Virtual Research V6 User manual
V6 User Guide
Virtual Research Systems,
Inc.
Limited Warranty
As of September 1998, the information contained in this publication is believed to be
reliable, but Virtual Research Systems, Inc. makes no warranties as to its accuracy or
completeness and has no responsibility to update or correct such information.
Virtual Research makes no warranties, express or implied, that the product is free of error or
is consistent with any particular standard of merchantability or the product will meet
requirements for any particular application. The product should not be relied upon for
solving a problem or fulfilling a function whose indirect solution or operation could result in
injury to a person or loss of property. If the product is used in such manner, it is at the
product users own risk.
Other than as set forth in this paragraph, in no event will Virtual Research be liable for
damages, including lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or consequential damages
arising out of the use or inability to use the product, even if Virtual Research or an
authorized dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Virtual Research
warrants to the original purchaser that its products are free of defects in materials and
workmanship and will remain so for a period of six (6) months from the date of delivery.
If Virtual Research is unable to repair or replace any of its products to a condition as
warranted, the buyer shall be entitled to a refund of the purchase price upon return of the
product to Virtual Research. The liability of Virtual Research for damages hereunder shall, in
the aggregate, in no event exceed the amount of such purchase price. This warranty does not
apply to any product which has been subjected to misuse, negligence, alternation,
accident, improper maintenance, or damage by excessive physical or heat stress.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES
AND CONDITIONS EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY AND ALL OTHER
LIABILITIES OF VIRTUAL RESEARCH, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR
ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
Copyright 1998 Virtual Research Systems, Inc. Revision#2 All rights reserved.
Table of Contents Page
Introduction......................................................................................... 1
Section One Safety Issues ........................................................ 1
Electrical Shock and Hazard ..................................................................................... 1
Blocked Vision and Hearing ...................................................................................... 1
Eyestrain/other optical effects .................................................................................... 1
Lice/other pests transmission between users .............................................................. 1
Section Two Getting Started ....................................................2
Box Contents ........................................................................................................... 2
Out of the Box Set Up .............................................................................................. 2
V6 Control Box Features .......................................................................................... 3
Rear Panel Diagram ...................................................................................... 3
Front Panel Diagram ..................................................................................... 3
Power ...................................................................................................................... 4
HMD Output ............................................................................................................ 4
Monitor Out ............................................................................................................. 4
Mono/Stereo ............................................................................................................ 4
Brightness and Contrast ............................................................................................ 4
Video Formats ......................................................................................................... 4
Audio ....................................................................................................................... 4
Microphone .............................................................................................................. 4
Pin Out Information .................................................................................................. 5
Connecting HMD to Computer ................................................................................. 5
Section Three Computer Interfacing Manual .......................... 6
PC/Intergraph ........................................................................................................... 6
O2 ........................................................................................................................... 6
Indigo Impact ........................................................................................................... 6
Octane ..................................................................................................................... 7
Onyx 2 ..................................................................................................................... 8
Onyx with Multi Channel Option (MCO) .................................................................. 9
Camera/NTSC Inputs ............................................................................................... 9
Section Four Using Position Sensors ....................................... 9
Section Five Mechanical Adjustments .................................. 10
Ratchet Knobs ....................................................................................................... 10
Interpupillary Adjustments (IPD) ............................................................................. 10
Fore/AFT Motion ................................................................................................... 10
Focus ..................................................................................................................... 11
Overlap Adjustment ................................................................................................ 11
Headphones ........................................................................................................... 11
Cable Positioning .................................................................................................... 11
Cleaning V6 Lenses and Optics .............................................................................. 11
Donning the V6 ...................................................................................................... 12
Section Six Technical Adjustments ..................................... 13
Power Requirements ............................................................................................... 13
Stereoscopic Viewing ............................................................................................. 13
Trouble Shooting..............................................................................14
Glossary............................................................................................. 16
FCC Statement ................................................................................. 18
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Virtual Research V6 Head Mount Display (HMD). This V6 Users Guide
describes the contents of the V6 HMD and control box along with operational guidelines, instructions
and care for the V6. Please review this guide carefully and follow instructions to insure correct use and
care for your HMD. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. You can reach us
Section One: Safety Issues
Electrical Shock Hazard
The desktop power supply included with the V6 produces 24VDC. This voltage is also present on the
HMD cable bundle, but should not be a hazard to the user. The circuitry in the HMD produces a high
voltage (>500VAC) spike signal to drive the backlight. This voltage is generated at very low current
levels and will cause only a moderate sensation when touched. This voltage is accessible only if the
HMD is disassembled. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE V6.
