Simple tool to check your six

[B4ron]

20 hours ago, airsheep_VR said:

How can I do that? The VRNS window is not starting, I only get the menationed error message.

Does VRNS start when SteamVR is already running? You can do the setting also manually in the config file which is located in the same folder like the .exe. Or you rename that config file and start VRNS. This should create a new file with default settings.

Edited April 16, 2022 by B4ron

[airsheep_VR]

No, unfortunately VRNS does not start at all, does not matter when and how I want to run it. And I just found that the config file is empty, no joystick buttons are mapped. Interesting. And when I want to run Steam VR it wont start, some dll files are missing. I reinstalled WMR and Steamvr but nothing changed, VRNS not works ang SteamVR still missing some dll files. 

But when I play Il2 in vr it is ok, no problem at all, WMR+steamvt start, everything works fine, only VRNS can't load.

Edited April 16, 2022 by airsheep_VR

[airsheep_VR]

Finally, after many -many hours of internet searching I have fixed my problem vith the VRNS tool and it works again.

The solution is very simple, I downloaded the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022) files, both x86 and x64, installed them, and now when I start VRNS as admin it opens and calls steamVR and WMR too. Unfortunately v208 isnt working, only the  v1.6, but who cares 

If somebody wants to try it, here is the link:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-US/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170

I admit I drank a lot of cold Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser in this long and desperate road.

 

Edited April 16, 2022 by airsheep_VR

[BCI-Nazgul]

NobiWan - A big thanks from me and my neck!   This tool is exactly what I needed when I started using VR.?

[EkajArmstro]

Thanks this is awesome! So far it seems to work amazingly in IL2 and DCS on my Pimax 5k+.

Sadly it doesn't seem to work in War Thunder ? Does anyone know if this is just because of a lack of interest, or is there some technical limitation?

 

EDIT: After reading more comments I seem to have fixed it in War Thunder by settings Game Mode -> Force Seated. I have no idea what that means but it works yay! ?

Edited April 19, 2022 by EkajArmstro
fixed issue

[Drum]

Hello, NobiWan.  I was able to get V208 to work with the Varjo Aero HMD, not perfectly but it works steady.  I start the Varjo desktop, select Steam > Il-2 start and get the popup that asks if I want to start it in 2D or VR mode, I minimis Steam and leave the popup untouched then start V208 (set to start if SteamVR is running) then click the popup to start IL-2 in VR mode and SteamVR starts and into the game I go.

 

I have the auto-rotation off, and the turn left & right set for 90^.  The only problem with how it works in game is it pauses for .5 of a second then changes 90^ perfectly and I can rotate my head just fine until I release the rotation and get the .5 sec hang before all's normal again.  When It hangs the split second it flashes the view at the 90^ location upside down or it's black, one or the other only.

 

Other then that it maintains it's positioning fine and I don't have to reset forward position at all for the mission.  (online)

 

Not sure if this helps any, but it's working at least.

 

[J2_NobiWan]

5 hours ago, Drum said:

Hello, NobiWan.  I was able to get V208 to work with the Varjo Aero HMD, not perfectly but it works steady.  I start the Varjo desktop, select Steam > Il-2 start and get the popup that asks if I want to start it in 2D or VR mode, I minimis Steam and leave the popup untouched then start V208 (set to start if SteamVR is running) then click the popup to start IL-2 in VR mode and SteamVR starts and into the game I go.

 

I have the auto-rotation off, and the turn left & right set for 90^.  The only problem with how it works in game is it pauses for .5 of a second then changes 90^ perfectly and I can rotate my head just fine until I release the rotation and get the .5 sec hang before all's normal again.  When It hangs the split second it flashes the view at the 90^ location upside down or it's black, one or the other only.

 

Other then that it maintains it's positioning fine and I don't have to reset forward position at all for the mission.  (online)

 

Not sure if this helps any, but it's working at least.

 

Thanks for the info Drum, that's interesting! I wonder if it has something to do with a recent Varjo Software update?

Edited April 20, 2022 by J2_NobiWan

[Drum]

I just received it this week so I haven't used other versions, but the last updated version was last month almost to the day.  When I load into a different part of the game I've seen a green wireframed rectangle above my head and when I look up, it slowly vanishes.  Had that experience twice going from the mission to the hanger screen.

Edited April 20, 2022 by Drum

[Drum]

Todays Varjo update ruined it, can't get it to work anymore as the view rotates the opposite way and lowers head position while freezing until recentered again...  ?

