Simple tool to check your six

[TP_Sparky]

I cannot thank you enough.  I was a Coast Guard C-130 pilot and then an Army infantry officer where I get lots of neck and back injuries so I can't rotate my neck and thus can't really do full-real servers without seriously damaging my neck.  This is a Godsend.  I used it today and it worked perfectly.  I set it not for left and right offset but just a single key for 180 degrees and it's centered.  One key for looking back and another to recenter.  

 

I really can't thank you enough.  Bless you.  And yes, I'd already preordered FC2 the first day it was available.

Edited October 11, 2021 by TP_Sparky

[BatSpoggy]

I'm very impressed with the v02exp version, the additional rotation is now added very naturally. I'd tried to get a similar effect by making very small bands on the older version but this resulted in a stepping effect that was more jarring than just having one large deflection.

For anybody wanting a value to start with I've found that starting at 90 degrees with a factor of 100% works very well to keep it in sync with your head movement until you turn aroud quite far.

[firdimigdi]

I concur, v02exp is my favorite so far, very intuitive and can also be used for that tiny bit of smooth rotation to maintain comfort without sacrificing immersion.

 

IMO it should be linked in the first post for more people to test (I had to hunt through the thread to find it).

[Blitzen]

As mentioned previously I love this mod, butI am having trouble with the newest version operating consistently. I “turn it on” before activating Steam VR ,leave the utility on screen,and play it so it automatically works-so no key stroke involvement. The first time through “in flight” it does work as advertised, but it might work the next time , but eventually after several flights it seems to turn itself off. After exiting the game sometimes the icon remains in my tray, other times it is gone & I have to turn it on again before game play. The install is so simple I’m not sure what I might have done wrong…perhaps an option I have missed? Do you have any advice that might make this “always on?”

( BTW- I t would be terrific if GB would incorporate tthe his into in game settings. I understand when VR is operable with CLoD DWT…automatically.)

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Blitzen. I never have this problem. The only major difference for me is that I start it after SteamVR loads. 

[Blitzen]

22 minutes ago, SCG_Redcloud111 said:

Blitzen. I never have this problem. The only major difference for me is that I start it after SteamVR loads. 

I'll give it a try-thanks!

[ftordeur]

I have been using version 2.07 (mostly in DCS) for a long time and love it.
I have now tried the V0.2exp - but I cannot get it this version to work in DCS.

I always get a view (position) above the plane and even if I push the reset button the position does not change. I remain above the menu and the plane. 

I tried resetting VR seated position in SteamVR and every option of V0.2exp. but no joy

(I use Reverb G2)

 

 

[Blitzen]

I am now trying the earlier version and at first blush it seems to work better, but tell me , is there a ay of simply leaving this on all the time ,with VR on or off and still having it work ??

[LVA_Picard]

I am not gonna use it because you already have a big advantage in VR , fore example you can spot much better under you and to shoot a object (plane) is so big at close distance that you can choose were your bullets land haha 

 

Robin 

[BatSpoggy]

7 hours ago, LVA_Picard said:

I am not gonna use it because you already have a big advantage in VR , fore example you can spot much better under you and to shoot a object (plane) is so big at close distance that you can choose were your bullets land haha 

 

Robin 

I have to wonder if we're playing the same game here. VR offers a substantial disadvantage compared to playing on a monitor with TrackIR because even with the newest high-resolution headsets the visual acuity is far less and spotting and identifyting targets becomes far more difficult.

 

Regarding the v02exp version, while the operation of it is a lot better it is also rather unstable. On occasion the view will wildly flicker around for a few seconds and stick ~90 degrees from the original position until VRNeckSafer is restarted. Less frequently but very annoyingly it will do the flicker and then leave the screen black, with no remedy other than hitting alt-F4 to close IL-2.

It's caused some sort of SteamVR problem by the looks of it, as after closing IL-2 the SteamVR background can be seen but is out of focus and the grid lines on the floor aren't visible anymore.

This is on a Reverb G2.

[firdimigdi]

On 11/2/2021 at 12:31 AM, BatSpoggy said:

Regarding the v02exp version, while the operation of it is a lot better it is also rather unstable. On occasion the view will wildly flicker around for a few seconds and stick ~90 degrees from the original position until VRNeckSafer is restarted. Less frequently but very annoyingly it will do the flicker and then leave the screen black, with no remedy other than hitting alt-F4 to close IL-2.

 

I too have encountered these issues and found that restarting VRNS fixes both, I think it happens when there's a stutter in game while it is active and applying the new yaw value. To remedy this I setup a "restart VRNS" voiceattack action which I trigger with a long-press of the "recenter VR" action.

