Dumb VR Questions

User Support Hub Virtual Reality (VR)
1

I’m looking at VR, specifically at the HP Reverb G2 and the Oculus Meta Quest 2 headsets. Per their websites, my HO Omen 17T with Intel i7 & Nvidia RTX3070 are OK for these. I use a Logitech extreme 3D pro joystick.

Comments about these headsets?

I’ve read lots about VR, in the Forum & elsewhere, but I still have many probably dumb questions.

The above headsets come with a couple of hand devices. What do those do?

What other stuff would I need to buy to get VR working: Cable? Charger? Other?

Do detailed setup & use instructions come with these (or in general)?

Will I need to set up any device(s) for the headset to locate itself – since I’m sitting still while piloting?

What SW is needed to get VR working? Does it (or links to it) come with the headset?

When I move my head, do the views in the headset move accordingly?

Are the headset images distorted (wide angle? telephoto? Asobo edge stretch? other?)

Does the headset allow for eyeglasses if needed?

Would I still need a joystick or other mechanical device to control ailerons & elevator?

How would I control the rudder pedals – for rudder deflection? nosewheel steering? brake(s)?

How would I move the throttle/mixture? elevator trim wheel? turn knobs? hit buttons? Will I need an external device (keyboard, mouse, other) to do these?

I don’t touch-type. Would I need the keyboard & how could I see it?

How would I see a chart while using VR?

I’m technical (microcircuit design), but not a SW guru. Generally, how long might it take me to get VR working?

1 Like
2

I’m an HP Reverb G2 user:

  • The Hand devices are useless for MSFS. Have a good HOTAS system and a mouse.
  • Shouldn’t need any additional equipment
  • The setup is straightforward
  • The Headset is fine for ‘locating itself’, no additional hardware needed.
  • The Headset will pull down the appropriate software at setup
  • Yes, the best thing about VR is it tracks your head, so when you look right it changes the view for you. It makes flying a landing pattern much more intuitive.
  • I’ve not run into any distortion.
  • I wear eye glasses while using the headset. It can be a little annoying. You’ll want small-ish lenses.
  • Yes, having a HOTAS setup is key. The less you have to deal with the keyboard the better.
  • Rudder pedals are helpful, but not necessary. It is important to have some axis to deal with nose wheel steering.
  • All of my throttle/trim are controlled on my HOTAS. Mixture I deal with with the mouse.
  • It’s best to map everything to the HOTAS and deal with the keyboard as least as possible.
  • The VFR chart from the game menu us available in-game, but I fly mostly aircraft that have charts in their Garmin.

I think you can expect 10-15 hours gettin HOTAS and VR set up, but it is worth it. VR was a game changer for me flying approaches and helicopters. Being able to turn your head and see other views instinctively is amazing. There are few joys better than seeing the Fresnel system and being able to judge my glide slope while turning onto base leg all because I can look off-axis just by turning my head.

5 Likes
3

The above headsets come with a couple of hand devices. What do those do?

Track position of your hands, and also have several buttons you can click.

What other stuff would I need to buy to get VR working: Cable? Charger? Other?

HP Reverb G2 has all needed cables and power adapter. For Quest 2 you might need a cable to connect to PC.

Do detailed setup & use instructions come with these (or in general)?

HP Reverb G2 is configured with Windows Mixed Reality. Quick guide should be included in the box.
Quest 2 is mainly stand-alone device, so connecting to PC is a little bit more complex, there are step-by-step guides on YouTube.

Will I need to set up any device(s) for the headset to locate itself – since I’m sitting still while piloting?

Both Reverb and Quest track themselves using built-in cameras, nothing else is needed.

What SW is needed to get VR working? Does it (or links to it) come with the headset?

Reverb works using Windows Mixed Reality included in Windows. If you buy game on Steam, you will also need to install Steam VR, and Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR.
For Quest you will need Virtual Desktop or AirLink software, which you will need to get separately, and probably purchase.

When I move my head, do the views in the headset move accordingly?

Yes.

Are the headset images distorted (wide angle? telephoto? Asobo edge stretch? other?)

No. Or practically not noticeable.

