Valve Index hardware setup

[Algy-Lacey]

Hello!

 

I'm finally getting round to setting up my second hand Valve Index with controllers and HTC Vive base stations. Unfortunately the kit didn't come with an instruction manual, and whilst I will search the internet for a guide to set up my gear, I would still appreciate some advice from those who have experience with the Index.

 

I have found the online manual and will answer my own questions in green... for those in the same boat!

 

Firstly, hardware setup

 

Each of the Vive Base Stations came with their own power supply, do the Base Stations need to be plugged into the mains at all times? Yes

If so I will need more power sockets / multi-plugs.

 

On the back of each Base Station there is a micro-USB port, the only USB to Micro-USB cables came in the box with the Knuckles Controllers and they are quite short (1 metre) these are for charging the controllers Do I plug the Base Stations into my PC?

 

Positioning of Base Stations:

 

I have placed my Base Stations each the same distance from where my head will be in VR, with Base Stations about 1.8 metres / 6 feet apart and about 1 metre / 3 feet 4 inches in front of my chair. is this the optimum position? I have read that some people use 1 Base station in front of the VR area (for me, a chair) and 1 behind, which setup is better?

 

Also, do my Base Stations need to be accurately pointing at my VR headset? They are about 35 cm / 14 inches below my head height and if I draw an imaginary line they are pointing at my chest height, is this ok for accurate tracking? If not, I will find some way of tilting them upwards a bit. I have no wall in front or to the left (a window), so it would be difficult to mount them in this way. As it is, I have them sitting on top of my Hifi speakers as I thought that sitting them on my computer desk just 1m apart wouldn't give enough distance between.

 

I just found Valve's own guide for setting up the Index. For anyone else who is new to the Index, here is the link... https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9140-EYIL-0086

 

It says in the Valve guide that you need to plug the Headset into a power supply as well, but I only have 2 power supply adapters for 2 x Base Stations plus the Headset?? Do I need to buy a 3rd power supply adapter? There was a UK and US power adapter for the headset in the box, underneath.

 

Software setup

 

Unlike the Oculus Rift CV1 (my previous headset) it would seem that the only software I need is Steam VR, is this correct?

 

So, I need to run 'Room Setup' in Steam VR and then I'm good to go?

 

What Steam VR settings would you suggest for smooth gameplay in IL-2?

 

I would like 100% SS, no motion smoothing / ASW / frame doubling. 80 Hz / 80 fps. I have an i5 9600k @ 4.9 GHz and a RTX 2080 ti 11 Gb graphics card. My rig is in my signature below.

 

Thank you all for taking the time to read through all of this, please post any hints or tips below, it is much appreciated!

 

Happy Landings!

Algy-Lacey

Edited July 12, 2021 by Algy-Lacey
To answer my own questions with new info

[Algy-Lacey]

I managed to find the original manual which answers most of my questions regarding setup. For anyone else like me, buying second hand with no manual, you can get it here...

 

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1588554/Valve-Index.html#manual

 

I would still appreciate any tips or advice from Valve Index users!

 

Thanks,

Algy-Lacey

[chiliwili69]

15 hours ago, Algy-Lacey said:

Unlike the Oculus Rift CV1 (my previous headset) it would seem that the only software I need is Steam VR, is this correct?

Yes, only SteamVR.

15 hours ago, Algy-Lacey said:

So, I need to run 'Room Setup' in Steam VR and then I'm good to go?

There is two option for room setup: Room scale or seated. Since I only use VR for IL-2 and have not controllers I use Seated option.

15 hours ago, Algy-Lacey said:

I would like 100% SS, no motion smoothing / ASW / frame doubling. 80 Hz / 80 fps. I have an i5 9600k @ 4.9 GHz and a RTX 2080 ti 11 Gb graphics card. My rig is in my signature below.

 

Having a 2080Ti card you can safely increase the %SS to 140% and you will gain some visual quality.

No motion smothing is perfect for your system

80Hz mode is perfect since it will be less demanding for the CPU.

 

Now, in the IL-2 be aware that some settings are very CPU intensive (mirrors, shadows) and others are GPU intensive (clouds, MSAA).

 

Use fpsVR to know what frametime margin you have for every setting.

 

For the Index I made some mods for comfort:

 

 

[Algy-Lacey]

Thanks for your response @chiliwili69! It is reassuring that my pc will cope with 80Hz mode without motion smoothing.

