Hello Facetrackers, I have finally succeeded getting FacetrackNoIR working (at least I can see my self).
However I have yet to get it working in Prepar3D and that is where I need anyone's help on this forum.
Pls inform me how to go about it.
Thanks in advance and regards
Dirk
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The Prepar3DV4 Flight Simulator has been available for a few days. But unfortunately FreetrackNoIRV2 does not work anymore. With the previous version P3DV3 there were no problems with FreeTrackNoIR. The programs communicate via SimConnect.
My FreeTrackNoIR settings:
Does anyone have a solution or advice for me, please?
regards
CB
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However, the tracker himself works perfectly, he scans my face and follows my head movement. No errors are reportet, no error message ist displayed.
But in the simulator itself nothing moves. It seems that the communication of both programs no longer works. This could be because the new prepar3DV4 now runs on 64-bit. Probably also the newly supplied SimConnect version, which is responsible for the communication, is also 64-Bit.
Or, the new SimConnect version of P3DV4 has a new command set that does not match the old FSX SimConnect. But these are things of which I unfortunately have no knowledge at all. Unfortunately, I am only a scenery designer, the 3-D model can build. But from the programming I have no knowledge.
Compiler and SDK updated to Visual Studio 2015
Scripting capabilities (Scenery/Model/Material)
Added PDK functions to draw primitive objects
Reorganized and updated SDK Documentation and samples
Support for loading managed dll add-ons
Avatar object collision can now be configured
Added temperature value and scripting to materials
Specific cameras can be configured to not output sound when active
Custom materials now supported for runways, taxiways, and aprons
Added PDK service for reporting plugin errors
Added IsSelectableVehicle override to Aircraft and Sim configs allowing vehicle to bypass the category based selection filter
Precipitation rate now exposed through ISimObject, Simulation, and Object variables
Added rope visual effect support to SDK
Added detail texture material scripting support including offset, rotation, blend weight, blend mode, and alpha channel support
The PDK is now accessible through the Panels SDK
Panel API now available through the PDK
Added Environment Force Service to PDK
Added IgnorePostProcess entry to camera definition to disable HDR or FXAA on a per camera basis
Added interfaces to play sounds in xml gauges using Lua
Added second UV channel in model exports and files
Exposed Final Alpha Blend material property to material scripts
Weather information now available through RPN and Lua scripts
Added UV offset property to material scripts and shaders
Update materials to support additional Detail Alpha Flags
Updated Material Scripting to support second UV Channel and new Detail Properties
Friendly names can now be added to control events
Last edit: Christian Bahr 2017-06-06
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Hello HeinoCB Toll, I've been looking around for 2 comments that were made by one or two people using at least FSX SE, and found this one that may or may not help you, as I haven't even tried it on my end.
I have searched a bit on the Prepar3d website and found some interesting information in the SDK section
Unfortunately, I am not sure what to make of this text:
To enable the maximum possible level of backwards compatibility, the SimConnect server in Prepar3D v4 is compatible with 32-bit SimConnect executables of previous versions of Prepar3D, FSX, and ESP. To develop a SimConnect add-on that works with FSX, ESP, and all versions of Prepar3D you would use the SimConnect SDK that was included with FSX. The Prepar3D v4 application is 64-bit and therefore is no longer backwards compatible with 32-bit DLLs of previous versions of Prepar3D, FSX, and ESP.
It states that the server is comaptible and that add-ons should be developed with the FSX SDK (which is the case for FaceTrackNoIR). Don't know what the impact of the last line is though...
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I will send an e-mail to the Prepar3d developers, to see if they can help us with that. Maybe the SimConnect interface will only work cross-network, if the client uses the FSX SDK.
They would not have mentioned compatibility, if there is none...
I'll be back!
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I do think the forum is the right place to get help :). I have replied to the post you linked.
Actually I think that only specific Prepar3D add-ons must be 64-bit. Which is logical, because a 64-bit application cannot load 32-bit DLL's. FaceTrackNoIR is not an add-on, but a separate executable.
IMO it should be possible to connect a 32-bit SimConnect client to the 64-bit SimConnect server...
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The forum is quite active, and I am glad with the replies.
The experts say that it should be possible to connect FaceTrackNoIR to Prepar3D, but that it is very important that the correct SimConnect version is installed. Also, the dependencies must be fulfilled. I think that the VC++ 2005 redist used in the PluginPack is OK.
The SimConnect version that was used in the FaceTrackNoIR plugin is the one you can find in the files section
I hope this works...
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Have tried it as described by you, but it has unfortunately not helped.
Neither the SimConnect version from the link nor the VC2005 version from the PlugInPack have led to success. Personally, I have now come to a point where all my pleasure has gone by, to continue to deal with the subject - because I have been spending a lot of time with the help and because I am constantly busy just following the different instructions - This simply costs a lot of nerves and always ends with the same result: the HeadTracker does not work with P3DV4. It just is not fun anymore.
