Tundra Tracker
| Tundra Tracker | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | VR Tracker |
| Subtype | Body Tracking, SteamVR Tracker |
| Platform | SteamVR |
| Creator | Tundra Labs |
| Developer | Tundra Labs |
| Manufacturer | Tundra Labs |
| Announcement Date | 2021 |
| Release Date | 2022 |
| Price | ~$95 single, ~$378 (3-pack) |
| Website | https://tundra-labs.com/ |
| Versions | Tundra Tracker |
| Requires | SteamVR Base Station(s), compatible PC VR headset |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | None announced |
| System | |
| Operating System | SteamVR |
| Chipset | TL448K6D-VR (custom) |
| CPU | Embedded |
| GPU | N/A |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A |
| Memory | N/A |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | N/A (tracker) |
| Subpixel Layout | N/A |
| Peak Brightness | N/A |
| Resolution | N/A |
| Pixel Density | N/A |
| Refresh Rate | N/A |
| Persistence | N/A |
| Image | |
| Field of View | N/A |
| Horizontal FoV | N/A |
| Vertical FoV | N/A |
| Average Pixel Density | N/A |
| Peak Pixel Density | N/A |
| Foveated Rendering | N/A |
| Optics | |
| Optics | N/A |
| Ocularity | N/A |
| IPD Range | N/A |
| Adjustable Diopter | N/A |
| Passthrough | N/A |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | SteamVR Tracking 2.0 |
| Tracking Frequency | High-speed |
| Base Stations | Required (SteamVR Base Stations) |
| Eye Tracking | N/A |
| Face Tracking | N/A |
| Hand Tracking | N/A |
| Body Tracking | Yes (with multiple trackers) |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | High-frequency |
| Tracking Volume | Base station dependent |
| Play Space | Room-scale |
| Latency | Low latency |
| Audio | |
| Audio | N/A |
| Microphone | N/A |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | N/A |
| Camera | N/A |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wireless (to Base Stations), USB-C |
| Ports | USB Type-C |
| Wired Video | N/A |
| Wireless Video | N/A |
| WiFi | N/A |
| Bluetooth | N/A |
| Power | 850mAh battery |
| Battery Capacity | 850mAh |
| Battery Life | ~7 hours |
| Charge Time | USB-C charging |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Smallest SteamVR tracker |
| Weight | ~46-50g |
| Material | Compact plastic housing |
| Headstrap | N/A (strap accessories available) |
| Haptics | N/A |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | SteamVR tracking sensors, IMU |
| Input | 1/4"-20 threaded mount |
| Compliance | SteamVR compatible |
The Tundra Tracker is a compact wireless virtual reality tracking puck developed by Tundra Labs, launched via Kickstarter in 2021 and shipping in 2022. Designed as a smaller, lighter, and more affordable alternative to the HTC Vive Tracker, the Tundra Tracker is 60% smaller, weighs 50% less (~46-50g vs ~100g), consumes 50% less power, and offers twice the battery life of competing SteamVR trackers. Powered by Tundra Labs' custom TL448K6D-VR chip, each tracker features an 850mAh battery providing approximately 7 hours of continuous use and a standard 1/4"-20 threaded baseplate for compatibility with common tracker straps and mounts. The Tundra Tracker system includes innovative multi-device dongles that connect multiple trackers through a single USB port, unlike competitors requiring one dongle per tracker—the dongles are also compatible with Vive Trackers and other SteamVR Tracking peripherals. Originally priced at $95 per tracker ($300 for a 3-pack during Kickstarter), component shortages raised retail pricing to approximately $378 for a 3-pack. The Tundra Tracker is compatible with SteamVR Base Station 1.0 and 2.0, targeting full-body tracking for VRChat, motion capture, virtual production, and prop tracking applications where size and weight are critical considerations.
