OpenVR Space Calibrator - Linux with Continuous Calibration

A Linux port of OpenVR Space Calibrator with full continuous calibration support. This tool aligns multiple tracking systems by bridging the gap between your headset's tracking space and your external trackers (e.g., mixing a standalone headset with Lighthouse trackers).

Key Features:

• Continuous Calibration: Smooth, real-time adjustments that refine over time.
• Compatibility: Works with ALVR, SteamVR, Lighthouse tracking, and mixed VR setups.

For Monado/WiVRn users, see MoToC instead.

Building

The following packages are required to build:

• cmake
• glfw
• eigen
• openvr

Arch Linux:

pacman -S cmake glfw-x11 eigen openvr

Debian 11 / Ubuntu 22.10:

sudo apt install cmake libeigen3-dev libglfw3-dev libopenvr-dev

Build Steps:

git clone https://github.com/Stavdel/OpenVR-SpaceCalibrator.git
cd OpenVR-SpaceCalibrator
mkdir build
cd build
../install.sh

Running

If you used the install.sh script, the driver will be loaded automatically by SteamVR. However, the companion software (UI) must be started separately to perform the calibration.

1. Launch SteamVR.
2. Start the openvr-spacecalibrator companion software from your build folder or app launcher.

Calibration Guide

1. Initial Calibration

You must perform an initial calibration when setting up for the first time, if you move your base stations, or if your playspace drifts significantly.

1. Prepare Devices: Ensure your headset and at least one tracked device (e.g., a Vive Tracker or Controller) are powered on and tracking.
2. Open Space Calibrator: Open the UI on your desktop or inside the SteamVR dashboard.
3. Select Spaces:
   • **Reference Space (Left)
   • **Target Space (Right) Tip: If you aren't sure which device is which, click "Identify selected devices" to make the LED blink or the controller vibrate.
4. Calibrate:
   • Hold the target device firmly against the reference device. Move your in a figure eight like pattern to collect data samples.
   • Click Start Calibration.
   • Calibration Speed: Use Slow or Very Slow for wireless headsets to ensure accuracy.
   • Walk around your play area, rotating the devices to capture different angles.
5. Finish: Once the progress bar completes, your devices will snap into the correct position.

2. Continuous Calibration

Once a base calibration is established, you can enable Continuous Calibration to keep devices aligned automatically during gameplay.

1. Prepare Devices: Ensure your headset and at least one tracked device (e.g., a Vive Tracker or Controller) are powered on and tracking.
2. Open Space Calibrator: Open the UI on your desktop or inside the SteamVR dashboard.
3. Select Spaces:
   • **Reference Space (Left)
   • **Target Space (Right) Tip: If you aren't sure which device is which, click "Identify selected devices" to make the LED blink or the controller vibrate.
4. Check "Start Continuous Calibration" in the Space Calibrator UI.
5. Play normally. The system will:
   • Smoothly interpolate positions (no snapping).
   • Automatically refine accuracy as you move around the room.

3. Copying Chaperone Bounds (Optional)

If you want your SteamVR Chaperone to match your headset's native Guardian/Boundary:

1. Ensure your headset's native boundary is set up correctly.
2. Open Space Calibrator in the SteamVR dashboard.
3. Click Copy Chaperone Bounds to profile.

Troubleshooting

• Base stations appear in the wrong place: This is visual only and can usually be ignored if the trackers align correctly with the headset.
• Trackers not showing in SteamVR: Restart SteamVR. Ensure all dongles are firmly connected.
• "Red Mountains" in performance graphs / Drifting: This usually indicates a sync issue between the two tracking systems. Restart SteamVR, ensure the headset is connected before turning on lighthouses, and re-run calibration.
• Disconnected Dongles: If a USB dongle disconnects, SteamVR usually requires a full restart to recognize it again.

Device Compatibility Notes

This tool aligns multiple tracking systems. Results vary depending on your hardware:

• Wireless Headsets + Lighthouse Trackers: Works well for stationary or moderate movement (Beat Saber, VRChat). Extensive room-scale movement may require Continuous Calibration to correct drift.
• WMR / SLAM HMDs + Lighthouse: Excellent for limited movement; may experience slight drift over large areas.
• Oculus CV1 + Vive Devices: Generally works very well with high stability.

Credits

• Original code by pushrax
• Base Linux fork by gyroninja
• Hook logic from AngriestSCV's fork
• Additional features from bd_'s fork
• Continuous Calibration Linux port and fixes by Stavdel