VR

[vx111vx111swift]

I am thinking of purchasing  VR . However i do not know the first thing about it. Can anyone advise on the best set and how difficult is it to set up into IL2 Sturmovik. .

[R3animate]

The best set is pretty subjective, but fortunately IL-2 has pretty great, native support for VR out of the box through SteamVR.

 

Depending on availability/where you live your best bet is either an Rift S or a Valve Index. I have an Index but honestly given that 99% of my time in VR is spent in IL-2 I'd suggest a Rift S for the easier setup. No sensors to deal with, one cable etc.

 

What have you got for a video card? VR is pretty demanding, but as long as you've got a 1080 or better you should be ok. 

Edited June 26, 2020 by R3animate

[TWC_NINja]

I fly with an HP Reverb and am very satisfied with it. The high resolution screens really enhances the experience.

I had the Rift CV-1, and later tried the Rift-S but replaced them with the Reverb because I wasn't satisfied with the lower resolution.

 

As far as set up goes, it's a lot of fun (read challenging) trying to get the right balance between eye candy and performance. Eventually I settled on running my game on 60Hz with 134% Supersampling, no AA, no sharpening - mid to high settings and some bells and whistles turned off, so I can get constant frametimes below 16ms and not needing any reprojection at all. Flies smooth and clear, like sitting 3" in front of a 1080p monitor. 

 

I also have the VR Enhancer mod (see below) installed to get better color saturation and contrast. I can spot contacts from 8km - 10km away on a clear day, and with the latest zoom settings, I can ID contacts a few clicks before they get within firing range. Overall happy camper here.

 

I have an i7-9700k and RTX 2080S, both running stock, with 32Gb RAM.

 

 

Edited June 26, 2020 by TWC_NINja

[vx111vx111swift]

I am thinking of purchasing VR for my PC  any info on best  VR set  and advise on installing ..

[dburne]

1 hour ago, vx111vx111swift said:

I am thinking of purchasing  VR . However i do not know the first thing about it. Can anyone advise on the best set and how difficult is it to set up into IL2 Sturmovik. .

 

You would probably get better recommendations if you list your PC specs.

[vx111vx111swift]

Here is what I have.

 

Processor Intel(R) coreTM 17-593ok

CPU 3.50 GHS 

Ram 16.0GB

 

64 Bit operating system x64 based provessor

[dburne]

4 minutes ago, vx111vx111swift said:

Here is what I have.

 

Processor Intel(R) coreTM 17-593ok

CPU 3.50 GHS 

Ram 16.0GB

 

64 Bit operating system x64 based provessor

 

Rift S.

Wait - What GPU do  you have? Is this a laptop?

[Gretsch_Man]

What's the best VR set depends a lot on what your hardware specs are. I think the perhaps best cost/performance solution presently available is the Rift S. Well, that's what I'm using anyway, and I'm happy with it. There are VR sets with higher resolution. But those require considerably higher PC "horsepower", too.

 

Installing the Rift S was easy. The installation program will guide you through. The set-up only took me a few minutes.

[vx111vx111swift]

1 hour ago, dburne said:

 

Rift S.

Wait - What GPU do  you have? Is this a laptop?

This is a gameing PC

Here is what I have.

 

Processor Intel(R) coreTM 17-593ok

CPU 3.50 GHS 

Ram 16.0GB

 

64 Bit operating system x64 based provessor

[RedKestrel]

15 minutes ago, vx111vx111swift said:

This is a gameing PC

Here is what I have.

 

Processor Intel(R) coreTM 17-593ok

CPU 3.50 GHS 

Ram 16.0GB

 

64 Bit operating system x64 based provessor

We need to know what graphics card you have.

[vx111vx111swift]

2 minutes ago, RedKestrel said:

We need to know what graphics card you have.

 

2 minutes ago, RedKestrel said:

We need to know what graphics card you have.

 

2 minutes ago, RedKestrel said:

We need to know what graphics card you have.

Nevedia GeForce GTX 980TI     (2)  CARDS

[dburne]

18 minutes ago, vx111vx111swift said:

This is a gameing PC

Here is what I have.

 

Processor Intel(R) coreTM 17-593ok

CPU 3.50 GHS 

Ram 16.0GB

 

64 Bit operating system x64 based provessor

 

Ok so apparently that is an i7 5930k CPU.

Little on the weak side, but can be overclocked some if willing. We can get into that later.

 

Need to know what GPU ( Graphics Processor) you have in that system? Nvidia? AMD Radeon? Make and model please.

Like man happens to be an EVGA 2080 Ti FTW3.

