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

Here’s some good terminology to know below:

Dongles

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SteamVR trackers need a dongle to wirelessly connect to the PC.

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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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Additional trackers need additional dongles, which can be a lot!

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To cut down on cable spaghetti, you can purchase a 7 in 1 receiver, which pairs up to 7 trackers simultaneously.

7in1 SteamVR Neko Receiver V2

Requires two USB-C ports, one for data & one for power

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What makes a good SteamVR setup?

Use USB 2.0 extension cords to space out dongles

Spacing dongles out is the most important way to avoid wireless interference, By spacing dongles apart using USB 2.0 extension cables, you can dramatically improve tracking.

More Info

Here’s a video showing how much spacing dongles improves tracking performance.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09aUoPS5A8c

To test placement, use extension cables with masking tape as a temporary way to space dongles apart.

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If no USB extension cable was supplied with your trackers; Buy a USB 2.0 male to female extension cable to space the dongles further apart.

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Standard USB 2.0 Extension Cable 5 Feet

Here’s a list of some USB 2.0 cables that work well with SteamVR dongles.

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Keep dongles about 10cm away from large metal objects

Nearby metal reduces dongle’s wifi signal strength, keep dongles out in the open & away from metal for better tracking.