Tips and Tricks for Using TrackIR in DCS: World 2.5!

Download my TrackIR Profile here: www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...
A few viewers and fellow DCS Pilots have asked about my TrackIR settings and how I get such smooth tracking for my Videos.
I figured I should just make a video with some tips for using TrackIR in DCS World and explain the rationale behind my settings!
If you like the video please like and Subscribe!

[@bobdonovan34]

A few weeks ago I jumped on the train headed for a baseball game when the lady standing next to me asked what that thing is attached to my hat. Ooops. Always check before leaving the house. :)

[@Spudknocker]

Bob Donovan hahahaha! oh my gosh! I have yet to do that!

[@NormGrassfield]

thats hilarious!

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

Was it the IR?

[@rwhunt99]

HA,ha,ha, that's a good one!

[@Schimml0rd]

Im so afraid of this one xD i got mine attached to a 6june-cap like the biggest dork too xD

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

hey man i got ur profile off the DCS forum, I have to admit its a very nice set up you've got going on. I flew the av8b with this set up and I really enjoyed it. especially being able to look down at knobs on the left and right panels without my track IR having a seizure. much appreciated brother.

[@Spudknocker]

Growling Sidewinder that’s great! I’m glad you like it and it helped you out so much!

[@nicob8675]

Yooooo its him!

[@jesselatouche]

Works beautifully

[@rostyloco1]

are you still using the same profile 3 years later or have you made changes?

[@nynphose]

Your Track IR profile really is great for DCS, I was about to give up with my own profile and thankfully you posted this one. I really like how it's stable in the forward view yet has the ability to see behind quickly if necessary. Thanks for posting it up.

[@vhscopyofseinfeld]

Just set up TrackIR for flying choppers in Squad, the potential was there I just wasn't for sure how to calibrate it properly...then I came across this video with your profile settings. Because of you I'm flying like a rotary-wing god now, never missing pinnacle landings, rooftops and secluded helipads alike. THANK YOU

[@davidriley3422]

This is a fantastic video. I've been frustrated with my DCS setup, especially when looking at panels with it jerking around. I came to KZbin specifically to figure that out and this video did the trick. Bonus props for the concise and to the point advice.

[@Yskonyn]

Hi @Spudnocker, Yassy here from the 132nd Virtual Wing. I'd like to thank you very much for your TrackIR profile! Even though I thought I'd had configured my own profile pretty well yours is still a step up. Well done! For people who can't or won't fly in VR the TrackIR is still a premier piece of equipment to maintain virtual SA. Thanks again and keep up the good work with your videos.

[@almightyIrie]

making F1 (cockpit view) equal to "center trackIR" is pure genius! ..i'm soo going to do that as well

[@Spudknocker]

I really like using external views haha cause DCS World is sooooo pretty and that makes it a lot easier!

[@jesselatouche]

Do that as much as you need

[@KrazyKordi]

Very helpful and well explained. Used another guide a long time ago and was never happy with it as selecting a switch was a mission all on it own. So hats off to your sir!

[@Spitts44]

Hi. Just getting into DCS world and I've watched a good number of your videos. Played a lot of Falcon4 and IL2 back in the day but have been away from FS's for awhile. New computer, new stick from X-52 now X-56 + IR Tracker. Vertical learning curve to say the least. Thought I'd start out with the 18 and see what happens. Thanks for the videos that you produce and share. Really helpful. Thanks again. I'm sure this will lessen my pain in the next day or so. Then onto complex HOTAS setup. Cheers,

[@shaunl452]

Ha ha! I literally received and installed Track IR, played around with it for a few hours, then thought I'd try loading your profile and I have honestly found no reason to make any further changes. It works perfectly for me and is as smooth as silk. Thank you Sir, you have saved me an awful lot of time (and a lot of manual studying that I probably should have done ;)

[@Spudknocker]

Awesome man!

[@AymanBakr_A]

Wow.. I'm a Flight Simulator 2020 user. I downloaded your profile and it works perfectly with my game. I did not even need to modify anything in it. It's very close now to VR. My neck is not hurting any more thanks to your profile settings and also to your tip about quickly looking to the side to see 170 degrees. Thanks a lot :)

[@budyeatman4313]

Just got TrackIR and found your video. Thank you for saving me hours of setup and frustration. I loaded your profile and it works great in DCS and MSFS 2020. I truly appreciate this!