Blocked Vision and Hearing
By its nature, a head mount display blocks the users sight and hearing. The danger of tripping over
cables or other obstacles becomes a real concern while immersed in the virtual world. As system
manager, you must provide an environment that does not allow the HMD user to fall or otherwise injure
him/herself. We recommend using V6 only while seated to avoid tripping hazards.
Eyestrain/Other Optical Effects
V6 will cause eyestrain if the IPD is set incorrectly. Like all head mounts, it is likely to cause some
eyestrain effects even when correctly adjusted. This eyestrain stems from several causes; with perhaps
the most significant being the fixed focal plane, which conflicts with the variable depth cues present in
the imagery. There is no technology that we are aware of that corrects this conflict. Other sources of
eyestrain could include optical aberrations, distortion, and mismatch of computer imagery with
mechanical configuration. If you experience noticeable eyestrain, review and correct your adjustments
and software configuration. If eyestrain persists, limit or end your use of the HMD. Please contact
Virtual Research if you have questions or concerns about eyestrain.
Lice/Other Pest Transmission between Users
Although we have not had any instances of users reporting lice transmission to us, there has been at
least one anecdotal report of lice transmission in a public use HMD. There are sprays available that will
kill lice on furniture and clothing. Two of these are RID and A-200. Both are available in drug stores.
We dont have information on the effectiveness of these sprays on HMDs and encourage you to
research this if you are considering a multiple user application. These sprays are hazardous and you
need to judge the benefits vs. risks of using them. Alcohol wipes are useful for cleaning the HMD
between users. Alcohol will remove skin, oil and makeup that have been transferred to the HMD. As
far as we know, alcohol has no effect on lice.
Section Two: Getting Started
Please contact Virtual Research Systems, Inc. immediately if you find that any of the contents listed
below are not present or have arrived damaged. Virtual Research Systems, Inc. (408) 748-8712
Box Contents
1) V6 HMD with 13 ft. cable.
2) V6 control box
3) Universal power supply
4) Power cord
5) No-fog cloth
Universal Power Supply:
Input AC Output DC - Max 30W
115/230 V~ +5V - - - 3A
0.9 / 0.45A +24V - - - 0.7A
60/50 Hz -12V - - - 0.5A
Out of the Box Set Up
Prior to opening your V6 HMD boxes, be sure you have plenty of room and a hard stable surface to
work on. We suggest keeping all packing materials for future shipping purposes.
Sale units will include an extra box containing a styrofoam display head. Demo units will not include a
styrofoam display head. Please treat demo units with additional care.
Step One Open the smaller of the two boxes and remove Styrofoam head. This head is to be used
to place HMD on while not in use or while connecting HMD to your computer.
Step Two Carefully open the side of the box which the shipping label is affixed. *This denotes
the top of box.
Step Three Remove the top layer of foam to reveal HMD.
Step Four Remove the HMD and the foam packaging to gain access to the power supply and
power cord. The V6 control box is located in a separate foam pocket by itself within
this area. Look under the foam cut out to reach the control box.
Each V6 comes with serial numbers located on the position sensor mounting plate and the control box.
DO NOT REMOVE. Removing these serial numbers may void the Virtual Research six (6) month
warranty.
V6 Control Box Features
Rear Control Box Panel
Front Control Box Panel
The V6 was designed to accept a 640 x 480 60 Hz, non-interlaced input signal. This format is often
referred to as standard VGA. The connection is made via a 15-pin HD connector similar to that found
on PC monitors. All inputs on the V6 control box are female, refer to the Computer Interfacing
Manual (Section 3) for cable requirements that are compatible with the V6 and your system. The V6
control box auto-detects when one input channel (left eye/mono) is being used and feeds an identical
signal to both displays. The control box automatically switches to stereo mode when a second video
source is connected to the right eye stereo input. The right eye source must also be standard VGA
format and the same sync configuration as the left eye source. (i.e. cannot have separate sync on left
and comp sync on right.)
The V6 control box is designed to accept either separate Horizontal and Vertical sync, composite sync
on green video, or composite sync on the Horizontal sync line. When providing composit sync on the
Horizontal sync line the Vertical Sync line should not be driven. When sync on green video is
provided, both the Horizontal and Vertical sync lines should be undriven. Sync signals should be TTL
levels. The VGA source is an analog signal, and since the V6 does not quantify the video (as in A/D
and D/A conversion), it is capable of displaying any number of colors your graphics card is able to
produce.
