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Yes, you can build a functional PC VR headset around a 3D-printed enclosure, two 1440×1440 displays, 34-mm lenses, an Arduino-based tracker, and an IMU. CNCDan’s open-source project reports a parts cost below $150, but that is a maker-reported total—not a guaranteed current price—and it does not include a printer, tools, failed prints, labor, a VR-capable PC, or optional controllers and positional-tracking hardware.
The result is best understood as a low-cost engineering project for technically confident makers, particularly people interested in seated PCVR or racing simulation. It is not a plug-and-play replacement for a modern standalone headset.
What you are actually building
This project is more than a 3D-printed phone holder. It is a complete, tethered head-mounted display built around:
- A 3D-printed optical enclosure, head strap, and facial interface mounting.
- Two independent square displays, one for each eye.
- A pair of 34-mm-diameter lenses with a 45-mm focal length.
- Adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD).
- An IMU and Arduino-compatible microcontroller for rotational head tracking.
- Display-driver electronics, wiring, and a custom PCB.
- Optional wireless-controller and positional-tracking hardware.
The project’s GitHub repository includes STL files, STEP assemblies, firmware, a PCB directory, a bill of materials, and build notes. It describes both V1.0 and V2.0 designs. Do not mix files, electronics, or instructions between versions without checking the filenames and README.
#1 Best Overall
- SUPPORT FOR MYOPIA USERS: The reasonable design of the optical lens and the body can pre-vent fatigue and sleepiness, and can support the use of myopia users, reduce deformity and glare to effectively reduce visual fatigue, maintaining 3D reality with a wide field of vision and creating a virtual reality world.
- ADVANCED VR TECHNOLOGY: 360-degree panoramic view, bringing more shocking visual experience and immersive visual impa-ct.Gaming and watching movies with virtual reality headsets work best when your eyes properly align with the screen box. With this device, you can experience the immersive, fun and exciting world of VR, such as 3D movies, skydiving, underwater worlds, panoramic natural scenery, virtual game scenes, etc.
- ADJUSTABLE INTERPUPILLARY DISTANCE: The use of a large lens barrel has a wider field of view, and the interpupillary distance design of the adjustable gear can meet a variety of needs.The pupil distance can be adjusted to get the clearest view.Our optical goggles has the characteristics of an-ti-blue light, effectively protects the eyes, makes the picture clearer, and reduces the feeling of dizziness.
- MORE PORTABLE, MORE COMFORTABLE, MORE LIGHTWEIGHT: Suitable for 4.7-7 inch mobile phones, compatible with more types of large-screen mobile phones. VR Headset weighs as light as its concise appearance, it more portable no matter at home or outdoor. A T-shaped headband will fit different head sizes (both adults and children).
- PERFECT GIFT FOR KIDS & ADULTS: This premium VR headset is the perfect present for father's day, Halloween, Easter, or Christmas. Compatible with smartphones and other mobile phone devices with a 4.7-7” screen to bring you a totally immersive visual 360 degree experience.
The headset is intended to work with SteamVR after the correct firmware, driver, display connections, and calibration steps are completed. “SteamVR compatible” does not mean one-click setup.
Core specifications—and what they mean
| Feature | What the project provides |
|---|---|
| Displays | Two 1440×1440 panels, one per eye |
| Common headline resolution | 2880×1440 combined horizontally; not 2880×1440 per eye |
| Lenses | Two 34-mm-diameter lenses with 45-mm focal length |
| IPD | Mechanically adjustable |
| Baseline tracking | 3DOF IMU tracking |
| Optional tracking | 6DOF through additional PSMoveServiceEX infrastructure |
| Platform | PCVR through SteamVR |
| Housing | 3D printed |
| Reported cost | Below $150, according to the creator’s report |
| Refresh rate | The repository lists 120 Hz; full-resolution 90-Hz operation was reported as problematic during testing |
| Face interface | Compatible with an HTC Vive Pro face pad |
Sources: the project repository and Hackaday’s project report.
