PointCTRL - Finger Mounted VR Controller

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

This is why I love these forums, all of these great ideas that you guys share.

 

I didn't even think of using the headset mounted PointCTRL aux buttons to go to the virtual desktop. I was just thinking of a way to alt/tab to change window focus with the aux buttons. The Aux buttons are now hard coded as q,w,e,r,t, and y, and you can use them with DCS modifies as well.

 

Just like Snake122 said, if you can come up with a keyboard command, you can do anything you want with the aux buttons. I use PointCTRL all the time on the Oculus virtual desctop.I know RougeSquadron uses "keyboard gremlin" to do a lot of custom mapping with PointCTRL.

 

Hope that helps, thanks for the question harf4ng, and thanks for the answer Snake122. Its really helpful when you guys provide feedback, ideas, and answers for each other, and also me.

 

Miles

 

Let me tell you whenever I notice a message by you is posted on this thread, my heartbeat rises just in case my unit is being delivered :)

[X-31_VECTOR]

A few questions that I couldn't find the answers for (though to be fair, I did not read all 134 pages of this thread):

 

- What is the "startup procedure" for getting into a flying session? Is there any software that needs to be loaded beforehand? Do you have to calibrate before each session? Or is it just a matter of slipping on the FCUs and hitting their power buttons? Does the camera need to be turned on, or is it always on as long as it's plugged into its USB port?

 

- When not using PointCTRL, do most folks just keep the FCUs plugged in and charging to they're ready to go next time, or will this shorten battery life?

 

Great work Miles! I hope you still find time to actually fly and use your product between filling all these orders.

[Snake122]

A few questions that I couldn't find the answers for (though to be fair, I did not read all 134 pages of this thread):

 

- What is the "startup procedure" for getting into a flying session? Is there any software that needs to be loaded beforehand? Do you have to calibrate before each session? Or is it just a matter of slipping on the FCUs and hitting their power buttons? Does the camera need to be turned on, or is it always on as long as it's plugged into its USB port?

Calibrate basically once, maybe adjust as you get experience. Otherwise, the sensor camera stays plugged in with USB and mounted to my VR headset. You press the FCU power button on each one and away you go.

- When not using PointCTRL, do most folks just keep the FCUs plugged in and charging to they're ready to go next time, or will this shorten battery life?

Being Lithium rechargable (like a smartphone), technically the chemistry does best at about 80% charge, letting it get to the extreme low and high percentages will limit battery life. When I notice the simple, effective built in on screen charge level indicator is getting low, I charge them. It typically is about 20 minutes to a full charge if I don't let them get too low, even then I think it is about 30 minutes from empty to full. I've never been concerned about them going dead during fliying sessions.

 

Great work Miles! I hope you still find time to actually fly and use your product between filling all these orders.

Agreed!

 

 

[X-31_VECTOR]

Thank you Snake. Time to go add myself to the order list.

[Sabre185]

Please add me to the pointctrl V2 list. Thanks

[Miles Vorkosigan]

@Sabre185 there is a process to ordering, you can read about it in the first post under the "How to Order" section.

[Sabre185]

@Miles Vorkosigan Thank you,

Done

None of the links worked for me initially.

 

[Exiler652]

Posting here as I am not able to sent FireBird a PM, says Firebird is not allowing PM's or Firebird is not allowed to receive PM's.

 

Please can you place me on the waiting list for the below items.

Also can they be shipped to South Africa?

 

1 x USB Charge Monitor and and data logger

 

1 x PointCTRL Kit (V2 if possible)

[Dadderz]

Please add me to the list for PointCTRL Kit V2

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

the waiting list hasn´t been updated since last October. I don´t know if FireBird is on Discord to help you out, guys.

 

[MilesD]

Hey Guys,

There is a WIP bare bones Pre order form on the website now. Just go to the "Preorder Form tab at https://pointctrl.com and fill out the info. Everything else still applies and this is just picking up where FireCats list stopped. The Page should be updated tonight and more clear.

 

Thanks,

Miles

PointCTRL – Virtual Reality Control Device

[MilesD]

Here is video review of PointCTRL from Salamander that shows it being used. It's better than anything I could ever do.

