An image of the YouTuber testing the head in sim racing (Image source: CNCDan; cropped screenshot)
DIY YouTuber CNCDan has uploaded a video of his latest project — a VR headset, which, besides the 3D-printed parts, cost him about $150. He also made all the resources needed for the project open source.
YouTuber CNCDan recently built a VR headset using cheap parts from AliExpress and a 3D-printed body. The headset — which cost him about $150 to build — is now open source. Also, the video he uploaded on his channel essentially doubles as a tutorial, showing every step of the process.
The parts he purchased online include two displays that max out at 2880×1440p and 90 Hz refresh rate, two lenses, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor, and an Arduino microcontroller board. The other parts of the headset were 3D-printed.
As for the features, CNCDan said he equipped it with the bare minimum features he needs for sim racing. He did this because the VR headsets on the market had features he wouldn’t need, but would have to pay for if he bought them.
The headset features individually adjustable IPD, interchangeable faceplates, and head tracking. But it does have downsides — at full resolution, it only runs at 60 Hz. Also, it only has three degrees of freedom (3DoF), which means it tracks looking up and down, left and right, and tilting the head left and right. He explained he didn’t bother equipping it with 6DoF as 3DoF was enough for his sim racing.
For the software, he used Relativty VR — an open-source VR software which he found online. All the resources are available on his GitHub.
CNCDan (linked above) and GitHub
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 242 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.