PointCTRL - Finger Mounted VR Controller

[MilesD]

Hi, Miles, I’ve got a problem - my PointCTRL charging cable has melted!! Not sure how it’s happened, I keep it plugged in to a StarTech.com hub and never had any problems with it. It’s the only cable to have melted, so strange one.

Now, the light doesn’t come on and the hub doesn’t recognise it. Have you heard of this happening before? Hope you can see in the attached photo

 

Hey Mojo,

That's a first. That looks like the original blue charger, a few of the cases came apart so I switched to a different manufacturer. We now include two single black chargers with each kit.

If you could email Carol at orders@pointctrl.com, she will send you two of the new ones at no charge.

 

FYI PointCTRL 2.0 has the charger built into the FCU, so you can plug in any micro usb cable. I could not source a quality charger with the optimal output for the onboard lipos, so I went with a on board Lipo charging IC that I could customize.

 

Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

Miles

[mr_mojo97]

Thanks Miles, will do. Out of curiosity, when the new v2 version comes out, is it just the FCUs or is it a new improved HMS as well?

[Voyager]

Hey Mojo,

That's a first. That looks like the original blue charger, a few of the cases came apart so I switched to a different manufacturer. We now include two single black chargers with each kit.

If you could email Carol at orders@pointctrl.com, she will send you two of the new ones at no charge.

 

FYI PointCTRL 2.0 has the charger built into the FCU, so you can plug in any micro usb cable. I could not source a quality charger with the optimal output for the onboard lipos, so I went with a on board Lipo charging IC that I could customize.

 

Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

Miles

 

Given that USB-C seems to be more robust than the micro USB form factor, is it possible to use the USB-C connector, or is it to late in the prototyping process for that to be economical?

 

(I've dealt with supply chains before, so I know how long it can take to get one to change direction...)

[MilesD]

Given that USB-C seems to be more robust than the micro USB form factor, is it possible to use the USB-C connector, or is it to late in the prototyping process for that to be economical?

 

(I've dealt with supply chains before, so I know how long it can take to get one to change direction...)

 

Thanks for the good suggestion Voyager,

 

My intent was to go with the USC port just for the reversibility alone, but unfortunately it has 24 pins that make it very difficult to mount to the PCB, compared to the the Micro USBs 5 Pins.

 

As an alternative you can use a magnetic charger insert, as show in the pics. I will have them available for an option.

 

Thanks for the input,

 

Miles

 

Edit: Of course I just revisited this issue and now I found some USC charging only receptacle with 6 pins. I will have to give it some thought now, because the magnetic chargers for the USC require a bit more to line up.

 

Thanks again for the input.

 

Edited July 12, 2020 by MilesD

[DD_Crash]

My HMS and the cable managment doesnt want to stay stuck on my Rift. Anyone else had this issue? The original HMS stayed stuck but now it keeps falling off.

[Voyager]

Very cool :) Having been on the vendor side of the equation I know how it's always a nest of design trades :)

 

And with Star Wars: Squadrons coming out in October (and it reportedly supporting VR with mouse) I'll have to make some trades of my own :)

[MilesD]

My HMS and the cable managment doesnt want to stay stuck on my Rift. Anyone else had this issue? The original HMS stayed stuck but now it keeps falling off.

 

Hey Crash,

If you have the CV1 the double face tape has to go on the front of the unit. The CV1s top is a material that the tape won't stick to.

 

This pic shows the generic mount on the CV1, The CV1 HMS mount will match the contour of the front of the headset and only require one piece of double face tape.

 

Hope that helps,

 

Miles

[DD_Crash]

Thanks for that

[Harlikwin]

Can I get on the list for the "side" controllers that attach to the VR unit (extra buttons)

[Snake122]

Can I get on the list for the "side" controllers that attach to the VR unit (extra buttons)

 

I believe you just email orders@pointctrl.com and tell them you want a APB or 2 and Carol/Miles will take care of you with that. I don't know if he builds them on demand or has some in stock but there is no formal list like regular PointCtrl.

[MilesD]

UPDATE: Now shipping up to 375 of Version 1

 

Still sorting some unexpected issues with proofing PointCTRL v2, and the new code. It's a completely new design with a different processor, and an onboard charger, so there is a bit more going on.

 

Other than the onboard charger, the only real difference between v1 and v2 is size. The v2 FCU has a slightly smaller battery and form factor. Its can be an issue if you have small hands and skinny fingers, or use any of the grips with a large head. I will let others comment on the comfort and use with those heads.

 

The HMS is smaller and will fit inside the Frunk of the index better, a closer fit on the top of the Pimax, and the Camera wont be covered on the Rift S if you use controllers above your head. The Reverb is a nice fit and form factor as is.

 

I want to thank everyone for your continued patience. We have hired a few people to help with PointCTRL and other projects, so shipping speed should pick up soon.

 

Here are a few pics as a reminder of the differences in size between v1 and v2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: The HMS is a bit larger that this mock-up

Edited July 17, 2020 by MilesD

[MilesD]

Can I get on the list for the "side" controllers that attach to the VR unit (extra buttons)

 

Hey Harlikwin,

 

Just like Snake said, We have the Aux Buttons in stock, so just email orders@pointctrl.com, and in the subject line put Order-APBs

 

Include the county being shipped to in the body. I know where your at but Carol may not.

 

I will add that info about APB status and order procedure to the first post.

 

Thanks and take care,

 

Miles

[Harlikwin]

Hey Harlikwin,

 

Just like Snake said, We have the Aux Buttons in stock, so just email orders@pointctrl.com, and in the subject line put Order-APBs

 

Include the county being shipped to in the body. I know where your at but Carol may not.