[WheelwrightPL]

I have HP Reverb which has the best image quality of all mainstream VR headsets currently on the market (by which I mean resolution, so you can clearly see all the cockpit gauges etc: which is crucial in a flight simulator).

Here is my system:

CPU: i3-8350k overclocked to 4.6Ghz

GPU: ASUS RTX 2080 Ti factory overclocked

RAM: 32 GB at 3200Mhz

 

However that setup is still too slow to run Reverb at 90fps without reprojection using IL2-Sturmovik Ultra/High settings (I mean Shadows: Ultra, Clouds: High).

I run consistently only at about 60fps, which means that I probably won't reach 90fps even with the upcoming $2000 RTX 3080 Ti, because It is highly unlikely that card will provide a huge 50% speed improvement that I require. I will probably have to wait 4 more years for $4000 RTX 4080 Ti to have a smooth, high-fidelity VR experience (also: high-fidelity is relative because even with Reverb the image has horrible jaggies and blurred-details compared to a 4k monitor).

Sorry to sound so negative, but I am trying to set realistic expectations here, however despite its limitations Virtual Reality is still worth it because nothing beats the awe-inspiring experience of sitting in an actual WW2-fighter cockpit, as well as its accompanying physical sensation of flight (to some degree). That's what VR is: the experience first, and the gameplay second (because you cannot compete in VR against 4k-monitor players, at least in IL2). If that's what you are after, go for it.

[vx111vx111swift]

Ok  thanks for your reply. It does not sound to inviting. The additional expense may not be worth it. 

[chiliwili69]

1 hour ago, vx111vx111swift said:

The additional expense may not be worth it.

 

I think the Rift-S will run OK in your system if you put the right settings for IL-2. Flying Circus is also less demanding in VR.

If you like planes and flying you will not regret to have VR with IL-2. It is true that it is not as defined as a 4K monitor, but once you are in VR you will understand why many people prefers inmersion over resolution.

If you then like VR, you will save every penny to have a better PC and better VR headset.

The Rift-S is a let´s say no-risky investment. You will also enjoy other VR games and experiences like Apollo XI.

Edited June 27, 2020 by chiliwili69

[Dagwoodyt]

10 hours ago, vx111vx111swift said:

Ok  thanks for your reply. It does not sound to inviting. The additional expense may not be worth it. 

I think you have made a reasonable assessment of your situation. Typically when getting into VR you want to be comfortable swapping display cards if your current card is not adequate to demands of your chosen hmd. You would also need to be sure your controller setup is appropriate to a VR environment. Such considerations may represent substantial added expenditures.

[RAAF492SQNOz_Steve]

I only obtained a VR headset about three weeks ago and found flying in VR to be an excellent/ amazing experience.  So I would recommend getting into VR (strongly).

 

Living in Australia, my VR options, were limited but ended up with a Rift S.  Find the clarity and readability of in cockpit gauges to be very good and can run, at the Rift S max 80 Hz, with pretty much every graphic setting maxxed out in Ultra mode with a RTX 2080 Ti  GPU. The one exception on settings is MSAA x 4, which if set, frequently drops me back to an un-acceptable (to me) 40 Hz display rate. 

 

Doubt that my PC setup would be able to drive a HP Reverb, with good graphics settings, at a reasonable frame rate, at max resolution.

 

My recommendation would be to get a Rift S and reduce your graphics settings so that it can run at 80 Hz frame rate. If the VR headset market, in your country, is anything like Australia if you do not like VR after trying it you can sell the headset for only a 10 - 15% loss over what you paid.  

 

In my case, I am officially hooked on VR!, IL2 looks amazing with it.  

[Tyberan]

I live Oz as well and have been looking at VR options. Seems i can get a reverb but only the gen 1 pro version here, even so it's a 4-6week lead time according to HP. So I've been thinking about the rift S.

RAAF STEVE do you find the rift s still good without the higher res? Also where did you get yours?

[RAAF492SQNOz_Steve]

1 hour ago, Tyberan said:

I live Oz as well and have been looking at VR options. Seems i can get a reverb but only the gen 1 pro version here, even so it's a 4-6week lead time according to HP. So I've been thinking about the rift S.

RAAF STEVE do you find the rift s still good without the higher res? Also where did you get yours?

 

I bought mine new off Ebay Aust, for what was a bit of a premium to what people in the U.S. would pay even taking the exchange rate into account at $830 AUD delivered. Are currently several sellers listing at that price at present, that have them "in hand". Given that used ones on Ebay Aust fetch about $700 AUD I was happy to give it a shot. 