Edited April 21, 2022 by Drum

[Magpie-]

I wish varjo would fix this or implement their own version, I can't play without this tool now!

[dburne]

59 minutes ago, Magpie- said:

I wish varjo would fix this or implement their own version, I can't play without this tool now!

 

Why would it be on Varjo to fix their software to work for a mod? Shouldn't that be on the mod provider to do if they want their mod to work with Varjo headsets? 

There are a ton of mods out there that do not always work on every headset, I don't think the headset developer should be responsible for that.

I play without that tool several hours every day myself. But that is just me, I like the realistic 1:1 head tracking. And I do not want mods.

 

What you should really hope for is if someday the game developer could provide that as an option. Kinda like how they provide zoom functions. First we had two levels of zoom, now we have 5. 

But yeah even game updates often break certain Mods, then the Mod maker adjusts their mods to work with the updated game. Kind of how it has always been.

Edited April 23, 2022 by dburne

[Dallas88B]

1 hour ago, dburne said:

And I do not want mods

I concede that mods get supported ok on some titles. But personally I avoid using mods if I can because when they are useful and I like using them I become reliant. When the title is updated and the mod stops working I miss it, and it can be damn annoying... it detracts. I really understand how @Drum feels. Been there. Horrible.

Sometimes it is even worse, when saved games cease to function, one cannot even start the saved game, because an unsupported mod is embodied in the save (eg Transport Fever) or because the writer of the mod withdraws the mod from Steam * and again the save becomes corrupt and wont load. I do use mods in Factorio, (great mod support and mod incompatibility or withdrawal doesn't kill a save) but its certainly the exception in my collection.
 

In IL2 and DCS, as tempted as it might be, I have even decided not to use interfacing software (I know some of them are great, joystick gremlin etc, and have a strong following) but, worst case, having to redo all my controller mapping because that is no longer available would make my head explode ? ! 
 

While this ain't for everyone, on balance I am happier to work hard to get the most from the game, my PC and peripherals than to endure the downside when a mod or support app goes wrong.

* btw, I think it is nice to support the developers (at least the ones that really matter to me) directly, like IL2, DCS etc.

[Drum]

I have a swivel chair, which in a roundabout way is a mod, too.  I'm recovering from a broken back though (two places), so it doesn't feel like much of a cheat considering I had to order a second base station; I was wrong to believe one would suffice.  But, it's not like I'm hunkered down in a basement riding out a rocket attack either.  I'll survive until FedEx comes to the rescue.  ⏳

Edited April 23, 2022 by Drum

[dburne]

5 hours ago, Drum said:

I have a swivel chair, which in a roundabout way is a mod, too.  I'm recovering from a broken back though (two places), so it doesn't feel like much of a cheat considering I had to order a second base station; I was wrong to believe one would suffice.  But, it's not like I'm hunkered down in a basement riding out a rocket attack either.  I'll survive until FedEx comes to the rescue.  ⏳

 

Yeah same here, I have a swivel gaming chair with locking wheels which is helpful.

[Blitzen]

On 2/22/2022 at 7:34 PM, spreckair said:

I have been successfully using Necksafer for about six months without any problems, but now it is not working.  At take off I will check that it is working , but then in the thick of a furball, I will try to look behind me and it will be missing, which is disconcerting.  When I close out of the sim, Necksafer is still open on my desktop, but I will find this message on my desktop:

 

 

When I click on Quit, Necksafer closes on the desktop.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Any suggestions on how to remedy?  Thank you in advance.

I just got the same pop-up.Could the Neck-Saver ( which I always use& love...)be the culprit with my on going freeze problems while playing the sim?

 

[J2_NobiWan]

2 hours ago, Blitzen said:

I just got the same pop-up.Could the Neck-Saver ( which I always use& love...)be the culprit with my on going freeze problems while playing the sim?

 

It is possible that the VRNS error and the screen freezes are both caused by shaky USB connections. You could try swapping USB cables/ports...

Also you could try flying without VRNS for a while and see if the freezes are still happening of course.

[Blitzen]

1 hour ago, J2_NobiWan said:

It is possible that the VRNS error and the screen freezes are both caused by shaky USB connections. You could try swapping USB cables/ports...

Also you could try flying without VRNS for a while and see if the freezes are still happening of course.

I'll try flying without VRNS first...but it is a hard utility to give up...?

Ok...Success...well after one test mission anyway .Now if indeed this was the problem all along, is there any work around or using an earlier version that might allow me to continue using this vital tool esp. in Flying Circus?

