(Part 2) Top products from r/ValveIndex

Let me just start off by saying, even with just the few hours I've played with it, I LOVE this thing. Thank you valve for making such an awesome piece of hardware. And yes, my unit does have the joystick issue but it's just the feedback that's broken. My joysticks otherwise register without issue.

But anyways onto the good stuff.

What?

A 20m (65ft) cable run from my desk to right under the couch, so that the only hookup is the breakout / trident cable.

Why?

In my place, I ran into the predicament of the only space I had room to do VR was the living room, but given that putting my entire desk in the living room would have been weird aesthetically, I opted for the cable run, to get VR from the PC in the room across the house to my living room.

What parts?

Pretty simple actually, but it did require 2, not exactly cheap cables, and one coupler (prices in US Dollar).

• ATZEBE DP Fiber Cable 60ft [$107.99 - Amazon]
  
• SIIG USB 3.0 Active Repeater 20m [$115.99 - Amazon]
  
• Poyicott DP to DP Coupler [$9.99 - Amazon]
  
• (Optionally) 50 count cable ties [$7.99 - Amazon]
  
  The DP - DP coupler is out of necessity, given that no link box exists with the Index. Yes, it's an expensive solution. In addition to the $999 headset, I've spent another ~$231 on cable runs. But for my situation, it works flawlessly.
  
  If you are thinking you need a solution like that, and any of the cables are unavailable (the DP cable is out of stock as of writing on July 6th), make sure to get fiber if you can for the sake of not losing quality over a copper cable. As for the USB cable, you're looking for an active cable. These typically have external power bricks to supply additional 5V power that your tower cannot do over such a distance. Edit: _However_, I have found that plugging in the additional power causes the computer to have issues recognizing any USB device, so I guess don't do that if you buy the same cable. Other cables may vary.
  
  

  How is it setup?
  

  
  I have the cables running along the basebords of the house, from my computer all the way to the living room. They take a right angle, and are gaff-taped down to the floor before running under the couch where they can become a loose coil [pic].
  
  

  Does it work?
  

  
  In a word, yes! I will update this comment if I run into reliability issues down the line, but it seems that this system works well enough, and has the added bonus of not hearing the PC fans spinning given the off-ear design of the Index headphones. (Edit: The only pitfall is that sometimes you have to power cycle the headset once or twice to get SteamVR to see it, but that doesn't take long. After that it's smooth sailing!)
  
  Hope this helps anyone that might be needing a similar setup!
  
  (EDIT: Numerous edits for spelling / grammar)

That's fair and understandable, but real customer data matters a lot more than impressions or reviews. It has 73% positive (out 7,800 reviews) on Steam and 4/5 stars (out of 2,700 reviews) on Amazon, the latter of which is almost identical to the Amazon review stats for the black Xbone controller and not far from the white one either. This suggests it's liked by the majority of people who decide to buy it, because unlike most "professional" games journalists, the people buying it are actual gamers who use it for more than a few hours.

The purpose of the controller's existence is to bring KBM games to the couch / living room. So after taking into account the generally positive feedback from users, the simplest explanation for why it hasn't been more commercially successful is that many PC gamers — I would guess the overwhelming majority — still play at their desks. Now some games absolutely require a controller regardless of whether you're at a desk or couch, but the nature of those games is such that they are already well-optimized for the Xbox controller, so buying a second controller has no value proposition for these cases.

Details
So a member of the Stress Level Zero team shared a now-pretty-popular image of his frunk fan mod using 40 mm computer fans to ventilate the Headset. I was inspired, so I went on a hunt for the quietest efficient fans I could fine, and that search led me to Noctua's 5V 40mm computer fans. They're listed at only 19.6 dBA (I'd say they're quieter than that - more like having a ceiling fan on in the room), and yet the can still move plenty of air at 5,000 rpm.
The original mod had the fans blowing cool, external air into the headset. I originally tried this and it left me very disappointed as I couldn't sense any air moving. The only time I did feel air moving was when I angled the fans to blow upward into the vents in the upper portion of the frunk, and it was hot air (which would be a disservice to the wearer, obviously). The only pro was that it cooled off the components.
So I simply flipped the fans over and it made a world of difference. There's a slight gap between the HMD and the face gasket at the nose (which does cause light bleed but with the lights off, who cares?), and with the fans sucking hot air out of the headset, a draft is created between the wearer and the inside of the headset, bringing in cool air around the nose and ventilating the inside of the headset. It also does a stellar job of keeping the components cool I've found. I spent about 4 hours in it at one time and not once did I get warm inside of it.

