OpenXR for Varjo AERO using OpenCompositeACC mod: works great, very smooth

[Supmua]

3 hours ago, dburne said:

Question regarding Open XR and the OpenXR Toolkit.

Are folks with the Aero using the same latest versions of Open Composite along with latest version of the Toolkit with the Aero? In other words the same version of these two programs that the WMR guys are using ? Or does the Aero require a different version of either softwares?

I use the per-app method. The only needed file is the custom openvr_api.dll, which should be the exact same version as other headsets.  And that is from the main OpenCompsite OpenXR GitHub page, the one I put in the zip in the Varjo guide thread is the latest 64-bit version.  The ACC version is dated and no longer supported by dev. 
 

You might not need other files at all as one would be in the system folder and the other is just .ini, but I’ve included them in the zip anyway since the system one you have might not be the same version. This way it only works with DCS and won’t mess up other games.  What happens is that games will first use whatever dll that is in the same folder as the program exe, if not found then it’ll use the system one instead. 
 

Switching between OpenXR and OpenVR takes seconds. From OpenXR to OpenVR you only need to restore the old api via repair DCS (delete the custom api first). To switch to OpenXR again just drag the custom api from the zip (or from the GitHub page) and copy over the default one. 

Edited May 24, 2022 by Supmua

[dburne]

Thanks much may have another look here soon!

[peachmonkey]

1 hour ago, dburne said:

Thanks much may have another look here soon!

the original file package (from the first post in this thread) just needs the dll's.

I've also tried using the openvr_api.dll from a new/updated build (https://gitlab.com/znixian/OpenOVR/-/tree/openxr)  however DCS threw an error saying the .ini file was missing. I replaced it back with the old .dll file after that. Haven't messed with the .ini configs yet, maybe it just needs a blank file, maybe some config lines.. will take a look at it this week..

[Supmua]

2 hours ago, peachmonkey said:

the original file package (from the first post in this thread) just needs the dll's.

I've also tried using the openvr_api.dll from a new/updated build (https://gitlab.com/znixian/OpenOVR/-/tree/openxr)  however DCS threw an error saying the .ini file was missing. I replaced it back with the old .dll file after that. Haven't messed with the .ini configs yet, maybe it just needs a blank file, maybe some config lines.. will take a look at it this week..

You can try my zip from the Varjo general guide.  Those are straight from my DCS bin folder including the .ini file.

[peachmonkey]

9 minutes ago, Supmua said:

You can try my zip from the Varjo general guide.  Those are straight from my DCS bin folder including the .ini file.

thank you, @Supmua, it looks like your .ini file is substantially different than the original .ini. I'll use your contents, will report if there are issues.

 

original .ini:

;Mirror mode outputs a shared texture for use by OBS plugin
mirrorMode=disabled

;Performance stats enables writing of performance stats
; If enabled press F11 to start stats capture to file
; File is currently output to \Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Assetto Corsa Competizione\AC2\Binaries\Win64\teststats.csv
performanceStats=disabled

;Hidden area mesh fix for G2, may work on other headsets
enableHiddenMeshFix=enabled

;Use OpenXR layers to handle GUI overlays and HUDs, if set to false will render internally directly onto swap chain before submitting
enableLayers=true

 

@Supmua .ini

;Mirror mode outputs a shared texture for use by OBS plugin
;mirrorMode=disabled

;Performance stats enables writing of performance stats
; If enabled press F11 to start stats capture to file
; File is currently output to \Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Assetto Corsa Competizione\AC2\Binaries\Win64\teststats.csv
;performanceStats=disabled

;Hidden area mesh fix now is autogenerated you no longer need to put in manual values see changeling V0.6.1
;enableHiddenMeshFix=enabled

;Use OpenXR layers to handle GUI overlays and HUDs, if set to false will render internally directly onto swap chain before submitting
enableLayers=true

forceConnectedTouch=disabled
renderCustomHands=disabled

[Supmua]

The latest openvr_api.dll update (yesterday) from the Github page works fine on my setup.  I noticed a bit more shimmering than the older version (could be placebo), but low flying is fairly smooth compared to OpenVR even at fps below 45.  I wonder if OpenXR has some sort of built-in or superior reprojection by default.  Image quality-wise OpenVR is still sharper and brighter, but more ground juddering when fps drops below 45.

20 minutes ago, peachmonkey said:

thank you, @Supmua, it looks like your .ini file is substantially different than the original .ini. I'll use your contents, will report if there are issues.

