If you missed out on purchasing a developer edition of the Kickstarted launched Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, before Facebook acquired the company for a cool $2 billion worth of stock.
You might be interested to know there are alternatives and one industrious hacker has created his very own virtual reality headset in the style of the Oculus Rift for a minimal cost.
Creating a DIY Virtual Reality Headset
Check out the videos below to see how YouTube user Ohaple created the VR headset using a smartphone from as little as $20. This innovative approach leverages the power of modern smartphones, which often come equipped with high-resolution screens and powerful processors, making them ideal for virtual reality applications. By using a smartphone, you can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of building a VR headset.
Steps and Components
The Road to VR website explains:
“This DIY VR headset (also known as a head mounted display or HMD) takes a few hours to setup, and will cost somewhere between $20-$50 depending on how you source your parts and whether you want additional programs or controller support. If you already have a Durovis Dive, or would like to buy one, this project can be used with the Dive as well, just skip to the LED installation portion.”
The basic components you will need include a pair of lenses, a head strap, and some form of enclosure to hold your smartphone. Many DIY enthusiasts use materials like cardboard or 3D-printed plastic to create the enclosure. The lenses are crucial as they help to focus the image from the smartphone screen to your eyes, creating the immersive VR experience.
For those looking to enhance their DIY VR headset, additional components such as LED lights and external controllers can be added. LED lights can improve tracking accuracy, while external controllers can provide a more interactive experience. Software is another important aspect; there are various apps available that can turn your smartphone into a VR device, offering a wide range of experiences from gaming to virtual tours.
For full details on how to create your very own custom built virtual reality headset for between $20 and $50 visit the Road to VR website for full details.
Advantages and Considerations
Building your own VR headset has several advantages. Firstly, it is cost-effective. Commercial VR headsets can be quite expensive, often costing several hundred dollars. A DIY approach allows you to experience virtual reality without breaking the bank. Secondly, it offers customization. You can tailor the headset to your specific needs and preferences, whether that means adjusting the fit, adding features, or choosing the software that best suits your interests.
However, there are also some considerations to keep in mind. The quality of the experience may not match that of commercial headsets, especially if you are using lower-end components. Additionally, the setup process can be time-consuming and may require some technical know-how. But for those who enjoy tinkering and building, the process can be a rewarding project in itself.
Source: Digital Trends
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