NaturalPoint TrackIR
Users Manual

 
3. Getting Started
3.1 Minimum System Requirements

  • Windows 2000, or Windows XP
  • Pentium 800
  • Five (5) megabytes of free hard disk space
  • 128 megabytes of RAM
  • Free USB Port on computer
  • Microsoft DirectX 8.0 or higher

3.2 What's Included
TrackIR Camera
1 TrackIR
TrackIR Quickstart Guide
1 Quickstart guide
TrackIR CD
1 Software CD
TrackIR CD
1 Vector Clip

3.3 Hardware Compatibility

The TrackIR version 4.0 software can only be used with the TrackIR 3, TrackIR 4, TrackIR 3-Pro and TrackIR 4-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.

3.4 Software and Hardware Installation

For best results, we recommend installing the TrackIR Software before you connect the TrackIR hardware.


3.4.1 Tip for Windows 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

3.4.2 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.

 
  1. Insert the included NaturalPoint software CD into your CD drive. Wait for the install program to start. If the install program does not start within a few minutes, open "My Computer" then double click on the CD drive icon, and double click again on the Setup file.
     
  2. 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.)
     
  3. A new TrackIR icon will appear on your desktop.
     
  4. 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.
    TrackIR Plug USB Cable in
     
  5. The following are special steps for Windows XP users, if you have Windows 2000 skip to section 3.4.3
     
  6. 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.)
     
  7. Select Install Automatically.
     
  8. 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).
     
  9. Windows XP will now display a message indicating that it has finished installing the NaturalPoint TrackIR.
     
  10. It is recommended that you restart your computer after installation.
     
  11. If you encounter further problems with this procedure, please consult the trouble-shooting guide at the end of this manual.
     

3.4.3 Hardware Installation, Windows 2000 Continued
  1. Plug the TrackIR into a USB port on your computer. For best results, directly connect the TrackIR into a USB port on your computer. We do not recommend using a USB hub of any kind.
     
  2. Your computer may briefly display a message indicating that it is installing the drivers for the TrackIR.
     
  3. Double click on the newly created TrackIR icon on your desktop to open the TrackIR software program.
     
  4. Hold up the vector clip included with your TrackIR unit. With the reflective areas facing the TrackIR unit, slowly move the vector clip 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.
     

3.5 Desktop, flatpanel and laptop hardware placement

Setting up the TrackIR unit on either a desktop or laptop is quick and easy.

3.5.1 CRT Placement
Set the TrackIR on top of your monitor and point the unit towards your head or face (see picture below).
 
TrackIR Camera Placement

3.5.2 Placing the TrackIR
Using the mounting base, you can secure the TrackIR to any surface, including laptop and flat panel screens. You now can place the TrackIR anywhere and not have to worry about sticky tape or any kind of clip to hold it into place.
 
  1. Twist the base around so that the legs are facing upwards.
      TrackIR Mounting Base1
     
  2. Turn the base so that the legs are in front of the device with 1 stable leg in the back, it will look like a 'T' shape.
      TrackIR Mounting Base1
     :
  3. Now Position the TrackIR where you want it to stay, and your done!
     


NOTE : It is best to fully install the software and test the TrackIR a bit before deciding where to place the TrackIR. This way, you can see your position in the TrackIR's tracking window while positioning the device.
 


3.5.3 Alternative Laptop Placement
The TrackIR can be easily and securely placed onto most standard laptop screens without any additional equipment.
 
  1. Grasp the plastic base and use your other hand to rotate the TrackIR legs so that the feet face down. Then turn the base so that the front legs are shown as in step 2.
    Image 1 Image 2
     
  2. Spread the front feet open to about a 45 degree angle. Bend the back leg down a bit.
    Image 3 Image 4 Image 5
     
  3. Now place the unit on top of your LCD screen as shown below.
    TrackIR Laptop Mounting 03
  4. Pivot the TrackIR unit on its hinges so it's lined up properly with your head. Now you are ready for a new dimension in gaming!