 

@J2_NobiWan is v02exp a one-off experiment?

[J2_NobiWan]

 

Sorry for my recent absence guys, I'm still pretty occupied privately lately and dedicated my remaining small free time to actually flying a bit.

 

 

On 10/14/2021 at 6:25 PM, ftordeur said:

[...]
I have now tried the V0.2exp - but I cannot get it this version to work in DCS.

[...]

Yes, the exp version it's probably working for IL2 only so far. It is, well, experimental and needs a lot more polishing.

 

On 10/15/2021 at 3:34 PM, Blitzen said:

I am now trying the earlier version and at first blush it seems to work better, but tell me , is there a ay of simply leaving this on all the time ,with VR on or off and still having it work ??

It's the whole complex VR environment with WMR, SteamVR, etc. which I still don't really understand that makes the startup process a bit complicated and unreliable. 

It's woth experimenting a bit to find out which starting sequence is working on your system

 

On 11/1/2021 at 11:31 PM, BatSpoggy said:

Regarding the v02exp version, while the operation of it is a lot better it is also rather unstable. On occasion the view will wildly flicker around for a few seconds and stick ~90 degrees from the original position until VRNeckSafer is restarted. Less frequently but very annoyingly it will do the flicker and then leave the screen black, with no remedy other than hitting alt-F4 to close IL-2.

It's caused some sort of SteamVR problem by the looks of it, as after closing IL-2 the SteamVR background can be seen but is out of focus and the grid lines on the floor aren't visible anymore.

This is on a Reverb G2.

I can reproduce this and it's definately a bug in the exp version. Should be fixable in the future.

 

19 hours ago, 335th_grFirdimigdi said:

@J2_NobiWan is v02exp a one-off experiment?

No, I ultimately want to have one version that combines all the features, including the exp. Might take a while though...

 

Cheers,

 J2_NobiWan

[StankFaust]

THANK YOU!

Im not sure why IL2 didn't just let us assign a freaking 6oclock snap view, but this does the ticket.  Took some futzing around with to get it to go as this is a long and convoluted thread to follow for a new guy looking for concise instruction.

But seriously, at 52, I can barely get my chin on my shoulder and my #^%$(^% ribs end up aching from trying to contort my body around to focus on my six.

Great work and thanks you again

 

Reverb G2 

Edited November 7, 2021 by StankFaust

[StarLiner42]

Has anybody managed to get this working exclusively through Oculus? I can get it to work on IL2 just fine, but with DCS for example I can't get it to work unless I force SteamVR and suffer the performance penalty.

 

The app works fantastic for IL2, just wondering if anybody has managed to get it working outside of SteamVR!

[J2_NobiWan]

16 hours ago, StarLiner42 said:

Has anybody managed to get this working exclusively through Oculus? I can get it to work on IL2 just fine, but with DCS for example I can't get it to work unless I force SteamVR and suffer the performance penalty.

Currently SteamVR (OpenVR) only. Not sure if it's possible to make it work with the oculus api exclusively . Would take some research to find out...

Edited November 8, 2021 by J2_NobiWan

[Drano]

Would be cool. I still play an older sim, Aces High. It'll do either OculusVR or SteamVR. They allow hat switches in VR which is fine. I tried using NeckSafer both regular and experimental with it in SteamVR and while the rotation worked perfectly, the head height was all jacked up way high. Be great to get it to work. It'd be prefect to ditch the hats. Maybe a Z+/- setting? That'd be too easy. 

 

Still, awesome for IL2 +VR! 

[J2_NobiWan]

6 hours ago, 362nd_Thorns said:

I have an issue with tracking (view jumping) when using the Necksaver in IL-2 with my G2.  If I don’t activate the Necksaver, tracking is all good, and if I activate the app, the tracking issue is back.  I only use the 180 degree look with the Necksaver.  The room is lighted and tracking is good with Necksaver off.  Using v2.08.  I’m only 69 years old…save my neck!  Help!

Do you mean that you only want to use the joystick buttons for the 180 deg look? Then you should disable autorotation by unchecking the "enable" checkbox.

[SR-F_Winger]

Hello guys, need help again.
I installed my new Hardware and Windows 11. Necksaver runs and recognizes the HMDs movement. But for some reason the rotation doesnt work in IL2.
I started, presseds the reset button but nothing happens. No matter if i use autorotation or button rotation.
Any ideas?

[-332FG-spacemarx]

Hey Nobiwan, I just wanted to bump this request as maybe you missed it:

Is there any chance you can make NeckSafer work with OpenComposite? A lot of us use OpenComposite to save fps and the hassle of starting steamVR. More than this, I can't seem to get DCS to open with SteamVR - it only ever opens with OpenComposite and so it prevents me from using your wonderful NeckSafer app in DCS!

