(Part 3) Top products from r/WindowsMR

I still don't know if what I see in my Gear VR is "normal." I see a very small sweet spot, but without an objective way to compare sweet spot size with someone else, it's hard to know what's normal and what's a problem. When I first tried the headset on, I wasn't expecting blur so I also wondered if there was a problem. Now that I know about IPD, I'm open to the possibility that what I see is normal.

@Sqrrootof69, I don't read too many problems like (blur everywhere) from Dell owners. Maybe you had a defective headset. I used to think that adjusting IPD using a headset's software IPD adjustment would change the sweet spot size. But I've read more than one review where people say software IPD adjustment has no effect on the sweet spot size. That kind of agrees with Microsoft's warning since they don't say that IPD software adjustment affect sweet spot or blurriness. Instead they say,

"Windows Mixed Reality comes with software IPD adjustment for all, which improves image distortion and depth accuracy based on your IPD."

Perhaps that's all software IPD adjustment does -- reduces distortion and improves depth accuracy. If software IPD adjustment also altered the sweet spot, it seems like Microsoft would have said that.

Here's one review page at Amazon where 50 reviewers gave the Dell a 4 star average rating.

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Virtual-Reality-Controllers-Compatible/product-reviews/B077R65C4D/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews

But, there's ONE 1-star rating from someone who said,

"Clear focus of anything except the very center of your vision is very lacking."

That sounds like your problem.

One possibility in your case (and perhaps his) could be that your IPD is so large that your sweet spot is very small, resulting in a lot of blurriness. And, if software IPD adjustment really does not affect the sweet spot, you might report the problem that you and others report.

And, if the Odyssey is wider than the other headsets, by default, people with large IPDs may see a wider sweet spot without adjusting anything on an Odyssey if their eyes come closer to lining up with the centers of the two lenses. For now I'll also assume that the Odyssey's hardware adjustment really can alter the sweet spot size if changing the IPD also causes the lenses to physically move a few mm. IPD adjustment may accomplish several tasks. The ones Microsoft mentioned and, if you have an Odyssey, the increase in sweet spot size -- something the non-Odyssey headsets may not be able to do since they can't alter lens distance.

I bought a Vive Link Box to use as a signal/power booster in the middle, and it works great. This cured all my dropouts and audio glitches, as well as giving my system a Bluetooth radio.

This setup works great:

1. Vive Link Box
   
2. Vive Link Box Power Supply
   
3. 12 ft Power cable extension for Vive Link Box
   
4. 10 ft USB 3.0 extension cable
   
5. 10 ft Amazon Basics HDMI cable
   
6. Wire wrap to keep everything tidy
   
   Make sure you power cycle the Vive Link Box whenever you plug or unplug anything into it to for it to reinitialize and detect the headset.
   
   I really wish there was a more elegant solution, but so far this works the best for me.

Can't speak from experience but seems the biggest issue most people have is just the power component. Found this USB on Amazon that says it's been tested with a few headsets, then this HDMI repeater to boost the HDMI side, just need a cable for it as well. Like I said, haven't tried any of this myself, but Amazon returns are easy enough to be worth a shot if I was in your situation since they do flat out say VR headset names in the descriptions of each.

I'm using these and everything has been super comfortable and great. They are elastic so they form to your head. Save yourself the extra cash for upcoming games!! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G54B68Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Get a Vive Link box. Plug it into your graphics card and then you have a nice usb and HDMI extension and a box for it to pull out of if you tug on it. I have one mounted up by the ceiling and use it to plug my headsets in. Gives me 6 feet of extension and makes it easy to swap headsets without getting to the pc.

https://www.amazon.com/HTC-Vive-Link-Box-pc/dp/B01LXR6DKV/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=CjwKCAjw8NfrBRA7EiwAfiVJpdbn8RxGeymh3-yaxdVieOd0DSOT8kHU4yx-kMGVS8kPi968T6RlexoC0HMQAvD_BwE&hvadid=174219869890&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9028802&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2235828699297377110&hvtargid=kwd-275617700088&hydadcr=26583_9479132&keywords=vive+link+box&qid=1568047574&s=gateway&sr=8-3

​

or if you have an RTX card with the usb c displaylink you can try the Accell Adapter. My Odyssey and O+ seem to like it. My original rift is not a fan of it which is funny as it says Oculus ready.

https://www.amazon.com/Accell-J231C-008B-3-USB-C-VR-Adapter/dp/B07LC4B43P/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=vr+display+link&qid=1568047624&s=gateway&sr=8-4

edited for links and more info

This is the one I use. I don’t think that having an active adapter matters, but I’ve read some testimonies towards active when using extension cables. I haven’t had any luck with extension cables though so I just run the headset straight into this adapter.

