(Part 2) Best products from r/ValveIndex

Coming from the original Vive and paying $750 for the headset/controller combo, I think it depends on what you want out of the upgrade, and a lot of areas the headset was upgraded (or downgraded) in will impact individual people differently, which is why reviews and opinions are all over the place.

Some people aren't sensitive to framerate and don't notice the jump to 144 Hz. For others, it's night and day. I'm in between. I definitely notice the world feeling more present at 144 Hz, but it's not a dramatic upgrade for me.

Myself and I think most people have hands in the size and shape range the controllers support. Some don't. Most of the issues now are QC or software related, and I expect them to be solved.

For some people the lighter black level is a deal breaker. For others, it's not a big deal. I'm in the middle there. We know the screen is capable of better contrast and color saturation, so those should get fixed in time and improve the perceived black level. For now, I'll probably be staying away from the darkest games. Luckily I don't like horror. A few of the games I was worried about, like Elite Dangerous, still seem to look pretty good since they still keep a lot of light areas in your view.

>EDIT: I removed the original protective film (which I left on intentionally until getting this in), and the contrast and colors are definitely more vibrant than I was expecting. I really didn't expect the film to have that much of an impact. I'm definitely leaning toward the "it's not a big deal" camp now.

I think the off ear speakers are amazing. I've seen a few who aren't impressed though. I think anyone who thinks they aren't loud enough probably needs to get their hearing checked (and I'm not being facetious), or there's some hardware conflict going on like the guy who mentioned Nvidia drivers.

The increased clarity due to the resolution, RGB subpixels, SDE, and the lenses is a definite improvement over the 1st gen headsets. Rather than just looking better, it actually makes a functonal difference in games where you are trying to aim more precisely, read text in a UI, etc. and I think this alone justifies the upgrade for me. I think the only complaints I've seen come from Vive Pro users with the Gear VR lens mod.

Overall, I think the headset is a great upgrade from the gen 1 headsets, and I'm not going back. However, if you want to recapture the magic of stepping into VR the first time, which is the level I think a lot of people here were hyping themselves up for, I don't think any headset will make that possible outside of a fundamental change in the physical experience like force feedback.

Let me just start off by saying, even with just the few hours I've played with it, I LOVE this thing. Thank you valve for making such an awesome piece of hardware. And yes, my unit does have the joystick issue but it's just the feedback that's broken. My joysticks otherwise register without issue.

But anyways onto the good stuff.

What?

A 20m (65ft) cable run from my desk to right under the couch, so that the only hookup is the breakout / trident cable.

Why?

In my place, I ran into the predicament of the only space I had room to do VR was the living room, but given that putting my entire desk in the living room would have been weird aesthetically, I opted for the cable run, to get VR from the PC in the room across the house to my living room.

What parts?

Pretty simple actually, but it did require 2, not exactly cheap cables, and one coupler (prices in US Dollar).

• ATZEBE DP Fiber Cable 60ft [$107.99 - Amazon]
  
• SIIG USB 3.0 Active Repeater 20m [$115.99 - Amazon]
  
• Poyicott DP to DP Coupler [$9.99 - Amazon]
  
• (Optionally) 50 count cable ties [$7.99 - Amazon]
  
  The DP - DP coupler is out of necessity, given that no link box exists with the Index. Yes, it's an expensive solution. In addition to the $999 headset, I've spent another ~$231 on cable runs. But for my situation, it works flawlessly.
  
  If you are thinking you need a solution like that, and any of the cables are unavailable (the DP cable is out of stock as of writing on July 6th), make sure to get fiber if you can for the sake of not losing quality over a copper cable. As for the USB cable, you're looking for an active cable. These typically have external power bricks to supply additional 5V power that your tower cannot do over such a distance. Edit: _However_, I have found that plugging in the additional power causes the computer to have issues recognizing any USB device, so I guess don't do that if you buy the same cable. Other cables may vary.
  
  

  How is it setup?
  

  
  I have the cables running along the basebords of the house, from my computer all the way to the living room. They take a right angle, and are gaff-taped down to the floor before running under the couch where they can become a loose coil [pic].
  
  

  Does it work?
  

  
  In a word, yes! I will update this comment if I run into reliability issues down the line, but it seems that this system works well enough, and has the added bonus of not hearing the PC fans spinning given the off-ear design of the Index headphones. (Edit: The only pitfall is that sometimes you have to power cycle the headset once or twice to get SteamVR to see it, but that doesn't take long. After that it's smooth sailing!)
  
  Hope this helps anyone that might be needing a similar setup!
  