Such statements as in the P3D forum, such as "... it should work ... depending on the dependency ...", bring me no further. Am very curious if there ever will be a solution for this problem ...
For a normal user, as I am, these technical mentions are very confusing (Simconnnect.LIB, VC ++ 2005, C ++, C #, .NET). It would be better, for example, if there was an accurate guide. How to create these "dependencies":
Install Freetrack and the PlugInPack
Install Simconnect (which version?)
Install VC ++ 2005, NetFramework (which version?)
Etc.
By the way: the colleagues of OpenTrack have the same problems - their tracker also does not work with P3DV4!
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I understand your frustration and sorry if my directions were not clear enough.
It now seems to me, that Prepar3D V4 should be compatible with older versions, but that the devs may have overseen something, which causes the failure.
I will try to find out how we can solve this and then I report back to you. I do hope you are willing to test the communcation later on, since I have no license for Prepar3D ...
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Yes, with the testing I can assure you. Also because I know that there are more users with which FaceTrackNoIR no longer works. These people would also be helped. In the meantime, I had already become familiar with the idea of switching to the commercial TrackIR. But I agree with your offer. What exactly is expected of me at the test and how long will it last. So what time do I have to reckon with?
The Simconnect conflict might be from an incorrectly assigned SimConnect version from the FSX SP1 SDK. At that time, the DLL files partially no longer worked in the FSX SP2 / AccPack version. The best thing will be to take the SimConnect version from the SP2 / Accpack SDK because it is most widely developed. The knowledge about it is based only on "kitchen knowledge", so no expert knowledge ;-)
EDIT: Have my account updated, please call me Christian
Last edit: Christian Bahr 2017-06-12
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Yes I have. In the meantime I have tried almost all possible variations, settings, instructions, Simconnect version etc. Everything without success. I use the FaceTracker, not the JoyStick.
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It has succeeded, FaceTrackNoIR works again. Finally!
After more than two weeks, due to an unsupported SimConnect version of P3DV4, the developer has finally solved the problem to the full satisfaction. Wim gave me today a newly compiled version of his "FTNoIR_Protocol_SCSP2" version. And immediately FT went back, as if nothing had happened.
Here was done very good work and this is absolutely top!
I am very happy that I can use my flight simulator again as I could do it years ago - I can move freely in the cockpit again. Wim, many warm thanks for your tireless efforts! These are really good news about which many of its users will be happy - me included :-)
Best regards
Christian
Last edit: Christian Bahr 2017-06-22
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This is GREAT News! Thanks Wim for your success in getting that SimConnect to communicate with FaceTrackNoIR, or is it the other way around, I'm glad you got FaceTrackNoIR to communicate with that SimConnect!
Scott
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Hello Facetrackers, I have finally succeeded getting FacetrackNoIR working (at least I can see my self).
However I have yet to get it working in Prepar3D and that is where I need anyone's help on this forum.
Pls inform me how to go about it.
Thanks in advance and regards
Dirk
Are you using the SimConnect protocol? whoops, nevermind, I think Wim may have given you some direction as to how to go about doing it.
Scott
Hello!
The Prepar3DV4 Flight Simulator has been available for a few days. But unfortunately FreetrackNoIRV2 does not work anymore. With the previous version P3DV3 there were no problems with FreeTrackNoIR. The programs communicate via SimConnect.
My FreeTrackNoIR settings:
Does anyone have a solution or advice for me, please?
regards
CB
Hello Heino,
If you start FaceTrackNoIR, do you get any messages? The tracker does work?
The picture doesn't show it, because you haven't pressed start...
Hello Wim.
Thanks for your quick reply.
However, the tracker himself works perfectly, he scans my face and follows my head movement. No errors are reportet, no error message ist displayed.
But in the simulator itself nothing moves. It seems that the communication of both programs no longer works. This could be because the new prepar3DV4 now runs on 64-bit. Probably also the newly supplied SimConnect version, which is responsible for the communication, is also 64-Bit.
Or, the new SimConnect version of P3DV4 has a new command set that does not match the old FSX SimConnect. But these are things of which I unfortunately have no knowledge at all. Unfortunately, I am only a scenery designer, the 3-D model can build. But from the programming I have no knowledge.
Here is a text excerpt of the P3D page:
SDK and SimConnect http://www.prepar3d.com/latest-news/
Last edit: Christian Bahr 2017-06-06
Hello HeinoCB Toll, I've been looking around for 2 comments that were made by one or two people using at least FSX SE, and found this one that may or may not help you, as I haven't even tried it on my end.
Scott
https://sourceforge.net/p/facetracknoir/discussion/simconnect/thread/69260a43/#22aa
I have searched a bit on the Prepar3d website and found some interesting information in the SDK section
Unfortunately, I am not sure what to make of this text:
It states that the server is comaptible and that add-ons should be developed with the FSX SDK (which is the case for FaceTrackNoIR). Don't know what the impact of the last line is though...
I am.
I will send an e-mail to the Prepar3d developers, to see if they can help us with that. Maybe the SimConnect interface will only work cross-network, if the client uses the FSX SDK.
