How to Make an HTC Vive With Google Cardboard

Today i am going to show you how to closely emulate and HTC Vive for Under $100.

You will be able to play SteamVR games like The Lab and Job Simulator.

Step 1: Supplies Needed

You will need



• Basic-Medium understanding of computer and gaming software.
• A way to mount the controller to your Headset


Hardware



• Google Cardboard ($5-20)
• Leap Motion Controller ($30-70)
• USB Extender 2-3ft ($5)
• Android Phone (android 5.0+)
• Windows Computer (i5 Equivalent and up)



Software



• Copy of Riftcat for phone here
• Riftcat for PC, free time-limited version or paid version ($15)
• A driver for Leap Motion and SteamVR(Link later)

Step 2: Software Links

Do not install anything yet just download

Download the Orion software for Leap Motion
https://developer.leapmotion.com/get-started

Download Vridge Client (top right area)

https://riftcat.com/vridge

Download Steam (only if you want to play steam VR games

http://store.steampowered.com/about/

Download The Steam VR leap motion driver ( do not install until steam VR is installed) https://github.com/cbuchner1/driver_leap/releases

App for Phone

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riftcat.vridge&hl=en

Step 3: Installing Leap Motion Orion

Run the Exe and follow the steps to install. Here's a link just in case you forgot to download it https://developer.leapmotion.com/get-started

When you are done, Launch the software and just let it run in the background for now.

Step 4: Installing Steam

Go to http://store.steampowered.com/about/ and download steam. If you do not have an account yet you will have to make one.

Install steam and log into your account.

Go ahead and open steam and let it run in the background for now.

Step 5: SteamVR

You will also have to install steam VR to do this open steam Hover your mouse over libraries and click on tools then search SteamVR and install the one called SteamVR.

Step 6: SteamVR/Leap Motion Plugin

Now go to the link:

https://github.com/cbuchner1/driver_leap/releases

and download the file called steamvr_driver_leap...

after that open the zipped folder and run the exe called setup

Now when you open steam VR with the leap motion plugged in it will say that the controllers are connected.

Step 7: Installing Riftcat (PC)

Go to https://riftcat.com/vridge and navigate to the top right corner area and click download client.

Run the installer and open vridge. It may need to update that's ok however you may need to close steam for installation.

You will need to create an account, you can use your google account or make a vridge account.

Step 8: Vridge/Riftcat for Phone

Go to:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com....

on your phone and install Vridge/Riftcat.

Step 9: Time to Play: Connections

Note: you can play the game over wifi however it is extremely slow I recommend turning on USB tethering and plugging your phone into your computer.

Open vridge on the phone and connect it through wifi or USB then open riftcat and it should prompt you, "is this your phone" go ahead and press yes because it probably is.

Step 10: Launching

Once you connect your phone the menu will come up, (make sure your leap motion is plugged in)

Select Play SteamVR games.

Step 11: Get Your Game On

Put your Phone in your headset and put the leap motion on the front of your headset and put it all on your head.

Step 12: Controlling the Game

Steam VR should come up with all the boxes (except for the tracking stations) green.

Here is what your hand Gestures will be to control the game:

Bending of the index finger maps to the trigger button, like you would fire a gun

Clenching the middle, ring, pinky finger to a fist maps to the grabbing buttons

The thumb press gesture (just point the thumb in the direction of your palm) touches and clicks the trackpad

Flat hand held in front of you, palm towards your face is used for application menu button

Flat hand held in front of you, palm away from you is used for system menu button

Please ask any questions you have in the comments.

Step 13: That's All

Comments

[Demoustash]

hi i don't know much about vr but do you need any controllers to control the games ?

[ryan422]

With this setup your hand gestures are interpreted as controller movements in the VR game, most games require some sort of controller to play.

[jacobwhatsyourface]

Do you have the full 6 degrees of freedom?

[ryan422]

Not with this setup allthough RiftCat now has options to use opentrack to give you roomscale posotioning

[Fiddel]

Can you play Onward with this? thx for making, will make one if Onward works! :D

[ryan422]

Currently there is not anyting about that.

[Catfishjames]

Is there any way to use wii remotes instead of the leap motion controller?

[ryan422]

No, Wii remotes do not have positional tracking.

[robot797]

will there be a better implentation for the tumb pad?

[ryan422]

It looks like they are still making developments on the leap Motion plugin.

Here is the link to keep up to date

https://github.com/cbuchner1/driver_leap/releases

[robot797]

also i cant get beond the firth screen of the lab

what does i do wrong

[ryan422]

Does It say Headset Not Found? or is the thumbpad not working properly.

[JodyCochran]

Super fun, Thanks!

[saada72]

amazing tutorial, will try out definetly