After more than 2 weeks getting my PCL lit up (don’t ask… I need 48 threads to explain my initial problems) I am unable to switch to VR in FS2020.
I am trying to run it with the Pimax client (latest version 1.36.01.01) using Pimax OpenXR runtime. I understand that with the latest Pimax Play version no external software (PimaxXr switcher, PiTool etc) is required anymore.
SteamVR games (using Pimax OpenXR runtime) work fine.
However, in FS2020 the switch to VR does nothing. I hear the interface music in the headphones but it won’t switch to VR.
Coming from a Reverb G2, I uninstalled all Mixed Reality related software in case it would clash. Also it’s unclear if I still need to start Steam VR in the pimax client to run fs2020?
What is the basic startup procedure, software required and setting -in detail please- (assume I’m an idiot) To get PCL running in FS2020?
I’ve been browsing and googling for 3 days but no luck.
All settings in FS are OK afaik, like Ctrl/tab to switch etc. I’ve been using my Reverb for years without probs.
Not sure exactly what your problem is, but if you can hear sim sounds are going through the headset, then it is connected. Try setting a button on your yoke or joystick to enable VR and try that. I use three buttons on my joystick, one to enable VR on/off, one to center the view and the third to bring up the menu bar.
You don’t need Steam VR to run the PCL in FS 2020.
Edit. I just start the headset before loading the sim, and then enable VR when ready to fly.
You can, if you want, use mbucchia’s Companion app to switch between Pimax XR or SteamVR, but it is not needed now with the latest Pimax Play software.
You can also use his OpenXR Toolkit for all sorts of other VR goodies.
My problem is it won’t switch to VR…
Yeah I do have various buttons assigned, as I said I’ve been flying VR for years.
Don’t need steamvr, that’s good thanks.
Yes I get the headset running as well before starting the sim.
I still have the OpenXR Toolkit Companion, but have it disabled in case that was causing the issue.
Late at night here, tired. No lightbulb moment to help you.
Maybe ask Calvin at Pimax on their Discord channel or on Reddit to pass on your problem and ask for help. In the meantime you could always see if you can fly FS2020 using Steam VR. Lower performance, but it might work, as you can get VR to work on other Steam games with your Crystal Light.
Thanks Calvin,
I tried that but no luck.
In the process of trouble shooting constantly over the last few weeks , including repairs, reinstalling windows etc I suspect I did more damage than good as now I’m also getting errors with Microsoft store and Xbox when starting up the Sim . I decided (given that the headset now works everywhere else) to just go with a complete format and reinstall so I have a fresh start. Will probably take me a few weeks to get back up to par, but I’ll highly likely still beat FS2024 in getting functional
Nope , standby though, complete Hard-disk wipe and reinstalling everything is almost finished. X-Box and Store working normally now. Although I did struggle with X-Box sign in. Turns out that even on a ‘new and fresh system’ downloading X-Box from the store corrupts it. Set me back half a day. Found out that downloading XB straight from the website fixed it.
Open composite is not required or even advisable for MSFS, as MSFS is a native OpenXR app and Open Composite is a kind of OpenVR to OpenXR “translator”.
And update; yes it’s all working now but ofcoarse there is another problem, when moving my head in the cockpit there is a strange effect of the surrounding environment moving against the rotation axis horizontally as well as vertically. Very strange software issue, no it’s not the tracking as in external view everything is normal. Best way to explain is as if the center of rotation of the headset is off. Not in the pimax space lobby or external cams that’s all fine, just in the cockpit. Online are many reports of the same issue as far as more than a year back. I’m very surprised this is not fixed yet.
Calibration and room setups doesn’t fix it either.
