Set up TrackIR 5 software, camera, TrackClip Pro and profiles for MSFS, DCS, X-Plane, P3D and FSX, with fixes for jitter and detection.
To set up TrackIR 5 for a flight simulator, install the TrackIR software on a Windows PC, mount and aim the camera, select the TrackClip or TrackClip Pro, verify that all three markers remain visible, bind centre and pause, tune the movement curves, then run TrackIR before launching the simulator.
This is a general setup for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 on PC, DCS World, X-Plane, Prepar3D and FSX. TrackIR 5—sometimes written Track IR 5—is not a supported controller on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 or PS5 Pro.
What TrackIR 5 software is required?
TrackIR 5 requires the manufacturer-supplied Windows application and camera driver, and the application must remain running while you fly. The camera is not a normal webcam or joystick device: the software interprets its optical data, applies your profile and passes head movement to compatible simulators.
Install the TrackIR 5 package before configuring the simulator, connect the camera to a dependable USB port and use the application's game-update function to refresh its list of supported titles. If the camera disconnects intermittently, test it without an unpowered hub before changing any tracking settings.
The TrackIR software also stores movement curves, smoothing, target selection, simulator associations and hotkeys. A profile file changes those settings; it does not replace the application or driver.
Do I need TrackClip Pro for TrackIR 5?
No: the standard passive TrackClip and the powered TrackClip Pro both work with the same TrackIR 5 camera and software. The phrase TrackIR 5 Pro normally describes a bundle containing the camera and TrackClip Pro, not a faster or more capable version of the camera.
| Tracking target | How it works | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| Standard TrackClip | Three passive reflectors fitted to a cap brim; no target cable is required | You are comfortable wearing a cap and want the simplest arrangement |
| TrackClip Pro | Three active infrared emitters mounted on a headset and powered by USB | You normally wear a headset or do not want to use a cap |
The TrackClip Pro's USB lead powers its emitters; tracking still takes place through the separate TrackIR camera. Neither target can compensate for poor camera aim, blocked markers or strong sunlight shining into the sensor.
TrackIR 5 setup step by step
- Install and open the TrackIR software. Use the package intended for TrackIR 5 rather than a generic camera driver. Confirm that the application recognises the camera before opening a simulator.
- Mount the camera for your flying position. The top edge of the main display is usually the best starting point. Aim the sensor at the tracking target while sitting at your normal height and distance, not at the geometric centre of the whole desk. With an ultrawide or triple-screen cockpit, align it with your head position; our guide to monitor positioning and cockpit views explains the wider display geometry.
- Select the correct tracking target. Choose the passive TrackClip or TrackClip Pro in the software to match the hardware you are wearing. Selecting the wrong target pattern commonly causes missing, reversed or erratic movement.
- Inspect the camera view. The sensor should show three distinct intended markers and no competing infrared blobs. Turn towards each side window, look up and down, and lean as far as you normally would in the cockpit. Correct the camera angle if markers merge, disappear or leave the frame.
- Remove unwanted infrared sources. Shade direct sunlight, move reflective objects and test nearby lamps if the camera sees extra points. Glasses are not automatically a problem, but a strong reflection from them can become a false target.
- Set the neutral position. Sit naturally, look straight ahead and press the TrackIR centre command. Repeat this whenever you move the chair, camera, cap, headset or tracking clip.
- Bind centre and pause. Assign both functions to controls you can reach without releasing the stick, yoke or throttle. Check the simulator for duplicate assignments because TrackIR's function-key hotkeys may already control views, avionics or other systems. Precision mode is optional rather than essential.
- Start with a conservative six-axis profile. Enable yaw, pitch, roll, X, Y and Z, then adjust one axis at a time. Begin with a supplied smooth or default profile rather than editing global speed, smoothing and every curve together.
- Associate the profile with the simulator. Select the intended title in the TrackIR software so the correct profile loads automatically. If no association is made, the application may use its general default profile.
- Launch in the correct order. Leave TrackIR open and actively tracking, then start the simulator. Enter a 3D cockpit, reset the simulator's base cockpit view if necessary, centre TrackIR again and test the full viewing range.
What TrackIR 5 settings work best for flight simulation?
The best TrackIR 5 profile uses a gentle response around the centre, progressively faster rotation towards the edges and only enough smoothing to remove visible tremor. A mistake we see constantly is tuning movement curves before the camera can hold all three markers reliably.
| Setting | Useful starting point | Change it when |
|---|---|---|
| Yaw | Moderate progressive curve with a shallow centre response | Raise the outer points if you cannot check a wing or look behind while keeping the screen in view |
| Pitch | Slightly less sensitive than yaw | Raise it for overhead panels; reduce the centre response if instrument scanning is unsteady |
| Roll | Low sensitivity | Increase it for aerobatic or combat flying; excessive roll often feels unnatural in airliners |
| X and Y | Low to moderate translation | Increase them to lean around canopy frames, glareshields or window pillars |
| Z | Low sensitivity with a controlled outer curve | Increase it for limited forward leaning; reduce it if small posture changes move the panel excessively |
| Smoothing | Only enough to suppress visible jitter | Raise it slightly for tremor; lower it if the cockpit view trails behind your head |
| Speed | Keep the overall multiplier near its starting value while tuning axes | Change it only after individual curves behave consistently |
| TrueView | Enabled for normal six-degree-of-freedom cockpit use | Temporarily disable it only when diagnosing unexpected translation during head rotation |
A large flat dead zone can make instruments easier to read, but it also causes the view to stick and then jump. We prefer a shallow central response. Remember that Z translation moves the virtual eyepoint forwards and backwards; it is not a substitute for the simulator's optical zoom or field-of-view control.