[@Spudknocker]

awesome

[@artyboy1377]

Thanks very much Spudknocker! Just received my TrackIR and immediately loaded your profile and everything runs perfectly!! Gosh i didnt realize what i was missing before i got it!! Its insanely immersive! I have a Vive Pro VR setup and its far better than VR. I find it difficult to accept the drop in resolution when playing in VR, even getting a higher resolution 4K x 2 new VR headset is pointless as current hardware just can't drive 2x 4K screens without reducing graphic details to the bottom of the barrel. Was so glad i could quickly jump into DCS/MSFS 2020 with head-tracking with everything perfectly pre-configured by you Kind Sir!

[@MD44MP]

Duplicated your settings and tried it out tonight in our squad night and.... Amazing! Thanks for the tips and making this. I think this is the best I've tried so far. Thanks dude!!!

[@Spudknocker]

MD-44 I’m glad you liked it so much! Thanks for the support, share my video with your squadronmates so they can try it out as well!

[@Un_DiViDeD]

@@Spudknocker how do you get your profile into track ir

[@guyrandom1]

Wow was having nausea and heat flashes with my own attempt at making a profile... I know this is old but yours is perfect thank you!!

[@Travis_125]

I have struggled with the sweet spot for over a year. Thanks for posting! Great video!

[@Spudknocker]

I’m Glad the video helped you out!

[@michaelscott1199]

That's a great pitch curve. I was having issues in the F16 but your profile cleared it up. I had to adjust yaw to the center area that was it. Thx!

[@CrisURace]

Thank you so much for this. I just got a track ir clip and it was strange to setup, now i have a base to work out from !!!! You are awesome!!

[@dereklchung]

This is the best video on TrackIR setup. It was a great help. Thank you.

[@Spudknocker]

Derek Chung thanks for the support Derek! Share it with anyone else who you think could benefit!

[@rob15082]

I was using the ole drawer trick for my joystick as well , since made a fold down desk top to mount lol, just though it was funny to see someone else getting by with that set up also! Iv just invested in the track ir so will be using your advice and profile, thanks for the info

[@strontium4429]

Many thanks for taking the time to explain this. It's very useful and much appreciated:)

[@davidzanelli6847]

Nice to see I’m not the only one who used to play DCS with the HOTAS in a pulled-out desk drawer

[@Jack2Japan]

Excellent video! Your DCS stuff is great.

[@tankerboy12464]

HOLY FPS! when you did that first look left in the cockpit I caught all 9999 frames

[@1973Hog]

Thanks for sharing your insights on TracIR. Being a new user this should give me a nice head start.

[@jumb0j0ck]

1973Hog Head start...get it? 🙄

[@Eliminator6363]

Comin at you from the future, thanks for this video! My settings were kinda close to what I wanted, but I just wasn't being aggressive enough with the curve, especially for the Positive Pitch. I'd go to track something above me and get hung up lol, so much nicer, thanks again!

[@Nmag27]

Excellent video thank you. I think I sorted out other things watching you video The green line appeared when i checked exclusive, it also sent my profile name grey, hopefully now when i load DCS is stays on that profile. I just copied exactly what you have and will adjust slightly after trialing more. thanks again ! Also maybe the UK guy is the Grimreapers. Not sure if he did a HeadTrack video but he does great DCS guides. I fly Blackshark and love it.

[@BitLeg]

I thought I'd pretty much sussed Track IR. Such as figuring out I'd need an asymmetrical pitch setting but it never felt right. Always a bit jerky. I noticed you had your smoothness setting to max. Wow. That's what I'm talking about. Now my Track IR is smooth and clean. Sometimes it's the hidden things you find in a video that really help. Nice one Spud 👍

[@Spudknocker]

Thanks man I am super glad that it helped you out!

[@NeonMako]

I've been using a TrackIR (4) since 2013, and I have never managed to get it as dialed in as you have here. Seriously, really, really nice work Spud. Being the IR4 model though, smoothing has to be put through the roof by using "precision" mode, but it nonetheless works flawlessly.

[@Spudknocker]

I am glad you liked the video!

