Can you make a homemade VR headset?

I love that we live in the time of such technological advancements. The fact that we can post images on social media, that people in no matter where they are can have fun online with eFortuna Bonus de bun venit, or even the fact that you are reading this article online right now is fascinating to me. I cannot even begin to comprehend all of the possibilities that technology offers us and the ways our lives can change in, say, another 20 years. One of the trends that I see frequently around me and that I think will only develop more in the future is VR. 

Everybody loves VR, but VR headsets are a bit expensive for an everyday person. If you’ve been looking for an inexpensive way to experience Virtual Reality (VR) then you’ve probably considered making your own VR headset. But maybe making your own headset is something that scares you a bit. You may find it complicated, expensive or maybe time consuming? Well, I am here to explain how you can make your own VR set and if it is worth your time. 

The supplies

It’s actually pretty easy. All you need is some cardboard, some lenses or plastic, and some lens holders. You can find the lens holders at most craft stores or online. They’re typically made of plastic and come in a variety of sizes. You can also opt to buy a smartphone holder so that you don’t have to hold your phone in front of your face while using your homemade VR headset.

The steps

Once you’ve got all of your supplies together, it’s time to start assembling! Start by cutting out two rectangular pieces of cardboard that are each about 4 inches tall by 6 inches wide (you can use any size that feels comfortable). If you want to make sure the two pieces are exactly equal in size, use a ruler or measuring tape to measure out the dimensions before cutting them out (this will help ensure that your lenses will be centred properly).

Next, cut out two smaller rectangles from the same sheets of cardboard (these should be about 2 inches tall by 3½ inches wide). These will be used as spacers between the larger pieces and will help keep them apart so they don’t press too closely on your face when wearing this makeshift headset. 

Finally, cut out your plastic for the front of your headset. Try to keep it as smooth as possible, because any bumps or grooves will make it hard for your phone to focus on the image in front of you. Next, cut out two rectangles for lenses out of cardboard and glue them to the side of your phone case with a strong glue like super glue or epoxy (epoxy will last longer). When everything is glued together, put it on top of your head and adjust until it fits comfortably. You can also add padding if necessary by attaching pieces of foam or fabric around the edges of your case using hot glue or tape!

Is it worth it?

Yes! First of all, it is way less expensive than buying a VR headset. Moreover, if you want to get creative with the design and materials, you can make something really unique (and maybe even sell it!). Also, if you’re into tinkering with technology or making things yourself, then a DIY project may seem fun for you.