Varjo Leg switch(es), using VR eye tracking.

[HwyStar]

I recently watched a video featuring the Varjo XR-3 and noticed that VR Flight Sim Guy was using an "Varjo, in-house switching system" strapped to his leg. Intrigued, I contacted Varjo Support to inquire about its availability for public release. The device seems like an excellent alternative to using a mouse or keyboard while flying in VR, as it remains securely strapped to the user's leg. Unfortunately, Varjo currently has no plans to make it available to the public.

I am curious to hear your thoughts on this switching system and whether there are similar options available. Do you believe it would be a valuable addition for most VR flight sim users?

I am considering getting the Varjo XR-3 in the near future. I let Varjo know that I would be creating a post here for them to follow our responses.

Flight Sim Guy talks about the switch system here in this YT video. He comments how intuitive it is to use: https://youtu.be/DFG4U5pxkuQ?t=106
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[Sr.]

Why not something like this?

 

[HwyStar]

Thanks for your simple and effective solution, Sr.

However, I believe the in-house solution provided by Varjo only requires you to focus on the control, which positions the cursor above the cockpit control, and then you can simply use the leg-mounted knob or switch by clicking or scrolling. This means that you can keep your hands on the throttle and joystick for as long as possible while flying, and only need to interact with the cockpit when necessary, allowing you to fly hands-free. Your solution does not include a scrolling knob similar to the ones used in real-life planes.

Edited April 24, 2023 by HwyStar

[dburne]

1 hour ago, HwyStar said:

Thanks for your simple and effective solution, Sr.

However, I believe the in-house solution provided by Varjo only requires you to focus on the control, which positions the cursor above the cockpit control, and then you can simply use the leg-mounted knob or switch by clicking or scrolling. This means that you can keep your hands on the throttle and joystick for as long as possible while flying, and only need to interact with the cockpit when necessary, allowing you to fly hands-free. Your solution does not include a scrolling knob similar to the ones used in real-life planes.

 

 

I think spending that kind of money on a VR headset along with subscription fees to get a feature that one can might use like that - is a bit on the much side for most folks in here. Now if the tech trickled down to the Aero and was not too pricey I might be tempted to look at that - maybe. But appears Varjo already said NO.

Edited April 24, 2023 by dburne

[Sr.]

1 hour ago, HwyStar said:

Thanks for your simple and effective solution, Sr.

However, I believe the in-house solution provided by Varjo only requires you to focus on the control, which positions the cursor above the cockpit control, and then you can simply use the leg-mounted knob or switch by clicking or scrolling. This means that you can keep your hands on the throttle and joystick for as long as possible while flying, and only need to interact with the cockpit when necessary, allowing you to fly hands-free. Your solution does not include a scrolling knob similar to the ones used in real-life planes.

 

I accomplish this by mapping left/right click to HOTAS buttons (with modifier). For my use I've mapped right click to modifier+gun trigger, and left click to modifier+weapon release. I even use the pinky scroll wheel on my X-56 throttle for mouse scroll occasionally.

After using the mouse to "align" the VR cross with my line of sight, I trigger it by pressing one of my mapped buttons on the HOTAS. Then I simply look and click loft or right. Only time I need to recenter is if I had to look to my extreme left or right rear.

 

I do like the looks and apparent functionality of that device. Seems it an analog stick with rotation X axis and 2 easy to find buttons. 

[Lt_Jaeger]

For me a device like PointCTRL is way more immersing, even though I just point into thin air, than a device strapped to my leg. 

 

[dburne]

6 hours ago, Lt_Jaeger said:

For me a device like PointCTRL is way more immersing, even though I just point into thin air, than a device strapped to my leg. 

 

Agreed I so love my Point CTRL setup.

[Icebeat]

On 4/24/2023 at 11:56 AM, Lt_Jaeger said:

For me a device like PointCTRL is way more immersing, even though I just point into thin air, than a device strapped to my leg. 

 

but it is almost impossible to buy one

[dburne]

4 hours ago, Icebeat said:

but it is almost impossible to buy one

Not at all, just have to be willing to wait app 1 year - and you do not pay until it is ready to ship. Miles is trying to work some things out to improve the lead time. I waited right at 1 year myself and am so glad I did, looking back it seems it flew by and now I am enjoying my Point-CTRL every day with DCS. I could not imagine flying without it now.

[GPatricks]

On 4/25/2023 at 9:45 PM, Icebeat said:

but it is almost impossible to buy one

As a new Varjo XR-3 owner (arrives next week if customs doesn't mess me up) I was pointed to this thread by peeps on the Varjo Discord. I was also curious about the leg-switch used in the video. Funny the Point-CTRL mention, as I have had one on order since December of 2022. He has been busy producing them this year (Covid destroyed his parts supply chain for a while I believe). He is up to producing 10/01/2022 orders, so it's really a two year wait at best. Odd that dburne was last to post here (RIP Don), had a lot of conversations with him about my Aero in the past, great guy. An FYI, the XR-3, which was ~ $6k, required you own a business and also required ~$800 a year software subscription, is available at a US distributor to consumers (no idea for how long) for $3999, lifetime software subscription included (unlocked).. still not "cheap" but substantially discounted!