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amgsport #1 12/03/2008 - 18h03

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New to Freetrack.  Great software.  Can't wait to experience it working properly.  I've searched forums for answer to problem and couldn't pinpoint whats needed so asking here.  Thanks in advance for help.....

Built 3pt tracking cap using 5mm IR-LEDs filed down for wider angle as detailed in other posts.  Confirmed Freetrack is seeing LEDs, and even that it reads them at wide angle, but what its reading is not being tracked properly.

Using Logitech Quickcam Messenger with all mods complete.  DX9c upgraded to 11/07 release.  3pt model set in Freetrack.  Auto exposure/gain and anti-flicker disabled.  Initial test of point model in dark room to eliminate light noise.

What Freetrack first sees is 3 large large red blobs of light, similar to how it read a flashlight when testing hdwr/sftwr after install.  Adjusting exposure and threshold eliminates unnecessary light and brings the tracking crosshairs into view.  What I expected to see what three crosshairs for proper tracking, but what I get are several jittery crosshairs and no consistent tracking.  Adjusting exposure further and the crosshairs disappear... and then there's no tracking at all.

FPS sits at approx 15 during all this, with no jitter.  Cam is rated at 30fps so perhaps problem there?  Running FX-60 @ 3.3GHz so can't imagine its proc problem.  Cannot make "stream" adjustments in software (perhaps cam doesn't support??).  I've adjusted FPS in global setting to match output, and also tried many other adjustments to see what I could effect.  So far no luck.

Before looking for other webcam thought I'd see if anybody might have suggestions.  Primarily looking to use Freetrack with rFactor if that helps.

Again, thanks to all for the great software, and for any help with my problems.
babasior #2 12/03/2008 - 18h10

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have you try to change compressor type in stream button :

for example RGB 24 (default) to I420 or other and what is the result ?

don't forget to have, in global tab, interpolation section, average FPS equal to Cam real FPS value tab ...
Edited by babasior on 12/03/2008 at 18h17.
amgsport #3 12/03/2008 - 18h27

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Thank you for reply.  I cannot access stream button.  Not sure why... perhaps cam does not support the feature???  I have set global FPS correctly, and turned off extra frames.

Results are tracking points (lots of crosshair points... more then expected) move smoothly in right window of Freetrack main cam tab, but the head movements in left window are choppy and erratic, with no real control to speak of.  Also tested in-game and get the same choppy, erratic movement... if any movement at all.  Thanks.
BlindVision #4 12/03/2008 - 22h08

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First off, "(lots of crosshair points... more then expected)" is NO GOOD, you have to adjust Contrast/brightness to compensate for the "to many crosshairs". the Threshold is only for tweeking/fine tuneing.

YOU HAVE to turn off EVERY THING in your cam-software that does AUTOMATIC. and set the exposure to 1/30 (s) or more depending on the webcam.

have fun tweeking.
Edited by BlindVision on 12/03/2008 at 23h05.
support FREETRACK developers, the do it FREE for you -HELP them/yourself help others.
-another fun DIY thing to do, works with Free-Track too, HAVE A LOOK
amgsport #5 12/03/2008 - 22h30

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Thanks for the support... I really appreciate the quik replies.  Nice to know your great program has the same level of support.

Problem was definitely the cam.  I grabbed a VX3000 and all is good.  What an easy mod!!  Still cannot open the "stream" tab, even with new cam.  I get error message.  Took a screenshot of it but can't seem to attach pics here.  Filing the IR-LEDs worked just like advertised.  Getting consistent 24FPS.  Time to start working on setups.

If the "stream" tab error problems are known issue and there's a solution please let me know.  I haven't done a proper search on that issue, but will be soon.

Thank you once again for great software and support!!
BlindVision #6 12/03/2008 - 23h04

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the "stream tab" problem -seems weird to me (i have read mostly every thing on this forum, and havent seen it before).

Maybe its time to try "the Windows way" REMOVE and REINSTALL FREE-TRACK software. OR the software/drivers for the WEBCAM.

-hope you get it right, and Enjoy RACING  :D
support FREETRACK developers, the do it FREE for you -HELP them/yourself help others.
-another fun DIY thing to do, works with Free-Track too, HAVE A LOOK
amgsport #7 13/03/2008 - 02h31

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Once again thanks for the support.  Already went the windows way with Freetrack (lol) and error message with the stream tab was same with both Logi and Msoft cams so I don't think its cam drivers.

I've got a screenshot of the error message if you'd like to see it.  Error message is: "Access violation at address 02775F80 in module 'hcw18prop.ax'. Read of address 00000000."  Its greek to me.....

Got Freetrack configured to my liking... time to hit the racetrack.  Cheers!!
Kestrel #8 13/03/2008 - 03h23

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The file mentioned in that error 'hcw18prop.ax' is a video filter that belongs to Hauppauge WinTV drivers. You could try uninstalling it to confirm.
amgsport #9 13/03/2008 - 03h45

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Perfect... thanks!  Yes, I do have Hauppauge drivers installed.

I could uninstall-reinstall Hauppauge drivers, but F1 season starts tomorrow and rig is also my DVR so before going there let me ask one more question.  I'm getting 24fps with VX3000 and all seems to be working as planned.   Would I see any additional benefits from accessing the "stream" features?  If not I might wait awhile....

I'm grateful for the support received here today.  I've waited weeks on other forums for the simplest of answers... not here.  I really appreciate it!
Kestrel #10 13/03/2008 - 12h03

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amgsport @ 13/03/2008 - 03h45 a dit:

I'm getting 24fps with VX3000 and all seems to be working as planned.   Would I see any additional benefits from accessing the "stream" features?  If not I might wait awhile....



No worries, the stream button isn't essential, it provides access to the webcam's stream property page but you might be able to access it with another webcam app like MSN. It normally contains controls for resolution, video codec and frame rate.
amgsport #11 13/03/2008 - 21h09

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Just to follow-up, in case this helps development... I did the uninstall-reinstall of Hauppauge drivers after all.  Without tuner driver installed stream tab worked fine.  As soon as driver reinstalled stream tab disabled again.  Guess the two don't play well together.  Thank you.
Kestrel #12 14/03/2008 - 04h04

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I downloaded the 'hcw18prop.ax' file and registered it but I couldn't duplicate the error.
amgsport #13 14/03/2008 - 21h18

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Thanks for the help.  Funny... now that I've updated TV tuner driver I can't tune-in anything.  Dumb thing is drawing a blank when scanning for available channels... lol.  At least Freetrack is working perfectly!

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