Please help me understand TrackIR5 vs. EDTracker

Raamster · Feb 5, 2015

I'm trying to figure out whether or not to shelf out 150 bucks for the TrackIR, or 1/3 to get the ED Tracker...

I'm having difficulties understanding the pro's and con's of each and vs. eachother.

Could someone please explain to me what the big differencies are, and what potentially makes one better than the other?

Thanks.

brakaton · Feb 5, 2015

I bought a TrackIR. I wanted something simple that I didn't have to fuss with much. I ordered the one with the proclip but I don't recommend it. I can't see a difference between the normal hat clip and the pro clip with the exception of the proclip being more of a pain in the butt to use. The proclip needs usb power and clips onto a headset in an awkward way. I setup a voice attack command that hits F12 to recenter the face tracking so it's been pretty painless to use. I'll get up and grab a soda, sit back down, tell voice attack my keyword to reset tracking, and then I'm off. So I guess I'd say that if you are looking for one to pick up the standard 5 and not to bother with the proclip version. Go to the store and buy a cheap space trucking hat for it.

I used facetrackNoIR and it sucked. I haven't used EDTracker because it looked like it would take a long time to receive (was buying a built one) and also I did't want to strap a box to my head. It was about half the price though.

Retorrent · Feb 5, 2015

Raamster said:
I'm trying to figure out whether or not to shelf out 150 bucks for the TrackIR, or 1/3 to get the ED Tracker...

I'm having difficulties understanding the pro's and con's of each and vs. eachother.

Could someone please explain to me what the big differencies are, and what potentially makes one better than the other?

Thanks.

The TrackIR is more expensive and under some lighting situations it can act a bit wonky at times, the ED tracker is something you can build yourself and works just as well but in the looks department it is rather plane. I have zero experience building electronics and soldering and I was able to build one in the span of a weekend with help from youtube clips they have on their site. I just took my time and followed the directions and as a bonus I learned how to do something new.

Jedirogue · Feb 5, 2015

I have the EDTracker and it is an amazing bit of kit. I started with the 6050 version which worked well, but needed careful calibration. I have since built myself a 9150 (magnetometer) version and with the latest GUI and sketches it is nothing short of mind-blowing. Fast, accurate response and zero drift. The instructions on the EDTracker site for building, calibrating and using are excellent and very easy to follow. Getting hold of the parts is fairly straight forward and if you can't source the 9150 board locally you can always get it cheap from China through eBay. Of course you can always get one made for you from the EDTracker website (or find a friend who is handy with a soldering iron).

TrackIR has more degrees of freedom, but ED only used 2 (yaw and pitch) so IMO you would be shelling out a lot of cash for something that EDTracker does extremely well (better than TrackIR IMO). If you plan to use the TrackIR in other games such as DCS you may want the additional degrees of freedom TrackIR gives (I find them unnecessary and prefer EDTracker in DCS).

I know I sound like an EDTracker fanboy, but I can't think of another bit of kit I have bought at such a low price that has transformed my gaming experience as much as this has.

If you do get and EDTracker, go for the 9150 (magnetometer) version as it requires so little setup before use.

Twelvefield · Feb 5, 2015

I am a big TrackIR fan. NaturalPoint does a tremendous job of both supporting the software and the hardware, so that's where the additional cost goes. The TrackClip PRO is sufficient for most conditions. The latest software is very good at filtering extra light sources, so it's truly difficult (but not impossible) to come up with lighting that consfuses the track. The IR ProClip will work under any lighting conditions, and it also has a somewhat wider range of motion than the TrackClip (metal hat clip), however, the wiring for the IR clip is a bother. Not hard to set up at all, just the wires can get in the way.

And there are the extra degrees of freedom. I really miss them in ED. I'd sure like to be able to see properly up the eyebrow window in the Adder! Maybe Frontier will add those extra degrees someday. However, the TrackIR is good with a large number of games and sims, especially DCS, Rise Of Flight, IL-2, and FSX, plus Papyrus driving games, etc.

ReaperAlex · Feb 5, 2015

check out delanengineering.com for a no frills alternative to TrackIR

it will need mounting in some way, and do try to get it vertical.

if you go EDTracker get the advanced sensor, the standard one can be a real pain to use.

both options can be completely DIY, or you can buy prefab for a reasonable price.

Hadron-Higgs-Boson · Feb 5, 2015

EDTracker (9150) user here bought one ready made from the EDTracker team, first class service and kit. Transforms combat and makes sightseeing a lot more fun too. Can highlight the por visibility of some ships v's others with larger glass cockpits. I cant speak to using it any other games or if TrackIR is superior with its additional degrees of movement in other games, but for Elite I would say EDTracker is made for the job, which it was

BlackReign · Feb 5, 2015

the comparison is simple TrackIR works flawlessly right out the box whereas ed tracker is a complete piece of garbage

possessed · Feb 5, 2015

BlackReign said:
the comparison is simple TrackIR works flawlessly right out the box whereas ed tracker is a complete piece of garbage

wow

did you try EDtracker?

