Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR

Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR

ApesAmongUs Dec 28, 2018 @ 11:30am
Using with Mouse and Keyboard
The set-up seems to imply I will be able to use this with just a mouse and keyboard (I purchased the Lenovo Explorer headset and cannot find anywhere to buy controllers), but when I go through the process, it takes me to a point where I need to "Gaze at the gem...". It is picking up my motions and plays an ear splitting sound when the point of light on the view is on the floating gem, but nothing else happens. How am I supposed to continue without controllers? Or, beyond that, who sells controllers? Neither the manufacturer or Amazon or Newegg seem to have any sold separately from the headset.
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Showing 1-10 of 10 comments
Salamand3r- Dec 28, 2018 @ 11:36am 
I assume you purchased the headset used? It isn't sold without controllers new. If you recieved any WMR set with no controllers, and it was purchased new, contact the seller.

The only way to purchase WMR controllers separately at this time is via eBay. Any WMR controllers will work, they don't have to be the Lenovo controllers.

Also, the earsplitting sound is due to your USB port providing insufficient power - you'll want to switch ports or use a powered USB hub.

Edit: Yes, I am aware that Dell used to sell the controller separately. They seem to have discontinued the Visor as neither the HMD nor the controllers are availble on the Dell website any longer.

Edit 2: You can still get the Dell controllers (these will work with any WMR set) at BestBuy apparently:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-visor-controllers-white/6084506.p?skuId=6084506

Sold out, not sure if they will ever be in stock again, but may be your only shot.
Last edited by Salamand3r-; Dec 28, 2018 @ 11:43am
ApesAmongUs Dec 28, 2018 @ 11:45am 
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6ZP7SN2318

Fresh in the box with just the headset and no room for controllers. There is a completely separate product with the controllers included.
Salamand3r- Dec 28, 2018 @ 11:55am 
Originally posted by ApesAmongUs:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6ZP7SN2318

Fresh in the box with just the headset and no room for controllers. There is a completely separate product with the controllers included.

That's from a 3rd party seller on Newegg. They aren't an authorized reseller - they are probably repackaging it without controllers and selling those separately, as there is obviously a demand for them. This was really common on Amazon about a year ago.

To my knowledge, WMR sets are required by Mircosoft to ship with controllers, so something non-kosher is going on.

Either way, even if you can find controllers, you probably won't find them for <$100. You're better off returning that $139 Explorer, and buying it from an authorized seller for $199 with controllers.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad new, but I have a feeling you got scammed - that seller is an overstock/RMA reseller, there's a good chance the Explorer wasn't even actually new.

You can get most of the WMR sets direct from Microsoft for $199, and around the same on Amazon or direct from manufacturers - that's probably the best route to take.
Last edited by Salamand3r-; Dec 28, 2018 @ 11:57am
ApesAmongUs Dec 28, 2018 @ 12:14pm 
Be that as it may, what is supposed to happen when you use the headset with mouse and keyboard?
Salamand3r- Dec 28, 2018 @ 12:18pm 
Originally posted by ApesAmongUs:
Be that as it may, what is supposed to happen when you use the headset with mouse and keyboard?

You MAY be able to get mouse input for that screen by pressing Windows key+Y - I've never tested that on the config screen, but it enables desktop input.

Keep in mind that many games will not work with kb/m in VR mode although gamepads are often supported. You will need motion controllers for anything roomscale.

I don't think you'll be able to use the Windows Cliff House VR desktop, or Steam's VR home at all without motion controllers - you'll need to launch VR games directly.

I'm serious - return that HMD and get it with controllers. You got ripped off, and without the motion controllers you really only have half a product.

Although, if you only bought it for racing games and sims, as long as you have a HOTAS or wheel/pedals, you should be fine.
Last edited by Salamand3r-; Dec 28, 2018 @ 12:36pm
ApesAmongUs Dec 28, 2018 @ 12:40pm 
Yes, I get that, but I also feel that either I am doing something wrong, because there are instructions that I cannot follow. It gives the instructions to gaze at the gem to continue with only mouse and keyboard and then gives similar instructions when I plus in my usb gamepad. With the gamepad, it says to adjust the floor with the d-pad and then to stare at that same gem. But nothing continues to happen.

I get that the controllers are important, but the system thinks it will work without them but doesn't, so I need to figure out that part as well. When you stare at the gem, what happens for you?
Salamand3r- Dec 28, 2018 @ 12:48pm 
Originally posted by ApesAmongUs:
Yes, I get that, but I also feel that either I am doing something wrong, because there are instructions that I cannot follow. It gives the instructions to gaze at the gem to continue with only mouse and keyboard and then gives similar instructions when I plus in my usb gamepad. With the gamepad, it says to adjust the floor with the d-pad and then to stare at that same gem. But nothing continues to happen.

I get that the controllers are important, but the system thinks it will work without them but doesn't, so I need to figure out that part as well. When you stare at the gem, what happens for you?

I haven't done the initial setup for about a year, so I'd have to go through it, but as I recall as soon as you look at the gem you either need to pull the trigger or it progresses automatically.

Are you on the latest Windows update?
ApesAmongUs Dec 28, 2018 @ 1:02pm 
Yes. Brand new machine (Win10) and I ran the update/restart cycle a dozen times. Everything is as up to date as it gets.
Salamand3r- Dec 28, 2018 @ 1:14pm 
Originally posted by ApesAmongUs:
Yes. Brand new machine (Win10) and I ran the update/restart cycle a dozen times. Everything is as up to date as it gets.

Is it the first gem? You may be able to hook up a mic and say "Next" to get past that one.

The later ones seem to require the controller.

Edit: When I get home I'll see if I can run the initial setup again and see if I can do it without controllers. Hopefully we can determine if it's a problem with your specific setup or with WMR itself.
Last edited by Salamand3r-; Dec 28, 2018 @ 1:20pm
h20rat Feb 9, 2019 @ 9:02pm 
I just bought completely legit HP HMD from Microsoft store with no controllers...the key is it was a Developers edition - that's probably the case with others too. Bring on the knuckles!!
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Date Posted: Dec 28, 2018 @ 11:30am
Posts: 10