DIY Head Tracker For A Tenner

[IamMe]

here you a good software and guide, no matter what software you use be careful when powering it trought USB, if not experienced in Electronic or without proper guide/scheme you can burn your pc motherboard.
Freetrack has tool for calculating component's values

http://www.free-track.net/english/hardware/calcled/

EDIT: didn't see this is an old thread!

 

[Andy_Pipkin]

So I'm having a problem with my EDTracker Pro - I'll mail support too, but I wondered if anyone has had a similar issue with theirs.

Basically, it appears my tracker has gained inertia! I look in a direction, and the tracker decides to keep going in that direction after I stop moving - presumably to see if anything more interesting is going on. Needless to say, this isn't very helpful!

Here's a vid to show the problem.

https://youtu.be/N-y4Cyz596s

I guess you calibrated it correctly? It won't hurt to do that again...check brumster100's youtube channel, for guides.

But imo, I think the issue here is an incorrect startup of the device.
I don't keep the EDTracker plugged in after a session, so it needs to boot up everytime I want to use it.
This is how I do it, and I never have issues:

- make sure the tracker is unplugged, and in an upright position, as if you're facing directly forward. In my case, it means putting my headphones upright over an armrest of a chair, or over the top of my joystick. In your wheel's case, it should be in the middle/top position.

- now don't touch it anymore, and plug it in the usb-port.

- let it boot up, and watch the little green LED go from quick-flashes to 1flash/sec, while keeping the tracker in it's resting position.

- when the tracker-LED goes to 1flash/sec, the device is booted up, and ready for use. Now you can move it as you like, and put you headphones on, or whatever.

- startup the EDTracker software, and wait untill it recognizes the tracker...then make it face your screen-centre, and hit the recentre key once.

- don't close the EDTracker software, but minimize it, to run in the background.

- it's also usefull, to define a hotkey to recentre the device...with the software running in the background, this key can be used at anytime ingame. This can also be a key on your joystick or throttle.

Hope this helps.

 

[brumster]

Have sent you an email, sir

edit: Not sure how the wheel is involved in this, but some force feedback steering wheels can have some pretty darn hefty motors in them - with big magnets but take a look at the debug steps I've sent you via email, we'll work through them and see if we can figure out what the problem is.

Cheers,
Dan

 

[{SAS}Stalker]

So I'm having a problem with my EDTracker Pro - I'll mail support too, but I wondered if anyone has had a similar issue with theirs.

Basically, it appears my tracker has gained inertia! I look in a direction, and the tracker decides to keep going in that direction after I stop moving - presumably to see if anything more interesting is going on. Needless to say, this isn't very helpful!

Here's a vid to show the problem.

https://youtu.be/N-y4Cyz596s

Are you running the latest board drivers? Can confirm my problems were resolved by updating drivers.

 

[brumster]

A fair point but thankfully it looks fine - you can see the firmware version shown in the middle, just underneath the rotating head. Firmware 2.0 is the latest. What's described is nearly always bad mag calibration...

 

[{SAS}Stalker]

A fair point but thankfully it looks fine - you can see the firmware version shown in the middle, just underneath the rotating head. Firmware 2.0 is the latest. What's described is nearly always bad mag calibration...

I was thinking more the windows drivers. Do the pro's still use arduino based boards?

Ignore me, just seen its driverless.

 

[mGtRd]

I guess you calibrated it correctly? It won't hurt to do that again...check brumster100's youtube channel, for guides.

But imo, I think the issue here is an incorrect startup of the device.
I don't keep the EDTracker plugged in after a session, so it needs to boot up everytime I want to use it.
This is how I do it, and I never have issues:

- make sure the tracker is unplugged, and in an upright position, as if you're facing directly forward. In my case, it means putting my headphones upright over an armrest of a chair, or over the top of my joystick. In your wheel's case, it should be in the middle/top position.

- now don't touch it anymore, and plug it in the usb-port.

- let it boot up, and watch the little green LED go from quick-flashes to 1flash/sec, while keeping the tracker in it's resting position.

- when the tracker-LED goes to 1flash/sec, the device is booted up, and ready for use. Now you can move it as you like, and put you headphones on, or whatever.

- startup the EDTracker software, and wait untill it recognizes the tracker...then make it face your screen-centre, and hit the recentre key once.

- don't close the EDTracker software, but minimize it, to run in the background.

- it's also usefull, to define a hotkey to recentre the device...with the software running in the background, this key can be used at anytime ingame. This can also be a key on your joystick or throttle.

Hope this helps.

Had the same, maybe try the following:

1. keap tracker steady at its normally used position
2. Click Autobias
3. let it calibrate again it self

hopefully the drift will dissapear

EDIT: Apologies i quoted the wrong post , this is for the guy who initially asked the question

 

[Kaltern]

I'll respond to that email in a bit.

Just for the record, everything in that video also happens when the tracker is just sitting on the table unattached, clear from anything magnetic.

It's not what I would call drift - it just seems that when your stop moving the unit, something is 'telling' it to keep tracking in a direction. If it is magnetics causing the issue, I'm not really sure what I have around me that could be generating such a large field. I don't think I have a neutron star anywhere near by...

 

[brumster]

<chuckle> Ok, fair does! I had to check

Well, if none of the steps I sent via email get you anywhere, we can discuss returning it and I'll test it for you/replace as necessary... no problem...

 

[atomic7431]

not been in here for a long while, how is the wireless version coming along? Also pleased to see your still going strong.

