The hatswitch on my joystick recently packed in, so I've been experimenting with TrackIR in mouse-emulation mode to see can I manage without snap-views. I use a third-party version of a track-clip pro (called the Delan Clip, or some such), which seems to provide a lot more stability than the dots method. I find mouse emulation works very well with my EAW. Centring is easily achieved, when required (and not very often) by mapping the F1 key on a joystick button. The trackir over-rides the internal and external padlocks, but I find this not a major problem in external views. However, it is impossible to keep an internal padlock on a target when the trackir keeps breaking the view. I solved this by mapping the trackir pause key, in the trackir setup, to the same joystick key that I have alotted for internal padlock. Thus when I padlock a target, the trackir is simultaneously paused. Likewise, when I unlock padlock, trackir resumes immediately. I may only be re-inventing the wheel, but there might be someone on here who has not tried this.

What version or model do you use of Track IR?

I have some notes on my EAW Help Site about this:
https://eaw.neocities.org/joystick-controls.html#controlwork

But I haven't reviewed them in awhile since I do not have the device. Perhaps you can help out by explain a bit further steps you have done and more details.
I'd like to get this important info you have to the masses when they visit to help out.

Mark, I use TrackIR 3, upgraded with vector expansion and the 5.2 version software (there are several versions of the 5 series software available and one may have to try several of them to find what works for one's system). I would stress that trackir works much better with the track-clip pro than the older method of reflective dots on a baseball cap. There is the added cosmetic advantage that the clip attaches neatly to a pair of headphones. It must also be remembered that one will only get 2dof with EAW-6dof is not possible. However, 2dof combined with keys for zoom-in and out is almost as good. There are also alternative tracker programmes, which I think are cheaper or even free, but I know nothing about them. I don't know if mouse-emulation is available on the alternatives.

I almost forgot, I've made a copy of the 'default' trackir profile especially for EAW and I tick it as 'exclusive' on the trackir setup so that I'm assured that this is the profile that's used when I play the game.

So, these are the steps:

1). Turn on your trackir software.

2). Map the F1 key, from the keyboard, on your stick and also map the trackir pause function on the same key on your joystick that you've mapped internal padlock.

3). Create a copy of the default profile with the pause mapping change and rename it 'EAW'.

4). Tick this profile as 'exclusive'.

5). Turn on your mouse-emulation (exe in trackir directory).

6). Play EAW.

And you're quite correct in your linked information, one of the mouse axes needed to be reversed, but I can't remember which one in my case, but trial-and-error will sort out all these things.

I also remember many years ago of a man on here describing a contraption he'd devised for FS-SDOE, whereby he yoked up his mouse to be in some way linked to his stomach and operated mouse-view by moving his abdomen; I'd be inclined to recommend a trackir...

Okay thank you for the details.

From what I understand TrackIR4 works with EAW too. But 5 I think will not. Would you happen to know if thats true?


EDIT:
I just reread, some of 5 software will work and other versions will not......

I only have the trackir 3 hardware, but I see no reason to think that the trackir 5 hardware won't work, since all versions of the 5 series software works with my setup. I did not find any specific conflict between any trackir 5 version and EAW. I suspect that the latest versions (5.3 and on) might conflict with my Win 7 pc and have found 5.2 seems to work better for me. There are so many variables, but I don't think EAW is one of them. The nature of the conflicts I had was slow-downs, with my pc almost grinding to a halt, which also happened with IL-2. So far, with 5.2, so good.

This is up-and-coming technology for people with newer computers. Sadly, my older computer does not support this tech, but I will have one that does in the future. So, put me down as one interested.

Great work Skyhigh..i can confirm this works using Trackir 4 and using the latest Trackir 5 software (5.4) Thanks for this. I couldnt go back to non Trackir in my sims

Thank you.

While I'm at it, having a very limited number of buttons on my joystick, I mapped my F1 button to the one I was using for zoom out, implying that having zoomed in, one goes to normal view immediately rather than in steps. It saves a button.

Another good thing about EAW is that it has enormously effective snap-views, which if I recall correctly-my broken hatswitch means I can't confirm-can be used even during padlock. If one programmes a button for snap-view up, one that can be accessed by one's non-hat-hand, one can view all up directions with the hat as well. Therefore, with one's target padlocked, one's trackir over-ridden and being vulnerable to target fixation, one has the option of a quick snap-view in any direction without losing padlock. The makers of this game thought of so many things, they really knew what they were at.

