Leap Motion - Current Efficiency?

[cobraj]

Anyone working on DCS interface with LEAP and Oculus?

[jimh20]

Hi Guys,
Still on the subject of using the Leap, I'm all new of course and using the mouse. I'm finding it disconcerting that the cursor appears to be about half an inch above its target and I'll have to improve my accuracy and get accustomed to this situation.

Is it the same while using the leap? Does your virtual finger operate a switch while hovering well above?

Thanks, Jim

[Sharkku]

No, the switch is operated by touching it directly.

[jimh20]

Hi Sharkku,

Thanks for replying. I get fed up with the mouse cursor disappearing. Would you recommend the Leap at this stage of its development?
I understand it has still room for improvement.

Jim

[Sharkku]

To me, it works satisfactorily. The biggest problem is when real world objects get in the way, i.e. occupies the same space as the virtual switch I want to flick. Rotary knobs and multi-function knobs are a little tricky as well. But the Orion update really made it usable. I use a HOTAS Warthog in conjunction with the Leap, and that works pretty well. In the Extra 300 I have had trouble when the virtual throttle and my real throttle occupies the same space, causing a conflict between the two inputs. Here I would really like to be able to disable Leap throttle control. But it's a minor annoyance.
On the upside, you get to practice finding all switches in their real positions, reaching for them like you would in real life. This is a MAJOR plus. And you don't need to fiddle with different binding configurations for different aircraft. On the downside, you can't learn to fly "by feel", or finding switches by touch.
I guess if you are a really harcore simmer, it's not quite reliable enough yet, but if you are medium hardcore like me, it's good enough.

But in the end, you have to consider that it's FREAKING AWESOMELY COOL to be able to touch and manipulate virtual objects with your hands. I never regretted purchasing the Leap one second after the Orion update. And I really miss Leap functionality when I fly DCS, constantly forgetting myself and reaching out in the air. Dan is also working on improvements to the interactions, hopefully releasing in the not too distant future.

I guess you can say, I recommend it despite its shortcomings and imperfections.

[jimh20]

Thanks for the assessment, Sharkku. I'm tempted to just take the plunge and get one. I've got lots of questions if you wouldn't mind?
1. Is it shipped from EU? I went as far as the checkout. It charges in Euros and seems to have free shipping. I don't like customs fees!
2. Is it straightforward to install? It does state something about requiring three USB 3.0 ports?
3. Can it be easily disabled if I don't want to use it for a flight?
4. Leap Motion hardware is produced by a team of six but Dan seems to be heavily involved with its development. Am I right in thinking that Leap Motion itself is not directly aimed at Flight Sims.

Sorry about all the stupid questions. If I do order, can I apologise in advance for asking more questions?

I'll wait for an update from you before finally deciding.

Thanks for your help, Jim

[Sharkku]

No questions are stupid! It's only stupid to be silent, pretend that you know, and remain ignorant.

1. I don't know actually, but I think it does. I didn't have to pay a customs fee here in Sweden anyway.

2. Very straightforward to install. A little trickier to calibrate, but if you have a mirror and follow the instructions it's rather easy. Only need a single usb 2-port.

3. It can be easily disabled with the press of a button, bindable in FlyInside settings. Or just yank the cord.

4. You are correct that Leap isn't aimed directly at Flight Sims, or even designed with VR in mind from the start. That's one of the things that changed with the Orion software, now it's tailored to be fitted on an HMD. And it just happens to be a perfect use case with sims, but Dan is not directly involved in the Leap team as far as I know. He is just very dedicated to make it work well with FlyInside!

[Muso-Ka]

I ordered from Portugal and pay customs duty . I think this information you can check on your country's custom .

[jimh20]

I've just ordered the Leap. I'll report back on Delivery.

Edit: Dispatch is from California, and UK duty-free limit is £15, so I expect to pay duty!

Thanks for your help, Jim

[jimh20]

Hi,
The Leap finally came by deutsch post to UK with no Customs demand. I've got it connected but so far I've found it impossible to "paint the window".
I can't seem to be able to stop the blue dot from disappearing, and so discontinuing the paint and losing my score. I haven't been able to get past 60. It's very disheartening!
Anyone have any good advice?

Jim