Setting Up the HTC Vive

An article by Allen Brower

Before Setting Up

This guide will show you how to set up the HTC Vive for our software from the beginning to your first simulation.
 
First of all, ensure that the computer you are using meets the minimum specifications required to run our software.
 
Minimum Computer Specifications:
  • OS: Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel® i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 equivalent or greater
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 1060 3GB / AMD Radeon™ RX 480 equivalent or greater
 
As well as PC specifications, we also require a minimum physical space that is clear of any physical obstructions in order to enjoy our VR simulations:
  • Minimum Room Size: 6.5ftx5ft square room space
 
Consult the packaging your computer came in for a list of technical specifications, or use the "Device Manager" included in Windows 10 to determine your system specifications. To access Device Manager, right click on the Windows button in the bottom left hand corner of your screen, and click "Device Manager". Open the "Display adapters" and "Processors" sections and compare the available devices to the system specifications above.
 
Note: The Display adapters section inside of Device Manager may contain multiple graphics cards. Your list may contain one of the brands above (Geforce or AMD) as well as Intel, and you will need to compare your system specifications to the Geforce or AMD card.
If your computer does not meet the minimum specifications, it will be incapable of running our software in VR and will require you to purchase an upgraded Windows 10 PC.
 
If you are unsure that your computer meets the minimum specifications, use the tool available here to test your PC's hardware capability: https://store.steampowered.com/app/323910/SteamVR_Performance_Test/
This tool will require you to install Steam, attempting to install the tool will guide you through account creation and Steam setup.
Open up the details section and compare your results to the ones below.
 
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If your "Average Quality" score is any lower than 6, your computer may be incapable of running our software and will require you to purchase an upgraded Windows 10 PC. A recommended PC will receive a score of 6.6 (High) or higher.
 

Setup

Setting Up Your HTC Vive

If your computer meets the minimum specifications, and you have purchased the HTC Vive hardware, use the instructions on this page to set up your Vive hardware and install SteamVR https://support.steampowered.com/steamvr/HTC_Vive/
 
Next, open up the Steam app on your desktop, log in, and hit this button, located in the top right of the main Steam window:
 
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Setting up the Software

After following the instructions in the link above, download the Interplay desktop app to begin simulations, the link is available here: https://www.interplaylearning.com/interplay-download-desktop-app
Navigate the Course Catalog as you would in your web browser and find a simulation you would like to run. When you see the "Launch" button inside of the thumbnail with a VR visor icon, as seen below, it means that simulation is ready for play in VR! Click that icon, put the headset on your head, and get ready to learn!
 
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