I just want to point out that the aforementioned method of using TrackIR in European Air War works best in 'full real' settings, in other words the highest difficulty setting that ensures one is always in the cockpit. If one uses external padlock as an aid, it will interfere with the internal padlock\pause TrackIR sequence. Nothing fatal as some judicious button-pressing will overcome it, but a nuisance nonetheless.

One never stops learning. I just discovered that in the 'Titles' section of the TrackIR software, there is one for 'mouse emulation'. One can assign one's EAW profile to this and it means that one no longer need set your TrackIR to 'exclusive' for EAW, which is helpful if one is using TrackIR for other games.

Additionally, I have discovered some other helpful tips:

1). I think TrackIR is best centred in EAW using the Snap Front on one's POV-hat. It works more smoothly than using the F1 key and does not require mapping the centring function of the TrackIR software to one's joystick.

2). Track IR works best for me in EAW by setting Camera Sensitivity in Game Setup/Controls to the lowest setting, in other words move the slider to the extreme left.

I am finding that Mouse-Emulation TrackIR, with a bit of tuning, works very well in EAW, almost as well as in those games in which TrackIR is specifically included.

This is the most EAW thing I've read all week

TIR came out a couple years after EAW did!

Yeah...well, EAW is an up-and-coming game!

Haha and long may it last!

Thanks again for the heads up regarding Trackir Skyhigh

I can' t believe someone can fly whitout the trackir and none have try eaw to support it.

Many play EAW from before the advent of TrackIR and might have become accustomed to being without it. I think it's reasonable to say that the viewing system in EAW, consisting of excellent snap, padlock and mouse views, is second to none and one can have a very enjoyable experience without TrackIR.

The ones who might miss out most, I fear, are people dependent on TrackIR, who dismiss EAW because they assume it cannot work very well or even at all in this game. In fact, if set up correctly, it functions fine.

While you may enjoy it and feel it adds to your immersion (and that is great if it does ), others may not. I had head tracking through a web cam for a little bit and though initially liked it, soon found it actually very unnatural/artificial with small movement of head resulting in large turn on screen. Unfortunately that is just the way of things being limited to a monitor that is not 360 degrees. I just found it awkward and actually prefer not to use it - but that is me. Each to their own.

@SkyHigh Don't worry SkyHigh i have flying eaw and many others combat flights sims and civil flight sims whitout trackir for many and many years . And have EAW installed and ready in my pc.
@Redwolf Me too have head tracking before , yes , it is a bit annoing setting very well this software , but after a good setting there is no difference whit trackir software. I think you have setting too sensible to movements of your head.

I use TrackIR in mouse emulation mode with EAW. Far inferior to the native support, but better than nothing.

Please , tell me how i do to use it in eaw. Exact procedure , please .............and sorry for my poor english

I suggest you try the steps I have outlined in several posts above.

hunter1, I think if you go to the start of this thread there are pretty good instructions. The first post is a good big picture discussion. But the third post lays out step by step what to do.

I think if you try doing what’s in the third post you may be on the way. If you have problems after that, read the first post in detail.

Then if you have problems, post here and one of the wonderful experts we have here will help you.

Don’t get discouraged and give up.

Well, SkyHigh has pretty much covered the procedure ( http://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4448233/re-using-trackir-in-eaw#Post4448233 ) I'll just mention couple of things:
- Along with F1 key, I have "Center TIR" function mapped to the joystick button, not "Pause" (why Pause, BTW?). In mouse emulation mode you have to re-center frequently, when you move your head too sharply.
- Just as for all the mouse emulation profiles, my EAW curves are completely linear - at value 4, IRC.
- Mouse emulation is a separate application, which is stated by running TIRMouse.exe from TrackIR folder.

P.S.: I am still hoping that one day EAW will get a proper TIR support:)

The answer to your "Pause" question is, I think, in the first post. Of course, you might prefer TrackIR to over-ride padlock, I prefer the opposite.

I don't have to re-centre very often, at all. Are you using a TrackClipPro or a Delan Clip-I found the latter a huge improvement on that thing with the three dots-far more stable?

Additionally, I centre using the POV Snap-Front function, which, in my case anyway, does not require the centring function of TrackIR to be mapped to my joystick. I find it works better.