How do I set up TrackIR 5 in DCS World?
DCS World should recognise TrackIR as a dedicated head-tracking device when the TrackIR application is running and its supported-title list is up to date. Start TrackIR first, enter a six-degree-of-freedom cockpit and centre from your normal combat seating position.
DCS often benefits from a stronger outer yaw curve than an airliner simulator because checking six o'clock must be possible without turning away from the monitor. Translation can also be more useful for leaning around canopy frames and gunsights. Our ready-made DCS World TrackIR 5 profile provides a restrained baseline that can be adapted to your monitor size and seating distance.
Do not recreate head rotation as joystick axes. DCS's TrackIR integration supplies the view data directly; duplicated mouse-look, snap-view or analogue camera commands can make the view fight the tracker.
What changes for Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Prepar3D and FSX?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024
The Windows PC editions of MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 can use TrackIR, but the tracker should be running before the simulator starts. If the cockpit remains fixed, check the TrackIR switch in the simulator's camera interface and centre again after the aircraft has loaded.
TrackIR centre defines your physical neutral position, while the simulator's reset-cockpit-view command restores its base pilot viewpoint. Using both in that order avoids compensating for a displaced simulator camera by sitting crooked. Our MSFS head- and eye-tracking setup covers its camera controls, launch order and simulator-specific detection checks.
X-Plane, Prepar3D and FSX
These simulators generally receive TrackIR through their camera integration rather than ordinary controller assignments. Test inside a 3D cockpit because 2D panels, certain external views and some aircraft cameras may ignore or restrict translational movement.
Prepar3D users should also check for camera add-ons or view utilities attempting to control the same eyepoint. Our Prepar3D v5 TrackIR configuration steps cover that simulator's specific setup and conflicts.
Do TrackIR axes need simulator control assignments?
No: native TrackIR support passes yaw, pitch, roll and translation through the simulator's head-tracking or camera interface. Do not bind those movements again as joystick axes unless a particular unsupported application explicitly requires a different method.
Duplicate view controls can cause snapping, movement that works only while a button is held, or a camera that fights your head position. Tune the TrackIR curves first and keep any simulator-side tracking multipliers and smoothing near neutral until the optical tracking is stable.
Why is TrackIR jittering, jumping or losing position?
TrackIR jitter and sudden jumps usually come from false infrared targets, marker occlusion or excessive sensitivity rather than the flight simulator itself.
- Constant fine vibration: Check the camera view for unwanted light, then soften the centre of the affected curve and add a small amount of smoothing. Maximum smoothing hides symptoms but creates noticeable delay.
- Tracking fails only when looking sideways or upwards: One marker is probably being hidden or leaving the sensor's field of view. Re-aim or reposition the camera and target; software smoothing cannot repair lost optical data.
- The view suddenly flips or jumps: Two markers may be merging, or the wrong TrackClip type may be selected. Confirm the target setting and watch the camera view while reproducing the movement.
- The viewpoint appears to creep: TrackIR does not normally accumulate gyro-style drift. The usual causes are changed posture, a shifted clip or a reflection being mistaken for a marker. Fix the optical cause and centre again.
- Movement feels delayed or heavy: Reduce TrackIR smoothing and disable excessive simulator-side camera smoothing. Applying both makes the source of the lag difficult to identify.
- One direction is reversed: Correct that axis once in the TrackIR profile. Do not invert it again in the simulator, which can create inconsistent behaviour between aircraft or views.
- The camera freezes or disconnects: Try a direct motherboard USB port, remove an unpowered hub and disable USB power saving for the affected connection if necessary.
Why does TrackIR work in its software but not in the simulator?
If the head model moves correctly in the TrackIR application but the cockpit remains fixed, the camera and basic optical setup are working; the failure is usually game recognition, launch order, a disabled tracking switch or conflicting software.
- Check the tracking state. Make sure TrackIR is not paused and leave its application open.
- Restart in order. Close the simulator, open TrackIR first and then relaunch the simulator.
- Refresh supported games. Run the TrackIR application's game-update function, then restart both programs.
- Verify the profile association. Confirm that the simulator is loading the intended profile rather than an unsuitable default.
- Check the simulator's camera options. Enable head tracking where the simulator provides a switch, and test from a supported 3D cockpit view.
- Remove competing inputs. Close other head-tracking or camera-control applications and temporarily clear duplicate view commands.
- Match permission levels. Avoid running one application as administrator and the other normally, especially when tracking works but hotkeys do not.