  (EDIT: Numerous edits for spelling / grammar)

I would like to share that these items have worked for extending the Index on my particular rig:

StarTech Active DisplayPort Repeater : https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IE3IAIS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

15' DisplayPort Cable: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y1QP9FV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

15' Active USB 3.0 Cable: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C2KWVG1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I doubt it makse a big difference in relation to the DisplayPort, but the video card I am using on this rig: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GJKR7RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I originally tried a 6' male to female DisplayPort extender, but could see 'sparkles' in the HMD. Once I added the active repeater, everything worked great - at 6' and 15'. I used the default adjustment on the repeater.

Outside of the brighter dark areas of the Index vs. other OLED HMDs (have a OG VIVE and Samsung Odyssey +), I absolutely love the Index!

Maybe try this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F17ZHJY/ref=emc_b_5_i

About the same price, but says 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz. They just need to pass the signal through properly, so it's not about the adapter actually being able to process anything, but maybe the "8K" carries an additional pin or something.

I don't think 144Hz is an official thing, but 120Hz is the official Index supported rate and they may just overdrive it a bit. I'm not sure why you'd want a female-to-female DP-DP adapter, as you have a female USB-C port and a male displayport cable, so you want a male USB-C plug and female displayport socket, like in the products I linked. I'd try to avoid chaining adapters as it makes it more likely to run into signal quality issues due to the multiple connections. Basically yes, you're just trying to link the two physical ports and ensure the proper pins are carried through.

Ultimately someone has to get one and report how it works for us to know. :) Good luck.

Did the same, but with the circle shape so I just hold the controllers near the cable and they connect themselves (the cable jumps into place)!

I don't even touch the cable anymore. Crazy how easy and convenient this is.

Full fast/quick charging and data transfer. Woot, woot!!!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q3DQ923/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you're interested, just note you'll need to order two of these, one for each controller. Love it so much I also picked up one for the mobile phone.

Professional brewer and qualified chef, by trade.

What you are smelling in your manky facial interface is bacteria.

Running it under warm water and squeezing to air dry is not going to kill the bacteria. You need to soak in a Non-Caustic Alkaline Cleaner like 5 Star PBW, rinse thoroughly in the same temperature of water used in soak, and sanitise (soak) in a bath of Saniclean. It will both clean (kill the bacteria) and sanitise the interface.

I realise Steam support won't recommend this, but you're considering replacing it, in entirety anyway - worth a shot to potentially bring good as new. I recommend it, and thought of it, with your T-Shirt reference as I've used the cleaning regimen on many funky T-Shirts over the years to good-as-new result. Overall, it's gentle and would be surprised if it harmed the interface in any way.

Be sure to mix to manufacturer recommend.

Links no affil:

PBW https://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-PBW-Non-Caustic-Alkaline/dp/B0064O7XBA/ref=pd_sbs_328_t_1/133-7549608-7179150?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0064O7XBA&pd_rd_r=1d8805b4-099a-455b-9297-f39c4abf70f4&pd_rd_w=ROSuU&pd_rd_wg=6Wn9T&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=JXDAMV7R1SNC3S6AJTKB&psc=1&refRID=JXDAMV7R1SNC3S6AJTKB

Saniclean: https://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Brewing-Winemaking-Supplies-8D-ESWW-S1HF/dp/B0064O809O/ref=sxin__ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-c2FuaWNsZWFu-ac_d_rm&keywords=saniclean&pd_rd_i=B0064O809O&pd_rd_r=efa7773d-be23-479e-a194-b827a5d1aad8&pd_rd_w=EiIIU&pd_rd_wg=EJ6CQ&pf_rd_p=ed481207-4bea-4e19-bbad-73ed40fdc292&pf_rd_r=PQPVQ9GQHRZXHJ2F93NH&psc=

also try northernbrewer.com

***DISREGARD, apparently the hdmi extension will not work with index.***

I've posted this before but this is what I used to extend ~40 ft, the USB to 50' wont be a problem, the hdmi "should" be ok as well but it could come down to cable quality etc:

The key is you need to extend BEFORE the link box, the linkbox cable to headset needs to be the normal one. I used an active HDMI cable to go 40feet from my PC, then a USB extender (uses a cat6 cable) to extend the USB. IT worked fine, i had zero issues. I actually ran another 40foot active HDMI to mirror to the TV in that room and had no issues with either.

​

HDMI cable:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186DNF4K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

usb extender:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013VP3372/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

You'll need to supply the cat6 cable for the usb side.