What I used:
Black Duct Tape
2x 40mm 5V Noctua Fans at 19.6 dBA (they're 4-pin but they include 4-pin F to USB M adapters with each fan)
4-pin Splitter Cable to join the two fans

What I would probably use instead:
A better mounting system than duct tape, for one
The same fans
This all in one 2 3/4-pin to USB splitter/adapter
This USB toggle switch to turn off the fans

Poles like these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000067S12/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And pole clamps like these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E5M39AW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Super easy, movable, adjustable.

Here are the links to the STL files I used (I did not design them myself):

Index HMD and Controller Mount:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3886099

USB-C Magnetic Cables for Index Controllers: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Cool-Compatible-i-Product-Micro-USB/dp/B07GSNHF9Q/

Quest HMD Mount:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3678066

Quest Controller Mount:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3678073

Quest Vive-DAS adapter:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3892003

I used marble PLA, which gives a nice classy look. The Quest mounts were pretty quick and easy to print, while the Index mount took several tries to get right with my printer.

https://www.amazon.com/Linkidea-Headset-Storage-Headphone-Controllers/dp/B07FRQT211/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=vr+wall+mount&qid=1569949219&s=gateway&sr=8-4

This wall mount is simple to install, soft and flexible enough not to hurt anything, and adjustable to fit your headset and controllers. I use it in combination with some magnetic breakaway cables for charging the controllers, and it's great. Just make sure to store the headset 'looking up', this protects the lenses and keeps any vr-workout sweat from running inside the guts of the headset after use.

I use these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJ5XH4O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mounted on these without the trays installed

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014X7ARI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just set them up in each corner of my play area easy to take down if needed.

​

Index kit also comes with wall mount brackets if you are looking for a permanent solution and are not scared of drilling holes in the wall.

You'll need to fetch yourself one of these tiny micro USB to USB A adapters. I got mine on Amazon UK right here, but you can find them elsewhere as well. This set looks identical on Amazon US.

​

You stick the micro end into the Leap Motion like this photo shows. After that, just plug it right in, no special angle or anything, there's still a huge gap. I was tempted to put some sticky material behind it to keep it in place and prevent stress on the port, but the Leap Motion unfortunately is always powered on, and heats up quite a bit.

I'm getting full coverage of my FOV in this position, and it turns out that the sensor runs at 115Hz/FPS, so trying it out in the VR Visualizer diagnostic program that displays passthrough from the sensor was a very comfortable experience ... I wish my Index passthrough cameras would start working :(

Oh right, forgot one important point: The tracking is a lot worse if you put the frunk cover on over it. It's easy to see why by using that Visualizer program I mentioned. The plastic is too reflective, causing glare from the Leap Motion's infrared LEDs.

​

Bonus pic: the new Index adapter from Tundra Labs arrived today, too! One less wall plug required now.

>www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MT7VF26

This is what I'm using as well. I only used 3 of them because of the way I'm setup. I like it, works great with fpsVR's new center marker rotation / untangle feature.

Or similar to these : https://www.amazon.com/SUPON-Threaded-Compatible-Microphone-Motorcycle/dp/B00PICAE4C/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=camera+mount+clamp&qid=1563028578&s=gateway&sprefix=camera+mount&sr=8-4

Double check thread sizing, but I'm pretty sure it's a standard for cameras.

I successfully extended 6 ft using this DP cable. No issues so far. Also used a long, maybe 15 ft active USB 3.0 cable I already had but I am going to try replacing it with a 6 ft cable as well. Not a big extension but I don't need much in my play space and it's cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KRLQG2M?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

If you don't want to mess with your walls, a fine solution is to use tripods similar to the ones for photo lights. For my Vive I have these for my dorm's common room and they work just fine. When I'm home and I have less floor space in my room I use these clamps to secure the lighthouses to my closet door and lamp, and they're perfect. I actually prefer these over the tripods as there's no risk of knocking over a tripod.

