Toying with the idea of VR

[dburne]

1 hour ago, Dagwoodyt said:

Beauty of the Rift is that it runs on seriously old cpu’s given an appropriate  USB 3.0 adapter and at least 8 gigs of ram. Tracking just needs 2 cameras in Il2. Downside is small fov compared to Odysseys’. 

 

Technically tracking for sitting down games with the Rift only needs one sensor.

But two is better and since Rift comes with two now ( it was just 1 early on before Touch Controllers were put in bundle), might  as well use them.

[lightbulbjim]

My 1080 arrived today and it's up and running. I'm still waiting on the USB card but I've got the Rift up and running temporarily on some sketchy USB ports. As long as I don't sneeze it works ?.

 

The Rift is pretty incredible, especially if, like me, you've never used VR before. So far my favourite "game" is Google Earth!

 

I'll try some flying tonight once my brain recovers from a little Windlands overindulgence ?.

[lightbulbjim]

Just tried out the Rift in IL-2 and it's a keeper! It gives such a great feeling of flying that I ended up abandoning my mission and just doing aerobatics.

 

One thing I need to figure out is the view centering. When I hit the view reset button it puts me in the right hand side of the cockpit instead of the center. Tried it with both a 109 and a Mig with the same result.

[dburne]

14 minutes ago, lightbulbjim said:

Just tried out the Rift in IL-2 and it's a keeper! It gives such a great feeling of flying that I ended up abandoning my mission and just doing aerobatics.

 

One thing I need to figure out is the view centering. When I hit the view reset button it puts me in the right hand side of the cockpit instead of the center. Tried it with both a 109 and a Mig with the same result.

 

You can adjust your default head position per aircraft. I do this in 2d mode on the monitor.

I also assign VR re-center to a button on my HOTAS along with VR Zoom.

 

 Adjusting the default head position:
1. Ensure any head tracking software (such as TrackIR) is disabled.
2. Make sure you cockpit view is centered by pressing the numpad 5 key (Pilot head: snap position center).
3. Adjust your camera view to the left and to the right with the Delete (Move pilot head left) and the End keys (Move pilot head right), respectively.
4. Adjust your camera view forward and backward with the Insert (Move pilot head forward) and the Home keys (Move pilot head backward), respectively.
5. Adjust your camera view up and down with the Page Up (Move pilot head up) and the Page Down keys (Move pilot head down), respectively.
6. Once you are satisfied with your changes, press the F10 key (Save current corrections in head snap position). If at any time before this step you want to revert to the default head position, press the numpad 5 key.

[lightbulbjim]

9 minutes ago, dburne said:

 

You can adjust your default head position per aircraft. I do this in 2d mode on the monitor.

I also assign VR re-center to a button on my HOTAS along with VR Zoom.

 

 Adjusting the default head position:
1. Ensure any head tracking software (such as TrackIR) is disabled.
2. Make sure you cockpit view is centered by pressing the numpad 5 key (Pilot head: snap position center).
3. Adjust your camera view to the left and to the right with the Delete (Move pilot head left) and the End keys (Move pilot head right), respectively.
4. Adjust your camera view forward and backward with the Insert (Move pilot head forward) and the Home keys (Move pilot head backward), respectively.
5. Adjust your camera view up and down with the Page Up (Move pilot head up) and the Page Down keys (Move pilot head down), respectively.
6. Once you are satisfied with your changes, press the F10 key (Save current corrections in head snap position). If at any time before this step you want to revert to the default head position, press the numpad 5 key.

I had done that already with my old OpenTrack setup but it seemed to change all the default positions once I started Rifting. No matter, I've just discovered that F10 works in VR mode. So now I just move around (in VR) until my virtual head is where I want it, hit F10, then relax in my non-virtual seat and hit the reset view button. Mapped both to my joystick for quick access.

 

I mapped the VR zoom too. I already had a button assigned to toggle the 2D FOV for spotting, so that is now my VR zoom button :).