Would love it if you can tell us if this is possible, or if it's never going to work with OpenComposite, then I can drop any false hope I might have!

Once again, cheers for outstanding work.

[J2_NobiWan]

16 hours ago, Winger said:

Hello guys, need help again.
I installed my new Hardware and Windows 11. Necksaver runs and recognizes the HMDs movement. But for some reason the rotation doesnt work in IL2.
I started, presseds the reset button but nothing happens. No matter if i use autorotation or button rotation.
Any ideas?

Hi Winger,

 

make sure you are using SteamVR and not OpenComposite. Other than that I would recommend experimenting with different starting orders. I usually start VRNS first, which starts SteamVR, wich starts Oculus in my case. Then I start IL2...

 

1 hour ago, -332FG-spacemarx said:

Hey Nobiwan, I just wanted to bump this request as maybe you missed it:

Is there any chance you can make NeckSafer work with OpenComposite? A lot of us use OpenComposite to save fps and the hassle of starting steamVR. More than this, I can't seem to get DCS to open with SteamVR - it only ever opens with OpenComposite and so it prevents me from using your wonderful NeckSafer app in DCS!

Would love it if you can tell us if this is possible, or if it's never going to work with OpenComposite, then I can drop any false hope I might have!

Hi spacemarx,

VRNS is not working with OpenComposite. I think OC has a much reduced version of the SteamVR api and this is how it gets its speed advantage. Unfortunately the part that is required for VRNS to work is missing too in OC. However you definately should be able to start DCS with SteamVR. I would recomment to make sure that you put DCS in the "SteamVR" category in the OC configuration tool. And than I think the easiest way to start DCS in SteamVR mode is to use SkateZillas DCS Update tool.

 

Cheers,

 J2_NobiWan

[[CPT]Crunch]

Win 11, get this error with V2.08, might be of help.

Spoiler

See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
SharpDX.SharpDXException: HRESULT: [0x8007001E], Module: [SharpDX.DirectInput], ApiCode: [DIERR_INPUTLOST/InputLost], Message: The system cannot read from the specified device.

   at SharpDX.Result.CheckError()
   at SharpDX.DirectInput.Device.GetDeviceState(Int32 arg0, IntPtr arg1)
   at SharpDX.DirectInput.CustomDevice`3.GetCurrentState(T& data)
   at SharpDX.DirectInput.CustomDevice`3.GetCurrentState()
   at VRNeckSafer.JoystickStuff.IsPressed(Boolean use8wayhat, String JoystickGUID, String Button)
   at VRNeckSafer.JoystickStuff.IsButtonPressed(ButtonConfig butconf)
   at VRNeckSafer.MainForm.checkButtonPress(Button b, ButtonConfig bc)
   at VRNeckSafer.MainForm.loopTimer_Tick(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.OnTick(EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.TimerNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
    Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 4.8.4420.0 built by: NET48REL1LAST_C
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v4.0.30319/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
VRNeckSafer
    Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/VR%20NeckSafer/VRNeckSafer.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
    Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 4.8.4400.0 built by: NET48REL1LAST_C
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
    Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 4.8.4360.0 built by: NET48REL1LAST_C
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------

 

[firdimigdi]

5 hours ago, [CPT]Crunch said:

Win 11, get this error with V2.08, might be of help.

  Hide contents

See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
SharpDX.SharpDXException: HRESULT: [0x8007001E], Module: [SharpDX.DirectInput], ApiCode: [DIERR_INPUTLOST/InputLost], Message: The system cannot read from the specified device.

   at SharpDX.Result.CheckError()
   at SharpDX.DirectInput.Device.GetDeviceState(Int32 arg0, IntPtr arg1)
   at SharpDX.DirectInput.CustomDevice`3.GetCurrentState(T& data)
   at SharpDX.DirectInput.CustomDevice`3.GetCurrentState()
   at VRNeckSafer.JoystickStuff.IsPressed(Boolean use8wayhat, String JoystickGUID, String Button)
   at VRNeckSafer.JoystickStuff.IsButtonPressed(ButtonConfig butconf)
   at VRNeckSafer.MainForm.checkButtonPress(Button b, ButtonConfig bc)
   at VRNeckSafer.MainForm.loopTimer_Tick(Object sender, EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.OnTick(EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.TimerNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
    Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 4.8.4420.0 built by: NET48REL1LAST_C
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v4.0.30319/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
VRNeckSafer
    Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/VR%20NeckSafer/VRNeckSafer.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
    Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 4.8.4400.0 built by: NET48REL1LAST_C
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
    Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 4.8.4360.0 built by: NET48REL1LAST_C
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------

 

It's unable to communicate with your joystick, perhaps clear the button config and redo it

 

[[CPT]Crunch]

4 hours ago, 335th_grFirdimigdi said:

It's unable to communicate with your joystick, perhaps clear the button config and redo it

 

Thank you, would have never figured that out.