Power
Virtual Research supplies a desktop power supply unit with each V6. The power supply has (110 VAC -
220 VAC) universal input, +5, +24. -12 VDC output. It is important that the correct power supply be
used to avoid damage to the unit. Do not use a different power supply than that supplied by Virtual
Research.
50 Pin SCSI Connector
Do not connect or disconnect the HMDs 50 Pin SCSI connector while the control box power is on.
Monitor Out
To use an external monitor while using your V6 HMD, be sure to have a cable running from the
MONITOR OUT connection on the control box into the back of your monitor. Refer to Interfacing
Manual in Section 3 for the type of cable needed to connect from the V6 control box MONITOR OUT
connection to the back of monitor.
Mono/Stereo
The stereo indicator LED will illuminate when a second video source is connected to the Right Eye
Input.
Brightness and Contrast
These controls affect overall brightness and contrast of both displays. The displays are individually
matched to one another during assembly. Please contact Virtual Research if you have any questions.
Video Formats
The V6 HMD accepts a VGA (640x480 60 Hz.) video format. The V6 does not accept NTSC, PAL or
SECAM timing. It is possible to connect a V6 to any of these sources with the proper video format
converter. Contact Virtual Research for details on your system.
Audio
The audio connection is a standard stereo 3.5mm mini jack. The control box passes the audio signal
directly to the V6 headphones. Audio signal level supplied to the control box should be the same
signal that would be supplied directly to stereo headphones.
Microphone (optional)
Contact Virtual Research for details.
Pin Out Information:
VGA input connector format
15 pin high density HD female connector
Pin Signal
1 Red
2 Green
3 Blue
4 Ground
5 n/c
6 Ground
7 Ground
8 Ground
9 n/c
10 Ground
11 Ground
12 n/c
13 Horizontal sync
14 Vertical sync
15 n/c
Connecting the V6
** REMINDER: Refer to the Interfacing Manual (Section 3) to see which cables are required to
successfully interface the V6 HMD to your system. **
Step One Mono/Left Eye Input
Connect one cable from the Left Eye input (mono) into the graphics channel of your
system.
Step Two Stereo/Right Eye Input
Connect a second cable from the Right Eye/Stereo Input to the second graphics
channel of your computer. You must have two graphics channels to run your V6 in
stereo. ** Reminder all V6 control box inputs are female, so you must use male
connections from the control box to whatever connection your computer accepts.
Refer to the Interfacing Manual in Section 3. **
Step Three External Monitor Option
Connect your external VGA monitor to the V6 Control box Monitor Out connection.
Step Four Connecting V6 to control box
Secure the HMDs 50 Pin SCSI connector to the Control box.
Section Three: Computer Interfacing Manual
PC/INTERGRAPH
Use a standard 15 pin male to 15 pin male (VGA) cable(s) to connect the V6 control box to your graphics
boards(s). Two graphics boards (channels) are required for stereoscopic viewing (i.e. one for left eye
viewpoint and one for right eye viewpoint.) Change the video output format of your graphics to
standard VGA (640 x 480 60Hz). For example, Windows NT users will go to:
Control Panel / Settings / Display
Select 640 x 480 as the screen resolution, and 60Hz frame rate. Users may connect their monitor to the
V6 control box Monitor Output connector via another VGA cable to view the same image thats seen
in the HMD.
O2
Like the PC configuration above, use a standard 15 pin male to 15 pin male (VGA) cable to connect the
V6 control box to the Monitor connector on the rear of your O2. Since the O2 only has the one graphics
output, stereoscopic (3D) viewing is not possible. Use the setmon command to change the video
format output (vfo) to standard VGA (640x480 60Hz). Those users not familiar with the setmon
command should contact Silicon Graphics or run a man page on the setmon command for further
details. The setmon command should look something like:
%/usr/gfx/setmon 640x480_60.vfo
Users may connect their O2 monitor to the V6 control box Monitor Output connector via another
VGA cable to view the same image thats seen in the HMD.
INDIGO IMPACT
The standard Indigo Impact does not support a VGA graphics format, only higher resolution
workstation formats like 1280 x 1024 and 1024 x 768. V6 users have the following 3 options to choose
from.