 

Thanks Salamander,

 

Miles

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

Hey Guys,

There is a WIP bare bones Pre order form on the website now. Just go to the "Preorder Form tab at https://pointctrl.com and fill out the info. Everything else still applies and this is just picking up where FireCats list stopped. The Page should be updated tonight and more clear.

 

Thanks,

Miles

 

Preorder on the website, thanks.

[MilesD]

Hey Tundra, You good, because your already on the list. I didn't make it very clear, If your on FireCats list now, you don't have to submit on the website. The website preorder is only for those not currently on the list.

 

Thanks,

 

Miles

[TimberWolf]

How do I know if I'm on the list? I PM'd Firecat, but haven't heard back at all.

[MilesD]

Hey TimberWolf, The waiting list is now on http://pointctrl.com. Just head over to the PREORDER tab and fill out the form.

 

Thanks,

 

Miles

 

[jym]

Just curious, but what on Earth do you lot do with/to your controllers that this needs to come with a fireproof case?

[Sr.]

Just curious, but what on Earth do you lot do with/to your controllers that this needs to come with a fireproof case?

 

My guess is the LIPO batteries.

[Snake122]

Just curious, but what on Earth do you lot do with/to your controllers that this needs to come with a fireproof case?

 

It is a typical thing you see with lithium chemistry battery hobbyist items like RC planes, cars, airsoft, etc.It is being extra cautious despite you probably keeping the same kind of battery in your pocket and night stand 24/7.

[jym]

Too true, and I'm certainly not complaining about it.

 

Safety is good, but (to put it crudely) nowadays people are probably inserting objects containing such batteries into delicate portions of their anatomy, and I'll bet said objects are neither fireproof nor shock-resistant.

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

Too true, and I'm certainly not complaining about it.

 

Safety is good, but (to put it crudely) nowadays people are probably inserting objects containing such batteries into delicate portions of their anatomy, and I'll bet said objects are neither fireproof nor shock-resistant.

 

Maybe it´s something for delivery, or even demanded by delivery companies for ground, sea and air transport, insurance policies and whatnot.

[Snake122]

Quoting a previous post I made on this:

 

A lithium chemistry battery is in practically all consumer portable electronics today. I can't think of a smartphone that doesn't use a lithium battery. Debatably the LiPos that Miles uses are safer of the two options: https://www.androidauthority.com/lithium-ion-vs-lithium-polymer-whats-the-difference-27608/amp/

 

Miles comes from an background where they are extra safe with these batteries since they tend to remove them for recharging and that handling of the batteries adds an extra layer of risk. So RC users, airsofters, and other hobbyists tend to treat LiPos with respect since they can be dangerous if mistreated while charging or handling.

 

But again, they are a staple in modern electronics and really Miles is being extra safe including the bag compared to practically all electronics manufacturers that deem these batteries safe when mounted in a device you carry around in your pocket or bag next to you all day. LiPo chemistry at this size level is the only way to get the energy density needed to have a reasonable battery life. Otherwise, you would need to change the battery practically every flight. Miles will tell you to use the bag because of his years of experience with the batteries. While Miles would probably disagree with me because of his perspective, I would tell you the batteries mounted in the PointCtrl are just as safe as your phone/tablet/laptop. Miles, rightfully so as an inventor and small business owner, is being extra cautious since his devices may in his eyes have a minutely higher chance than a big factory electronic device (however, I would point out Miles has far better QC and inspection than those factories that probably make it less of a chance). I appreciate Miles wanting to keep us safe and use the bag pretty much every time:D

 

But just so you can see what can happen, granted this battery, while small, is about 5-10 times the size of what is in PointCtrl:

 

[hannibal]

hello @MilesD is this pre order form for pointctrl version 2?

[MilesD]

hello @MilesD is this pre order form for pointctrl version 2?

 

Hey Hannibal, The Pre-Order form on the website just picks up where FireCats left off. I think your already on FireCats list and waiting for v2, correct?

 

[hannibal]

 

Hey Hannibal, The Pre-Order form on the website just picks up where FireCats left off. I think your already on FireCats list and waiting for v2, correct?

 

YESSSSS!!!!! i am waiting for the v2!!!