newbie with HP reverb G2

[Azdack]

Hello. 

I'd like to move from TrackIR to a VR such as HP reverb G2 because I've been told that immersion is improved. Well I've never plaid with a VR and i'd like to have some advice :

-is HP reverb G2 compatible with players wearing glasses?

-is there a tuto explaining how to install HP reverb G2 especially the settings into the HP reverb G2 and into Il2 Great Battles ?

Here is the system I have to play Il2 Great Battles and I guess it's ok to run HP reverb G2 : processor intel Core i9-10850k 3.60GHz RAM 32Go memory 47.9Go GC Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 windwos 10 64 bits HD with 847Go free.

HP reverb G2 users  can you please give me your feedback concerning this VR in Il2 Great Battles ?

Thanks in advance.

Edited October 21, 2021 by Azdack

[J2_Steve]

I cant comment on the G2 set up  as I use an Index. 

But they are very similar HMDs. I dont recommend wearing glasses under the HMD, but you can get prescription lenses made to fit most common HMD.

WIDMOvr is an example. I use these in my Index, just remember it's distance lenses you need

 

There are threads on this board that can assist you with set up and GFX settings.

For GFX that is just tweaking things to suit you better. My index works out of the box and I haven't had to tweak much. Just set BOX at high and FXAA at 2 and that works for me on a 3080

 

[DBCOOPER011]

I believe you can fit glasses in the G2, but I never did. It would probably be a tight fit. I always used lens inserts on my VR headsets.

There is a plethora of information online on how to set up the G2 on this forum and others.

Your system is more then adequate to run the G2 in IL2.

Running IL2 in VR is the only way I play this sim. Cant do pancake mode anymore..

Edited October 21, 2021 by DBCOOPER011

[Charlo-VRde]

Hi @Azdack, I have more than 200 hours of VR play in MP in the last four months alone in my Reverb G2, so I thoroughly enjoy it. I have WidmoVR prescription lens inserts (https://widmovr.com/product/hp-reverb-g2-prescription-lens-adapters/ ), which also means I don’t have the space between my eyelashes and those lenses to try any of the G2 mods folk use to bring the lenses closer to increase the field of view (FOV). That also applies if you are wearing glasses instead of prescription inserts.

 

This recently-moved thread has great advice many of us follow for all things VR (the Reverb G2 is a WMR headset): 

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/28660-vr-tips-and-tricks-improving-your-vr-experience-updated-9thdec2020/?do=findComment&comment=576648

 

The rest of this post are my random notes I’ve gathered over the past year. Others may offer better recommendations as some of these nelow notes may now be outdated, but they’ll move you along the right path ?

 

-------- Software for Reverb G2 starts here -------- 

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/61880-hp-reverb-second-generation-2020/?do=findComment&comment=1023495

"Basically you need two apps from Steam:
 
1. SteamVR : NON Beta
2. WMR for SteamVR: Beta"

 

SteamVR Settings -> General tab (and repeated on Video tab) -> "Resolution per eye" Charlo best setting as of 12/5/2020: 50% SteamVR 2236 x 2188 x 2 = 9,784,736 pixels. Posted by dburne on 11/20/2020: "Currently around 50% is the correct global video resolution setting, at least as close as one can get to it."

 

SteamVR Settings -> Video -> Per-Application Video Settings -> "Custom Resolution Multiplier" 50% works well 90fps, currently at 74% which also runs well 75-90 fps. 80% reduces fps slightly when low over large cities or many planes in MP.

 

1/24/21 SCG_Wulfe wrote: "What the rep stated is that the supersampling is applied exponentially in the centre of the lenses. This means at lower settings it also falls off exponentially at the edges. I have noticed a marked difference in how well I can read text and see things on the edges at higher SS. There are two factors going on. I agree that changing SS does nothing to alter the sweet spot as it is impacted by  lens construction. However, I also had that dry eye/something in your eye feeling when looking to the edges to check gauges/scan... that was drastically reduced when I set my SS at 74% vs 60-70%,. My theory is that it was just enough to push the clarity up so that my eyes weren't as bothered trying to focus/de focus on sweet spot vs out of it."