Option 1 - Silicon Graphics offers Impact customers the Impact Channel Option (ICO) which supports
many different graphics formats including VGA (640 x 480 60Hz). Use the setmon command to change
the video format outputs (vfo) of the ICO to the VGA (640x480 60Hz) format found among the list of
available vfos. Those users not familiar with the setmon command should contact Silicon Graphics
or run a man page on the setmon command for further details. The setmon command should look
something like:
%/usr/gfx/setmon 640x480_60_ext
The _extcommand will enable the ICO to output separate H and V syncs. Use a 15 pin to 5 BNC (R, G,
B, H sync, V sync) breakout cable(s) to connect the V6 control box to one of four channels located on
the ICO. Stereo users will use 2 channels and 2 cables (one for left eye and one for right eye). Connect
all 5 BNCs (Red, Green, Blue, H sync and V sync) to the ICO and the 15 pin to the V6 control box. Since
only one H sync and V sync BNC is available for all four channels, customers running in stereo will
need to T the H sync and V sync BNCs to provide 2 connection points for each. Alternatively, ICO
users may download a separate VGA vfo from Virtual Researchs web site http://
www.virtualresearch.com in order to run V6 in sync on green mode. After downloading and placing this
new vfo in the correct directory, use the setmon command as before except use the new vfo. The
command will look something like:
%/usr/gfx/setmon 640 x 480_60_vr
Use the same 15 pin to 5 BNC (R, G, B, H sync, V sync) cable, but this time do not connect the H and V
sync.
Option 2 - External video converters (1280x1024 to VGA or 1024x768 to VGA) are available from 3rd
party vendors that will enable users to interface V6 to their Indigo Impact. Since only one graphics
channel is available, stereoscopic (3D) viewing is not possible.
Option 3 - Silicon Graphics offers Impact customers the Impact Video Option (IVO) that supports
standard NTSC and s-video formats. V6 users can then convert this video format to standard VGA
using an external video converter (NTSC to VGA). These converters are available off of the shelf at
computer and workstation related stores. Since only one graphics channel is available, stereoscopic
(3D) viewing is not possible.
OCTANE
The standard Octane currently does not support a VGA graphics format, only higher resolution
workstation formats like 1280 x 1024 and 1024 x 768. This may change in the near future, but for now V6
users have the following three options to choose from.
Option 1 - Silicon Graphics offers Octane customers the Octane Channel Option (OCO) which supports
many different graphics formats including VGA (640 x 480 60Hz). Use the setmon command to change
the video format outputs (vfo) of the OCO to the VGA (640x480 60Hz) format found among the list of
available vfos. Those users not familiar with the setmon command should contact Silicon Graphics
or run a man page on the setmon command for further details. The setmon command should look
something like:
%/usr/gfx/setmon 640x480_60_ext
The (_ext) command will enable the OCO to output separate H and V syncs. Use a 15 pin to 5 BNC (R,
G, B, H sync, V sync) breakout cable(s) to connect the V6 control box to one of four channels located
on the OCO. Stereo users will use 2 channels and 2 cables (one for left eye and one for right eye).
Connect all 5 BNCs (Red, Green, Blue, H sync and V sync) to the OCO and the 15 pin to the V6 control
box. Since only one H sync and V sync BNC is available for all four channels, customers running in
stereo will need to T the H sync and V sync BNCs to provide 2 connection points for each.
Alternatively, OCO users may download a separate VGA vfo, developed by SGI for Virtual Research,
from Virtual Researchs web site http://www.virtualresearch.com in order to run V6 in sync on green
mode. After downloading and placing this new vfo in the correct directory, use the setmon command
as before except use the new vfo. The command will look something like:
%/usr/gfx/setmon 640 x 480_60_vr
Use the same 15 pin to 5 BNC (R, G, B, H sync, V sync) cable, but this time do not connect the H and V
sync.
Option 2 - External video converters (1280x1024 to VGA or 1024x768 to VGA) are available from third
party vendors that will enable users to interface V6 to their Octane. Since only one graphics channel is
available, stereoscopic (3D) viewing is not possible.
Option 3 - Silicon Graphics offers Octane customers the Octane Video Option (OVO) that supports
standard NTSC and s-video formats. V6 users can then convert this video format to standard VGA
using an external video converter (NTSC to VGA). These converters are available off of the shelf at
computer and workstation related stores. Since only one graphics channel is available, stereoscopic
(3D) viewing is not possible.
