Should vive controllers work in OpenXR mode on Varjo Aero/base?

User Support Hub Virtual Reality (VR)
1

I no longer can see/use my vive controllers to turn knobs etc in the cockpit. But I recently changed two things at once: upgrade to Varjo Aero, and the sim running in OpenXR, so I can’t isolate what changed.

But since OpenXR helps by bypassing SteamVR and Varjo Base seems to rely on SteamVR for controller tracking, it would make sense you can’t use vive vr controllers when in OpenXR mode.

Is that the case?

Controllers show up fine in Varjo base, I can see them etc.

Obviously I could disable OpenXR support in Varjo Base and/or MSFS and see if they reappear.

Thanks in advance !

2

Would love to have an answer to this too.

Been using the Varjo Aero for some time now and never managed to get my Vive controllers show up in MSFS.

3

great @WebMaxxximus thanks for writing - are you using OpenVR (SteamVR) or OpenXR?

Because right now I don’t know if the problem is using OpenXR or using Varjo Base.

I’m assuming it’s OpenXR because the controllers show up in Varjo Base. But come to think I haven’t tried to use them in any other game in the Aero except MSFS. So I should try that…

4

Ok @WebMaxxximus the problem (at least for me) is not Varjo Base/Varjo Aero itself.

  1. I can play Beat Saber in the Varjo Aero and the Vive Controllers work great.

So I think I am correct that OpenXR mode in FS2020 doesn’t support VR controllers. The reason they stopped working when I switched to the Aero is because Varjo Base added support for OpenXR, and FS2020 detected this and switched to using OpenXR.

  1. I can’t get MSFS2020 to switch back to OpenVR to test whether the controllers come back up.

Does anyone know how to do this? If I

  1. Deselect OpenXR support in Varjo Base.
  2. Start MSFS2020
  3. I can’t go into VR mode.
  4. if I look at the Developer Menu default VR API option, it only has “Fake” and “OpenXR”. I can’t choose SteamVR.

Anyone know how to fix that? Eg how do I get MSFS2020 to go back to OpenVR/SteamVR mode for VR API?

5

My experience is the same, been using them in Half-Life:Alyx where they work just fine.

I’m sure you’re right this is a MSFS issue.

6

Ok cool thanks for replying.

I mean I think OpenXR is better and I use a hotas, but there are times I would like controllers and want to use them. So i would like to have the option to use SteamVR/OpenVR.

Like to reach back and close the canopy of the flyingIron spitfire. Since there is no key bind for that.

Will let you know if i figure out!

1 Like