I bought my TrackerIR so long ago that I forgot how the Padlock feature works. My Tracker is on the blitz and until I get it replaced or figure out what is wrong with it I figured I would use the Padlock in the meantime. I hit F4 and U and T etc. and sometimes it works but most of the time it doesn't and it loses its lock on the target even as I'm looking straight at them. Have the new versions changed how the Padlock works or made it more realistic somehow and if so how?

Thanks

No, they didn't, as far as I know. Would help, though, knowing which game version you're playing and specs of your rig.

Besides, is your game modded or stock? And in which aircraft you've problems?

Also, I think a refresh of key functions would help, since, while F4 locks view on enemy in cockpit view, U serves to switch to next plane and T toggles on/off wingtip smoke.

Be aware too that any kind of fog, cloud, etc. hampers visibility, often causing loss of visual contact (padlocking).