​

I assume both products are compatible with the Index Lighthouses because afaik they use the same standard threaded mounts as the Vive.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MT7VF26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 i ordered this , it has alot of good reviews on amazon , so hopefully it turns out to be good

Another suggestion these here are bretty nice and silent. (just make sure to let them stand on something soft like a towel.

https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01LZ1Y076/

I bought 2 of these: https://www.amazon.com/Hyperkin-Clamp-Mount-Vive-Oculus-pc/dp/B01MG4D3O5/ref=asc_df_B01MG4D3O5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241903564978&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15464911377016309396&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028551&hvtargid=pla-451675536398&psc=1

​

They are amazing, not sure if you have clampable surfaces though, just thought I'd help out.

This is the Display Port cable I'm using. Specifically, the 60ft (20m) version:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QQNFKZK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1


which needs to be paired with a DP Coupler. This is the one I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JRGGWH7/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_JvooDbD64BEQP?fbclid=IwAR202v1hw90YHxwzPg8d6--AfZPbiIGascJwdkoUH7iTQvadOpyhKYgoK9M




This is the USB 3.0 repeater I'm using. Again, the 60ft (20m) version:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053YLYLC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share&th=1


I've been using this setup for the past few days with ZERO issues. Everything works perfect.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GSNHF9Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3725450

Works great!

This is what I originally used and thought it was great for the price:

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T300-RS-Racing-Wheel-PlayStation/dp/B01M1L2NRL

I found a cheap baste station clamp thing on Amazon for pretty cheap:

Hyperkin VR Clamp Mount for HTC Vive Pro/ HTC Vive/ Oculus Rift https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG4D3O5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KLyIDbAR4SQGW

Oh yeah! Meant to mention that. I got these camera clamps (https://www.amazon.com/Grifiti-Threaded-Microphone-Diameter-Motorcycles/dp/B00E5M39AW/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=Grifiti+Nootle+Quick+Release+Pipe+Clamp+with+1%2F4+20+Threaded+Head+for+Cameras&qid=1557172147&s=electronics&sr=1-1-fkmrnull). The base stations are compatible with them and they clamp just enough to rest on the top most section of the rod.

That's what I use. Originally got them for my Vive 1.0 basestations, which I'm still using with my Index, but the Index 2.0 basestation mounts are identical. While there's cheaper solutions(tripods, adhesive mounts if you can't mount with screws, etc.), I decided to go with these due to their low footprint and sturdiness. You'll also need standard tripod mounting clamps to attach the basestations to the poles. Here's some links to the ones I have.

Poles: https://www.amazon.com/FastCap-Support-System-144-Inches-3HAND5/dp/B000067S12/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=third%2Bhand%2Bpole&qid=1574633619&sr=8-1&th=1

Clamps: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PICAE4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Setup is really easy. Included instructions with the poles should be enough for getting those setup and the clamp mounts just screw into the basestation and you just clamp them to the pole.

With this. I plan on shortening the wires to save room.

So would something like this be good? https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01LZ1Y076/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_G02VDb5CY3N4S?

Eventually I’ll be getting this head I’ve seen photos of it supporting HMD’s for years now. Currently I have mine resting on my PS4 pointed away from windows due to my ceiling wire setup.

Highly recommend this setup.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L43HT2E/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_i_pNj7Cb8BEF0X7

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E5M39AW/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_i_bOj7CbCQ23CNN

Highly recommend this Anker Quick Charge 3.0 39W Dual USB Wall Charger

Yes:

https://www.amazon.com/Steam-Controller-SteamOS/dp/B016KBVBCS/ref=asc_df_B016KBVBCS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312140313579&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6014411748052428721&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028692&hvtargid=aud-836408683912:pla-404919034522&psc=1

It’s this one right here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3160344

You can also buy it on Etsy if you don’t wanna print it yourself or have a 3rd party print it.

