Two units, one with sensor damage and another with jittery

[JoKeR]

Hello.
Today my TIR5 # 223768 started behaving erratically. At first I thought there might be something reflecting the IR light, but after making sure this wasn't the case, I decided to change the light emission (I use the cap clip) and filter sensitivity settings.
When I lowered the sensitivity a little below half, the screen filled up with red dots, indicating a probable fault in the sensor unit. Putting the filter in the lower position filled the screen in red. By increasing the sensitivity, the problem is only temporarily solved, because looking at the screen, as time goes by, various “flashes” and red dots occur randomly, showing that the unit is faulty.

To prove it, I took an old TIR5 #117208. This one, many years ago, had *exactly* the same problem as described in this recent post: viewtopic.php?t=18805, including the mouse thing.

At the time, I tried some support thru e-mail, but because no conclusions were reached, I ended up buying the unit #223768.
Anyway, repeating the tests with this older TIR5, it doesn't show any image variation when I fiddle with the sensitivity and light intensity, proving the theory that the sensor in the newer TIR is indeed faulty.

Is it possible to swap the sensor from one unit to another? If so, could you provide a step-by-step guide? These units have more than 10 years each.
Anyway, I'm following the thread at viewtopic.php?t=18805 with curiosity, because if this time there is a solution, I'll eventually be able to use my old unit again, without having to repair this new one.

Video of unit with sensor misbehavior (223768): https://youtu.be/FEzIn5ksLXw
Video of unit with jittery behavior (117208): https://youtu.be/4-BDQgcmzdM

Best,
Fernando

[JoKeR]

Forgot to mention:

Edition Windows 11 Home
Version 24H2
Installed on ‎17/‎01/‎2025
OS build 26100.3323
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.54.0

All updates applied, TIR Software version 5.5.3 (latest).

[jillian.smythe]

Hello Fernando,

I looked at the videos, and it looks like when the Light Filter Threshold is set to the higher numbers, it is detecting some sort of IR light in the lower part of the view port. The same source appears to be detected when using the second camera as the red dots appear in the same spot. I am wondering if you have something that is shiny or reflective, such as a necklace, a button, a logo, etc. that is reflecting back the light from the camera. It isn't as reflective as the TrackClip, so it isn't reflecting back much until the threshold is lowered. You may be able to identify the object by holding up a dark object/cardboard in front of the camera until the red spots disappear, then slowly moving the object toward you to see if there is a point at which they reappear.

You may also want to look at the cover for your TrackIR camera to verify that there aren't any scratches on it that may be causing the light to be detected differently.

We do not have instructions on swapping components of the TrackIR cameras.

Kind Regards,

[JoKeR]

Hi Jillian, thanks for your reply.

Yes, I saw the small dot while I was recording and forgot to mention that it was caused by my cellphone while I was recording. I can assure you that I don't have any extra source or reflection when not recording. I'm a Trackir user since 2005, this is now my third unit, and I can consider myself an advanced user, so yeah, I'm well aware that anything capable of reflecting IR sources (like sunlight and similar) can interfere with it.
My camera's cover doesn't have scratches, and the internal "sealing ring" that protects the sensor is ok too. I even tried to use the camera without the protection cover in a total dark room, to no avail. The result is exactly the same.
The thing that must be noted on videos is the fact that the actual unit detects a full red screen when lowering the filter, but the other (older) unit doesn't (which is the expected behavior, by the way).
Anyway, you informed that you cannot provide me instructions on how to swap the sensor, so I guess I'm on my own.
I still have two options before trying to swap the sensor:
a) use an active IR clip and check the results (the unit will only detect and not emit, perhaps working a little colder too)
b) cross the fingers and pray that the older unit's problem get a solution in the new thread (low expectancy on this, though)
In the end, if all else fails, I may be able to salvage one unit from two damaged or else kill both for good while trying.
Wish me luck.

Best,
Fernando

[jillian.smythe]

Hi Fernando,

With your older unit, have you tested how the movement changes if you adjust the smoothing setting? Have you tested the TrackIR with a different computer to see if it has the same behavior? That can help rule out a hardware issue if the problem is only occurring on one computer but not on another.

Kind Regards,

[JoKeR]

Hi Jillian,

Yes, with the older unit I've done extensive tests, on four computers of different generations and USB versions, from Win 8 to 10 to 11, connected directly on the motherboard, or using a powered usb hub, everything you can think of. All the same.

Now back to the new unit: I just did a quick test: being and IR detector, I put it on the freezer for couple hours to "cool the seeker" and then connected to the computer. Voilá, everything is working as it should, razor sharp and even on the lower range of filter and higher light emissions, there's not a single pixel of "fake detection". It's like new (my bet is that it will go crazy as soon it starts to heat).
Ok, maybe the IR detector isn't like an AIM9 seeker (lol) but maybe the thermic shock is indicating that a "reballing" may help? Could it be?

Best,

EDIT: After 10 minutes of play, when hot, it went "all red" again.

[jillian.smythe]

Hi Fernando,

It does sound like the unit is likely overheating and failing because of that. Given the age of the unit, I don't have any recommendations on how to remedy the issue. If you are interested in a replacement, I would recommend reaching out to our sales team (you can use our contact form and select Sales or Order Inquiries: https://www.trackir.com/help) and letting them know you are an existing TrackIR user.

Kind Regards,