FreeTrack Forum

Hi all,

I found this site 3 days ago, and like alot of people here, it took me less than a day to build a first version of a 3 point cap using red leds and a brand new VX1000 microsoft's webcam.

It works like a charm in lockon and IL2. ! Two thumbs up!! Thanks to FreeTrack staff, i start to be a hunter instead of being the huntee.

After testing my first setup for a few days now, i decided to change my setup to an IR one. Due to the fact that simples red led required me to be in an almost complete pitch dark room.

I've crack open a remote control pick up the IR led that was inside and file the led tip to increase its viewing angle . Then, i open up my webcam and change the IR Filter to a visible light filter, using a little piece of a floppy disk.

For what i can say, it working way better at tracking the right stuff

The only problem i now have to solve is that its only working at really close range, within 1 feet away from the camera. Is the visible filter too powerfull or the 360ohm resistance is too much for the IR LED ?

Thanks,

Check the focus!

That was my error, it was working correctly near the camera because the camera was focusing near it.

Its hard to tell from the camera output if you're out of focus. (maybe something could be done in software to help with that).


Anyways, thanks again FreeTrack. I cannot believe how much this project is a cost effective solution.

And for thoses you wonder if IR is better... its WAY BETTER!


Thanks,
Midnight

Lol. I think this is a common problem among new users. I did exactly the same thing when I first started out, and a lot of people that buy my hats wind up doing it as well.

I don't think there is anything that could be incorperated into the software for this, except maybe an algorithm that detects focus distortions and then pops up a window that tells you to check focus. Really the best thing that could be done is to better inform users before hand to set the focus.


You will know you're in focus when the points are the smallest, after passing that point, they will start to grow in size again.


Marcus