 

I have been advised by a fellow Index owner to set up my base stations differently...

rather than having a base station in front and to the left and in front and to the right, he said that I should put one base station in front and to the left and one base station behind me and to the right, creating a diagonal setup with the base stations pointing at each other and my VR headset in the middle. He does play standing VR games like Half Life Alyx, perhaps this is why he chose this way of configuring things? Having one base station behind means that I won't lose tracking when checking my 6'o'clock.

 

Please can people share their Base Station positioning?

 

Thanks!

 

[chiliwili69]

I only have one basestation, some picture of the setup here:

 

 

With my current setup, I lose tracking if I just twist my head 180 degrees as an owl. But normally I can not do that, so I normally don´t lose tracking.

 

But if you have two basestations I would put them more in diagonal than both in front, so you can safely check full six and also play room scale games.

[dburne]

Yeah you want both base stations diagonal to each other.

Which is the way the Index instructions shows to place them.

That is how mine are set up and I have exceptional tracking for both flight sims and made for VR games with the controllers.

[Algy-Lacey]

I have ordered 2 x base station mounting plates and am awaiting their delivery, they have adhesive to mount them to a wall, so I only get 1 go at this because I probably won't be able to re-position them...

 

I hope someone can answer these qustions for me:

 

1) What is the correct distance to have my headset from the sensors (base stations)?

 

I am thinking of mounting one of them in front of me to the wall above a window and it will be 150 cm from my headset when flight simming, is this enough distance?

It will be mounted about 40 cm - 50 cm from the center to the left.

The other base station / sensor will be behind me about 150 cm from headset and about 40 cm - 50 cm from the centre to the right...

 

Is this a good setup? See the attached image...

 

 

The base stations will have to be angled down quite a lot to be pointed at my headset, almost 45 degrees, is this ok? I'm limited by my front base station having to be mounted above my window.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope to be up and running when my mounting plates arrive tomorrow (fingers crossed)

 

Happy Landings,

Algy-Lacey

 

Edited July 19, 2021 by Algy-Lacey

[dburne]

I would think that would work nicely. Just be aware if you mount them above the headset they will need to be angled downward a little toward the headset.

I ordered tripod mounts for mine so can easily move if needed - though I have not needed to since setting them up.

[chiliwili69]

The setup you drew seems OK. You will be well covered by the rays emitted from the base station.

 

One question is if you are going to use this just for seated games or also roomscale. If you plan to play roomscale maybe you would want ot maximize your space to the full room space (not only 1.5+1.5 diagonal but longer distance. Base stations support larger distances).

 

Just two addtional things:

 

- Be carefull with the reflecting surfaces (windows, pictures with glass cover, etc), they can interfere with the tracking.

 

- Take into account that the basestation has moving internal parts and your adeshive could be not enough to keep the base station fixed.

[Algy-Lacey]

3 hours ago, dburne said:

I ordered tripod mounts for mine so can easily move if needed - though I have not needed to since setting them up.

 

That sounds ideal! Where did you get the tripod mount from? Ah I remembered that you'd shared the link on that other thread... here it is... https://www.amazon.com/Skywin-Tripod-Compatible-SteamVR-Station-PC/dp/B07YP681D1/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=valve+index+base+station+stand&qid=1619528221&sr=8-5

 

If I can find something similar in the UK then that might be a good option for me, then I can have 1 base station mounted on the wall in front and to the right and one tripod behind me and to the left.

 

3 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

The setup you drew seems OK. You will be well covered by the rays emitted from the base station.

 

One question is if you are going to use this just for seated games or also roomscale. If you plan to play roomscale maybe you would want ot maximize your space to the full room space (not only 1.5+1.5 diagonal but longer distance. Base stations support larger distances).

 

Just two addtional things:

 

- Be carefull with the reflecting surfaces (windows, pictures with glass cover, etc), they can interfere with the tracking.

 

- Take into account that the basestation has moving internal parts and your adeshive could be not enough to keep the base station fixed.

 

To start with I will only be playing seated games, but might try Half Life Alyx or something similar at a later date. When I was using my Oculus Rift CV1 with Oculus Home environment I really enjoyed using the hand controllers to aim the Ray-gun and bow and arrow!

I hear what you're saying regarding the adhesive maybe not being strong enough, those Vive base stations are quite heavy!

Maybe I'll have to go with a twin tripod setup, I'll know tomorrow!

 

Thankyou both for your input!