 

I have not used a Reverb so cannot comment on the resolution issue but see that as a bit of a moot point given that my quite high spec PC would not be able to run it, with high graphic settings, at a good frame rate.

 

The Rift S has great  head tracking and good software and while we would all love higher resolution etc, has exceeded my  pre VR headset purchase, expectations by a high margin.

 

Your PC has lower specifications so, my expectation is that you will have to back off the graphic settings but should still get quite an immersive experience.

(Correction, this comment refers to the OP,  not Tyberan as I do not know what spec PC you have)

 

I should add a warning however, I spent too much time gawking at the very impressive 3d graphics eye candy, in a very low level German city flyover this morning and crashed into a Church spire!  ?

Edited June 28, 2020 by RAAF492SQNOz_Steve
Clarification and correct mix-up with OP PC specs

[FTC_Snowy]

While I have a Valve Index, which I rate very highly, I’d recommend OP consider a Rift S as it’s probably the lowest entry cost in both monetary and PC hardware requirement terms. It will also be easy to set up. IL-2 has very good VR implementation.

 

OP,  you will need to check your hardware meets the minimum requirements for the one you decide on but the immersion of VR is simply amazing so in my opinion is well worth the investment.

Another one to consider is the upcoming HP Reverb G2 which is reportedly due out later this year but that will need a beefy PC.

Edited June 28, 2020 by -332FG-Snowy
Additional text

[Dutch2]

Hi @dburne, as you have the Rift-S and the Quest, would the cheaper Quest not being a better choice inhere, consider his low performance i7-5730k, RAM 16Gb i guess at 2400mhz  and his GTX980ti setup. Or are both headsets more a less the same performance eaters. 

 

Edited June 28, 2020 by Dutch2

[dburne]

1 hour ago, Dutch2 said:

Hi @dburne, as you have the Rift-S and the Quest, would the cheaper Quest not being a better choice inhere, consider his low performance i7-5730k, RAM 16Gb i guess at 2400mhz  and his GTX980ti setup. Or are both headsets more a less the same performance eaters. 

 

 

I would not recommend it, as performance going through Link with the Quest is a little less than the Rift S.

Also at least here in the states the 64 GB Quest is same price as Rift S, and 128 GB Quest is 100 bucks more.

[Tyberan]

Although I don't want to derail from OP but information in this thread has made my decision to get a Rift s. 

[OrLoK]

1 hour ago, Tyberan said:

Although I don't want to derail from OP but information in this thread has made my decision to get a Rift s. 

one of us! one of us!

[RAAF492SQNOz_Steve]

3 hours ago, Tyberan said:

Although I don't want to derail from OP but information in this thread has made my decision to get a Rift s. 

I am reeeeeeeeally sorry if my comments influenced your decision ?.

 

If you have much better luck than me, you may be able to buy direct from https://www.oculus.com/rift-s/?locale=en_US  for $649 AUD.   The one time I saw them "In stock" was out of stock by the time I placed my order  .

 

If you try the Ebay route, prices appear to be trending down slowly so you may be able to do a bit better than the $830 AUD that I ended up paying but make sure that the seller has them "in hand".

 

Happy hunting.

[Tyberan]

Oculus has an Amazon store available for 650. Pretty much the only option  here anyway, been on the fence for 18months or so between rift s and reverb. 

[dburne]

1 minute ago, Tyberan said:

Oculus has an Amazon store available for 650. Pretty much the only option  here anyway, been on the fence for 18months or so between rift s and reverb. 

 

Oculus tends to get stock in on Tuesdays, if you can be a little patient and have the ability to check stock from Oculus frequently ( as they tend to go fast), you might can snag one.

[Tyberan]

I bought my rift through Amazon. Ordered last Sunday it rocked up yesterday (friday).

I got to play little last night but I'm only getting 45fps. Still need to tweak setting to get it right. The cockpits take on a whole new dimension (pun intended), however I found I was getting motion sickness. I'll put that down too lack of sleep this week 3/4 A bottle of wine I drank beforehand.

 

Anyway I put opencompensate dll,  in the bin folder but the game wouldn't start with it so I was resorting to steam vr. Still confused on how to get everything working. 

 

Also had some weird issues in game, pressing I to remove icons in game shut the engine off even though it's not bound to that key. My first go in the Fw190 I throttled up and halfway down the runway the gear retracted. Just weird.

 

Anyway I'll experiment today.

[RAAF492SQNOz_Steve]

Hi Tyberan,

Welcome to the Rift S VR club!

