Varjo XR-3 MR support?

[GPatricks]

I'm being told (pre-delivery) that the Varjo Labtools masking tool works horribly in DCS, are many here using something else? I keep seeing "Virtual Desktop" pop up, but think it's for other headsets. Will it work well with the XR-3? I mostly just want to mask out a rectangle on my desk containing MFD/ICP/MFD and possible KB below, be able to see to push buttons/keys... nothing crazy

Is it possible to run DCS in SteamVR and use Steam's Reality mixer? Just saw a video (MSFS) of a guy using it with the XR-3...

 

Edited September 5, 2024 by GPatricks

[dstar]

I experimented a bit with the Lab Tool today. Strange story with the triangles. I've finally come up with something for the center console, but it's not the final solution yet. Especially since my devices are in an open cockpit without walls.

I think I'll take some photos and trace the controllers to then import them as .obj.
I just need to set the upper DDI a little lower, then the dimensions will match the original, so that the screens from VR should fit.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to work on it for another two weeks. Then I can report back.

But the first flights with passthrough are a lot of fun. If the lighting is good, everything is easy to read and it doesn't look artificial. The transition to VR at the edge can easily be neglected

 

 

 

Edited October 27, 2024 by dstar

[Yuriks]

just posted this in another thread, Q3 passthrough is as good. Looks great in MSFS. Did you guys find a way to overlay DCS cockpit with a color

 

 

[dstar]

@Yuriks  Yes, it works, but chroma is visible at the edges. The XR3 can work with masks created from CAD objects. It looks almost seamless, but requires a lot of work.

There are also automatic ways. But they don't look very nice. Here you can see some examples: https://www.youtube.com/@francescoconsoli309

 

[sleighzy]

2 hours ago, Yuriks said:

just posted this in another thread, Q3 passthrough is as good. Looks great in MSFS. Did you guys find a way to overlay DCS cockpit with a color

 

 

You can overlay colors using OpenKneeboard, approach taken by most folk and examples, see YouTube. The Warthog Project is probably the most impressive for full simpit, but can do individual things. 

[dstar]

1 hour ago, sleighzy said:

using OpenKneeboard

Not necessary with the XR3, Lab tools has better options. It's just a bit confusing at first.

 

Edited October 28, 2024 by dstar

[GPatricks]

11 hours ago, dstar said:

Not necessary with the XR3, Lab tools has better options. It's just a bit confusing at first.

 

Yes, a bit strange to use the Vive hand controller to draw out the passthrough windows, but once you get used to how it works it's useable. All I have done so far is a rectangular area for my MFDs and ICP, a different one just for my keyboard, and a final one for both. The KB only one is perfect, can leave it on most the time (depending on the plane) as I need to look down to see it. What I have found to be indispensable is the use of Voiceattack to send a command directly to Varjo LabTools to switch between Use and Edit modes, effectively turning the mask on/off, then return focus to the sim, all occurring seamlessly while flying. In my case I don't want the mask on all the time, those with actual cockpits will. And I also agree that room brightness is critical for a clear view (also Opacity set to 10%), the cameras want light, otherwise the view becomes grainy. Not sure yet how well the "Mixed Reality video brightness" (0- +3) helps yet..

[Yuriks]

yes, manual cut out is a walkaround, but placing chorma key on the virtual parts to be replaced would make it way more precise and faster