NaturalPoint TrackIR Users Manual version 4.0.020   3 Getting Started 3.1 Minimum System Requirements Windows 2000, or Windows XP Pentium 500 Five (5) megabytes of free hard disk space 128 megabytes of RAM USB connection Microsoft DirectX 8.0 or higher 3.2 What's Included 1 TrackIR 1 Quickstart guide) 26 Dots Mounting Clip Software CD   3.3 Vector Activation If you have purchased the Vector Expansion, it must be activated before it can be used with the TrackIR version 4.0 software. The activation process can be accomplished in 7 easy steps : You must have a TrackIR 3 or TrackIR 3-Pro to use the Vector Expansion.   The TrackIR version 4.0 software must be installed before activating your Vector Expansion. (Available for free from www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/support/downloads.html ) Note : This guide requires you to have software version 4.0.021, or later,installed.   The front page of the TrackIR version 4.0 software has an "activate" button which will launch an activation window.   In the activation window, you must enter the following : TrackIR Serial Number Vector Serial Number * Vector Hash Code * Your Email address The software will then register and install a license for you. Note : If a problem occurs in the activation process, you will be taken to a website with specific information about the problem. If you have questions, please contact our technical support team. *-included in the Vector Expansion packaging.   Have fun! Your Vector Expansion should be successfully activated now,we hope you enjoy it. You can visit the product activation web site at any time to re-obtain the license keys. 3.4 Hardware Compatibility The TrackIR version 4.0 software can only be used with the TrackIR 3, and TrackIR 3-Pro hardware. Older versions of the TrackIR are not compatible, and will not work with this software. The software will present a warning if incompatible hardware is detected. 3.5 Software and Hardware Installation For best results, we recommend installing the TrackIR Software before you connect the TrackIR hardware. 3.5.1 Hint for XP users It is recommended that before installing any new hardware or software program that you set a system restore point. XP provides this feature to allow you to reset your system to a previous state very easily. After the software is installed and everything is working fine, set another restore point. Users that get into the habit of using this feature find they have fewer problems on their computers. The System Restore program can be found by clicking: Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore 3.5.2 Software Installation NOTE: Windows 2000 and XP users must be logged in as an administrator. If you only have one user set up on your computer, you most likely already have administrator privileges.   Insert the included NaturalPoint software CD into your computer's CD drive. Wait for the install program to start. If the install program does not start within a few minutes, double click on the CD drive icon, and double click again on the Setup file, from your computer's My Computer menu.   Follow the software installation instructions on the screen. Note:(Windows may display a warning message about the drivers not being signed. Click YES to accept the drivers, the drivers WILL NOT harm your system.)   A new TrackIR icon will appear on your desktop.   Connect the TrackIR device to the USB port of your computer and place the unit on top of your monitor with the front facing the same direction as the monitor screen.   The following are special steps for Windows XP users :   The Windows XP Found New hardware Wizard should appear once you plug in your TrackIR. (The Wizard will indicate that is has found the NaturalPoint TrackIR, and ask if you would like Windows to install drivers for the hardware automatically, or choose from a list of drivers in a specific location.)   Select Install Automatically.   NOTE: A Hardware Driver Install Warning message will appear after you have selected Install Automatically. Click on the button labeled "Continue Anyway" and Finish. (This WILL NOT harm your computer).   Windows XP will now display a message indicating that it has finished installing the NaturalPoint TrackIR.   It is recommended that you restart your computer after installation.   If you encounter further problems with this procedure, please consult the trouble-shooting guide at the end of this manual.   3.5.3 Hardware Installation Plug the TrackIR into a USB port on your computer. For best results, the TrackIR should be plugged directly into a USB port on the computer, using the TrackIR with a hub may result in decreased performance for the TrackIR or other devices sharing the hub.   Your computer may briefly display a message indicating that it is installing the drivers for the TrackIR.   Double click on the newly created TrackIR icon on your desktop to open the TrackIR software program.   Hold up the sheet of dots included with your TrackIR unit and place it on the tip of your index finger. With the dot facing the TrackIR unit, slowly move your finger back and forth in front of the TrackIR unit from about an arms length away. If the green indicator light comes on, you have installed the TrackIR unit and software correctly. If the green indicator light does not come on, please consult the trouble shooting guide at the back of this manual.   3.6 Desktop, flatpanel and laptop hardware placement Setting up the TrackIR unit on either a desktop or laptop is quick and easy. 3.6.1 CRT Placement Set the TrackIR on top of your monitor and point the unit towards your head or face (see picture below).   3.6.2 Using The Mounting Clip Using the mounting clip, you can secure the TrackIR to any surface, including laptop and flat panel screens. If the TrackIR is removed from your monitor, the clip lets you slip TrackIR exactly back into the perfect position you've already set up.   Place the Mounting Clip on your TrackIR.   Remove the thin paper backing from the sticky area on the bottom side of the Clip.   Position the TrackIR where you want it to stay, and press down firmly on the Clip.   The TrackIR can now be removed from the Clip, and reinserted, but the Clip will stay in the exact same place and tightly hold the TrackIR still.   NOTE : It is best to fully install the software and test the TrackIR a bit before deciding where to apply the mounting clip. This way, you can see your position in the TrackIR's camera while applying the mounting clip.   The mounting clip is usually used on top of monitors, so that the TrackIR has a rigid position it can be placed into. This is especially useful if you are using a flat panel screen that is too thin for the TrackIR to sit on, or too thick for the 3 point spring metal base to be squeezed around (2 inches thick is an approximate limit). You can also use the Mounting Clip on the TrackIR's 3rd leg, to hold it tightly up against a vertical surface. This is helpful for users who are worried about squeezing the spring steel base onto their laptops. When applying the Mounting clip in this way, make sure it is snug against the TrackIR's plastic H-axle mount, as the TrackIR will slide down to this point if you place it lower on the leg. 3.6.3 Alternative Laptop Placement The TrackIR can be easily and securely clipped onto most standard laptop screens without any additional equipment.   Grasp the metal base and use your other hand to pull the TrackIR unit up and away from the base. Then, turn the metal base in its hinge so it forms a T shape when looked at straight on (See picture below).   Bend and hold the two shorter arms of the base together about 1" in the same direction as their natural curve. With the TrackIR unit facing the same direction as your laptop display screen, clip the metal base on by placing the long arm of the base behind the screen and the two shorter arms on the front. Don't worry about bending the base, it is made from spring steel and will snap right back into shape. (See picture below)   Pivot the TrackIR unit on its hinges so it's lined up properly with your head.