History and Development
Tundra Labs Origins
Company background:
- Founded by Luke Beno
- SteamVR tracking expertise
- Valve collaboration history
- VR hardware focus
Kickstarter Campaign
Crowdfunding:
- 2021 Kickstarter launch
- $300 3-pack pre-order
- Strong backer support
- Development funding
Component Challenges
Manufacturing:
- Global chip shortage
- Price increase required
- Delivery delays
- Production adjustments
2022 Shipping
Commercial availability:
- Backer fulfillment
- Retail availability
- Global distribution
- Community reception
Design Philosophy
Smallest SteamVR Tracker
Size priority:
- 60% smaller than Vive Tracker
- Minimal profile
- Less intrusive
- Body-mount optimized
Lightweight Design
Weight reduction:
- 50% lighter than competitors
- ~46-50g total weight
- Extended comfort
- Reduced fatigue
Power Efficiency
Battery optimization:
- 50% less power consumption
- Smart low-power design
- Sensor optimization
- Extended runtime
Multi-Device Dongle
Innovation:
- Single USB for multiple trackers
- Reduced USB port usage
- Cross-device compatible
- Simplified setup
Physical Specifications
Weight
Mass achievement:
- Production weight: ~46-50g
- Prototype weight: 40g
- 50% lighter than Vive Tracker
- Comfort priority
Size
Compact dimensions:
- 60% smaller than Vive Tracker
- Smallest SteamVR tracker
- Pocket-sized
- Minimal visibility
Mount
Attachment system:
- Thread: 1/4"-20 standard
- Universal compatibility
- Common strap fit
- Tripod compatible
Tracking Technology
SteamVR Tracking
Position system:
- SteamVR Tracking 2.0 compatible
- SteamVR Tracking 1.0 compatible
- Lighthouse technology
- Sub-millimeter accuracy
Custom Chip
Hardware:
- Chip: TL448K6D-VR
- Tundra Labs proprietary
- Optimized performance
- Power efficient
Base Station Compatibility
Supported systems:
- SteamVR Base Station 1.0
- SteamVR Base Station 2.0
- Minimum 2 base stations
- Standard SteamVR setup
Battery
Battery Specifications
Power system:
- Capacity: 850mAh
- Type: Rechargeable
- Optimized consumption
- Efficient design
Battery Life
Runtime:
- Average playtime: 7 hours
- Twice Vive Tracker duration
- Full session capability
- Reduced charging
Charging
Power management:
- USB Type-C
- Standard charging
- Modern connector
- Convenient refueling
Dongle System
Multi-Device Dongle
Innovation feature:
- Single USB connects multiple trackers
- Reduced port usage
- Hub-like functionality
- Simplified setup
Cross-Compatibility
Device support:
- Tundra Trackers
- Vive Trackers
- Vive Controllers
- Other SteamVR peripherals
Port Efficiency
USB management:
- One dongle, many devices
- PC port conservation
- Cleaner setup
- Simplified hub
Use Cases
Full-Body Tracking
Avatar representation:
- VRChat
- Social VR
- Avatar embodiment
- Dancing/movement
Motion Capture
Professional use:
- Animation capture
- Indie production
- Performance recording
- Content creation
Virtual Production
Media:
- Camera tracking
- Prop tracking
- Real-time visualization
- Film/video
Prop Tracking
Object integration:
- Weapons
- Tools
- Sports equipment
- Custom objects
Pricing
Kickstarter Pricing
Original cost:
- Single: $95
- 3-pack: $300
- Early supporter rate
- Campaign exclusive
Retail Pricing
Current cost:
- 3-pack: ~$378
- Component shortage impact
- Adjusted pricing
- Still below Vive Tracker
Headset Compatibility
Supported Headsets
Compatible systems:
- Valve Index
- HTC Vive
- HTC Vive Pro
- HTC Vive Pro 2
- HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
- Any SteamVR tracking headset
Comparison with Body Trackers
| Feature | Tundra Tracker | Vive Tracker 3.0 | SlimeVR | Rebuff Reality TrackStrap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | SteamVR optical | SteamVR optical | IMU-based | Accessory (strap only) |
| Weight | ~46-50g | ~100g | ~40g | N/A |
| Size | 60% smaller | Standard | Compact | N/A |
| Battery Life | ~7 hours | 7.5 hours | 10+ hours | N/A |
| Base Stations | Required | Required | Not required | N/A |
| Accuracy | Sub-millimeter | Sub-millimeter | Good (drift) | N/A |
| Price (3-pack) | ~$378 | ~$440 | ~$200 | Accessory only |
| Dongle | Multi-device | Single per tracker | N/A | N/A |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- 60% smaller than Vive Tracker
- 50% lighter (~46-50g)
- 50% less power consumption
- ~7 hours battery (twice competitors)
- Multi-device dongle (one USB for multiple)
- Standard 1/4"-20 mount
- USB-C charging
- Sub-millimeter SteamVR accuracy
- Cross-compatible dongles
- More affordable than Vive Tracker
Limitations
- Requires SteamVR Base Stations
- Price increased due to chip shortage
- ~$378 for 3-pack (post-Kickstarter)
- Not compatible with inside-out headsets
- SteamVR ecosystem only
- Base stations additional cost
- Strap accessories separate
- Smaller company (support considerations)
- Limited retail availability
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | SteamVR tracking puck |
| Chip | TL448K6D-VR |
| Weight | ~46-50g |
| Size | 60% smaller than Vive Tracker |
| Battery | 850mAh |
| Battery Life | ~7 hours |
| Mount | 1/4"-20 threaded |
| Charging | USB Type-C |
| Tracking | SteamVR 1.0/2.0 |
| Dongle | Multi-device (single USB) |
| Price | ~$95 single, ~$378 (3-pack) |