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For the original Oculus Rift CV1, use two sensors for ordinary front-facing play. Choose three if you want broader 360-degree or room-scale coverage; Oculus recommended three for that setup. This guidance applies to the Rift CV1’s external sensors, not later headsets that use inside-out tracking.

Choose two sensors for front-facing play, or three for wider coverage

Sensor count Best fit What to expect
Two Standard play while generally facing the sensors Simpler placement and fewer USB devices. Tracking can be less forgiving if you turn away or your body blocks the headset or controllers from the sensors.
Three Wider 360-degree or room-scale coverage A rear viewpoint can reduce occlusion, but you need another sensor position, cable routing, and adequate USB/controller capacity.

Oculus Support’s troubleshooting guidance, dated June 13, 2019, says: “We recommend using 3 sensors.” That recommendation is for expanded coverage; two remain the standard front-facing arrangement. The same guidance warns that “If you’re using more than 3 sensors, your setup may not work with your PC computer or play area.” Oculus Support Center troubleshooting guidance and Oculus guidance on using more than three sensors.

How to place two sensors

  1. Put both sensors in front of your usual wearing position, 3 to 6.5 feet (1 to 2 meters) away, following Oculus’s sensor placement guidance.
  2. Keep a clear line of sight to the play area. Point the glossy lens side toward the area, remove any protective film, and angle the sensors toward where you will play.
  3. Use a clear play area of at least 3 feet by 3 feet (1 meter by 1 meter). Remove objects that could be bumped into or tripped over, including sensor cables. Oculus describes this as a minimum area, not a guarantee that every larger space will track well. See the Oculus setup guide.

How to arrange three sensors

  1. Place the two front sensors 3 to 9 feet (1 to 2.7 meters) ahead of your wearing position.
  2. Put the third sensor directly behind one of the front sensors. Oculus specifies that the rear sensor should be no more than 14 feet (4.3 meters) from the farthest front sensor.
  3. Aim all three toward the play area and preserve a clear line of sight. Refer to Oculus’s placement instructions.

A diagonal arrangement using two sensors has been described as an experimental way to try 360-degree use, but it is not Oculus’s stated default or an equivalent guarantee. Oculus’s official placement guidance describes two sensors in front and recommends three for broader coverage. Road to VR’s room-scale setup guide discusses the alternative.

Check USB connections if tracking is unreliable

Sensor performance can depend on USB bandwidth and which ports share a controller; port color alone does not establish that a connection will work. Oculus’s troubleshooting advice is to use USB 3.0 ports for sensors, but if several sensors are on USB 3.0, try moving one to USB 2.0. If multiple sensors share one USB controller, try ports on different controllers or increase their separation. Unplugging other USB devices can also help. See Oculus’s USB troubleshooting advice.

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#1 Best Overall
Sensor Infrared Locator for Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Cv1 Black Working Tested Good Condition
  • Sensor Infrared locator for Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Cv1 Black Working Tested Good Condition

Road to VR’s account of Oculus room-scale guidance summarizes a three-sensor arrangement using two USB 3.0 connections and one USB 2.0 connection to balance bandwidth; treat that as a reported configuration, not a guarantee for every PC. Road to VR’s USB and room-scale guidance.

Quick Recap

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Oculus Sensor (Includes 16Ft. Repeater Cable)
Oculus Sensor (Includes 16Ft. Repeater Cable)
When used as a third sensor, requires an additional USB 2.0 or higher port; Oculus Sensor tracks constellations of IR LED's to translate your movements in VR
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Oculus Rift CV1 Compatible Sensor Wall Mount/Display, Command Strip Included (Black, 3 Pack)
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COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Oculus Rift CV1 VR Gaming; NOTES: Oculus Rift CV1 VR Gaming is not included in the delivery
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kwmobile VR Face Cushion Compatible with Oculus Rift CV1 VR Gaming - Synthetic Leather Foam Pad for VR - Black
  • COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Oculus Rift CV1 VR Gaming
  • COMFORTABLE: This faux leather face pad offers maximum comfort while you use your virtual reality device
  • CLASSIC LOOK: This face cushion is made of durable synthetic leather to provide a classic look
  • INSTALLATION: Methods vary per device. Please see VR manufacturer's website for details on installation
  • NOTES: Oculus Rift CV1 VR Gaming is not included in the delivery
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Oculus Rift CV1 Compatible Sensor Wall Mount/Display, Command Strip Included (White, 2 pack)
  • Available in 2, 3, & 4-Packs!
  • ENHANCE YOUR VR EXPERIENCE | Our wall mounts will help you create more room for your VR experience.
  • DAMAGE-FREE | Each display mount comes with 3M Command Strips to avoid damaging your walls and for an easy, quick set-up. Works on smooth, painted, or textured walls. Perfect for apartments and dormitories!
  • STAY CALIBRATED | Avoid having to re-calibrate your sensors. Once on the wall they stay calibrated until removal.
  • MADE IN USA | Manufactured by 3D Lasers Lab. Hole reamed for a perfect fit. 3D printed at 0.2 mm resolution.
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Oculus Rift CV1 Compatible Sensor Wall Mount/Display, Command Strip Included (Black, 3 Pack)
  • ENHANCE YOUR VR EXPERIENCE | Give yourself more play-space by replacing the Oculus Rift Sensor stands.
  • DAMAGE-FREE | Each display mount comes with 3M Command Strips to avoid damaging your walls and for an easy, quick set-up. Works on smooth, painted, or textured walls. Perfect for apartments and dormitories!
  • STAY CALIBRATED | Avoid having to re-calibrate your sensors. Once on the wall they stay calibrated until removal.
  • MADE IN USA | Manufactured by 3D Lasers Lab. Hole reamed for a perfect fit. 3D printed at 0.2 mm resolution.
  • Oculus Rift sensor wall mount for Oculus Rift CV1 sensors- Available in 2, 3, & 4- Packs!
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Oculus Sensor (Includes 16Ft. Repeater Cable)
  • When used as a third sensor, requires an additional USB 2.0 or higher port
  • Oculus Sensor tracks constellations of IR LED's to translate your movements in VR
  • Ideal for most setups and its standard 1/4 20 mount works with most tripods.
  • 360 degree and room scale tracking are only supported for 3 sensor configurations.
  • This is an Oculus Rift Accessory - Oculus Rift headset sold separately

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