I made my stands for my Rift using cheap-assed Ikea floor lamps and a camera mount epoxied on top. 2 lamps make 1 89" stand (cut to length using a cheap pipe cutter), with the 2" camera mount, and 2.5" for the sensors, all coming to 93.5" in total...2.5" from my 8' tall ceiling. The lamps were originally $10 each, but they seem to have gone up. The best part of the stands is that the base is only 10", instead of 2-3 feet square that a tripod takes up. Fits nicely in corners, and also looks nicer than the legs of tripods. They're actually quite fashionable. :P

LENS PROTECTORS:

I bought these for my and my wife's Vives in 2016 and they still are fantastic.

I've CRaMmeD my glasses up against the lenses, wipe them with my t-shirt ALL THE TIME to scrub them clean, they still look perfect.
I will be ordering this style again once we get a confirmed lens diameter.

Please consider these.

KlearKare Invisible Screen Shield Protector for Generic Watch 50mm Face Bezel | Military Grade Scratch Protection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BUJ354I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zA0ZCb27NQFH2

Here are the links to the STL files I used (I did not design them myself):

Index HMD and Controller Mount:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3886099

USB-C Magnetic Cables for Index Controllers: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Cool-Compatible-i-Product-Micro-USB/dp/B07GSNHF9Q/

Quest HMD Mount:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3678066

Quest Controller Mount:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3678073

Quest Vive-DAS adapter:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3892003

I used marble PLA, which gives a nice classy look. The Quest mounts were pretty quick and easy to print, while the Index mount took several tries to get right with my printer.

I just went through this, you need a displayport to thubderbolt dongle. I bought this one and it works like a dream on my MSI GS75 Stealth Thin.

Cable Matters USB C to DisplayPort Adapter with 8K HDR DisplayPort 1.4 - USB Type C and Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible for Oculus Rift S, MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, Surface Book 2 and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F17ZHJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MfiTDb8TB48QG

Enjoy your index! :)

I use these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJ5XH4O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mounted on these without the trays installed

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014X7ARI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just set them up in each corner of my play area easy to take down if needed.

​

Index kit also comes with wall mount brackets if you are looking for a permanent solution and are not scared of drilling holes in the wall.

You'll need to fetch yourself one of these tiny micro USB to USB A adapters. I got mine on Amazon UK right here, but you can find them elsewhere as well. This set looks identical on Amazon US.

​

You stick the micro end into the Leap Motion like this photo shows. After that, just plug it right in, no special angle or anything, there's still a huge gap. I was tempted to put some sticky material behind it to keep it in place and prevent stress on the port, but the Leap Motion unfortunately is always powered on, and heats up quite a bit.

I'm getting full coverage of my FOV in this position, and it turns out that the sensor runs at 115Hz/FPS, so trying it out in the VR Visualizer diagnostic program that displays passthrough from the sensor was a very comfortable experience ... I wish my Index passthrough cameras would start working :(

Oh right, forgot one important point: The tracking is a lot worse if you put the frunk cover on over it. It's easy to see why by using that Visualizer program I mentioned. The plastic is too reflective, causing glare from the Leap Motion's infrared LEDs.

​

Bonus pic: the new Index adapter from Tundra Labs arrived today, too! One less wall plug required now.

If anyone needs a smaller run- I successfully extended my setup 6 feet using cheap cables off Amazon.

These are the exact cables I’m using:


Cable Matters USB to USB Extension Cable (USB 3.0 Extension Cable) in Black 6 Feet for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Playstation VR Headset and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C7S2FRE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fRCRDbCTBPZSF

Cable Matters DisplayPort to DisplayPort Extension Cable (DP to DP Extension Cable) 6 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L1K1G74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oSCRDbD0YGAVG

For reference: AORUS RTX 2080 Waterforce

Going direct into the MOBO for the USB extender.

I have been running it this was for close to a month and have logged probably a day worth of playtime. I have not noticed any blips/artifacts or any visual/lag issues. It’s like the cables aren’t even there.

>www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MT7VF26

This is what I'm using as well. I only used 3 of them because of the way I'm setup. I like it, works great with fpsVR's new center marker rotation / untangle feature.

Or similar to these : https://www.amazon.com/SUPON-Threaded-Compatible-Microphone-Motorcycle/dp/B00PICAE4C/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=camera+mount+clamp&qid=1563028578&s=gateway&sprefix=camera+mount&sr=8-4

Double check thread sizing, but I'm pretty sure it's a standard for cameras.

USB can potentially have an issue too. For instance I loose the camera when using this cable with my motherboard USB, but the same cable works fine when using my PCIe USB card.

