Storage-Constructed VR Headset Takes DIY Ingenuity To The Subsequent Stage

Daniel, aka CNCDan, wasn’t in search of to revolutionize digital actuality. He merely wanted a additional immersive sim racing experience with out breaking the monetary establishment. His decision? A totally 3D printed VR headset constructed with AliExpress parts, open provide software program program and an numerous wish to mod.

He started with a simple goal: make sim racing additional sensible. Enterprise VR headsets, even the entry diploma ones, have been too pricey and had too many choices like hand monitoring he didn’t need. Instead of settling he decided to utilize his 3D printer and downside fixing experience to create a headgear tailored to his desires. The consequence’s a software with 2880×1440 determination, adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and in-built head monitoring, all for a tenth of the value of the mainstream selections. It’s not good nevertheless it reveals what’s potential when ingenuity meets dedication.

The headset has two 2.9 inch sq. shows. Daniel searched AliExpress for prime determination reveals sooner than deciding on these. They’re a compromise between readability and measurement. Larger 3.8 inch OLED panels would have elevated the minimal IPD to 68mm, excluding too many people because the widespread grownup IPD is spherical 63mm with a ramification of 45-80mm. The 2.9 inch screens are barely better than 54mm giant and have a minimal IPD of 54mm so that they’re applicable for a wider differ of people. Daniel chosen the cheaper 90Hz mannequin over the dearer 120Hz one and solely later stumbled on that full determination solely runs at 60Hz which can be uneven in VR. Nonetheless the reveals are sharp enough for sim racing and present that low worth elements can outperform expectations.

Lenses have been the next drawback, so he used his knowledge of FPV drone headsets. Daniel considered Fresnel lenses that are typically purchased in office present retailers as magnifying sheets. Testing with a cellphone show confirmed a focal distance of spherical 60mm which is just too huge for a slim design. A remaining minute uncover on AliExpress modified each half: lenses for Google Cardboard with a 45mm focal distance that supplied a additional compact risk. These lenses match into 3D printed “eye containers” comprised of matte black PLA to chop again reflections and provide a clear view of the reveals. They’re held in place by a twist-on retaining cap, which eliminates the need for glue, and makes altering them simple within the occasion that they get scratched.

Head monitoring is necessary for sim racing and Daniel used a GY-9250 IMU sensor with an Arduino Skilled Micro. He intently relied on Relativty’s open-source SteamVR head monitoring driver, a problem so good it’s onerous to think about a 15 12 months earlier started it. The software program program handles roll, pitch and tilt – each half you need for immersive driving – with out the complexity of positional monitoring. To take care of points tidy Daniel designed a personalized PCB nevertheless it’s elective should you occur to’re comfortable soldering on to the Arduino. The setup requires a quick calibration via Arduino Studio to cease drift nevertheless as quickly as dialed in it tracks head actions simply and integrates seamlessly with SteamVR.

The headset’s physique is a symphony of 3D printed elements, each precisely deliberate for efficiency. The eye containers that keep the screens and lenses slide alongside 145mm stainless-steel rods for IPD adjustment, which might be secured with M3 screws and thumb knobs for ease of utilization. The precept physique piece is printed nose-side as a lot as do away with assist concerns and is held collectively by M3 threaded inserts. The HDMI driver and head tracker are housed inside the entrance cowl, which has a present splitter board taped in place. Daniel’s consideration to component extends to the tiny points, harking back to routing vitality by the Arduino to save lots of plenty of extra cords and using a folding FFC cable to take care of the within clear.

Daniel used an HTC Vive face pad that was low cost and readily accessible, with self-adhesive Velcro for simple substitute. The head strap is constructed of 25mm strapping and 3D printed PLA buckles, and it’s surprisingly sturdy. The rear plate is printed in versatile TPE and fixes the strap with none inside helps; merely pause the print and insert the material. The tip consequence’s a headset that’s comfortable for extended racing courses, nevertheless Daniel acknowledges that the face plate may not match every face type.

What makes this problem so accessible? Daniel has uploaded all of his recordsdata to GitHub, along with 3D fashions and software program program instructions. So, if in case you have got a 3D printer and enough persistence, you could make your private.
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