Vive Trackers

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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


Revision #3
Created 1 April 2025 09:26:57 by Astrid
Updated 1 April 2025 10:04:17 by Astrid