 

I will add that info about APB status and order procedure to the first post.

 

Thanks and take care,

 

Miles

 

Thanks Miles will do.

 

Also, can I order more of the usb charge cables? Mine are delaminating down to bare wire at the connection point, or if there is a generic amazon version you could point me to?

[MilesD]

Thanks Miles will do.

 

Also, can I order more of the usb charge cables? Mine are delaminating down to bare wire at the connection point, or if there is a generic amazon version you could point me to?

 

I will just throw 2 more chargers in the box with the Aux buttons at no charge. They should not do that. If you can just PM a pic so I can see what's going on.

In the email for the APBs, just write warranty replacement - 2 FCU chargers, so we don't forget.

 

Thanks,

 

Miles

[Ratcatcher]

Hey Miles, the V2's are looking great! Keep up the good work!

 

Will keep an eye out for you on Discord but been a tad busy lately,as I'm sure youve been too! Take care.

[hip3rion]

Hi Miles,

 

 

That looks like a great product for immersion ! Do you think about getting it to work with other sims *cough*MSFS 2020 *cough* ?

 

 

That would be even more useful in an airliner where the HOTAS concept is quite non existent.

[DutchCoolHand]

Hi Miles,

 

it is so hot today that I decided to stay and fire up DCS. But my PointCTRL is not recognized as a device. If I remember correctly I did upgrade to the AUX button of the firmware. I can't downgrade it either as the device is not recognized.

 

How to resolve this?

 

Thanks

 

Peter

Edited July 19, 2020 by DutchCoolHand

[MilesD]

Hi Miles,

 

it is so hot today that I decided to stay and fire up DCS. But my PointCTRL is not recognized as a device. If I remember correctly I did upgrade to the AUX button of the firmware. I can't downgrade it either as the device is not recognized.

 

How to resolve this?

 

Thanks

 

Peter

 

Hey Peter,

I would check all of your USB connections first. PointCTRL does not like some hubs or extensions. At a 10ft cord, it's getting to its reliable data transfer limit. Sometimes it just takes pressing the white restart/reset button on the HMS. Pressing the white button only, restarts the firmware and does not make any changes.

 

I hope that helps, Let us know how you make out.

 

Miles

[CptTangerine]

Hi

 

 

 

Are there any plans to move away from Li-Po batteries? I'm not keen on a battery that needs a fireproof container but I would really like one of these units.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

CptT

[Snake122]

Hi

 

 

 

Are there any plans to move away from Li-Po batteries? I'm not keen on a battery that needs a fireproof container but I would really like one of these units.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

CptT

A lithium chemistry battery is in practically all consumer portable electronics today. I can't think of a smartphone that doesn't use a lithium battery. Debatably the LiPos that Miles uses are safer of the two options: https://www.androidauthority.com/lithium-ion-vs-lithium-polymer-whats-the-difference-27608/amp/

 

Miles comes from an background where they are extra safe with these batteries since they tend to remove them for recharging and that handling of the batteries adds an extra layer of risk. So RC users, airsofters, and other hobbyists tend to treat LiPos with respect since they can be dangerous if mistreated while charging or handling.

 

But again, they are a staple in modern electronics and really Miles is being extra safe including the bag compared to practically all electronics manufacturers that deem these batteries safe when mounted in a device you carry around in your pocket or bag next to you all day. LiPo chemistry at this size level is the only way to get the energy density needed to have a reasonable battery life. Otherwise, you would need to change the battery practically every flight. Miles will tell you to use the bag because of his years of experience with the batteries. While Miles would probably disagree with me because of his perspective, I would tell you the batteries mounted in the PointCtrl are just as safe as your phone/tablet/laptop. Miles, rightfully so as an inventor and small business owner, is being extra cautious since his devices may in his eyes have a minutely higher chance than a big factory electronic device (however, I would point out Miles has far better QC and inspection than those factories that probably make it less of a chance). I appreciate Miles wanting to keep us safe and use the bag pretty much every time:D

[CptTangerine]

Fair comment. Thanks.

[Voyager]

Dumb question time, should one expect a verification email that their order was placed, or just that the invoice is ready? I think I sent it all out correctly, but just wanted to know if it actually got through intact, or if I should be looking for a responce that vanished into the aether...

 

Thank you,

 

Harry Voyager

[MilesD]

Dumb question time, should one expect a verification email that their order was placed, or just that the invoice is ready? I think I sent it all out correctly, but just wanted to know if it actually got through intact, or if I should be looking for a responce that vanished into the aether...

 

Thank you,

 

Harry Voyager

 

Hey Harry,

We got you. It's hit or miss with getting a response, so its a good question. I will try and do better. Usually Carol or I just slide the order email to the correct folder for invoicing. Your 7th in line for this group for version 1. Version 2 timeline has slid a bit because I had to do a rework to the proof PCBs and other project commitments. Version 1 invoices for up to #400 will be going out tomorrow.

 

Thanks,

 

Miles

[Voyager]

Ah, thank you very much. Now I just need to actually do some cable routing for my nest :)

[DutchCoolHand]

Hey Peter,

I would check all of your USB connections first. PointCTRL does not like some hubs or extensions. At a 10ft cord, it's getting to its reliable data transfer limit. Sometimes it just takes pressing the white restart/reset button on the HMS. Pressing the white button only, restarts the firmware and does not make any changes.

 

I hope that helps, Let us know how you make out.

 

Miles

 

I am sorry Miles I missed your reply. It is plugged directly into my computer with the additional part I got from you, was it a debugger??? It worked fine for months, it started when I added the AUX buttons and upgraded the firmware. I have disconnected the AUX buttons but that does not seems to help. I will look at it again this weekend.