Does the headset allow for eyeglasses if needed?

Yes. Or you can also buy prescription lenses inserts (more comfortable than glasses.

Would I still need a joystick or other mechanical device to control ailerons & elevator?

You can do it with hand tracking controllers in virtual cockpit.
Or you can use mouse.
Or keyboard keys.
Or buy specialized devices if you want.

How would I control the rudder pedals – for rudder deflection? nosewheel steering? brake(s)?

With keyboard, joystick, or buy special rudder pedals controller.

How would I move the throttle/mixture? elevator trim wheel? turn knobs? hit buttons? Will I need an external device (keyboard, mouse, other) to do these?

Same as above.

I don’t touch-type. Would I need the keyboard & how could I see it?

With VR you better to remember where your controls are located and use them blindly.

How would I see a chart while using VR?

There are mods that allow to show external windows/documents in VR.

I’m technical (microcircuit design), but not a SW guru. Generally, how long might it take me to get VR working?

If all goes smoothly - not long at all.
If there are issues, it may take days searching for answers and troubleshooting.

3 Likes
4

DON’T get a Quest 2! Either wait for Quest 3 or get a cheap G2. I still recommend the G2 overall. Some people will also recommend the Pico4 because it has better lenses (pancake) which give better edge-to-edge clarity, but I can’t stand the compression it requires (no displayport possible). Plus it’s ByteDance.
Q3 also won’t have a DP.

If you want to spend lots of money, wait for the Bigscreen Beyond. Quest Pro resolution is too low for MSFS IMO.

In the long run you’ll want a better GPU to make the most of VR in this game. I sold my 3080 last year.

5

Happy G2 user here.
After more than one year of using G2 with my older rig (11700, 3060Ti) I got my new mega-machine (13900, 4090) a couple of days ago. It’s kinda plug and play so in less than one hour (for the VR setup) I had a working MSFS with VR with Ultra setting running.
I still may have to tweak something to improve some stutters (probably caused by scenery loading), but the looks are stunning and performance is great.
So I would say go for it if your HW supports it and there will be no way back.
Sidenote, being 60+ years old, I need reading glasses. I wear them inside the headset, without them the view is a total blur.

6

Additional tips:

  • I do not use the VR controllers. I fly mostly Airbus (Fenix) so I own the Thrustmaster Airbus joystick+quadrant+add-on+rudder pedals. I use the mouse for most interactions which are not mapped to buttons.
  • The only keyboard interaction I use is F12 for the GSX menu. i have a piece of adhesive tape sticked to this key to find it when wearing the headset.
  • I got used to finding “blind” all the joystick axes, levers and butttons. Takes some learning time but easy to manage it.
  • Inside VR you can open any panel (VFR map, Navigraph, ATC, etc.) and drag it anywhere where it does not bother you. Once you need it, just look there and use the mouse to interact. Easy peasy…
1 Like
7

What fps are you running when you get the stutters?

8

20+
But the stutters were very visible when flying the Fenix at 2x simulation speed, however were mostly gone when reverting to real time simulation. That is why I think the culprit is the on line scenery loading (TLOD 200 plus ULTRA settings means a lot of bytes of data need to be downloaded and processed).
I get close to 30 fps in payware airports + FSTL traffic+ Fenix, which is ok for me. And this is with vainilla settings, no time spent to optimize.

9

20-30 fps in VR? Of course that’s going to be stuttery, woah. You should really aim for 45 locked (assuming 90hz).

1 Like
10

The headsets above come with a few manual devices. What do these do?
Quest 2 can be played wirelessly (wifi). It can stand alone with games without a PC, and it is continuously updated by facebook (version 53 today!)

What else do I need to buy to get VR to work? Cable ? Charger? Other?
Quest 2 requires a quality usb 3 cable (amazon 20 euro)

Are detailed installation and usage instructions included with these (or in general)?
You will find plenty of tutorials on you tube without any problem (the quest 2 is sold to several million copies)

Will I need to configure one or more devices for the headset to locate itself - since I’m sitting still while riding?
No, for quest 2 it’s simple, just the button to program in FS2020 to center.