[JG1_Lipfert]

G2 user here with Win 10 running il-2.

 

Tried both v2.08 and v0.2 exp and it's completely not working. HMD yaw is reporting movement, but in game it's not translating.

 

Not entirely sure what's up, I'm using Steam VR Beta and running seated mode. Where does one start troubleshooting?

 

S!

Edited December 8, 2021 by II./JG1_Lipfert

[Edbert]

1 hour ago, II./JG1_Lipfert said:

G2 user here with Win 10 running il-2.

Another G2 user, just downloaded this since checking-6 with VR is nothing like old days with the hat.

 

Maybe I should have the hat1@180 override the headset?

[J2_NobiWan]

6 hours ago, II./JG1_Lipfert said:

G2 user here with Win 10 running il-2.

Tried both v2.08 and v0.2 exp and it's completely not working. HMD yaw is reporting movement, but in game it's not translating.

Not entirely sure what's up, I'm using Steam VR Beta and running seated mode. Where does one start troubleshooting?

As in Winners case I would recomment as a first step to experiment with the starting order. Please let me know the results.

Maybe some G2 users who have it working can tell their settings?

 

5 hours ago, Edbert said:

Another G2 user, just downloaded this since checking-6 with VR is nothing like old days with the hat.

 

Maybe I should have the hat1@180 override the headset?

So, is VRNS working for you or are you in the same boat as Lipfert? I don't think that you can mix trackir and VR...

[ftordeur]

HP Reverb G2 - Win 10 , using Steam VR (non-beta)
In Il-2 : V.02 I cannot get it to work (period) - i have no clue why not
V2.07 initially did not work (it works perfectly in DCS). I reset to default the settings in options , reset the "RSET button" , then checked that "game mode" is "auto" and "position compensation" is "in seated mode" now it works perfectly. 
i start with SteamVr (NON-beta) , then VRNS (v2.07 or v2.08) then voice attack then IL-2
Maybe the problem described above is the steam VR beta? worth a try

[firdimigdi]

G2, Win10, SteamVR v.1.21.3 (current beta)

 

VRNS v0.2exp - App mode: Background, Game mode: auto, Position compensation: never

 

Start order: turn on G2 -> WMR starts up automatically -> I sometimes take a peak to see that it has proper tracking but not always -> then I have a .bat file that starts SteamVR, VRNS and a couple of other programs I use with sims. Both VRNS and IL2 reset set to the same button and I also have a long-press bind on VoiceAttack that calls a .bat which restarts VRNS in case it bugs out with the rotation calculations.

 

If it does not track properly I just wear it and look around, even when in game, by the time I look from left to right it has already started tracking correctly.

[Edbert]

16 hours ago, J2_NobiWan said:

I don't think that you can mix trackir and VR...

While I did use a TrackIR in the past I was talking about the hat on the joystick.

 

Checking full 6 is hard for an old dude like me and the neck is not as flexible as it once was. I'm sorry to say I downloaded VRNS but have not tried it yet. Looking forward to the solution!

Edited December 9, 2021 by Edbert

[JG1_Lipfert]

On 12/8/2021 at 3:32 AM, J2_NobiWan said:

As in Winners case I would recomment as a first step to experiment with the starting order. Please let me know the results.

Maybe some G2 users who have it working can tell their settings?

 

So, is VRNS working for you or are you in the same boat as Lipfert? I don't think that you can mix trackir and VR...

Hopefully I get spare time to test this weekend, I'll let you know what I find out.

 

S!

[Tea-Pig]

I'd just like to say a big thank you for this. The EXP version is working perfectly with my Rift S and has transformed IL2 in VR for me. Bravo.

[Tea-Pig]

After a bit of tweeking I'm now using a start angle of zero and 60% factor so it's just a linear up-scale of the yaw movement. It feels (to me) completely normal and means I can see my tail fin with about 90 degrees of neck turn. Perfect. Perhaps it would be interesting to try a little up-scale on the tilt axis too if that's possible.

 

As has been noted, the EXP version link is buried in the middle of this thread. I'd suggest adding it to the opening post so it's easier to find.

