Communication Settings

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Communication Settings

This guide explains the different protocols LookPilot uses to communicate tracking data to games, and how to configure them for your system.

What are Communication Protocols?

Communication protocols are the methods LookPilot uses to send your head tracking data to games. Different games support different protocols, so choosing the right one is essential for compatibility.

Available Protocols

Windows Protocols

FreeTrack (Recommended)

  • Best for: Most modern games with head tracking support
  • How it works: Uses shared memory to communicate with games that support the FreeTrack standard
  • Setup required: None - works automatically with compatible games
  • Games: War Thunder, DCS World, Arma 3, Elite Dangerous, and many others

SimConnect

  • Best for: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024 (only if FreeTrack doesn't work)
  • How it works: Directly communicates with MSFS through the SimConnect API
  • Setup required: None - automatically integrates with MSFS
  • Games: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
  • Note: Try FreeTrack first - MSFS supports FreeTrack and it usually works better

UDP

  • Best for: Custom applications or games requiring manual network configuration
  • How it works: Sends tracking data over UDP network protocol
  • Setup required: Configure IP address and port
  • Configuration:
    • IP Address: Target application's IP (127.0.0.1 for local)
    • Port: Target application's port (varies by application)

OpenTrack

  • Best for: Integration with OpenTrack software
  • How it works: Sends UDP data in OpenTrack format to localhost:4242
  • Setup required: Configure OpenTrack to receive UDP input
  • Configuration: Automatically uses 127.0.0.1:4242 (not configurable)

Linux Protocols

FreeTrack (Proton) (Recommended)

  • Best for: Windows games running through Steam Proton
  • How it works: Runs FreeTrack protocol inside the Proton environment
  • Setup required: Configure Steam installation and target game
  • Configuration:
    • Steam Installation: Select your Steam installation directory
    • Game: Choose the specific game to run tracking for
  • Requirements:
    • Game must be in your Steam library
    • Game must have been launched at least once to create Proton prefix

SimConnect (Proton)

  • Best for: Microsoft Flight Simulator running through Proton (only if FreeTrack doesn't work)
  • How it works: Runs SimConnect protocol inside the Proton environment
  • Setup required: Same as FreeTrack (Proton)
  • Configuration: Same Steam and game selection as FreeTrack (Proton)
  • Note: Try FreeTrack (Proton) first - MSFS supports FreeTrack and it usually works better

UDP

  • Best for: Native Linux games or applications
  • How it works: Same as Windows UDP protocol
  • Setup required: Configure IP address and port for target application

OpenTrack

  • Best for: Native Linux OpenTrack installations
  • How it works: Same as Windows OpenTrack protocol
  • Setup required: Configure OpenTrack to receive UDP input

Configuration Details

Proton Protocol Setup (Linux Only)

When using FreeTrack (Proton) or SimConnect (Proton):

  1. Steam Installation Selection:

    • LookPilot automatically detects common Steam installation locations
    • If your Steam is in a custom location, you may need to browse for it
    • Common locations: ~/.steam, ~/.local/share/Steam

  2. Game Selection:

    • Only games in your Steam library that have been launched at least once will appear
    • The game must have a valid Proton prefix (created when first launched)
    • If a game doesn't appear, try launching it through Steam first

  3. How it Works:

    • LookPilot copies the tracking protocol into the game's Proton prefix
    • The protocol runs inside the Windows compatibility layer
    • Games see it as a native Windows head tracking solution

UDP Protocol Setup

When using UDP protocol:

  1. IP Address Configuration:

    • 127.0.0.1 (localhost): For applications running on the same computer
    • Other IP addresses: For applications on other computers (network play)
    • Format: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (standard IPv4 format)

  2. Port Configuration:

    • Must match the port your target application is listening on
    • Common ports: 4242 (OpenTrack), 5000-6000 (custom applications)
    • Valid range: 1-65535

  3. Data Format:

    • LookPilot sends JSON-formatted tracking data
    • Includes head position (x, y, z) and rotation (yaw, pitch, roll)
    • Eye tracking data included if enabled

Protocol Selection Guide

For Windows Users

Game/Application Recommended Protocol Alternative
War Thunder FreeTrack UDP
DCS World FreeTrack -
Microsoft Flight Simulator FreeTrack SimConnect
Elite Dangerous FreeTrack -
Arma 3 FreeTrack -
OpenTrack OpenTrack UDP
Custom Applications UDP -

For Linux Users

Game/Application Recommended Protocol Alternative
War Thunder (Proton) FreeTrack (Proton) UDP*
DCS World (Proton) FreeTrack (Proton) -
MSFS (Proton) FreeTrack (Proton) SimConnect (Proton)
Elite Dangerous (Proton) FreeTrack (Proton) -
Native Linux Games UDP -
OpenTrack (Native) OpenTrack UDP

*UDP may work for some Proton games but requires additional network configuration

Troubleshooting

Windows Issues

Game doesn't detect head tracking:

  • Verify the game supports FreeTrack/head tracking
  • Try restarting the game after starting LookPilot tracking
  • Check game settings for head tracking enable options

SimConnect not working with MSFS:

  • Ensure MSFS is fully updated
  • Try restarting both MSFS and LookPilot
  • Check Windows firewall isn't blocking the connection

Linux Issues

Proton protocol fails to start:

  • Ensure the selected game has been launched at least once through Steam
  • Check that Steam is running and logged in
  • Verify the game has a valid Proton prefix in steamapps/compatdata/

Game not appearing in list:

  • Launch the game through Steam first to create Proton prefix
  • Restart LookPilot to refresh the game list
  • Check that the game is actually in your Steam library

Steam installation not detected:

  • Browse manually for your Steam installation folder
  • Ensure Steam is installed in a standard location
  • Check permissions on the Steam directory

General UDP Issues

Connection refused:

  • Verify the target application is running and listening on the specified port
  • Check firewall settings on both sender and receiver
  • Ensure IP address and port are correct

No data received:

  • Confirm LookPilot tracking is started
  • Check that the target application supports the data format
  • Verify network connectivity between devices (if using remote IP)

For game-specific setup instructions, see the individual game setup guides.