They would not have mentioned compatibility, if there is none...
I'll be back!
Thanks for your help, I appreciate it very much, Wim.
In the Prepar3D forum I found the following contribution:
http://www.prepar3d.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6310&t=124776
Please note that the DLL file may require 64-bit support. Perhaps this helps us a little further.
Hello Heino,
I do think the forum is the right place to get help :). I have replied to the post you linked.
Actually I think that only specific Prepar3D add-ons must be 64-bit. Which is logical, because a 64-bit application cannot load 32-bit DLL's. FaceTrackNoIR is not an add-on, but a separate executable.
IMO it should be possible to connect a 32-bit SimConnect client to the 64-bit SimConnect server...
Hello Heino,
The forum is quite active, and I am glad with the replies.
The experts say that it should be possible to connect FaceTrackNoIR to Prepar3D, but that it is very important that the correct SimConnect version is installed. Also, the dependencies must be fulfilled. I think that the VC++ 2005 redist used in the PluginPack is OK.
The SimConnect version that was used in the FaceTrackNoIR plugin is the one you can find in the files section
I hope this works...
Hello Wim.
Have tried it as described by you, but it has unfortunately not helped.
Neither the SimConnect version from the link nor the VC2005 version from the PlugInPack have led to success. Personally, I have now come to a point where all my pleasure has gone by, to continue to deal with the subject - because I have been spending a lot of time with the help and because I am constantly busy just following the different instructions - This simply costs a lot of nerves and always ends with the same result: the HeadTracker does not work with P3DV4. It just is not fun anymore.
Such statements as in the P3D forum, such as "... it should work ... depending on the dependency ...", bring me no further. Am very curious if there ever will be a solution for this problem ...
For a normal user, as I am, these technical mentions are very confusing (Simconnnect.LIB, VC ++ 2005, C ++, C #, .NET). It would be better, for example, if there was an accurate guide. How to create these "dependencies":
Etc.
By the way: the colleagues of OpenTrack have the same problems - their tracker also does not work with P3DV4!
Hello Heino,
I understand your frustration and sorry if my directions were not clear enough.
It now seems to me, that Prepar3D V4 should be compatible with older versions, but that the devs may have overseen something, which causes the failure.
I will try to find out how we can solve this and then I report back to you. I do hope you are willing to test the communcation later on, since I have no license for Prepar3D ...
Hi Wim.
Yes, with the testing I can assure you. Also because I know that there are more users with which FaceTrackNoIR no longer works. These people would also be helped. In the meantime, I had already become familiar with the idea of switching to the commercial TrackIR. But I agree with your offer. What exactly is expected of me at the test and how long will it last. So what time do I have to reckon with?
The Simconnect conflict might be from an incorrectly assigned SimConnect version from the FSX SP1 SDK. At that time, the DLL files partially no longer worked in the FSX SP2 / AccPack version. The best thing will be to take the SimConnect version from the SP2 / Accpack SDK because it is most widely developed. The knowledge about it is based only on "kitchen knowledge", so no expert knowledge ;-)
EDIT: Have my account updated, please call me Christian
Last edit: Christian Bahr 2017-06-12
Yes I have. In the meantime I have tried almost all possible variations, settings, instructions, Simconnect version etc. Everything without success. I use the FaceTracker, not the JoyStick.
Do you mean the faceAPI V3.2.6 tracker? Just want to be sure is all.
Scott
Yes, this is correct. The current Version is 3.2.6, see picture:
Last edit: Christian Bahr 2017-06-21
Thanks, I'll go through the whole thread again and see if there is anything we may have missed.
Scott
Hello!
It has succeeded, FaceTrackNoIR works again. Finally!
After more than two weeks, due to an unsupported SimConnect version of P3DV4, the developer has finally solved the problem to the full satisfaction. Wim gave me today a newly compiled version of his "FTNoIR_Protocol_SCSP2" version. And immediately FT went back, as if nothing had happened.
Here was done very good work and this is absolutely top!
I am very happy that I can use my flight simulator again as I could do it years ago - I can move freely in the cockpit again. Wim, many warm thanks for your tireless efforts! These are really good news about which many of its users will be happy - me included :-)
Best regards
Christian
Last edit: Christian Bahr 2017-06-22
This is GREAT News! Thanks Wim for your success in getting that SimConnect to communicate with FaceTrackNoIR, or is it the other way around, I'm glad you got FaceTrackNoIR to communicate with that SimConnect!
Scott
I'm glad we got this fixed: thanks for your help Christian (and Scott :).
I have created an installer for the new protocol, which can now be downloaded from the download page
Can someone confirm if "Windows 7" compatibility for the Prepar3D.exe is really necessary?
Hello Wim.
For me, no compatibility settings are necessary, neither for Win 7 nor for Win 10.
Even my system, Windows 64-Bit Home, FaceTrackNoIR runs completely without compatibility settings, see picture:
Thank you for your great work!
Regards
Christian