Thought about getting a VR headset, but.....

[scotth6]

Great...thanks. But how do you see your controllers with the headset completely covering your eyes...is it a matter of having to remove the headset every time you want to hit a new switch? I use a CH Yoke and Throttle Quadrant with all the switches assigned to a function.

Thanks,

Hi,

I'm not sure how, but it just works

I use a HOTAS setup with rudder pedals, and have some functions such as flaps, spoiler, mixture, and prop assigned to my throttle base. In FSX/P3D I don't find myself using that many more controls. Using Flyinside or P3D V4 VR you can use the mouse the same as you do on a monitor to click or turn any switches or knobs in your cockpit. Apart from that, you can still just peek down at your keyboard if it is right in front of you, as there is a slight gap at the bottom of the HMD which allows you to see down. I still use the G key for gear, Tilde key (~) for ATC and more, and it is very easy.

With sims such as DCS World I have many more functions assigned to my HOTAS controllers, and try as much as possible to replicate the real world HOTAS setup for each aircraft. I will still have to use the keyboard and mouse for a lot of functions, but it is very natural.

Cheers,

 

[Stickshaker]

Just FTR, I was able to get a 'test run' with a couple of VR sets (including RIFT) at the last IT trade show with the use of VR in Race Sims in mind.
Not for me.
My PC will run one without breaking a sweat but I do not like the bulk of the head set at all, rather do without as I was unimpressed by the lack of 'immersion'.
I'd go so far as to say that the target market is the console shooter kiddies.............

I agree the headset is a bit bulky, but in real military planes you wear a helmet, sometimes a HMD, and an oxygen mask which, I think, are even more bulky. And I got used to the HMD quite quickly. It may be different when you prefer civilian planes. My motorcycle helmet is way more uncomfortable to wear.

 

[HyFlyer]

I was at Best Buy yesterday to return a item, and while there, I decided to take another look at VR headsets. Now I am sure some folks here will either support or dispute what the guy there told me, but according to the information I was given, my system will not run a VR headset setup efficiently.

I am running the following:

Intel i7 X 980 3.33ghz

RAM 16gb

AMD RX480

Everything is running just nice and smooth in P3DV4. My system was built in 2010, but most recently (in the past couple months) I replaced the SSDs. My motherboard, a Rampager III, cannot take a newer processor, or so I am told.

I am NOT hell bent on buying a VR headset, and (from what I hear about prices of graphics cards right now), I am sure as heck not in any hurry to do so, either!

But when the time comes, I hope I can afford another system that WILL handle a VR. Just won't be now!

NC

Run the free Steam Vr performance test: http://store.steampowered.com/app/323910/SteamVR_Performance_Test/

 

[LouP]

My processor is older/slower at 3.3ghz. Probably makes a difference.

It's not the speed of the CPU. I was running a i7 980x at 4.2 ghz that failed mixed reality. A Vive or Rift would work as I had a Vive up and running aok no problem. I wanted to upgrade to the Vive Pro but when I saw the pricing from HTC for the upgrade I couldn't and wouldn't support that product any more. I returned the Vive and went and bought the Samsung Odyssey that has similar specs as the Vive Pro. That's when I found out the CPU NEEDS to support the AVX instruction set for Mixed Reality to work. In other words, it has to be a newer CPU. I had a new PC built for this reason and just because it was time to and I am glad I did. I cannibalized what I could out of my old system which was basically the GTX 1080, the SSDs, and hard drives and am now running a i7 8700 with 64 gig RAM and everything works great.

The guy at Best Buy was probably lining himself up to sell you a Mixed Reality version of the headset when he said a 980x would not work.

LouP

 

[Navy Chief]

Run the free Steam Vr performance test: http://store.steampowered.com/app/323910/SteamVR_Performance_Test/

Yep, it confirmed what the guy at Best Buy said. Marginal performance at best. Oh well. Other things to spend my cash on for now. When my system crashes again, then I will consider building another, but graphics cards are just too costly right now. NC

 

[wombat666]

What games or Sims did you get to try VR with ?

For me at least the immersion is through the roof in VR, I find it hard to go back to flying or racing in a flat non VR world now.
Although it definitely has its place in shooters, I'm currently having a lot of fun playing Fallout 4 VR. Race and Flight Sims is where it really shines.
The sense of actually being in the cockpit is totally convincing. In fact I'v nearly fallen off my chair a few times now trying to lean on some bulkhead or whatever that wasn't really there while looking around in a new plane or car

I avoid the 'Shooters' and such but I was able to get a run in Project Cars 2 and an 'early' release of the TT Isle of Man, along with one of the variations of DCS.
It was interesting BUT: In car sim(s) I just did not get the vibration, G-forces, road impacts and 'seat of the bum' driving experience, which I can compare to RL driving aboard my Ford GT40 replica and a variety of Porsche 911 flavors, from straight up road cars through to a Carerra Cup hairy beast.
A total 'meh' on the IOM, pretty much as for the cars but even worse if one has been riding bikes IRL.
The Flight Sim experience probably comes out best, but I to me (just me, myself) it seems like trying to use a Warthog control package in Rise of Flight.
Ergo, not high or not even on my priority list.

