Step-by-Step instructions for openxr and necksafer for WMR sets

[ACG_FriedericusREX]

Thank you very much for tutorial. Worked first try

Now I only need to find 25 fps somewhere ?

[kestrel79]

On 9/30/2022 at 1:05 AM, paulferris1964 said:

Many thanks, TheWarSimmer. Installing this with my Rift S has seen my fps double to 80, compared to Steam VR!

 

Awesome good to know this works on a Rift S. Anything special you have to do or just follow the instructions? I'm going to try this soon, I could use more FPS. What are your in game settings?

[spreckair]

@TheWarsimmer

Thank you for all of your efforts on this.  I got all the way to the point where I click on Control/F2 and nothing happens, i.e. the program does not open.  Please let me know if you have any solutions to this.  Thank you.

[TheSNAFU]

Just to be sure, you will only see the openxr menu thru your headset, it will not be visible on the monitor. 

[spreckair]

@TheSNAFU  Yes that is where I see the prompt, but for some reason control/F2 is not opening it.  I tried two different keyboards, and same problem.  Scratching my head.

[NiiranenVR]

Try  'safe mode' , then it should be on your screen 

 

I have maked it more easy in vr , I open with Ctrl and arrow down , 

And menu hotkeys are Ctrl arrows 

[Crocogator]

honestly I think this should be pinned, it really helped me out and I've looked it up again since.

[GOZR]

So how does it compare vs SteamVR?  any gain ?  Thanks  worth it ?

[Sgt_Joch]

30 minutes ago, GOZR said:

So how does it compare vs SteamVR?  any gain ?  Thanks  worth it ?

 

Depends on your system, I tried it, saw no performance/visual quality gain and went back to Steam VR. Only way to know is to try it.

[GOZR]

29 minutes ago, Sgt_Joch said:

 

Depends on your system, I tried it, saw no performance/visual quality gain and went back to Steam VR. Only way to know is to try it.

Yes true..  I did install the tool kit newest version but there is this pup window in teh middle of the screen to make it disappear but it doesn't work  lol  "Ctrl+5"  teh 5 do not work  

31 minutes ago, Sgt_Joch said:

 

Depends on your system, I tried it, saw no performance/visual quality gain and went back to Steam VR. Only way to know is to try it.

with steamXR i can scale up the cockpit sizes to 120 % the originals are way too small .. ( ridiculously small

 

[J5_HellCat_]

Thanks to you and NobiWan for the guide and Necksafer! G2 here and after being away for awhile I was able to get it up and running! 90 frames now and smooth. First time I haven't had stuttering trees while turning since I've had it! ....thanks again.

Edited December 29, 2022 by J5_HellCat_

[Gunfreak]

So I'm using open xr toolkit with great effect in DCS. Particularly the combo of CAS and turbo mode. However with those settings in IL2 the game refuses to start

[[CPT]Crunch]

The settings per game are completely different, the kit can distinguish games and stores each games settings separate, changing them in one makes zero difference in the other. 

 

Try disabling the toolkit and firing up IL-2 to see if it works, if it does, enable safe mode and reset the toolkit to default in game, than go from there.

[dburne]

17 minutes ago, [CPT]Crunch said:

The settings per game are completely different, the kit can distinguish games and stores each games settings separate, changing them in one makes zero difference in the other. 

 

Try disabling the toolkit and firing up IL-2 to see if it works, if it does, enable safe mode and reset the toolkit to default in game, than go from there.

 

The OXR Tool Kit allows per game settings profiles?
 

[Gunfreak]

1 hour ago, [CPT]Crunch said:

The settings per game are completely different, the kit can distinguish games and stores each games settings separate, changing them in one makes zero difference in the other. 

 

Try disabling the toolkit and firing up IL-2 to see if it works, if it does, enable safe mode and reset the toolkit to default in game, than go from there.

I did the changes in IL2. Since they worked so well in DCS, I added the same settings to IL2. Hoping it would so the same.

[kissTheSky]

There seems to be some OpenXR questions lately. It would be beneficial to have this thread on the first page again.

 

FWIW, I don’t use the neck saver.

[dburne]

What would really be nice would be if 1CGS implemented native support for Open XR. DCS did and it works beautifully.