[@sebast0409]

Thank you! this solved all my problems with the trackIR

[@sam0uraiii]

I've just get a new track ir and I use your config file, it is just perfect, good job :)

[@thomasmccoy8202]

How did you load the config file into your DCS aircraft profile?

[@herveledref636]

Fantastic Settings ! Thanks a lot - DCS looks alive !!!!

[@ysiadpir1423]

I am now Subscribed! * Who was the English guy that made another Detailed TRACKIR video? Excellent tip on binding F1 both the Cockpit View & TRACKIR center to same HOTAS button. Bravo.

[@rekunta]

Grim Reaper maybe?

[@jdzzl]

Man using smoothness 50 is so genius. I flew with no track IR for months now and I finally switched over since I got a right handed stick and was forced to. I hated how jittery it was at first then I tried using 50 smoothness and low speed and its awesome.

[@patkeegan7439]

Awesome video, very helpful! 👍

[@ca1m]

Your profile is new life for my trackir :D

[@Spudknocker]

Антон Calm aweosme glad it’s helping!

[@marinussmits3278]

Very informative, thx for posting!

[@jasonburrus8146]

Thanks for this profile!

[@ulpts-007]

Suuuuuuper Settings for Trackir !!!! Thank you finally reasonable Settings

[@Spudknocker]

Micha I’m glad you like them!

[@nyeg2501]

Cheers mate, some good tips there!

[@Vulture_edm]

I’m just getting serious about flight simming, i just got the x56 as well, and have no idea what i should bind all my keys to and there’s not a whole lot of videos about it, would you be willing to make a video about your bindings and why? I’m subscribing!

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

You seem to be an Ace Spud! Nice Tips F-18! Weapons and Air-Air!

[@Spudknocker]

Ahmed Humayun Rasheed i just know how the weapons work in real life and the game haha

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

I'm Infantry/Army so no Pilot Training or Fighter service! Try also F-22 Raptor! Does the US have Harrier?

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

No you're good!

[@Warman_12]

@@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434 US Marine Corps use the AV'8S

[@gasserhabib3795]

thank you Spudknocker I am a big fan of your DCS videos just small dump question how to load you profile into Trackir

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

did u ever upload that profile man i couldn't find it in DCS in the user files section

[@Spudknocker]

Growling Sidewinder i haven’t had a chance yet sorry mate!

[@GrowlingSidewinder]

its cool man I didnt notice you literally just posted this video lol. my bad. but ya man whenever you get a chance that would be fantastic really liking ur set up there.

[@wagnerdantas1000]

Thank you very much brow the best tutorial!

[@luissowhat2511]

how did u do it? it wont show under profiles.

[@kayinoue2497]

Extremely useful, thank you

[@giuseppeloggia6412]

I Spud! As you have a wonderful trackir setup I would like to import your one in mine. But I'm not so skill in use it. May you detail me what's the way to import and make it function? Thanks a lot Bud from one of your earlier follower

[@Mac-1Media]

so does DCS come with a reloaded track ir profile or am i miss understanding ?? if it does how do you activate it

[@benjiminus04]

Great video man!!! Thanks!!

[@Spudknocker]

Ben Minus no problem dude I’m glad it helped you out!

[@CapFreddy]

Thanks, will test that as soon as i get home.... i really tried a lot to set mine but couldn’t.... anyway, thanks dor sharing

[@dtotheatothevtothee]

This is rad. Thank you!!!

[@JIMJAMSC]

Been using Tir since the start and on small, up close monitors set up is easy. However, when using a large tv/monitor say 37'' and it is 2-4 ft away it becomes tricky. I had to set the sensor on a clear lexan block and get the height perfect. It also has to be close or it will bug out so you need a table or desk.

[@emiliorodriguez7163]

Thanks for the video, very interesting...

[@Spudknocker]

I am glad you liked it! It was a harder one to create actually so I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@amosmoses8656]

Great video. Thank you.