 

original .ini:

;Mirror mode outputs a shared texture for use by OBS plugin
mirrorMode=disabled

;Performance stats enables writing of performance stats
; If enabled press F11 to start stats capture to file
; File is currently output to \Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Assetto Corsa Competizione\AC2\Binaries\Win64\teststats.csv
performanceStats=disabled

;Hidden area mesh fix for G2, may work on other headsets
enableHiddenMeshFix=enabled

;Use OpenXR layers to handle GUI overlays and HUDs, if set to false will render internally directly onto swap chain before submitting
enableLayers=true

 

@Supmua .ini

;Mirror mode outputs a shared texture for use by OBS plugin
;mirrorMode=disabled

;Performance stats enables writing of performance stats
; If enabled press F11 to start stats capture to file
; File is currently output to \Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Assetto Corsa Competizione\AC2\Binaries\Win64\teststats.csv
;performanceStats=disabled

;Hidden area mesh fix now is autogenerated you no longer need to put in manual values see changeling V0.6.1
;enableHiddenMeshFix=enabled

;Use OpenXR layers to handle GUI overlays and HUDs, if set to false will render internally directly onto swap chain before submitting
enableLayers=true

forceConnectedTouch=disabled
renderCustomHands=disabled

I commented out a lot of stuff because they're either not needed or no longer present on the main OpenComposite OpenXR fork.  Remember that this is kind of a hack so don't expect full compatibility with every PC setup, but it's still quite remarkable to get DCS to run in OpenXR. 

Edited May 24, 2022 by Supmua

[dburne]

25 minutes ago, Supmua said:

The latest openvr_api.dll update (yesterday) from the Github page works fine on my setup.  I noticed a bit more shimmering than the older version (could be placebo), but low flying is fairly smooth compared to OpenVR even at fps below 45.  I wonder if OpenXR has some sort of built-in or superior reprojection by default.  Image quality-wise OpenVR is still sharper and brighter, but more ground juddering when fps drops below 45.

I commented out a lot of stuff because they're either not needed or no longer present on the main OpenComposite OpenXR fork.  Remember that this is kind of a hack so don't expect full compatibility with every PC setup, but it's still quite remarkable to get DCS to run in OpenXR. 

 

 

Well crap guess I am going to have to try it again. I need to quit reading LOL. I sure do not like mods.

[dburne]

35 minutes ago, Supmua said:

The latest openvr_api.dll update (yesterday) from the Github page works fine on my setup.  I noticed a bit more shimmering than the older version (could be placebo), but low flying is fairly smooth compared to OpenVR even at fps below 45.  I wonder if OpenXR has some sort of built-in or superior reprojection by default.  Image quality-wise OpenVR is still sharper and brighter, but more ground juddering when fps drops below 45.

I commented out a lot of stuff because they're either not needed or no longer present on the main OpenComposite OpenXR fork.  Remember that this is kind of a hack so don't expect full compatibility with every PC setup, but it's still quite remarkable to get DCS to run in OpenXR. 

 

 

I confuse so easily. On the page linking to git  hub you state:

Quote

For the sake of simple installation using Per-app route, I've provided the necessary contents in a zip file (included a modified .ini file that may not cause error upon running) that can be downloaded from here.  Open the zip and drag the 3 files into the same folder as DCS.exe.

 

However I do not see a page where you have the above  you mentioned to download, all I get is an Open Composite page with one file? I guess I just need someone to point me to the correct files to  get to run my Aero in Open XR for DCS.

Edited May 24, 2022 by dburne

[Supmua]

Don try the files from the zip that I uploaded on the Varjo Guide thread (the first post). Drag and drop, no need to do anything else.  If you don’t like it delete them (or just the openvr_api.dll) and Repair DCS. 

Edited May 24, 2022 by Supmua

[dburne]

3 minutes ago, Supmua said:

Don try the files from the zip that I uploaded on the Varjo Guide thread (the first post). Drag and drop, no need to do anything else. 

 

That is where I am talking about, only see one file for Open Composite - don't see any files you uploaded?

Ah crap never mind I found it, bottom of post.

Sorry

[Supmua]

The zip is called OpenXRDCS.zip

https://forum.dcs.world/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=270052&key=2a2a063b1b472dc9bf4f01999625033e

3 minutes ago, dburne said:

That is where I am talking about, only see one file for Open Composite - don't see any files you uploaded?

Should be at the end of the very first post. Direct link above. 

Edited May 24, 2022 by Supmua

[dburne]

Don't I need to install Open Composite?

[Supmua]

Just now, dburne said:

Don't I need to install Open Composite?

No that’s the system-wide install, you might not like that especially if you don’t like mods in general. For one, it doesn’t support controller framework so your Index controller will be treated as generic in other VR games. 

[dburne]

1 minute ago, Supmua said:

No that’s the system-wide install, you might not like that especially if you don’t like mods in general. For one, it doesn’t support controller framework so your Index controller will be treated as generic in other VR games. 

 

Gotcha thanks, about to give this a whirl - extracted the files into the Bin folder.

Do you also use the Toolkit now?

[Supmua]

50 minutes ago, dburne said:

 

Gotcha thanks, about to give this a whirl - extracted the files into the Bin folder.

Do you also use the Toolkit now?

