VR tips and tricks - Improving your VR experience! -Updated 9th/Dec/2020

[J5_HellCat_]

@Brzi_Joe Yes i did restart but I am using a Reverb and not a Pimax. Brzi can you share your $cosView 
$sinView numbers for 45deg ...Thanks

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Okay, well, @c6_lefuneste said this:

 

 

If you can get it running, please share the results. Please note that, according to lefuneste's comment, this may mean that you can rotate - but that objects aren't rendered at that range. Which will mean, you can rotate to look backwards but an aircraft on your six is invisible. This would lead to a false sense of security.

[J5_HellCat_]

@SCG_Fenris_Wolf RGR that ...Thanks

[TCW_Brzi_Joe]

HellCat_ my settings are 1-2 pages back. I use it with Pimax large fov, and I must say that I do not see well last 5deg left and right. 

When using 45deg turn, there are some graphical tearing present, mostly on edge of my view. That means I can see my own tail pretty good. The problems are to the edge (after my tail). But sometimes while watching my follower in dogfight he become invisible for a moment. It is rare, and only in active dogfight. For general checking six, it is good enough.

If you want to be sure, use 30deg turn, that works better.

 

Ps: 45 is great if you like slow turners, like spit or russian side planes.

Edited January 5, 2020 by Brzi_Joe

[Alonzo]

On 1/5/2020 at 8:52 AM, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

Okay, well, @c6_lefuneste said this:

 

 

If you can get it running, please share the results. Please note that, according to lefuneste's comment, this may mean that you can rotate - but that objects aren't rendered at that range. Which will mean, you can rotate to look backwards but an aircraft on your six is invisible. This would lead to a false sense of security.

 
I’ve tested, and with a 22 degree extra turn from the mod, an aircraft on six will just about disappear. I agree with the ~20 degree maximum. Anyone using 30 or 45 isn’t really checking their six, just checking what the plane tail geometry looks like!

[SR-F_Winger]

does anyone have a clue why my FPS never show more than 60? Even when flying on berloga.
My Rig should be able to do much more.
I9 9900KF

16GK 4GHz RAM
Game installed on PCIe SSD
SteamVR set to 130%

[dburne]

Make sure vsync or fps limit not checked in the game settings.

Edited January 8, 2020 by dburne

[SR-F_Winger]

On 1/8/2020 at 10:58 AM, dburne said:

Make sure vsync or fps limit not checked in the game settings.

will do

Worked. Have higher framerates now. Sadly i sitll experience slight stuttering. Even on berloga. Anyone else?

Edited January 14, 2020 by Winger

[maxs]

Warning: Dumb question

 

Why is removing the prop disc a sought after feature? I'm pretty new to the game and have been playing in VR, but I haven't experienced any (obvious?) issues with the prop disc so wondering if I'm missing something.

[dburne]

50 minutes ago, maxs said:

Warning: Dumb question

 

Why is removing the prop disc a sought after feature? I'm pretty new to the game and have been playing in VR, but I haven't experienced any (obvious?) issues with the prop disc so wondering if I'm missing something.

 

I have never had a desire to run with the prop off and never will. That is a good part of the immersion for me, and I have no ill effects from it. I could not imagine not having that big a#% prop spinning in front of me.

Edited January 8, 2020 by dburne

[SCG_motoadve]

4 hours ago, dburne said:

 

I have never had a desire to run with the prop off and never will. That is a good part of the immersion for me, and I have no ill effects from it. I could not imagine not having that big a#% prop spinning in front of me.

In real life you dont see it 99% of the time.

[Schmehl]

12 hours ago, dburne said:

 

I have never had a desire to run with the prop off and never will. That is a good part of the immersion for me, and I have no ill effects from it. I could not imagine not having that big a#% prop spinning in front of me.

I totally agree.  Sometimes in the JU 88 when I am banking, the sun will hit it from behind and it looks fantastic.

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

On 1/7/2020 at 7:24 AM, Alonzo said:

 
I’ve tested, and with a 22 degree extra turn from the mod, an aircraft on six will just about disappear. I agree with the ~20 degree maximum. Anyone using 30 or 45 isn’t really checking their six, just checking what the plane tail geometry looks like!

 

This confirmation by @Alonzo is very important, thank you. Guys, please keep it at 20° then, you'd be trapping yourselves.

[Gamble]

Is PiTool like OpenComposite? If so, which would you rather? 

[TCW_Brzi_Joe]

No, Pitool is original driver & settings program for Pimax HMDs, like Oculus software for Oculus HMDs.

 

OpenComposite is option for steam games on Oculus HMDs only. It replaces SteamVR.

