PointCTRL - Finger Mounted VR Controller

Like Deano87 I’m more concerned with function over looks and have one device so it’ll be a static mount.

Thanks for the update

I assume that this is designed to work with the Rift. Is that correct?

Thanks for the info Miles. Just figured I would try to give feedback as requested. Your answers prove how much thought and detail you are working to implement. I can’t wait to try the set.

Feedback can be tricky, either to give but also receive. I'm glad to hear Miles, that you have actively encouraged it. Which may encourage others to pass on their constructive thoughts too, which may improve what is already looking like an awesome addition to our hobby.

I did spend quite some time considering if I should mention it, especially as I would have preferred to offer an actual solution rather than just my opinion. I was going to try and sketch something out but time has not been friendly to me this week!

While I would agree that function over aesthetics should always win the day, my thoughts on streamlining the FCU was more along the ergonomics line in that if it's too boxy it may not feel as unobtrusive as something that echoes the sleek lines of the digit it is designed to sit on.

It also has to be said, many, including myself, would never shy away from a nice bit of eye candy! Consider if you will the problem. You need a form of transportation - if given the choice, which one would you prefer?

OR

@ AKA_Clutter

I believe that the RIFT is what Miles has been working with, only more recently has he been trying to get the VIVE working (it had some issues with the sensor) so the short answer is yes! (Miles, please correct me if I'm wrong).

Personally, I don't care how it looks. Ergonomics in use and function in-game are all I care about.

I want something that allows me to quickly actuate buttons and knobs in the cockpit that doesn't require grabbing a separate controller and that doesn't interfere with use of a standard HOTAS. As displayed, your prototypes certainly seem to meet those requirements!

Personally, I don't care how it looks. Ergonomics in use and function in-game are all I care about.

 

I want something that allows me to quickly actuate buttons and knobs in the cockpit that doesn't require grabbing a separate controller and that doesn't interfere with use of a standard HOTAS. As displayed, your prototypes certainly seem to meet those requirements!

Me, too. I'm totally satisfied with the style showed in the pictures.

No need to change anything for me.

I'm really impatient and can't wait to get it. :joystick:

So, please fix the remaining technical problems and then you can send me the "beta" product.

In my opinion: Styling can be changed for other people (according to me multiple times) when I use it already. ;)

I certainly don’t want to see delivery delayed. I only said anything because Miles actively asked for feedback. His answers completely answered and changed my thoughts and showed how thorough a developer he is. I am sure once a couple hundred of us have it on our heads and fingers we will find any needed improvements. I have bought two HMDs and multiple monitors, joysticks, rudders and throttles over the years. If I wind up buying several generations of I consider it the cost of improving our experience.

Me, too. I'm totally satisfied with the style showed in the pictures.

No need to change anything for me.

 

I'm really impatient and can't wait to get it. :joystick:

 

 

 

So, please fix the remaining technical problems and then you can send me the "beta" product.

 

 

In my opinion: Styling can be changed for other people (according to me multiple times) when I use it already. ;)

Exactly, if we are going to use the car analogy it’s worth pointing out that they didn’t just invent the car and then build the Bugatti Veyron straight away. There were a few thousand intermediate steps to figure out what they were doing ;)

I have to agree that I could not care less what it looks like. I'm not taking my OR to a fashion show. I can't see myself or the HMD when wearing it lol. However, I understand your desire for pleasing aesthetics.

The functionality is definitely where it is at with these. I personally, wouldn't burn to much energy with the cosmetics of these units. The game play experience change is going to be huge.

Yeah, I gotta agree. Its not like we can actually see the things when in VR.

Yeah, I gotta agree. It's not like we can actually see the things when in VR.

No, but as I said (before my slightly flippant comment about cars...)

"While I would agree that function over aesthetics should always win the day, my thoughts on streamlining the FCU was more along the ergonomics line in that if it's too boxy it may not feel as unobtrusive as something that echoes the sleek lines of the digit it is designed to sit on."

