YouTuber Builds Functional VR Headset for Around $150, Releases Plans Open Source
A DIY enthusiast has successfully constructed a virtual reality headset using primarily inexpensive components sourced from AliExpress and 3D-printed parts, and has made the project’s resources freely available online.
The creator, known online as CNCDan, detailed the build process in a recent video, showcasing a headset capable of displaying up to 2880x1440p at 90Hz, utilizing two LCD displays, lenses, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor, and an Arduino microcontroller. The headset features adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and interchangeable faceplates, tailored specifically for sim racing applications. While it achieves 60Hz at full resolution, it currently operates with three degrees of freedom (3DoF) – tracking head rotation but not full positional movement.
“I equipped it with the bare minimum features I need for sim racing,” CNCDan explained, noting that commercially available VR headsets often include functionalities he wouldn’t utilize, adding unnecessary cost. The software powering the headset is Relativity VR, an open-source platform. All design files and code are accessible on GitHub, allowing others to replicate and modify the project. This development demonstrates the increasing accessibility of VR technology, potentially lowering the barrier to entry for enthusiasts and developers alike.
The project’s open-source nature encourages community collaboration and innovation within the VR space. CNCDan has not announced any immediate plans for further development, but continues to engage with feedback from the online community regarding potential improvements and expansions to the design.
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
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.