I don't use any clip at all, just the standard metal thing with reflective spots.

I invested in a DelanClip (delanengineering.com). I found it to be an enormous improvement. Instead of passive reflectors, one has active LED's. Much less light-sensitive too, I think.

I just installed TrackIR on both my computers, and have been reading this thread for tips. Much obliged, and will eventually respond with my experiences.

Preliminary Response/Review: Track IR (or something similar) is a VERY immersive experience, as long as the user is habituated to viewing "within-cockpit" .

If one is not used to doing so, then using TrackIR will be a very different visual experience than that which one was formerly used-to. TIR is really intended for "in-cockpit" viewing, although it can be used for other views.

The TrackIR program may require some initial set-up, and perhaps some experimentation. Depends o the game, and User set-up. In order to set it up for EAW, I had to install the software, from Mfr's site, and then become familiar with the various settings. within the main program. Foremost of these was "head front" setting, which users will discover. "F12, IIRC.

Users of this program in conjunction with EAW will need to INVERT Mouse "Y" axis's to make the program run correctly. this can be done within the in Program settings, and does not need to be done within the program's INi/config file.n


As a newbie Track IR user, I am very happy with the results. The cockpit views seem natural, and realistic. If one becomes disoriented, just find the aircraft dashboard, and then you have found yourself. Just like a real pilot.

I am just getting used to this program/feature, but am warming to it as a far more realistic portrayal of the pilot experience than the old hat switch.

I think it a HUGE realism upgrade.

YMMV.

Thank you Ribob for your explanation of trackir use in EAW , but becouse EAW have mouse look and zoom possibility , i think someone can add the support for 6dof at eaw.

What I do (albeit with imperfect understanding of TIR) is to start the TIR main program, toggle (F12, IIRC) for initial centering of view, then start the "Mouse Emulator" sub-program within the main TIR folder. I have made a shortcut for this exact purpose, Then diminish all the TIR stuff, and launch the game.. It works all right, and no complaints.

As far as additional DOF, I await responses from more learned posters. I don't know if EAW is capable of such. Some games are not TIR-friendly whatsoever. We are lucky that EAW is TIR-friendly. Some other flight sims, created even later, like Crimson Skies do not appear to TIR-friendly at all. If anyone has info concerning Crimson skies and TIR, please post.

Maybe a more elegant, simple way to do it exists, but the aforementioned procedure works fine for EAW. YMMV.

Worth adding that some later sims have TIR built-in from the start, including additional DOFs. IL-2 comes to mind. I know that Strike Fighters 2 and
First Eagles 2 are OK with TIR, the latter being a personal fave.

Nothing like TIR, and a vast improvement over the usual hat switch. Takes some practice, but so does anything else worthwhile.

Having some small experience with TIR, flying without it seems un-natural, and puts me at a disadvantage, compared to the real pilots. YMMV..

I rather concur. There are settings within the TrackIR program to manipulate sensitivities of the device, and experimenting with them is a part of the process required to adapt the TrackIR to the individual user.

Allow me to say that I've been flying flight sims enough to have worn out some joysticks--and some top-hat switches.

As previously stated, when configuring TIR, assume a position of one's head that includes the full monitor, but also does not preclude looking down at the keyboard without moving your head much. This is where older users will find out if they need bifocal lenses on their glasses. I have been using such for a long time, and so looking down at the keyboard is not a problem. If you need bifocals, this is a GOOD clue.

In practice, and not being an expert, I simply set the TIR , via the F12 button, with a naturally centered point of view. within the game, and not making a particular point of viewing the keyboard. I look down at the keyboard occasionally, perhaps moving my head to do so, and return to cockpit view naturally. If you have it set up right (READ the Manual), and practice with it,4 I believe it will be of great help in your flying.

All I can say is this: I try TIR on EVERY sim I attempt to play, and make great efforts to get it to run. II TIR does NOT run on a particular game, I consider myself at a very great, and very un-natural, disadvantage. With TIR, I can look around, avoid enemies on my tail, and shoot down enemies like never before. Just like a real pilot.

TIR allows the sim pilot to look around them much like a real pilot would do. As such, it is a feature that replicates real life, and a HUGE advancement over the usual hat switch, or, heaven forbid, keyboard view commands.

Nothing could be more REALISTIC, and more natural and intuitive. If your sim works with it, configure it so the TIR program works with you. And PRACTICE!

