Valve Index weight compensation for better comfort

[chiliwili69]

As I explained in other threads, the Index was a bit heavy and it was a bit difficult for me to enjoy long flying sessions. I was testing some quick weight compensation by putting a small bag in the back with some stones.

The Index has 4 physical variables to adjust:

 

1.- The Mechanical IPD. This not a degree of freedom since you have to put it to your own IPD (66 mm in my case). You may note that this mechanism move both panel and lenses.

2.- The eye-lens distance. There is a small wheel in the right side to adjust this. In my case I put it at minimum distance, so I get the maximum FOV and my eyelashes don´t touch the lens. So this is also not a degree of freedom.

3.- The length of the top velcro strap. This also determine the position of the back side.

4.- The pressure of the back wheel. This increase the pressure of the face over the foam cushion and put you a bit closer to the lens.

 

Before I applied weight compensation I was trying all kind of combination of the variables 2, 3 and 4 to have optimum comfort. I end up in putting too much pressure in the back wheel to properly fix the device to my face and the lens was very very close to the upper part of my nose. This higher pressure produce some fatigue over my face (head) and my cheeks for long sessions. I noticed that my cheeks were supporting an extra weight, and it should not be like this.

 

Since the Index is going to be my device for the coming months (six at least!), I decided to put some permanent weight compensation fixed to the back side. I was looking for a dense material easy to bend, and the copper is denser than steel and easier to bend. So I put several thick copper wires (with no plastic insulation) in a twist, put some foam around and tape. The total weight of the piece is 170 grams. Then I use two small velcro strap to fix it to the back side.

With this compensation  I need to put less pressure on the back wheel (so less pressure on my skin and cheeks), yesterday I was flying during 3 consecutive hours and I could notice that it increases the overall comfort and it more balanced.

 

Ideally the Index could weigh 200-300 grams less and I will not need to do this. But if we want mechanical IPD (with lens and panel movement) and eye-lens distance adjust, then it is the price (weight) we have to pay.

 

I leave here some pics:

 

 

 

Edited September 25, 2019 by chiliwili69

[chiliwili69]

Hey, here you have a commercial version of my mod. It uses 200 grams, which is very much what is needed for my delicate and beauty cheeks:

 

https://www.studioformcreative.com/product-page/index-200-gram-7oz-curved-counter-weight

 

And other mods for VR headsets.