Why “2880×1440” needs qualification
Each eye receives a 1440×1440 image. The often-used 2880×1440 figure is a combined horizontal count for the two displays; it is not a single 2880×1440 panel and does not mean that either eye sees 2880×1440 pixels.
Perceived clarity also depends on lens distortion, field of view, lens overlap, focus, panel alignment, and the size of the lenses’ sharp central region. A numerical resolution comparison with a commercial headset is therefore incomplete without considering the optics.
Is the headset really cheap?
The creator reportedly built the headset for less than $150. That is useful evidence that the design can be assembled inexpensively, but it should not be treated as a current, audited retail price.
The reported figure may not include the value of:
- A 3D printer, filament, spare nozzles, and failed prints.
- Soldering equipment, a multimeter, calipers, and heat-set-insert tools.
- Shipping, taxes, minimum order quantities, or replacement parts.
- Your time for printing, soldering, firmware flashing, calibration, and debugging.
- A PC capable of rendering VR.
- Controllers, base stations, cameras, or other 6DOF equipment.
- A replacement face pad, improved strap, or spare display and IMU boards.
Marketplace listings can also change. The repository’s component links are useful references, but AliExpress sellers, stock, prices, shipping terms, and board revisions may differ when you order. Verify dimensions, pinouts, voltage requirements, and quantities instead of assuming that a visually similar replacement is electrically equivalent.
The fair conclusion is that the headset may be inexpensive if you already own the printer, tools, PC, and some components. Once labor and the complete VR system are counted, it may not beat a used commercial headset in your local market. Check local listings for used Quest 2, Rift S, Windows Mixed Reality, or older SteamVR hardware before assuming the DIY route is the cheapest usable option.
The Tool Desk
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- 【HD WIDE ANGLE LENS】Double spherical optical lens, restore the real image, more high-definition. High-definition optical multi-layer protection lens.360-degree panoramic view, bringing more shocking visual experience and immersive visual impact.
- 【GOOD EFFECT】Full-screen VR rejects the black box effect. Smaller size allows larger field of view. VR removes the black box frame around to make the field of vision bigger and more comfortable. It no longer feels like watching a movie in a box.
- 【EASY TO USE】Easy to set up and use, place the phone horizontally with reference to the center line, adjust pupil distance and object distance. Vr goggle is adjustable on pupil distance and objects distance with individual lenses for different eye sights.
- 【3D GAMING】Gaming and watching movies with virtual reality headsets work best,(5.5-6.2 inch mobile phone with auxiliary frame is better). Boasting HD optimization and 3D gaming support, you’ll put yourself right into the action with games, movies and more!
- 【WIDE ANGLE LENS】With a 100 degree wide-angle lens, the immersion is better. Myopia within 600 degrees can be viewed with the eye. Compatible with 4.7-7.2 inch mobile phones. Full screen vision, no black box effect when watching movies.
Parts required
The repository’s major components include:
- Display set and display-driver electronics.
- GY-91 IMU board.
- Two NRF24L01 wireless modules.
- A 40-mm ping-pong ball for optical tracking.
- Tactile calibration switch.
- Two stainless rods and brass bushings.
- USB-C Arduino Pro Micro.
- Two 34-mm-diameter, 45-mm-focal-length lenses.
- Nylon strap.
- HTC Vive Pro face pad.
- M3 threaded inserts, screws, and standoffs.
The project’s README links to example listings for the display set, GY-91, NRF24L01 modules, Arduino Pro Micro, lenses, strap, face pad, rods, bushings, fasteners, and other parts. Treat these as changing examples rather than permanent part numbers.
Printing and mechanical assembly
Print one of each part unless the repository specifies otherwise. The listed exceptions are:
- Three DIY VR Buckle parts.
- Two DIY VR Lens Retainer parts.
