PointCTRL - Finger Mounted VR Controller

[MilesD]

Realistically, this is not the be-all end all VR interface IMO. It however looks to be a significant step up in functionality from the current use a mouse next to the joystick, or fumble around with a touch controller (since I have an occulus). However I think the next step will be some sort of capto-glove type interface if I'm reading the DCS tea-leaves correctly. And IF that gets implemented decently in the next few months all this will mostly be for nought. To use that analogy, the veyron is coming, its just a question of how soon.

 

Hi Harlikwin,

Just a quick response,

Thanks for your comments, I would agree with your 95% of your post. I only meant PointCTRL to be a interim device until integrated HMD tech was viable for our flight sim purposes. The problem is, it's been taking so long for me to start production, the sales cycle may indeed be short. I would expect the VR manufactures are working on an integrated solution that will render all of the aftermarket tracking gloves and devices obsolete. I certainly don't think this will be all for "naught" though, because I am manly doing this because I enjoy it, and I do feel PointCTRL will be a viable simple solution for current HMDs. I haven't forgotten about the conventional big and multi screen simmers either and I will transition to that as soon as I can.

 

Thanks

Miles

[MilesD]

Shut up and take my money!!!! Lol

 

I can't wait to get hands on with it. Don't pay any attention to the naysayers and such, Miles! I personally dont like the glove idea. This is going to be much better for me.

 

On another note, I installed a landing gear handle in my pit. WOW, that steps immersion up another notch!

 

I agree, It's a much more immersive when you can feel what what you are physically looking at in VR. I think that why while using PointCTRL is convenient, and a definite step up, it still feels like "no big deal" when you use it.

 

Miles

[Ratcatcher]

To use that analogy, the veyron is coming, its just a question of how soon.

 

I would just like to clarify that my original point about the cars was literally only about the design of the FCU's and I was certainly not trying to make any smart arse comparison that PointCTL is anything like a virtual 3 wheeler!

 

If that is how it's been interrupted I can only apologise Miles, that really wasn't my intent!

[Harlikwin]

Hi Harlikwin,

Just a quick response,

Thanks for your comments, I would agree with your 95% of your post. I only meant PointCTRL to be a interim device until integrated HMD tech was viable for our flight sim purposes. The problem is, it's been taking so long for me to start production, the sales cycle may indeed be short. I would expect the VR manufactures are working on an integrated solution that will render all of the aftermarket tracking gloves and devices obsolete. I certainly don't think this will be all for "naught" though, because I am manly doing this because I enjoy it, and I do feel PointCTRL will be a viable simple solution for current HMDs. I haven't forgotten about the conventional big and multi screen simmers either and I will transition to that as soon as I can.

 

Thanks

Miles

 

Hi Miles, no worries, I'd just rather have the interim solution sooner rather than later as it looks good :). As for the big boys, I think they are really focused on their current hand trackers and improving those, and those are mostly a no-go for DCS VR. I'd say your main competition is captoglove, depending on how well its integrated into DCS, from what I've seen they are not going in the right direction, I don't think a single guy wants to "fly" a plane with a virtual stick in his lap.

 

Your trackers will have the advantage of just being seen as mouse pointers instead of a hand, which actually will help since if you have a virtual hand floating in the cockpit thats not in-sync with the HOTAS position its gonna look/feel weird. I currently sometimes use the rift touch controller for button flipping, but if I put it down there is a random phantom hand floating in the pit which is weird (so I try to put it outside the pit when I set it down so I can't see it).

[MilesD]

I would just like to clarify that my original point about the cars was literally only about the design of the FCU's and I was certainly not trying to make any smart arse comparison that PointCTL is anything like a virtual 3 wheeler!

 

If that is how it's been interrupted I can only apologise Miles, that really wasn't my intent!

 

Now I am a little disappointed in you Ratcatcher. I had a good laugh at what I certainly thought was a "smart arse comparison", and a good one too. Except that 3 wheeler has better lines than the FCU. I rather enjoy a bit of cheeky wit, especially when its grounded in the truth. :) and there is my first ever emoji, just for you Ratcatcher.

 

Miles

 

Edit, I just realized, your concern for the looks of the FCU, may be because you named it.

Edited February 2, 2019 by MilesD

[Ratcatcher]

Edit, I just realized, your concern for the looks of the FCU, may be because you named it.

