How long does the Valve Index last? (There's a fatal flaw)

This is my Valve index after 10 months of nearly daily usage. Did it Survive?
Some of my time in usage was pretty rough, but generally it was just daily sometimes 6-8 hour play sessions along with some sleeping in VR if you'd believe that.

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[ThrillSeekerVR]

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[wojtekpolska]

what i learned in this video:
-Valve has great customer support
-If possible, write down the serial numbers of controllers, cuz the text wears off
-secure the cables

[KajumaFox]

The real torture is waiting 8 weeks
For it to ship and then having the wait time reupdate to 7-9 weeks

[ryderhavoc]

I'd like to say, I work at a VR Arcade, and I believe your "Starry overlay audio popping" problem was actually a cable problem. I don't personally own an Index (Yet, Getting mine later this week) but my arcade uses Vives with a pulley system for each of the headsets. I have had that exact problem you described in your video, and I can say with almost 100% certainty, that the problem was with the cable. After every 6 months or so one of our 10 cables does the same things you described. All we do is pull out the cable, get a new one, and connect the new one. That *should* fix that major problem. It is very much not an "If" but more so a "When" but the best way to keep it safe is after every session you unplug the cable and uncoil it so it is as straight as it can be.
Love the content.

[NeosunST]

To anyone experiencing the cable issue he mentions starting at 7:47:

Assuming your headset is fine to begin with and you are sure it is a problem with the cable exclusively (In ThrillSeeker's case, he had broken the mounting tab and therefore needed to replace the HMD itself to prevent future issues), you don't actually have to request an RMA for the entire headset. Valve is more than willing to send you out a replacement cable free of charge (in my experience at least) and this can even be done past your warranty's expiration date (to my knowledge).


For anyone having issues replacing their cable because of how it's mounted onto the headset, it's relatively easy to dismount it.


Start by taking off the padded face gasket (it's magnetic, don't worry) to expose the port for your cable. Next you'll see a box-shaped clamp just short of where the port is. You're going to want to gently grab it by the front and back (vertically) and gently pull upwards. If you have to shake it a bit, go *forward* and *back* (do NOT wiggle side to side. This will break your tab and cause unnecessary wear and tear in the future).


At that point, all that's left is the half-ring clamp on the back of the headrest. This one might tire your thumb the first time around, but the fastest way to remove it is to apply force with your thumb and press it upward (It's very sturdy. It will not crack from doing this. Don't be afraid to get a little rough here).


Your cable should now be properly dismounted and you can now pull the plug out from the port. Be mindful that this, too, is going to require a bit of force to get out. Also bear in mind, when replacing the cable, your replacement should be seated as firmly as you can into the port.


From here, all you need to do is put back on your clamps and face gasket and it should be good to go. If you are noticing that your HMD is not powering on after replacing your cable, make sure the cable is pushed in far enough into the port.




Thank you ThrillSeeker for making this video, as it puts a lot of problems that many people experience into perspective for people who are looking into getting their hands on this kit. I've had my Index since the second wave of them came around in August 2019. I've definitely had my share of stick drift and (obviously) the dreaded cable problems. Hopefully this comment will be of use to some people out there who are sitting with a supposedly bricked HMD.


Stay safe out there, folks :)

[Karpata]

Looks like Valve is one of the few companies in this day and age that still remembers that customer support is where the money is made in the long run

[rite.]

You can tell that after playing HL:A, he instinctively reaches over his back for ammo in Boneworks now.

[livingthedream]

This is a lot of good advice for anyone who owns a VR headset - Vive, Oculus, Mixed reality or whatever. I'm bummed out the durability is an issue and I hope Valve's next iteration takes this into account.

[kevvsterrr]

Seems like Valve has really got you covered with the warranty.

[Shlooomth]

“I sleep in VR”
Cable pulley system
Breakdancing

I think most normal people will be fine

[AceCrasher]

also helps to remember that they do replace parts within reason, unlike others that refuse or have more strict policies. you might be paying a lot, part of that allows for replacements. unlike other vrs designed to profit from the new industry, valve want to grow the industry. experience and fairness is what they offer.

[BreadVR]

Another Well done video! Let's hope Valve will address these issues!

[astroreflux]

10:00 also while you play, tuck a loop of cable into your waistband with enough slack that you can move your head around freely. this also removes cable weight, which may cause the index to become more front heavy, but it feels good to me.

[Larry]

I hope Valve consider making a second generation version, I was seriously considering buying an Index, but this video wants me to stick to my Samsung Odyssey for the time being.

[Galkan]

1:15 Base stations issues
2:21 Controllers issues
5:20 Headset issues
6:11 Facial interface issues
7:19 Headset/cable issues
10:54 Rubber eyepiece issues
11:03 Summary

[helltbrother]

As a new Index owner (I just got mine today!) and as someone who's never had a VR kit before I wanted to let you know ThrillSeeker that the fatal flaw for the Index is no longer a issues!
In addition to the tab on the Index (the one that is known to break) they have also added a new holding strap to the back of the headset to hold the cable. So now the cable drops off of the headset at the back of the users head and not from the side.

So they are listening to feedback and showing it with actions! :D

[jaqssmith]

"i sleep in VR"
this guy's the real deal.

[kamalbassma]

this gen of VR is definitely going to be a major "hindsight is 20/20" era for a gen or two down the line.

[Espurrz]

I see, the valve index is a $600 vr headset with included $400 tech support

[craftnut]

all this talk about drift is giving me nintendo switch flashbacks