Edited April 25, 2022 by Blitzen
added info

[Blitzen]

( A bit more info:)

  For several months I ‘ve had continuing screen freezes during gameplay using my ReverbG3 and MSFFB stick. This was after a PC service with Best Buy Geek Squad & reconnecting all the various connections.These usually occurred at the end of a flight while transitioning to the result screen, but not always.I’ve tried everything over this time, but nothing worked until I caught recent posts here. I love the Neck Saver ( not sure which version,)and use it all the time ( it starts WMR too ,so very convenient,)but had to try not using it and VIOLA no screen freezes even after long missions.This was GREAT!!!However I’ve lost one of the best utilities & Mods I’ve ever installed ( esp.in Flying Circles,) and now its gone…sigh….I use it in its most simple form simply checking my six ( no connections , that I know about with my joystick.)

  My question is there a version that corrects my problem, even an older one? Perhaps there is a work around?

I HATE to lose this tool, but can’t play now with it now .?

Edited April 26, 2022 by Blitzen
Added info

[Alonzo]

On 4/26/2022 at 8:47 AM, Blitzen said:

My question is there a version that corrects my problem, even an older one? Perhaps there is a work around?

 

I'm using a version of neck safer from March 2021. I haven't updated because it works fine for me. Reverb G2, RTX 3080, no force-feedback stick though. I'd tell you the version number for VRNS but it's 1.0.0.0 so I think that's not a real version number.

 

Here it is on DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/b1yyhm8oxil4fwh/VRNeckSafer-old-works.zip?dl=0

[Blitzen]

Thanks Alonzo.Perhaps I incorrectly installed the last version- is there a readme for the correct install?

[[CPT]Crunch]

Make sure necksafer is set to run as admin, if either the game or steamVR is set, it's best to have all set the same or your asking for trouble in win 10 and 11 these days.

[J2_NobiWan]

14 hours ago, Blitzen said:

Thanks Alonzo.Perhaps I incorrectly installed the last version- is there a readme for the correct install?

You can find the past releases here:

https://gitlab.com/NobiWan/vrnecksafer/-/tree/master/VRNeckSafer/Release

 

To install it just unpack the file into a folder.

[spreckair]

On 4/25/2022 at 4:15 PM, J2_NobiWan said:

It is possible that the VRNS error and the screen freezes are both caused by shaky USB connections. You could try swapping USB cables/ports...

Also you could try flying without VRNS for a while and see if the freezes are still happening of course.

I had the same problem of having VRNS just stop working during combat. firdimigdi suggested that my joystick might be the culprit, and it is looking like he was right.  My flight stick (VKB Gladiator) was glitching a bit whenever I pushed into a steep dive or hard climb.  Working with the VKB techs, I removed the baseplate and checked all of the wires and connections.  While I did not find anything out of place, this simple action seemed to correct the issue for me, both with the glitchy flight stick and the VRNS disconnect.

[J2_NobiWan]

Updated first page:

 

Update v2.09:
- Fixed crash when joystick disconnects. Reacquires joystick when reconnected
- Added seperate reset button for accumulative mode

 

This will probably be the final version of VRNeckSafer, unless a major bug happens .

I'll concentrate on trying to get something similar working for OpenXR instead.

 

As always, let me know if I broke something! ?

 

Cheers,

J2_NobiWan

Edited May 8, 2022 by J2_NobiWan

[huligan]

8 часов назад, J2_NobiWan сказал:

Update v2.09

Works fine on my Oculus Quest2 Thanks a lot!

And can you add in your progs OpenXR support ? Now all to use IL-2 and DCS from OpenXR opencomposite mode!!!

[Slo-Mo]

22 hours ago, J2_NobiWan said:

Updated first page:

 

Update v2.09:
- Fixed crash when joystick disconnects. Reacquires joystick when reconnected
- Added seperate reset button for accumulative mode

 

This will probably be the final version of VRNeckSafer, unless a major bug happens .

I'll concentrate on trying to get something similar working for OpenXR instead.

 

As always, let me know if I broke something! ?

 

Cheers,

J2_NobiWan

 

"I'll concentrate on trying to get something similar working for OpenXR instead."

 

Many thanks for this NobiWan, highly appreciated and something a lot of us will be very greatful for. For me in IL-2 OpenXR has been a real improvement in terms of performance, image quality and smoothness. This especially goes for the "other" sim where it has been a real gamechanger for many - but oh my, do we miss our quality-of-life-product-#1: NeckSafer ??