OpenXR Toolkit is a must if you're running the Aero at higher or highest setting, else you'll be rendering at 7-8K pixels.  Use the toolkit to set custom res and reduce per-screen pixel to whatever suits your need, I typically aim for 3300-3600 horizontal pixels.  You can try fixed foveated option using presets but I don't think it's working correctly with DCS yet, saves about 0.5 ms frametime which isn't much.

Also, the current Toolkit and Varjo OpenXR don't play nice with Revive especially Star Wars: Vader Immortal series (at least on my setup).  So, if your old oculus games don't work I would uninstall the OpenXR toolkit and turn off Varjo OpenXR from the base app before running those games.  Interestingly, I have no problem leaving Reshade files in the DCS bin folder, swapping back to OpenVR and I get access to Reshade right away.

Edited May 24, 2022 by Supmua

[dburne]

22 minutes ago, Supmua said:

OpenXR Toolkit is a must if you're running the Aero at higher or highest setting, else you'll be rendering at 7-8K pixels.  Use the toolkit to set custom res and reduce per-screen pixel to whatever suits your need, I typically aim for 3300-3600 horizontal pixels.  You can try fixed foveated option using presets but I don't think it's working correctly with DCS yet, saves about 0.5 ms frametime which isn't much.

Also, the current Toolkit and Varjo OpenXR don't play nice with Revive especially Star Wars: Vader Immortal series (at least on my setup).  So, if your old oculus games don't work I would uninstall the OpenXR toolkit and turn off Varjo OpenXR from the base app before running those games.  Interestingly, I have no problem leaving Reshade files in the DCS bin folder, swapping back to OpenVR and I get access to Reshade right away.

 

Awesome thanks much about to try the toolkit now.

I had forgotten my Steam VR res setting would not apply running in Open XR, and was wondering why I was only getting 30 fps lol. It did not look too bad though. This may be promising.

Edited May 24, 2022 by dburne

[Supmua]

Well, getting the OpenXR to work at all is a good first step.  But yeah, it will use the full resolution without OpenXR Toolkit so you were rendering at >4.1K horizontal pixels per screen without downsampling lol, 30 fps sounds about right.  It should look very good at default, but I'm used to better visual quality with those Reshade filters so I'm a bit more picky.

Edited May 24, 2022 by Supmua

[dburne]

Good grief I get so confused.

How the blazes does one access these Toolkit settings? All I get when I launch DCS is an Open VR Debug tool where i can swap top/bottom lenses which I don't even need to do. How do I get to it's settings like resolution?

I reckon I am dumber than a box of rocks these days. Reminds me why I don't care much for Mods, they make me feel like an idiot...

[Supmua]

3 minutes ago, dburne said:

Good grief I get so confused.

How the blazes does one access these Toolkit settings? All I get when I launch DCS is an Open VR Debug tool where i can swap top/bottom lenses which I don't even need to do. How do I get to it's settings like resolution?

I reckon I am dumber than a box of rocks these days. Reminds me why I don't care much for Mods, they make me feel like an idiot...

Unless you change it in the settings, CTRL-F2 will bring up the Toolkit screen.  CTRL-F1 and -F3 move the menu selection left and right, CTRL-F2 moves down, CTRL-SHIFT-F2 moves up.  I'm at work so not 100% on this but the resolution change is in the tab menu next to the last one on the menu screen, turn that on and you should be able to change resolution.

[dburne]

18 minutes ago, Supmua said:

Unless you change it in the settings, CTRL-F2 will bring up the Toolkit screen.  CTRL-F1 and -F3 move the menu selection left and right, CTRL-F2 moves down, CTRL-SHIFT-F2 moves up.  I'm at work so not 100% on this but the resolution change is in the tab menu next to the last one on the menu screen, turn that on and you should be able to change resolution.

 

Ok thanks much for the help, sorry to be such a bother on this. Maybe I can get it from here LOL.

OMG how the blazes am I going to be able to navigate those menus pressing key combos whilst wearing the headset.

Sigh off to keep trying...

Edit: OK starting to get it now - much thanks for all your help!!!!

Edited May 24, 2022 by dburne

[dburne]

Wow definitely better performance now than I was getting using Steam VR. Very nice.

[dburne]

Strange the lua DCS generated for my using the Aero with Open XR is named an Oculus Quest 2 lua. Talk about insult lol.

[peachmonkey]

1 hour ago, dburne said:

Wow definitely better performance now than I was getting using Steam VR. Very nice.

can you give us some specs on your config?

- VB ppd?  35? 37?

- scaled down to what % in Toolkit?

[Supmua]

Don I suggest the following also.

In the OpenXR menu, Appearance tab, Postprocessing On, Exposure 51, Saturation 52.5.  DCS setting, gamma 2.1.

[dburne]

36 minutes ago, Supmua said:

Don I suggest the following also.

In the OpenXR menu, Appearance tab, Postprocessing On, Exposure 51, Saturation 52.5.  DCS setting, gamma 2.1.

 

Thanks I will give that a try tomorrow. And again thank you for all your help getting me going with this.