[@JIMJAMSC]

Edit- On the TM Warthog stick the 4 way below the red button I found this works best. Frw/back is Track Ir reset and pause' Left and right are zoom IN slow and slowly zoom OUT slow. Now you don;t have to lean forward to read a gauge/screen etc and also you can look out at a distant target/runway etc and zoom in and out. For those with very large screens and sit back to far for TrackIr to function well if at all. My screen is 37'' and if set like most would make you nauseated and bad for your eyes. I have the tv sitting on a table behind my desk so that the distance from my eyes is approx 4 ft. Not only is that to far but to "high" to place the sensor. 1st get some small boxes, mount the unit on top, place in front of you on the main table and start going up until you find the optimal height. Use various boxes, drink coasters, whatever to find that perfect height. I used dble sided tape to keep whatever you experiment with stable. Now you can enjoy the benefits of having a large monitor/tv and have it set back enough and the height is no concern. Now staring at a solid support for the track ir sensor gets old. I 1st tried a Oculus sensor with the unit on top, I have used a clear water bottle etc... What I ended up using was I found a clear stand that you slide pictures into. The ones that are clear that sit standing upward you can "bend" and slide in pictures. I dble sided taped it to a small box which is the correct height and sprayed the box black. Now other than the sensor "hovering" about eye height which is a pita but I feel is worth the benefit to be able to obtain perfect communication betreen my cap mounted Track ir clip and the sensor. Hope this helps those with large screen issues.

[@sharonbh]

Very helpful, thanks

[@jellowiggler]

Thanks for the video.. It is still very useful. I have been trying to setup my TrackIR unit for Elite Dangerous. I was going for close-ish to one to one, but that I'm seeing that isn't the best idea because my upward pitch keeps glitching and screwing up my view in fights. One the upward pitch I think I'll end up with a curve (not mirrored with the down, because who needs so much down look into their crotch) that is more like 1:3 RL motion to game motion. 30 head motion for 90 degree game. My yaw movement is close to one to one though because I've got a triple monitor setup. So I need to look to about 75 degrees to look 90 in the game. That might fix me up. According to the software I'm not losing track of sensors until I tilt my head back too far. Almost 90. I just have to train my self not to actually look where I want to look..... haha. No wonder real fighter pilots find head track difficult. They are used to being a head on a swivel, not small movements translated to big ones. The quick setup is easy, the trimming to get all the glitches out is a lot of fiddling.

[@paddy7211]

Hey spudknoker. Sorry i didnt watch this video a long time ago, its a great setup. One question, I now have to recenter my view a lot more often. Can you suggest any tweaks that might mitigate this? Cheers

[@TrickerDCS]

Nice work

[@tb100]

Good video Spuknocker. What is the green curve on your TrackIR screen? I only have orange curve

[@tommym43]

Thanks for the tips :)

[@dmh0667ify]

Awesome stuff, thx!

[@retiredoldsarge5938]

Here I am again. Update: I downloaded your file, Extracted the .xml, I put it in my file..... C/main office/Appdata/Roaming/NaturalPoint/TrackIR5/Profiles folder... when I try to run it in TR it says file is corrupted and will not run. I have deleted it, re downloaded it and tried it again. I still get the BAD FILE MESSAGE... Am I possibly doing something wrong after I open you zip and then I copy paste it.. Any help is greatly appreciated..

[@airgunner8371]

Thanks so much for sharing your profile, I've had loads of problems for 3 years but since using your trackir profile it's so much better.

[@Spudknocker]

Justin Johnson awesome I’m glad that it helped! Happy hunting!

[@jesselatouche]

Lovely

[@jesselatouche]

Beautiful just beautiful

[@martinprice8024]

I had random glitches with my screen jumping around during daytime play. Found out it was the sunlight reflecting off a white door when left ajar, or a shiny emblem on my shirt that occasionally caught the light. You can visualise what the IR sensor sees by selecting 'camera' from the Display drop down. It should see 3 green reflectors with no red background noise. Tune the IR sensitivity and brightness to get the best picture and as Spud said, remove anything in the room that will distort the IR.

[@uzer160]

Клипса Тракир- 5 с тремя светодиодами практичнее на засветы не реагирует и кепку носить не надо цепляется к наушникам.

[@Myterriers]

Nice video, however your download link has been compromised. The zip file opens up a Internet Explorer trying to make it default and can only be closed by using Task Manager.

[@theaceofspades485]

This profile should be included with track IR ! . I was getting very frustrated with it. spud got it PERFECT. Few tips. It appears as "Hud" under profiles also you need to transfer the .xml file to C, users,roaming,track ir,profiles you may need select "view hidden files" in file explorer to find the path. (I ran into all three issues)

[@adamsmith5151]

Thanks for sharing your profile

[@clubtcb]

good information, thanks !