- Two DIY VR Thumbscrew Head parts.
The V2.0 front cover is described as easier to print than V1.0 and suitable for printing front-down with minimal supports. The project’s video and files contain additional recommendations; do not invent nozzle size, layer height, infill, support, or material settings that are not specified there.
Practical print checks
- Confirm that every file belongs to the same design version before slicing.
- Inspect the optical enclosure for warping and dimensional errors.
- Print and test-fit the display mounts before permanently installing electronics.
- Check lens retainers carefully. Small dimensional errors can change lens centering and image quality.
- Confirm the plastic thickness before installing M3 heat-set inserts.
- Plan cable routes and strain relief before closing the enclosure.
- Expect at least one prototype print for fit, alignment, or cable access.
The housing may be printed, but the finished headset still depends on purchased optics, displays, electronics, fasteners, fabric, and a face pad. “Fully 3D printed” is therefore an inaccurate description of the complete system.
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Electronics: details that matter
The creator’s build notes specify several details that are easy to overlook:
- The PCB requires three SMD components: one MCP1792-3302xCB and two 470-nF 0603 capacitors.
- NRF24L01 modules can be soldered normally.
- The IMU must sit flat against the PCB, which requires removing its black plastic pin spacer.
- The Arduino must retain its black plastic spacers so its USB port aligns correctly with the enclosure.
- The calibration switch connects to the pads labeled Calibrate.
- The RGB tracking LED connects to VCC, GND, and DO.
- Separate VCC and GND pads supply the display driver.
These instructions come from the project’s repository. Check the exact PCB and board revision before wiring. Low-cost Arduino and IMU clones can have different pinouts, regulators, USB behavior, or firmware expectations.
Before applying power
- Inspect every solder bridge under magnification.
- Check VCC-to-GND resistance with a multimeter.
- Confirm connector polarity and cable orientation.
- Verify that the IMU is mechanically flat and firmly secured.
- Check display-driver supply voltage against the board documentation.
- Power the controller and display electronics separately where practical during initial testing.
- Use proper strain relief so movement of the tether cannot pull on solder joints.
A display that fails to start can be inconvenient; a wiring mistake on a power rail can damage the display, Arduino, IMU, or driver board.
Rank #3
- 👀 [Remote Controller] Our virtual reality headset provide a control that connected to the phone, then you can play and stop music , volume +/- directly. Put yourself right into the action with games & movies and more!
- 👀 [More Comfortable Wearing] The mask is made of soft and breathable PU leather, easy to clean and comfortable to wear.We recommend that you take a break every half hour while playing VR to maximize your eye protection.
- 👀 [HD LENS] Double spherical optical lens, restore the real image, more high-definition. High-definition optical multi-layer protection lens.360-degree panoramic view, bringing more shocking visual experience and immersive visual impact.
Firmware, tracking, and SteamVR
The V2.0 tracker uses the HadesVR driver and a modified firmware version included with the project. The repository directs builders to HadesVR documentation for firmware uploading and sensor calibration.
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The normal tracking path is 3DOF:
- 3DOF: rotation only—looking up and down, turning left and right, and tilting your head.
- 6DOF: rotation plus physical position—moving forward, backward, sideways, up, and down.
Optional 6DOF support uses additional PSMoveServiceEX hardware and software. It is a separate tracking project, not a feature that appears automatically after printing the shell. Wireless-controller support also requires additional hardware and the project’s separate controller software.
A sensible first setup sequence
- Complete the mechanical and electrical inspection.
- Flash the firmware intended for the correct hardware revision.
- Connect the headset by USB and connect the display output.
- Install or configure the relevant HadesVR and SteamVR components.
- Calibrate the IMU on a level, motionless surface.
- Confirm that the computer detects the Arduino and that rotational movement is reported.
- Adjust IPD and lens position while viewing a simple test scene.
- Begin with conservative rendering settings.
