Simple tool to check your six

[Patricks]

18 hours ago, Chilli_40 said:

I have a question, my Neck safer app stopped working in DCS after changing over to the crystal light, don't know why it stopped working, pilot head moves but view doesn't, it still works in IL-2 though. The version I have is XRNeckSaferbeta 2b, should I be updating to the V2024.07.18 version, and do I need to uninstall the old version first or does it just update everything? Thx

 

Update to XRNeckSafer beta5a

[Chilli_40]

On 7/21/2024 at 3:04 AM, Patricks said:

 

Update to XRNeckSafer beta5a

Thank you very much Patricks, upgraded to beta5a works perfect, a lot easier to install than the older versions. I do have a problem with MT DCS, don't know if you fly it, but when I look back it throws me outside the cockpit to the side. Not sure how to fix that.

[Patricks]

1 hour ago, Chilli_40 said:

Thank you very much Patricks, upgraded to beta5a works perfect, a lot easier to install than the older versions. I do have a problem with MT DCS, don't know if you fly it, but when I look back it throws me outside the cockpit to the side. Not sure how to fix that.

 

It 'may' be the order of your installed API layers. In XRNS, click the "OpenXR" tab, then "Show Active OpenXR API Layers". XRNS MUST be the 1st (on top) of the list. Similar to this..

 

 

Edited July 22, 2024 by Patricks

[Chilli_40]

16 minutes ago, Patricks said:

 

It 'may' be the order of your installed API layers. In XRNS, click the "OpenXR" tab, then "Show Active OpenXR API Layers". XRNS MUST be the 1st (on top) of the list. Similar to this..

 

 

Yes, it's first and last on the list.

[Patricks]

56 minutes ago, Chilli_40 said:

Yes, it's first and last on the list.

 

Your layers are:

 

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

 

with something in between?

 

Suggest you download the latest API GUI app by fredemmott for github and take a look at what you show, possibly disable/remove a layer or change the order - https://github.com/fredemmott/OpenXR-API-Layers-GUI

 

This is what I run for DCS, using a Varjo Aero

 

 

 

Edited July 22, 2024 by Patricks

[Chilli_40]

I have

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

XR_APILAYER_MBUCCHIA_quad-views_foveated

XR_APILAYER_MBUCCHIA_toolkit

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

[Patricks]

32 minutes ago, Chilli_40 said:

I have

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

XR_APILAYER_MBUCCHIA_quad-views_foveated

XR_APILAYER_MBUCCHIA_toolkit

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

 

I would use the GUI app above and disable the bottom "XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer" API, if that solves it remove it. If not the next thing I would try is moving the toolkit above foveated in the list, but I think getting rid of the second NeckSafer API may solve your issue. Now WHY you have two loading, I have no idea.

Edited July 22, 2024 by Patricks

[Panzerlang]

5 hours ago, Chilli_40 said:

I have

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

XR_APILAYER_MBUCCHIA_quad-views_foveated

XR_APILAYER_MBUCCHIA_toolkit

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

Are you manually starting it when it's also auto-starting?

[Chilli_40]

3 hours ago, Panzerlang said:

Are you manually starting it when it's also auto-starting?

I've never had it auto start; I've always had to start the app from my desktop shortcut.

8 hours ago, Patricks said:

 

I would use the GUI app above and disable the bottom "XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer" API, if that solves it remove it. If not the next thing I would try is moving the toolkit above foveated in the list, but I think getting rid of the second NeckSafer API may solve your issue. Now WHY you have two loading, I have no idea.

Wow, that GUI app is cool! Thanks for sharing that.

[Panzerlang]

XRNS is very clearly broken. I've ordered it to the top of the list using the API GUI app but it still turns the pilot's head off-centre, using both manual and auto rotation. The only thing the re-ordering fixed was stuff being very low-rez with my head turned.

The XRNS window/panel is also squished vertically, which doesn't help while trying to fix stuff.

Oh well.

[Patricks]

8 hours ago, Panzerlang said:

XRNS is very clearly broken. I've ordered it to the top of the list using the API GUI app but it still turns the pilot's head off-centre, using both manual and auto rotation. The only thing the re-ordering fixed was stuff being very low-rez with my head turned.

The XRNS window/panel is also squished vertically, which doesn't help while trying to fix stuff.

