Requirements

To use AprilTagTrackers, you will need a VR ready pc, some sort of camera (a phone also works), and some handmade trackers.

To use as full body tracking in VR games such as VRChat, you will also need a VR headset. In case you want to use this as a vive tracker alternative for other purposes, it should be possible to get this working even without a headset.

PC Requirements

AprilTag Trackers program runs on CPU and uses one whole thread to work. This means that on modern cpus that support 8+ threads, running it shouldn't cause any performance problems. On older cpus with only 4 threads, however, running it alongside VR might slow things down a bit.

Camera

You can use a webcam or your phone. If you are using a phone you will also need an app that captures video and sends it to your computer, there are some apps listed in Phone software list. If you decided to use a webcam, you can check more details in Webcams.

The most important part of the camera you use is that it supports manual exposure control! Without this feature, the camera will have too much motion blur and tracking will fail whenever you move. Most modern android phones and webcams should support this, but I suggest you check it per the instructions in Connecting a camera.

Tracker Frame

You need to make a tracker frame for each tracked point. If you only want to track your legs, you will need to make 2, one for each leg. (Note that, for VRChat, you still need some sort of hip tracker, such as OwOtrack.) If you want to track legs and hips, you will need 3 trackers.

You need to make sturdy tracker frame that does not bend and stays at a fixed angle relative to each other.

• The most basic way to make tracker frame is to use some cardboard and hot glue. More detailed steps on how to make one are in Cardboard tracker, but you are free to make it however you want.
• Another way is to 3D print the frame, some examples are in 3D printed tracker.
• You can use whatever other materials you want though, there were even some trackers made out of lego.

Usually the hip tracker is a little bit tricky to make, since it has to be rigid, which can be uncomfortable, especially if you want to make it track for 360°. In that case, using OwOtrack usually performs better.

For inspiration on how others have made their trackers you can check #user-examples channel in Discord.

Markers

On each tracker there are multiple markers. How many depends on how well you want them to track, if you have markers only in the front, they will not be seen when turning around and you will lose tracking.

It is suggested that you first make the basic 180° setup to get a feel for the software, and upgrade to 360° later.