I bought an oculus rift back in october and im now selling it. I just cant get past the lack of quality in terms of graphics and clarity. Yes you can change settings and it helps some, but for me VR is a few steps away from where i would like it to be.
Also it makes my head get very warm and makes me itch lol

So back to my Acer X34 and a Tracker, i still have my pro sat here begging me to start her up again

 

[brumster]

Hey chap

Wireless is moving along steadily but slowly. It's all out of our hands now, really, it's being tested for it's CE/FCC/IC compliance. It's a bit frustrating, how the process drags on so much, we spent ages getting quotes from various test houses only to end up discovering the first place we got a quote from was the best and just ended up going with them anyway! We also did some pre-compliance testing to verify that it was actually going to pass, after being told that over 60% of first submissions fail... the good news is, the compliance testing showed no concerns and so it should pass with no problems. But we're not going to commit to the production run until we have that certificate in our hands

It is working really well, though at least we've had plenty of time to test it now!

 

[atomic7431]

Sounds like frustration but positive now if certification is so close. I will keep my ears and eyes peeled and wait for a date from you peeps.
And again well done to you all, good to see your doing well.

 

[Skizomeuh]

Hey chap

Wireless is moving along steadily but slowly. It's all out of our hands now, really, it's being tested for it's CE/FCC/IC compliance. It's a bit frustrating, how the process drags on so much, we spent ages getting quotes from various test houses only to end up discovering the first place we got a quote from was the best and just ended up going with them anyway! We also did some pre-compliance testing to verify that it was actually going to pass, after being told that over 60% of first submissions fail... the good news is, the compliance testing showed no concerns and so it should pass with no problems. But we're not going to commit to the production run until we have that certificate in our hands

It is working really well, though at least we've had plenty of time to test it now!

Great news!

 

[Andy_Pipkin]

Woohhoo!

 

[brumster]

You're all a bunch of stars what a great community!

 

[Lasse B.]

Hey chap

Wireless is moving along steadily but slowly. It's all out of our hands now, really, it's being tested for it's CE/FCC/IC compliance. It's a bit frustrating, how the process drags on so much, we spent ages getting quotes from various test houses only to end up discovering the first place we got a quote from was the best and just ended up going with them anyway! We also did some pre-compliance testing to verify that it was actually going to pass, after being told that over 60% of first submissions fail... the good news is, the compliance testing showed no concerns and so it should pass with no problems. But we're not going to commit to the production run until we have that certificate in our hands

It is working really well, though at least we've had plenty of time to test it now!

Hey brumster,

glad to see the wireless version is coming along nicely. You guys are doing a marvelous job! I have to ask though, despite the wireless version being... you know... wireless, have there been other improvements over the wired version, like better sensors? What battery are you going to put into the wireless version, and can I remove / replace the battery and recharge it in a normal charger?

 

[Blairvoyach]

Hey brumster,

glad to see the wireless version is coming along nicely. You guys are doing a marvelous job! I have to ask though, despite the wireless version being... you know... wireless, have there been other improvements over the wired version, like better sensors? What battery are you going to put into the wireless version, and can I remove / replace the battery and recharge it in a normal charger?

The test version I have came with a 170mah battery and I got around 4 hours play from it. I replaced the battery with a 300mah version (freely available online), doubling continuous playtime to 8-9 hours. took 5 minutes to fit and charges over standard USB. Last I heard was that it would come with the larger battery BICBW! Brumster will be able to say what sensors etc. are in the production version but for myself, I can't tell the difference between wired EDtracker and wireless, it's that good.

Really hope this is available to buy soon, the team have put so much effort into this device, they deserve it to be a massive success.

For info, with opentrack, it still works in any game that can use TrackIR input. Really it deserves to be recognised as a headtracker in E: D in its own right.

 

[brumster]

Hey up poppets!

Wireless still uses the MPU6050 gyro as we failed to find anything that performs better, but we have changed to a different magnetometer - this was mainly because the old HMC mag was end-of-life but we then managed to move to a replacement that's a bit better in terms of noise anyway. So that was a bit of a "win-win".

The microcontroller is massively more powerful - we're now on a SmartARM chip, which is essentially a Cortex M0 processor - 48MHz and 256Kb of flash memory! So we have room for software improvements in the future if need be and the extra processor power makes it feel a little snappier to me.

Batteries are up to a 300mAh battery too, from the 165mAh prototypes. The end products won't be user serviceable; the intention is that the device will come with an internal battery for it's life. Obviously the technicalities are that you can technically lift the lid and swap it, but from a professional/corporate standpoint we (EDTracker Ltd) would not endorse or support that behaviour . The charge controller is chosen specifically for the battery in question and if people swap that battery out then dangerous situations could possibly follow. So the official line is "no user serviceable parts inside" and "modification voids warranty"

 

[FrodoHobbits]

Mr Brumster Sir,
Any chance we can pre-order or get on a waiting list for the new wireless model?
I need to upgrade my ancient mk1 self built device but it has served me well.
You guys have given us an amazing product that just keeps getting better.
Thank everyone on the team for me.

 

[AgamemnonWhen]

CE/FCC/IC compliance

I remember from my old RF electronics days how frustrating the certification process was then - I can only imagine the system has become massively more complicated over the intervening two decades of ever-higher frequency bands!

I wouldn't even know where to find my trusty soldering iron these days...

I've been holding off getting EDTracker until wireless emerged, so I'm really looking forward to the Pro version. Great work, Brumster.