Using with Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets

Bridge Command can be used with VR headsets for a fully immersive simulation. This has been tested with Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. It uses the OpenXR interface to support a wide range of headsets.

Bridge Command is a PCVR application, so will need to run on a suitable PC. If you have a standalone headset, this will need to be linked to a PC that supports VR.

Bridge Command in VR Mode

Setting up Bridge Command for VR

Firstly, you will need a VR headset and a PC that supports this headset. This type of virtual reality is often referred to as 'PCVR'. If you have a standalone headset (for example an one of the Oculus Quest models), you will need to run Bridge Command on a suitable PC, with a supported graphics card, and a wired or wireless link to your VR headset. Bridge Command supports VR mode on Windows and Linux.

Additional software

Bridge Command uses OpenGL for VR. This is supported by most VR vendors natively. If you have a Windows Mixed Reality headset, you will need to install OpenXR-Vk-D3D12, which adds Vulkan and OpenGL support to the Windows Mixed Reality runtime. This is not required for other headsets.

Enable VR mode

Set up your VR environment as normal, which will depend on the headset you are using.

Open Bridge Command, and go to 'Settings: Main' in the launcher. On the 'Graphics' tab, double click on the 'vr_mode' line, and change the setting from 0 to 1, and then click 'Save and Exit' at the bottom of the window.

Running a scenario

Start Bridge Command as usual. Scenarios are selected in the normal 2D view (on your computer monitor). Once the scenario has loaded, the VR interface will load, so put on your VR headset once you have chosen which scenario to load.

When Bridge Command starts, you should see a 2D interface in the VR world. Make sure your VR controllers are on. In this interface, you can point with your controllers, and 'click' with any select or trigger buttons. A reminder of how to use the controllers will be shown on screen.

To show or hide this interface, press the 'Menu' button on your controller. Most of the time, you will want this interface hidden, so you have an uninterrupted view in the VR world.

Controlling the vessel and scenario

When the 2D interface is shown in the VR world, you can 'point and click' with the VR controllers. This allows you to control the engines, wheel, and other controlls, such as mooring and towing lines. However, most of the time, you will want this interface hidden, so the engines and steering can be controlled directly from the controllers when the interface is hidden.

When the interface is hidden, the right controller is used to control the wheel. Click on any 'select' or 'trigger' button, and move the controller left or right to steer to port or starboard. You should see the wheel respond in the 3d view. The left controller is used to control the engines. Depending on how you hold the left controller, this can be used to control the port engine, starboard engine, or both engines together.

  • To control the port engine, roll the controller to the left, then click any 'select' or 'trigger' button, and move the controller backwards or forwards.
  • To control the starboard engine, do the same, except roll the controller to the right.
  • To control both engines together, don't roll the controller to either the left or right (keeping it in a neutral position), then click any 'select' or 'trigger' buttons, and move the controller backwards or forwards.

If you are using a vessel with azimuth controls, the left hand controller is used for the port engine, and the right hand controller is used for the starboard engine. The azimuth angle is controlled by moving the controller left or right while the 'select' or 'trigger' buttons is held down, and the engine power is controlled by moving the controller backwards and forwards.