[JG1_Lipfert]

On 12/8/2021 at 3:32 AM, J2_NobiWan said:

As in Winners case I would recomment as a first step to experiment with the starting order. Please let me know the results.

Maybe some G2 users who have it working can tell their settings?

 

So, is VRNS working for you or are you in the same boat as Lipfert? I don't think that you can mix trackir and VR...

 

I did manage to get v0.2exp tracking without snap views, but no success with v2.08

 

It makes no sense, but deleting the snap view keybinds in v2.08 seemed to magically start v0.2exp working (I know, I didn't have them running at the same time). Did anyone run into a situation where you get moved out of the cockpit above the aircraft with v2.08 and DCS?

 

I'll spend more time on Thursday when we take the DFW for a spin.

 

S!

 

 

[-332FG-spacemarx]

On 11/29/2021 at 7:29 PM, J2_NobiWan said:

Hi Winger,

 

make sure you are using SteamVR and not OpenComposite. Other than that I would recommend experimenting with different starting orders. I usually start VRNS first, which starts SteamVR, wich starts Oculus in my case. Then I start IL2...

 

Hi spacemarx,

VRNS is not working with OpenComposite. I think OC has a much reduced version of the SteamVR api and this is how it gets its speed advantage. Unfortunately the part that is required for VRNS to work is missing too in OC. However you definately should be able to start DCS with SteamVR. I would recomment to make sure that you put DCS in the "SteamVR" category in the OC configuration tool. And than I think the easiest way to start DCS in SteamVR mode is to use SkateZillas DCS Update tool.

 

Cheers,

 J2_NobiWan

Ah! You legend! Skatezilla's tool allowed me to run DCS in steamVR so now I can use NeckSafer!

Cheers, mate

[Patricks]

Has anyone been able to get this working on a Varjo headset? I have read of nothing but failures with the VR-3 and now that the Aero is being shipped (and I await it) I would love to hear of a solution. Used it (briefly) with my G2 and it is the ONLY way I can look behind my wings with this old neck... Figures I get the clarity to actually spot/identify a target and now I won't be able to look behind me... 

 

On 12/13/2021 at 8:11 PM, Tea-Pig said:

After a bit of tweeking I'm now using a start angle of zero and 60% factor so it's just a linear up-scale of the yaw movement. It feels (to me) completely normal and means I can see my tail fin with about 90 degrees of neck turn. Perfect. Perhaps it would be interesting to try a little up-scale on the tilt axis too if that's possible.

 

As has been noted, the EXP version link is buried in the middle of this thread. I'd suggest adding it to the opening post so it's easier to find.

 

Sounds similar to the movement using TIR, which is exactly what i'm hoping for. Are you using any special keys or simply turning your head (Autorotation)?  Would you mind posting your setup/graphs to compare with the setup in Readme? Here is the link to the exp version, just to make it easier for people to find.

Edited January 7, 2022 by =LD=Icer

[[CPT]Crunch]

If your Varjo uses steamVR it should work, the mod is dependent and works through steamVR, not the headset itself.  Seeing as IL-2 uses steamVR to run its VR, you should be good to go.  Might have to mess with settings to get it to function, or try another version, it can be pretty finicky to get it going.

[Patricks]

25 minutes ago, [CPT]Crunch said:

If your Varjo uses steamVR it should work, the mod is dependent and works through steamVR, not the headset itself.  Seeing as IL-2 uses steamVR to run its VR, you should be good to go.  Might have to mess with settings to get it to function, or try another version, it can be pretty finicky to get it going.

 

Yes, it uses SteamVR and "should" work, but no one to date had achieved success with it using the Varjo (VR-3 or Aero), it just may be possible the users have not set it up right but you would think at least ONE person would have by now... Hey, maybe i'll be the 1st! 

[Charlo-VR]

10 minutes ago, =LD=Icer said:

 

Yes, it uses SteamVR and "should" work, but no one to date had achieved success with it using the Varjo (VR-3 or Aero), it just may be possible the users have not set it up right but you would think at least ONE person would have by now... Hey, maybe i'll be the 1st! 

VR Necksafer working with the Varjo Aero will be a requirement before I purchase an Aero (or any other VR HMD), so will watch this space ?

[Patricks]

26 minutes ago, Charlo-VR said:

VR Necksafer working with the Varjo Aero will be a requirement before I purchase an Aero (or any other VR HMD), so will watch this space ?

 

I'm told both IL2 and DCS are working on their own (native to their games) solution so we shall see...

 

[Drum]

I really like NobiWan's V02exp version, does anyone know how to remove the side and forward input it automatically adds?  That part is lame when you're inside a cockpit with lots of canopy bracings.[