Edited July 16, 2023 by dburne

[SR603-McMurdo]

Hi thanks for this it's really helped me stuck on some thing though i use a quest pro what res would i put in to this bit ?  "Under SYSTEM:
-override the resolution (if using a G2) and set to 3176x (the same 100% resolution steamvr uses- this is important because when you adjust size/scaling it will base off this res)
-make sure all reprojection is off"

in oculus devices i have it set to refresh 90hz rendering resolution 4128x2096 i use the cable. thanks for any help.

[Sabrefly]

I have a weird problem - when I run XRNS its main window opens but does not resize/expand and stays very small, distorted and mostly unreadable.

Any idea?

Thanks. 

Edited December 15, 2023 by Sabrefly

[Voxman]

Really helpful topic, and I have to add this as it looks like it wasn't mentioned.  I believe @Patricks posted this on DCS world, and in my case with a Varjo headset, this was extremely helpful:

With the patient help of DerKlausi on the Varjo Discord I finally have XRNS working perfectly on my Varjo Aero in DCS MT.exe with XRNS and Varjo Foveated Rendering (pretty sure it will work with other APIs also). The final key (after an XRNS 5a  remove/reinstall) was the order of the API layers, as the Varjo Foveated API finally showed up in XRNS's "OpenXR\Show API Layers" list after a fresh XRNS5a download and re-install. First try in the cockpit, with Varjo API showing on top line of the XRNS Show API list, I got black blocks and strange movement in the cockpit whenever Auto-rotation kicked in (but it was actually finally doing something!). As soon as I (using the "OpenXR-API-Layers-Win64-HKLM.exe" app) moved the XR_APILAYER_NOVENDOR_XRNeckSafer.json Layer to be above the XR_APILAYER_MBUCCHIA_varjo_foveated. json Layer, all was well in DCS.. 

So for me the key was to uninstall XRNS 5a, reinstall a freshly downloaded version of XRNeckSaferBeta5a from GitHub (https://gitlab.com/NobiWan/xrnecksafer), run XNRS and check the "OpenXR\Show active OpenXR API Layers" list in XNRS,. If XRNeckSafer is not on top of the list (which mine wasn't), use the API Layers GUI program ( https://github.com/fredemmott/OpenXR-API-Layers-GUI ) to change the order (I used the "OpenXR-API-Layers-Win64-HKLM" exe). Select the XRNeckSafer API, click Move up (to the top even if you have more than 2 API's showing), done! Never occurred to me not showing the Varjo Foveated API in XNRS could actually be an XRNS issue (to cause me to reinstall) as it worked fine in IL-2 (because Foveated rendering is disabled in IL-2)... and forget about the API Layer order, never would have gotten that without help.

[Patricks]

16 hours ago, Voxman said:

Really helpful topic, and I have to add this as it looks like it wasn't mentioned.  I believe @Patricks posted this on DCS world, and in my case with a Varjo headset, this was extremely helpful:

 

 

Yes, that was me but i'm not sure it will make any difference for IL-2 unless for some reason the XRNecksafer API is not listed as #1 in the OpenXR API layers window. I had no issue with my Aero and XRNS in IL-2 as IL-2 does not enable\use Varjo or Quad_view Foveated rendering... but if some other API is loading before XRNS I could see how reordering the API's may fix it..

Edited January 22, 2024 by Patricks

[Voxman]

I had to use this method in order for the necksafer program to work.  I just built a new computer so reinstalls, and getting things to work were pretty much the order of the day this past weekend.  I'm just glad folks are documenting all these adjustments and tweaks since it seems each headset system, and also computer layout is not all consistent.

[Patricks]

1 minute ago, Voxman said:

I had to use this method in order for the necksafer program to work.  I just built a new computer so reinstalls, and getting things to work were pretty much the order of the day this past weekend.  I'm just glad folks are documenting all these adjustments and tweaks since it seems each headset system, and also computer layout is not all consistent.

 

May I ask what APIs were running in IL-2 to cause an issue? Maybe OXRTK? 

[Voxman]

2 minutes ago, Patricks said:

 

May I ask what APIs were running in IL-2 to cause an issue? Maybe OXRTK? 

 

I believe it was the OXRTK, and the order it was loaded in the active XRNS API layers.  In fact, as I looked at the first post, I culled some more information to really get the system working.  I think it was item#4 in the list.

