VR Campus Resources

Meta Quest headsets use a built-in rechargeable battery, typically providing 2-3 hours of active use on a full charge. To charge the headset, use the included USB-C charging cable and plug it into a power source (or the USB charging system in the charging cart). Charging from low battery to full can take 2-3 hours. 

The controllers each use a single AA battery which typically lasts several weeks depending on usage. Rechargeable AA batteries can be used in the controllers if desired, though they need to be removed for external charging.

Replacing Controller Batteries 

1. Locate the Battery Compartment: Find the textured grip area on the handle of each controller. This is the cover for the battery compartment.

2. Slide Open the Cover: Gently slide the cover downward (towards the wrist strap) to reveal the battery compartment. The cover should slide off easily with light pressure.

3. Remove the Old Battery: Take out the old AA battery from the compartment. Note the positive (+) and negative (-) markings to ensure correct placement of the new battery.

4. Insert a New Battery: Place a new (or recharged) AA battery into the compartment, following the positive (+) and negative (-) orientation.

5. Close the Battery Compartment: Slide the cover back into place until it clicks securely.

Test the Controller: Power on the headset and ensure the controller is working properly.

VR navigation methods can vary widely depending on the simulation and device. Fundamental VR movement principles, including techniques for teleportation, joystick locomotion, and menu navigation, as well as orientation tips to help users comfortably explore virtual environments can be found below. 

1. Using the Controllers:

   • Thumb-sticks: Use the thumb-sticks on your controllers to move around in VR. Pushing the thumbstick forward will move you forward, and pushing it backward will move you back.

   • Buttons: The primary buttons on the controllers can be used to interact with objects and menus.

2. Teleportation:

   • Use the thumb-stick to aim a teleportation arc, then release the thumb-stick to teleport to the targeted location.

3. Interacting with Objects - Point and Click:

   • Point at objects with the controller and press the trigger button to select or interact with them.

4. Interacting with Objects - Palm Trigger:

   • Physically reach out and grab the object - like you would in the real world - by depressing the palm trigger. 

5. Menu Navigation:

   • Press the menu button on your controller to open the VR menu. Use the thumb-stick to navigate through the menu options.

   • Select items by pointing and pressing the trigger button.

6. Rotating View:

   • Rotate your view by pushing the thumb-stick left or right to turn your perspective.

7. Grabbing and Holding:

   • To grab objects, press and hold the grip button on the side of your controller.

Additional Tips:

• Comfort Settings: Customize your comfort settings in the VR menu to enhance your experience and reduce motion sickness.

• Practice: Spend some time getting used to the controls and navigating in VR to become more comfortable.

Reorienting a VR headset involves adjusting the device's position and view to align with the user's current physical orientation, ensuring the virtual environment matches their real-world stance. This is done by resetting the headset’s forward-facing direction or recentralizing the view, helping the user feel properly positioned within the VR space and reducing disorientation.

1. Reorientating Center on Meta Devices: Press and hold the Oculus button on the right-hand controller for 3 seconds to orientate the headset. The ‘center point’ of the headset will now be aligned in the direction the VR user is facing. 

   • This will also re-center the Menu in front of the user.

Screen casting is a feature that allows the visual output of a VR headset to be shared on an external device, like a TV, monitor, or projector. This enables others to view what the VR user is experiencing in real-time, making it ideal for collaborative settings, group discussions, or instructional demonstrations.

Chromecast Compatibility: Meta VR devices use Chromecast technology to cast headset images to nearby screens. Screen casting requires the casting device to include built-in Chromecast capabilities or the use of a Chromecast dongle. 

If your headset and casting device are both powered on and connected to the same WiFi network, casting devices should automatically appear in the Meta casting menu. 

See below for screen casting set up instructions. 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Turn On Devices: Ensure your Meta Quest headset and your casting device (TV, projector, monitor, etc.) are both turned on.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure both your headset and casting device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

3. Complete Headset Setup: Proceed through the standard headset setup process. 

4. Press the Oculus Button: Once on the homescreen, press the Oculus button on the right-hand controller to bring up the universal menu (if not already displayed) 

5. Select the Settings Icon: On the bottom of the main menu, select the Settings icon (green square with a gear symbol).

6. Select Casting: From the Settings menu, choose the Casting option.

7. Select the Casting Device: A list of available devices that support casting will appear. Select your preferred device from the list.

