The Varjo XR-3 VR glasses represent an advanced innovation in virtual and mixed reality technology, engineered to provide users with high-resolution visual experiences. Developed by Varjo Technologies, a leading company in the virtual and mixed reality sector, the XR-3 glasses offer state-of-the-art features designed to enhance immersion and usability.

„Varjo XR-3 delivers the most immersive mixed reality experience ever constructed, featuring photorealistic visual fidelity across the widest field of view of any XR headset. And with depth awareness, real and virtual elements blend together naturally.“ (https://varjo.com/products/varjo-xr-3/)

• High-Resolution Display

• Precision Eye Tracking:

IPD range: 58–72mm, Gaze camera resolution: 640 x 400 px per camera. Gaze tracking frequency: 100 Hz (default for native SDK) or 200 Hz (default for OpenXR and Unity XR SDK)

• Wide Field of View

• Seamless Integration

• Hybrid Capabilities:

The XR-3 supports both virtual and mixed reality experiences, allowing users to seamlessly transition between digital and real-world environments.

Video example here: https://youtu.be/A4AszH2ODXI?si=Hw04je4b15vWev4f

• Varjo XR-3 Headset:

The main component, providing high-resolution mixed reality experiences.

• Varjo Base:

This is the software platform for Varjo headsets, including XR-3. It manages device setup, calibration, and provides tools for development and integration. https://varjo.com/use-center/get-to-know-your-headset/using-varjo-base/

• Computer:

A powerful computer is required to drive the XR-3 headset and run demanding mixed reality applications. System requirements: 8-core CPU, 32 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 or NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada GPU, 2GB free space. More on system requirements: https://varjo.com/use-center/get-started/varjo-headsets/system-requirements/xr-3-vr-3/

• Cables:

2 x USB A Cables, 2 x DisplayPort (DP) Cables, 1 x DP → USB B adapter, 1 x DP → USB C adapter Alternatively, other ways of connectivity can be used:

Option 1. Using two third-party Mini DisplayPort–DisplayPort adapters: 2 x USB-A 3.0 / 3.1 2 x Mini DisplayPort

Option 2. Using two Varjo laptop adapters sold separately: 2 x USB-C 3.0/3.1, with support for Alternate Mode

Option 3. Combination of Option A and Option B, using one third-party Mini DisplayPort–DisplayPort adapter and one Varjo laptop adapter: 1 x Mini DisplayPort 1 x USB-A 3.0 / 3.1 1 x USB-C 3.0/3.1, with support for Alternate Mode

In all options, note the following requirements for the ports: Mini DisplayPort ports must be routed directly to the dedicated NVIDIA GPU. In Option 2 and Option 3 when using Varjo laptop adapter, the USB-C port must be routed directly to the dedicated NVIDIA GPU and include support for Alternate Mode.

• Vive Controller:

Vive controllers are optional accessories that can be used with the Varjo XR-3 headset to provide hand-tracking and interaction capabilities within mixed reality environments.

• Vive Base Station: Vive base stations are (optional) components used for room-scale tracking in virtual reality setups. They are not specifically required for the Varjo XR-3 headset, but they can enhance the tracking accuracy and experience, especially if you're using Vive controllers or need precise tracking in a larger physical space.

• Accessories:
• Transport Case:

1. Begin by opening the suitcase in which the Varjo XR-3 equipment is.
2. Place the computer on a stable surface.
3. Locate the adapter and the box containing the necessary cables inside the suitcase.
4. Connect the cables from the box to the adapter and then to the computer, following the picture provided above.
5. Take the VR glasses from the suitcase carefully.
6. Connect the cable extending from the VR glasses to the adapter, maching the letters on the cables and the adapter.
7. Position the two Vive base stations at a minimum height of 2 meters, a few meters apart, with the shiny, round part facing towards you. Recommended distances between the devices are: A minimum of 1.5 m (5 ft) between each base station and the headset. A maximum of 5 m (16 ft) between base stations. Ensure they are plugged into a power source. Two different power plugs are included in the box (European type C and North American type A). Use a standard power adapter if needed.
8. Optionally, turn on both Vive controllers and place them within the field of vision of the base stations.
9. Power on the computer.
10. Check the tracking status in Varjo Base: Varjo Base will display the status of your devices. Check the icons in the status area to confirm that your headset and base stations are connected and that tracking is working.
11. Set up your room in SteamVR: When using your Varjo headset for the first time in a new environment, you will need to perform a brief setup to configure the headset and base stations. 1. From the SteamVR room setup instructions, select Launch SteamVR and wait for the application to open. Alternatively, you can manually open SteamVR on your Windows computer. 2. In the SteamVR application window, go to Menu > Room setup and follow the instructions. We recommend you choose the Standing Only setup, which is the most straightforward option. 3. After completing room setup, return to Varjo Base.
12. Open the Steam VR app and confirm visibility of both base stations, VR glasses and controllers. More information on the Varjo website https://varjo.com/use-center/get-started/varjo-headsets/setting-up-tracking/steamvr-tracking/
13. Launch the desired application or game using the Steam app.
14. If intending to view VR videos, initiate the DeoVR app and select a video using one of the controllers.

The new base stations were tested with the aforementioned setup, utilizing a Schenker Laptop, Varjo XR-3, and SteamVR. During these tests, an issue arose due to the absence of a Bluetooth connection on the Varjo XR-3. The four base stations, purchased in pairs, were preset to channels 1 and 2. Typically, VR headsets can update the base stations and automatically adjust their channels. However, without Bluetooth connectivity, the Varjo XR-3 could not facilitate this automatic channel change.

Consequently, the first two base stations occupied channels 1 and 2, while the other two could not connect as they could not switch channels automatically. This prevented the computer from connecting to all four base stations simultaneously.

The solution was straightforward: we manually changed the channels so that the four base stations occupied channels 1, 2, 3, and 4. To manually change the channels, press the button at the back of each base station with a pin the required number of times (each press increments the channel by one).

How to connect the base stations:

1. Connect the computer and VR glasses to power, the hub and to each other as shown above.
2. Connect the base stations to power (you will need to place the base stations around the room that you will be working in so think about providing enough power sockets or extension cables).
3. Put the base stations on a high, stable surface or on base station stands. The base stations should be on the head level or above, oriented downwards.
4. Open the Varjo Base application on the computer
5. Check for Base stations in the right corner (If everything is correcty connected, you shoud see 4 base stations and the channels they are on)
6. Open Steam VR and check if the base stations show up correctly.

• https://varjo.com/products/varjo-xr-3/
• https://developer.varjo.com/docs/get-started/eye-tracking-with-varjo-headset
• https://varjo.com/varjo-ready-computers/
• https://varjo.com/use-center/get-started/varjo-headsets/system-requirements/compatible-computers/#xr-3-vr-3
• https://varjo.com/use-center/get-started/varjo-headsets/system-requirements/xr-3-vr-3/