Reverb G2 no longer the best VR headset?

[g7rta]

I’ve been away from Flight Simming (& this forum) for quite some time,  due to other hobbies taking over my time. 
however I’ve just bought a new pc and am getting back into the virtual skies.  I had a few slight issues with my Reverb headset a few months back. Like others have found, the cable has been playing up a bit, causing the occasional flickering & displays going off.

When I connected the headset into the new pc at the weekend, I could barely get it to work. I probably neglected it over the last few months and it’s pretty much decided to stop completely

 

So..  after watching several YouTube videos (VR FlightSim Guy & Simhanger)  I placed an order with Pimax for the new Crystal headset!  Sadly it might take 3 or 4 weeks to arrive (or longer?)

not being able to wait that long… I also ordered a Pico 4 from Amazon! and it arrived today. It took a bit of setting up for MSFS ( needed Steam & SteamVR installing, plus Virtual Desktop)  I launched MSFS with ULTRA settings. Bear in mind the Pico 4 was un-tethered, but they made no difference…. All I can say is WOW!!!  so clear & so smooth! Even flying around London City Airport.. it was incredibly smooth and I could see for miles! Ok so the new pc was playing a huge part of that, but I have to say I’m very impressed.

 

They say the Pimax Crystal is even better.  I can’t wait!

 

Regards

Steve

[kevinfolsom]

Welcome back, Steve. Congratulations on your new pc. Sorry to here about your G2. Mine took a dump after the first 6 months I had it. HP sent me a new cord but that didn't fix it. Then they sent me a new styled upgraded cord but that didn't fix it either. HP finally sent me a new headset which came with the new style cord and it has been golden ever since. Also congratulations on your new headsets. You are making it difficult for me to keep up with you. I just got a new Nvidia RTX 4080 video card to replace my 2080 card and that made MSFS a whole new fantastic experience. Everything is smooth with just about everything set on ultra. But I won't be getting a new VR headset anytime soon. The video card set me back quite a bit.

 

Regards

Kevin

[g7rta]

Thanks Kevin

I’m glad I didn’t buy the replacement G2 cable then. From what you’ve said, it probably wouldn’t have fixed mine either. Not sure what I’ll do with the G2 now though. Obviously it’s no longer in warranty.

Not that I’m too bothered. I’m loving the Pico 4 and can’t wait for the Pimax!

Regards

steve

[Buck Turgidson]

Great to hear about your new PC Steve.  With all the people talking about VR I thought I would give it a go.  I ordered the Crystal on 30 June and received verification of address about mid July and paid within a week.  So far I have received 2 emails apologizing for the wait.  Currently they are saying end of August ship.  My current PC may not be able to drive the VR even though it is maxed on a 4K 42" monitor.

[g7rta]

On 8/21/2023 at 6:10 AM, Buck Turgidson said:

Great to hear about your new PC Steve.  With all the people talking about VR I thought I would give it a go.  I ordered the Crystal on 30 June and received verification of address about mid July and paid within a week.  So far I have received 2 emails apologizing for the wait.  Currently they are saying end of August ship.  My current PC may not be able to drive the VR even though it is maxed on a 4K 42" monitor.

Thank you  

I hope the Crystal is worth the wait (hopefully it will be ).   When I placed my order, I received the address confirmation email within 2 or 3 days, and delivery was saying early September. Going by your long wait, I suspect I too will have to wait quite a while. 
At least I’ve got the Pico in the mean time, & have to say I’m quite impressed with it.

 

Regards

Steve

[Buck Turgidson]

Two days ago I received notice that Crystal is inbound.  Will let you know if it works with my setup.  I will probably need new PC or at least the graphics card.  Hard to say since this one has been outstanding with 4k and ultra settings.

 

[g7rta]

Great!  Hope it works well with your setup

 

I’ve got the new pc.. just waiting for the Crystal. I haven’t heard anything since the confirmation. I think the website said estimated ship date around Sept 4th so might not be too long 

 

Regards

Steve

 

[g7rta]

I’ve had an email….  claiming to be from Pimax, telling me that my Crystal has been despatched via FedEx

I presume the email is genuine (the timing etc is spot on) but it has to be one of the worst looking genuine emails I’ve ever had.

for a start it’s addressed “Dear Client”.  At least the previous emails were actually addressed to me.

Assuming it is genuine.. then the Crystal is on the way

 

The fake looking email definitely was genuine… and the new headset is due for delivery tomorrow by FedEx

 

Regards

Steve

[Buck Turgidson]

On 9/4/2023 at 6:31 PM, g7rta said:

I’ve had an email….   but it has to be one of the worst looking genuine emails I’ve ever had.

for a start it’s addressed “Dear Client”.

Ah you client so good, shippy shippy long time! 

 

Got mine yesterday.  After connecting all the cords, charging and firmware updates..  I was stunned!  Works well on my system and is really shocking how different it is.  Full 3d and depth perception!  You are actually in the cockpit.  You look over at the skids get light and they flex!  Even with my modest system it is stunning and I haven't even optimized the settings.