 

These appears to be the slight best at reducing shimmering in MP: SteamVR Settings -> General tab (and repeated on Video tab) "Resolution per eye" 100% SteamVR (3164 x 3092 x 2 = 19,566,176 pixels) and with  
SteamVR Settings -> Video -> Per-Application Video Settings -> "Custom Resolution Multiplier" set at 50% (2236 x 2188), though as of early January 2021 I tried 70%, 1/24/21 most prefer 74% per SCG_Wulfe comment above. 

Chiliwilli and dburne both believe that leave per-application Custom Resolution Multiplier to 100% to essentially turn off SS, so the value specified in the General tab is not affected when running IL-2, e.g. 54%*100% is 54%.

 

FYI, the tool tip for "Custom Resolution Multiplier" displays "This setting is a multiplier on top of the current global application resolution setting on the General Tab to the left. This application may need to be restarted for settings to take affect. (Default is 100%)".

 

No MSAA looks terrible, so don't bother trying without it unless running at 70% or higher SteamVR Per-Application Video Settings.

From SCG_Fenris_Wolf on 12/4/2020: "P.S. I found out, from Joanna Popper on Reddit (HP VR Lead), that the Reverb G2 will require more than 9.3Mio pixels to run native resolution. SteamVR shows the framebuffer, which includes the distortion profile. I estimate that we'd need at least 1.1x for the resolution to be proper. That's above 10Mio"

 

From  SCG_Fenris_Wolf on 2/11/21: "The higher the SS, the shorter the spotting range. That is why I recommended a maximum of 1.3 to the physical display. 2160*1.3 = 2808. That's the maximum. For IL-2, best to use 50% to 70% SS for the Reverb G2. It is true that 50% spots further than 70%. It's part of the scaling of IL-2's engine."

 

FPS impact of Grass quality and Shadows" at https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/40047-fps-impact-of-grass-quality-and-shadows/

GRASS QUALITY: from Medium to Ultra is 4 fps less. At ground level the influence could be bigger, about 10 fps less.
SHADOWS: from Medium to Ultra is about 8 fps less. EDIT: Well the real difference is when the 45 or 90 limits are not hit, so it is about 20-30 fps less 

 

-------- Software for Reverb G2 ends here -------- 

 

# # # # # IL-2 Startup Reverb G2 sequence starts here # # # # #

 

1. Power up the G2 headset at the switch on my desk. Quit the Windows Mixed Realith that automatically launches, then instead launch the Steam version of Windows Mixed Reality. That should also launch SteamVR.

 

Once the headset is recognized, may have to press Windows Key + Y to get the mouse out of VR mode. Also, move the headset a little bit, as I think this helps prevent the occasional issue of the head movement in IL-2 being restricted as if the tracking is not fully working. Moving the headset a bit also seems to cause the Steam Library screen to go away (do that before launching IL-2) 

 

If the Reverb G2 is not already recognized by Windows, then unplug and re-plug either end of the Reverb's cable. 
 

2. Run IL2-SRS-ClientRadio and/or Discord, set the headset option I plan to use
 

3. Run SimShaker - Wings https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/57925-simshaker-wings-support-thread-for-il-2-users/?tab=comments#comment-884191

 

4. Run VRNeckSafer https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/67985-simple-tool-to-check-your-six/?tab=comments#comment-1038840

 

5. Launch the Windows sound Volume Mixer. Set Reverb G2 to 75-80% at least, and similarly set both Discord levels and the SRS level (it probably says "Name not available") to 75-80% at least.

 

6. Launch Nvidia’s Precision X1 software to set the fans on my GPU to 100% to help keep my 3090 cool

 

7. Turn on the Next Level Racing Motion Platform. The seat will move, indicating it is on. Then, start IL-2 from there, and choose to launch in VR Mode

 

8. After launching IL-2, alt+tab out to verify my JetPad is active by pressing the test button visible in step 3 above in SimShaker. Also, from step 5 above can now set IL-2 volume to something like 40, lower than for Discord and SRS. Then re-enter IL-2 to login in to it and fly.

 

As needed, adjust any cockpit's default head position in VR by situating in or towards where you want to see and press F10 to save it. If that doesn't work with the Reverb G2, need to power cycle the headset by unplugging it from its USB C cable plugged into my computer (controllers don’t need to be turned on and recognized by the headset)

 

# # # # # IL-2 Startup Reverb G2 sequence ends here # # # # #
 

Edited October 21, 2021 by Charlo-VR

[SCG_Tzigy]

you can fit glasses for sure

[SGJE1Tyrell63]

I am playing with the Reverb G2 too (I bought this game mainly for the Flying Circus)

What I would recommend is to add some matching lenses to the reverb instead of wearing glasses.