What software is needed to run VR? Does it (or links to it) come with the headset?
You absolutely need OpenXR toolkit (free) for quest 2, with this one you fly at 45/50 fps.

When I move my head, do the views in the headset move accordingly?
Yes for both.

Are the headset images distorted (wide angle? telephoto? Asobo edge stretch? other?)
No for both.

Does the helmet allow for goggles if needed?
Yes for both.

Would I still need a joystick or other mechanical device to control ailerons and elevator?
Yes it is better, attempts at recognition exist with the hands but it is not yet developed.

How would I control the rudder pedals - for rudder deflection? front wheel steering? brake(s)?
Pedalboard, or saitek x52 type with handle that rotates to simulate the pedalboard

How would I move the throttle/mixture? elevator trim wheel? turn the knobs? push the buttons? Will I need an external device (keyboard, mouse, other) to do this?
Yes (already answered keyboard or logitech type accessory)

I don’t type. Would I need the keyboard and how would I see it?
Habit !

How can I see a graph using virtual reality?
??

I’m technical (chip design), but not a SW guru. Typically, how long can it take me to get VR to work?
1 good day to settle everything.

Really you can wait the quest 3, it’s a good headset for me (with a good PC …)

11

Reverb G2 here, it’s astonishingly good and you will never fly in any other mode. The one thing you will need is a powered USB hub. A decent HOTAS and set of rudder pedals are well worthwhile. I also fly VR in IL-2 where dogfighting can give you neck ache.

12

I do have a hub but I don’t plug the G2 into it. Why would that be necessary (except maybe with some old AMD boards)?

13

Old G2 headsets were very picky with USB. I could not get it to work on any USB port on my AMD motherboard, but luckily a port on top of my PC case worked. HP came up with a new cable box and it has worked on my motherboard’s USB-C port (still have to turn the power off and on again sometimes when starting the headset).

14

If you are primarily looking to fly the sim in VR don’t waste your money on the Quest. I’m not going to get into the details of why the Quest is a substandard PCVR headset compared to the G2, just know the Quest takes more CPU/GPU power than the G2 and the G2 has a much clearer and sharper image on the PC than the Quest. The Reverb G2 will give you are far better experience and better performance.

I fly the G2 at 70% render scale on my 2070 Super Max Q laptop at medium to low settings. You should get medium to high settings with the G2 and a desktop 3070. Everything you need is in the box. Windows Mixed Reality is built into Windows so you wont need any additional software unless you want to run some third party software to enhance performance. I’ve personally never felt the need to download any of the third party software. Just plugged in the Reverb and fired up the sim. DLSS is great to have if you feel you want improved performance at the cost of some image clarity.

15

I have the Quest 2 with no regrets, other than the problems with MSFS and things breaking to connect it. So for just MSFS I agree it is probably the best option just for what seems to be seamless integration.

However, if you like being wireless for MSFS and other games, the Q2 is a good option and that is my main consideration. You also need a better strap with batteries, so add that for the real price.

The Quest 3 may make it the headset of choice, but it will be good to see what happens with other headsets, and if the hype is delivered.

16

Agreed the Quest is fine for casual games and other experiences. But, if your primary focus is Flight/Racing simulation then the G2 or any of the higher end PCVR headsets is a better option.

I used the Quest as a travel headset for nearly two years. Last year I bought a USB-C to display port Salter just to see how my Reverb G2 would perform on with my 2070 Max Q laptop. To my surprise the G2 easily outperformed the Quest and did so with a much sharper image. This isn’t necessarily a knock on the Quest, but needless to say I sold my Quest and now pack my Reverb when I’m on the road.

I know some folks like the wireless capability and the Quest has decent image quality. But for those of us who don’t play Beat Saber and games that require a lot of movement and are focused on simulation and image quality the Quest is not the best solution.

Comfort is another sticking point with the Quest. Two hours in Vr with the Quest is torture. It is by far the least comfortable headset on the market even with the $50 “deluxe” strap.

17

Quest 2 user here, so I’ll chime in.