For me, having MSAA x 4 was a big frame rate killer (even with a 2080 Ti, not OC'd ), that would generally knock me into the 40 Hz refresh rate.

Running FSAA x 4 lets me run 80 Hz but still get the occasional micro stutter.

 

Interesting to see that you had the same issue with OpenComposite as I experiencenced. I will need to have another go at that but could not find any errors in Windows event logs etc.

[SIA_Sp00k]

For the Australians (god bless us all) that small county broken into two pieces to our south east can supply the HP Reverb G2 on pre-order.

[RAAF492SQNOz_Steve]

Re: Doing a Reverb pre-order from "Across the Ditch" For Australians wanting to pre-order now.

 

Please keep in mind, if the items are actually delivered from N.Z.

 

"All goods imported into Australia by sea, air or post with a customs value that exceeds $1000.00 must be cleared by submitting a completed import declaration form (B650) and paying duty, goods and services tax (GST) and other taxes and charges that apply."

 

Not sure what price applies to N.Z. pre-orders but it can get expensive if the above applies and is followed up by Customs  

I got caught out by this a long time ago when due to an exchange rate fluctuation that pushed me a couple of Dollars over the limit that applied at the time, ended up paying an extra 30 - 40%

[Tyberan]

I tried opencomposite again and no go, just doesnt want to do anything. 

 

Changed res down which I'm assuming is the monitor only, also switched to FXAA at x4 anti-A. 

 

I'm now getting between 45-80 fps in game, looking at mirrors it goes down to 62fps, but combat its like 45fps. Just flying around I'm getting 75 fps. Still some tweaking i think. 

 

i've got a 8700k i7, i think 32gb ram, my gfx card is a GTX2070. 

[ZiggyZiggyStar]

I have just preordered an HP Reverb 2 from PB Tech here in NZ, and the cost was NZ$1104.75 which includes GST of $144.10 and delivery charge of $5

[RAAF492SQNOz_Steve]

Hi Tyberan,

Got my Opencomposite working.  In a massive brain fade I had run the Open Composite .exe to switch everything to Opencomposite AND THEN swapped the DLL for the game as well

Do not need do both.

 

Using the Opencomposite switch and MSAA x 4 (and Ultra settings) I can now fly low level over dense forested area's or large towns and retain a pretty consistent 80 Hz frame rate with the Rift S.

 

Doing the same thing when switched to SteamVR dropped to a pretty consistent and stuttery 40 Hz over dense forests and towns. As mentioned, though, this is with a 2080 Ti.

 

You can tell when Open Composite is doing it's thing by starting the IL2 .exe, successfully run the game, if SteamVR does not launch Open Composite is doing its thing.  

 

Was a big frame rate improvement for me so hope you get a noticeable improvement as well. 

[HunDread]

10 hours ago, Tyberan said:

Anyway I put opencompensate dll,  in the bin folder but the game wouldn't start with it so I was resorting to steam vr. Still confused on how to get everything working. 

 

 

Did you create the opencomposite.ini file in the same folder?

 

Simply create a text file with this name and then rename the extension to .ini. Make sure the icon changes to the ini type from notepad type:

 

 

My file has this one line in it:

 

enableAudio=False

[Tyberan]

in the end it worked with the opencompensate installer exe. I justed tested it with IL2, work fine but i forgot to start OTT, so the quality was worse then with steamVR. the AA was horrible, jagged edges everywhere. I'm getting 80fps though which is good. 

 

Also something I didnt expect is that I'm getting quite motion sick, just did a few loops in a pflaz and I thought i was going to loose my lunch. Its weird as I played earlier today fine with both il2 and some of the free steam VR games. 

Edited July 11, 2020 by Tyberan

[dburne]

53 minutes ago, Tyberan said:

in the end it worked with the opencompensate installer exe. I justed tested it with IL2, work fine but i forgot to start OTT, so the quality was worse then with steamVR. the AA was horrible, jagged edges everywhere. I'm getting 80fps though which is good. 

 

Also something I didnt expect is that I'm getting quite motion sick, just did a few loops in a pflaz and I thought i was going to loose my lunch. Its weird as I played earlier today fine with both il2 and some of the free steam VR games. 

 

Took me a couple of weeks or so to get my "sea legs".

[Tyberan]

Good to know it goes away, mainly seems to be sitting down using it.

[Charlo-VRde]

My "sea legs" can also go away if I don't fly VR for several days

[Tyberan]

I had another crack at it last night. I found I can fly the bombers without issue whether it's cockpits have more reference points or something compared to the fighter. The ww1 stuff though us another matter.