Upgrade path TR3Pro to Latest

[sr71_sr71]

Hi Folks.

Firstly, as always - excellent product - thanks!

To be honest, I could not use my MS FS 2004 setup without my TrackIR 3 Pro - its just so cool.

You must have known these questions would come, I know I would.

Over the last year, I have invested in TrackIR3 Pro & Vector Expansion. Total cost was roughly �115 ($201, todays rates). Looking at the new hardware, it sounds like a much worthy upgrade. However, its $179 (�103 UK pounds - roughly).

- Are there any upgrade paths available for us devoted owners of the past TrackIR models?

- Will the software updates be backward compatible?

- What is the support period for the older TrackIR versions?

Look forward to hearing from you.

David.

[Drakk0r]

I'm interested as well, since I just recieved my TrackIR3 Pro two days ago.

[skeating]

Yes, I have had mine less than a year and really enjoy it but I'm not about spend $180 for another one.

steve

[teisco]

I also just recently purchased the 3pro version and would like to know if an upgrade will be offered.

This great gadget is developing so fast that buying a new one each time is prohibitive to most of us. I am happy for future developement but would like to see an upgrade option for us recent buyers.

[Jim]

Hello:

Thanks for the support!

The TrackIR 3 will continue to be supported with the current version 4 software, we do not see that changing at all.

TrackIR 3 is also an excellent product and it still has a lot of value. I would suggest selling it to other new users of TrackIR, like on eBay, I have seen them go for over $100 on there.

As always, we honor a 30 day return period, no questions asked, so if you just bought a TIR 3 and want a 4 then you have that option.

Hope this helps.

[sr71_sr71]

I think it will be hard to sell the TrackIR 3 Pro, now that version 4 is here and really starts to take hold. I am not convinced that we would be able to get as good second hand prices, but at least eBay does offer another route to sell. (Not sure that eBay is such a good place as it used to be, most people selling bulk for low, low prices etc)

So, basically then. There is no incentive for current TrackIR 3 & Vector Expansion owners. It�s a shame, but I guess that is the decision taken. It might have been nice to have known that we could have got some kind of discount, if we could provide proof of purchase, unit serial number, vector expansion code, or something along those lines.

Don�t get me wrong, am I in no way upset. It�s a fantastic product, and as I said before, I could not flight-sim without it.

I guess at some point I will be in the situation to invest again, but will there be yet another version just about to be released? Who knows

[marcocom]

im very happy with my TIR3 purchase.

but frankly its NOT COOL when there is no way for me to avoid buying ANOTHER VectorExpansion clip and re-licensing of the software i already paid for.

there should be a way for me to purchase just the new unit with no software license and no VE clip. that would be the 'upgrade path' being requested by us and honestly...i see no reason why it cannot be fulfilled at no risk to NP.

[Barred]

Guys I can see where you are comming from with TIR3 - TIR4 and yes I would be peeved to a degree if I had just bought TIR3.

But please consider NP's position. IF they said "Hi Folkes in 3-4 months time we will have some new hardware on the market." then for the time frame given 3 things would happen.

1/ No revenue from the moment they make the anoucement to the time time it (TIR#) ships.

2/ There might be developement secrets that are in the process of being patented, hence the delay.

3/ No atter when they anounce a new product they will be condemned for it by some that have just bought or upgraded.

This is not ment as butt kissing, yes I do believe in NP and what they are trying to do. I like you am a customer and have been for a good few years since TIR1 made it's way over here to the UK. I have seen NP bend over backwards to help people who have some troubles with thier PC/TIR and I do not feel that NP justify the "I am dissapointed...." posts.

I was helped in the early days by members of this forum and by Jim himself. I have the time due to health reasons to post regulary here and to try solutions out for those who have problems so I am paying back NP and these forums for all the hours (years) of enjoyment that I have had and for a small company in a very niche market that bends over backwards to help their customers.

When I bought mine the only sim I had that used it was IL2 and I go grief from the wife for the outlay for on gadgit for one game. TIR is growing and expanding into more games and I hope it continues to do so.

If that makes me a NP fanboy I would say no only because I am a bit old to be called a boy

Peace guys this is not a rant at you nore am I intending to flame anyone. Please think of it from NP's side as well as ours as it can not be an easy decision for all involved.

[ November 10, 2005, 02:22 PM: Message edited by: Barred ]

[Jim]

Hello:

I think you bring up a good point about what Vector is and how it works with the TrackIR.

Vector was brought out to enable new 6DOF functionality in the TrackIR, this was in response to usablility issues with the device in dot mode, basically that it couldn't tell the difference between translation and rotation.

Vector was sold as an add-on because that made sense at the time, there was an installed base of TIR 3 units that could benefit from the technology. The total price at that time was around $188 for both Vector and the TIR 3, that was the price last Holiday season.

As it became clear that Vector was a success and that it really made the TrackIR a more complete experience, we made the decision to incorporate Vector Technology into all future products. We don't look at TIR 4 as "coming with vector", or having to buy it again separately, we view the TIR 4 as a complete 6DOF solution. It comes with a new clip because that is part of the complete package. At $179.95 it is priced below the TIR 3 and Vector combo, although a Hat is not included, but those are now only $9.95.

I completely understand where you are coming from, I would not want to have to buy the same upgrade again. What we are trying to accomplish is an easy to use 6DOF tracker right out of the box so that more people will find the product easy to use and there will be a broader user base for all of us.

Note: TrackIR 4 does not require you to activate Vector. Simply plug in the unit and it will just work. You can even use your original Vector clip, or one of the new ones, whatever you choose.

[marcocom]

that totally makes sense. a complete 6DOF package. but for a short term, allowing purchase of just the new tracking unit for say 140$ would be kind of nice for us....maybe even encourage some of us with TIR3/VE to purchase your new product. (i for one would. since i really dont have money problems. just a problem with feeling like a sucker)