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Disclaimer

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This page outlines best practices, not strict rules.

Every setup is different, from room layout to USB hardware and wireless noise. These steps are based on what commonly works, but you don’t need to blindly follow every single one.

Use what applies to your setup, test changes one at a time, and focus on what actually improves your tracking.

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Steam VR Lighthouse System

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Dongles

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SteamVR trackers, need a SteamVR dongle to wirelessly connect to the PC. This dongle is included with the purchase of a tracker.

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Each SteamVR dongle is a dedicated wireless receiver that pairs with only one tracker at a time.

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💻 Internal Dongles

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SteamVR Headsets, like the Valve Index, have two internal dongles built in. These can be used to pair the headset to two controllers, or two trackers.

📻 External Dongles

To pair anything beyond those two controllers you’ll need external dongles; one dongle per extra tracker. And one free USB port back to your PC.

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If you’ve run out of USB ports: SteamVR dongles work great when plugged into powered USB hubs with a USB extension cable.

Here are some recommended ones to buy:

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🍱 Placement Issues

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The dongle is sensitive to interference, so ideally place it “in view” of your Trackers (Not at the back of your computer), unobstructed by anything else. We recommend using the USB 2.0 extension cable that comes with the dongle to put it at the edge of your desk - or something to that effect.

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An example of good dongle placement, far away from anything that can cause EM interference.

An example of good dongle placement, far away from anything that can cause EM interference.

SteamVR Dongles have very weak antennas that are prone to interference. Make sure they are spaced 40cm away from each other, and anything metal, like your computer case.

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3D visualization of the radio range from a monopole antenna. The grey circle is 37.5cm wide

3D visualization of the radio range from a monopole antenna. The grey circle is 37.5cm wide

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The 40cm spacing isn't an exact requirement. It's just a good general guideline to reduce overlap and interference.

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