[haltux]

On 1/8/2020 at 11:40 PM, maxs said:

Warning: Dumb question

 

Why is removing the prop disc a sought after feature? I'm pretty new to the game and have been playing in VR, but I haven't experienced any (obvious?) issues with the prop disc so wondering if I'm missing something.

 

Until recently the prop was making awful artifacts when ASW was on on Oculus Rift. So you had the choice between prop and ASW (and living with artifacts).

 

Now this is solved in the core game engine, so there is no need to remove the prop anymore as far as I know.

Edited January 13, 2020 by haltux

[dburne]

47 minutes ago, haltux said:

 

Until recently the prop was making awful artifacts when ASW was on on Oculus Rift. So you had the choice between prop and ASW (and living with artifacts).

 

Now this is solved in the core game engine, so there is no need to remove the prop anymore as far as I know.

 

Correct, works great.

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Pimax uses SteamVR (which is OpenVR), and then PiServices act as another layer that applies the lens distortion profile (picture warp to accommodate the much larger FOV), and nonlinear transformations. PiTool is a simple GUI to edit PiServices' configuration.

[Blitzen]

SCG_Ferris_Wolf, perhaps you can provide help or advice. i have applied all your settings to Pitool & too game settings & am happy with the results, but I have an on going issue and that is using the "Zoom" key. I don't use it very often because it seems to distort 9 almost crosses my eyes,) the new image. If I really adjust my eyes I get a sort of wide angle close-up of the object but it really wears my eyes out if I have to look at it for any time.This is esp. true in Tank Crew where using the "Zoom" is very necessary when you are the gunner in a tank. I'm guessing this is a pupil distance issue or is it something I need to adjust in the Pitool as well? I've read in previous posts that even tho one knows his exact pupil distance measurement , it might not be applicable in PimaxVR. If this is true what is the easiest way to get thing all 'lined up?" as I said in regular game play 9 i.e. out of "Zoom",0 everything is ok nearly all the time even when I hunt 7 peck adjusting pupil distance measurement with the dial on the Pimax headset. This is not a big issue , just an on going irritating one. Your suggestions gratefully accepted...

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

I couldn't really parse what the precise question now is, but I assume it were

 

- first regarding the IPD, so let me answer that. You need to look at an object roughly 3m away from you in VR and then dial in the IPD using the knob, so that you feel you're looking through the center of the lenses with both eyes. Spend no attention to the number posted by OpenVR you see in the headset itself. Use the Force instead.

 

- second it was about you being cross-eyed when using the zoom mod. You want to use the appropiate, prepared installation file from the first post as a starter - and then fine-tune the last 5% in by yourself. You correctly assumed that this is tied to your IPD - a very large or very tiny IPD may create an offset. You also want to make sure that you use the correct d3dx_user.ini, which depends on your Pimax' FOV setting. Both files for Normal and Large FOV are provided with the preset mod, but you want to select the right one.

 

Is that correct?

Edited January 15, 2020 by SCG_Fenris_Wolf

[Blitzen]

22 hours ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

I couldn't really parse what the precise question now is, but I assume it were

 

- first regarding the IPD, so let me answer that. You need to look at an object roughly 3m away from you in VR and then dial in the IPD using the knob, so that you feel you're looking through the center of the lenses with both eyes. Spend no attention to the number posted by OpenVR you see in the headset itself. Use the Force instead.

 

- second it was about you being cross-eyed when using the zoom mod. You want to use the appropiate, prepared installation file from the first post as a starter - and then fine-tune the last 5% in by yourself. You correctly assumed that this is tied to your IPD - a very large or very tiny IPD may create an offset. You also want to make sure that you use the correct d3dx_user.ini, which depends on your Pimax' FOV setting. Both files for Normal and Large FOV are provided with the preset mod, but you want to select the right one.

 

Is that correct?

You parsed my issues pretty much spot on,but may I ask a couple of questions to clarify ( to myself...) your answers.

IPD: Last night I played with this but didn’t really solve the “Zoom” issue, so let me ask : when I am looking at an object 2-3meters away ( say the cross on a 109 wing,) do I try to the focusing only with default view or also with the “Zoom” key depressed?

 Crossed eyes issue: I think I’ve followed all the instructions in the first post and I assume that the “fine tuning “ you suggest is done with the headset dial ( again)? What I did do last night was run through the entire range of the dial small to large with the “Zoom” key depressed while looking outside the plane, but no matter what the setting I didn’t get the two images I was seeing to come “together “except when I really tried to adjust my eyes ( really tiring....) Generally if I let my eyes relax I would see two images; one from each lens I’m guessing and a sort of bad overlap in the center-usually the cockpit frames would badly mesh & the crosshairs be a bit off center to the left. No matter how much I turned the adjustment dial did I come close to a usable in plane view ( outside the plane ,i.e. viewing aircraft it got better but still pretty tough on the eyes for any length of time.You mention using the “correct” d3dx_user.ini, and I must confess I must have missed this setting...In factand I feel stupid for even saying this , but I have no idea what this means.Is it the setting that gives me “Small”,”Normal,” or “Large”, or is there another setting within the Pimax folder that I have to take a look at?