Oh well.

 

Have you tried eliminating all but XRNS API and gone from there forward, adding others one at a time? I initially wiped everything when I had issues in DCS, started fresh installs, have had no issues in quite a while. I use an Aero so YMMV..

Edited July 23, 2024 by Patricks

[J2_NobiWan]

8 hours ago, Panzerlang said:

XRNS is very clearly broken. I've ordered it to the top of the list using the API GUI app but it still turns the pilot's head off-centre, using both manual and auto rotation. The only thing the re-ordering fixed was stuff being very low-rez with my head turned.

The XRNS window/panel is also squished vertically, which doesn't help while trying to fix stuff.

Oh well.

Until fixed in XRNS the offcenter pivot  problem needs to handled by the user by putting the headsets "center of the world" to your sitting position. For quest3 this is very simply done by holding the meta button for a few seconds while sitting on you pilot seat. Other Headsets might need a chaperone recalibration.

For the squished XRNS panel issue rightclick on its desktop icon, then: Properties -> Compatibility -> High DPI Settings -> Override scaling behavior performed by System.

17 hours ago, Chilli_40 said:

I have

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

XR_APILAYER_MBUCCHIA_quad-views_foveated

XR_APILAYER_MBUCCHIA_toolkit

XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer

One of your XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer entries is a leftover from an old XRNS install (without installer). I would recommend to uninstall beta5a, delete the remaining XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer entry and reinstall beta5a.

[Panzerlang]

Cheers Nobi, got the panel unsquished and have recalibrated the Crystal's center, I'll test it tomorrow.

[Chilli_40]

50 minutes ago, Panzerlang said:

Cheers Nobi, got the panel unsquished and have recalibrated the Crystal's center, I'll test it tomorrow.

Thank you all for the help, I will un-install Beta5 and make sure all the XR_ APILAYER_NOVENDOR are deleted and re-install. will report back. Panzerlang, how did you center the Crystal, I have the Crystal Light so I presume they're the same process.

[Panzerlang]

10 hours ago, Chilli_40 said:

Thank you all for the help, I will un-install Beta5 and make sure all the XR_ APILAYER_NOVENDOR are deleted and re-install. will report back. Panzerlang, how did you center the Crystal, I have the Crystal Light so I presume they're the same process.

 It's on the main panel, the button "Room Settings". It takes you through a calibration process (set center, then set floor height). I'm about to test it in-game.

[Panzerlang]

I'm happy to report that it's now working perfectly. Thanks again Nobi.

[Chilli_40]

Thank you very much for your help Nobi & Patrick, did a total uninstall & reinstall, everything works perfect!!

Edited July 24, 2024 by Chilli_40

[jamesBisonet]

@J2_NobiWan Recent Meta update brick OpenXR and now DCS players are forced to use SteamVR because running OpenXR will crash DCS immediately upon launched. Do you have any plan to update the VRNeckSafer to have feature from XRNeckSafer like "Smooth" and ability to assign lot of buttons with multiple flight sim peripheral devices would work on VRNeckSafer?

Thanks

[J2_NobiWan]

On 8/1/2024 at 3:36 AM, jamesBisonet said:

@J2_NobiWan Recent Meta update brick OpenXR and now DCS players are forced to use SteamVR because running OpenXR will crash DCS immediately upon launched. Do you have any plan to update the VRNeckSafer to have feature from XRNeckSafer like "Smooth" and ability to assign lot of buttons with multiple flight sim peripheral devices would work on VRNeckSafer?

Thanks

Hi, sorry there are no plans to improve VRNeckSafer. "Smooth" and also pitch axis would require a completely different approach.
However, I think that Meta has already fixed the problem in it's beta branch. It shouldn't take too long to be patched in the main branch. I personally use VirtualDesktop with the quest3, which isn't affected by the problems.

[ACG_PanzerVI]

Series of dumb questions - 

 

- OpenXR says "no longer supported" on their website, and my machine is now defaulting to SteamVR when I run IL2, presumably from the VR update a couple months ago.  If I reload it, will OpenXR still work?

- Since XR NS won't work on Steam, tried to get the older VR version.  VR Necksaver puts my security software (Bitdefender) into total lockdown.  Any remedies?  I am not even sure it will let me work around it, without uninstalling my BitDefender.

