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SteamVR™ Tracking

We will help you set up tracking for your headset.

SteamVR™ Tracking is available for all Varjo headsets. For other options, see the list of available tracking methods.

 

Positional tracking for your headset

Your Varjo headset uses a tracking system to know its exact position. Tracking allows applications to synchronize your movements in the real world with those in the virtual environment.

Varjo headsets support SteamVR™ Tracking, which uses up to four SteamVR™ base stations to track your headset. If your application uses controllers, those can be tracked as well.

 

 

Set up SteamVR™ Tracking

Follow these steps to set up SteamVR™ Tracking for your headset. Before you set up tracking, you will need to start setup in Varjo Base and connect your headset.

 

 

1.  Install the SteamVR application

Download and install SteamVR to get started. SteamVR is the software required to use SteamVR™ Tracking.

 

2.  Prepare your environment to use the headset safely

Before using the headset, clear the room of obstacles and hazards, people, furniture, and any other items to ensure that you have enough space both above and around you. 

If possible, cover all reflective surfaces since they may interfere with tracking. Make sure that you have good lighting in the room when you set up and use the headset.

Read more about how to prepare your environment.

 

 

3.  Choose the positions for the base stations

You can use either SteamVR™ base stations 1.0 or 2.0.

Recommended distances between the devices are:

  • A minimum of 1.5 m (5 ft) between each base station and the headset.
  • A maximum of 5 m (16 ft) between base stations.

Note:

  • Four base stations 2.0 are recommended if you plan to move around the room.
  • Two base stations 2.0 or 1.0 are sufficient for sitting and stationary use.

 

4.  Mount the base stations

Mount the base stations at a minimum height of 2 m (6.5 ft) and angled down 30–45 degrees.

Make sure the base stations have a direct line of sight with the headset, even when moving around the room.

  • Note: If you use SteamVR™ 1.0 base stations, ensure that the base stations have a direct line of sight both with the headset and each other.

Use the wall-mounting kit (included in the box) or a tripod (not included). For additional instructions, check the manufacturer’s guide on how to use the mounting kit (PDF).

 

5.  Plug in the base stations

Two different power plugs are included in the box (European type C and North American type A). Use a standard power adapter if needed.

 

A.

B.

 

6.  Set the channels for your base stations

A. Setting channels for base stations 2.0

 You can recognize this model by the rounded front panel.

  1. Use a paper clip to operate the Mode button on the back of the device.
  2. Check the status area in Varjo Base to see the current channel for each base station.
  3. Set each base station to a different channel (between 1 and 16). Each press of the button advances the channel selection by one.

B. Setting channels for base stations 1.0

 You can recognize this model by the rectangular shape of the device.

  1. Press the Mode button on the back of the device to change the channel. The current channel is displayed on the front.
  2. Set the channels according to how many base stations you are using:

1 base station = a
2 base stations = b + c

 

7.  Check the tracking status in Varjo Base

Varjo Base will display the status of your devices. Check the icons in the status area to confirm that your headset and base stations are connected and that tracking is working.

If headset tracking is not working, make sure that the headset has a direct line of sight with the base stations and that the front plate of the headset is not covered.

  • Tip: SteamVR™ tracking elements are located behind the front plate of your headset. Make sure that the base stations are pointing towards the headset’s front plate in all positions, including when moving or turning around in the room. The minimum recommended distance between the base stations and the headset is 1.5 m (5 ft). Please be aware that reflective surfaces may interfere with tracking and should be covered if possible.

 

8.  Set up your room in SteamVR

When using your Varjo headset for the first time in a new environment, you will need to perform a brief setup to configure the headset and base stations.

Perform this setup each time you move the headset and base stations to a new environment, or if you move the base stations or change their orientation in your current room.

  1. From the SteamVR room setup instructions, select Launch SteamVR and wait for the application to open. Alternatively, you can manually open SteamVR on your Windows computer.
  2. In the SteamVR application window, go to Menu > Room setup and follow the instructions. We recommend you choose the Standing Only setup, which is the most straightforward option.
  3. After completing room setup, return to Varjo Base.

You can start room setup again at any time in Varjo Base by navigating to the System tab and SteamVR room setup.

 

9.  Optional: Pair your controller(s)

Your existing controllers can be used with your Varjo headset. You can use any SteamVR™-compatible controller, such as the HTC Vive controller.

Note: If you have previously paired your controllers with another VR headset, they will need to be paired again with your Varjo headset.

  1. Switch on your controller(s).
  2. From the Pair SteamVR devices instructions, select Launch SteamVR and wait for the application to open. Alternatively, you can manually open SteamVR on your Windows computer.
  3. In the SteamVR application window, go to Menu > Devices > Pair Controller and follow the instructions.
  4. After completing the pairing, return to Varjo Base.

You can pair devices again at any time in Varjo Base by navigating to the System tab and Pair SteamVR device.

 

 

10.  Enable the OpenVR runtime if prompted (XR-3 only)

Varjo Base will attempt to automatically enable the OpenVR runtime for XR-3. If you have previously used an OpenVR-compatible headset on this computer, you may be prompted to enable the runtime manually.

Enable the OpenVR runtime if you want to run OpenVR applications, such as SteamVR apps.

 

 

11.  Setup complete

SteamVR™ Tracking is now successfully set up and your headset is ready for use.

 

 

 

Get familiar with your Varjo headset

 

 

 

 

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Organizations

Business customers have access to our full product range.

Individuals

Private customers can order Aero through our webstore.