 

It was a bit of a rushed build, and I was having troubles with cooling the system as I used my previous AIO cooler and luckily I had not chucked the bracket for the system (I've moved recently so things were in a bit of a disarray), going from Intel to AMD.  So there was a lot of "steps" involved in order to get IL2 to play nicely with my system.  I haven't even started to do a serious performance OC of the system...that's next on the list.  It used to be so easy to build computers.  I believe this is my 10th or so build in about 40 years of doing this stuff.

[JG1_Jaus]

I have the same problem as Sabrefly above (crunched XRNS window).   

 

Also, XRNS is working for me but  seems to be a little erratic compared to the older (VRNS?) version I had on my old computer.   Sometimes the altered view sticks, sometimes it doesn't respond to the button and once in a while it seems to jump to a new angle on its own.  A repress (or two) of a mapped button snaps it back to normal, but still not desirable.

 

I have the 5beta version installed with the .msi.   I've checked the api as instsructed and it does appear.   Any ideas what to look at?  I use a Reverb G2 with OpenXR successfully installed.

Edited August 21, 2024 by JG1_Jaus

[Patricks]

2 hours ago, JG1_Jaus said:

I have the same problem as Sabrefly above (crunched XRNS window).   

 

 

 

Do you run Windows Display Scale in something other than 100%? 

 

Try right-clicking on XRNS icon, select  Properties, then Compatibility Tab -> Change High DPI Settings -> put a checkmark in Override high DPI scaling behavior performed by:, then select System in the pulldown..

[JG1_Jaus]

17 minutes ago, Patricks said:

 

Do you run Windows Display Scale in something other than 100%? 

 

Try right-clicking on XRNS icon, select  Properties, then Compatibility Tab -> Change High DPI Settings -> put a checkmark in Override high DPI scaling behavior performed by:, then select System in the pulldown..

Yes.  That worked for the crunched display, thanks!

[Patricks]

7 hours ago, FeuerFliegen said:

Never got an answer to my call for help a couple years ago... any other threads or tutorials on this?  I also would normally use standalone version if not in VR, if that matters?

 

No idea what "standalone version" you refer to, XRNS (and VRNS) only work in VR. Are you talking about TrackIR? What issues are/were you having? Maybe check out the post by @Voxman from January 21 above, I have not had a G2 (WMR) headset for a couple years now, so not 100% sure my install instructions will work...

Edited August 26, 2024 by Patricks

[Voxman]

On 12/13/2022 at 11:46 PM, FeuerFliegen said:

I did everything in the initial instructions, and all seemed to work except for there is no image in my VR headset (HP Reverb G2); just a black screen.

Is this system wide or on GB only? 

 

When my G2 started to go to black screens, that's when I returned it.  I've switched over to a Varjo, and that was more than 6 months ago, so I don't remember much in the way of G2 setup, except for the notes and steps in the first post on this thread. 

There are a couple of other threads for optimizing with a G2, but also if I remember correctly, other settings.  This was the guide I used back when I had the G2:  Neph's guide

 

 With Windows not supporting WMR, that can be another issue to the G2 headset.

 

 

Edited August 26, 2024 by Voxman

[Patricks]

Anyone downloading the latest 64 bit OpenXR dll from here be wary - https://gitlab.com/znixian/OpenOVR/-/tree/openxr/ . I just did it (8/25) to see if it had been updated and the file was only 1 KB..  Did it again today and the new file is 2319KB created 8/26/24 (and functions normally). My current "openvr_api.dll" was 2,2327 KB created 6/24/24.  Always save your working dll file!

 

I'm also wondering if the "OpenComposite Runtime Switcher (for global changes) was grabbing that 1KB file, which of course would not work..?

 

Edited August 26, 2024 by Patricks

[[CPT]Crunch]

Be aware the current crop of guys doing the builds are not the original avid flight simmers.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Roach-]

Hey guys I seem to be struggling to get open composite to run. I followed the above instructions I downloaded the openvr_api.dll file and dropped the file in C:\Steam\steamapps\common\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad\bin\game.

when I launch il2 sturmovik in steam I only se the two options to launch il2, I have open composite runtime app open and and if its on steam vr it launches steam vr ! if I have its switched to open composite the game doesn't start up. not sure what I'm doing wrong

 

[dryheat94]

5 hours ago, Roach- said:

Hey guys I seem to be struggling to get open composite to run. I followed the above instructions I downloaded the openvr_api.dll file and dropped the file in C:\Steam\steamapps\common\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad\bin\game.

when I launch il2 sturmovik in steam I only se the two options to launch il2, I have open composite runtime app open and and if its on steam vr it launches steam vr ! if I have its switched to open composite the game doesn't start up. not sure what I'm doing wrong

 

 

Use the per-game DLL, not the OpenComposite launcher. You can find a working version here.  Go to your IL-2 installation/bin/game folder and rename the openvr_api.dll to openvr_api.dll.org for safe keeping, then copy the downloaded version into the same folder, replacing the original.