[Alonzo]

7 hours ago, lightbulbjim said:

Just tried out the Rift in IL-2 and it's a keeper! It gives such a great feeling of flying that I ended up abandoning my mission and just doing aerobatics.

 

Nice! Once you get settled you might want to start tweaking for best performance. I would suggest OpenComposite to bypass SteamVR, Oculus Tray Tool with 1.1 supersample, High in-game preset, and then fiddle around to your liking. Fenris has a good "cut and paste settings" thread which may work for you (personally I prefer to tweak just using the in-game menu, his method allows more control but you have to hand-edit the config file and make it read-only). Also I highly highly recommend the 3D Migoto mod by Lefuneste -- it adds a useful 5x and 10x zoom which you can bind to a button. 

 

The big question for a lot of people in VR is whether to settle for 45 FPS interpolated with better graphics settings, or shoot for 90 FPS and switch off the ASW, and just deal with it if the game drops below 90. I'm in the 90 FPS camp but I was previously settling for 45. Maybe the new ASW 2.0 algorithm (if they finally release it after announcing in November) will mean 45 FPS is usable for everyone.

[JonRedcorn]

ASW is basically not usable unless you shut the prop off with the mod, as it completely distorts your crosshairs. I'd go for 90. Especially now that the games running probably 35-40% faster than 6 months ago. It's almost a miracle what they have done to the performance. Still can't believe it.

Edited February 18, 2019 by JonRedcorn

[lightbulbjim]

16 hours ago, Alonzo said:

 

Nice! Once you get settled you might want to start tweaking for best performance. I would suggest OpenComposite to bypass SteamVR, Oculus Tray Tool with 1.1 supersample, High in-game preset, and then fiddle around to your liking. Fenris has a good "cut and paste settings" thread which may work for you (personally I prefer to tweak just using the in-game menu, his method allows more control but you have to hand-edit the config file and make it read-only). Also I highly highly recommend the 3D Migoto mod by Lefuneste -- it adds a useful 5x and 10x zoom which you can bind to a button. 

 

The big question for a lot of people in VR is whether to settle for 45 FPS interpolated with better graphics settings, or shoot for 90 FPS and switch off the ASW, and just deal with it if the game drops below 90. I'm in the 90 FPS camp but I was previously settling for 45. Maybe the new ASW 2.0 algorithm (if they finally release it after announcing in November) will mean 45 FPS is usable for everyone.

Yeah, I'm sure I'll get to all that in time. I haven't tweaked anything at all yet, I'm just running on my standard "high" settings which I used on my monitor. I am using OpenComposite though - I haven't even tried SteamVR yet!

 

I just started the Ten Days of Autumn campaign. This is the first "proper" VR flying I've done other than just fooling around and testing things out. That first mission is so atmospheric! A ten minute dash on bingo fuel, all low level, in the rain, with an active ground war going on all around you ?.

 

About the only thing I find uncomfortable is coming to a full stop after landing. My brain keeps thinking I'm moving forward but my eyes disagree.

 

Anyway, really glad I switched to VR. I can't wait for better displays and systems to become affordable in the next few years. No going back to 2D for me!

[=EXPEND=Tripwire]

38 minutes ago, lightbulbjim said:

About the only thing I find uncomfortable is coming to a full stop after landing. My brain keeps thinking I'm moving forward but my eyes disagree.

 

Yeah, your body still 'tries' to lurch forwards like you've hit the brakes. Weird feeling eh?

[Solmyr]

Hello guys,

 

I'm swimming to join the VR ship right now. Ordered an Odyssey+ @300$ (375 euros with taxes etc because I'm French and Samsung doesn't like european people unfortunately). I know that my GC will be a serious bottleneck, but my plan is to experiment until end of november and grab a new GC for black friday, and I bought it not only for Il-2, but also for racing sim (Assetto Corsa, only classic cars). I hope it will be good enough for "small" and "gentle" environments, f.e. few AI, no MP, low settings..

