Virtual Reality has the ability to take you out of the world, but unfortunately, VR headsets are costly for many of us as alone the VR lenses are costly. Well, that does not mean that you cannot enjoy the virtual reality system. In this blog, you will get to know how to make a VR headset with lenses as well as how to make a cardboard VR system too. Let’s get started.
VR Headset Systems
An original VR Headset system possesses a lot of functionalities and smart features. Its technology is evolving day by day with new innovative components with an average manufacturing cost of is between 300 to 500 USD.
The major parts of a VR system comprise the lens, its body, and a holder for your smartphone. However, the pricing of the VR headset system solely depends upon the lenses.
There are ways through which you can make it or create an adequate alternative in order to enjoy it. Here is how you can do it.
How to Make a Cardboard VR Headset?
Originally, the body of VR headsets was built with high-quality plastic and covered with soft foam for comfortable experiences. Though it is itself an expensive system so, you can make an alternative for that by simply using some materials. This is how you can make a cardboard VR system.
Step 1: Get the Cardboard and Cut it According to the height and width of your Phone
Primarily, the phone and the screen size differ from each other. Get the correct measurements of your phone and cut the cardboard accordingly. Make two rectangles and stick them with the help of glue. Cut two circles for eyepieces through which you can see things clearly. Don’t forget to cut a triangle for the nose.
Step 2: The Bottom Portion of a Headset
Take another cardboard and cut it according to the height and width of your phone. Make sure to cut it a bit longer than the actual size of your phone. This is to maintain the proper distance from the eyes. Now, cut another semi-circle for your nose. Cut the two side piece from the cardboard with the standard measurement of 7 and 4 inches and attach it at the lower portion with the help of glue.
Step 3: Attaching the both Cardboard Pieces
Attach the first piece of cardboard with your phone. For a better grip, you can also add some small cardboard pieces and take a piece separately to place it in the middle vertically. This will work as a partition between the eyes to create the 3D effect.
Step 4: Attach all Sides Altogether
The final step is to glue all the cardboard pieces together but make sure, before that, remember to make camera holes for camera positioning.
It is for making the outer system; now, what about the lens. Obviously, there would be a difference in original and DIY-made VR headset systems. Let’s begin
How to Make a VR Headset Without Lenses?
The lenses are the main reason for the virtual reality experience. They are used when we want the system near to your eyes. There are plenty of ways through which you can make the lens out of different inexpensive materials out of which one alternative trick is to use a magnifying glass instead of using lenses.
Here is what else you can do
1. Plastic bottle as Lens
Mark and draw four circles on a plastic bottle and cut them. Now join these two to make a pair—don’t forget to leave a small gap and leave it wide open. Put these lenses in the bowl of water and let the air bubble-free from it. Glue them together and repeat the process with the other two plastic pieces as well.
2. Lens out of Electric Bulb
Take out the Filament with the help of pliers. Take a metal that should be round in shape, heat it a bit. Now place the metal on the blub for not more than 10 seconds. Pour the cold water and these circles will be detached from the glass.
Note: Do not do this without the assistance of an adult.
FAQs
Can I Make VR Lenses without Water?
Inside the lens, water acts as a refracting medium. However, with the proper calibration, we can get the same refraction using air as the lens medium. Hopefully, you’ve reached the end of the section on “Lens out of the electric bulb. When using air instead of water as a medium, glass lenses are preferable because they shine brightly and are ideal for refraction.
Ensure one of the lens’s sides is larger than another. It’s due to the interconnection. If both sides are the same size, you’ll need to use a connector to join them. After that, wash it and heat it for a few seconds to make it more transparent.
It’s now time to create a second one and connect both lenses to our cardboard VR set body. It’s worth noting that because we didn’t utilize water within the lens, the focus distance would’ve been greater than if we had. As a result, consider making sure to arrange the length until you’re satisfied with the lens.
Closing Note
This could be quite fun to make your own personal DIY VR system at home but it will take some time and most importantly some elderly assistance. For kids under the age of 14, make sure if you are doing this project then, you have any elder by your side for cutting and melting steps.