Blairvoyach · Feb 5, 2015

BlackReign said:
the comparison is simple TrackIR works flawlessly right out the box whereas ed tracker is a complete piece of garbage

You've said similar before but never said WHY you believe it to be garbage. I've had both the 6050 version and the 9150 version and they are simply superb. The 9150 is particularly good, easy to calibrate, smooth, accurate, almost zero lag and a fifth the cost of TrackIR, one sixth if you build it yourself (easy even for a newbie). Don't get me wrong, the TrackIR is a superb bit of kit too and does give you the extra 3DOF which in games like DCS are really useful but even then you can equal it's performance using a three IRLED DIY proclip, a modded PS3 cam and Opentrack.

If you are going to trash the hard work of fellow CMDR's, so publicly, at least have the guts to say why.

Pakra · Feb 5, 2015

BlackReign said:
the comparison is simple TrackIR works flawlessly right out the box whereas ed tracker is a complete piece of garbage

What a comment. With the 9150 magnometer version, you just have to calibrate it for 1 minute (very easy) and you can use it without any problems. No drift of view and fast reaction. For just 50 £ you get something the trackir does for 150..and that besides the additional (and not very necessary axis).. not better.

robbyp · Feb 5, 2015

BlackReign said:
the comparison is simple TrackIR works flawlessly right out the box whereas ed tracker is a complete piece of garbage

The only garbage here is your comment.

And.

Built both types. I would suggest the 9150, its rock solid. The other one is okay but you need to calibrate it at its working temp, which can be a little tricky. Then its pretty good.

Flyinpiranha · Feb 5, 2015

BlackReign said:
the comparison is simple TrackIR works flawlessly right out the box whereas ed tracker is a complete piece of garbage

Lies. Don't listen to it.

Polared · Feb 5, 2015

for the price difference I would say give EDtracker a go first, you never know but some people really don't like head tracking in games. full disclosure, I've got a trackir, bought before EDtracker was developed and I love it.
,

brakaton said:
The proclip needs usb power and

,
get yourself a usb charge rechargeable battery, http://tinyurl.com/md49cec , attach it to the right-side headphone cup with some Velcro, wrap the usb cable from the trackclip pro around the headband of your headset and your wireless in less than 2 mins! makes a massive difference to the clip.

Cmdr Rhott Roe · Feb 5, 2015

I've been a trackir5 user for at least a year now. I also use the proclip attched to headphones. No problems ever. Can't comment on the ED tracker. I just know that the trackir5 works as advertised.

Vladimar Rubicon · Feb 5, 2015

I use TrackIR 5 - I bought it for the flight sim Xplane and loved it- on ED it's also really good- if it didn't work, I'd give up gaming all together since I couldn't imagine playing without a head-tracker devise. Can't comment on the other products since i haven't used them, but TrackIR5 has worked wonders for me.

P.S. I know the Virtual reality Headsets out there would probably be even better for "full Immersion" but I can't get over the fact that you are so isolated that the real world could become like just another game..

I'd be afraid of losing all touch with reality .

OldSalt · Feb 5, 2015

I admire ED Tracker for providing a decent head tracker at a fraction of the price of TiR. I have had TiR 3 and 5 and all I can say is that they have been great bits of kit, track clip pro is flimsy rubbish and NP is at fault for that and they should be ashamed for selling it for top dollar.

Personally I would say if you are as inept as me get a TiR5, but if you can't afford it and can solder go for EDTracker.

Banzz · Feb 5, 2015

TrackIR 4 PRO here, with track clip and the bundled hat works fine for me. I don't think the ver. 5 is worth the extra money (+50eur) as TIR4 is already very immersive and feels smooth. It needs some customization for dead zones and sensitivity but it works rather nicely with Elite.

Quenaelin · Feb 5, 2015

I have TrackIR 5 with proclip, it is atleast working fine, don't know about ED tracker. When I was playing IL2, I first tried webcam tracker, it was working but not very good, so TrackIR 5 was big improvement. Maybe ED tracker works fine also.

VR Morgan Grimes · Feb 5, 2015

Twelvefield said:
And there are the extra degrees of freedom. I really miss them in ED. I'd sure like to be able to see properly up the eyebrow window in the Adder! Maybe Frontier will add those extra degrees someday. However, the TrackIR is good with a large number of games and sims, especially DCS, Rise Of Flight, IL-2, and FSX, plus Papyrus driving games, etc.

They're already there, the full 6DoF is implemented in ED, it's just that anything other than pitch, yaw and roll is severely restricted.

Love my TrackIR, would love to do a comparison with EDTracker for people but just don't have the time or the funds (or rather I'm not willing to spend out on something I already have a solution for) to do so currently.