Edited February 19, 2019 by Solmyr

[ironk79]

8 hours ago, Solmyr said:

Hello guys,

 

I'm swimming to join the VR ship right now. Ordered an Odyssey+ @300$ (375 euros with taxes etc because I'm French and Samsung doesn't like european people unfortunately). I know that my GC will be a serious bottleneck, but my plan is to experiment until end of november and grab a new GC for black friday, and I bought it not only for Il-2, but also for racing sim (Assetto Corsa, only classic cars). I hope it will be good enough for "small" and "gentle" environments, f.e. few AI, no MP, low settings..

Did my first VR steps with a system worse than yours. i3, GTX970, 8GB - If you go for low SS and mid/low graphic settings,  dynamic resolution 0,5 , 90fps in QMB 4vs4 is possible and enjoyable, especially if you consider improvements from the latest updates. If you can settle with 45fps, higher resolution/SS and higher settings are def. possible.

[Solmyr]

3 hours ago, ironk79 said:

Did my first VR steps with a system worse than yours. i3, GTX970, 8GB - If you go for low SS and mid/low graphic settings,  dynamic resolution 0,5 , 90fps in QMB 4vs4 is possible and enjoyable, especially if you consider improvements from the latest updates. If you can settle with 45fps, higher resolution/SS and higher settings are def. possible.

 

This looks promising ! Still we hear from time to time some guys with more discouraging speaks... Even here in this particular topic !

A positive aspect to me is that I was experiencing some abnormal stutters yet due to [FFB2 + TiR5] combo yet. So getting rid of TiR5 in Il-2 should be a good thing in the end for me, being a user of the "Mother of all joysticks". ?

 

By the way, could anyone here explain how he looks to his keyboard while flying with an Odyssey+ on the nose ?

Edited February 20, 2019 by Solmyr

[HunDread]

4 hours ago, Solmyr said:

By the way, could anyone here explain how he looks to his keyboard while flying with an Odyssey+ on the nose ?

 

I have a Rift but that doesn't matter I guess. I have everything mapped on my HOTAS and an additional xbone controller. If I have to use the keyboard for chat twice a year I just flip the headset up and pray I don't crash into the ground while I type what I need 

[Solmyr]

1 minute ago, -[HRAF]Black_Sab said:

 

I have a Rift but that doesn't matter I guess. I have everything mapped on my HOTAS and an additional xbone controller. If I have to use the keyboard for chat twice a year I just flip the headset up and pray I don't crash into the ground while I type what I need 

 

Thank you for your input but actually that does matter. This depends on if the HMD flips, or has frontal cameras (and if, can they provide a clear image of what is front of you in the real world), or nothing. As a Microsoft FFB2 user, I do need an access to my keyboard.

[HunDread]

1 minute ago, Solmyr said:

 

Thank you for your input but actually that does matter. This depends on if the HMD flips, or has frontal cameras (and if, can they provide a clear image of what is front of you in the real world), or nothing. As a Microsoft FFB2 user, I do need an access to my keyboard.

 

I know. I have the FFB2 as well. That's why I need the additional xbox controller which I configure with JoyToKey so I can use the sticks as four way buttons giving me quite many options. But I also use a thrustmaster throttle which has quite some buttons and axes as well. If you don't use a separate throttle you probably need to map the easily available buttons on your keyboard and with time you'll learn what is where.

[Alonzo]

2 hours ago, Solmyr said:

Thank you for your input but actually that does matter. This depends on if the HMD flips, or has frontal cameras (and if, can they provide a clear image of what is front of you in the real world), or nothing. As a Microsoft FFB2 user, I do need an access to my keyboard.

 

I would definitely recommend trying to minimize the keyboard while in VR. I only use it for chat (and unfortunately moving the map around, but I think I can fix that). If your stick lacks buttons, consider using a "shift" button to double up your inputs (e.g. use a button on the throttle in combination with stick buttons to double them up, and vice-versa). Or think about Voice Attack for less-used functions. Using the keyboard from VR will be a pain and a last resort.

[Guest deleted@134347]

On 2/19/2019 at 6:19 AM, =EXPEND=Tripwire said:

 

Yeah, your body still 'tries' to lurch forwards like you've hit the brakes. Weird feeling eh?