 

Algy-Lacey

Edited July 19, 2021 by Algy-Lacey
tripod stands

[dburne]

2 hours ago, Algy-Lacey said:

 

That sounds ideal! Where did you get the tripod mount from? Ah I remembered that you'd shared the link on that other thread... here it is... https://www.amazon.com/Skywin-Tripod-Compatible-SteamVR-Station-PC/dp/B07YP681D1/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=valve+index+base+station+stand&qid=1619528221&sr=8-5

 

If I can find something similar in the UK then that might be a good option for me, then I can have 1 base station mounted on the wall in front and to the right and one tripod behind me and to the left.

 

 

To start with I will only be playing seated games, but might try Half Life Alyx or something similar at a later date. When I was using my Oculus Rift CV1 with Oculus Home environment I really enjoyed using the hand controllers to aim the Ray-gun and bow and arrow!

I hear what you're saying regarding the adhesive maybe not being strong enough, those Vive base stations are quite heavy!

Maybe I'll have to go with a twin tripod setup, I'll know tomorrow!

 

Thankyou both for your input!

 

Algy-Lacey

 

Yep those were the tripods, they worked out great and very easy to set up. And like I said previously have not touched them since.

 

RE: Half Life Alyx - you absolutely positively HAVE to play that one! I have done three play throughs with it now, and undoubtedly at some point will be doing another. And it looks great in the Index. Yes it is that good! It also supports finger tracking of the Index Controllers - nothing like flipping the bird to a baddie just before shooting them lol.

[Algy-Lacey]

The adhesive on the brackets / wall mounts for the base stations wasn't up to the job and I feared that the base stations would come unstuck and fall 6 feet to the floor! So that was a no-go. But now I've got the left one sitting on top of my hifi speaker and the right one on a shelf... unfortunately the maximum distance I could get between base station and headset is 120 cm, they are at head height though... hopefully should be ok... I will soon see!

 

 

@dburne Months ago in the 'Valve Index vs Reverb G2' thread, you posted...

"Ok so got everything set up yesterday evening, however spent a lot of time with it - one controller was giving me grief updating the firmware but finally got it to take."

 

Considering that I don't plan to use my knuckles controllers for a while yet, is controller firmware important?

 

When I do want to play games that use the controllers, how do I update firmware? I connected the USB cables to give the controllers a charge, I presume I connect the USB cables and find some kind of setting in Steam VR to update firmware?

 

Today I take to the skies for the first time with my Index, such an-ti-ci---pation!

 

Thanks for your advice!

Algy-Lacey

[dburne]

Yeah you might as well and go ahead and let it update everything.

You will be prompted by the software regarding software and firmware update. Not sure but I don't think the controllers need to be plugged into cable to get firmware update.

If you are not going to be using the controllers with flight sim you will want to disable the dash in the settings, otherwise it will pop up on you when you start VR and you will have to turn a controller on to get rid of it.

[Algy-Lacey]

Aaaargh! I'm having a nightmare of a time trying to get Steam VR to recognise all of the devices. First it said that the VR headset display cable wasn't connected, when it was, after a while this message went away, then it said :

 

Base Station Error

Your base stations are not syncing, please make sure they are set up properly (10003)

 

So I went to the Devices menu of Steam VR, selected Base Station Settings and chose Scan For Base Stations : it said 'Scan Complete' and showed a signal bar (like on your mobile phone) with full signal and the serial numbers of the base stations with Identify Base Station and clicking on this does nothing but make the serial numbers flash! What!? after this the main Steam VR thing still says Base Station Error : your base stations are not syncing! wtf!?

 

Both Base Stations have a green light in the upper half of the front, 9 red lights in a square on the front and the letter A on the left one and the letter B on the right one. When they are powered down they just have a muted green light. I don't know if this is relevant, I'm just trying to provide as much info as possible to try to get to the bottom of this!

 

Could it be that my Base Stations are too close together? they are pointing at each other on a diagonal 240 cm 2.4 m apart

 

Trying to run Room Setup it says "Place the Headset in a location visible from the Base Stations" and I cannot click "Next", it says "Headset Not Visible".

 

Please, Please! can someone help troubleshoot this?

Edited July 24, 2021 by Algy-Lacey
lights

[Algy-Lacey]

I went to the Steam website and read this troubleshooter : https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=8566-SDZC-9326#base-stations

 

I don't have a syncing cable to plug into both Base Stations, so I have to use the optical 'line-of-sight' method, the website had this to say :

 

If your base stations aren't working correctly, make sure they are properly set up for optical sync.

