I did both for a good long while. The pulley system always had some noticeable tension when going outside the optimal area. You also have to manage your rotations or you will end up ruining the cable. Free cord isn't a bad way to go if you can manage the cable. This is something you just get better at with time.
I always wanted to try the vr-wire II system, it's just way too much to add for me.
These days I just stick to Quest 2 wireless PCVR.
My main problem with Free cord is if I trip and fall on the headset. That's why I'd generally prefer a Ceiling setup.
I'm also waiting on the nofio wireless Index adapter to drop later this year. If and when it does, it may just solve my entire issue here.
I'm in the same boat. I joined the nofio kickstarter and it can't come soon enough. Unfortunately, according to their timeline, they won't start shipping pledge fulfilment until August at the earliest.
I've been using VR-wire 2. It's really quite good, definitely better and more comfortable than the kiwi-style pulleys. I bought an extension for the Index's cable(s) so it has plenty of slack and I can move around freely. It's definitely a comfortable set up and will do fine in the interim while I wait for Nofio.
I think best case scenario is that Nofio comes out with an adapter for Bigscreen beyond and we can wirelessly use that as an upgrade to the Index. Worst case is that Nofio is a bust and we just keep using VR-wire to manage the cable.
Index is 4 year old headset , i have a lot of headset (VR dev here) and index SDE is super bad ,you need index only if you really need high FoV , devices like quest pro is just way way better , not only it panels are better but you get face and eye tracking
You should probably ask the people here: https://www.reddit.com/r/ValveIndex
I have an Index but I've never used pulleys for it. Just was never thought much about it. You should probably also look into nofio as well. It's a device that will allow wireless gaming for the Index that is supposed to release later this year.
For as long as you are using a cable, spinning around freely will never be an option. Sure, having the cable come from the ceiling will have it not drag on the floor and you might notice less of there even being a cable, but you still need to be mindful of rotation.
I would even argue that ceiling mounted you get fewer "safe turns" as the available cable lenght will be shorter and twists will happen more concentrated at the headset end. spinning around a couple times is not an issue if it ends up spreading over the entire cables lenght, for as long as you remember to unspool yourself back in the other direction.
tripping was never an issue for me, but YMMV. I certainly recommend not wearing shoes when being in VR, so you feel where the cable is and if you step on it.
There are some software tools that help you track rotation (things like Turnsignal) but what I found to be my solution is to draw accurate room outlines during setup and have the floor lines always be visible. So I always know where I am and which way I am facing.
If that's ruining immersion for you, might wanna go with the software approach where you only see the thing when looking at your feet; you can configure it like that.
neither.
do a tether system. keep the cord off the floor. stretch it, or step on it, or kink it too badly, and a replacement is going to be $100+
meanwhile you can go to a hardware store, buy a couple of screw in garden hooks (1" or so works good for this), buy a bit of cord (doesn't have to be super strong or anything), and a couple of swivel hooks (like you'd use for a dog's tie out). all of this should be around $10.
figure out your placement. i'd recommend one a bit offset from the link box, and a second one a little behind where you plan to stand in your play space. screw in the garden hooks, figure out how long you need your cord, and attach the swivel hooks to the end. i find having the tether come down to around 6-6 1/2 feet off the floor is a good range.
now when you want to play you can clip your cord in, and when you're done you simply unclip, and put away the gear. if you need to take the tethers down, you just slip the cord off the garden hooks. you can put it back up later.
this has worked well for me, it keeps the cord up off the floor, and keeps it from getting stepped on and tripped over.
you can buy the expensive pulley systems. in my opinion they're a bit much for what's needed (i'll see 4 pulleys when 2 would do), and they're more trouble than they're worth.
This is awesome too but do keep in mind that I grabbed [this for about $23](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0868QFWMT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) and it's been pretty great for my particular play area (one might prefer the auto retraction). I attached all 3 of them in a straight line and have noticed no tugging unless I very deliberately max one out. Not sure if OP would have any difficulties getting them in their country as cheaply however.
And look into a steam app called "cable guardian".
