Vive tracking

Vive Trackers are small motion-tracking devices designed to bring real-world objects into virtual environments. While they are commonly used in VR setups to track body movements or props, they can also function as standalone tracking devices in software like TouchDesigner. Each tracker sends precise position and rotation data, making them useful for interactive installations, motion capture, and experimental media projects. By integrating them into creative software, we can map real-world movement onto digital visuals, audio, or other interactive elements.

Vive Trackers

image.png

What Are Vive Trackers?
Vive Trackers are small motion-tracking devices designed to bring real-world objects into virtual environments. While they are commonly used in VR setups to track body movements or props, they can also function as standalone tracking devices in software like TouchDesigner. Each tracker sends precise position and rotation data, making them useful for interactive installations, motion capture, and experimental media projects. By integrating them into creative software, we can map real-world movement onto digital visuals, audio, or other interactive elements.

Setting Up Vive Trackers with a Vive Pro & SteamVR

To use Vive Trackers standalone (without VR controllers), follow these steps:


1. Hardware Setup

A. Prepare Your Equipment

B. Position the Base Stations


2. Install & Launch SteamVR


3. Pair the Vive Trackers

  1. Turn on each tracker by pressing the power button until the light turns blue.

  2. Open SteamVR and go to Devices > Pair Controller (works for Trackers too).

  3. Select "Vive Tracker" and follow the instructions.

  4. If using a USB dongle, plug it into your PC and ensure the tracker is paired to it.  Place the extension cradles at 45 cm from the computer for stable tracking.

  5. Once paired, the tracker’s LED will turn green.


4. Configure the Trackers in SteamVR


5. Use in TouchDesigner 

6. Use in other software


Troubleshooting

Vive Ultimate Trackers

image.png

What Are Vive Ultimate Trackers?

The Vive Ultimate Tracker is HTC’s next-generation tracking device designed to improve motion tracking in VR and standalone applications. Unlike the regular Vive Tracker, which relies on external base stations, the Ultimate Tracker features inside-out tracking, meaning it uses built-in cameras to track its position without needing external sensors.

This makes the Ultimate Tracker more portable and flexible, as it doesn’t require a dedicated tracking area or base stations.  


Comparison: Ultimate Tracker vs. Regular Vive Tracker

Feature Vive Ultimate Tracker Vive Tracker
Tracking Method Inside-out (built-in cameras) Outside-in (Base Stations), infrared.
Base Stations Needed ❌ No ✅ Yes (Lighthouse)
Connection Type Wi-Fi 6E / USB-C Dongle USB dongle (2.4 GHz)
Battery Life ~7 hours ~7 hours
Size & Weight Slightly smaller & standalone Various sizes depending on the. model (1,2,3) & requires  base station setup
Latency Slightly higher due to processing Lower latency with base stations
Connection Built-In camera's, do not cover. Sometimes loses connection. Calibrates through mapping setup at startup. When connection is lost, move back to the centre point of callibration Base stations, do not cover the tracker for line of sight connection, then stable. 
Zero point connected to headset initial calibration  placement. This can be updated it TD
Best Use Case Portable, flexible tracking without a defined play area High-precision tracking in controlled spaces

When to Use Each?

  • Use the Vive Ultimate Tracker if:

    • You need standalone, flexible tracking without base stations & headset.

    • You’re working in large or dynamic spaces where base stations aren’t practical.

    • In a well-lit enviroment (but not too much direct sunlight)
  • Use the Vive Tracker 3.0 if:

    • You need high-precision tracking with minimal latency.

    • You’re working in a controlled space with base stations.

    • You need compatibility with existing VR setups (e.g., Vive Pro).

    • When working in low-lit spaces.

1. Hardware Setup

A. What You Need

  • Vive Ultimate Tracker(s)

  • Usb -c Hub & extension cradle

  • PC with Vive software installed

  • USB-C Cable (for wired mode, firmware updates & charging)

B. Charging & Powering On

  • Charge the Ultimate Tracker via USB-C before first use.

  • Press the power button until the LED lights up Blue.


2. Connect to Vive Wireless Hub

  1. Install & Open the Vive Wireless Hub Software

    • Download & install Vive Hub from HTC’s official site.

    • Launch Vive Hub on your PC.

  2. Pair the Ultimate Tracker (link for steps on the Vive website)

    • Connect the USBDongle to your computer at least 45 cm away for decent tracking.
    • Open Vive Hub and go to the settings, choose Vive Ultimate Trackers

    • Check for firmware update & do them if necessary (app explains the steps) .

    • Pair New: Follow the on screen instructions to pair each Ultimate Tracker. 

  3. Tracker Mapping

    • click on Tracker setup & follow the steps on screen>
       


3. Open SteamVR


4. Use in TouchDesigner

5. Use in other software


Troubleshooting