Hi,
I used to have a TIR1, but it failed at about the same time as I lost interest in flight sims. This interest has returned, so I've ordered a TIR3Pro and Vector dohickey. The thing I found hardest with my old TIR was just getting used to it. Does anyone know how the TIR3 compares? Does the increased performance make it more natural to use?
I'm looking for tips both on how to set up the TIR for my own personal preferences and most importantly, how to get myself to use it as second nature. With my old TIR, I never got to the point where it became an extension of my body in the same way as a joystick does - I'd dearly like to nail this with my new TIR3, when it arrives (hopefully about the same time as my X52 ).
Configuring your TIR and your mind
Re: Configuring your TIR and your mind
Hi Quboid, where to start
Ah you are getting a X52 (I would like to hear what you think of it), as with any HOTAS and TIR, it is best to keep them on seperate USB ports (on the PC not a HUB.) Both the X52 and the TIR are hogh data periferals and could over load the port if they are both one the same. one.
On to the TIR. There is big difference in performance between the old TIR1 and the TIR3 (I had a TIR1 before my TIR3Pro). Goto the main NP TIR and download the latest TIR driver. I would recomend to use that one instead of the driver on the CD.
Setting up the TIR. Unlike the TIR. TIR3 has a longer scanning range (but it is narrower) and I have found that setting the TIR back about 30-36" (ab0ut 90-95cm) and roughly 2" (5cm) abive the top reflector on the Vector. Whilst we are talking about the Vector, it is best to mount it on a cap with a flat bill, because if the bottom 2 reflectors are bent off the horizontal they performance is reduced.
With the Vector TIR is more stable than it's predicessors, to the point that it is possible to walk away and if you are sitting in the same spot when you come back then it is possible that you might not have to re-center it. Talking of tracking TIR3 does not have the sticking and loss of track problems that the first one had.
Now for the hard part. If you were a 'leaner' instead of a 'turner' then you would find it slightlty harder to get used to turning as leaning and up/down are translated to lean and up/dpwn with the Vector and 6DOF. With the added accuratcy of TIR3 it should be easier to get used to.
It really is a case of using and sticking with TIR to get used to it. I use it in GTR and it really adds to the immertion whenyou are looking out for cars and at the apex of the corners. At first the fact that there is a ratio of head movement and ingame head movement can cause a bit of trouble but eventually it dies become easier over time and there is a chance that it can become second nature like using a joystick.
Even if your weapon (sim) of choice does not have full 6DOF support, the Vector will smooth out any little flicks and drifts as the TIR is still using the Vector's 3 point's for position tracking, but the sim might not be.
I hope that helps and good luck.
Ah you are getting a X52 (I would like to hear what you think of it), as with any HOTAS and TIR, it is best to keep them on seperate USB ports (on the PC not a HUB.) Both the X52 and the TIR are hogh data periferals and could over load the port if they are both one the same. one.
On to the TIR. There is big difference in performance between the old TIR1 and the TIR3 (I had a TIR1 before my TIR3Pro). Goto the main NP TIR and download the latest TIR driver. I would recomend to use that one instead of the driver on the CD.
Setting up the TIR. Unlike the TIR. TIR3 has a longer scanning range (but it is narrower) and I have found that setting the TIR back about 30-36" (ab0ut 90-95cm) and roughly 2" (5cm) abive the top reflector on the Vector. Whilst we are talking about the Vector, it is best to mount it on a cap with a flat bill, because if the bottom 2 reflectors are bent off the horizontal they performance is reduced.
With the Vector TIR is more stable than it's predicessors, to the point that it is possible to walk away and if you are sitting in the same spot when you come back then it is possible that you might not have to re-center it. Talking of tracking TIR3 does not have the sticking and loss of track problems that the first one had.
Now for the hard part. If you were a 'leaner' instead of a 'turner' then you would find it slightlty harder to get used to turning as leaning and up/down are translated to lean and up/dpwn with the Vector and 6DOF. With the added accuratcy of TIR3 it should be easier to get used to.