ONYX 2
A 13W3 to 15 pin (VGA type) cable will be required (2 cables for stereo) to connect to the V6 control
box to the Onyx 2. We use a cable that contains dipswitches on the 13W3 connector and suggest our
customers use the same. These dipswitches allow users to isolate particular pins for various sync
modes. If your 13W3 to 15 pin cable does not have these switches, please try the following options
and let us know what you find.
Option 1 - Use ircombine to configure all available graphics channels (usually 2 or 8) for VGA
resolution. All available Channels must be configured before clicking Download. If you are
unfamiliar with the ircombine command we suggest that you run a man page to learn more about it.
The VGA vfo for the channel or channels used by the HMD should look something like: 640x480_60
Select this format and change the default sync configuration of Composite sync on green to separate
Horizontal and Vertical. This is done by clicking on the Composite sync box menu and selecting
Horizontal. You will also need to de-select the check mark in the green box denoting that the sync
signal will appear on green. All three boxes R, G, and B should not contain a check. Lastly, set
the dipswitches of the 13W3 to 15pin cable for separate H and V sync. Click Download to start.
Option 2 - Silicon Graphics has written a special vfo.cmb file for Virtual Researchs V6 that may be
downloaded from our web site (www.virtualresearch.com). This vfo will allow the V6 to operate in sync
on green mode. After downloading this new vfo and placing it in the correct directory, use ircombine
to again configure all available channels. Note that the Onyx 2 supports the ability to run a variety of
resolutions at once (i.e. Channel 1 outputting 640x480 60Hz and Channel 2 outputting 1280x1024 60Hz).
However, please review your SGI Onyx 2 manual, as there are some restrictions. After configuring at
least one channel with this new vfo(640 x 480_60.pc), select Composite sync and check the G box
for sync on green mode. You will also need to set the dipswitches of the 13W3 to 15 pin cables for
sync on green support. Click Download to begin.
ONYX with MULTI CHANNEL OPTION (MCO)
Previous generations of the Onyx series machines used the Multi Channel Option (MCO) for
supporting multiple output channels and stereoscopic viewing for HMDs. Use the setmon command
to change the video format outputs (vfo) of the MCO to VGA (640x480 60Hz) with separate H and V
sync. Those users not familiar with the setmon command should contact Silicon Graphics or run a
man page on the setmon command for further details. It is best to conduct the following
configuration from a remote terminal, as the Onyxs Monitor will disengage when the MCO is activated.
Reverting back to the original settings may be difficult if any problems arise. The setmon command
should look something like:
%/usr/gfx/setmon -S -s 640x480_60.vfo
A man page on the setmon command will further explain the use of parameters like -S and -s.
Use a 15 pin to 5 BNC (R, G, B, H sync, V sync) breakout cable(s) to connect the V6 control box to the
desired channel(s) of the MCO. Stereo users will use 2 channels and 2 cables (one for left eye and one
for right eye). Connect all 5 BNCs (Red, Green, Blue, H sync and V sync) to the MCO.
CAMERA/NTSC INPUTS
V6 users can convert NTSC and SVHS video formats to standard VGA using an external NTSC to VGA
video converter. These converters are available off of the shelf at most computer stores. As with
computer interfaces, 2 inputs are required for stereoscopic viewing.
Section Four: Using Position Sensors
Position Sensors: V6 is designed to support a variety of position sensing options. The position sensor
mounting plate behind the top ratchet provides mounting screws for Polhemus (Fastrak, Isotrak,
Insidetrak), Ascension Flock of Birds and the Intersense series of sensors.
* The Logitech Ultrasonic sensors require a triangular mounting pattern. Virtual Research can supply
(at no charge) a second position sensor mounting plate for the Logitech receiver.
Other sensors are becoming widely available. If you would like to mount another sensor, beside the
above options, please contact Virtual Research. We are always glad to have feedback on your
experience with new sensors.
Position sensor cabling is most easily handled if you attach it to the V6 cable bundle. This can be done
with electrical tape wrapped at about 18 intervals around both cables. However, this can leave a sticky
residue when you remove the tape. We do not recommend plastic cable ties since they tend to snag on
their surroundings. If you order a V6 and a position sensor together from Virtual Research, we can
attach the position sensor to the V6 at time of assembly.
