VR chat

[1ofmanyof1]

what are the drawbacks to getting an aftermarket link cable as the official ones are all sold out?

Quest link cable: 5 Gbps, Fiber Optic cable

The 3rd party cables are copper conductors as apposed to fiber optic on the official cable. Main benefit of the fiber optic cable is that it is lighter and less prone to twisting (based on reviews I've seen with regards to pulley systems). Don't even bother looking for an equivalent fiber optic one, if you do find one it will likely be way more expensive enthusiast solution for a different use case.

3rd party cables are perfectly fine as long as you check the bandwidth. Just remember that although the current link runs on sub 480 Mbps (USB 2) bandwidth, Facebook is likely to push this up considering they are retiring the Rift S. That being said considering the price of 3rd party cables it's pretty easy to just upgrade if you hit a bandwidth issue in the future.

Found this post discussing bandwidth on third party cables, they should all be fine:

3rd party cable bandwidth tests

Using the new "Test Cable" feature in the Oculus app... Joto 3m cable:- To motherboard's USB sockets front and back (Asus Z97-A) = 1.8Gbps To Inateck Superspeed PCIe card = 1.5Gbps UGreen 5m extension + Joto 3m cable:- To Motherboard's USB sockets = 1.6Gbps note 1: I've heard...

forums.oculusvr.com

Some 3rd party cables have issues with charging and playing at the same time so check some reviews on what is a good choice. Then again the link cable isn't perfect either in this regard. No cable is able to charge faster than the quest drains.

I have heard a lot of reviewers suggest PartyLink as an affordable and functional alternative.

 

[Montezuma]

As far as I can tell the official cable has the following benefits to most 3rd party cables (but each would have it's own merits of course):

1) Fibre for data plus power for charging - so can be charged while in use
2) Fibre allows for extra length compared to copper cable
3) Thin and flexible for comfort (many 3rd party cables are thicker and less flexible, or thin and flexible but shorter)

That's it I guess, I'm going based on youtube vids and review. You can get by with 3rd party cable, though often they recommend an extension with active repeater.

The reason the official cable is so expensive (aside from profit of course) is that it is fibre+copper for power and designed to be thin and flexible. Other options might be copper only so end up shorter, or fatter and less flexible, or can't charge while in use, or need to be used with an active extension cable.

 

[SgtAn4rchy]

Quest link cable: 5 Gbps, Fiber Optic cable

The 3rd party cables are copper conductors as apposed to fiber optic on the official cable. Main benefit of the fiber optic cable is that it is lighter and less prone to twisting (based on reviews I've seen with regards to pulley systems). Don't even bother looking for an equivalent fiber optic one, if you do find one it will likely be way more expensive enthusiast solution for a different use case.

3rd party cables are perfectly fine as long as you check the bandwidth. Just remember that although the current link runs on sub 480 Mbps (USB 2) bandwidth, Facebook is likely to push this up considering they are retiring the Rift S. That being said considering the price of 3rd party cables it's pretty easy to just upgrade if you hit a bandwidth issue in the future.

Found this post discussing bandwidth on third party cables, they should all be fine:

3rd party cable bandwidth tests

Using the new "Test Cable" feature in the Oculus app... Joto 3m cable:- To motherboard's USB sockets front and back (Asus Z97-A) = 1.8Gbps To Inateck Superspeed PCIe card = 1.5Gbps UGreen 5m extension + Joto 3m cable:- To Motherboard's USB sockets = 1.6Gbps note 1: I've heard...

forums.oculusvr.com

Some 3rd party cables have issues with charging and playing at the same time so check some reviews on what is a good choice. Then again the link cable isn't perfect either in this regard. No cable is able to charge faster than the quest drains.

I have heard a lot of reviewers suggest PartyLink as an affordable and functional alternative.

reason the official cable is so expensive (aside from profit of course) is that it is fibre+copper for power and designed to be thin and flexible. Other options might be copper only so end up shorter, or fatter and less flexible, or can't charge while in use, or ne

Thanks for the advice guys, its just that i want to make a once off purchase as i have reached my import limit and would prefer if i do go with the quest 2, to get the Q2 + Cable + Headstrap + facial cover, but it seems I'm out of luck on the facial cover as well

 

[EELeat]

SO... not sure if this is the place, but I'm looking to get into VR again and after Retrying the original VIVE which I owned a few years ago, it has not aged well for me, well the visual fidelity at least, the tracking is still great.
I want to know which option should i go mid to end October, the Quest 2 (FB issues aside), Reverb G2, or the valve index. I want to use the VR at home only, so portability isn't a requirement, but i want to use it for both Sims (assetto corsa, DCS etc) and room scale (Alyx, boneworks, beatsaber). I'm looking to invest in a headset that will last me the next 3-5 years without having to feel the need to upgrade

When I had my Vive I did an upgrade. I took the lenses fresnel lenses out and replaced them with Samsung Gear VR lenses. I'd say it was about a 30% improvement on my enjoyment of playing VR. Have a look and consider the upgrade.

 

[hideinlight]

I gave in, R7900 for 64Gig + Elite headstrap.
That's what got deducted in the end.

 

[hideinlight]

Here's my oculus link combo I've been using for ages. Unfortunately I broke my 10ft cable, but that was pretty much my fault. Works great, flexible, doesn't tangle, light. The usb extention is purely for the extra length.

https://www.amazon.com/ivoler-USB-Cable-Pack-USB/dp/B07375RHX1/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=ivoler&qid=1602540048&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Extension-Cable-Male-Female/dp/B014RWATK2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=Q19FAO4JOBMJ&dchild=1&keywords=usb+extension+cable&qid=1602540177&sprefix=usb%2Caps%2C423&sr=8-3

 

[Montezuma]

Shipped!

 

[hideinlight]

Shipped!

Arriving Oct 27 - Nov 2

 

[wildcard101]

Mine hasn't shipped yet, but says delivery between the 15th and 22nd...guessing it's going to be closer to the 22nd

 

[1ofmanyof1]

Check your tracking number directly through your courier. Half of my order has already shipped and delivery is the 16/10 on the courier site compared to the 22nd on Amazon. Real pity the part that is shipping first is the facial interface and link cable.....

 

[Montezuma]

I think Amazon by default gives the end of the date range, I've almost always had the delivery occur before Amazon's estimate date except for once where my package disappeared completely (in US, not here) and Amazon gave me a full refund. That said DHL doesn't have an expected date for me. I did pay for the faster delivery though.

 

[SgtAn4rchy]

Check your tracking number directly through your courier. Half of my order has already shipped and delivery is the 16/10 on the courier site compared to the 22nd on Amazon. Real pity the part that is shipping first is the facial interface and link cable.....

which facial interface did you end up going with?

 

[hideinlight]

I did take standard shipping though, instead of prime.

 

[1ofmanyof1]

which facial interface did you end up going with?

Went with the official fit pack since not much on the market yet. Was mainly after the light blockers but the one face cover actually looks thinner than the standard one. Hopefully that will get me closer to the lenses for a little FOV bump. If they turn out crap I'm planning on stripping the foam off of them and applying my own padding to the frames.

 

[1ofmanyof1]

Forgot to post this earlier today. When I selected delivery option yesterday and confirmed express delivery it actually reduced my import fees deposit to the lower amount on the left! Not sure if this is due to improvements in import restrictions since I made the order or if it was an error from the beginning but can confirm the payment that went through today was for the lower amount. Seems like reconfirming your delivery method updates your invoice. If you see similarly high import fees on your invoice maybe try the above method (at own risk obviously, since I have no idea what kind of black magic is going on here)

 

[Montezuma]

View attachment 60017
Forgot to post this earlier today. When I selected delivery option yesterday and confirmed express delivery it actually reduced my import fees deposit to the lower amount on the left! Not sure if this is due to improvements in import restrictions since I made the order or if it was an error from the beginning but can confirm the payment that went through today was for the lower amount. Seems like reconfirming your delivery method updates your invoice. If you see similarly high import fees on your invoice maybe try the above method (at own risk obviously, since I have no idea what kind of black magic is going on here)

There seems to a be something wrong with the initial import fees calc. We saw similar effect happening (see further up in the thread) where adding a second item also reduced the import fees to the lower amount.

 

[Montezuma]

Estimated delivery - Monday 19th from DHL. Bit disappointed, was hoping they really could manage 2 days! But 4 (business) days from shipping isn't bad though, guess I won't have to sanitize the box inside the box.

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

Nobody cares about your goddamn delivery dates! Stop spamming!

PS : If it doesn't come across there's a hint of a little envy because my units haven't even shipped yet and delivery dates are a tad too far in the future

 

[Montezuma]

Nobody cares about your goddamn delivery dates! Stop spamming!

PS : If it doesn't come across there's a hint of a little envy because my units haven't even shipped yet and delivery dates are a tad too far in the future

Hint taken

You're not wrong though, we should reserve the thread for useful discussion.

 

[SgtAn4rchy]

So I did it...
earlier I Placed an order for the quest 2 and a "few accessories".
And now I'm sitting here, looking at my still "Open" order and it actually is kinda expensive, well a lot more expensive than initially thought.
The Quest 2 64GB + Elite Strap + interfaces + Link Cable, then throw in shipping, taxes + Duties on all of the above and that's not too mention having to rebuy anything I want to use in standalone mode + the Virtual Desktop app if I want to try the wireless PCVR experience.

Then the problematic non-problem that is the Facebook account requirement, because the question of is it worth it to give your Data to FB for a $300 all in one headset becomes a lot more tricky when its no longer just $300

Beginning to wonder about the viability of the G2 and if it really is that expensive when you reckon in that you get most of what are optional extras with the quest 2 and that you won't have to buy anything extra, maybe just an interface, but then again, we don't know what the availability or Price is gonna be like for the G2 anyway, we could have another fiasco like the 3080's where it might just mean that the $600 of the G2 ends up being like R16000+

I don't know, maybe I'm just over analysing and being overly critical about all of this

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

So I did it...
earlier I Placed an order for the quest 2 and a "few accessories".
And now I'm sitting here, looking at my still "Open" order and it actually is kinda expensive, well a lot more expensive than initially thought.
The Quest 2 64GB + Elite Strap + interfaces + Link Cable, then throw in shipping, taxes + Duties on all of the above and that's not too mention having to rebuy anything I want to use in standalone mode + the Virtual Desktop app if I want to try the wireless PCVR experience.

Then the problematic non-problem that is the Facebook account requirement, because the question of is it worth it to give your Data to FB for a $300 all in one headset becomes a lot more tricky when its no longer just $300

Beginning to wonder about the viability of the G2 and if it really is that expensive when you reckon in that you get most of what are optional extras with the quest 2 and that you won't have to buy anything extra, maybe just an interface, but then again, we don't know what the availability or Price is gonna be like for the G2 anyway, we could have another fiasco like the 3080's where it might just mean that the $600 of the G2 ends up being like R16000+

I don't know, maybe I'm just over analysing and being overly critical about all of this

Sometimes thinking less helps
You ordered it - now enjoy it when it comes.

 

[wildcard101]

So I did it...
earlier I Placed an order for the quest 2 and a "few accessories".
And now I'm sitting here, looking at my still "Open" order and it actually is kinda expensive, well a lot more expensive than initially thought.
The Quest 2 64GB + Elite Strap + interfaces + Link Cable, then throw in shipping, taxes + Duties on all of the above and that's not too mention having to rebuy anything I want to use in standalone mode + the Virtual Desktop app if I want to try the wireless PCVR experience.

Then the problematic non-problem that is the Facebook account requirement, because the question of is it worth it to give your Data to FB for a $300 all in one headset becomes a lot more tricky when its no longer just $300

Beginning to wonder about the viability of the G2 and if it really is that expensive when you reckon in that you get most of what are optional extras with the quest 2 and that you won't have to buy anything extra, maybe just an interface, but then again, we don't know what the availability or Price is gonna be like for the G2 anyway, we could have another fiasco like the 3080's where it might just mean that the $600 of the G2 ends up being like R16000+

I don't know, maybe I'm just over analysing and being overly critical about all of this

Yeah I aslo noticed that the price was getting a bit on the high side after adding in all the accessories. Decided to rather just get the quest 2 and a cheaper 3rd party cable for now and then maybe get the other accessories in future...if I feel like they are needed.

 

[SgtAn4rchy]

Yeah I aslo noticed that the price was getting a bit on the high side after adding in all the accessories. Decided to rather just get the quest 2 and a cheaper 3rd party cable for now and then maybe get the other accessories in future...if I feel like they are needed.

Yeah, i was just super scared of cheating out on the cable as my main use for this will be PCVR and if the cable ends up not working or flaking out after a week then i get to keep mine in the cupboard for a week or 3 until i can get a replacement shipped to me, plus that might get Sars on my Tail on account of import limits

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

Yeah I aslo noticed that the price was getting a bit on the high side after adding in all the accessories. Decided to rather just get the quest 2 and a cheaper 3rd party cable for now and then maybe get the other accessories in future...if I feel like they are needed.

Good call - getting the headset and evaluating if those other expensive addons are indeed 'needed'.

Chances are - you'll find they are not

 

[SgtAn4rchy]

Good call - getting the headset and evaluating if those other expensive addons are indeed 'needed'.

Chances are - you'll find they are not

Valid point, you can't miss what you never had

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

Valid point, you can't miss what you never had

Indeed.