 

• Check SteamVR to see if your base stations need a firmware update.
• Make sure your base stations have an unobstructed view of each other.
• Base stations shouldn't be further than 5m or 16ft apart.
• Push the mode buttons on the back of the base stations so that one base station is “b” and one base station shows “c”.
• The base station lights should now turn solid green.

 

So, I found the button on the back of each Base Station,

The rear right Base Station had a lit up B displayed on the front, I pressed the button and it changed to C

The front right Base Station had a lit up A displayed on the front, I pressed the button and it changed to B

 

Et Voila! the syncing error message highlighted in the previous post went away!

 

The next thing to address is : "Make sure your base stations have an unobstructed view of each other."

 

I set up my Base Stations on a diagonal with both pointing directly at each other, problem is, when I am sat in between the two my head gets in the way of the line of sight. So, tomorrow I try setting up the position of my base stations so that they can see each other.

 

I will also update the firmware on Steam VR.

 

I hope that this will be informative to those setting up an Index for the first time!

 

Happy Landings!

Algy Lacey

[dburne]

Wow mine went quite easily, not sure why yours is giving you grief.

Fwiw mine are at a diagonal however up higher than my head and angled down toward each other somewhat. Mine are probably around 14 ft apart.

Good luck and let us know how it goes tomorrow!

Edited July 24, 2021 by dburne

[Algy-Lacey]

21 hours ago, dburne said:

Good luck and let us know how it goes tomorrow!

 

Today had other plans for me... went walking the wilds of the shire instead! Tomorrow I have work, but in the evening I hope to get base stations set up properly including firmware updates. And if all else fails, I have ordered a pair of tripod stands like yours to mount them on, will be with me before the end of the week.

 

I'm just glad that the problems I'm having aren't insurmountable! It just helps build up the sense of anticipation... will be my first time flying in VR for almost a year! And since then I have: a new gaming pc, a new VR headset, a new favourite IL-2 mount (Spit XIV) and a new internet connection that might mean I get to fly IL-2 in multiplayer for the first time... lots to look forward to!

Edited July 25, 2021 by Algy-Lacey

[dburne]

2 hours ago, Algy-Lacey said:

 

Today had other plans for me... went walking the wilds of the shire instead! Tomorrow I have work, but in the evening I hope to get base stations set up properly including firmware updates. And if all else fails, I have ordered a pair of tripod stands like yours to mount them on, will be with me before the end of the week.

 

I'm just glad that the problems I'm having aren't insurmountable! It just helps build up the sense of anticipation... will be my first time flying in VR for almost a year! And since then I have: a new gaming pc, a new VR headset, a new favourite IL-2 mount (Spit XIV) and a new internet connection that might mean I get to fly IL-2 in multiplayer for the first time... lots to look forward to!

 

 

Indeed - good times ahead!

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

On 7/24/2021 at 9:54 PM, Algy-Lacey said:

Aaaargh! I'm having a nightmare of a time trying to get Steam VR to recognise all of the devices. First it said that the VR headset display cable wasn't connected, when it was, after a while this message went away, then it said :

 

Base Station Error

Your base stations are not syncing, please make sure they are set up properly (10003)

 

So I went to the Devices menu of Steam VR, selected Base Station Settings and chose Scan For Base Stations : it said 'Scan Complete' and showed a signal bar (like on your mobile phone) with full signal and the serial numbers of the base stations with Identify Base Station and clicking on this does nothing but make the serial numbers flash! What!? after this the main Steam VR thing still says Base Station Error : your base stations are not syncing! wtf!?

 

Both Base Stations have a green light in the upper half of the front, 9 red lights in a square on the front and the letter A on the left one and the letter B on the right one. When they are powered down they just have a muted green light. I don't know if this is relevant, I'm just trying to provide as much info as possible to try to get to the bottom of this!

 

Could it be that my Base Stations are too close together? they are pointing at each other on a diagonal 240 cm 2.4 m apart

 

Trying to run Room Setup it says "Place the Headset in a location visible from the Base Stations" and I cannot click "Next", it says "Headset Not Visible".

 

Please, Please! can someone help troubleshoot this?

 

I have used LH setup since 2017. 

 

The basestations are supposed to go to the wall.

 

Why not on pods? 

If you move the pods slightly (the cat or dog touching them is enough), you must re-setup your playspace a-new as it will be off, and you might end up smashing the wall and the cat or dog. A hassle. But still a choice.