Edited August 25 by dryheat94

[Roach-]

Hey thanks for the help  dryheat94 but no matter what DLL file I use I just get an error message I've tried other DLLS and they don't seem to work tried launching from steam page and il2 folder with 32 and 64 bit but just an error. I guess I'm stuck with steamvr this is a shame.

cheers

[dryheat94]

Are you starting the game through the VD Games Tab? If so, try starting it directly through Steam, like you would any other game, selecting the "Start in SteamVR" option. Be sure you haven't inadvertently chosen for the game to always start in 2D mode.

 

Also, be sure you aren't also activating the OC launcher. Once you copy the OC dll (as you have correctly done) you no longer use the OC launcher.

 

I don't use the Steam version.

 

Good luck!

 

 

Edited September 2 by dryheat94

[Patricks]

On 8/25/2025 at 1:51 PM, Roach- said:

Hey guys I seem to be struggling to get open composite to run. I followed the above instructions I downloaded the openvr_api.dll file and dropped the file in C:\Steam\steamapps\common\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad\bin\game.

when I launch il2 sturmovik in steam I only se the two options to launch il2, I have open composite runtime app open and and if its on steam vr it launches steam vr ! if I have its switched to open composite the game doesn't start up. not sure what I'm doing wrong

 

 

Get rid of that "OpennComposite runtime switcher", and disable OpenXR Toolkit (for now) the "switcher" is totally unnecessary and can only cause issues. IF you have a known working "openvr_api.dll" (from my link below - mine is 2319kb - or someone else) placed in the proper folder (\IL-2 Sturmovik Great Battles\bin\game) then I would suggest running IL-2 from a shortcut on your desktop that points to "IL-2 Sturmovik Great Battles\bin\game\Launcher.exe", assume in your case it will be in "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common" (I don't use Steam). Run "launcher.exe", with the dll in place, see what happens..

 

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vh4ag2o1u2jar6m32z7e5/openvr_api.dll?rlkey=5daifuoz0ccravv0095c1regp&st=0ck119j3&dl=0

 

I would also advise anyone with a WMR headset to run the new Oasis driver and dump WMR once and for all! 

Edited September 2 by Patricks

[Roach-]

Hey guys so I've tried everything above and I'm not yielding any results. i ordered a second cable and have tried both but it doesn't seem to make any difference JSAUX Link Cable 16FT with Charging for Meta Quest 3S/Quest3/2/Pro Accessories【Charging While Playing】 USB 3.0 High Speed Data Compatible with Oculus 3S/3/2/Pro, Pico 4, PC VR, Steam VR : Amazon.ca: Industrial & Scientific

 

I'm returning the cable I purchased I guess ill try a different cable does anyone have any suggestions for cables that charge as well.  My graphics drivers, usb drivers are up to date, all my usb ports have power saving disabled. I've reinstalled oculus app, steam vr, And il2 and no difference I can be playing stable for 15-30 mins before it randomly crashes hitting around 80-90 frames 

I've tried installing the"openvr_api.dll" from your link and the game wont start i get an error code ive disabled open xr toolkit and uninstalled opencomposite switcher, not sure why its not working for me. I don't think the gods favor me haha.

I appreciate everyone's help.

 

I can play via virtual desktop but my router is on the other side of the house and would prefer to be linked as I need to keep the headset charged anyways the cable never bothered me, I don't want a battery pack on my headset lol less weight the better. my pc is plugged in directly with cat8.

 

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core Processor             
RAM: 32.0 GB

Graphics card
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
 

[Roach-]

Hey everyone so I managed to figure it out. I purchased a different cord and everything is fine now. also managed to get openxrtool kit to work as well. Thanks everyone for your time and assistance, it means allot.

[Stout]

As there's Oasis Driver for HP Reverb G2 and WIndows 11 24h2. Anyone managed to get XRNS Necksafer to run with Oasis and OpenXR in SteamVR??

Edited September 22 by Stout