 

 

[Patricks]

55 minutes ago, ACG_PanzerVI said:

Series of dumb questions - 

 

- OpenXR says "no longer supported" on their website, and my machine is now defaulting to SteamVR when I run IL2, presumably from the VR update a couple months ago.  If I reload it, will OpenXR still work?

- Since XR NS won't work on Steam, tried to get the older VR version.  VR Necksaver puts my security software (Bitdefender) into total lockdown.  Any remedies?  I am not even sure it will let me work around it, without uninstalling my BitDefender.

 

 

 

Download the latest OpenXR DLL version here - https://gitlab.com/znixian/OpenOVR/-/tree/openxr/. Scroll down to Per-game installation, download the 64-bit (unless you have an old 32 bit system), and follow the instructions. Your openvr_api.dll file is in the x:\IL-2 Sturmovik Great Battles\bin\game folder. Rename it something like "Orig_openvr_api.dll", then drop the downloaded DLL into the folder. You now will run OpenXR when you start IL-2, no need to do anything else..

Edited August 18, 2024 by Patricks

[ACG_PanzerVI]

Tried that, but replaced the .dll in the /viewer folder as well.  Crashed the game.  Try just the /game folder one?

[Patricks]

4 minutes ago, ACG_PanzerVI said:

Tried that, but replaced the .dll in the /viewer folder as well.  Crashed the game.  Try just the /game folder one?

 

That is all I have ever done... I do use an Aero, can't speak for the nuances of other headsets..

 

 

Edited August 18, 2024 by Patricks

[J2_NobiWan]

On 8/18/2024 at 6:46 PM, ACG_PanzerVI said:

Tried that, but replaced the .dll in the /viewer folder as well.  Crashed the game.  Try just the /game folder one?

Make sure that you download the openvr_api.dll from exactly the location @Patricks linked above and make sure you pick the 64-bit version. There are other versions available that may cause the crash...

[Blitzen]

Recently I had to do a reboot and lost my Necksaver utility.I re-installed itand reset it ( see screenshot,) but it doesn't work in game. Of course I wonder why...I believe I also added the open_api.dll but now I wonder if it "didn't take....?"

[Patricks]

15 hours ago, Blitzen said:

Recently I had to do a reboot and lost my Necksaver utility.I re-installed itand reset it ( see screenshot,) but it doesn't work in game. Of course I wonder why...I believe I also added the open_api.dll but now I wonder if it "didn't take....?"

 

Is SteamVR starting up? If not I would say OpenXR is operating, also, what do you see when you look at the XRNS OpenXR\Show API window? I assume your "Center" button\key, when pressed, lights up the "Set Center Button" in XRNS, and its the same key assigned in IL-2?

[Blitzen]

6 hours ago, Patricks said:

 

Is SteamVR starting up? If not I would say OpenXR is operating, also, what do you see when you look at the XRNS OpenXR\Show API window? I assume your "Center" button\key, when pressed, lights up the "Set Center Button" in XRNS, and its the same key assigned in IL-2?

Yes to all , but during most of my tries to get XRNS working the “Set Center Button” does not light up.

[Patricks]

21 minutes ago, Blitzen said:

Yes to all , but during most of my tries to get XRNS working the “Set Center Button” does not light up.

 

IF SteamVR is starting you are not in OpenXR... 

Edited October 15, 2024 by Patricks

[Blitzen]

1 hour ago, Patricks said:

 

IF SteamVR is starting you are not in OpenXR... 

Sorry my early morning mistake Steam VR is NOT operating.

Here's a new screenshot. The light up button is now lit but only stays that way as long as I am pressing button 7 on my FFB joystick. When I release the button the "light" goes off. ANd yes it is the button selected in game.

Edited October 15, 2024 by Blitzen

[Patricks]

34 minutes ago, Blitzen said:

Sorry my early morning mistake Steam VR is NOT operating.

Here's a new screenshot. The light up button is now lit but only stays that way as long as I am pressing button 7 on my FFB joystick. When I release the button the "light" goes off.

 

 

Three things.

1. The Center button is a momentary action, it is supposed to just light up while the key is pressed.

2. Don't use OpenComposite switcher for IL-2. Do a Per-game installation using the 64bit openvr_api.dll from here - https://gitlab.com/znixian/OpenOVR. Simply rename the  "openvr_api.dll" file in the \bin\game folder, then drop the new one in it's place.  Just start IL-2 in VR normally, you can leave the Switcher in SteamVR mode, won't matter.

