Same issue as everyone else...(TrackClip is useless)

[jmoorman]

Hi All...

Just got the TrackIR 5 and TrackClipPro today. I have put in a good 12 - 15 hours attempting to get this combo to track for more than 30 seconds in version 5.0230 (Build 5977) of the software.

I have the issue where the unit will track using the TrackClip to the right, but as soon as I get left of center, everything flips upside down and inside out. The same issue described by this thread:

http://forum.naturalpoint.com/forum/ubb ... #Post34435

Now that thread is 6 months old and it appears that the "work around" is to create new profiles. Shouldn't the profiles that come with the software have been fixed by now?

I have reverted to using the "ballcap clip" and all seems to work just fine with the existing profiles (tracking reliably in the TrackIR software).

Besides having to build a new profile (which I really do not want to learn how to do right now due to my frustration levels being somewhat elevated), what is the long term fix and when is it going to be implemented?

My computer specs are:

Vista x64 SP2
Intel Quadcore (Q9450 @ 3 GHz)
8 GB of RAM
nVidia 275 (at stock speeds)
Latest drivers for everything
No specific keyboard or mouse drivers (windows default drivers)
No background software except normal services and Steam

I have moved the camera to various USB ports (none of which were hubs)
I have played with the light filter threshold
I have removed all reflective surfaces from the cameras viewing envelope (even made a tent with a dark blue sheet over the monitor, camera and me)
I have loaded and removed several versions of the drivers available on the site, but have spent a majority of the time working with the driver mentioned above
I have verified that the infrared emitters are centered in the "camera view" and remain in the fieled of view during all head movements
I have verified that the emitters are working

What, besides having to construct a new profile is there to do?

Can someone who had similar issues send me a working profile they have created?

Any help would be appreciated...

The "Boz"...

Maybe I should send back the TrackClipPro and strap a Wii sensor bar to my head...

[Seth Steiling]

Whatever issue you're having isn't profile related. This kind of behavior isn't caused by the motion curves, and very likely can't be addressed by it. I don't know of any long-term fix to address a problem of this nature, because most all of the instances I'm aware of have ended up being camera placement, light interference, or settings issues.

When using the TrackClip PRO, have you adjusted the position of the TrackIR camera to the left side of the monitor, so they are in line with each other?

When using the TCP, did you change the Tracking Target from TrackClip to TrackClip PRO?

If you do make these adjustments, once you've done so, go into the Camera tab and reset the settings to default.

If you've tried these steps, or they don't address the situation, can you post some screen-shots that show the problem in-software? A video would be even more helpful, if possible.

[jmoorman]

Seth:

When using the TrackClip PRO, have you adjusted the position of the TrackIR camera to the left side of the monitor, so they are in line with each other?

[color:#000099]Yes[/color]

When using the TCP, did you change the Tracking Target from TrackClip to TrackClip PRO?

[color:#000099]Yes[/color]

If you do make these adjustments, once you've done so, go into the Camera tab and reset the settings to default.

[color:#000099]Did it... Issue remains.[/color]


I just downloaded CamStudio and will attempt to take some video.

One note, I have no issues with the "HatClip". Your product works as advertised while using that (in your software that is... I have not had a chance to try any of this in game yet)

Would a Skype Chat with my web cam pointed at the screen help? Currently the web cam is not installed, so that is not part of the present issue.

Regards,

The "Boz"

PS - The TrackIR is currently positioned ~30 inches from the end of my nose, offset to the left.

[jmoorman]

Seth:

I think I am on to something. It appears that if I change the "Video Processing Mode" from "Precision" to "Standard", the unit begins tracking correctly with the TrackClip Pro through the full range of motion.

On camera view, in standard mode, the "dots" from the IR emitter are much smaller and never overlap as I move my head. In the precision mode, the "dots" are much larger and do overlap when I move my head from center (mostly when moving my head up and down). At this point, the left LED on the camera will cut out and the screen freezes. When it re-aquires the IR emitters everything goes screwy. I have to recenter and change the tracking target from TrackClip Pro, to TrackClip and then back. Recenter again and everything starts working again (until the next time).

Also, in both processing modes, I get a total of 9 targets being picked up by the camera. 3 large dots representing the 3 IR emitters. Next to each of these 3 large dots I also get 2 very small dots on either side. These dots also reduce in size when changing from Precision to Standard mode.

Still trying to work through this... It would be nice to finally jump into a game with this.

Regards,

The "Boz"

[Seth Steiling]

I strongly recommend that you keep the processing mode in Precision, as Standard reduces the image analysis to TrackIR 4 quality, which is a significant step backward. It would be much better for us to troubleshoot your situation with optimal settings instead of reducing tracking quality.

It sounds like either your TrackClip PRO or the TrackIR itself could be incorrectly positioned. Or, perhaps you're too close to the TrackIR. If you could provide screen shots of the Camera View throughout your normal head movement, that would be very helpful.

Additionally, the fact that there are 9 dots on the Camera View is not a good thing. You probably have any number of them significantly disrupting the tracking. These are light sources that the camera is picking up, one way or another. If there aren't reflective surfaces behind you, it could be sunlight streaming through blinds or something similar.

On a side note, you should be sure to use either the Default or Smooth profile, instead of One:One. They have much more suitable motion scaling for normal in-game view control.

Once we take a look at your screen shots (or a video capture, if possible), we'll be more likely to see what's going wrong. Skype chat might also work OK, depending on how clear the picture is. We can try that if you'd like.

[Seth Steiling]

Also feel free to call in so we can troubleshoot over the phone. That might be the most efficient.

1.888.865.5535

[jmoorman]

Seth:

I can assure you that there are no reflective surfaces behind me. I do where glasses, but I get the extra dots with and without the glasses.

Even then, what would cause a reflection from each of the 3 IR emitters that remain exactly in the same location with respect to the IR emitters throughout the full range of motion? Unless, the reflection was coming from the TrackClip Pro itself.

Please let me know where I can send the videos to (e-mail address). Also, I think a Skpe chat would work well...

The "Boz"...

[Seth Steiling]

This does sound strange. Email the video to seth @ naturalpoint.com. Check your PM inbox for my Skype address.

[jmoorman]

To all who have been following this thread....

Seth & I had a chat via Skype in which I showed him my setup and the TrackClip Pro via web cam. I also shot a couple of screen capture movies and e-mail them to him.

Long story short, I have a defective TrackClip Pro which is allowing excess IR to escaped from the housing of the unit.

NaturalPoint will be replacing the unit (hopefully via overnight mail as I had originally purchased it).

Seth has been very helpful through this entire process. This is the type of customer support we all should expect, but unfortunately is lacking in the world today.

I would not hesitate to purchase additional products from NaturalPoint, even if it would mean having to go through this again, solely because of the support and responsiveness demonstrated by Seth and the rest of the staff.

Kudos Seth and all the NaturalPoint staff.

Regards,

The "Boz"

PS - please get my new stuff in the mail ASAP

[Seth Steiling]

Glad to get that addressed! It's a really unusual problem.