TIR takes some configuration, and personal adaption and practice. Not much, really, IMHO. To some people, this will be burdensome, as they will need to learn new skills. To some other people, it will be a simple transition. I belong to the first group, who needed to learn the system to make it work for me. Having done so, I would not willingly be without it when flying any combat flight sim. Period.

If your computer will run Track IR, then go for it. Doesn't take much, IIRC. My old Win 7 computer with 8 GB RAM, Intel Core 2 Duo CP, and Nvidia 730 Gfx card has no problem running TIR. FAR from cutting edge, and I'll bet most folks computers are much better. YMMV, of course. If your particular computer will not run TIR, for some reason, then, my friend, UPGRADE. You WILL NOT likely regret doing so, for many reasons, TIR being least amongst them..

Your call. Personally, flying without it feels like flying with blinders on.

Disclaimer: Not advocating for any device or system. There are many mfrs/vendors. Read reviews, and then decide for yourself.

Very good specification , but no one try to add support for 3dof on EAW ........thank you for this words , Ribob , i'm italian and not know the english

Just a small update. While experimenting with various TrackIR profiles in European Air War, I found one that works really well for me. It is called "(Slow)_Linear_with_Dead_Zone_(Slow)" and should be available in older versions of the TrackIR software. I attempted to upload it here, but unfortunately I am not permitted to do so by the Upload manager.

And .........?

It's just a suggestion for anyone who has the profile and has not tried it. It might work well for others also. If someone wants it, I might be able to provide it in a private message, depending on whether the system permits it.

it is only a suggestion . Can you post the link of this profile ? Thank you.

Private message sent to you.

If you don't mind, please IM me the pertinent info as well. Thanks.

Is this setting something I can achieve using latest iteration of TIR software, or is it unique to the older version?

RIBob, PM sent.

Thank you , SkyHigh

Thanks, SH!

I can't answer Hunter's Q's about additional DOFs with respect to EAW, but I can certainly say that even without such, TIR is an extremely valuable resource. I do know that many modern games are TIR-friendly, and I have just begun to scratch the surface of such games. The IL-2 series of flight sims comes to mind, and these games, even the oldest iterations, begin with graphics that far surpass anything available in EAW. Of course, the cutting edge graphics of the more modern versions of IL-2 are simply stunning, and the extensive user-modding is simply astounding in its extent--and quality.

That said, even some older games such as ThirdWire's First Eagles 2 (WW I), and Strike Fighters 2 (Jet Era) are TIR-friendly, and VERY worthy of a look. Many excellent user-made mods for both sims. I've noticed that flying FE2 with TIR is SO MUCH easier, since I can move my eyes over the top wing in a way that is not easily/instantly/naturally obtainable with hat switch and mouse.

I am certain that I have omitted many sims that are TIR-friendly. TIR's web site has a database that lists games known to be TIR-friendly,at least to a specified extent. Perhaps people thinking about buying TIR might want to see what's there. Here's a link: https://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/games/

I have said this before, but it bears repeating: Flying without TIR is like flying wearing blinders., Perhaps a more relevant comparison would be comparing flying a flight sim with only a keyboard, and flying one with a keyboard AND a joystick.

TIR makes [/I]at least[/I] that much difference, IMHO. YMMV.

Those of you owning the simple clip that attaches to the brim of one's hat ought to seriously consider upgrading to either the (somewhat fragile) LED device offered by TIR, or the more robust, user-configurable (bendable) metal Delan LED clip. The latter has an optional headband which provides the option of wearing the Delan clip without earphones (or cap), although the Delan clip can be easily attached to one's earphones, if desired.

The Delan Clip is an added, optional expense, but probably worth it in the long run. The slender, plastic TIR IR assembly is very fragile, and not easily mended if broken. I haven't broken mine YET, but I am very careful with it, and hang the entire headset on a secure, out-of-the-way hook where it will not bee molested. I strongly suggest this practice to prospective users; it is mandatory, lest the fragile TIR clip come to grief.

In fact, I think I'll buy a Delan clip and optional head band right now, Excuse me, please. ETA: Done, $52.27 for the LED Delan clip and nylon head band, shipped from UK.. Call what you wish, but don't ever say I don't suggest things I don't buy and own, LOL.

Delan site: https://delanengineering.com/shop/

Good site , i want buy a Starter only . Becouse have broken the very fragile original trackir clip.