Both is possible, but the comfort of these add-on lenses are much higher (costs around 65$)

2. to have more comfort, change the reverb "faceshield" (dont know how to describe).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096VQT76L?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

Its great to use this ?

 

and btw

playing in VR results in very high specs required from your PC.

I have a Ryzen 5 5600X, 32GB, RTX 3070Ti, SSD M2 "disks" 

This is ok (also for MSFS 2020)

 

[Azdack]

Dear friends

Thanks for your answers.

 I'm lost. Being a full newbie in VR I got my HP reverb G2 Headset this morning. No difficulties to install it but then...Through my lens I can see a virtual flat with many links to microsoft store...but how to have my windows 10 screen with my link for Il2 Great Battles into the screen of my Headset?????

What is the way to play???

I guess I missed something it is to say that HP reverb G2 Headset is to be used with STEAM. The door is STEAM isn't it? If it is the case what about my Il2 Great Battles I didn't buy with Steam but on the official sit IL2 Great Battles ? May I have access through Steam to the version of Il2 Great Battles I bought including the planes and the campaigns I've bought? 

If the only way to access HP reverb G2 is opening my Steam account - I have one because i bought cliffs of dover with steam -

Then does anyone have the patience to give me a step by step to play Il2 Great Battles with new Head set?

thanks so much

 

 

 

[baevans]

Thanks for the WidmoVR for lens inserts. Dug out mr Rx and ordered!

[J2_Steve]

You don't need the steam version of BOX, just Steam VR running and I think there is a the WMR for Steam to install too.

Once Steam VR is running in the back ground you will be able to start BOX in VR

[LVA_Picard]

On 10/21/2021 at 6:43 PM, Charlo-VR said:

Hi @Azdack, I have more than 200 hours of VR play in MP in the last four months alone in my Reverb G2, so I thoroughly enjoy it. I have WidmoVR prescription lens inserts (https://widmovr.com/product/hp-reverb-g2-prescription-lens-adapters/ ), which also means I don’t have the space between my eyelashes and those lenses to try any of the G2 mods folk use to bring the lenses closer to increase the field of view (FOV). That also applies if you are wearing glasses instead of prescription inserts.

 

This recently-moved thread has great advice many of us follow for all things VR (the Reverb G2 is a WMR headset): 

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/28660-vr-tips-and-tricks-improving-your-vr-experience-updated-9thdec2020/?do=findComment&comment=576648

 

The rest of this post are my random notes I’ve gathered over the past year. Others may offer better recommendations as some of these nelow notes may now be outdated, but they’ll move you along the right path ?

 

-------- Software for Reverb G2 starts here -------- 

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/61880-hp-reverb-second-generation-2020/?do=findComment&comment=1023495

"Basically you need two apps from Steam:
 
1. SteamVR : NON Beta
2. WMR for SteamVR: Beta"

 

SteamVR Settings -> General tab (and repeated on Video tab) -> "Resolution per eye" Charlo best setting as of 12/5/2020: 50% SteamVR 2236 x 2188 x 2 = 9,784,736 pixels. Posted by dburne on 11/20/2020: "Currently around 50% is the correct global video resolution setting, at least as close as one can get to it."

 

SteamVR Settings -> Video -> Per-Application Video Settings -> "Custom Resolution Multiplier" 50% works well 90fps, currently at 74% which also runs well 75-90 fps. 80% reduces fps slightly when low over large cities or many planes in MP.

 

1/24/21 SCG_Wulfe wrote: "What the rep stated is that the supersampling is applied exponentially in the centre of the lenses. This means at lower settings it also falls off exponentially at the edges. I have noticed a marked difference in how well I can read text and see things on the edges at higher SS. There are two factors going on. I agree that changing SS does nothing to alter the sweet spot as it is impacted by  lens construction. However, I also had that dry eye/something in your eye feeling when looking to the edges to check gauges/scan... that was drastically reduced when I set my SS at 74% vs 60-70%,. My theory is that it was just enough to push the clarity up so that my eyes weren't as bothered trying to focus/de focus on sweet spot vs out of it."