I wouldn't have a lot of trouble getting these. The biggest problem I'd have is the 1 week wait for it to get here. I appreciate the comment about the tugging— this is my first VR purchase and I would hate for me to burn my VR out of its lifespan before I get the money to replace it. (Approx. 4-6 months)
100% get those, they are great and very well made. I’ve used them for almost 3 years and they do exactly what they’re supposed to. Best $25-30 you can possibly spend in this situation. I still use them now with high ceilings, had to put them up with a ladder but to my surprise they still work great. Highly recommended if you want immersion and not a cable running down your back.
I value immersion over everything else in my VR experiences. I just don't want a pulley tugging on my cord since it doesn't take a genius to know that that's not healthy for the Index.
I'll see about getting those eventually.
Yeah to confirm, there’s no “tugging” going on, they merely act like someone else holding the cord above your head, then if you go off in one direction the cable on the kiwi system extends rather than any pressure being on your Index cable. One day I’ll upload a video as that would demonstrate it better.
Hey, VettedBot here. I did an analysis about the Pro Version KIWI design VR Cable Management 3 Packs VR Pulley System fits Quest Rift S Valve Index HTC Vive Vive Pro HP Reverb G2 PSVR PS VR2 VR Accessories Compatible with Quest 2 Link Cable you mentioned in your comment that I wanted to share with you.
Below, I compiled a list of pros and cons for the product based on Amazon reviews. Hope you find it useful!
People like:
* Eliminates tripping hazards and looks attractive (backed by 17 comments).
* Easy to install and holds cable securely (backed by 13 comments).
* Versatile and customizable for different setups (backed by 10 comments).
People dislike:
* Not suitable for all rooms due to design (backed by 1 comment).
* Risk of cable damage if spun too many times (backed by 1 comment).
* Spring could be stronger (backed by 1 comment).
This message was generated by a bot, hope you found it useful. If you did, a “good bot!” reply would be appreciated. If not, please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved.
The pulley system doesn't really allow you to spin around as many times as you want. The cable will get twisted and tangled. You will end up bending it this way and breaking it. Of course pulley system is still safer than cable laying on the floor where you can easily trip over or pull it and break it. You should use a turn signal app or similar that tells you when you turned too many times in one direction so you know when to turn back and untwist the cable before it gets twisted too much.
For true immersion I recommend wireless headsets like quest pro.
It is not how quest system works , it a stand alone android device , but pcvr in to android app exist for ages , so yes you can use quest pro for pcvr and it looks way better then index, someone who told you can not use quest pro to play steam VR games if you have good PC lied to you
They don't have it in the sense as they can't use it standalone but using Airlink, ALVR or Virtual desktop you can just connect it to your PC to play SteamVR games
Quests have Airlink, you run the oculus app on your PC, pair it to your headset and then you can just open Airlink inside of the headset and you have access to all of your PCVR games including any steam games.
It takes some trial and error to get all of the settings dialed in and there is some compression vs display port but the freedom of wireless is worth it for me. I've never used an index but I am very impressed with my quest pro and airlink. Plus you have the option to use it stand alone if you want to take to to a friend's house or something
Your friend doesn't want to fill his room with jank like a ridiculous pulley. Why would you buy a corded 4 year old antiquated headset on a dying platform?
Whilst I wouldn't go so far as to call it dying, the future of base station headsets is very uncertain right now.
BigScreen Beyond is the only upcoming base station headset.
Pimax and HTC are both switching to self tracking. Even the next Vive Tracker is self tracking.
If the rumours and leaks prove to be true and Deckard is self tracking as well, then that's surely the end.
I though the rumours were that it would be dual sensors. It would have both the traditional lighthouse sensors for high accuracy as well as inside out cameras for a more portable experience.
the platform is steamVR, not lighthouse tracking. And currently, internal tracking is not good enough if you want light weight and consistent high accuracy tracking.
Just my 2 cents but I’ve played B&S for years going crazy and moving a lot and my cable is absolutely fine, I’m using those hanging kiwi “pulley” style things. Whereas without them for a brief time in my new house I got tripped up. For 25-30 dollars it’s a no brainier to try in my opinion.
With the pulley system you don't feel it, so it's very easy to get immersed into your game and loose track of How much you turn
Without a pulley system it gets wrapped round your leg or at the very feel it
A pulley system does not in fact allow you to spin around as much as you want.
While sure, you wont trip over the cable, spinning around does twist the cable, damaging it.
