Yes but TrackIR is a premium product so I think if you are answering the question “Is TrackIR still recommended?” then the value in relation to other competing brands like TrackHat, Tobii and VR is important too. CIG have added support for Tobii into Star Citizen so it’s definately an interesting alternative.
I use it a lot and I totally recommend it with Flight Simulator.
I always use it, never have a problem with it (blinds down), and can highly recommend it.
I don’t think it is comparable to VR. For the flying I do I have the sim on one screen, charts and checklists and the like on a laptop next to the screen, and often paper navlogs and stuff as well. Such a setup is a complete showstopper for VR but works great with TrackIR. I will never switch to VR for that type of flying.
Buy VR, we are not in 2005.
1 Like
Ok saying that but not only do you have the cost of VR you need a computer capable of running it well.
Also some people can’t use VR for long without feeling sick.
As for trackir haven’t had an issue set it up once and has worked fine since be aware there is a version on amazon that says it is trackir but is a cheap copy. Haven’t used other head tracking so can’t comment.
Works for me just fine. Plug in and go. No issues at all. And I wouldn’t fly without it.
When you do use the Reverb G2 for the first time, you may find the image washed out and slightly blurred like I did. If so, it’s because you forgot to take off the two plastic covers on the lenses, like I did!
3 Likes
- Install Track IR Software and set the Reset view button you want if the default isn’t good enough, then save a default profile so it loads automatically every time you start up.
- Start Track IR Software, put your hat on with the … thing… attached.
- Fly.
Next time you want to fly, begin with step 2.
I have both, i can say that TrackIR is way cheaper than setting up a dedicated VR box, we officially don’t know how well VR will be on start, but it will surely be optimized. If you want a bit of immersion and not fork out $800-$1000 on a headset and then computer hardware that can power it, get TrackIR and save up for a VR HMD. If you have enough cash to spare, get VR.
VR is more immersive, you are THERE in the plane, you get “that” flying feeling (minus the G forces). VR is awesome, TrackIR otoh may require a large screen right in front of you. I got a 40" screen on my games machine, that truly helps as TrackIR requires you to turn your head and if you have a small monitor that sort of sucks.
Your choice.
1 Like
I have used TrackIR for years now. Before COVID, I had a friend trying to get into flight sim and he was being coaxed, by others, to go the VR route with X-Plane. I had him try my TrackIR and then we went to the mall, where there was a VR store. He was disappointed that he could not see the controllers and with the lack of clarity in the display. He paid for a session for me and I was highly disappointed with VR. The owner of the store came over and made many adjustments and we could never get a satisfactory experience. We came back to my place and he was sold and ordered TrackIR for his rig. He thanks me over and over for leading him in that direction. I am older and can’t turn my head to the right as much as I used to so I set up the curves to compensate. I can see my yoke and throttle quadrant as well as seeing my charts (rudder and brakes don’t require being able to see and that worked fine with the VR session). Everyone has to choose what works for them. Good luck with your decision.
3 Likes
The smartest reply ever…
All people going mad on VR but they forget one thing… airliners are supposed to be flown IFR.
I’d love to see those people with VRs trying to look an approach chart and putting the headset back again and removing again to check de DA and back and off to check course and loc and etc…
VR would be great for VFR flying. And even though you would need to see the VFR maps (real one with sectors and altitudes)
Agreed. Even if we could get knee boards and EFBs integrated well enough into the sim so that our entire cockpit is part of the VR environment, how am I supposed to jot down a clearance with a VR controller “pencil”? Aside from the fact that MSFS VR does not even support VR controllers.
1 Like
Totally agree … have been using it as well… no fuss with head gear and works well once set up.
What is your point? MSFS was born as a civil sim.
I do have a VR headset and will try it. But unless someone comes up with an app to see the charts in the headset it would be pointless. At least for us real pilots that follow real procedures.
If you just want to take off and enjoy, that is ok. But the guy is training for real world. And you need to see charts and maps in real world
1 Like
My point is that you are generalising and stretching a weak argument to fit your opinion.
Weak argument you say. I say real flight sim enthusiasts need additional information for a flight to do it correctly.
You just like flying around with no rules. Okay to me. But for people training for real life you NEED papers, charts, checklists, etc etc
1 Like
Agreed. VR needs an Xplane-like document import capability and controller support to be of any real use. I have little doubt it will all come in time.
At present TrackIR is still best for resolution, chart use etc. I basically use it for taxiing and pattern work. Sometimes for scanning, but the hatswitch serves just as well for that.
1 Like
It’s flight simulation, it is not implicitly a flight academy. It is what each and everyone makes of it. VR has zoom which allow you to see the instruments, and it is also very dependent on your render settings if you can see them or not. It is also easier than you think to find the mouse next to a hotas setup, or pause the bloody sim and take notes.
Everyone who has tried VR knows that.
1 Like
Except he’s correct.
No. The end.