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Vive Ultimate Trackers

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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

  • 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.
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