As for DP, I've ordered this cable which someone else mentioned having success with, but it will apparently take at least a week before it shows up.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MT7VF26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 i ordered this , it has alot of good reviews on amazon , so hopefully it turns out to be good

Another suggestion these here are bretty nice and silent. (just make sure to let them stand on something soft like a towel.

https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01LZ1Y076/

Yessss create the fan panel!! You could make them compatible with 40 mm fans, but I actually just ordered a pair of these that I'll be testing out Friday. Seems like the reviews and price are on point. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QRMAJG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the Display Port cable I'm using. Specifically, the 60ft (20m) version:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QQNFKZK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1


which needs to be paired with a DP Coupler. This is the one I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JRGGWH7/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_JvooDbD64BEQP?fbclid=IwAR202v1hw90YHxwzPg8d6--AfZPbiIGascJwdkoUH7iTQvadOpyhKYgoK9M




This is the USB 3.0 repeater I'm using. Again, the 60ft (20m) version:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053YLYLC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share&th=1


I've been using this setup for the past few days with ZERO issues. Everything works perfect.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GSNHF9Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3725450

Works great!

Thinking this is the list:

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-DisplayPort-Feet-Resolution/dp/B06Y1QP9FV/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=15ft+displayport&qid=1561998949&s=electronics&sr=1-3#customerReviews

https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Signal-Booster-Video-Amplifier/dp/B01IE3IAIS/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=4k+displayport+repeater&qid=1561996275&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Active-Extension-Female/dp/B00DMFB5OK/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=active+usb+3+extension+15ft&qid=1561999021&s=electronics&sr=1-4

Look good you think?

That's what I use. Originally got them for my Vive 1.0 basestations, which I'm still using with my Index, but the Index 2.0 basestation mounts are identical. While there's cheaper solutions(tripods, adhesive mounts if you can't mount with screws, etc.), I decided to go with these due to their low footprint and sturdiness. You'll also need standard tripod mounting clamps to attach the basestations to the poles. Here's some links to the ones I have.

Poles: https://www.amazon.com/FastCap-Support-System-144-Inches-3HAND5/dp/B000067S12/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=third%2Bhand%2Bpole&qid=1574633619&sr=8-1&th=1

Clamps: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PICAE4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Setup is really easy. Included instructions with the poles should be enough for getting those setup and the clamp mounts just screw into the basestation and you just clamp them to the pole.

These light stands are what I use (pack of 2): https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Aluminum-7-Foot-Light-Stand/dp/B074VMTP68/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=light+stands&qid=1563245217&s=gateway&sr=8-4

And you'll want these for the stands as well (pack of 2): https://www.amazon.com/UTEBIT-Removable-Lightweight-Ballhead-Camcorder/dp/B07KF7TTZ1/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=light+stand+adapter&qid=1563245324&s=gateway&sr=8-7

So would something like this be good? https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01LZ1Y076/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_G02VDb5CY3N4S?

I've been using a usb-c to display port adapter for a while now, both with a 144hz monitor and the index. It has to be a usb-c with video capible port for this to work though.

The one I used is here: Cable Matters USB C to DisplayPort Adapter (USB C to DP Adapter) DisplayPort 1.4 Support up to 8K Resolution - Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible with MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13, 15, Surface Book 2 and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F17ZHJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_1XJrDbVS8RJ7A

Definitely buy a protector then. If glasses make contact with the lens and there are bits of dirt/grit between the lenses, you're gonna get scratches.

It’s this one right here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3160344

You can also buy it on Etsy if you don’t wanna print it yourself or have a 3rd party print it.

And these are the magnetic charging cables: Smart&Cool GenX Nylon Braided 3... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSNHF9Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074VMTP68/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for the displayport importantly. average Usb 3.0 extender

The leap motion actually fits in the frunk with a mini adapter like this one https://smile.amazon.de/gp/product/B015GZOHKW/

Another solution that I used for the Vive lighthouses (and will keep for the new ones I'll get with the full Index kit) is these poles:

https://www.amazon.com/Task-Tools-T74500-63-Support/dp/B000CRDD6Y

and these clamps:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJ5XH4O

I decided to use these instead of tripods so that less floor space is taken up since I plan on leaving them up for a while.

With the spinning mirror inside I wouldn't trust it to 3M Command strip. If you don't want to drill holes in wall, then maybe a small mounting bracket like this could be used if you have shelves or something to attach to https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJ5XH4O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you end up needing to extend keyboard / mouse, this works great for it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013VP3372/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PICAE4C/

Those worked fine for me when I still used portable cargo poles.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00V7NOST8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B076C6PDNH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ANO99AFAXRIXA&psc=1

and perhaps one of these

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07JRGGWH7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and maybe a power extension depending on what you're doing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MT7VF26

Same, custom cut KlearKare watch lens protectors at launch. No issues and worry-free. Plan to do the same with the Index.