Rankie DisplayPort (DP) to HDMI Adapter, 4K Resolution Ready Converter Audio, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010SDZZ80/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vof5Bb7E1Q9BP

> If your laptop has an internal bluetooth, we also recommend you to disable it and only use an external dongle. My personal setup also has a wireless keyboard/mouse with a separate receiver, and the two


I bought USB-BT400 and disabled internal bluetooth. Controllers work great now! Thanks! I also connected it as far as possible from my thunderbolt.


I'm glad I've asked around as I thought it's just how motion tracking works with headset driven tracking.

> I use wireless headphones how do I use them with the headset as many setup videos have recommend

you wont have to change anything and can just use your wireless headset as you do now. the headsets have a headphone jack but you are not forced to use it, the headset will just be an additional audio device in the sound control panel list like you probably have many other ones there already you dont use.

when you install the headset and software you may just have to select your wireless headset again as the default device.

the only other stuff you gotta think about as others have said here you will want to get the common pluggable brand bluetooth 4 adapter if you arent already covered and you also might want to check if your GPU's HDMI port is version 2.0 or earlier. earlier versions will either not work or limit you to 60hz instead of the 90hz the headset can do.

that was the issue when I got my lenovo MR headset I found my GPU was only HDMI 1.4 (radeon r9 290) so I had to get the Displayport to HDMI 2.0 adapter. (Club3D CAC-1080 Active DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b).

First off, you are awesome and helped solved my final issue. Second off, both of the HDMI extensions I linked worked after this display port to HDMI adapter. For my setup I have 3 display ports, 1 HDMI, and 1 DVI on my graphics card. I have a 3 monitor setup that uses 3 of the ports and was looking for an HDMI switch to go from my room setup to the living room, but after seeing that this adapter worked, I'm just ordering a DVI to HDMI for my third monitor. Basically me testing the adapter helped solve my issue and I really appreciate you asking :)

I used:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008219UMI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


and:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GBBSZFE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


and have had great success.

I paid full price and love it. Beat Saber + custom tracks have become my daily 1hr cardio routine... One tip though, buy an extension cable. If you don't have Bluetooth make sure to buy one of those as well

Not sure how true this is, but in another thread someone suggested getting batteries with 2500mAH + since it would make the lights brighter and track better.

https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-K-KJ17KHCA4A-Individual-eneloop-Rechargeable/dp/B00JHKSL1O/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543188356&sr=1-5&keywords=eneloop

I use these to help with comfort take the pressure off the forehead chap too on amazon well worth the purchase Zeltauto Cable Tie Management Reusable Elastic Fastening Wire Organizer with Buckle (2 Pcs, 1.5 x 16 in) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G54B68Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_TP1gnwB5FVtDy

The covers look universal. So you can pick this up on amazon and get it without shipping costs as a prime member.

Someone on amazon asked if these would fit the Lenovo and they said it would. About to pick one up myself. Double points if it keeps it clean and get my eyes closer to the lenses.

Question: Does this work with any other windows mixed reality headsets?

Answer: Yes, this will definitely work with the HP and Lenovo headsets. For the Dell Visor the fit isn't quite perfect but again, it does still work. By VR Cover SELLER on March 14, 2018

https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Mixed-Reality-Waterproof-Replacement-PC/dp/B076X4ZG5C/ref=lp_13951024011_1_8?srs=13951024011&ie=UTF8&qid=1524852880&sr=8-8

The cover is the same as the Acer version Youtube review here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWf-CDOiRqQ

Answered in another thread and many agreed. This works great.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Receiver-Keyboards-Controllers-USB-BT400/dp/B00DJ83070

So I ordered these two cables:

HDMI
and
USB

Turns out the 10 foot USB does not work on the Samsung Odyssey for me. I tried it in several USB ports and I keep getting the message to connect my headset. I tried it with a simple USB key and that worked.