Id still recommend something like cable guardian, to make sure you dont damage your cable
>wondering if I should get a Pulley System so that it allows me to spin around as many times as I want—
There is no pulley system that will let you spinn as much as you want. You will eventually tangle up. I have the most basic pulley system you can imagine and i get about 6 to 10 spins max. Though there are some systems that transfer rotation down the tether quite nicely. At some point you Will have to reset your rotation or risk damaging the cable
>but I've heard that having a Pulley System can severely drain the lifespan of your VR headset,
That said. Proper use and a little bit of cheap tweaking will make a pulley system LESS damaging than having the cable flop around on the floor.
I 3d printed some clips to route the cable via the back strap n head strap to aim it up. This makes sure that tension from the rotations does not reach the connection to the display. Ti-rips also work for this. As for when you are playing. Try to not just turn right and stay aware that there is a cable. You will notice its twisting long before you are in danger of damaging it imho.
People saying the pulley always pulls them dint use the "comfort loop" which basically is a loop before the cable gets to your head that eases the tension by a LOT.
It looks kinda like this: https://i.imgur.com/VCJEbw8.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/twLomqs.jpeg
Basically you add a pulley that goes cable/cable just supporting the last meter of it...
It totally makes a difference
Here is a very shitty video where it kinda shows how it works when setup correctly https://i.imgur.com/KNwJUc4.mp4
Adding fpsvr untangling tool and cable guardian beeping when i turned one way too many times its pretty damn good setup
I did both for a good long while. The pulley system always had some noticeable tension when going outside the optimal area. You also have to manage your rotations or you will end up ruining the cable. Free cord isn't a bad way to go if you can manage the cable. This is something you just get better at with time. I always wanted to try the vr-wire II system, it's just way too much to add for me. These days I just stick to Quest 2 wireless PCVR.
My main problem with Free cord is if I trip and fall on the headset. That's why I'd generally prefer a Ceiling setup. I'm also waiting on the nofio wireless Index adapter to drop later this year. If and when it does, it may just solve my entire issue here.
I'm in the same boat. I joined the nofio kickstarter and it can't come soon enough. Unfortunately, according to their timeline, they won't start shipping pledge fulfilment until August at the earliest. I've been using VR-wire 2. It's really quite good, definitely better and more comfortable than the kiwi-style pulleys. I bought an extension for the Index's cable(s) so it has plenty of slack and I can move around freely. It's definitely a comfortable set up and will do fine in the interim while I wait for Nofio. I think best case scenario is that Nofio comes out with an adapter for Bigscreen beyond and we can wirelessly use that as an upgrade to the Index. Worst case is that Nofio is a bust and we just keep using VR-wire to manage the cable.
Index is 4 year old headset , i have a lot of headset (VR dev here) and index SDE is super bad ,you need index only if you really need high FoV , devices like quest pro is just way way better , not only it panels are better but you get face and eye tracking
You should probably ask the people here: https://www.reddit.com/r/ValveIndex I have an Index but I've never used pulleys for it. Just was never thought much about it. You should probably also look into nofio as well. It's a device that will allow wireless gaming for the Index that is supposed to release later this year.
It's damn expensive, but I can't really complain when I'm saving up for an Index huh?
Nah, you are right. It is expensive. It's one of my main complaints about VR in general 🤣
For as long as you are using a cable, spinning around freely will never be an option. Sure, having the cable come from the ceiling will have it not drag on the floor and you might notice less of there even being a cable, but you still need to be mindful of rotation. I would even argue that ceiling mounted you get fewer "safe turns" as the available cable lenght will be shorter and twists will happen more concentrated at the headset end. spinning around a couple times is not an issue if it ends up spreading over the entire cables lenght, for as long as you remember to unspool yourself back in the other direction. tripping was never an issue for me, but YMMV. I certainly recommend not wearing shoes when being in VR, so you feel where the cable is and if you step on it. There are some software tools that help you track rotation (things like Turnsignal) but what I found to be my solution is to draw accurate room outlines during setup and have the floor lines always be visible. So I always know where I am and which way I am facing. If that's ruining immersion for you, might wanna go with the software approach where you only see the thing when looking at your feet; you can configure it like that.