 I appreciate your patience...if I can get this solved I’m going to “ weld” them in place!!!

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

 

 

First: Regarding the IPD: Look at an object 3m away. Dial in your IPD using the knob - until the lenses are centered over your eyes. Ignore the numbers - dial in until you feel comfortable. We are not talking about the Zoom here!!

 

Second: Use the correct d3dx_user.ini. Basic things I assume everyone knows: Don't change anything in the game while it's running, of course. The default file that comes with the mod is for normal FOV. But you are using large FOV. In your game folder navigate to /bin/game/ and exchange the files: Delete d3dx_user.ini. Rename d3dx_user - WIDE_FOV.ini to d3dx_user.ini. 

 

Now load up the game and quickly put the HMD on your head. If a red prompt triggers upon startup, press F12. It'll bingo. Congrats, properly loaded. If you still have any cross-eyed issue while zooming, please follow @c6_lefuneste's guide to dial in the remaining degree via the mod itself. ?

Edited January 17, 2020 by SCG_Fenris_Wolf

[Blitzen]

Many thanks & please forgive me for being a bit slow on the uptake.You have been very helpful to all of us using the Pimax & Pitool!

Thanks!

 

[SR-F_Winger]

On 12/11/2019 at 5:31 PM, Alonzo said:

 

Thanks for the info. I agree about the HDR. Here is a comparison I made with my Rift S HDR on vs off.

 

Edit: Of course, the HDR image is lighter and looks a bit washed out, but that can be fixed by reducing gamma, as recommended in Fenris' settings. The thing to look at is the contrast of the planes against the forest. HDR version there is a more distinct visibility.

 

I thought HDR was not possible with VR headsets?
Can it be activated using Valve index? Id love to try it out since i also have a hard time spotting enemies.

 

 

[Alonzo]

2 hours ago, Winger said:

I thought HDR was not possible with VR headsets?
Can it be activated using Valve index? Id love to try it out since i also have a hard time spotting enemies.

 

I guess it's not "true" HDR, but it's an in-game setting on the Graphics options. It should work for your Valve Index.

[C6_lefuneste]

How do you get ride of the infamous circle ? I managed to do it in the past, but the line to add in steamVR config file seems not working anymore....I only managed to use the gigantic roomspace to remove it, but I have to do that at every  Il2 launch...

[SR-F_Winger]

19 hours ago, Alonzo said:

 

I guess it's not "true" HDR, but it's an in-game setting on the Graphics options. It should work for your Valve Index.

ill try. Thanks

[Blitzen]

This is a solid endorsement for Lefuneste’s tool...he even helped me get the hang of set up & use.Thanks to its use I finally have a Zoom key that deliveries an un- cross-eyed image! Yes I i’ll Send him a few bucks- he deserves it!

[Creep]

@SCG_Fenris_Wolf I am trying to tweak my settings (NVIDIA, WMR, SteamVR, and startup.cfg) to get better spotting at distance in my HP Reverb. I have difficulty seeing contacts without zoom. I read the first post in here but am not clear on what values I should in "Video" within SteamVR for WMR. I had it set to 106% based on a video I saw awhile back from @capt_nasties. Just wanted to see if that is still the best setting to use, or if there is anything else I should tweak along with that. Assuming that the values in startup.cfg in the first post of this thread are still valid for the HP Reverb as well. Appreciate any input you may have! 

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

I've had the Reverb only for a very short time and it was a first batch, which was kaputt. So I couldn't find the right settings for it.

 

I assume it is important to match the vertical resolution to 2160 pixels (no supersampling needed on these amazing screens), and go without ingame AA (!! this is what makes aircrafts disappear above forest/land !!). This would be the first 2 things I'd set up. The third is to play with SteamVR's "Advanced Supersampling" on/off, and see what pictures looks better without grain. A fourth question is, does a 4K headset need "Sharpen"? Play around with "Sharpen" on/off in Quick Mission with enemy aircrafts 10km away and above you, and see what makes spotting easier, and what you like best. ??

[Creep]

36 minutes ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

I've had the Reverb only for a very short time and it was a first batch, which was kaputt. So I couldn't find the right settings for it.