- Increase resolution or refresh-rate settings only after tracking and display output remain stable.
SteamVR detection depends on the firmware, driver configuration, USB connection, display connection, calibration, and PC hardware. The repository does not provide a universal one-click installation path.
Refresh rate: the most important qualification
The repository lists 120 Hz as a capability, but Hackaday reports that the creator had difficulty achieving 90 Hz at full resolution during testing. These are not contradictory if they are understood as different kinds of claims:
- Nominal capability: a specification listed by the project or display hardware.
- Verified operating result: a stable mode demonstrated by the completed headset under a particular timing, driver, and PC configuration.
Do not assume that this headset will run at 120 Hz, or even at 90 Hz at full 1440×1440 resolution, simply because one of those figures appears in the project materials. Display-driver bandwidth, panel firmware, HDMI timing, output hardware, and PC settings can all matter.
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Optics, IPD, and comfort
Adjustable IPD is one of the project’s meaningful features. It changes the spacing between the optical centers of the lenses and displays so the image lines up with your eyes. IPD is not the same as focus, however, and it cannot correct every prescription, eye-relief, or lens-quality issue.
Rank #4
- Myopia‑Friendly Design - The optical lens and housing structure help relieve eye strain and fatigue. It supports users with myopia, reduces glare and distortion, and delivers stable 3D visual effects with a wide field‑of‑view for immersive VR experience.
- Immersive 360° Panoramic View - Advanced VR technology brings you an immersive visual impact. Pair it with your smartphone and VR apps, and you can enjoy 3D movies, virtual game scenes, panoramic landscapes and a more realistic virtual world.
- Adjustable Interpupillary Distance - Equipped with adjustable lens barrels for interpupillary distance adjustment, you can tune to get sharp, clear visuals. Built‑in anti‑blue‑light lenses effectively protect eyes and reduce dizziness during long‑time use.
- Lightweight & Portable for Daily Use - Lightweight VR goggles fit 4.7‑7‑inch smartphones. Spacious interior fits most large‑size mobile phones. Adjustable T‑shape headband suits various head sizes for both adults and kids.
- Ideal Gift Choice for Kids & Adults - Great gift choice for holidays including Halloween, Easter and Christmas. Compatible with most smartphones with screen size 4.7‑7‑inch to bring you fantastic 360‑degree immersive experience.
Expect the optical result to depend on:
- Lens centering and orientation.
- Display-to-lens spacing.
- IPD adjustment.
- Headset tilt and height.
- Lens cleanliness.
- Individual lens quality.
Inexpensive lenses may produce blur, glare, chromatic aberration, distortion, or a small clear sweet spot. A mechanically adjustable lens mount cannot remove those optical limitations. The compatible HTC Vive Pro face pad can improve the interface and replaceability, but it adds to the cost, and the available project evidence does not establish long-session comfort.
Adjust one variable at a time
- Center the image for each eye.
- Set the IPD.
- Adjust headset height and tilt.
- Set strap tension without over-tightening.
- Check sharpness in the center and toward the edges.
- Recalibrate tracking if you move the IMU or substantially alter the shell.
Troubleshooting
The display works, but SteamVR does not detect the headset
Possible causes include incorrect firmware, the wrong driver configuration, USB power or cable problems, an output connected to the wrong device, Arduino enumeration failure, or an altered board revision.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Confirm that the Arduino appears as a USB device.
- Reflash firmware for the correct hardware revision.
- Recheck HadesVR configuration.
- Test the display independently over HDMI.
- Inspect USB power and ground connections.
- Restart SteamVR after changing driver settings.
Tracking drifts
Drift can result from poor calibration, an angled or loose IMU, electrical noise, incorrect sensor orientation, or incompatible firmware.
- Secure the IMU rigidly and ensure it sits flat on the PCB.
- Calibrate on a level, motionless surface.
- Confirm the sensor orientation in software.
