WiVRn

WiVRn #

The WiVRn mascot

WiVRn wirelessly connects a standalone VR headset to a Linux computer. You can then play PCVR games on the headset while processing is done on the computer.

WiVRn is based on Monado and can be used with OpenComposite to support a majority of titles available for SteamVR. A wide range of standalone headsets are supported.

Installing WiVRn #

We recommend using Envision to install and launch WiVRn & OpenComposite. Envision will handle all configuration seamlessly and avoids many of the pitfalls of a manual setup.

Alternatively, you can use the WiVRn Flatpak which includes OpenComposite as part of it. Processes in flatpak cannot take advantage of setcap, and so your performance may suffer when compared to Envision.

General WiVRn Notes #

WiVRn uses Avahi for network discovery. Ensure it is running with the following terminal command:

systemctl enable --now avahi-daemon

(If Avahi is not available, the IP address of the server must be entered into the client.)

If a firewall is installed, make sure ports 5353/UDP and 9757/UDP+TCP are open for Avahi and WiVRn itself, respectively.

If using Nvidia proprietary drivers, have Monado Vulkan Layers installed, otherwise games will crash with a segmentation fault.

For audio in WiVRn, you will need to assign applications, or the system as a whole, to output audio to the virtual output “WiVRn” which is created upon connection between the server and the headset.

Wired WiVRn #

Use WiVRn with a cable instead of Wifi. Use a 5Gbps cable & port at the very least.

WiVRn version: 0.19+

Using Envision:

  • Connect the headset via USB
  • Click the Start WiVRn Client (Wired) button in Envision.
    • If it’s not there, an Envision update might be necessary.

Manual steps:

  • Connect the headset via USB
  • If WiVRn is running on the headset, close it now.
  • While in the system lobby of the headset, run the following adb commands on the PC: 
    adb reverse tcp:9757 tcp:9757
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "wivrn+tcp://127.0.0.1" org.meumeu.wivrn

WiVRn + Lighthouse driver #

This section covers using WiVRn with any lighthouse-tracked device: Index/Vive controllers, Vive/Tundra trackers, etc.

WiVRn version: 0.19+

Have SteamVR installed (no need to run it).

In Envision, set WiVRn Profile as such:

  • XR Service CMake Flags:
    • WIVRN_FEATURE_STEAMVR_LIGHTHOUSE=ON
  • Environment Variables:
    • WIVRN_USE_STEAMVR_LH=1
    • LH_DISCOVER_WAIT_MS=6000

Perform a Clean Build after changing the CMake flags!

If not using Envision, simply pass -DWIVRN_FEATURE_STEAMVR_LIGHTHOUSE=ON to cmake and export the env variables before starting wivrn-server.

Motoc will be used to calibrate the two tracking technologies to work together.

Discovery happens only on first connection, so be sure to have all lighthouse devices powered on and in line of sight of base stations before connecting the headset!

Once a device is discovered, it may be powered off and then back on later.

Once video appears in the headset, check motoc monitor to make sure your devices all show up.

If one or more devices are missing, try:

  • Spread the devices out more; lighthouse devices get discovered quicker if they’re not piled up on each other. Simply strapping them on is good, too.
  • Increase LH_DISCOVER_WAIT_MS, though this delays the client on first connection.

To re-discover devices, restart WiVRn server.

At this point, your lighthouse devices will be randomly floating about somewhere. To calibrate them, follow the guide in the Motoc README.