> Are Infrared Webcams Better?
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Vanguard |
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Class : Apprenti
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Hey there, I'm completely new to this whole DoF thing. I happened upon a video on YouTube a few weeks ago and thought it was brilliant, as i'm a big sim fan and have many flight games that are compatible with this technology. I have finally gotten around to doing something with my interest, so i've just bought a webcam from ebay about 25 minutes ago. - This one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=140279675247
I did some reading up prior, and spent a lot of time browsing the webcam compatibility page. I chose this webcam as it was listed as good, and the guy in the YouTube video used the exact same model. But mainly because it has its own IR LEDs. I thought this would be important, however having just read this page: http://www.free-track.net/english/freetrack/comment-ca-marche.php
I've discovered the warning "Caution : There is no need for an "Infrared webcam” !!! The plain usual webcam works fine !"
Now my question is this: will my webcam still be better than just having a normal webcam? It just means i won't have to bother messing around with filters or anything, is that correct?
Thanks in advance =)
Edit: Oh, incidentally, i was planning on using it with the reflective-material option
Edited by Vanguard on 01/03/2009 at 02h39. |
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Vanguard |
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144 views and no replies? :|
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Kridian |
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Hey Vanguard. I would actually think the Infared Webcam would be better because the only thing you would have to attach to your headwear are the reflectors (lightweight). No extra wiring for LED power! Woot!
Your A4Tech PK looks similar to the one I'm getting: Kinamax |
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Incisal |
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Im a total newb, but from what I understand, your webcam IS better if youre going reflective, but its only more convenient (less build steps) otherwise.
And as an aside to your post, I was at first thinking of going with a reflective unit, but I heard the reflective setup puts limits on your room lighting, so I changed my mind. Id like to hear your experiences when you get it up and running.
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Vanguard |
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Ah sweet, thanks for the input guys! My room actually only has a skylight, so it's usually quite gloomy in my room anyway, so that should be ideal (I'd assume?). But i'll definitely post back my findings when the webcam arrives!
The reflective gear is probably the most comfortable option for me, I quite dislike having weighty things on my head, my hair is down to my backside, so that is heavy enough without having irritating wires and battery packs as well!
Also, Kridian, that webcam looks identical to a webcam that i already own actually, except the one i have isn't infrared, it's just a supposed night-vision webcam, but really all it does is project very bright light at your face when it detects darkness in the room.
Let us know how yours performs when you get it eh!
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knights |
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I am very interested n whether you onyl need to put some reflecting materials on a cap using that cam : )
please let me know.,
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Vanguard |
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I certainly will! Until then, check out this vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMBfXLsXPxQ
It seems that is all you need, although this dude is using a laptop to manage the Freetrack software. I'm guessing that's to maintain performance.
I'm curious how imperative that is, as I don't have a second computer, but my computer is quite powerful, so i hope it won't affect performance too much.
Currently i get ~60FPS in Blackshark most of the time, which is really surprising considering how detailed the game is. It usually drops if i go near another Ka-50. |
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benmeijer |
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Vanguard |
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Hmm, i'm confused about the whole IR filter. Some people talk about how they have to remove their IR filter, and that it was easy to do so, yet others are saying that you have to manually add an IR filter if their camera doesn't have one.
What???
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benmeijer |
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Vanguard @ 03/03/2009 - 00h12 a dit: Hmm, i'm confused about the whole IR filter. Some people talk about how they have to remove their IR filter, and that it was easy to do so, yet others are saying that you have to manually add an IR filter if their camera doesn't have one.
You're right it's confusing. I think there is a "blocking" ir filter and a "pass through" IR filter
I guess:
Pass Trough filter = Negative / old floppy disk
Blocking filter = The one you have to remove from your webcam.
Who can confirm this......
btw for your camera here are instructions of removing the ir-filter:
http://www.free-track.net/english/hardware/filter_removal/a4tech_pk_333MB.php
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knights |
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But what I dont understand, the reflection from the reflective materials is from what light source?
it seems logical that the webcam is transmitting a IR source, that is reflected by the cap but then the webcama should be continious aiming precicely at the hat ?? [EDIT: it seems it transmits somekind of wide IR signal (its infrared light, ofcourse this isnt like a dot on the wall... didnt think about that
I have got 3M diamondgrade reflective materials at my work, so testing it wont be a problem... so but does this webcam have IR leds on it, because I am reading some different stories, that it has 6 white (normal ligt) leds in it ?
Edited by knights on 03/03/2009 at 13h45. |
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Vanguard |
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Thanks for suggesting that guide, benmeijer, but it's a good thing i didn't follow it to the letter when my cam gets here. This dude is removing his onboard LEDs, as he is using his own array of LEDs on his hat. I on the other hand want to use the onboard LEDs with some reflective material that i bought yesterday. I wonder if the whole IR filter thing is something to do with whether you plan to use the reflective rout or not.
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Vanguard |
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Class : Apprenti
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Registered on : 01/03/2009
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Aha, the package did arrive, but the idiot postman left it outside in the rain. It's immensely light, and it's also immensely windy here in my part of England, i'm surprised it didn't blow away! Argh.
Anyway, time to get this set-up..
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Vanguard |
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Class : Apprenti
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Good lord the IR filter is hard to remove, it is really jammed in there, and the glass is brittle
Edit: actually it is really easy to remove as long as you use a wide flat-head screwdriver and patience.
Time to get this tracking software set up!
Edited by Vanguard on 03/03/2009 at 17h54. |
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Kridian |
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Glad to hear you had success with removing your IR Filter Vanguard.
I think the fun in this is going to be the reflective clip design. * Hunting for plastic DVD box*. 
Edited by Kridian on 03/03/2009 at 18h03. |
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