Enabling TrackIR for all Falcon versions

[snake122]

Hopefully this will become the definitive list of how to enable your TrackIR for each popular Falcon version.

Straight SP4.x (no BMS exe)
1) Install Falcon 4.0 from CD then install 1.08 US patch.
2) Install Falcon SP4.
3) Install TrackIR 3 Pro software version 4.0.0.021
4) Make Default setting for Falcon 4. Check box for �Exclusive-load�.
5) Install TIRF4 file to desktop.
Change FalconSP shortcut properties to

D:\MicroProse\Falcon4\FalconSP.exe �head

(I have Falcon installed on my D: drive)

6) Start FalconSP from Desktop Shortcut.
7) Activate TIRF4 file on Desktop.
8) Return to Falcon by clicking F4 on taskbar.
9) Load a Tactical Engagement/Takeoff.
10) When you are in the pit of the F-16 aircraft, depress the 3# key to go to the 3D pit.
11) The blue and green LEDs should be working to indicate TrackIR is working properly in enhanced mode.
12) Move head to verify that TrackIR is tracking properly.

Note these are Wayne's previously posted instructions minus the .cfg edit. I don't believe this is neccessary because the Sp3.exe included in SP4 does not have native TrackIR support.

BMS 2.0 or Cobra one
Note you have to install a the BMS 2.0 exe as a addon to SP4.

FF3 includes a BMS 2.0 exe in it's installer so you if you're running FF3 these directions are for you!

Cobra 1 works the same as the BMS 2.0 method and this is an addon to FF3 only.

1. Run the TIR software (hehe I'm assuming you have the software installed and just about any version will work but 4.0.0.021 is recommended).
2. Run Falcon
3. Click on the setup menu
4. Click on the controllers tab
5. Click on the the advanced box
6. Click on the the "Enable 2d cockpit TrackIR" and "enable 3d cockpit TrackIR" boxes under the view control tab (which should be the first tab that pops up by default).
That all you really need to get it working but to customize the 2d cockpit cockpit panning (which isn't the best system in the world) you can run the config editor (my perfered method) or manually edit .cfg the entries for freqency and dead zones (for advanced users only). Note that these option ONLY effect the 2D panning of the cockpit.

BMS versions earlier than 2.0 (1.03 being the most popular)
My memory is a little foggy here so feel free to correct me, but I don't believe 1.03 had an advanced controllers screen so a config edit is needed to enable the TIR. You can either run the config editor that should have a shortcut on your desktop after the install of the BMS .exe. You will need to check the options under "Settings Benchmark Sims" folder and check the enable 2d cockpit and 3d cockpit trackIR support options. Then hit apply.
Again feel free to change the option under TrickIR Pitch and Yaw deazone percentages and the Sample frequency to your liking.

Or if you like the manul edit to your falconbms.cfg you can add these lines:

To turn on 3d cockpit panning:
Set g_EnableTrackIR 0
( or 1 instead of 0 depending on which version you use, sorry I can't remember which specific version had this bug, I'll try to hunt it down and post it here but if your TrackIR panning doesn't work in the 3d cockpit change this number first)

To turn on 2d cockpit panning:
set g_bTrackIR2DCockpit 1

To adjust how fast the 2d cockpit panning is: set g_nTrackIRSampleFreq 512
(this is about 1/2 pause between 2d view changes, note it most be in multiplies of 128)

To adjust the deadzone in pitch and yaw:
set g_fTIR2DPitchPercentage 0.5
set g_fTIR2DYawPercentage 0.5
You can set from 0.0 being no deadzone to 1.00 being a complete deadzone making that axis completely unusable.

Run Falcon and see if it works in the 3d cockpit by pressing 3 and moving your real head around. View changes should follow Test the 2d cockpit if you enabled it by pressing the 2 key. Your head will be kind like a POV switch, the longer you hold your head in a certain direction the more your view will change in that direction.

I'm sure that not everything I said here is completely 100% correct or is the best way of doing things but I do believe it will get most of you out there on your way. I will edit fine tuning into this post as I notice things. Your feedback is very welcome (even if you're flaming me LOL)

[ February 11, 2005, 02:21 PM: Message edited by: Snake122 ]

[AV8R]

For Falcon SP3 and SP4,

Alt-Tab to get out of Falcon4 to start up the TIRF4 utility works, but will make the RECON and tactical reference viewing inoperable. F4 doesnt like Alt-Tab after it is started.

Another way is to:
1. Run F4
2. Alt Tab out to desktop
3. Run TIRF4 utility
4. Exit F4 (close game)
5. Leave TIRF4 running
6. Run F4

Now RECON will work for this session and subsequent sessions as long as TIRF4 is still running.

AV8R

[Edgeshot]

Hi:

Where can I download the TIRF4 file??
Edgeshot

[snake122]

Try this:
http://files.calltrol.com:9999/FlightSim/TIRF4.Zip