I find the Q2 a great balance of price, performance and clarity. I have been using it for over a year with MSFS and the-other-sim and it has served me well. With the link cable, oculus app, openXR toolkit I get a very very smooth experience locked in at 36 FPS. And that’s at full render resolution with ultra/high settings in MSFS running off an i9-9900k OC’ed to 5.0GHz and a 3080Ti.

All screens, gauges, displays are fully readable without having to lean in (except the CRJ lol but that’s true in real life, too :rofl: )

I have the kiwi headstrap and facepad and I can wear it for four hours at a time or more (and have done streams of 4+ hours wearing it!) without any problems. My tailbone is more the issue on longer flights in VR sitting for so long :rofl:

With a powered USB hub and the link cable, it stays charged for… well… I have never come close to running low on battery and that was on one of those 4+ hour streams.

Some answers to OP’s questions:
The above headsets come with a couple of hand devices. What do those do? - I use only the right Oculus controller to interact with the flight deck/cockpit switches/knobs/buttons/dials. There isn’t a single aircraft I own (and I have many many) that I can’t interact with using the controller.

What other stuff would I need to buy to get VR working: Cable? Charger? Other? - Depends on the headset, but I have an oculus link cable and a powered USB hub so it stays charged… well… forever.

Do detailed setup & use instructions come with these (or in general)? - Not really. But if you go with a quest 2, let me know and I’ll send you some videos I did that should help you get started. Or DM me and I’ll help you or get you over to our Discord where we have lots of people who will help you get up and running… it’s a small mission in life to get as many people up and running in VR btw :slight_smile:

Will I need to set up any device(s) for the headset to locate itself – since I’m sitting still while piloting? - Not with the Quest and other headsets. Tracking is built-in. It’s sort of magic to me the way it works. No lighthouses/base stations… just the headset.

What SW is needed to get VR working? Does it (or links to it) come with the headset? - Some software is required and can be downloaded. Other software is recommended to improve your experience and further tune things (like OpenXR Toolkit)…

When I move my head, do the views in the headset move accordingly? - Absolutely. It is incredibly immersive. You won’t ever want to go back to pancake mode again. :slight_smile:

Are the headset images distorted (wide angle? telephoto? Asobo edge stretch? other?) - No. Again, it is incredibly realistic. You will feel like you are sitting on the flight deck of a 737 or Citation or whatever aircraft you load. Granted - sometimes it takes tweaking a few settings, but we can help you!!

Does the headset allow for eyeglasses if needed? - Yes! I don’t wear them, but the Quest 2 comes with a spacer and I know many people who wear glasses and use VR with no issues at all!

Would I still need a joystick or other mechanical device to control ailerons & elevator? - I highly recommend this. I have a sidestick (for airbussing) a yoke (for everything else), rudder pedals and a throttle quadrant. You can also use these to bind commands to the many buttons and switches that are on the physical controls.

How would I control the rudder pedals – for rudder deflection? nosewheel steering? brake(s)? - Again, highly recommend getting some actual physical pedals. then you can use these for yaw, braking and, if you want, nosewheel steering (I use the twist on my joystick for NWS, but that’s up to you)

How would I move the throttle/mixture? elevator trim wheel? turn knobs? hit buttons? Will I need an external device (keyboard, mouse, other) to do these? - See above :slight_smile:

I don’t touch-type. Would I need the keyboard & how could I see it? - I do have a wireless keyboard that sits on top of my yoke… and I do touch-type so it’s not an issue if I need to use it. Having said that - I hardly ever every have to use it with my setup.

How would I see a chart while using VR? - There are plugins that allow for this. I never have to take the headset off or switch to 2d to use anything once in VR. I have a few plugins that let me see charts, approach plates, everything needed for IFR or VFR flight. Also have a plugin that allows me to easily switch frequencies and do other things related to ATC when flying in VR on VATSIM. Let me know if you want more details… I have a good video showing these tools and how they work in VR.

I’m technical (microcircuit design), but not a SW guru. Generally, how long might it take me to get VR working? - Ah… well… for me, it took weeks or maybe a month. And I’m still not done tweaking! BUT!!! It won’t take you that long. We can help! I have some videos that provide a good baseline for settings that should get you up and running in a few days if not sooner…Don’t be scared of it. There are lots of people that can help you get running quickly. I felt like I was blazing a trail when I started with VR because there was not a lot of help out there like there is today.