 I can't wait to hear your opinion with a decent PC.

 

[g7rta]

13 hours ago, Buck Turgidson said:

Ah you client so good, shippy shippy long time! 

 

Got mine yesterday.  After connecting all the cords, charging and firmware updates..  I was stunned!  Works well on my system and is really shocking how different it is.  Full 3d and depth perception!  You are actually in the cockpit.  You look over at the skids get light and they flex!  Even with my modest system it is stunning and I haven't even optimized the settings.

 I can't wait to hear your opinion with a decent PC.

 

That’s good to know . I’m glad it’s working so well for you

Not knowing if I’d be in for delivery, I gave them my mum’s address for the delivery. It’s a gorgeous sunny day here  and I’m sat inside at my mum’s waiting for FedEx! From what you’ve told me though, it sounds like it’ll be worth it

EDIT:  the still showing as “On Time” FedEx delivery still hasn’t arrived.

originally being delivered this morning 8.20am to 12.20pm

then it changed to “before 18.00”

when that time came & went, it changed to “ before end of day” 

last known tracking… Stansted airport, two days ago. Still doesn’t say out for delivery, despite it being “on time”

 

 

Regards

Steve

[g7rta]

On 9/7/2023 at 5:20 AM, Buck Turgidson said:

Ah you client so good, shippy shippy long time! 

 

Got mine yesterday.  After connecting all the cords, charging and firmware updates..  I was stunned!  Works well on my system and is really shocking how different it is.  Full 3d and depth perception!  You are actually in the cockpit.  You look over at the skids get light and they flex!  Even with my modest system it is stunning and I haven't even optimized the settings.

 I can't wait to hear your opinion with a decent PC.

 

I finally got my Crystal today (FedEx delivered it to my mum’s address yesterday, several days late)

I’ve just spent the last two hours trying to get it to work. I’m having connection problems. The guide shows the USB leads aren’t in ( they are of course) tried all the recommended suggestions (several times) like unplugging my other monitors. (I do hope we don’t have to do this forever. We shouldn’t have to unplug anything) hasn’t helped me anyway.

One worry is that the USB 3 plug is hot. Very hot! Makes no difference if I plug it into the Pimax hub, or directly into the pc.

I’ve raised a ticket with Pimax. I’m guessing I’ll be waiting again.

im starting to regret buying it already. Didn’t have these problems with the Pico 4, Reverb G2,  or the Rift CV1 ( or quest 1 & 2) and I’ve never had such a high spec pc. 

 

Regards

Steve

[kevinfolsom]

Sorry to hear that, Steve. I hope it is something simple and get it working. It would be a shame if you had to send it back for repair/replacement as the extra time it would take.

 

Kind Regards

Kevin

[g7rta]

32 minutes ago, kevinfolsom said:

Sorry to hear that, Steve. I hope it is something simple and get it working. It would be a shame if you had to send it back for repair/replacement as the extra time it would take.

 

Kind Regards

Kevin

Thanks Kevin  

The USB plug overheating can’t be a good thing. I’ve been googling various things as you do, and there are other similar posts online. I just hope Pimax reply to me soon & with a helpful answer. I’ll be trying more things in the meantime & I’ll keep you posted  

 

Regards

Steve

[kevinfolsom]

I wish you good luck, Steve. I hope everything works out for you. I am very interested for your review of this VR Headset. Please keep us informed.

 

Kind Regards

Kevin

[Blackcat]

'Even with my modest system'

 

You make several references to your modest system: what is it?

[kevinfolsom]

Hi, Steve. I don't know if this will help but here is a video on connecting the Pimax. 

 

 

Kind Regards

Kevin

[g7rta]

Thanks Kevin,

it’s a good video. Unfortunately I did everything pretty much the same way. I’m going to have another go though tomorrow.

With the USB 2.0 cable / plug getting quite hot, I suspect something is wrong. A faulty cable maybe?

Thanks again for this. I’ll keep you posted.

 

Regards

Steve

[Buck Turgidson]

5 hours ago, g7rta said:

it’s a good video. Unfortunately I did everything pretty much the same way. I’m going to have another go though tomorrow.

With the USB 2.0 cable / plug getting quite hot, I suspect something is wrong. A faulty cable maybe?

Thanks again for this. I’ll keep you posted.

 

Regards

Steve

 

I had a look at the vid so I didn't duplicate effort.  I am a computer retard but a decent system engineer so take this with a grain of salt.

 

• Disconnect the HMD and start with one part only - the Hub.
• I just checked my connection to the USB hub and it is through a 3.1 port.  There is a lot of data going through so connect the hub to a high end connection port, not the standard 2.0.
• With nothing else plugged into the hub, is it hot still?  If so try another cable from  one of your back up drives  until this part is checked.
• If the hub is now running cool, plug some drives into the 2.0 ports and see if you can see them on your system.  If so, unplug them and reconnect the HMD
• I did not unplug any of my monitors and have all three ports used.  Plug in the HMD and try the boot procedure stating with Pmax, followed by Open XR and Toolkit

This is the best I can do.  I suspect a hub issue or hub cable issue.  I hope you get it running soon.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

15 hours ago, Blackcat said:

'Even with my modest system'

 

You make several references to your modest system: what is it?