[@LoneWolf91]

Hey man good video. Do you have a set of rudder pedals also? If so how do you use them with the desk you have?

[@retiredoldsarge5938]

great video. Really helps me as I have been having problems for over 1 year. I really think your setup is going to be great for me. Main Question I Have.. Where do I and HOW do I load the copy of your setup that I downloaded.. I have put it in my files but it does not show in my menu when I start TrackIR? I am lost as to if I got it in the right folder. Can you maybe do a video of showing where and how to load files which are shared.. That would really be a great help for most of us newbies who are still having problems.. Thank You and keep up the great work.

[@Spudknocker]

Thanks for the support Chuck... I think you need to google it cause i have forgotten how exactly and i'm away from my PC at the moment haha

[@retiredoldsarge5938]

Cool. I am not sure but I got it to work.. I changed the name from HUD to Spudknocker in the XML file and then I got it working. I just need to tweek it a little for my KA 50 as it doesnt not go far enough to the sides, seems like R and L views just barely get me looking out of the side windows. I was watching your video again... I just realized I may be moving my head to slow for it to go farther to the sides.. Heard you say move head faster and the view go farther... Thanks I know I am OLD AND SLOW on learning a lot of things... Thanks a million.. The main thing I did not realize was the name of your profiles was showing as HUD when i open my TrackIR... Great Job for a OLD newbie like I am..

[@pilotngb]

Thanks for the review. It will help me.

[@Spudknocker]

Neil Bradon fantastic!

[@pilotngb]

I'm pleased to report that this video has resolved my pitch head movement issues. Really appreciate the time you've taken to put this video together!

[@Spudknocker]

Neil Bradon no problem! Share it with anyone else you think it could help!

[@Tradiejoe284]

Hey mate! I really like how your setup works, do you believe this would also work in MSFS?

[@rumi.137]

Spud, how I can zoom in and zoom out without have to use the keys / or * or set in my HOTAS using the trackir?

[@koekiejam18]

If your still looking for an answer, maybe you can have your head movement move exponentially forward something in the curves

[@deantaggart1848]

@Spudknocker My newly acquired TrackIR turned up in the mail today :D After setting it up and calibrating, first thing I did was load up your profile from the ED forums, working fantastically mate!...Thanks for sharing Spudknocker, appreciated your efforts very much!

[@Spudknocker]

Mr ViCioUs glad it’s workin for ya!

[@thomasmccoy8202]

Hi Dean, I ve asked a couple people how they loaded the config file into their DCS profiles, but no responses. How did you do it? I have the .xml file in the proper folder, but lost how to apply it to my different airplanes in the control tab (setup) in DCS. Any help would be appreciated...others in this thread have asked....

[@anthonyb.7360]

Thank you! Exactly what I was hoping you'd do for us. Any chance you can post your profile for download?

[@Spudknocker]

Plastic Aviator yes I will upload it to the user files section of the ED website

[@anthonyb.7360]

Spudknocker great! Please let us know when it's available

[@davidofthenorth7163]

Thanks T'was a big help. Just got this device tried it out but it wouldn't work.... until I realized there was a button for adding games to the program, that are compatible.

[@STEPPENWOLF411]

Wished you'd make a video on how to install your profile.

[@kurtus4589]

Fantastic. Works great in Arma3 also.

[@Spudknocker]

I am glad you like it!

[@filakyle3663]

Please, how shall i set up X axe ( moving side to side) while i am looking back? (at your six a clock)? I look back and at some planes with obscured view behind me, i need to slide my head side to side to see behind my obsticle cabin. Like in F4U Corsair where cannopy is obscuring my view to see behind me. So i need to slide my head a bit. But than my tracking gets confused. I for example yaw my head left to see behind, than i need slide my head right to see around canopy but it will slide my head in oposite direction. I have no idea how to fix this. I would be gratefull on any info how tracking works in this particular problem. I searched internet but never i came across answer to this. And thank you for great video.

[@pito2531]

Hello i would like to know one question only . How to turn on and off Trackir in DCS ?