If you are using an electromagnetic position sensor, you will get better performance if you mount the
transmitter above the users head rather than below. The clear path from transmitter to receiver reduces
noise possibly induced by the V6.
Section Five: Mechanical Adjustments
Ratchet Knobs
The ratchet knobs adjust the size of the HMD making it possible to secure the HMD snuggly to your
head. To open turn ratchet knobs counter clockwise and to close turn ratchet knobs clockwise.
Tension of ratchet knobs can be adjusted by turning the Phillips screw at center of knob.
Interpupillary Distance (IPD)
Interpupillary distance is the distance between the right and left pupils. Adjustments are made via the
dual function knobs located at the front of the V6 HMD shell. Twist knobs until both images are evenly
visible. Close one eye at a time to confirm the image is centered in front of the eye. Incorrect
positioning of the IPD adjustment may lead to eyestrain.
Range: 52mm - 74mm.
Fore/AFT Motion - Eye Relief
Slide the dual function IPD knobs forward and back to adjust eye relief (the distance between the eyes
and optics). This allows the V6 to be worn with glasses. It is best to don the HMD with the optics in
the fully forward position. Grasp both IPD knobs together and slide them toward the front of the HMD.
After the HMD is on the head, pull IPD knobs toward the face until a suitable distance is set. The
closer the optics are to the eyes, the greater the immersive effect. Eye Relief Range: 10mm - 30mm.
Focus
There are no focus adjustments on the V6. The V6 focal plane is set at 3 ft. If you cannot see objects
clearly in this range, you may need to wear your glasses.
Headphones
Headphones are designed to pivot on the sides of the headband. When donning the V6 unit, rotate the
headphones above the headband. After video is adjusted, pull the headphones down. This makes
fitting faster and easier.
*Headphone Removal: If you are not using your HMD with audio, you can remove the V6 headphones. The
headphone will snap off the end of the detented rod that it slides on. First remove the capture screw at the bottom of
the rod, unplug the signal connection at the headphone, and pull down. Tuck the cable into the end of the padded
leather on the headband to keep it from dangling and flip the arm upward.
Cable Positioning
V6 is designed to be lightweight and well balanced. The cable bundle provides a significant
counterbalancing effect without adding weight to the product. The cable bundle should drop directly
behind the users shoulder and down the back. If the cable is draped in front of the users shoulder, the
V6 may become front heavy. The position sensor cable should follow the cable bundle to add
additional counterbalance and to minimize the tangle of cables.
Cleaning V6 Lenses and Optics
The V6 HMD is supplied with a No-Fog cloth for cleaning lenses. To use, create a fog by breathing on
the lenses, then gently wipe off with the No-Fog cloth. The No-Fog cloth contains de-fogging agents
that may dry out if not kept in a sealed pouch. The V6 optics are glass and are not prone to scratching.
Rubber eyecups around the lenses help provide protection. If you wear glasses, it is possible to
scratch the V6 lenses and/or your glasses if they come in contact. Try to avoid contact while donning
the V6.
TOP RATCHET KNOB
BELOW BASE OF SKULL
REAR RATCHET KNOB
IPD ADJUSTMENT
FORE-AFT MOTION
(DUAL FUNCTION KNOB)
RESTING AT BASE
OF EAR
Donning the V6
Step One Open both rear and top ratchet by turning knobs counter clockwise.
*It is easier to don the V6 with the headphones in an up positionout of the way. After
the other adjustments are made, it is easy to bring the headphones down. While pulling
them down, pull them out away from the head to avoid bending your ear.
Step Two Place HMD on head and tighten the rear ratchet making sure it sits below the base of
the skull. The top ratchet should be adjusted to bring the sides of the headband down to the base of
the ear. Tighten top ratchet until comfortable.
Step Three The cable should fall behind the users shoulders and down their backnot in front.
The cable weight provides important counterbalancing for the display weight.
Step Four Adjust IPD and Fore/AFT motion until you have a clear image.
*To adjust IPD twist dual function knobs. To adjust Fore/AFT motion slide dual
function knobs towards and away from eyes
Section Six: Technical Adjustments
Power Requirements
The V6 HMD runs on a universal power supply: 110 - 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz. Please be sure that you use
the correct power cord for your particular country. If you have any questions please contact Virtual
Research.
Running Your Software in Stereo
Before running your HMD in stereo, review the software settings for parallax and convergence. If you
have any questions regarding these settings you should contact your software company directly.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble with your V6 HMD, please review the scenarios below for suggestions. If you
are unable to solve the problem please contact Virtual Research for further assistance: Tel. (408) 748-
Starting up the V6 and...
