across this a few years ago and have used it ever since. I do recommend it and I can't fly without it. The only down side is that it uses video so you need to have some light for it to work, I just turn on a desk lamp and that is enough for it to work properly.  Setup is easy, I actually use an old Iphone for it and have not had any issues. Make sure you follow the setup instructions on https://smoothtrack.app/ .

I tried Opentrack and it seems to be working but I can't get it so that the default view is centered.  It is always tilted and movements are jerky.  Any suggestions on what settings I need to be looking into?

Are you using Smoothtrack or are you using a webcam? If it is a webcam I am not sure. 

If using Smoothtrack are you using the USB connection or wireless. If it is Wireless you may be getting latency from that, I would suggest trying to use the USB plug. You also may not have enough light on your face or it is too far away from your face which could be causing the jerky motion. I normally have the phone no more than about 24 inches from my face so that it can easily see and recognize my face. If it is too far away it can pick up other movements such as other people or ceiling fans. I simply have my phone in an auto phone holder suction cupped to the desk immediately next to my Yoke. 

As for the tilting, I actually go into Mapping on Opentrack and set the curve for tilting to all zero so that I do not get any tilting, I just personally don't like it. Also go into Options and bind the center to either an unused joystick button or set a key combo, do the same for Toggle which simply toggles Opentrack on and off allowing you to freeze the view where you want it. 

 

I have purchased Smooth Track this afternoon. Works very well. Thanks for your tips on OpenTrack settings. I don't like the tilting either it makes me feel a bit queasy (like VR!).

Is there a setting in OpenTrack for a dead zone so it's not constantly moving? At the moment It's like watching someone who's taken too much Amphetamine. Not a particularly good combination in an aircraft😄

 

Delanclip fusion pro here with opentrack - its very nice - although haven't tried it yet in 2024 - it will work there also 

Edited January 17, 20251 yr by Richard Sennett