[@mozartgraubart7415]

spud youre a legend

[@Spudknocker]

Thanks man!

[@D001lz]

Good video thanks.

[@markmaynard6551]

Thanks SpudKnocker for your Track IR tips. New England resident by any chance ?

[@Spudknocker]

Mark Maynard nah San Francisco actually! Haha

[@pabletesoy]

Hello firstly, thanks you for the video. After I finish making a movement with my head, there is a kind of delay movement in the camera and it continues to move very smoothly and very little, but it does not stay "bald" in the place ... I do not know if I explain myself. ..Thanks!

[@piston_77]

hey! i downloaded your profile from the forums and I found the roll axis so crazy! I could not even move to the right (yaw) or left without rolling the camera all around. Is that normal in your profile or just that it is not compatible with latest version of trackir5? thanks

[@agtjamesb007]

Can you look and use the cursor to click at the same time or do you still need to switch between the two?

[@yogesh234rathod]

Hey how do you add saturation in TackIR5? I made my profile but when I look at some gauges it keeps moving from that place n gives me a headache everytime to read any gauge. How to stop that small motion?

[@michaelkuhn402]

I recommend all of what was said hear BUT IN Addition instead of looking at your screen I bought the AVEGANT GLYPH goggles you can get them for about $100 bucks on the internet. I use the trackir pro clip on the side of the goggles. the goggles plug into the HDMI output on your PC and you are in a VR world. There are great games that aren't VR that with this setup you make the VR world a little. The avegants are Really clear and perfect.

[@linaleahgarcia1516]

This is a great video!!! The part I'm having trouble with is picking a good trackir. Any recommendations?

[@battlevi2927]

Hahaha I need help to, maybe imma go for trackir5

[@user-vx8sz6bd6m]

Thank you very much! Friend

[@Spudknocker]

no problem!

[@unusualbydefault]

tbh, I deactivate head roll, since I do it naturally, which fucks with me big time. for example, when I'm banking to the right, I automatically roll my head to the left. having roll activated just messes with my mind, since I dont need to tilt my head anymore but when I stop tilting, I need to tilt again ^^ However, I do think Im going to allow it at least slightly, because it helps when looking backwards and up

[@Spudknocker]

Unusual ByDefault for sure, one solution won’t work for everyone

[@unusualbydefault]

oh sorry mate, I didnt mean to discredit you or something, great vid! I was rather wondering why so many people seem to have no issue with this.

[@Spudknocker]

Unusual ByDefault you are totally fine I think it’s just a case of different strokes for different folks, I said in my video and it’s true that for me personally I need it to be extra smooth or it gives me a headache lol!

[@unusualbydefault]

I'm feeling you, may I ask, do you feel any slight input lag? it's hard for me to find the balance between smooth and responsive. I rather lean on the smooth side, but I still need to find a proper config, opentrack is not doing a great job in explaining things ^^

[@3CODKing]

How is the middle green dot of your trackclip in the center of the motion box? I tried both the trackclip and trackclip pro but both are not center as the trackclip is above the x-axis and the trackclip pro is off to the left of the y-axis.

[@FordEntertainmentGroupFEG]

Track IR or VR for DCS 2.5? Just jumping in...any advice would be appreciated.

[@Spudknocker]

Up to you! I personally am waiting for the next gen of VR headsets because I really hate the Screen door effect, but some swear by VR and can't do anything else, its all down the personal preference. No wrong way to enjoy a game!

[@zeph6182]

Wish we could customize the limit. Currently it just limits it to 180 degrees but limiting it to 170 or 90 degrees in some axis would help a lot, currently it only lets you customize the rate.

[@OriginalThisAndThat]

Smoothness works with clip or only with pro clip as mentioned in the icon?

[@TheHornet-tt6lc]

how can i use the profile where do i have to put the file?

[@tricked137]

Hey. Where to put the profiles-files? When i create a new profile in the software, it seems not saved anywhere. In the TrackIR5/Profiles folder, i have put in 2 profile files, one from you and one from another. Your profile is shown as a template in the software but not as a profile. And the other one still dosnt appear...

[@911kazanova]

Whats you Pc specs ?

[@hba8103]

How far away is your camera from your head? I use triple monitors in an 80/20 rig. My monitors are only 20” away from my face. I have trouble looking at switches.