Full physique monitoring in VR functions includes attaching sensors to at least one’s physique, and [Jaki] has a DIY technique to do it on a budget: the Vive Tracker Lite challenge repurposes Vive controllers as lighthouse-based trackers, no {hardware} modifications required.
A typical technique of doing physique monitoring is to strap on some Vive trackers. These are extraordinarily hacker-friendly items of {hardware}, however [Jaki] noticed that older Vive VR controllers will be had for reasonable, and already include every thing a tracker wants. Some new firmware and a customized mount is all it takes to show them into completely usable physique trackers.
However what a couple of wi-fi receiver? [Jaki] has that lined as nicely with the $5 Viva Dongle, which makes use of a Professional Micro NRF52840 to behave as an inexpensive DIY various to the official dongle {hardware}.
We admire the trouble put into making this challenge accessible to everybody, even novices. [Jaki]’s put effort right into a Python program with a full GUI to make the flashing of firmware as straightforward as potential for each initiatives. Experimenting with physique monitoring in VRChat or video games with mods is just a few recycled {hardware} away.
Granted, a Vive controller just isn’t the slimmest piece of {hardware}, however all it takes is a firmware change and a 3D-printed fixture to make a superbly serviceable tracker. That being stated, we’re certain an enterprising {hardware} hacker might crack a controller open and embark on a severe rebuild, and even interface to among the inputs in a intelligent method. When you’ve executed that or know of somebody who has, drop us a observe on our suggestions line as a result of we’d like to see it.