 

[Dangerous Beans]

I avoid the 'Shooters' and such but I was able to get a run in Project Cars 2 and an 'early' release of the TT Isle of Man, along with one of the variations of DCS.
It was interesting BUT: In car sim(s) I just did not get the vibration, G-forces, road impacts and 'seat of the bum' driving experience, which I can compare to RL driving aboard my Ford GT40 replica and a variety of Porsche 911 flavors, from straight up road cars through to a Carerra Cup hairy beast.
A total 'meh' on the IOM, pretty much as for the cars but even worse if one has been riding bikes IRL.
The Flight Sim experience probably comes out best, but I to me (just me, myself) it seems like trying to use a Warthog control package in Rise of Flight.
Ergo, not high or not even on my priority list.

Well your not going to get that on a monitor either, your going to need a full motion platform for that and thats mega bucks.

I havnt tried PCars 2 yet but in Asetto Corsa the biggest difference I notice besides the WOW I'm sitting in the car factor is that the cambers and elevations of the tracks feel right and I can judge distances far better then on a monitor.

In flight sims The whole distance and perspective thing has made a huge difference in my landings. Before I was always a bit of a heavy lander but in VR I can nail it pretty much all the time. Hedi in the A2A Cub dosnt bitch and moan and me any more

 

[wombat666]

Well your not going to get that on a monitor either, your going to need a full motion platform for that and thats mega bucks.

I havnt tried PCars 2 yet but in Asetto Corsa the biggest difference I notice besides the WOW I'm sitting in the car factor is that the cambers and elevations of the tracks feel right and I can judge distances far better then on a monitor.

In flight sims The whole distance and perspective thing has made a huge difference in my landings. Before I was always a bit of a heavy lander but in VR I can nail it pretty much all the time. Hedi in the A2A Cub dosnt bitch and moan and me any more

Actually I don't expect to get the VR effect on a monitor and I (just me, myself) don't need it.

Agreed, it probably handles the Flight Sim(s) experience better but I'm not that bothered as I tend to just kick the tyres and light the fires.
And I own my own 'full motion platforms'.

Like I said, not for me, I prefer genuine 'reality.

 

[LouP]

You left out the pitcure of your girlfriend who also happens to be a model.

LouP

 

[wombat666]

You left out the pitcure of your girlfriend who also happens to be a model.

LouP

Nah! My wife would perform really unpleasant medical procedures on me without using an anesthetic!

 

[Victory103]

You had me at "GT40"! Nice/rare RC8, just test rode the Panigale V4, but can't part with my 1098 just yet. VR is probably on the horizon for me given a few models for DCS coming and even if I do find that RW airplane purchase in the next year or 2, can't see a fulltime sim replacement.

 

[strykerpsg]

You had me at "GT40"! Nice/rare RC8, just test rode the Panigale V4, but can't part with my 1098 just yet. VR is probably on the horizon for me given a few models for DCS coming and even if I do find that RW airplane purchase in the next year or 2, can't see a fulltime sim replacement.

Thought about the X Diavel S? A bit more of a relaxed riding position but all the brute power Ducati's are known for and can still get the aggressive leaning you found on your 1098. I had a BMW K1300s prior and loved it for long trips, but the X Diavel will be my new long distance cruiser/bruiser.

I finally got my OR installed this weekend and am awaiting the next DCS update before giving her a try. I will also look at Fly Inside to see how it enhances FSX/P3D. I had initially considered leasing a plane a few years back, but there were quite a few here that spoke about some additional thoughts and costs to ponder before doing so. For those that have can indeed buy the real thing, my hats off to you.

 

[DennyA]

The AVX instruction set's been around since 2011, though, so most PCs that have the oomph to run P3D4 at a decent speed have a decent chance of having that chipset.

For Mixed Reality, just download and run this and it will tell you yea or nay. My 2011-era Core i7-3960X passes:

https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9NZVL19N7CNC

(Man. Remember back in the 90s and early-2000-oughts when you had to upgrade your CPU every two years for flight sims?)

 

[LouP]

The AVX instruction set's been around since 2011, though, so most PCs that have the oomph to run P3D4 at a decent speed have a decent chance of having that chipset.

For Mixed Reality, just download and run this and it will tell you yea or nay. My 2011-era Core i7-3960X passes:

https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9NZVL19N7CNC

(Man. Remember back in the 90s and early-2000-oughts when you had to upgrade your CPU every two years for flight sims?)

Don't assume you have it. As I said, I was running a very robust 6 core i7 980x @ 4.2 ghz that was handling everything I was throwing at it but it did not have AVX. Another way to tell is to run CPUz, it lists out all the instruction sets on the chip. Also, I was running a Vive with no issues, this applies to Mixed Reality. My guess is that a Rift would have worked, too, but never ran one myself.

