Achieving Full-Body Tracking in VRChat with VIVE Tracker (Ultimate)

This article is a translated version of my original post on Qiita. Original (Japanese): https://qiita.com/segur/items/1e47513cbc9dc72d0f48

Achieving Full-Body Tracking in VRChat with VIVE Tracker (Ultimate)

So you've got your shiny new VIVE XR Elite and VIVE Tracker (Ultimate), and you're wondering how to use them for full-body tracking in VRChat? This guide is for you!

Required Equipment

Setting Up Your Environment

Prepare Your HTC Account

Make sure you have an HTC account ready to log in!

If you don't have an account, you can create one at the following URL: https://www.viveport.com/

HTC Account Setup

I personally flustered a bit as I forgot my password since I hadn't used my HTC account for years.

Install VIVE Manager on Your Smartphone

VIVE Manager

Install the VIVE Manager on your smartphone!

With VIVE Manager, you can configure the headset and trackers right from your smartphone. This is handy because tasks like entering passwords via VR can be cumbersome, but with VIVE Manager, you can easily copy and paste from your phone!

Download it from here:

Set Up the VIVE XR Elite

VIVE XR Elite Setup

Follow the official documentation to set up your VIVE XR Elite:

https://www.vive.com/jp/support/vive-xr/category_howto/setting-up-headset-for-the-first-time.html

There are methods to set things up using just the headset, but using VIVE Manager is recommended as it simplifies tasks like password entry. The battery at the back is detachable, but if you're using a VIVE Tracker, the battery is necessary, so make sure to attach it.

Set Up the VIVE Tracker (Ultimate)

VIVE Tracker Setup

Refer to the official documentation for setting up the VIVE Tracker (Ultimate):

https://www.vive.com/jp/support/ultimate-tracker/category_howto/settinng-up-vive-ultimate-tracker.html

You have both headset-only and VIVE Manager methods available; either works fine. Following the steps will lead you to insert a dongle into a USB port:

Dongle Insertion

Since the dongle occupies the USB port, you cannot connect the headset directly to the PC via USB. For PCVR games, use VIVE Streaming for wireless connections!

Assigning the VIVE Tracker (Ultimate) to Joints

In my case, I have three trackers, which I plan to assign to the waist, left ankle, and right ankle. For roles assignment, refer to the official documentation:

https://www.vive.com/jp/support/ultimate-tracker/category_howto/assigning-motion-tracker-roles.html

Choose between using just the headset or the VIVE Manager for this as well. If it shows as 移軒中 (Shifting) like below, tracking isn't working properly:

Tracking Issue

Here is a guide to troubleshoot tracking issues if you find this useful:

https://qiita.com/segur/items/8ba84a768a6ca9054803

Install VRChat

Search for VRChat in VIVE Manager's store and install it.

VRChat Installation

Log in using your VRChat account.

Configure Full-Body Tracking in VRChat

Launch VRChat and move in front of a mirror!

Open the Launch Pad and select Calibrate FBT!

Calibrate FBT

Your tracker positions will appear as white balls. Since I attached my trackers to the waist, left ankle, and right ankle, I saw three balls. Align these with your avatar's body, then hold the trigger on both hand controllers simultaneously.

Tracker Calibration

Congratulations! Now the legs of your avatar should move accordingly.

Tracker Success

In my setup with three trackers plus head and hand points, I have six-point tracking, although up to five trackers can be used.

Can You Use Full-Body Tracking in SteamVR?

Connecting the VIVE XR Elite to your PC lets you play SteamVR games. Using VIVE Streaming for a wireless connection, I confirmed that you can play SteamVR without relying on a USB connection.

The question is: can you use the tracker with VIVE Streaming too?

Upon testing, I confirmed that full-body tracking can also be configured in the SteamVR version of VRChat!

SteamVR Tracking

In Conclusion

I apologize for outsourcing some of the finer steps to the official documentation. The following resources were referenced for creating this article. Thank you!