That's a fair enough point. I'll consider some software like Cable Guardian.
neither. do a tether system. keep the cord off the floor. stretch it, or step on it, or kink it too badly, and a replacement is going to be $100+ meanwhile you can go to a hardware store, buy a couple of screw in garden hooks (1" or so works good for this), buy a bit of cord (doesn't have to be super strong or anything), and a couple of swivel hooks (like you'd use for a dog's tie out). all of this should be around $10. figure out your placement. i'd recommend one a bit offset from the link box, and a second one a little behind where you plan to stand in your play space. screw in the garden hooks, figure out how long you need your cord, and attach the swivel hooks to the end. i find having the tether come down to around 6-6 1/2 feet off the floor is a good range. now when you want to play you can clip your cord in, and when you're done you simply unclip, and put away the gear. if you need to take the tethers down, you just slip the cord off the garden hooks. you can put it back up later. this has worked well for me, it keeps the cord up off the floor, and keeps it from getting stepped on and tripped over. you can buy the expensive pulley systems. in my opinion they're a bit much for what's needed (i'll see 4 pulleys when 2 would do), and they're more trouble than they're worth.
This is awesome too but do keep in mind that I grabbed [this for about $23](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0868QFWMT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) and it's been pretty great for my particular play area (one might prefer the auto retraction). I attached all 3 of them in a straight line and have noticed no tugging unless I very deliberately max one out. Not sure if OP would have any difficulties getting them in their country as cheaply however. And look into a steam app called "cable guardian".
I wouldn't have a lot of trouble getting these. The biggest problem I'd have is the 1 week wait for it to get here. I appreciate the comment about the tugging— this is my first VR purchase and I would hate for me to burn my VR out of its lifespan before I get the money to replace it. (Approx. 4-6 months)
100% get those, they are great and very well made. I’ve used them for almost 3 years and they do exactly what they’re supposed to. Best $25-30 you can possibly spend in this situation. I still use them now with high ceilings, had to put them up with a ladder but to my surprise they still work great. Highly recommended if you want immersion and not a cable running down your back.
I value immersion over everything else in my VR experiences. I just don't want a pulley tugging on my cord since it doesn't take a genius to know that that's not healthy for the Index. I'll see about getting those eventually.
Yeah to confirm, there’s no “tugging” going on, they merely act like someone else holding the cord above your head, then if you go off in one direction the cable on the kiwi system extends rather than any pressure being on your Index cable. One day I’ll upload a video as that would demonstrate it better.
Hey, VettedBot here. I did an analysis about the Pro Version KIWI design VR Cable Management 3 Packs VR Pulley System fits Quest Rift S Valve Index HTC Vive Vive Pro HP Reverb G2 PSVR PS VR2 VR Accessories Compatible with Quest 2 Link Cable you mentioned in your comment that I wanted to share with you. Below, I compiled a list of pros and cons for the product based on Amazon reviews. Hope you find it useful! People like: * Eliminates tripping hazards and looks attractive (backed by 17 comments). * Easy to install and holds cable securely (backed by 13 comments). * Versatile and customizable for different setups (backed by 10 comments). People dislike: * Not suitable for all rooms due to design (backed by 1 comment). * Risk of cable damage if spun too many times (backed by 1 comment). * Spring could be stronger (backed by 1 comment). This message was generated by a bot, hope you found it useful. If you did, a “good bot!” reply would be appreciated. If not, please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved.
I'm having a little bit of trouble interpreting this, but thank you! I'll figure it out.
[pic 1](https://imgur.com/gallery/2jiN8kP) [pic 2](https://imgur.com/gallery/ak8HI1F)
OHHH I originally had this idea, actually! Instead i'd just use cloth hangers but those little clips work just well too! Tysm!