- Check the firmware version and hardware revision.
- Keep noisy display wiring separated from sensor wiring where practical.
The image is blurry
Check IPD, lens orientation, lens retainers, display-to-lens spacing, headset tilt, panel alignment, and lens cleanliness. If the center is sharp but the edges remain blurred, that may be an optical limitation rather than an assembly fault.
Safety and first-use advice
- Test seated first.
- Keep the tether away from wheels, pedals, chairs, and feet.
- Do not use the headset while walking until positional tracking is reliable.
- Stop if the display flickers, overheats, becomes unstable, or causes nausea.
- Secure loose wires and add strain relief at moving or exposed connections.
- Do not look directly into a modified tracking light source if you have increased its brightness.
- Never use a damaged lithium battery or improvised power supply.
- Verify electrical isolation around the face and head before wearing the headset.
Who should build it?
| Reader | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Maker with a printer, tools, and a VR-capable PC | The DIY project is a worthwhile open-hardware experiment |
| Seated racing-simulation enthusiast | The DIY project can make sense, especially if 3DOF is sufficient |
| First-time VR buyer | A commercial headset is the safer and simpler choice |
| Room-scale VR player | Choose a commercial 6DOF system unless you specifically want to build the tracking system too |
| User without a VR-ready PC | A standalone commercial headset is more practical |
| Buyer seeking the lowest total cost | Compare the complete DIY system with local used commercial hardware |
Build the headset if you enjoy soldering, firmware configuration, calibration, mechanical alignment, and troubleshooting. It is especially defensible when openness, repairability, and experimentation matter as much as convenience.
Do not build it if you want reliable VR immediately, standalone operation, included controllers, room-scale tracking, or predictable optical and refresh-rate performance.
DIY versus buying a commercial headset
A commercial headset removes the project’s largest risks: enclosure fabrication, lens alignment, display timing, firmware configuration, sensor calibration, and controller integration. It also costs more—or may offer less openness and repairability.
Best Value
- 【Immersive 3D Movie Viewing】Gaming and watching movies in 3D works best when proper your eyes properly align with the screen. VR headset offers FD and OD adjustments (wide Field of Vision) to expand the viewing angle and perfectly match focal distance and unilateral myopic alignment for reduced distortion to ensure an optimal viewing experience.
- 【Better Control Experience】Our virtual reality headset provide a control that connected to the phone, then you can play and stop music, volume +/- directly. Put yourself right into the action with games, movies and more!
- 【Wide Compatibility】3D mobile VR headsets set compatible with 5.0-7.0 inch smartphones.
Meta Quest 3S is the more appropriate direction for a first-time buyer who wants an integrated standalone headset and optional PCVR. Meta Quest 3 is a more capable commercial alternative for someone who wants both standalone and PCVR flexibility. Both trade the DIY project’s openness for a managed commercial ecosystem.
Valve Index is a more direct PCVR comparison, but its headset, controllers, and base stations are separate cost considerations. The official store lists the headset alone at $499, while controller and complete-kit availability and pricing can change. A headset-only price is not an apples-to-apples comparison if you still need base stations and controllers.
Commercial prices and used-market values change by country, stock status, and date. Compare the price of a complete working system—not just the printed parts or headset shell.
Verdict
CNCDan’s headset is an impressive open-hardware PCVR experiment and potentially a useful seated simulator headset. Its strongest advantages are low reported parts cost, repairability, adjustable IPD, and the opportunity to understand every layer of the device.
Its limits are just as important: the reported sub-$150 price excludes much of the real system cost, baseline tracking is 3DOF, 6DOF requires additional infrastructure, SteamVR setup is not plug-and-play, optics may be imperfect, and the repository’s 120-Hz listing should not be confused with stable full-resolution performance.
Build it if the making is part of the goal. Buy commercial hardware if the goal is simply to play VR with reliable tracking, controllers, comfort, and minimal setup.
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