It really is a case of using and sticking with TIR to get used to it. I use it in GTR and it really adds to the immertion whenyou are looking out for cars and at the apex of the corners. At first the fact that there is a ratio of head movement and ingame head movement can cause a bit of trouble but eventually it dies become easier over time and there is a chance that it can become second nature like using a joystick.
Even if your weapon (sim) of choice does not have full 6DOF support, the Vector will smooth out any little flicks and drifts as the TIR is still using the Vector's 3 point's for position tracking, but the sim might not be.
I hope that helps and good luck.
Re: Configuring your TIR and your mind
Thank you, that's encougarging. Is that 30 - 36" because that's how far you are from your TIR.
I was a turner so I don't need to readjust there. I just hope I can get into the right mind set with this so I look a certain direction by naturally sending the "look over there signal". With my old TIR that I didn't use that much, it was always "OK, I'm looking this direction. Move head up ... up ... up ... good. Now left a bit. Good. There's what I'm looking for."! Obviously this is distracting and has the exact opposite effect from immersing me.
I've heard about the seperare port issue - I'll look into it. I have a USB2.0 hub and 2.0 connectors on my PC which has vasty more bandwidth so that might work. If not, I'm sure I can fit them in although I don't like plugging these directly into my machine as it's rather out of the way. I hope the TIR3 will fit on my monitor come to think it of - the top of the monitor is only about 4cm deep as it's a TFT monitor.
I was a turner so I don't need to readjust there. I just hope I can get into the right mind set with this so I look a certain direction by naturally sending the "look over there signal". With my old TIR that I didn't use that much, it was always "OK, I'm looking this direction. Move head up ... up ... up ... good. Now left a bit. Good. There's what I'm looking for."! Obviously this is distracting and has the exact opposite effect from immersing me.
I've heard about the seperare port issue - I'll look into it. I have a USB2.0 hub and 2.0 connectors on my PC which has vasty more bandwidth so that might work. If not, I'm sure I can fit them in although I don't like plugging these directly into my machine as it's rather out of the way. I hope the TIR3 will fit on my monitor come to think it of - the top of the monitor is only about 4cm deep as it's a TFT monitor.
Re: Configuring your TIR and your mind
Quboid, yeah the is 30-36" from the tracter to the reflector.
It really depends on the sim that you are using TIR on, if it uses 6DOF then if you move up diagonally the track will be diagonal. In IL2 with the Vector running I found the move right, move up, was not there (but there again it might be me). I can say for sure though that the movement ingame is deffinatly smoother.
If you have a USB on your monitor then I would put your HOTAS through that and unfortunatly the TIR straight into the pc, which is why I said unfortunatly. The TIR3 comes with a clip with a double sided sticky pad to adhere to the top of your TFT. I have had to suppliment this as the heat of the montior melts the glue eventually. But at least it is included.
I found TIR3Pro in a differnt league to the original TIR1. I hope you do too.
It really depends on the sim that you are using TIR on, if it uses 6DOF then if you move up diagonally the track will be diagonal. In IL2 with the Vector running I found the move right, move up, was not there (but there again it might be me). I can say for sure though that the movement ingame is deffinatly smoother.
If you have a USB on your monitor then I would put your HOTAS through that and unfortunatly the TIR straight into the pc, which is why I said unfortunatly. The TIR3 comes with a clip with a double sided sticky pad to adhere to the top of your TFT. I have had to suppliment this as the heat of the montior melts the glue eventually. But at least it is included.
I found TIR3Pro in a differnt league to the original TIR1. I hope you do too.
Re: Configuring your TIR and your mind
OK, thanks for your help. It would be more like 25 to 30" for me but I don't imagine that makes much difference. I thought IL2 didn't support 6DOF so it wouldn't have move left/right/etc. I can live without those, it's the look around that I most want.