Returning the 10 foot USB and getting the 6 foot instead.

The HDMI works perfectly.

Sure.

This is the pack with the charger I purchased. The charger is normally $20 so I figured an extra ~$6 for 4 Eneloop Pros is a good deal.

For extra batteries, I just purchased these Amazon Basics high capacity AA rechargeable batteries as they have relatively similar MAh and are decently priced.

Edit: fixed second link

I'm pretty sure 3.5 x 1.35mm is just a hair too big for the power adapter as I ordered these extension cables the other day and the male end doesn't quite fit in the linkbox. I've borrowed a universal adapter from a friend which works but the plug size isn't labeled so I just ordered this one which is advertised for use with the linkbox but doesn't mention the plug size either.

Also, for USB I'm using this 15' cable, and for HDMI this 25' cable which I already had from a previous setup. And since it seems power from the USB port can be and issue, here's the powered USB card I'm using.

This works great for me: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M6EB8DM

You can get those active cords and a booster for about 1/2 the price from Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076C6PDNH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JH710HI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M7V5LKZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works.

Yes the batteries that was packed with it last less than a day for me. Maybe I could have wait a bit more since the charge meter in the cliffhouse is not very accurate.

I bough Panasonic Eneloop Pro with their charger and they last very long. They worth the price.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JHKSL1O/ref=pe_3034960_233709270_TE_item

Any with a 1.5 voltage. Got these when it was 12.99, and they work way better than the 1.2 V's I use to use. It is worth it the get a set of 4 1.5v than to get 8 1.2v

https://www.amazon.com/TENAVOLTS-Rechargeable-Batteries-Constant-Electrical/dp/B07MCGH26Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?keywords=1.5%2Bv%2Brechargeable%2Baa&qid=1573005727&sprefix=1.5%2Bv%2Bre&sr=8-17&th=1&psc=1

If you've got a 20xx graphics card with a virtualink type c connector there's and excellent extention by accell https://www.amazon.com/Accell-J231C-008B-3-USB-C-VR-Adapter/dp/B07LC4B43P

I bought these one that were suggested to me: https://www.amazon.com/KlearKare-Invisible-Protector-Military-Protection/dp/B00BUJ35MK

And they're absolutely perfect. It took me an hour of tracing and cutting to get them perfect but I cant even tell they're on anymore.

I've had an Odyssey for three weeks now with a 10 ft. HDMI and USB 3.0 extension. I had to use a powered 3.0 hub because I was having horrible tracking issues without one and random blue screens. I believe USB 3.0 is rated for a max of 900mA which I think can be tedious when using passive extensions. Here's what I bought :

Sabrent USB 3.0 powered hub: Link


AmazonBasics USB 3.0 extension : Link

AmazonBasics HDMI extension: Link

I just have the cable running along the floor adjacent to the wall that my desk sits next to so I haven't had the need for any mounting applications, can't help there I'm afraid. I'll be happy to try to help if you have any questions.

At the time I got mine, people were recommending these Panasonic Eneloops: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JHKSL1O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

They've been good to me so far.

I've got these, they look similar to what OP has:

https://www.amazon.de/Orzero-Entwurfs-Lanyards-Adhesive-Virtual-Kabel-Management/dp/B06XFMY8G9/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1539383151&sr=8-2&keywords=vr+hook

US link: https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Management-Headset-MDW-Adhesive/dp/B01M6EB8DM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1539383439&sr=8-6&keywords=vr+cable

The thing applies to the ceiling with a very strong kind of sticky glue and applies to any surface (I thought it wouldn't apply to mine, since it's all rough, but it holds on fine). Then you can put that black part through the hook applied to the ceiling, which then has a retractable cable in it. Connect the black clip to the cable and put your vr cables through the black clip and you're done. So the only hing that is kind of hard/impossible to remove is the sticky part with the hook in it. The rest can be plug-and-play removed.

