Headset displays gray screen

[himurak23]

Hi. New to VR here. I got my Index 2 days ago and I've been having this problem since the beginning. A search online shows that the headset is having trouble seeing the base stations but it's set to standing room only and they are on the computer desk. I tried playing standing and sitting on the chair so the base stations can see the headset and each other but the screen keeps turning gray either way. The screen doesn't stay gray and eventually goes back (ranging from 1 sec to about 15 secs) but it goes back and forth to the gray screen that it makes it unplayable.

I've done the following

1. Update SteamVR, Windows, Graphics card drivers
   
2. Uninstall and Re-install SteamVR
   
3. Cover any reflective surfaces including computer monitor
   
4. Switch USB ports and Display Ports

I have a GTX 1080 and i7-6700k. Will the screen go gray like that if the CPU/GPU cant keep up? I had the frame timing graph up in the headset and when it loads a program the CPU graph fills up completely with the purple line (Application). I did notice today when I started my computer up and ran SteamVR immediately, the application worked without the gray screen for approximately 5 minutes. Then I would get a gray flicker here and there until it became constantly turning gray. The application wouldn't crash but the computer would slow down significantly to the point where I click on something with the mouse and don't get a response for a few seconds. Any help would be appreciated.

[toolie]

I had this experience last night, and realized that I had forgotten to turn on one of the two base stations. As soon as I turned on the second station it resolved.

Sounds like you've got both stations on the desk in front of you. I would really recommend putting them higher up and at opposite corners of the room, even if you plan on sitting. That way you'll get the best coverage possible.

It would be nice if the UI presented some message telling you that it's lost tracking. A blank gray screen is pretty lame.

[himurak23]

Thanks for the reply. I finally figured it out. I had a suspicion that it had something to do with my CPU based on it working for a few minutes then starting to go out. Also the frame timing graph so I got a program to check it out and my cooler went out and my CPU was overheating. Thankfully I caught it before my CPU went bad. Got a new cooler and CPU temps are great and VR working flawlessly now.

[Lugnugget]

Are both sensors on your computer desk? I thought they had to be diagonally from each other. One in the front and one to the rear. I don't know this for sure because I'm still wait on mine to arrive, but I'm sure I read that somewhere, could be wrong.

[KarstenS]

Originally posted by Lugnugget:

Are both sensors on your computer desk? I thought they had to be diagonally from each other. One in the front and one to the rear. I don't know this for sure because I'm still wait on mine to arrive, but I'm sure I read that somewhere, could be wrong.

Yes. They need to be spread in the room, at best that the line between both of them cross the center of the play area.

[temps]

I'm having this now as well. Base stations are at opposite corners of room. One is about 6 feet up in the air on a bookshelf, the other is opposite corner of the room about 2 feet in the air sitting on a box.

I have a circle fan in the room with some shiny chrome on it, and I've heard shiny things cause tracking problems... could that be it?

[Onyx Ghost]

Had the same random gray screen problems after Windows 11 upgrade. This was happening to me during intense combat while playing Half-Life Alyx. Once gray your fighting blindly which ends in a frustrating death. I am using the Acer Mixed Reality headset.

Windows 11 Settings / Mixed Reality / Headset display...

Turn off "Positional tracking - Fade to gray when positional tracking is lost".

[Code Delyric™]

I delved into the VR realm by engaging with the Moss VR game, and I must express my profound astonishment. This exceptional gaming experience transcends conventional boundaries and ventures into realms beyond mere entertainment.

Should you encounter any issues with the game booting to monitor and stuck in limbo at headset: consider removing the Steam Config folder. If Moss was previously installed, ensure complete eradication by conducting a comprehensive PC search for all instances of the game.

Additionally, you may attempt the following steps:

1. Open "File Explorer" (Win+E), right-click on "This PC," and opt for "Properties."
2. Navigate to "Advanced System Settings."
3. Access "Environment Variables" in the "Advanced" tab.
4. Add a new system variable by selecting "New..."
5. Enter the following information and click "OK":
- Variable name: OPENSSL_ia32cap
- Variable value: ~0x200000200000000
6. Verify the successful addition of the variable and click "OK."

Wishing you success in resolving any challenges, and may your gaming experience be thoroughly enjoyable!

[Qface (HeyHay)]

I had this problem too, I changed from having my v12 power cable (the circle port on the valve index tri cord) plugged into a 6 outlet surge protector power strip, to plugging it into the WALL OUTLET. I've only used my index 2 times after doing so, and all my connection problems have gone away. no grey screens, nothing. (THIS WORKED FOR ME... IDK IF IT WILL WORK FOR YOU, OR IF ITS A LONG OR SHORT TERM FIX.)