 

Cheers and let me know if you need a testpilot ?

Edited May 9, 2022 by Slo-Mo

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Agree with Sl-Mo. I won't fly competitively in Il2 now without NeckSafer. In fact, I pretty much need it as a requirement for any flying. Great job.

[Thorne]

I am thrilled to hear that you're looking into adding OpenXR support to Necksafer. As I'm sure you're aware, it has become an indispensable tool for so many of us; in adding support for the OpenXR framework you're not only allowing us to take advantage of increase clarity and performance on our existing HMDs, but opening up more possible headsets for us to consider upgrading to in the future. Thanks again for this amazing tool!

[ACG_Flyby]

NobiWan I'm using OpenXR (tool kit) in MSFS2020 and in DCS. I was wondering if it would ever come to IL2. Here's to good luck getting that sorted (and sooner rtl). Imagine Necksaver in DCS!?

Flyby out

[dburne]

1 hour ago, ACG_Flyby said:

NobiWan I'm using OpenXR (tool kit) in MSFS2020 and in DCS. I was wondering if it would ever come to IL2. Here's to good luck getting that sorted (and sooner rtl). Imagine Necksaver in DCS!?

Flyby out

 

That would be up to the developer of the Open XR Toolkit. He has a channel on Discord. You would do better to make your request known to him over there.

 

Necksafer works in DCS with Steam VR right? I don't use it myself so I really don't know but thought it did.

I tried running DCS with the Open XR Toolkit and just did not see that much of a gain and a slightly blurrier image. But I did not get into the weeds with the toolkit on changing it's settings much. I went back to Steam VR.

 

I wish both DCS and IL-2 would support OpenXR, that would really help the cause. Right now it is dependent on a hack - Mod - to get it to work with Open XR. I have seen how good Open XR does with MSFS 2020 which does support it natively. And I really do not care much for mods.

Edited May 12, 2022 by dburne

[NattyDreadNought]

On 5/9/2022 at 5:45 AM, J2_NobiWan said:

Updated first page:

 

Update v2.09:
- Fixed crash when joystick disconnects. Reacquires joystick when reconnected
- Added seperate reset button for accumulative mode

 

This will probably be the final version of VRNeckSafer, unless a major bug happens .

I'll concentrate on trying to get something similar working for OpenXR instead.

 

As always, let me know if I broke something! ?

 

Cheers,

J2_NobiWan

Do you reckon this will fix the issue with the Varjo Aero? I hope so ?.

Much respect for developing such an amazing utility for the community. I can’t fly in dogfighting sims without Necksaver owing to a physical impairment 

[Blitzen]

On 4/26/2022 at 7:47 AM, Blitzen said:

( A bit more info:)

  For several months I ‘ve had continuing screen freezes during gameplay using my ReverbG3 and MSFFB stick. This was after a PC service with Best Buy Geek Squad & reconnecting all the various connections.These usually occurred at the end of a flight while transitioning to the result screen, but not always.I’ve tried everything over this time, but nothing worked until I caught recent posts here. I love the Neck Saver ( not sure which version,)and use it all the time ( it starts WMR too ,so very convenient,)but had to try not using it and VIOLA no screen freezes even after long missions.This was GREAT!!!However I’ve lost one of the best utilities & Mods I’ve ever installed ( esp.in Flying Circles,) and now its gone…sigh….I use it in its most simple form simply checking my six ( no connections , that I know about with my joystick.)

  My question is there a version that corrects my problem, even an older one? Perhaps there is a work around?

I HATE to lose this tool, but can’t play now with it now .?

Weeks later and many work arounds, but still as much as I love Neck Saver I'll have to do without until/unless there is a viable solution. Basically its what I 've described before : if I download & install NS I will get freezes after a few game plays that will happen even after I have strutted GB without  it ( it seems to even effect CloD DWT with similar freezes in gameplay.) so this has led me to believe it somehow latches on to Microsoft Mixed Reality. The only seeming way I can stop the freezes is to unplug & uninstall Mixed Reality Portal, which really isn't very difficult, but of course I no longer have this great tool..

Interestingly enough in the CloD VR beta they have managed o have a simple keystroke that increase to radius (?) of how far ones head/view will go back.I estimate about 20-30 degrees.This may be peculiar to CloD since even in the default monitor version of the game , one could easily "swivel" one's head back 180 degrees, something not possible , if I remember correctly in initial version of BoX.