Problem Power LED not lit.
Check Power supply correctly plugged into Control Box. Power supply plugged into AC outlet.
Comment Power Supply contains no fuse, has self-resetting circuit breaker.
Problem Power LED flickers and power supply audibly ticks or squeals.
Check Switch unit off. Double check power supply connections and HMD cable connection.
Try powering up again.
Comment There may be a short or other serious problem with the unit. If problem persists, return
to Virtual Research for repair.
The Power LED light is on but...
Problem No video in either eye.
Check HD-15 pin connector is connected to the Left Eye/Mono Input.
Comment No video will be present without connection to a source.
Problem Image in right eye only, and not stable.
Check Video input connected to right eye only
Comment Left Eye/Mono must have signal for Right Eye/Stereo to function properly. Right eye is a
secondary channel for stereoscopic display. Be sure all cables are securely attached to
the back of the V6 control box
Problem Image in both eyes is not stable, or aspect ratio seems wrong.
Check Incorrect video format.
Comment Video format should be 640x480 60Hz. Image may appear stable at different refresh
rates but should not be used.
Problem Image in both eyes is unstable, rolling and flickering.
Check Be sure SCSI connector was not removed from the control box while the power was on.
Comment It is possible that you removed the SCSI connector from the control box while the power
was on. Contact Virtual Research for further assistance.
Problem Image is too dark or too light.
Check Adjust front panel brightness and contrast. If unsuccessful check video termination.
Comment Video should not be split to additional peripherals. Use the provided monitor out
connection.
Working in Mono, but...
Problem Video is functioning properly in both eyes but cannot fuse image.
Check Check that IPD is properly adjusted.
Comment Contact Virtual Research if problem persists
Working in Stereo, but...
Problem Stereo LED does not light.
Check Video not connected at right input or at computer.
Comment If symptom occurs while using sync on green and connections are correct, contact
Virtual Research for firmware update.
Problem HMD functions properly in mono but not stable in stereo.
Check Video format sync for right channel identical to left (640x480 60 Hz). Both channels
must have the same sync configuration.
Comment Video source for right channel must be identical format to left input.
Mechanical and Optical Problems
Problem Circular black spot appears on LCD.
Check Clean lenses with No-Fog cloth to clean any dust that may have formed.
Comment This dot may be a result of leaving the V6 in direct sunlight, which will burn the
polarizer of the LCD. Do not try to fix this problem. Contact Virtual Research for
further assistance.
Problem HMD seems front heavy.
Check HMD cable and tracker cable should fall behind the users shoulder and down the users
back, not in front of the user.
Problem Headband ratchet knobs too loose or too tight.
Check Adjust ratchet tightness with Phillips #2 screwdriver at center of ratchet knob.
Glossary
Aspect Ratio The ratio of the Horizontal to Vertical screen size. For example, an Aspect Ratio
of 4:3 indicates that the ratio of the width to the height of the viewing plane is 4/3.
BNC Connector type found on a variety of workstations and monitors, including the
ICO, OCO and MCO from Silicon Graphics
Channel When used in this manual, a channel refers to one independent image source.
Some computers can be configured with more than one channel, i.e., one for left
and right image sources.
Color Triads In LCD displays, this term refers to a group of three-color elements, Red, Green
and Blue. These three-color elements make up one full triad.
FOV Field of View is an angular measurement of the viewable area in a display. A
large Field of View provides a more immersive experience. Field of View is
either specified as a diagonal angular measurement accompanied by the Aspect
Ratio of the image, or it can be specified as two values, one horizontal and the
other vertical.
HMD Head Mount Display
ICO Impact Channel Option. This device enables users of Indigo Impact workstations
to generate standard VGA. In addition, it allows users to generate multiple video
channels for running V6 in stereo mode.
IPD Inter-Pupilary-Distance is the distance between the right and left pupil.
This parameter is adjustable and will vary from user to user.
ircombine On Onyx/Onyx2 InfiniteReality workstations, users can configure and customize
video output parameters for each channel independently. This allows users to
operate multiple peripherals and video formats simultaneously. See your SGI
users guide.
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
MCO Multi-Channel Option. This option is added to the Onyx RE workstations to sup
port up to four independant video channels. The MCO is required for running V6
in stereo.