Select Next: A confirmation message will pop up, and your headset screen should now display on your selected device.

The guardian system in Meta Quest VR devices is a safety feature that lets users define a virtual boundary within their physical space to prevent collisions with real-world objects. By setting up a customizable boundary, users receive visual and haptic alerts when they approach the edge, helping maintain a safe, immersive experience.

VR users will be prompted to set up a new guardian at the beginning of each session. Users can reset or adjust guardians at any time throughout their VR session. 

Here are the step-by-step instructions to set up the Guardian system on your Meta Quest VR device. 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Press the Oculus Button: Press the Oculus button on the right-hand controller to bring up the universal menu.

2. Select the Settings Icon: On the bottom of the main menu, select the Settings icon (green square with a gear symbol).

3. Select the Guardian Option: Select the Guardian Option from the main menu. 

   1. Option 1: Stationary Boundary: This is best for seated VR usage and VR experiences that do not require a lot of movement. 

      • Select Stationary: Select the Stationary option from the menu. 

      • Select Confirm: Select confirm once you are happy with your new playspace.  

   2. Option 2: Roomscale Boundary: This option is best for VR experiences that require more freedom of movement. If you have the space, a custom boundary is always recommended. 

      • Select Roomscale: Select the Roomscale option from the menu. 

      • Set Floor: Touch the floor with one controller, once purple crosses appear on the floor, select Confirm. 

      • Draw Roomscale Boundary: Use your controller to trace the boundaries of your play area. Make sure to stay within a safe and open space.

      • Select Confirm: Select confirm once you are happy with the final shape and size of your new custom playspace. 

4. Resetting Boundary: You can reset your guardian at any time. 

Additional Tips:

• Clear Space: Ensure your play area is free of obstacles and has enough room for movement.

• Adjust Sensitivity: You can adjust the sensitivity of the Guardian system in the settings if needed.

When using VR devices on campus, they should automatically connect to WiFi. If not, try following the steps below to connect to the network. You can use these same steps to connect to WiFi when at home or off campus. 

• Connecting to WiFi: 

  1. Press the Meta button to view the main menu. 

  2. On the bottom of the main menu, select the Settings icon (green square with a gear symbol).

  3. Select WiFi 

  4. Select desired network 

  5. Enter password

  6. Select connect

Air Link is a feature on the Meta Quest devices that enables users to wirelessly connect their headset to a VR-ready PC, allowing them to play PC VR games and access applications beyond the standalone capabilities of the headset. This connection is established over a Wi-Fi network, providing the freedom of wireless movement while leveraging the processing power of the PC for enhanced graphics and performance.

Please contact your IT administrator before attempting to use Air Link.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Check System Requirements: Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements for Air Link (VR-ready PC with at least an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a compatible graphics card).

2. Update Software: Make sure your Meta Quest headset and the Oculus app on your PC are updated to the latest software version.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure both your headset and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. A 5GHz Wi-Fi connection is recommended for better performance.

4. Install Oculus App: Download and install the Oculus app on your PC from the Oculus website.

5. Enable Air Link: Open the Oculus app on your PC and go to Settings > Devices > Air Link1. Toggle the Air Link switch to enable it.

6. Pair Devices: Put on your Meta Quest headset and press the Oculus button on the right controller to open the universal menu1. Go to Quick Settings > Settings > System > Quest Link2. Select Use Air Link and choose your PC from the list.

7. Enter Pairing Code: A pairing code will appear on your PC screen. Enter this code into the Meta Quest 2 headset to establish the connection.

8. Start Using Air Link: Once paired, you can launch VR games and apps from your PC directly on your Meta Quest headset wirelessly.

Additional Tips:

• Ethernet Connection: For the best performance, connect your PC to the router using an Ethernet cable.

• Proximity to Router: Stay within the same room as your router to ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal.