SteamVR-Controller

Hello! This repository currently contains documentation and research for a full SteamVR native controller concept that I'm designing. I plan on adding firmware source code, driver code (if necessary), assembly guides, and connections to other projects that I may be working on in the future of my VR endeavours.

Project updates, as regular as they come, may be found in the Informal Devlog.

Also, follow my thought process for hardware on the Hardware Considerations page, and feel free to discuss different options! I've also got a few considerations on different variants of controllers that may provide extra functionality or razor-precise design language to a specific use-case, feel free to check out those ideas in Layout Ideas.

Current project status (subject to change... a lot):

• [x] Ideation
• [ ] Research
  • [ ] Purchase of existing solutions for modding
  • [ ] Purchase of components for testing ideas
• [ ] Pre-Design
  • [ ] Proof of concept
    • Electrical components mapped out, components fit together in some way, etc.
    • Firmware design identified
    • Minimum viable product documented
  • [ ] Ideation for alternatives, spin-offs, and other designs
• [ ] Design and Manufacturing
• [ ] Replication and Testing
• [ ] Bug squashing
• [ ] Evaluation and Iteration

Project goals:

• Create a framework for which general users with some technical knowledge can build their own SteamVR lighthouse tracked hand-held controllers from widely available and easily sourceable components
  • Controller must have feature parity or parity plus with existing mainstream VR controllers. This may include (but may not be limited to) the following functions:
    • Low latency, high accuracy 6DoF tracking
    • Button mapping
      • A
      • B
      • Joystick
      • System (SteamVR menu)
      • Grip (analogue value)
      • Trigger (analogue value)
    • Capacitive touch sensing availability
      • A, B, Joystick
• Ensure compatibility and useability with existing SteamVR-native utilities
• Design for modularity and tweakability to user-desired preferences (examples and ideas below)
  • Individual analogue grip buttons for each finger -- explicit hardware finger tracking
  • Capacitive touch sensing on trigger and grip buttons
  • Hall effect joystick replacement modules (i.e. Gulikit Steamdeck Joystick replacement module)
  • User-serviceable batteries
    • Hot swappable AA, AAA sizes (allows for standard rechargeable NiMH styles)
    • User serviceable Li-Ion battery arrays
  • Capacitive touch-pads (just an idea)
  • Custom SteamVR photoresistor sensor array attachment
  • Compatibility with VR gloves (various shapes, sizes, and designs)

Project Milestones

These milestones are aspirational goals. However, as this is a project I'm working on (currently alone) on my personal time, these dates are not concrete.

• [ ] Frankenstein-modded controller complete - Hopefully completed by Dec 2023
  • [ ] Built from the guts of an existing SteamVR controller (potentially Vive Wand internals)
  • [ ] In DIY-reproduceable state (documentation and guides written, will be accepting feedback)
• [ ] New controller internals in working state - Hopefully completed by Mar 2024
  • [ ] Basic microcontroller working with firmware to detect button interactions
    • Joystick
    • A+B buttons
    • System button
    • Grip
    • Trigger
  • [ ] Tracking done through Tundra / Vive Tracker (utilizing LucidGloves driver to tie positional tracking with existing hardware)
• [ ] New controller ergonomics in design review - Hopefully completed by May 2024
  • [ ] By this point in time, hopefully I'd understand how to use CAD software to some degree enough to at least have a basic controller enclosure to have something working
• [ ] Basic controller v0.1 spec in working state - Hopefully completed by June 2024
• [ ] Custom tracking solution in prototyping - Hopefully in working state around July 2024
  • [ ] Reach out to Tundra Labs (can start earlier and begin vendor relations conversations ahead of time)
  • [ ] ...
• [ ] Customized controller specs in working state - Hopefully completed by August 2024
  • [ ] Beatsaber motion controller
    • [ ] Designed
    • [ ] Built
    • [ ] Tested
    • [ ] Documented
    • [ ] Reproduced
  • [ ] Live performer controller
    • [ ] Designed
    • [ ] Built
    • [ ] Tested
    • [ ] Documented
    • [ ] Reproduced
  • [ ] Alternative ideas?
• [ ] Custom tracking solution refined - Hopefully refined by September 2024
• [ ] Commissions open for low-volume hand-built controllers - Hopefully beginning October 2024
• [ ] Production? Shipping?

Reason for project existence:

Further documentation to be written...