So you think something like this might work? https://smile.amazon.com/Plugable-Extension-Adapter-Back-Voltage-Protection/dp/B076C6PDNH/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539712918&sr=8-3&keywords=powered+usb+3.0+extension&dpID=41FA%252B-3asmL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

​

So after a long research, I found out that the voltage REALLY is the issue. I found out about a brand called KENTLI that makes rechargeable batteries that output 1.5v, been testing them and after 9 hours of use (divided in 3 sessions of 3 hours each), the controller still hasn't turned off a single time. I hope this helps.

These may be beneath what you're looking for, but they work well and don't smash my ears against the band:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006B486K

Here is an alternative Li-on, that I think would ship to Europe. The charger is a smart charger and charges each of the 4 channels independently, and turns green when completed. These are actually higher capacity (I assume since the charging circuit is external) 2000mAh.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F163536869130

More info/reviews on Amazon:
KENTLI® CHU4 USB Charger with 4 x 1.5v 3000mWh lithium li-polymer li-ion AA rechargeable batter for LED falshlight Digital camera Microphone (with 4*AA batteries) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CZV0ZYW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_t6jUCb8K4WRR4

Both of these work fine with my Samsung Odyssey:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NH12O5I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
&
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014I8T0YQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Using this for HDMI connection:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XR9PR5X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Could you try swapping the foam on the Acer and Lenovo, please?

If it works, I could grab this for my Lenovo (rather than buying the correctly labeled part from their website, and paying for slow shipping.)

https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Mixed-Reality-Waterproof-Replacement-PC/dp/B076X4ZG5C/

I’m using something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Management-Headset-MDW-Adhesive/dp/B01M6EB8DM/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1540916930&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=vr+cable&dpPl=1&dpID=414oxYbQLfL&ref=plSrch

There are several of those on Amazon (search for VR cable management).

I’m only using two pulleys though but they come with a little hex wrench so you can set a stopper to give them a minimum length (so they don’t pull all the way to your high ceiling)

Anyone with more sense than money can get a packet of two velcro straps from Amazon for £7 delivered. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01G54B68Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I haven’t bought it so I know nothing about it’s quality but Amazon has this...

I have the Odyssey+ and just got extension cables for it recently. The AmazonBasics gear all worked fine for me:

• AmazonBasics High-Speed Male to Female HDMI Extension Cable - 10 Feet
  
• AmazonBasics USB 3.0 Extension Cable - A-Male to A-Female Adapter Cord - 9.8 Feet
  
• AmazonBasics 4 Port USB to USB 3.0 Hub with 5V/2.5A power adapter
  
  I tried it without the powered hub at first and got long static bursts on the audio. Of course, the hub has to go between the headset cable and the extension cable. The power adapter cable is only 5 feet though.

Add this HDMI Repeater to your setup, this allowed me to extend my headset

https://www.amazon.com/COWEEN-Repeater-Amplifier-Extender-Transmission/dp/B01GHL72XS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523025750&sr=8-3&keywords=hdmi+repeater

I wear glasses so I got the lens protectors from Klear Kare. ($8 USD).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BUJ35MK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

More fast speed use DP 1.4 to HDMI 2.0 4k 60hz cable.
https://www.amazon.com/CAC-1080-DisplayPort-Adapter-displays-4096x2160/dp/B077JB28KM/

Dell - Visor Virtual Reality Headset and Controllers for Compatible Windows PCs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077R65C4D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_B9D3BbYF9G4AD

This the guy you got? https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Mixed-Reality-Waterproof-Replacement-PC/dp/B076X4ZG5C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526921373&sr=8-1&keywords=vr+cover+acer&dpID=41PBJk2dylL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Currently using SteelSeries Arctis 3's but just bought this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006B486K/) and this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0769FNNXY/)

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B010SDZZ80/

that is the one i am looking at. is it only one way or how does it work? sorry for the bad photo but i am running an evga gtx 1060 3gb SC with 3x DP 1x HDMI

I have posted this previously.
Here is what I used to make my extension for my Samsung Odyssey:

HDMI Cable

HDMI Repeater

USB Extension

I saw that part of issue with extensions not working was the lack of an HDMI repeater.