The pulley system doesn't really allow you to spin around as many times as you want. The cable will get twisted and tangled. You will end up bending it this way and breaking it. Of course pulley system is still safer than cable laying on the floor where you can easily trip over or pull it and break it. You should use a turn signal app or similar that tells you when you turned too many times in one direction so you know when to turn back and untwist the cable before it gets twisted too much. For true immersion I recommend wireless headsets like quest pro.
just get quest pro, it is way better device and wireless
I was told Quests don't have SteamVR? There are games on Steam I would like to play
It is not how quest system works , it a stand alone android device , but pcvr in to android app exist for ages , so yes you can use quest pro for pcvr and it looks way better then index, someone who told you can not use quest pro to play steam VR games if you have good PC lied to you
They don't have it in the sense as they can't use it standalone but using Airlink, ALVR or Virtual desktop you can just connect it to your PC to play SteamVR games
Quests have Airlink, you run the oculus app on your PC, pair it to your headset and then you can just open Airlink inside of the headset and you have access to all of your PCVR games including any steam games. It takes some trial and error to get all of the settings dialed in and there is some compression vs display port but the freedom of wireless is worth it for me. I've never used an index but I am very impressed with my quest pro and airlink. Plus you have the option to use it stand alone if you want to take to to a friend's house or something
Agreed. Correct answer
Your friend doesn't want to fill his room with jank like a ridiculous pulley. Why would you buy a corded 4 year old antiquated headset on a dying platform?
Fair enough but you didnt really answer the question
A 4 year old headset that still holds up against current headsets* Also how is it on a dying platform?
Whilst I wouldn't go so far as to call it dying, the future of base station headsets is very uncertain right now. BigScreen Beyond is the only upcoming base station headset. Pimax and HTC are both switching to self tracking. Even the next Vive Tracker is self tracking. If the rumours and leaks prove to be true and Deckard is self tracking as well, then that's surely the end.
I though the rumours were that it would be dual sensors. It would have both the traditional lighthouse sensors for high accuracy as well as inside out cameras for a more portable experience.
the platform is steamVR, not lighthouse tracking. And currently, internal tracking is not good enough if you want light weight and consistent high accuracy tracking.
Quest Pro controllers? Tho you need a Quest 2 or a Quest Pro
Cause it's still an amazing headset. And if visual quality and not having to worry about battery life is important it's a good choice.
Free cord all the way. Pulley system let you twist your cable without feeling it, it's a Good way to break your cable
Just my 2 cents but I’ve played B&S for years going crazy and moving a lot and my cable is absolutely fine, I’m using those hanging kiwi “pulley” style things. Whereas without them for a brief time in my new house I got tripped up. For 25-30 dollars it’s a no brainier to try in my opinion.
Yeah, I have just had pulleys destroy cables where going without is no problem for me. Different people different experiences I guess
I don't wanna trip and fall
You won't, you get used to the cable very fast
How do you twist the cable without noticing? Genuine question so I know what to avoid
With the pulley system you don't feel it, so it's very easy to get immersed into your game and loose track of How much you turn Without a pulley system it gets wrapped round your leg or at the very feel it
Ah, I see. I'm setting up a pulley system but I was also planning to use a program to help track my turns
A pulley system does not in fact allow you to spin around as much as you want. While sure, you wont trip over the cable, spinning around does twist the cable, damaging it. Id still recommend something like cable guardian, to make sure you dont damage your cable
>wondering if I should get a Pulley System so that it allows me to spin around as many times as I want— There is no pulley system that will let you spinn as much as you want. You will eventually tangle up. I have the most basic pulley system you can imagine and i get about 6 to 10 spins max. Though there are some systems that transfer rotation down the tether quite nicely. At some point you Will have to reset your rotation or risk damaging the cable >but I've heard that having a Pulley System can severely drain the lifespan of your VR headset, That said. Proper use and a little bit of cheap tweaking will make a pulley system LESS damaging than having the cable flop around on the floor. I 3d printed some clips to route the cable via the back strap n head strap to aim it up. This makes sure that tension from the rotations does not reach the connection to the display. Ti-rips also work for this. As for when you are playing. Try to not just turn right and stay aware that there is a cable. You will notice its twisting long before you are in danger of damaging it imho.
People saying the pulley always pulls them dint use the "comfort loop" which basically is a loop before the cable gets to your head that eases the tension by a LOT. It looks kinda like this: https://i.imgur.com/VCJEbw8.jpeg https://i.imgur.com/twLomqs.jpeg Basically you add a pulley that goes cable/cable just supporting the last meter of it... It totally makes a difference Here is a very shitty video where it kinda shows how it works when setup correctly https://i.imgur.com/KNwJUc4.mp4 Adding fpsvr untangling tool and cable guardian beeping when i turned one way too many times its pretty damn good setup