 I really wish there was an easy solution because playin FC without this tool is nearly impossible & playing any version of BoX is not nearly the same...

[dburne]

Swivel Chair with locking wheels and SA go a long way...

But I do not do MP so there is that.

 

[FullCooler]

Thank you NobiWan for the greatest improvement to VR Flight Combat ever! I have a request for a possible improvement: a smooth accelerated motion as opposed to the snap motion. Track IR uses this type of exaggerated motion control. Your autorotation mode is similar to this, but the snap steps cause the loss of targets in dogfights, and re-acquiring targets can be difficult.

Best,

FullCooler

[firdimigdi]

6 hours ago, FullCooler said:

Thank you NobiWan for the greatest improvement to VR Flight Combat ever! I have a request for a possible improvement: a smooth accelerated motion as opposed to the snap motion. Track IR uses this type of exaggerated motion control. Your autorotation mode is similar to this, but the snap steps cause the loss of targets in dogfights, and re-acquiring targets can be difficult.

Best,

FullCooler

 

Try this version:

https://gitlab.com/NobiWan/vrnecksafer/-/blob/master/VRNeckSafer/Release/VRNeckSaferv02exp.zip

 

You can set at what angle you want it to start multiplying the rotation and by how much. Unfortunately because it affects the steamvr chaperone it's not as smooth as it would be by directly manipulating the game camera (as the TrackIR implementation does) but it's still much better than the stepped increases IMO.

 

Link is from the VRNS repository (https://gitlab.com/NobiWan/vrnecksafer) in case that wasn't apparent.

 

 

Edited May 18, 2022 by Firdimigdi

[Thorne]

23 hours ago, dburne said:

Swivel Chair with locking wheels and SA go a long way...

But I do not do MP so there is that.

 

 

In some ways you don't need Necksafer for single player - even 'ace' AI's attempts to stay on your six are flaccid in comparison to a determined human, even if the human is not all that skilled.

 

In multiplayer the ability to check your six properly, then quickly glance forward, then quickly glance rearward, and so on, is essential to one's survival when engaged defensive. It's a different ballgame, as the saying goes.

 

With proper HMD FOV this would be less problematic. But even then it becomes an accessibility issue for people with disabilities. Just as many sims have made caveats to accommodate players, such as zoom and enhanced spotting, it would be good if they integrated this functionality into the base game.

Edited May 18, 2022 by Thorne

[Spidey002]

I was skeptical before trying this tool. I thought, I have VR, I shouldn't need this. But the FOV on my headset is so limited, that I have to turn all the way around in my chair to do something that would normally only require me to turn my head 90°. 

 

I have this set to automatic, and when I glance over my shoulder to check my six—aside from the choppiness (which I get)—it feels natural. I couldn't imagine going back.

[=MERCS=JenkemJunkie]

Is there any way to freeze all view rotation by holding a button? I'm asking for this because when we zoom in all our micro movements and headset jitter are amplified and it can be hard to ID someone when my view is shaking everywhere.

Edited May 18, 2022 by =MERCS=JenkemJunkie

[NattyDreadNought]

8 hours ago, Thorne said:

 

In some ways you don't need Necksafer for single player - even 'ace' AI's attempts to stay on your six are flaccid in comparison to a determined human, even if the human is not all that skilled.

 

In multiplayer the ability to check your six properly, then quickly glance forward, then quickly glance rearward, and so on, is essential to one's survival when engaged defensive. It's a different ballgame, as the saying goes.

 

With proper HMD FOV this would be less problematic. But even then it becomes an accessibility issue for people with disabilities. Just as many sims have made caveats to accommodate players, such as zoom and enhanced spotting, it would be good if they integrated this functionality into the base game.

For sure! I try with the swivel chair, but  just lose proper control of the rudders and often find I am unconsciously pulling the stick back. It’s OK for single player with the dumb AI, but in MP you’re dead meat 

[1Sascha]

Total n00b here and my VR-set is still in the mail, but since I've already experienced the, err, strain that you can put on your neck while checking 6, here's my question:

 

In regular, non-VR IL-2, I'm currently using "Pilot Snap View: Custom" (or something like that) as my gunsight view. I'm also using my VKB's programming tool to turn the button that activates it into a toggle switch. So one press and the view zooms in on the gunsight, another press brings it back to default.

 

Does IL-2 in VR mode still support these sorts of snap views, so that I could simply change this view from a gunsight view into a check-6-one and keep using the same button? Or will this only work with an app like the neck-saver?

 

S.