Hi everybody......anybody knows if a head-movement mouse exists in Linux ? In Windows I have been using the "Smartnav" made by Naturalpoint but it has two big problems : it is not made anymore and is Windows only. I thought of using Wine or Winboat, but have not tried it yet. Thanks
I know very little about this, but what about a webcam based function using eViacam? This has good support on GnuLinux.
This is based on other commentary - but hopefully a heading that can help you find a much better direction.
I think using WinBoat or WINE for that function would be spotty.
" LinuxTrack is a cross-platform head tracking software that supports NaturalPoint's SmartNav hardware on GNU/Linux, enabling head-operated mouse control similar to the Windows version. It provides 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) tracking and integrates with applications like flight simulators and games.
- Key Features :
- Supports SmartNav and TrackIR devices via dedicated drivers.
- Offers a master-slave architecture for multi-application tracking.
- Includes real-time visualization, calibration, and configuration via a Qt-based GUI.
- Uses a modular driver system and supports webcams, PS3Eye cameras, and other input devices.
- Setup Requirements :
- Requires compiling from source using GNU Autotools , Qt , OpenCV , and libusb-1.0 .
- Available on GitHub: uglyDwarf/linuxtrack.
- Official Linux drivers for SmartNav are not available from NaturalPoint, but community-driven support exists through LinuxTrack.
- Alternative Options for Linux :
- Smyle Mouse : Uses a webcam for head tracking, supports Linux, and offers a free trial.
- eViacam : Free, open-source software that uses a webcam for head tracking (no hardware required).
- CameraMouse : Another free software solution using a webcam.
- PhilNav : A DIY infrared head mouse built with a Raspberry Pi and NoIR camera, offering high frame rates and precision.
While NaturalPoint no longer produces SmartNav , LinuxTrack enables continued use of the hardware on GNU/Linux with proper setup. For new users, Smyle Mouse or eViacam are recommended as accessible, actively maintained alternatives.
AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts."
Did You connect it with a Machine with Linux on it and looked what happened?
Thank you all for the suggestions - will probably start with Winboat....apart from Smartnav I also have a couple of programs that are critical for me. Will keep you posted. Also, if there are any other users who use the computer hands-free and want to share, feel free to contact me.
I am back again and I have not concluded anything. Linuxtrack looks promising but (if I understood right) the user has to collect the files and then compile them.....why ? Isn't it much easier the whole thing is complete and is just installed ? I may sound silly but I have been using Windows since Win98 so I am a bit lost. I am also working without use of a mouse.
Hi, unfortunately, a lot of stuff has to be done via the terminal, especially for unique pieces of hardware that will have required hours of reverse-engineering to get such devices to work.
I would take a look here:
and refer to any other links within that page.
Sorry, but I can't resist. The title reminded me of a favorite cartoon.
(Extra credit for anyone that notices the mistake.)
The mistake is Bud is riding the prototype of Steve Zodiac's Jetmobile (not a mouse), which doesn't have a PS/2 connection!
I remember that series! OK, 5 points for coolness and creativity. But the mistake is actually that the PDP-11 was a minicomputer, not a mainframe.
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PDP11's were still large.
A mainframe would have been much bigger:
Mini computers were still beasts. I did my work experience at a car dealership and their mini computer with tape reader was about the same size as the PDP 11 but one big block equivalent of those 4 units together in the top photo.
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This is awesome computer history.
And amusing.
But I bet the O.P. would like responses on his issue. 
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Perhaps from the first diversion should be split to computer humour thread. I have posted the link to the GitHub page. I would be curious to know if PCLOS community members would be able to write a script for such as this. They did write some scripts for me when there were some applications I could not install but drivers might be a different issue.
They could... But they fit in to the topic here and moving them makes them kind of "Random"...
I think that the tangent is brief matters.
The O.P. @Oggie can request they be moved if needed.
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