TrackHat Clip Plus Head tracking kit

After being asked repeatedly by friends, colleagues & followers on twitch if I could possibly find a decent but cheaper alternative to TrackIR (I do a lot of sim flying (DCS, WT & Heli flying in Arma 3), I eventually gave in and started to do some research, the only promising alternative to TrackIR I found was TrackHat from TrackHat LTD, I will be honest and say I was skeptical since most Track devices go for £110+ secondhand nevermind new.I've had my TrackIR Pro for over a year, so I already knew what I should be roughly expecting to get with the TrackHat, I was impressed pretty much right from the start. It doesn't come in an aesthetically pleasing box but i does come well packaged and protected for its journey to you, It came with a decent sized premium USB cable for charging, the Camera, Track Clip (premium velcro pads for attaching to headset) & Monitor mount for the camera.It was just as simple to set up as the TrackIR and as easy to configure in the software but did take slightly more time to fine tune than the competitors but that is probably more down to the user then the overall experience. The only let down was the monitor clip & I feel the IR could look more aesthetically pleasing (i.e printed a bit thicker and sanded for a smoother finish & cleaner look (happily would have paid a slight increase on the current price)).The monitor mount I remade at work, I will say it does its job but there is room for improvement, such as a screwable clamp or quick release clamp instead of an adjustable arm (tends to adjust on its own)Overall after Purchasing this I feel the £198 I paid for the TrackIR Pro is overpriced & if you can get passed aesthetics I would recommend the TrackHat over the TrackIR, Its just as good and less than 1/2 the price.

I come to this product having used the more expensive TrackIR v4 for many years.My initial thoughts:Delivery was fast, package received within 48 hours of ordering.Packaging was adequate to protect the contents.The instruction leaflet was ok but I looked online for more details and used the latest opentrack software, release 2.3.11, instead of Trackhat’s opentrack version. This is at the suggestion of BlackHellHound1 from his very helpful IL2 Sturmovik forum thread: A complete guide to set up Head-tracking (opentrack).It took an hour or so to set up, so it takes longer than TrackIR to set up, but is worth the investment in time.The opentrack software has some extensive configuration capability. BlackHellHound1‘s instructions are very helpful with understanding this capability. Opentrack can be configured to start with the sim which is rather handy. I initially loaded DCS World without seeing head tracking in operation but soon realised a simple restart of the sim was enough to put things right.In game I was able to test the head tracking and swap out to opentrack to adjust the settings to adjust sensitivity and various axis curves. I was able to then swap back to the sim to see the effect of my adjustments. Again, BlackHellHound1’s guide sped this stage up.Within minutes I came to the conclusion that opentrack, coupled with the Trackhat clip plus, is actually somewhat superior to TrackIR. It is smoother, allows wider head movement effect in game and has far more configuration capability. Opentrack is also being actively developed whereas TrackIR hasn’t had an update for years.The Trackhat Clip Plus is battery operated so no wires dangling around.It looks robust, is lightweight and was hardly noticeable when attacked to my headphones, a pair of lightweight B&W P3s.I am very pleased with this purchase which I consider a worthwhile upgrade to the more expensive TrackIR. I’ve given my TrackIR to my son until he gets his VR system, so while they have lasted are now showing their age and lack of ongoing development when compared to opentrack and Trackhat.