NaturalPoint TrackIR Users Manual   4. Using the TrackIR The TrackIR is a unique gaming controller that lets you use your head as a gaming and simulation input device. It uses infrared technology to bounce an invisible beam of light off of reflective material mounted on or near the user's head, and translates this information to viewing and motion commands on screen. With the TrackIR properly installed and calibrated for your individual gaming preferences, you will be pleased to see that the same small head motions you were already performing, while using your computer, are all you need to completely control your view. It is easy to use and quick to learn, and many users can get up and running without ever opening the manual. However, the information provided below can insure that you get the most out of your investment in the TrackIR. 4.1 Getting Started Before using your TrackIR gaming controller you should make sure to have all software and hardware properly installed as described in chapter 3. Once the software is installed, you can begin using your TrackIR by doing the following :   Place the TrackIR on a surface directly in front of your face, and as close to level with the top of your head as possible. This is usually accomplished best by placing the unit on top of your computer monitor. If using a laptop, the TrackIR can be clipped to the top of your screen.   Plug the TrackIR's USB cable into any available USB port on your computer.   Attach the vector clip to your hat, headset or mic.   Launch the TrackIR software. 4.1.1 Introduction to TrackIR Enhanced To get the best experience, the TrackIR should be used with games which are TrackIR Enhanced. This brings a far more powerful set of controls to the user, turning the TrackIR into a game controller that works separately from the mouse. In many games the TrackIR can be used alongside a mouse, the TrackIR will be used for view control, while a mouse provides other input functionality. For example, in a flight simulation, the TrackIR can change your view while the mouse operates controls on the instrument panel However, for these types of features to function, a game must specifically enable TrackIR Enhanced. A list of Titles (games and simulations) which are TrackIR Enhanced can be found on the Profiles tab of the TrackIR version 4.0 software. New Titles are frequently being added, so check www.trackir.com for updates. 4.1.2 Introduction to the Vector Expansion (Vector Tracking Mode) The Vector Expansion for the TrackIR 4 and TrackIR 4-Pro brings an even greater level of immersion to the TrackIR experience. The Vector Expansion allows you to pan side to side, look around and even zoom - with full 3-dimensional tracking! Combined with the TrackIR, you get the most realistic head tracking experience possible. Vector allows you to expand your view control to a full range of motion, from 2 Degrees (2DOF pitch/yaw) with a TrackIR, to all six degrees of freedom (6DOF). NOTE: Vector Activation is not needed on the TrackIR 4 as it is built in to the hardware directly. 4.2 Modes of Operation (Tracking Modes) There are two modes of tracking available in the TrackIR software. For information about how to switch the Tracking mode, please see Section 5.5.6.2.   4.2.1 Dot Tracking mode Dot Tracking is available for all TrackIR-3 and TrackIR-4 models, it tracks a single dot and converts your head movement into view control. This mode of tracking allows you to control two axes (2DOF), Pitch and Yaw. Yaw refers to the view change of turning your head left and right, while Pitch refers to looking up and down. Because it tracks a single dot as it moves left, right and up, down, it is not able to distinguish between rotation (turning your head) and translation (moving your head). The available Axes of movement in Dot Tracking mode are :   Rotation : Pitch, Yaw (Translation is treated as rotation in Dot Tracking mode) 4.2.2 Vector Tracking mode Vector tracking utilizes 3 dots instead of a single dot in order to precisely track your head motion. Vector allows you to expand your view control to a full range of motion, from 2 Degrees (2DOF pitch/yaw) with a TrackIR, to all six degrees of freedom (6DOF). Vector, unlike Dot tracking, is able to distinguish between rotation and translation. With Vector you can translate (move) side to side and the view will not rotate, this means that even for games which do not support 6DOF, Vector tracking delivers a better 2DOF experience. For games and simulations that implement full 6DOF, you'll be able to move around inside the cockpit of your plane or car as well as turn to look at things. The available Axes of movement in Vector Tracking mode are :   Rotation : Pitch, Yaw, Roll Translation : X, Y, Z In order to use Vector Tracking, you must use the Vector clip. 4.3 Other modes of operation 4.3.1 Third party utilities There are a number of third party utilities that work with the TrackIR to bring TrackIR support to non-TrackIR Enhanced games and simulations. These utilities are produced and maintained by parties which are not affiliated with NaturalPoint, and no warranty or performance level is guaranteed. You can find out more about these utilities by visiting the following page on our website at http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/04-community/community-free-game-demos-and-utilities.html   4.3.2 Mouse Emulation Mouse emulation mode is used when there is no direct TrackIR support for the game you would like to play. You can attempt to configure the game as long as it has a mouse look option. For more details and information on mouse emulation please see section 5.6 in the manual.   4.4 Status LED indicators The TrackIR camera has status LEDs which give the user visual cues about the status of the TrackIR software. There are two Status LEDs, one is located on the front directly above the infrared shield, and the other is on the underside of the TrackIR camera which will cause the case to "glow" blue when it is illuminated. Use the following key to interpret what the state and color of the status LEDs mean.   Front Status LED   Off : NO reflective surface is being tracked, and TrackIR Enhanced output is NOT paused. Green : A reflective surface IS being tracked, and TrackIR Enhanced output is NOT paused. Orange : A reflective surface IS being tracked, and TrackIR Enhanced output IS paused. Red : NO reflective surface is being tracked, and TrackIR Enhanced output IS paused. Flashing Blue or Green : Low power or stand by mode. Blue Case LED   Off : There is NO TrackIR Enhanced Title (game or simulation) running. Glowing Blue : A TrackIR Enhanced Title IS running and has registered with the TrackIR software to receive tracking data. Note : If the Case LED has been disabled in the Tracking -> Settings window, it will not turn on.