 

I get it every. single. time. It's really the only thing that I can't trick my brain to learn after flying for 1.5 in VR ?

[4driano]

27 minutes ago, moosya said:

 

I get it every. single. time. It's really the only thing that I can't trick my brain to learn after flying for 1.5 in VR ?

 

I lean my torso forwards then backwards (mimicking the expected movement) to help my brain a bit.

[Solmyr]

9 hours ago, -[HRAF]Black_Sab said:

 

I know. I have the FFB2 as well. That's why I need the additional xbox controller which I configure with JoyToKey so I can use the sticks as four way buttons giving me quite many options. But I also use a thrustmaster throttle which has quite some buttons and axes as well. If you don't use a separate throttle you probably need to map the easily available buttons on your keyboard and with time you'll learn what is where.

 

Hehe, I hope I could see what I do preferably !

[Wolf8312]

VR still hasn't lost it's magic for me. I got back from a month vacation visiting my homeland the other day, and fired up DCS. If anything I somehow forgot how amazing it is!

I took off from the airport at sunset, and flew up into dense clouds in torrential weather. Pure atmosphere! It's really quite a wonderful feeling! I was just amazed by how realistic it feels, how truly immersive it is, and how exhilarating it is when you maneuver perfectly onto a bandits tail and obliterate him (I love those perfect kills were every little decision and move you make is correct).

Feel thankful to have been born in an age of such technological advancement, that affords one the opportunity to enjoy such an experience! It kinda trancends mere computer gaming!

OP, check out some helicopters and jets in DCS, definately an experience not to be missed, though I really need to actually learn one of the many jets I own properly! 

 

 

On 2/20/2019 at 7:35 AM, Solmyr said:

Hello guys,

 

I'm swimming to join the VR ship right now. Ordered an Odyssey+ @300$ (375 euros with taxes etc because I'm French and Samsung doesn't like european people unfortunately). I know that my GC will be a serious bottleneck, but my plan is to experiment until end of november and grab a new GC for black friday, and I bought it not only for Il-2, but also for racing sim (Assetto Corsa, only classic cars). I hope it will be good enough for "small" and "gentle" environments, f.e. few AI, no MP, low settings..

 

Best racing game in VR I have tried is Rfactor 2. Feels way better than the others PC/PC2/Asseto corsa etc) in my opinion, feels really fast. But then Iove F1! Weirdly as well although the graphics are crap on a monitor I actually think it looks better in VR than in 2D. I think simple graphics work in VR's favor because the more graphical eye candy there is in 2D, tends to mean more shimmering, or poor aliasing in VR. You can also get a jetseat FFB seat, and buy the simshaker software for increased immersion.

 

Edited February 27, 2019 by Wolf8312

[lightbulbjim]

13 hours ago, Wolf8312 said:

VR still hasn't lost it's magic for me. I got back from a month vacation visiting my homeland the other day, and fired up DCS. If anything I somehow forgot how amazing it is!

I took off from the airport at sunset, and flew up into dense clouds in torrential weather. Pure atmosphere! It's really quite a wonderful feeling! I was just amazed by how realistic it feels, how truly immersive it is, and how exhilarating it is when you maneuver perfectly onto a bandits tail and obliterate him (I love those perfect kills were every little decision and move you make is correct).

Feel thankful to have been born in an age of such technological advancement, that affords one the opportunity to enjoy such an experience! It kinda trancends mere computer gaming!

OP, check out some helicopters and jets in DCS, definately an experience not to be missed, though I really need to actually learn one of the many jets I own properly!

Yeah, it's pretty great. Should be even better in the next few years as the hardware improves.

 

I've had a few joyflights in the SU-25 in DCS, but since it doesn't have a clickpit and I haven't bothered to setup controls I haven't really done much with it. I haven't spent any money on DCS and I can't see myself doing so anytime soon. I've been down the BMS rabbit hole before, even built a cockpit, but these days I appreciate the simplicity of IL-2 in VR. I do miss having decent ATC though (why can we talk to our wingmen over the radio but not the tower?).