VR and keyboard usage

[Pinefang]

I just want to clarify and get some advice about how everyone in VR uses their keyboard to operate aircraft systems. Of course I'm talking about not being able to see the keyboard with the VR gear on. Does anyone have any shortcuts to using their keyboards.

[Dr_Pain]

I have an led keyboard and I look down through the nose opening of my rift CV1 to see the keys. I have my keyboard sitting between my joystick and throttle on the desk in front of me.

[Pinefang]

I'm setup the same way, looking out around my nose but it's not optimal. I was just wondering if there were another way.

[Drac]

You can use VoiceAttack as a shortcut to your keyboard.

[Waxer]

In single player also press the Oculus menu / camera passthrough button to see the keyboard. Not an option for VR without external cameras. Also not an option for multiplayer. I think I will try the VoiceAttack solution. Buying it today. Might as well wait till the Steam sale to see if I can get it a few quid cheaper.

[Johnny Dioxin]

I gave up on Voice Attack and VAICOM - for some reason I've not been able to get it to recognise me, after years of trying many times in DCS and Elite and desktop tests - spoken to the VA dev as well, but nothing doing. All others I've tried have worked just fine, so it's a shame and a mystery that this one doesn't for me.

 

I have used extra controllers - MFDs and a UFC box - very convenient for VR as I have them mounted vertically in front of me and can easily feel where the correct button or switch is. I've also used analogue controllers in the past, such as rotary controls (potentiometers) for volume setting etc, and a trimming wheel all mounted on the desktop. Works well in VR.

 

Now I have the T50 HOTAS, with a huge number of inputs, there's not much need for anything extra - though my memory is being stretched to its limits!

[dburne]

For me my HOTAS along with Voice Attack and Vaicom Pro takes care of the need for accessing the keyboard.