Valve Index Flight Stick: Magnetic Release Controller Adapter

Last crawled date: 4 years, 3 months ago

I made this for VR flight games including VTOL, No Mans Sky, and Elite Dangerous. It DRAMATICALLY improved my flight abilities in VR by providing a quick release 3DOF mounting bracket for my index controllers to allow them to act as a flight stick.
The design utilizes a phone mount system called the Nite Ize Steelie, which you can purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Original-Steelie-Mount/dp/B00BAQKRHY
There are two versions of the mounting base. One uses velcro to secure the base to your arm rest or leg, and the other has a printed screw for securing to a tabletop or arm rest. For velcro mounting I recommend straps that are between 15 and 23 mm wide (23 mm being the ideal).
Important design features:
1) Index controller grip enlargers are compatible with this system
2) Magnetic charging usb-c plugs are compatible with this system
3) holes are placed in the controller bracket so that motion tracking sensors are not occluded
print recommendations:
magnetic controller bracket:
15% gyroid infill at 0.2mm layer thickness. Print with the ~45 degree angled "butt" of the bracket flat on the build plate. Supports on the build plate only. This orientation is important so that the inside of the bracket is smooth and won't scratch your controllers. The file included is for the Right index controller, flip it if you want to print one for your left controller.
bases:
print base options such that no supports are required inside the Steelie mounting slot. The mounting slot opening should be facing up. No supports
screw:
Only needed for screw base. You may want to increase outer shells to 3 for strength. Print at 0.2mm layer thickness with the turning handle of the screw on the build plate. There is an optional pressure plate you can print to put on the tip of the screw to get a wider area of pressure when securing the mount.
Unrelated note:
This magnetic release adapter could be utilized for a gun stock or other VR accessories as well. If you want to see something made using this system please let me know!