Ok, that was a long post :slight_smile: But I’m passionate about getting people up and running in VR. So, again, please feel free to reach out either in DM or in a post if you want more info. I don’t like to blast out lots of links to my channel because sometimes I feel like I’m pushing something or self-promoting. Honestly, I really just love the VR experience and want as many people as possible to love it, too! So let me know if you want more info and I can send you links or post them here in your post.

Cheers!!

2 Likes
18

Thanks for all your responses.
I have a few more dumb questions, mostly about tethering & headset – computer roles.
I run MSFS on a moderate performance laptop (i7 / 3070 / 32GB), with a 5 GByte/sec ‘net link. Display is OK – no stutter, no other artifacts.
For VR headsets in general:
Do some headsets need to be connected to a computer? What does that computer do? Does its performance matter?
Since I wouldn’t be moving around while piloting, I could connect the headset to my laptop via cable. Would a regular USB-C cable ($5-$10) be OK? If so, why pay $80 for one from Meta?
For headsets (like the Quest 2 & others?) that can run MSFS on their own, what if anything would a connected computer do? Would its performance matter?
To run MSFS in the headset, would I need to buy the use of another copy of MSFS? Even it the headset is connected to my laptop?
If a headset is connected to a USB-C charger port, would it still be discharging its own battery?
Can a headset battery be charged using a regular USB charger (or a charger port on a computer), or is a custom (i.e. pricey) charger needed? Same questions for the hand held devices.
I have many addons in the Community folder. If I run MSFS in a headset connected to my laptop, would I need to instal all those addons in the headset also?

19

You will need to connect the headset to a computer, the headsets are run on phone processors so not powerful enough to run MSFS.

Depending on your computer, you should have ports to connect to different headsets through the different USB types. Or if you want to go wireless for the Quest 2, you will need to plug in a router, have it as a repeater and use Virtual Desktop or Oculus Airlink. One or both work, for some people, most of the time.

The Q2 charges when connected on some cables, and always on the official Meta cable.

Normal AA batteries on the controllers.

VR is great when it works, but there are many moving parts and when one is not working it is a crashing and stuttering mess.

I’m in VR hell at the moment.

20

Thank you for all your answers.
I have a few other stupid questions, mostly about tethering and headset - computing roles.
I’m running MSFS on a moderate performance laptop (i7/3070/32GB), with a 5GB/sec net link. Display is decent - no stuttering, no other artifacts.
For VR headsets in general:
Do some headsets need to be connected to a computer?

For some big games like FS2020 the quest2 must be connected either by USB cable certified USB3 at 1.7gb/s or by airlink (the helmet manages all alone with the oculus software on pc)

What does this computer do? Does its performance matter?
Yes, because in reality the PC creates the 2 necessary images and compresses them to send them to the Quest 2 headset which decompresses them on the fly, hence the importance of having a large CPU! (compression/decompression plus transfer)

Since I wouldn’t be moving around while riding, I could connect the headset to my laptop via a cable. Would a standard USB-C cable ($5-$10) be fine?
No, usb 3 validated, $20 on amazon.

If so, why pay $80 for a Meta?
For headsets (like the Quest 2 and others?) that can run MSFS on their own, what would a tethered computer do? Would his performances be important?
To run MSFS in the headset, would I need to purchase the use of another copy of MSFS? Even if the headset is connected to my laptop?

If a headset is plugged into a USB-C charger port, will it still drain its own battery?
No for quest 2, I can play 6 hours if I want…

Can a headset battery be charged using a regular USB charger (or a charger port on a computer)
YES

, or is a custom (i.e. expensive) charger necessary ?
NO i’am charge with USB3 PC.

Same questions for portable devices.
I have many addons in the Community folder. If I’m running MSFS in a headset connected to my laptop, should I also install all these add-ons in the headset?
NO with quest 2 it’s a compressed video stream that is sent to the headphones, nothing else!