When to Replace Cables?

VoyagerVR

I have been hearing of vrcades replacing cables frequently which is why many went to wireless. Still hesitant to try wireless with so many issues, but my question is when do you know when to replace the cables on the wired headsets? I have had customers (kids) twist these things to infinity, but other than them looking horrible no noticeable damage or performance issues? Anything I should be looking for?

Thanks :slight_smile:

christy

Yes, I’d like to know too - what are the symptoms to look out for?

We are 2 years and 10 months in with 10 stations and never had a cable fail yet. I figure it’s got to happen one of these day.

As opposed to having the cable retracted and above their head where they can spin like a top and twist the cable in a knot, we’ve had it draped like a tail. Not touching the floor so there is no trip factor, but always behind the guest. So you can turn right or left but can’t keep turning the same way over and over again.

Have never had a negative guest complaint or comment in all this time. And given the price of cables, I think we’re saving a good bit.

mikelimit333

christy

Hi Christine - we've used the overhead pulley approach. Could you possibly send me a picture of the way that you arrange the cables. My email is mike@limitless-vr.com

mikelimit333

Hiya - since HTC changed the original thicker 3 x cable to a single cable we've had numerous issues which highlight that it is damaged. These include double vision, red flecks and blackouts in the headset. If you have the old style cables stick with them for as long as possible.

vrgamingpv

mikelimit333

Agree with Mike, once the minor issues start that he listed, shortly thereafter you will get Steam error code 208, which should simply state, "you need a new cable as yours is broken or badly frayed". The error, of course, says nothing remotely close to this.

VoyagerVR

mikelimit333

Hey Mike, could you give me the name of the pulleys you guys use? I use the Hyperkin FreeStep VR Cable Management System and they work OK but could use more tension. Just curious if yours were different?

christy

mikelimit333

Mike, sorry for the delay. Was out of state. We use zip ties and shock cords at pull points to absorb energy on a potential pull of the cord if they get to the far edge of the room. Not near as pretty as other set ups out there, but very functional. Here’s a picture:

VoyagerVR

Excellent! Thank you both... I'll keep on keeping on!

Philip

With the newer HTC Vive cables, I haven't experienced any issues as of yet but I found that generally, parts seem to have a life cycle of about a year before issues start to arise that the other people mentioned on this. One of the ways I try to prevent issues is to protect single points of failure locations like the connector ends of the cables and the connection points to the computer and HMDs. For example - the HDMI and USB that connects to the PC and breakout box is zip tied down so that the cable splits from the breakout box and not from the computer. On the HMD side, I put a zip tie that adds slack to the connector ends that go into the the HMD just in case someone steps on the cable.

KatePlayItVR

Wow Guys!

We've been open three months and had to change 4 cables. We've changed when there are performance issues. 3 have had visual problems and 1 audio. The visual were red, green or blue lines and or dots flashing. Sometimes it's only noticed on a loading screen, and no customer informed us we noticed ourselves through the headsets. We are too early on to be able to afford a wireless upgade. I have always suspected it's our cable management as we have 6 stations with a 1.8mx1.8m, with a grid ceiling where the PCs are kept. This does not leave much space to play with different cable management systems. We currently use infinity spin pulley in the middle and 2 metal cable retractable cords with elastic bands. I hate how it needs altering for nearly every client with all the different heights and looks awful...

KatePlayItVR

christy

Hi @christy

Am I right in thinking your cable hangs down the back of the customer and goes along the floor? Isn't there a risk of them tripping over it if they spin round?

christy

KatePlayItVR

Kate, it does not touch the floor with an adult, barely touches with a child. It’s coming from 6.5’ off the floor. As for turning around, that’s the whole point - you don’t spin like you do with retractable from above. Turn one way, stop when you feel the cord, turn the other way - ditto.

In the instructions, we say “mind your cable - it’s like a tail - keep it behind you.” That’s it. Three years, and not one trip or fall on a cord... with a bonus of all original cords are still in play.