3. In XRNS, when you click the OpenXR tab (top-right), then select Show OpenXR API Layers, what is the order of layers? NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer must be on top..

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 15, 2024 by Patricks

[baevans]

Just stumbled across this tool. Fantastic - works perfectly on auto.  I can see my tail!

[Blitzen]

The new upgrade affected my Neck saver and I didn't have a chance to save my setting. Now I have no idea how to get what I had ( 90degree sweep to 190 degree rear view on the right side and 270 degree to 170 degree on my left side.This worked great for flying FC aircraft. When it worked before it was a smooth transmission, but now what whatever I set up I only get a right turn to about 120 degrees right and about 240 degrees left , which might actually be GB stock. Can someone post a screenshot of their suggestion to get me where I want to go? Many many thanks!

[Panzerlang]

4 hours ago, Blitzen said:

The new upgrade affected my Neck saver and I didn't have a chance to save my setting. Now I have no idea how to get what I had ( 90degree sweep to 190 degree rear view on the right side and 270 degree to 170 degree on my left side.This worked great for flying FC aircraft. When it worked before it was a smooth transmission, but now what whatever I set up I only get a right turn to about 120 degrees right and about 240 degrees left , which might actually be GB stock. Can someone post a screenshot of their suggestion to get me where I want to go? Many many thanks!

Might be the headset itself needs a recentring?

[Blitzen]

27 minutes ago, Panzerlang said:

Might be the headset itself needs a recentring?

Couldn't hurt - I'll give it a try...Definitely not playing with Steam VR and I don't seem to have to activate Open XR like I used.

[dgiatr]

11 hours ago, Blitzen said:

The new upgrade affected my Neck saver and I didn't have a chance to save my setting. Now I have no idea how to get what I had ( 90degree sweep to 190 degree rear view on the right side and 270 degree to 170 degree on my left side.This worked great for flying FC aircraft. When it worked before it was a smooth transmission, but now what whatever I set up I only get a right turn to about 120 degrees right and about 240 degrees left , which might actually be GB stock. Can someone post a screenshot of their suggestion to get me where I want to go? Many many thanks!

How are il2 upgrade and necksafer connected? Are you sure your issue is due to il2 upgrade?

[Blitzen]

11 hours ago, dgiatr said:

How are il2 upgrade and necksafer connected? Are you sure your issue is due to il2 upgrade?

No not really , I may have somehow disabled it with the up grade? It would be very helpful to have some sort of default setting to get the left and right turn back to 180-190 degrees form front?😍

[dgiatr]

2 hours ago, Blitzen said:

No not really , I may have somehow disabled it with the up grade? It would be very helpful to have some sort of default setting to get the left and right turn back to 180-190 degrees form front?😍

Do you active snap views or rotating views because in case of snap views I think i can help you...

[Blitzen]

On 11/24/2024 at 11:44 AM, dgiatr said:

Do you active snap views or rotating views because in case of snap views I think i can help you...

I can designate /activate them.

Fooling around a bit more and re-reading instructions ,I believe I now have a working solution...This time I'm saving the screenshot in case whatever happened ,happens again...😉

Thanks !

Edited November 25, 2024 by Blitzen
Added image

[Oddbaal]

I have successfully installed and used XRNS in the past, but for some reason I can no longer get XRNS to recognize my center button.

Default VR view button works fine in IL-2.

 

I have un and re-installed XRNS, verified IL-2 game files.

 

Any advice?

[Patricks]

8 minutes ago, Oddbaal said:

I have successfully installed and used XRNS in the past, but for some reason I can no longer get XRNS to recognize my center button.

Default VR view button works fine in IL-2.

 

I have un and re-installed XRNS, verified IL-2 game files.

 

Any advice?

 

it is finicky... Did it to me a while back, then out of nowhere it saw the DX press and worked. Try "Deactivate XRNS OpenXR API Layer" (under OpenXR tab) , then shut down, restart, re-enable, try again.. total guess on my part as I jumped through 20 hoops and it just started working.. I'm sure you tried a KB key already (for both XRNS and Il-2) as a backup..