(@dburne's work fine for him, but note that he said that has them above his head and uses "seated playspace". I got 2 cats, a wife, a kid, and thus pods were impossible. Might as well drill proper holes.)

 

Why not on/near your speakers?

The speakers vibrate and make the air vibrate too. The vibration of the speakers will throw the lasers around, de-syncs them, and generally spoils tracking, leading to grey-outs for split seconds and other wicked experiences such as micro stuttering or picture shake. Not a choice.

 

Why not low on the table or at breast height?

The Lighthouses are supposed to see each other and cast the lasers across the room towards the other wall as well, even if you use a sync cable (I use one as well). They need to be above your head, anything else is suboptimal for tracking, especially if you intend to play roomscale games, as you'll cast tracking voids with your own body. Not a choice.

 

 

 

I recommend mounting them in opposite corners of the room, as in your selfmade graphic. Then have them point towards the center of the floor of your playspace - not towards your head. They will cover the ceiling, but still as much as possible towards the ground in the corner in front of them as well.

Edited July 26, 2021 by SCG_Fenris_Wolf

[Algy-Lacey]

50 minutes ago, SCG_Fenris_Wolf said:

The basestations are supposed to go to the wall.

 

Why not on pods? 

If you move the pods slightly (the cat or dog touching them is enough), you must re-setup your playspace a-new as it will be off, and you might end up smashing the wall and the cat or dog. A hassle. But still a choice.

(@dburne's work fine for him, but note that he said that has them above his head and uses "seated playspace". I got 2 cats, a wife, a kid, and thus pods were impossible. Might as well drill proper holes.)

 

Why not on/near your speakers?

The speakers vibrate and make the air vibrate too. The vibration of the speakers will throw the lasers around, de-syncs them, and generally spoils tracking, leading to grey-outs for split seconds and other wicked experiences such as micro stuttering or picture shake. Not a choice.

 

Why not low on the table or at breast height?

The Lighthouses are supposed to see each other and cast the lasers across the room towards the other wall as well, even if you use a sync cable (I use one as well). They need to be above your head, anything else is suboptimal for tracking, especially if you intend to play roomscale games, as you'll cast tracking voids with your own body. Not a choice.

 

Thanks for your lengthy and well articulated reply Fenris_Wolf. I will write of my experiences this evening before replying to your post...

 

So, I powered up my pc, connected to internet, opened Steam VR and allowed it to do all of the updates to the Headset, Base Stations and Controllers (firmware I believe). After a restart, the Base Stations booted up and I made sure there was clear line of sight between them, they synced and then Steam VR started the Room Setup, I chose 'Standing' and completed this process. In the Steam VR panel, every component was solid green - Headset, Controllers and Base Stations.

 

With everything looking good to go I fired up IL-2 and went for a flight. Tracking was good, even looking to my 6. To me, it seems that the base stations need line-of-sight to each other when booting up, but even with my head in the way of line-of-sight whilst flying, there were no errors, no drifting. In other words, it worked fine (for seated VR).

 

For anyone on the fence as to which VR kit to buy, the Valve Index is excellent in terms of image quality, clarity across the display, contrast, vibrant colours and smooth tracking. I haven't tried the HP Reverb G2, it is still unopened in it's packaging. I won't be using it as I don't have a top notch machine and don't want to compromise on the settings in IL-2 and don't want to use Motion Smoothing (ASW in Oculus Rift). Compared to my Oculus Rift CV1 with my old pc, everything about the Index is better. I can run it at 100% SS in Steam (2016 x 2240 pixels per eye) and don't need to use ASW / Motion Smoothing, refresh is 80Hz (Rift was 45Hz ASW). I run IL-2 on Ultra settings with pretty much everything maxxed out and the in game experience is so much better than the Rift, very smooth when moving your head, no stutters, much less noticeable screen door effect and no ghosting or artefacts that I had with the Rift and ASW 45Hz. Ok it's not comparing apples with apples, 2 different PC's, but for the hardware I've got I am very pleased with the Index. Tomorrow I will try a big dogfight on the Bodenplatte map and I will report my findings. Anyone equipped with a similar rig to mine (in my signature) will have a great experience with the Valve Index.

 

Now to reply to you @SCG_Fenris_Wolf

 

Why not on pods?

 

I figure if I put a marker on the floor where the tripod stands (pods) feet go, then if I do move it, I can move it back again? I probably will need to move the pods as one of them will be out near the middle of my room. It is a concern. We'll see, stands arrive this Friday.

 

Why not on / near Speakers?

