Creating a VR Room

[ChosenOne2000 4440]

I recently created a VR room/ home office with much trial and error, but ultimately successful. For those who have VR or hope to have VR in the future (not that PSVR BS), I'll just share my experience. 

 

I had an L-shaped computer desk that got destroyed during my move to Texas. I needed a desk that provided maximum surface area for my triple monitor setup, yet doesn't get in my way while using room scale in VR.

 

R.I.P. L-Shaped Desk

 

 

I performed a lot of research into the optimal square footage and desk space needed for efficient use and space of my new office. 

 

 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with IKEA, its the equivalent of Disneyland for adults and several times cheaper. I kept seeing IKEA solutions to my problem on the web. The problem was I'm not a DIY kinda guy. I didn't even own power tools...until I decided to build my own VR room.

 

I turned to an Ikea hack solution using a 98in countertop, two Alex drawers, and three Billy bookcases. I've seen this Ikea hack used before using the countertop and drawers, but it tends to look ghetto. I added a modification to prevent scratching of the Alex drawers and aesthetics. 

 

Countertop: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80275137/#/40275139

 

Drawers: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10192824/

 

3x Bookcases: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S09017826/

 

 

I drilled eight custom 2in furniture legs into the drawers to act as standoffs for the desk.

 

 

Fruniture Legs: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G8KN430/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

I needed to position three Oculus sensors effectively WITHOUT drilling them into the wall (wife's mandate, but if you're getting a VR room you don't argue with the details). The solution was building a custom shelf (yes, I was allowed to drill to build a shelf) using a $12 Rubbermaid wooden board and three $4 brackets.

 

Rubbermaid Board: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rubbermaid-8-in-x-24-in-Beechwood-Board-with-Satin-Nickel-Arch-Bracket-1893151-SNARCHKIT/205826724?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|G|0|G-BASE-PLA-D59-Storage&Organization|&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt6Wzv9u31QIVjQBpCh18CQE-EAYYBiABEgKGLPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJi6ocPbt9UCFU2OaQod7qcJvg

 

Shelf Brackets: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-9-1-in-x-5-8-in-White-Designer-Shelf-Bracket-EB-0036-WT/204611772

 

The shelf seated my two front sensors, but I was running into issues setting up my rear sensor. Because my usable space was larger than what was designed for the Oculus Rift, my sensor needed an extension cable.

 

 

Oculus recommended I place my third sensor on the back wall, but every USB extension cable I've tried (both powered and unpowered) would loose signal, would result in poor tracking quality, or read the USB 3.0 connection as a 2.0.

 

 

I compromised with a shorter USB 3.0 powered extension cord, placed the sensor higher with a downward angle oriented diagonally across the room. This orientation and sensor setup allowed 360 degree coverage. I used a tripod clamp, which miraculously fits the threading of the Oculus sensor. The downside is there is no easy way to make the cable management for the 3rd sensor pleasing to the eye.

 

Tripod Clamp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N20RT82/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Clear as much floor space as possible by going vertical with storage and utilizing those Billy bookcases I referenced earlier for a clean look.

 

 

This is the method I've found that works for me after months of trial and error. If you can improve upon my setup IRL, please share. I'm always looking to improve and I know we have a lot of creative people in sG.

 

- C12K

 

 

[trav 6834]

[KiLLeR 588]

Looks awesome man! 

[Dr. NarwhalsNumbNuts IV 2291]

good shit

 

post this to reddit or something, people can learn from this 

[xmen 983]

9 hours ago, ChosenOne2000 said:

 

- C12K

 

Looks really nice. Gj. Have the same drawer on my desk

[ChosenOne2000 4440]

Just now, xmen said:

Looks really nice. Gj. Have the same drawer on my desk

 

I imagine IKEA is plentiful in your country.

[xmen 983]

Just now, ChosenOne2000 said:

 

I imagine IKEA is plentiful in your country.

Indeed it is.. I wasn't creative enough to slab anything in between the table and the drawer though

[ChosenOne2000 4440]

Just now, xmen said:

Indeed it is.. I wasn't creative enough to slab anything in between the table and the drawer though

 

Im sure the stability is the same, but it just looks better and more professional.

[centran 4457]

Whelp looks like you are just going to have to buy the HTC Vive instead since the lighthouse don't need USB and you can make the play area bigger. You can just send me your old rift. I'll get rid of it for you.

[ChosenOne2000 4440]

Just now, centran said:

Whelp looks like you are just going to have to buy the HTC Vive instead since the lighthouse don't need USB and you can make the play area bigger. You can just send me your old rift. I'll get rid of it for you.

 

I use the Vive at work and I hate it. The controllers are too bulky. The field of view is less. But yes, the lighthouse would solve my USB problem.

[centran 4457]

Just now, ChosenOne2000 said:

 

I use the Vive at work and I hate it. The controllers are too bulky. The field of view is less. 

 

Well then deal with your ugly setup till the Vive release their new finger tracking controllers that strap around your hand. Actually, it's too ugly. Just send me the Rift and you will have to do without VR till Vive releases the new controllers. 

[ChosenOne2000 4440]

Just now, centran said:

 

Well then deal with your ugly setup till the Vive release their new finger tracking controllers that strap around your hand. Actually, it's too ugly. Just send me the Rift and you will have to do without VR till Vive releases the new controllers. 

 

I'll just send you my kids view master. That was VR in the 80's.

[fps_trucka 1715]

Instead of using a little shelf like you did, I just bought two contractor poles and set them up on opposite ends of the room. Doesn't look at nice as your setup but gets the job done. Nice setup BTW! 

[centran 4457]

did you post your setup to ikea hackers? I know people use those drawers and bookcases all the time but I don't think many bothered with spacers. That might be a good idea for a glass top.

[cookie eater 965]

i want to come over. pls.

[ChosenOne2000 4440]

5 hours ago, fps_trucka said:

Instead of using a little shelf like you did, I just bought two contractor poles and set them up on opposite ends of the room. Doesn't look at nice as your setup but gets the job done. Nice setup BTW! 

I did that too initially. It looked ugly af and it made black marks in the ceiling. 

 

4 hours ago, centran said:

did you post your setup to ikea hackers? I know people use those drawers and bookcases all the time but I don't think many bothered with spacers. That might be a good idea for a glass top.

 

If I was a pro builder, I might have considered glass. However every thing I read said avoid reflective surfaces because it could confuse the oculus sensors.

[sweetrock 420]

I hope you have a great time with ur new set up and your eye bulge out from having the VR on porn all the time!