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
Vive Ultimate Trackers

Vive Trackers

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

Vive Pro Headset (even if unused, SteamVR requires it to be connected)
Vive Trackers (paired via dongles or directly with the headset)
Base Stations (for tracking)
USB Dongles ( when using multiple trackers )

B. Position the Base Stations

Mount at least two base stations (2.0 recommended) above head height at opposite corners of your space, at a maximum of 5 meters apart.
Ensure they are powered and have a clear view of the area.

2. Install & Launch SteamVR

Install Steam and SteamVR if not already installed.
Connect the Vive Pro headset to ensure SteamVR initializes correctly.

3. Pair the Vive Trackers

Turn on each tracker by pressing the power button until the light turns blue.
Open SteamVR and go to Devices > Pair Controller (works for Trackers too).
Select "Vive Tracker" and follow the instructions.
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.
Once paired, the tracker’s LED will turn green.

4. Configure the Trackers in SteamVR

Open SteamVR > Devices > Manage Vive Trackers
Set each tracker's role (e.g., “Held in Hand” or “Disabled” if using it just for positional data).
If needed, attach them to an object or a strap (e.g., for body tracking). This can be done with a camera-mount, ¼-inch screw size.

5. Use in TouchDesigner

Open TouchDesigner and use the OpenVR CHOP and set it to 'trackers' to read positional and rotational data.
Trackers send position (XYZ) and rotation (quaternion or Euler angles).
You can map this data to visuals, interactive elements, or other media.

6. Use in other software

Use GazeboOsc to pick up the Tracker signals & send them to other software (e.g. Isadora) that can handle OSC.

Troubleshooting

Check if the tracker has a uninterrupted line of vision with the base stations & headset.
If a tracker is not detected, reset it by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
Ensure no reflective surfaces interfere with the base stations.
Restart SteamVR if tracking is unstable.

Vive Ultimate Trackers

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

Install & Open the Vive Wireless Hub Software
- Download & install Vive Hub from HTC’s official site.
- Launch Vive Hub on your PC.
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.
Tracker Mapping
- click on Tracker setup & follow the steps on screen>

3. Open SteamVR

Once trackers are mapped in Vive Hub, launch SteamVR.
SteamVR should now detect the Ultimate Trackers automatically.
You can check and adjust tracking roles under Devices > Manage Vive Trackers in SteamVR.

4. Use in TouchDesigner

Open TouchDesigner and use the OpenVrChop & set it to Trackers to receive position & rotation data.
Map the data to visuals, interactions, or animations as needed.

5. Use in other software

Use GazeboOsc to pick up the Tracker signals & send them to other software (e.g. Isadora) that can handle OSC.

Troubleshooting

If SteamVR doesn’t detect trackers, temporarily turn on the headset or restart SteamVR and Vive Hub.
Ensure the tracker is properly mapped in Vive Hub before launching SteamVR.
Reset a tracker by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
When tracking is lost, return it to the zero point of the callibration
Since the Ultimate Tracker uses inside-out tracking, ensure there are enough visual markers and light in the environment for stable tracking. Dark furniture may cause tracking issues.