 

I won't be using my Hifi system whilst flying, so there won't be vibration whilst I'm in VR but it's a good point that I hadn't thought of. The vibration whilst blasting out Led Zep on my Hifi might move the base stations.

 

Why not low on the table or at breast height?

 

I have managed to get the base stations at around head height, a bit above, but I understand that it's not optimal. I am only playing seated IL-2 for now until I have a way of setting up stands or wall mounted brackets above head height at opposite corners of my room.

 

 

This concludes my evenings findings, time for another flight in a Spit XIV!

 

Happy Landings!

Algy-Lacey

 

 

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Btw, if you're happy with the Index and plan to keep this GPU and play some roomscale games as well - you might as well not open the box of the G2 and give it back / sell it elsewhere. Why? 2080ti will literally kill itself trying to push the G2 at 100%, and it seems you dislike ASW, which would be a necessity. You'd see glimpses of its incredible screens and lenses, but would not be able to enjoy it, so the Index would be a better sum anyway. And regarding roomscale, nothing really beats the Lighthouse Tracking System.

Edited July 26, 2021 by SCG_Fenris_Wolf

[chiliwili69]

11 hours ago, Algy-Lacey said:

I haven't tried the HP Reverb G2, it is still unopened in it's packaging. I won't be using it as I don't have a top notch machine and don't want to compromise on the settings in IL-2 and don't want to use Motion Smoothing (ASW in Oculus Rift)

 

Congrats for solving your issues.

Hey, If you have also a G2 you can try it as well. Your 2080Ti will be quite OK for it. Some people could prefer the G2 over the Index, but personally I preferred the Index over the G2.

11 hours ago, Algy-Lacey said:

I can run it at 100% SS in Steam (2016 x 2240 pixels per eye)

 

I think with your 2080Ti, you can raise your SS even further, perhaps 130%.

3 minutes ago, chiliwili69 said:

Your 2080Ti will be quite OK for it.

I mean, you have to give up on some clouds quality or not using fully 100%SS but 80%. Which is still great in G2.

[Algy-Lacey]

4 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

Hey, If you have also a G2 you can try it as well. Your 2080Ti will be quite OK for it. Some people could prefer the G2 over the Index, but personally I preferred the Index over the G2.

 

There seems to be quite differing opinions as to the kind of hardware needed to have a good experience with the G2, see Fenris_Wolf's post above. With my pc I don't think that I could run it at 100% in Steam VR and would have to enable motion smoothing / asw. Having tried the index I am very happy with the improvement over the Rift in terms of resolution and clarity and find that the screen door effect is not noticeable... and running at 80Hz with no motion smoothing / ASW the difference between the Index at 80Hz and the Rift with ASW is night and day. I am also planning to fly MSFS2020 so I think the Index is the perfect HMD for my pc. If anyone wants a new unopened HP Reverb G2 at a discount, send me a message

 

4 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

I think with your 2080Ti, you can raise your SS even further, perhaps 130%.

 

That is good to know, but I have been following Fenris_Wolf's thread about spotting in VR where it is advised to not raise SS too much, just enough to allow for the 'distortion profile' of the HMD, otherwise you sacrifice spotting ability for a better image. Native in the Index is 1440 x 1600, 100% in Steam VR is 2016 x 2240 so that's multiplied by 1.4 already. Having said that, I will experiment to see how high I can get it whilst still being able to spot distant contacts.

 

 

Happy Landings!

Algy-Lacey

[Algy-Lacey]

I have done a little experimenting in Quick Missions with the Kuban map and the Bodenplatte map...

 

I did a solo spawn on the Kuban map at Adler in the South East region of the map where the mountains are, I had 80 fps except when I was skimming the ground at treetop height where I was getting mid 70's fps. Like I said I run IL-2 graphics settings on Ultra, I took the shadows quality down a notch from Ultra to High and disabled the MSAA x 2. I tried the flight again and it stayed at 80 fps even at very low level over trees and towns.

 

Then I did a quick 4 vs 4, air start on the Rheineland map and got my first probable kill, enemy aircraft last seen diving steeply and trailing smoke! With my old PC whenever I went near towns on the Rheineland map my PC would stutter and I would get very poor fps. I chose to fly near Brussels because it was the biggest town I could find. With my new PC and Index HMD I had a steady 80 fps at 5000m, during combat and down low over Brussels.

 

Next I will try a 8 vs 8 dogfight and see how I get on.

 

Happy Landings!

Algy-Lacey