And these are the magnetic charging cables: Smart&Cool GenX Nylon Braided 3... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSNHF9Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The leap motion actually fits in the frunk with a mini adapter like this one https://smile.amazon.de/gp/product/B015GZOHKW/

I use something like this for my Vive. The controllers I just hang from some command strips hangers.

https://www.amazon.com/MVAP-6832-Glass-Universal-Display/dp/B00XQH8Y9I/ref=asc_df_B00XQH8Y9I/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=190951341267&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=822861205200069816&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1016030&hvtargid=pla-300811856159&psc=1

33 ft (10m) extension cables. The USB cable has to be powered for that length. The HDMI needs to be fiber to not have signal loss. You also need a female-to-female display port adapter. I used the following:

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MRBMNSF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076C6PDNH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YFPM2CU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Are you sure about that?

Another solution that I used for the Vive lighthouses (and will keep for the new ones I'll get with the full Index kit) is these poles:

https://www.amazon.com/Task-Tools-T74500-63-Support/dp/B000CRDD6Y

and these clamps:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJ5XH4O

I decided to use these instead of tripods so that less floor space is taken up since I plan on leaving them up for a while.

With the spinning mirror inside I wouldn't trust it to 3M Command strip. If you don't want to drill holes in wall, then maybe a small mounting bracket like this could be used if you have shelves or something to attach to https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJ5XH4O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used this one since it goes straight to USB: USB to 2 x 3/4-Pin PWM 5V USB... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NN5PSL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PICAE4C/

Those worked fine for me when I still used portable cargo poles.

the Aperature science logo idea came from u/enzo69 post https://www.reddit.com/r/ValveIndex/comments/c7gv1g/aperture_science_headset/


The Controller stand came from u/BearCubTeacher post https://www.reddit.com/r/ValveIndex/comments/ccckf2/i_made_this/


Glass head I got from amazon url: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XQH8Y9I

This is what I ordered, though after I received it I noticed there are other versions that support changing the messages over Bluetooth. Probably not worth it for me to order another one but I'd recommending trying one of those. These also apparently aren't capable of charging and displaying the messages at the same time so will have to remove to charge every now and then.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07R7SY2S9?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MT7VF26

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FRQT211?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R7SY2S9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eCtvDb347JB11

Did you test this one? I tried https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MRBMNSF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and it didn't work...same specs.

Here's the link someone else posted last time this was posted:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R7SY2S9

I got one and then found out you need some custom software, which they provide in a CD. Don't even have one in the house or work. rip

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MRBMNSF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00V7NOST8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B076C6PDNH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ANO99AFAXRIXA&psc=1

and perhaps one of these

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07JRGGWH7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and maybe a power extension depending on what you're doing.

After looking around today. I came to a very similar conclusion. I'm leaning towards this: Linkidea VR Headset Storage Rack/Headphone Holder, Wall Rack/Wall Mount/Wall Clip/Wall Bracket/Wall Hanger/Hook VR Headset Helmet Touch Controllers (2pcs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FRQT211/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Lch8CbQ25N0NV

This is the one right here

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T300-RS-Racing-Wheel-PlayStation/dp/B01M1L2NRL/ref=sr_1_3?crid=30TMXSL6ODA23&keywords=thrustmaster&qid=1563234313&s=gateway&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sprefix=thrustmaster%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-3

While not impossible, I don’t think this represents any form of evidence. You also have a Vive headset, Vive controllers, and Vive base stations. The reason you’d specify “headset” in the product name is that it’s not a complete system. People need to be aware that they’re buying the headset only, and need to own or buy the base stations etc. separately.

I have the one below without any issues
Rankie DP Extension Cable, 1.8m DisplayPort Male to Female Extension Cable (Black) - R1332 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KRLQG2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fNlkDb1AP4870

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IUSYF8G

I use this, charges both of them at the same with with fast charging.

>Even normal console controllers these days are $80 of $90 bucks

What are you on about? Normal console controllers are $60 at full price and frequently go on sale below that price, sometimes even as low as $30 but more commonly $40-$50.

As of me writing this comment, the Xbox One controller is $43.49 on Amazon and the PS4 controller is $45.95.

I'll echo what a lot of people are saying here about the lighthouses, but I'm not sure why people are thinking the knuckles are overpriced?

A vive wand costs $129.99 on amazon, so around ~$260 for a pair, wheras the knuckles cost $279.00 for a pair, only $19.00 more, and absolutely destroy the vive wands in terms of technological capability--more than making up for the price difference imo. How people were expecting a first-of-its-kind objectively superior controller to somehow end up costing less than existing components blows me away.