How to Make a Virtual Reality 3D Tracking Headset for Under 10$

From the past 5 years, the increasingly popular Virtual reality devices like Oculus Rift, Google cardboard, Microsoft HoloLens, have currently dominated the consumer electronics sector to such extent that they much frequently grab a space in most tech magazines, blogs, websites,etc. With the collaboration of head-mounted displays/digital glasses and computer technology, these devices create a simulated, three-dimensional world that a user can manipulate and explore while feeling as if he were in that world.

This Instructable will guide you to make your very own virtual reality device which is very very much like the popular device Oculus rift which on the contrary costs 350$. The skills required for this device is pretty basic in tech and more basic in electronics. This device works with most Oculus rift games like Call of Duty, Silent hill, Flight simulator,etc and VR applications. So..Let`s get started!.........

Step 1: Items to Grab...

An official/Unofficial cardboard headset - These headsets can purchased online fully assembled for 2-4 dollars like I did it else can be made at home for more cheap. The lens required for construction can be taken from any standard binoculars, the distance between the lens and the phone for display will be about 1.5 inch. For construction reference, see the pics.
3 No. mid-size white LED
3 No. 2-4 inch straight equal length sticks
A single 9 volt battery with a 5-10k resistor or 2 AA Batteries
1-2 Ft. wire
Super glue/an quick adhesive

Home Items

4.7-5.3 inch screen Android/IOS Phone
Laptop/Computer with Webcam

Downloads to do

TriDef- http://www.tridef.com/download
FaceTrackNoIR- http://facetracknoir.sourceforge.net/information_l...
Desktop streaming/Android app- http://kinoconsole.kinoni.com/

And on to the construction........

Step 2: The Circuit

Using the reference pic above build a simple circuit connecting the three LED to the Battery. You also can add a simple switch for convenience and solder joints for durability. Make sure to give adequate wire length on each LED to avoid future inconvenience.

Step 3: Attaching the Sticks

Using glue, attach 2 equal length sticks parallel to each other on either side of the frame, allotting 1/4 length of the stick to be attached to the frame. Attach a third stick in a slanted 60 degree position half-way thru the top of the frame. Use adequate amount of glue for increased sturdiness and durability. See pics for reference.

Step 4: Adding the LED Circuit

With the help of tape and glue, firmly attach the three LEDs onto the end of the sticks, positioning them to face the front side of the headset. Using a stickpad/battery holder, attach the battery to one side of the headset that allows both circuit wire to reach the corresponding battery terminal easily. Tape the wires to the headset for durability and neatness.

Completing these finishes us off with the headset, now we`ll start work with our PC and mobile.

Step 5: Configure PC and Phone

Download and install the soft wares mentioned in step 1.

Tridef 3D- TriDef 3D automatically converts DVDs, PC media files and photo files to 3D. You can play back originally made 3D content encoded in a variety of popular 3D formats – top/bottom, 2D plus depth and side by side. Play hundreds of the latest DirectX 9, 10 and 11 PC games, converted to 3D automatically. (*Note- During installation, select side-by-side 3D for the headset to work)

FaceTrackNoIR- Modular headtracking program that supports multiple face-trackers, filters and game-protocols. Among the trackers are the SM FaceAPI, AIC Inertial Head Tracker and PointTracker (IR-tracker derived from FreeTrack). After installing, Select Game Protocol to Mouse Look and Tracker Source to PointTracker. For this program to work properly, you should sit in a well lit room with a good position so your webcam can track the LEDs easily within its range.

KinoConsole- It is remote desktop application optimised for streaming games to your smartphone or tablet device. It basically mirrors PC display to an Android phone. Play games in windowed fullscreen mode for this to work.

Step 6: Testing

Follow the steps for a successful start up, First open FaceTrackNoIR and tweak settings as required. Different games has different setting so trial and error method have to be used sometimes. Then run Desktop streamer and the paired-up android app, after successful streaming to android screen run Tridef 3D. In Tridef 3D, browse a 3D game and launch through it. Slide your phone at the front of the headset with running streaming app. Turn on the LEDs and position yourself in-front of your webcam. Run the game in full screen windowed mode and tweak in game 3D settings for a smoother experience. Now you should be up and running.