 

Oh, damn you Colonials! You've seen through me clearer than a FLIR image of a fat lass sweating in a cold gym! :D

Edited February 2, 2019 by Ratcatcher

[mariner3302]

If that is how it's been interrupted I can only apologise Miles, that really wasn't my intent!

 

SPELLCHECK strikes AGAIN!!! ROFLMFO:lol::lol::lol:

[hansangb]

Thanks everyone for your comments and feedback. I have been following along with them. Today I finally completed all the FCU and HMS enclosure changes and tweaks for the initial version, and I am printing production units as I write this.

 

The FCU is function over form for now. It does look high and boxy, however longer or wider would present interference issues with those that have smaller fingers. The good news is that all components are modular, so if a new slimmer battery becomes available you can just replace your battery and enclosure with a new slimmer one. The current shape presents no issues when you’re in VR, it only looks cumbersome, but feels fine.

 

My take away from most of the comments is “just get the friggin thing done”. I think some of you have surreptitiously contacted my wife, because she has been telling me the same thing.

 

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions, I will respond when I have a few more minutes.

 

Here is a pic showing the FCU’s, Rift, Vive, and Vive Pro Mounts.

 

 

 

I wonder which will be better for me to jury rig for the Pimax 5K+. I'm hoping I get the setup today.

 

I'll look for some closer up pics and pull the trigger. Thanks for the hard work. BTW, if you want to borrow my Pimax5K+ to test with down the road, do let me know. I can ship it to you and you can ship it back when done prototyping. I don't know how much of a market there will be, but I figure there must be 1,000 or more.

[Ratcatcher]

SPELLCHECK strikes AGAIN!!! ROFLMFO

 

Well, you know the old saying...the tool is only as good as its operator. (and tools don't come much bigger than me!)

[MilesD]

Oh, damn you Colonials! You've seen through me clearer than a FLIR image of a fat lass sweating in a cold gym! :D

Theres that cheeky Imperialist humor,

 

@Hansangb, Thanks for the offer of sending the Pimax for fitting, I certainly appreciate it, but I don't think it will be necessary. I will try to find some data on the 5k dimensions and make a test mount and send it off to you to test fit. I just shipped out a Vive-Pro mount to JoeS to test fit because I dont have the Vive_Pro either.

 

I am focusing on production fixtures now and kicking out a few units for final testing. I hope to delivers Los's in a few days for his extensive testing and feedback. Los is my adviser on all things Flight Sim.

Here is today's work, the FCU and APB (Aux Push Buttons) fixtures for hand soldering. I did not feel comfortable with these buttons in a re-flow oven.

[Deano87]

Stand back, he’s got a jig and he’s not afraid to use it!;)

 

Looking great Mikes as per usual!

[MA_Goblin]

Great work :) Looking forward to the production line.

[MilesD]

Todays Work: Fixture for FCU Assembly, and 3D printing out FCU enclosures.

 

Miles

[Himmselbuster]

Hallo Miles,

 

can I order these things sometime via your website or do I also have to subscribe to this list in the forum?

Greetings, Thomas

[FireCat]

Hallo Miles,

 

can I order these things sometime via your website or do I also have to subscribe to this list in the forum?

Greetings, Thomas

 

Hi Thomas, you do not need to be on the list keep watching for information/instructions from MilesD re: his website.

 

MilesD great work like so many I can't wait to get my fingers into these FCU's.

[Himmselbuster]

Hi Thomas, you do not need to be on the list keep watching for information/instructions from MilesD re: his website.

 

MilesD great work like so many I can't wait to get my fingers into these FCU's.

 

 

Hallo FireCat,

 

thank you for your quick answer! I will do it! :thumbup:

[The Falcon]

Vr plus this thing will be the future! not only for dcs!

[kongkiat]

Where are buy?

 

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

[mr_mojo97]

Not available yet. Keep an eye on his website though.

[Harlikwin]

Link to website?

[The Falcon]

I wondered if it had a scroll like a mouse ..

[Deano87]

Yes. Click and move hand vertically while holding.

[The Falcon]

Link to website?

http://www.spec-tech-dmt.com

[The Falcon]

Yes. Click and move hand vertically while holding.

Fantastic. however it would be better if in the future you could do the scroll with a touch sensor that allows you to do it by sliding your finger or raising and lowering your hand.

[mr_mojo97]

http://www.spec-tech-dmt.com

 

Err, no.

 

Just Google Pointctrl