My point about cars was to highlight the fact that the two vehicles do exactly the same thing. i.e get you from a to b. But most would choose the nicer looking model if given the chance (even though you can not see what it looks like once your inside it). If getting the Bugatti required me waiting a further 5 years before I could drive to work, well yes I may well go for the 3 wheeler...maybe...

Realistically, this is not the be-all end all VR interface IMO. It however looks to be a significant step up in functionality from the current use a mouse next to the joystick, or fumble around with a touch controller (since I have an occulus). However I think the next step will be some sort of capto-glove type interface if I'm reading the DCS tea-leaves correctly. And IF that gets implemented decently in the next few months all this will mostly be for nought. To use that analogy, the veyron is coming, its just a question of how soon.

Not to be a beater of dead horses, but I agree that it doesn't need to look stylish. It can't. I think form should follow function, that being ergonomics, comfort, and durability in that order. Sure, companies like Oculus and HTC style their headsets aggresively, but that's just putting lipstick on a pig. Nobody looks cool with a VR headset on.

That said, I would look into trying to improve 3d print quality. Your printer may not be up to the task. (I forget which type you said it is?) The layers look pretty inconsistent, maybe an extrusion problem. If that's ABS it's not too bad I suppose, though I'm just an FDM printing newbie.

Realistically, this is not the be-all end all VR interface IMO. It however looks to be a significant step up in functionality from the current use a mouse next to the joystick, or fumble around with a touch controller (since I have an occulus). However I think the next step will be some sort of capto-glove type interface if I'm reading the DCS tea-leaves correctly. And IF that gets implemented decently in the next few months all this will mostly be for nought. To use that analogy, the veyron is coming, its just a question of how soon.

No, but at the same time (for DCS) anyways we don’t really need a full set of gloves either. Maybe a single finger glove with a haptic motor at the tip of the finger.

Personally I’m really looking forward to this version. Trackball is good but this will be much better.

Maybe Milesd is already planning something for his next gen project (he’s been producing project for years). Be interesting anyways

There’s something to be said for a 80% or 90% solution that is half or less than half the price of tracked gloves. Imho anyway.

How close to release for initial users are we

Thanks everyone for your comments and feedback. I have been following along with them. Today I finally completed all the FCU and HMS enclosure changes and tweaks for the initial version, and I am printing production units as I write this.

The FCU is function over form for now. It does look high and boxy, however longer or wider would present interference issues with those that have smaller fingers. The good news is that all components are modular, so if a new slimmer battery becomes available you can just replace your battery and enclosure with a new slimmer one. The current shape presents no issues when you’re in VR, it only looks cumbersome, but feels fine.

My take away from most of the comments is “just get the friggin thing done”. I think some of you have surreptitiously contacted my wife, because she has been telling me the same thing.

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions, I will respond when I have a few more minutes.

Here is a pic showing the FCU’s, Rift, Vive, and Vive Pro Mounts.

:yay::worthy::worthy: Looking great Miles!!!!

I’m throwing money at my computer screen but nothing seems to be happening yet. :thumbup:

Absolutely amazing. FCUs look fantastic Miles!

Good stuff!! We are getting closer. Very excited

Hi Miles,

Thanks for the update. Looking great and good to hear that the FCU's feel right!

I have a feeling that in a months time your product is going to come in very handy for the button-fest that will be the release of the F14! :)

Heres hoping that you can get this out the door by then...no pressure! :D

I think some of you have surreptitiously contacted my wife, because she has been telling me the same thing.

....

Heres hoping that you can get this out the door by then...no pressure! :D

Effective pressure has already been instantiated. :smilewink:

I'm in! Money ready..

Shut up and take my money!!!! Lol

I can't wait to get hands on with it. Don't pay any attention to the naysayers and such, Miles! I personally dont like the glove idea. This is going to be much better for me.

On another note, I installed a landing gear handle in my pit. WOW, that steps immersion up another notch!

On another note, I installed a landing gear handle in my pit. WOW, that steps immersion up another notch!

Nice 1! I've often lamented the fact that none of the main joystick makers has added a decent landing gear handle to their line up.