Plus, reviews are coming out debunking how 'uncomfortable' the new strap system on the Quest 2 actually is.
It's not the most comfortable, sure, but it is more comfortable than the Quest 1. Taking size and weight reductions in to consideration.
I didn't find the Quest 1 uncomfortable at all - the head mount system was functional and I never felt the need to modify it. And if the Quest 2 is even marginally more comfortable I wouldn't be able to justify buying Oculus official mods at what are essentially over-inflated prices.


Same goes for the Oculus battery pack and the official Link cable. Comparative products in the wild cost a fraction of Oculus pricing.

It's all subjective and relative though I guess. Anything strapped to your face hours on end isn't the most 'pleasant' of experiences. That's why I've always had the hour on hour off rule for every VR headset I've owned. That addresses every concern, comfort, battery life, possible motion sickness, addiction to disconnecting from the real world , recovery breaks from nutting in VR porn.

 

[SgtAn4rchy]

Indeed.

Plus, reviews are coming out debunking how 'uncomfortable' the new strap system on the Quest 2 actually is.
It's not the most comfortable, sure, but it is more comfortable than the Quest 1. Taking size and weight reductions in to consideration.
I didn't find the Quest 1 uncomfortable at all - the head mount system was functional and I never felt the need to modify it. And if the Quest 2 is even marginally more comfortable I wouldn't be able to justify buying Oculus official mods at what are essentially over-inflated prices.


Same goes for the Oculus battery pack and the official Link cable. Comparative products in the wild cost a fraction of Oculus pricing.

It's all subjective and relative though I guess. Anything strapped to your face hours on end isn't the most 'pleasant' of experiences. That's why I've always had the hour on hour off rule for every VR headset I've owned. That addresses every concern, comfort, battery life, possible motion sickness, addiction to disconnecting from the real world , recovery breaks from nutting in VR porn.

not a bad rule, just not sure I would be watching VR porn with the latest FB policies, I can just Imagine my wife gets a personalised ad for pornhub on Facebook "Your husband likes this, so you might too"

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

not a bad rule, just not sure I would be watching VR porn with the latest FB policies, I can just Imagine my wife gets a personalised ad for pornhub on Facebook "Your husband likes this, so you might too"

Every problem has a solution.
Make your own VR porn - problem solved.
I think folks are overreacting about how prevalent and pervasive FB is going to 'control and monitor' it all.

Famous last words but . . . what's the worst that can possibly happen?

 

[1ofmanyof1]

Every problem has a solution.
Make your own VR porn - problem solved.
I think folks are overreacting about how prevalent and pervasive FB is going to 'control and monitor' it all.

Famous last words but . . . what's the worst that can possibly happen?

Just set my Quest 2 up and one of the first options you can choose is whether your quest activity is public/friends only/private. So no risk of notifying the FB community of your viewing habits

As to the accessories. I'd say the fit pack is only worth it if you:
A: have a wide or narrow head
B: You have a normal head and wear glasses. Friend tried the wide option with glasses and it allows for nice clearance for the arms while still fitting well enough. With the normal facial interface the glasses arms were pinched against his face.

Tried the strap for like an hour during setup and didn't have any issues. Then switched to the elite strap and realized that although it a bit more comfortable the fabric strap makes it so much easier to slip the headset on and off. Time will tell with fatigue etc on long sessions.

 

[1ofmanyof1]

So I did it...
earlier I Placed an order for the quest 2 and a "few accessories".
And now I'm sitting here, looking at my still "Open" order and it actually is kinda expensive, well a lot more expensive than initially thought.
The Quest 2 64GB + Elite Strap + interfaces + Link Cable, then throw in shipping, taxes + Duties on all of the above and that's not too mention having to rebuy anything I want to use in standalone mode + the Virtual Desktop app if I want to try the wireless PCVR experience.

Then the problematic non-problem that is the Facebook account requirement, because the question of is it worth it to give your Data to FB for a $300 all in one headset becomes a lot more tricky when its no longer just $300

Beginning to wonder about the viability of the G2 and if it really is that expensive when you reckon in that you get most of what are optional extras with the quest 2 and that you won't have to buy anything extra, maybe just an interface, but then again, we don't know what the availability or Price is gonna be like for the G2 anyway, we could have another fiasco like the 3080's where it might just mean that the $600 of the G2 ends up being like R16000+

I don't know, maybe I'm just over analysing and being overly critical about all of this

Unfortunately Amazon charges shipping and import taxes per item so there really is no benefit to bundling. Can't find the link now but it is clearly stated in on their page somewhere. You can buy the headset now and order the elite strap/ link cable later and there will be no difference in cost (other than exchange rate variation)