I wonder how long eDimensional take to ship things. My X52 is dispatching soon, I hope it's not as troublesome as the TM Cougar it's replacing.
I wonder how long eDimensional take to ship things. My X52 is dispatching soon, I hope it's not as troublesome as the TM Cougar it's replacing.
Re: Configuring your TIR and your mind
Quboid, IL2 does not support 6DOF, it only reads, UP DOWN LEFT & RIGHT. TIR3 does support it and uses that data internally. The extra movement directions like left and right lean are turned off. That means that now you would need to look left and right instead of lean left and right like you use to.
Once it arives, and you see it in action it will make sence. Also you will notice the difference between TIR1 and TIR3+Vector, it is like chalk and cheese.
If you need more info once it arrives please drop me a line.
Once it arives, and you see it in action it will make sence. Also you will notice the difference between TIR1 and TIR3+Vector, it is like chalk and cheese.
If you need more info once it arrives please drop me a line.
Re: Configuring your TIR and your mind
Wow, it is very different and much nicer to use. I'd say I'm more comfortable with with the TIR3P after 1 day than the TIR1 after a couple of months. It is excellent, although I'm not used to it yet. I'm struggling to find a good place for the trackIR, although on top of my monitor isn't bad. Some tracking issues though, I think it's a bit close (about 20 inches from my hat).
I only got it properly going today as it arrived later than I expected and I managed to break my computer's PSU the day before, so I had to wait a couple of days for a replacement...
The X52 is excellent. I had a Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar which was certainly good quality, but so problematic it just wasn't worth it. The X52 can do 95% of the stuff and has been nearly flawless so far. It doesn't feel as awesome, but I like it a lot more.
I only got it properly going today as it arrived later than I expected and I managed to break my computer's PSU the day before, so I had to wait a couple of days for a replacement...
The X52 is excellent. I had a Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar which was certainly good quality, but so problematic it just wasn't worth it. The X52 can do 95% of the stuff and has been nearly flawless so far. It doesn't feel as awesome, but I like it a lot more.
Re: Configuring your TIR and your mind
Quboid, try moving the sensor out to about 30-36" and 2" above the reflector. That should help with the tracking. You are right the TIR3P is lightyears away from TIR1 in comfort and performance.
Next you will be wanting Vector(6DOF)
Now that does some sweet things with the 3P even in 2DOF games.
Next you will be wanting Vector(6DOF)
Now that does some sweet things with the 3P even in 2DOF games.
Re: Configuring your TIR and your mind
I have the Vector already, got it at the same time! Unfortunately, it's already broken - the front left reflector got damaged in the factory or in transit or something and fell off. I tried reattaching it with cellotape but it's a fairly lousy job. I've contacted E-Dimensional about getting a replacement.
I tried it further back but it tracked very poorly, jumping around all over the place. I've got a slightly better arrangement now, with it taped to the top of my monitor allowing it to sit about 2" further back. I think this little bit helps but tracking is dodgy at times since the reflector went.
I tried it further back but it tracked very poorly, jumping around all over the place. I've got a slightly better arrangement now, with it taped to the top of my monitor allowing it to sit about 2" further back. I think this little bit helps but tracking is dodgy at times since the reflector went.
Re: Configuring your TIR and your mind
Quboid,
Since we're about 2 weeks further into the time continnium, what's your experience with Track IR 3 Pro now?
Also, i would like to discuss on the Cougar a bit. Ever thought of modding it to overcome the "problematic" problems you have with it. Once modded the Cougar becomes just a dream to use.
[ March 15, 2005, 02:10 AM: Message edited by: Lange_666 ]
Since we're about 2 weeks further into the time continnium, what's your experience with Track IR 3 Pro now?
Also, i would like to discuss on the Cougar a bit. Ever thought of modding it to overcome the "problematic" problems you have with it. Once modded the Cougar becomes just a dream to use.
[ March 15, 2005, 02:10 AM: Message edited by: Lange_666 ]