 

Win 10 64. I have a 2080Ti with 11 gigs on board.  The main board is AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core Processor 3.59 GHz with 32 gig ram.  Both GPU and CPU are liquid cooled.  I can't provide much more than that because a friend of mine set this up by request for the release of 2020 and that is what I bought this for exclusively.  It is probably overclocked.  It is GPU limited with Crystal and runs at 100% and 75 to 80 C.

 

I use the CH products pro throttle, fighter stick and Cessna peddles from back in FSX.  Up til i got HMD I was using Track Ir5.

 

I find the Crystal very smooth looking around exactly like I am there.  When I lean out to look at the skids, they are where they are supposed to be.  On the first day on really abrupt maneuvers I got dizzy twice which only lasted for about a second since my eyes were saying I should feel some g's but my butt said nothing was happening.  Since then I have experienced no dizziness.

 

I am still working through setting optimization with the finesse of a chimp inspecting a china shop.

[g7rta]

6 hours ago, Buck Turgidson said:

 

I had a look at the vid so I didn't duplicate effort.  I am a computer retard but a decent system engineer so take this with a grain of salt.

 

• Disconnect the HMD and start with one part only - the Hub.
• I just checked my connection to the USB hub and it is through a 3.1 port.  There is a lot of data going through so connect the hub to a high end connection port, not the standard 2.0.
• With nothing else plugged into the hub, is it hot still?  If so try another cable from  one of your back up drives  until this part is checked.
• If the hub is now running cool, plug some drives into the 2.0 ports and see if you can see them on your system.  If so, unplug them and reconnect the HMD
• I did not unplug any of my monitors and have all three ports used.  Plug in the HMD and try the boot procedure stating with Pmax, followed by Open XR and Toolkit

This is the best I can do.  I suspect a hub issue or hub cable issue.  I hope you get it running soon.

 

Thanks Buck,  I’ll do everything in that order and see how it goes.

The hub shouldn’t get hot on its own tho, as it’s actually the usb 3 plug (on the HMD cable) that heats up.  In the video the guy says it’s a fibre optic cable.. but I’m pretty sure the one he has, isn’t.. and neither is mine. Not that that’d make any difference.

I’ll let you know how I get on  

 

Regards

Steve

[g7rta]

Right just had another go….   starting with everything unplugged.

 

I connected the hub to a USB 3.2 socket on the pc.  No problems whatsoever. Plugging in a memory stick into the hub is fine. All worked ok, so nothing wrong with the hub.

I then connected the Pimax cable to the hub, and the DP plug into the RTX4090 on the pc.  I didn’t unplug any of my three screens and I hadn’t plugged the other end into the headset yet.

Already I can feel the cable’s USB 3.0 plug (that’s now plugged into the hub) heating up. It gets hot quite quickly.

I reinstalled the Pimax Play software and connected the HMD.

Same “disconnected” message and clicking guidance still shows usual picture of the usb leads not being connected.

At least it’s looking like the hub and headset are ok.. and I’m leaning towards a faulty cable, 

I sent Pimax another message last night & I think I’ll send another one now, explains what I’ve tried. They’re not the quickest at replying are they?

 

edit: I have now also plugged the cable’s USB 3 plug into the hub, with no other end plugged in.. just that on its own.

it still heats up.  Pretty conclusive?

 

Regards

Steve

[chicagorandy]

Sounds very conclusive IMHO - if this is not a proprietary cable but a standard USB 3 do you have any others you can try in its place? For as 'pricey' as that Pimax is, you think they'd use very high quality components. You have every right to be displeased with their less than stellar customer service response so far.

[g7rta]

5 hours ago, chicagorandy said:

Sounds very conclusive IMHO - if this is not a proprietary cable but a standard USB 3 do you have any others you can try in its place? For as 'pricey' as that Pimax is, you think they'd use very high quality components. You have every right to be displeased with their less than stellar customer service response so far.

Thanks Randy,

no unfortunately I don’t have another cable I could use. It’s made up of a display port on one end..  another on the other end, along with a USB (2?) plug & the trouble causing USB 3 plug.

I’m sure Pimax will already know about the problem. I read that they have had a shortage of these cables (due to returns?) and have had to ship some of the headsets out with the more expensive fibre optic cables.

I await their reply now.

 

Regards

Steve

[Buck Turgidson]

I am very sorry to hear that Steve but on the positive side, they should get a new cable to you quick.  My Hub is cool to touch even after a two hour blast.

 

 

[g7rta]

Just a quick update.. 

finally got a good response from Pimax after contacting them yet again…. They have agreed to send me a replacement cable

Presumably this will take about a week but at least things are looking up. Just hope the new one works and I can try the headset

 

Regards

Steve