Here is the video that I watched to learn how to build one. Only difference is I opted for 10ft. instead of 15ft.

EXTRA-LONG 15' Oculus Rift Break-Out Cable - IT WORKS!

I haven't tested these because one, I haven't got it yet and my Odyssey+ is back ordered too.

Cable Matters USB 3.0 Cable

I plan on having that, along with HDMI going into Vive link box and then the headset into the link box. Found it in another thread last week.

(edit)

I'm an idiot, you said 15 feet. The 15 feet version is currently unavailable.

I have a set of theses Klear Kare 49mm 'watch' protectors for an Odyssey+. They are made out of a "self-healing" material, like a soft vinyl, and need to be applied wet, so it's necessary to be cautious and stuff the inside of the face-box with paper towels to avoid water getting where it shouldn't be. Since the O+ lenses are not perfectly circular these protectors needed to be trimmed on one side to fit correctly. I used a piece of the original lens protector plastic to cut into a template to use with the new Klear Kare protectors. They ended up fitting very well but it was a bit tricky to cut them because you have to be very careful about handling them before application.

One thing about self-healing lens protectors in general, they are very foggy when first applied with lots of bubbles and streaks but that fades over about a 2-3 day period. It's normal to apply the protector, look through the HMD and panic that you've ruined the lenses but give it time and they clear up, although there might be an increase in god-rays since they change the refraction of the lenses slightly.

I have an Odyssey+ and these are what I have been using for about 6 months and I have had no problems:
Vive Link
10ft HDMI
10ft USB 3.0
12ft Power Supply Adapter
Power Supply

This is a good detailed review that shows you how the Tenavolts work, but there are some mistakes so read the comments:

• Review & Teardown: Tenavolts AA Size 1.5V Li-ion battery : r/AAMasterRace
  
  Correct me if I'm wrong, but last I checked the 30% discount applies to all of the Tenavolts packages:
  
  
• AmazonSmile: TENAVOLTS Rechargeable AA Battery Charger with 4 Counts Lithium 2775 mWh AA Rechargeable Batteries: Home Audio & Theater
  
• AmazonSmile: TENAVOLTS Rechargeable Lithium/Li-ion Batteries, AA Rechargeable Batteries, Constant Output at 1.5V, Quick Charge Less Than 2 Hours, 2775 mWh Electrical core Power- 4 Count …: Industrial & Scientific
  
• AmazonSmile: TENAVOLTS First Generation Rechargeable Lithium/Li-ion Batteries, AA Rechargeable Batteries, Micro USB Charger Included, Constant Output at 1.5V,Quick Charge,2775 mWh Electrical core Power- 2 Count: Home Audio & Theater
  
  That last one is especially handy if you travel with AA batteries.

Every USB port and GPU will function differently. The USB wattage draw is high enough to drop the voltage some across the cable. Some USB ports start out at 5.2-5.3 volts and they work better. Most "front" USB 3.0 ports already have a 18-24 inch extension and don't perform as well. The 10ft cables below work perfectly for me on a high end x299 rig with the 5v USB 3.0 and 3.1 that tap off the 12v bus. On another rig but the same odyssey + Headset the sound cuts out.


These are the best for for me.
Cable Matters USB 3.0 Extension Cable in Blue 10 Feet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008219UMI/

If the 10 foot has problems for you the 3ft or 6ft might work. Try the Cable on Each USB port first. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008219UMI/

AmazonBasics High-Speed Male to Female HDMI Extension Cable - 10 Feet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D5H91KE/

Also the controllers need high voltage batteries. If you use really good Panasonic Oneloop Pro's even they can give problems. When those NiMh's get down to about 1.2-12.5 volts (Even with 60% charge left) The odyssey can trigger a low battery warning and switch to 60hz mode degrading performance. https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-BK-3HCCA4BA-eneloop-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable/dp/B00JHKSL28/

The way around this is to run 1.6V NiZn Rechargeable cells instead. https://www.amazon.com/2500mAh-Rechargeable-Batteries-Battery-Charger/dp/B00WTRSTAU/