 

These appears to be the slight best at reducing shimmering in MP: SteamVR Settings -> General tab (and repeated on Video tab) "Resolution per eye" 100% SteamVR (3164 x 3092 x 2 = 19,566,176 pixels) and with  
SteamVR Settings -> Video -> Per-Application Video Settings -> "Custom Resolution Multiplier" set at 50% (2236 x 2188), though as of early January 2021 I tried 70%, 1/24/21 most prefer 74% per SCG_Wulfe comment above. 

Chiliwilli and dburne both believe that leave per-application Custom Resolution Multiplier to 100% to essentially turn off SS, so the value specified in the General tab is not affected when running IL-2, e.g. 54%*100% is 54%.

 

FYI, the tool tip for "Custom Resolution Multiplier" displays "This setting is a multiplier on top of the current global application resolution setting on the General Tab to the left. This application may need to be restarted for settings to take affect. (Default is 100%)".

 

No MSAA looks terrible, so don't bother trying without it unless running at 70% or higher SteamVR Per-Application Video Settings.

From SCG_Fenris_Wolf on 12/4/2020: "P.S. I found out, from Joanna Popper on Reddit (HP VR Lead), that the Reverb G2 will require more than 9.3Mio pixels to run native resolution. SteamVR shows the framebuffer, which includes the distortion profile. I estimate that we'd need at least 1.1x for the resolution to be proper. That's above 10Mio"

 

From  SCG_Fenris_Wolf on 2/11/21: "The higher the SS, the shorter the spotting range. That is why I recommended a maximum of 1.3 to the physical display. 2160*1.3 = 2808. That's the maximum. For IL-2, best to use 50% to 70% SS for the Reverb G2. It is true that 50% spots further than 70%. It's part of the scaling of IL-2's engine."

 

FPS impact of Grass quality and Shadows" at https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/40047-fps-impact-of-grass-quality-and-shadows/

GRASS QUALITY: from Medium to Ultra is 4 fps less. At ground level the influence could be bigger, about 10 fps less.
SHADOWS: from Medium to Ultra is about 8 fps less. EDIT: Well the real difference is when the 45 or 90 limits are not hit, so it is about 20-30 fps less 

 

-------- Software for Reverb G2 ends here -------- 

 

# # # # # IL-2 Startup Reverb G2 sequence starts here # # # # #

 

1. Power up the G2 headset at the switch on my desk. Quit the Windows Mixed Realith that automatically launches, then instead launch the Steam version of Windows Mixed Reality. That should also launch SteamVR.

 

Once the headset is recognized, may have to press Windows Key + Y to get the mouse out of VR mode. Also, move the headset a little bit, as I think this helps prevent the occasional issue of the head movement in IL-2 being restricted as if the tracking is not fully working. Moving the headset a bit also seems to cause the Steam Library screen to go away (do that before launching IL-2) 

 

If the Reverb G2 is not already recognized by Windows, then unplug and re-plug either end of the Reverb's cable. 
 

2. Run IL2-SRS-ClientRadio and/or Discord, set the headset option I plan to use
 

3. Run SimShaker - Wings https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/57925-simshaker-wings-support-thread-for-il-2-users/?tab=comments#comment-884191

 

4. Run VRNeckSafer https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/67985-simple-tool-to-check-your-six/?tab=comments#comment-1038840

 

5. Launch the Windows sound Volume Mixer. Set Reverb G2 to 75-80% at least, and similarly set both Discord levels and the SRS level (it probably says "Name not available") to 75-80% at least.

 

6. Launch Nvidia’s Precision X1 software to set the fans on my GPU to 100% to help keep my 3090 cool

 

7. Turn on the Next Level Racing Motion Platform. The seat will move, indicating it is on. Then, start IL-2 from there, and choose to launch in VR Mode

 

8. After launching IL-2, alt+tab out to verify my JetPad is active by pressing the test button visible in step 3 above in SimShaker. Also, from step 5 above can now set IL-2 volume to something like 40, lower than for Discord and SRS. Then re-enter IL-2 to login in to it and fly.

 

As needed, adjust any cockpit's default head position in VR by situating in or towards where you want to see and press F10 to save it. If that doesn't work with the Reverb G2, need to power cycle the headset by unplugging it from its USB C cable plugged into my computer (controllers don’t need to be turned on and recognized by the headset)

 

# # # # # IL-2 Startup Reverb G2 sequence ends here # # # # #
 

Not sure when i use 50% general and 75 % ss it looks horrible , not sharp and  jaggy  i start with 120 ss minimal and looks so much better