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Setting up tracking

This the second step in our Getting started guide. We will help you set up your physical environment and tracking for your headset.

 

←  1. Connecting your headset:
VR-2 Pro, VR-2 & VR-1
XR-1 Developer Edition

2. Setting up tracking

3. Finishing touches  →

 

 

The tracking ecosystem

Varjo headsets use a tracking system to know the exact position of your headset. Tracking allows applications to synchronize your movements in the real world with those in the virtual environment. If your application uses controllers, those can be tracked as well.

SteamVR™ is the default tracking system for Varjo headsets. Up to four SteamVR™ base stations are used for tracking.

Please note that the instructions here apply to the SteamVR™ tracking system only. Review the instructions for third-party tracking if you are using another tracking method.

 

 

Setting up SteamVR™ tracking

You can follow along with the videos or go through the list of setup steps below. You will need to connect your headset before setting up tracking.

 

 

 

 

 

1.  Prepare the room where you will be using the headset

Make sure to clear the room of any obstacles before using the headset.

Please be aware that reflective surfaces may interfere with tracking. If possible, cover all reflective surfaces in the base stations’ field of view.

 

2.  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.

 

3.  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.
    • 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). If you need additional instructions, check the manufacturer’s detailed guide (PDF) on how to use the mounting kit.
4.  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.

5.  Set the channels for your base stations

A.  Setting channels for base stations 1.0 

Tip: 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

B.  Setting channels for base stations 2.0 

Tip: 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.

 

6.  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.

 

7.  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. In Varjo Base, navigate to the System tab and SteamVR room setup.
  2. From the Room setup instructions, Launch SteamVR and wait for the application to open. Alternatively, manually open SteamVR on your Windows computer.
  3. 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.
  4. After completing Room setup, return to Varjo Base.
  5. Press Done.Your tracking system is now ready to use.

8.  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. In Varjo Base, navigate to the System tab and open Pair SteamVR device.
  3. From the Device pairing instructions, select Launch SteamVR and wait for the application to open. Alternatively, manually open SteamVR on your Windows computer.
  4. In the SteamVR application window, go to Menu > Devices > Pair Controller and follow the instructions.
  5. After completing the pairing, return to Varjo Base.
  6. Press Done.The status area will show the status of each paired controller.

 

 

 

Continue with setup

This completes the second step of setting up your Varjo headset. Continue the setup process below.

 

←  1. Connecting your headset:
VR-2 Pro, VR-2 & VR-1
XR-1 Developer Edition

2. Setting up tracking

3. Finishing touches  →

 

 

 

 

Organizations

XR-4 and XR-4 Focal Edition are available in our web store and through selected Varjo resellers to business customers in nearly 40 countries.

Individuals

Private customers can order Aero through our selected Varjo resellers. Shipping to EU, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

Organizations

Business customers have access to our full product range.

Individuals

Private customers can order Aero through our selected Varjo resellers.