FreeTrack Forum

Hiya guys, I just discovered the Freetrack system today (greetings from Canada!) and I'm totally excited I'm definitely gonna look into building my own setup, but I'm kinda looking for some advice..

I haven't done a massive amount of research, so forgive me

So, first off, I'm thinking of a 3 point model. I think I'd be better off with the clip design, because I'm gonna be using it with a big clunky headset. I'm kinda wondering if there are any advantages or disadvantages to using the clip design, as opposed to the cap design? Also, I'd really appreciate any tips/tricks/advice from people that have done it before.. Are there any "best practice" methods, or will just about anything I slap together work?

Also, I'm using a Creative Live! CAM Video IM. It doesn't appear to be an unsupported cam, but I don't see much about this specific model either. I'm thinking it'll work though. I would be willing to modify it to take out the IR Filter, (which I'm sure will be a breeze) but I'd prefer to keep it intact because I do actually use it as a webcam. (Related, minor question: If I take out the IR Filter, will it still be functional as a webcam? Can I turn it into a night vision camera at that point as well? ^_^ heheh.)

Also, I'd really like some background info on the LEDs required. I have very limited experience with electronics, and I'd feel more comfortable if I educated myself before I started soldering stuff together

Now, I'm sure I'll be able to find LEDs somewhere, but IR LEDs might be more difficult. I know I should get 5mm LEDs, but that's ALL I know. What are the other factors to look into when buying an LED? I'd probably end up just getting some cheap red ones. Also, what's the best method to power my LEDs? Would some (perhaps rechargable) AA batteries work? What kind of battery life would I be looking at with say, 2 AA's and 3 LEDs. I know there's an LED guidebook thing, written by a feller named Tristan, and I'm sure it's awesome, but it's also in French

Any information, links, guides, ideas, tips, tricks, etc will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hi, and welcome,

If you download FreeTrack 2.2.0.279, all documents are included in package !
You will find help build your system here :
http://www.free-track.net/english/hardware/calcled/
If you need more help to build your freetrack model go back to forum !

Hey Fishbulb, welcome to the forum!

I too am from Canada (Vancouver area), and recently assembled my own 3-point hat.  I use pretty wimpy headphones or sometimes speakers, so I didn't want to build a clip.  However, looking in the point model gallery and from my experience building a hat, I think it's easier to do the 3-point clip instead of the 3-point hat

Regarding your webcam, I'd suggest leaving the removal of the IR filter until the end, after you've built your final setup and are ready for testing.  If you're not using IR LEDs for example, then you might not want to remove the IR filter, especially if you still plan on using the camera normally.  Heck, even if you do use IR LEDs, removing the camera's IR filter isn't always necessary.

Generally though, if you can find IR LEDs you will get better tracking in all ambient light conditions.  Using normal LEDs for tracking may mean you'll be dependent on turning lights off in your computer room, or otherwise have a tougher time configuring your camera to pick up the LEDs.  That being said, either way will ultimately work.  Since you're in Canada, I know The Source sells IR LEDs, but they're about $5 for two.  You can find them far far cheaper if you know of a hobby electronics shop, who may sell them for as little as $0.50 each.  You can even ask the employees at The Source if you don't know of hobby shops, and they'll be happy to direct you to them.

Rechargeable AA batteries work great, as would any others.  I personally use a single rechargeable AA battery to keep the weight down.  Even then, I still get about 6-8 hours of good usage out of it.  Ultimately, I think it's how much weight you want to carry around on your head, versus how often you're willing to change the batteries.

I got annoyed with taking the battery out each time I was finished playing a game, so I bought a small switch.  Now I can easily toggle the setup on or off.

Feel free to send me a private message on these forums, or keep posting here.  A lot of the task of building your own FreeTrack setup involves hunting for information, but it's very rewarding.  In the end, the software is pretty forgiving too.