LouP

 

[wombat666]

You had me at "GT40"! Nice/rare RC8, just test rode the Panigale V4, but can't part with my 1098 just yet. VR is probably on the horizon for me given a few models for DCS coming and even if I do find that RW airplane purchase in the next year or 2, can't see a fulltime sim replacement.

Keep your Duke!! The 1098 is the real deal and I wouldn't part with my 996.

 

[Victory103]

Now several threads going on VR on other sim sites, but I like reading what others are running to enhance your home sim. My quest to replace my 17'' gaming laptop may go to the wayside as I didn't feel like lugging it during overseas travel. Searching online for a desktop to maximize the VR set up and bang for the $$$. After I purchased my TM Warthog, I realized I was serious about sims again, but not looking at any Level D full motion stuff.

@wombat666, on the hunt now for my collection of 90s superbikes. I've got my ZX-7RR, looking for a 996/8, RC-51, and the rare R7 (a guy here in AZ has one, doesn't return my calls!). @strykerpsg I test rode the Diavel during launch and ever since, I ride the fleet on Ducati sponsored demo days as I did with this last one, even got on the Hypermotard! I used mil sales to get a HD bagger, but sadly my wandering eyes look back over to the sexy Italian at times.

 

[IanHenry]

What's the difference between Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality, and can you use Mixed Reality for flight sim?


Ian

 

[awstub]

With Virtual Reality, you only see and interact with things that are in the virtual space (world).
With Mixed Reality you see and interact with both the virtual space and reality.

One of the best forms of Mixed Reality I have see is with the (now defunct) CastAR platform.
It allowed you to see VR objects as well as real objects (and people) at the same time via the use of their glasses and photo-reflective screens.

If it had been able to stay afloat CastAR would have been a HUGE game changer for simulators in general.
Here is a CastAR demo using a simple flight sim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3HGrclGkIE

What's the difference between Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality, and can you use Mixed Reality for flight sim?


Ian

 

[strykerpsg]

Now several threads going on VR on other sim sites, but I like reading what others are running to enhance your home sim. My quest to replace my 17'' gaming laptop may go to the wayside as I didn't feel like lugging it during overseas travel. Searching online for a desktop to maximize the VR set up and bang for the $$$. After I purchased my TM Warthog, I realized I was serious about sims again, but not looking at any Level D full motion stuff.

After retiring 2 years ago (01 April to be exact), I too had lumbered around a purpose built gaming laptop during my last few years of service. It was indeed nice and able to run VR, but it was a bit heavy to lug around on my various TDY's and post Army trips, so I went with a Surface Book for travel/work and bought a dedicated desktop (Area 51) to run VR. What I found is that while the original laptop could handle OR/Vive without issues, I then lost the additional monitor support and peripheries such as my HOTAS would have to be run through a USB extension. Doable, but not ideal. Out of the box, OR headset requires an HDMI port and ideally 3 USB 3.0 ports, though will work with 1 x USB 3.0 and 2 x USB 2.0 ports. Even my current Area 51 struggles to maintain enough ports with HOTAS (2xUSB), rudder pedals (1xUSB), keyboard (1xUSB), mouse (1xUSB), headset (1xUSB), and Occulus Rift (3xUSB). As you can see, they stack up rather quickly. So, I offer you some new found advice since I just hooked it all up Saturday....buy a very robust desktop with lots of USB 2.0 and 3.0. They will definitely get eaten up rather quickly.

@wombat666, on the hunt now for my collection of 90s superbikes. I've got my ZX-7RR, looking for a 996/8, RC-51, and the rare R7 (a guy here in AZ has one, doesn't return my calls!). @strykerpsg I test rode the Diavel during launch and ever since, I ride the fleet on Ducati sponsored demo days as I did with this last one, even got on the Hypermotard! I used mil sales to get a HD bagger, but sadly my wandering eyes look back over to the sexy Italian at times.

I also test rode the Diavel before I left for Korea...very nice but bought the X Diavel S last fall. A bit different ride with your feet forward but has no issues taking a 40 degree lean in a curve. I would argue the power band is more responsive too as are the ergonomics a bit more refined over the Diavel. I love the XDS, but girlfriend hates the very small patch of a seat, so now considering either an HD or BMW's new K1600 B, which has very rakish lines and the nicer comforts of touring for two. I will get another K1300s as I think it was done very nicely, good compromise of speed, handling and comfort. I so wish mil sales sold non-US made models too, unfortunately, HD is all they have.

 

[IanHenry]

With Virtual Reality, you only see and interact with things that are in the virtual space (world).
With Mixed Reality you see and interact with both the virtual space and reality.

One of the best forms of Mixed Reality I have see is with the (now defunct) CastAR platform.
It allowed you to see VR objects as well as real objects (and people) at the same time via the use of their glasses and photo-reflective screens.

If it had been able to stay afloat CastAR would have been a HUGE game changer for simulators in general.
Here is a CastAR demo using a simple flight sim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3HGrclGkIE

Thanks for the answer. Does that not make Mixed Reality a better option than VR?

Regards,
Ian