 

I assume it is important to match the vertical resolution to 2160 pixels (no supersampling needed on these amazing screens), and go without ingame AA (!! this is what makes aircrafts disappear above forest/land !!). This would be the first 2 things I'd set up. The third is to play with SteamVR's "Advanced Supersampling" on/off, and see what pictures looks better without grain. A fourth question is, does a 4K headset need "Sharpen"? Play around with "Sharpen" on/off in Quick Mission with enemy aircrafts 10km away and above you, and see what makes spotting easier, and what you like best. ??

Really appreciate the detailed response Fenris, thank you. 

[=SFG=capt_nasties]

the spotting is alot more difficult after the new release in VR for sure.  @QB.Creep

[Creep]

49 minutes ago, capt_nasties said:

the spotting is alot more difficult after the new release in VR for sure.  @QB.Creep

hmm, interesting - anything else you know about why? have you made any tweaks to your configuration? are you still using your Reverb?

[Creep]

@SCG_Fenris_Wolf Your advice was spot-on. I removed the supersampling that I had configured in Steam VR (Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR beta, to be precise): 

• Settings > General > Render Resolution > "Auto"
• Settings > Video > Render Resolution > "Auto"
• Settings > Video Per Application Video Settings > IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad > Custom Resolution Multiplier > "2276 x 2224 100%" (default)

In the game settings, I turned off AA and tried sharpen on and off. I don't think it makes a tremendous difference, but decided that off made contacts slightly more visible at approximately 2k range. Currently using 0.9 gamma (up from 0.65000 set manually and locked in startup.cfg). From the 15 minutes I spent playing around with these settings in Berloga and quick missions, I believe there is a noticeable improvement. 

 

If anyone else has an HP Reverb, please try these settings out and let me know if you like them better than your current settings. If you don't, please tell me what your settings are! ?

[=SFG=capt_nasties]

yeah i still use my reverb I have not messed with settings since my video   ***EDIT I run AA at 2 not 4 on the reverb, everything else is the same, this pic was from my rift CV1 settings***

 

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2020 by capt_nasties

[MrBlindspot]

Hi,

 

i have been messing around with my Reverb setting aswell.

 

i have this :

 

3dhud = 0
    adapter = 0
    bloom_enable = 0
    desktop_center = 1
    detail_rt_res = 1024
    draw_distance = 0.54500
    far_blocks = 1
    fps_counter = 0
    fps_limit = 0
    full_height = 1080
    full_width = 1920
    fullscreen = 1
    gamma = 0.90000
    grass_distance = 0.00000
    hdr_enable = 0
    land_anisotropy = 2
    land_tex_lods = 3
    max_cache_res = 1
    max_clouds_quality = 3
    mgpu_compatible = 0
    mirrors = 1
    multisampling = 0
    or_ca = 0.00000
    or_enable = 0
    or_height = 2161
    or_hud_rad = 0.85000
    or_hud_size = 0.85000
    or_ipd = 0.06499
    or_sipdc = -0.00000
    or_width = 2209
    post_sharpen = 0
    preset = 3
    prop_blur_max_rpm_for_vr = -1
    rescale_target = 1.00000
    shadows_quality = 2
    ssao_enable = 0
    stereo_dof = 5.00000
    vsync = 0
    win_height = 1080
    win_width = 1920

 

So no aa no sharpen no nothing. 

 

But still i'm having a very hard time spotting planes against the sky.

 

I don;t expect increased SS to make a difference.

 

Any ideas?

 

Greetings

 

[Alonzo]

7 hours ago, MrBlindspot said:

So no aa no sharpen no nothing. 

 

But still i'm having a very hard time spotting planes against the sky.

 

I don;t expect increased SS to make a difference.

 

Increased AA/SS makes spotting harder, in fact, because it smushes pixels. Try sharpen on, that will increase local contrast around contacts. Also try HDR on (but use the config file to switch off Bloom, the UI won't let you do that combo directly).

[MrBlindspot]

Hi There,

 

Yeah, without AA/SS and with sharpen and HDR on the spotting gets a lot better.

 

Thanks Dude!!!

 

[WB_jokkr]

Now if they would just tell the ground crew to clean the frinkin windows.  please....

 

 

JG51_jokkr

On 1/20/2020 at 12:18 PM, c6_lefuneste said:

How do you get ride of the infamous circle ? I managed to do it in the past, but the line to add in steamVR config file seems not working anymore....I only managed to use the gigantic roomspace to remove it, but I have to do that at every  Il2 launch...

 

When I changed headsets and installed the specific 3Dmigoto to my new headset it was removed. Is there one for pimax'

 

jokkr

 

Edited February 9, 2020 by JG51_jokkr

[C6_lefuneste]

It's ok now. I did that https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/0/1640912849417815244/