ethanross1a's Quest to Rift S Halo Adapter Review / Guide

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First of all, all credit must go to reddit user ethanross1a who came up with this idea, designed and shared the CAD files, was the first to risk cutting up a Oculus Rift S Headband and then created instructions to show everyone how to do this. You can see their original reddit thread here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/oculus/comments/gdrc1q/v21_quest_rift_s_adapter/

Thanks ethanross1a!

OK, so what is this all about? It is a method to allow you to attach an official Oculus Rift S Headband to an Oculus Quest Headset. Here is the finished result (the ugly cable ties are optional extras and not really necessary):

CP5tyo6.jpg

Why would I want to do this? If you find the Quest headset too uncomfortable to use for any length of time, then this mod will allow you to increase the comfort of the Quest. It will improve the comfort but not make it perfect. The Quest is inherently front heavy. This mod transfers the weight from your face and moves it to the top of your head. It allows you to have the padding on the facial interface only lightly touch your face which to me feels quite a bit more comfortable. It will not make the Quest magically comfortable to wear, nothing will, but it makes it much better.

Should I do this mod? I would not recommend this mod to anyone who would be afraid to cut up a brand new Oculus Rift S Headband as that is exactly what you need to do. You will need some tools as well. You will need a Dremel with a metal cutting tool like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dremel-SpeedClic-Cutting-Wheels-Accessory/dp/B001DHAT00

or a hacksaw. A vice certainly helps and Craft Knifes like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modelcraft-Precision-Craft-Knife-Set/dp/B00VG28S9G

A screwdriver to undo very small screws on the Oculus Rift S Headband and a set of allen keys / M3 hex screwdriver.

What do I need? You will need an Oculus Rift S Headband from here:

https://www.oculus.com/rift-s/accessories/?locale=en_GB

You will need to download and get 3D printed these 2 files:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1alXjKmzRa8hrYsG6PQrnDmulGl18M3xM/view

You also need:

M3X20 socket head bolt (2x)
M3 lock nut (2x)
3mm zipties (2x)
Masking tape

If you are in the UK I would recommend getting the files 3D printed from:

https://shop.3dfilaprint.com/3d-design--print-254-c.asp

It cost me £14 to get both files printed and they arrived in about a week. Make sure you set the prints to be solid in the advanced options. My prints were done in black PLA.

How do I do it?

Once you receive your 3D prints it is time to remove the stock Quest Headstap. I recommend watching this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPsFPOYyR5Q

Next you want to attach the 3D printed adapter. This can be quite tricky as it is a very tight fit (which is a good thing, but it does make your life a bit difficult!). You want to slide it on from the end of the headset arms. You may need to heat the 3D printed adapter a little using hot (not boiling) water to loosen it up a little in order to slide it on. Once you manage to get it on it should look like this:

DVR7KOx.jpg

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Next it is time to cut up your brand new still in warranty (soon not to be) Oculus Rift S Headband. First of all I highly recommend dismantling the headband. Start off by removing the cushioning from the front of the headband. This video shows you how:

https://youtu.be/kSiEcRsNQ5o?t=60

I didn't bother to take off the rear padding.

Next you need to remove all the screws from the headband circled here:

kZ1ZmPw.jpg

Make sure to keep them safe! I put them in a zip lock bag. You can completely remove the Rift S speakers in the headset as you don't need them.

Let's start cutting! To cut the metal piece you will need to use a hacksaw or a dremel. Cut along the line as pictured here:

1wlQ2kz.jpg

Please wear eye protection whilst doing this especially when using a dremel! I highly recommend using a vice to hold the metal in place whilst doing this. Please be safe.

Next cut the plastic pieces off of the headset as pictured here:

qj3lZyj.jpg

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I used a craft knife to score the plastic. I kept scoring it until it cut off. I used multiple layers of masking tape to mark the line and also protect the headset plastic from getting scratched.

You should end up with the headset looking like this:

aqCJMP0.jpg

Now you can reassemble the headset.

Using the M3 bolts and nuts clamp the metal part on the headset to the 3D printed part attached to the Quest using the small 3D printed brace plate. I forgot to take a photo of this part but it is quite evident what you need to do. You may need to make the holes for the screws on the 3D printed brace plate slightly larger to make it easier for the bolts to go through. Be careful not to over tighten the bolts and nuts as you don't want to snap the plastic.

Congratulations you have now attached the Quest to the headband.

To finish off you just need to use cable ties to tighten the 3D printed part to the Quest arms:

VuSPh67.jpg

For added piece of mind I used small cable ties to attach the 3D printed adapter to the headset in the unlikely event that the bolts became loose although I think this is not really needed as it feels very solid.

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And here is the finished result:

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It is a definite improvement over a stock Quest.

Would I recommend this mod? Yes and no. The total cost of this mod is approximately £75. I think it is worth it to use the official Oculus Rift S headband on the Quest but the value proposition may be different for you. You could go for a 3rd Party mod such as the GoQuestVR halo which costs about £60 and is far more plug and play, but there are mixed reviews regarding that product plus you may be waiting weeks and weeks to get it. The Rift S headband is a known quantity. You can read plenty of reviews on the Rift S to get an idea of the comfort level it offers, however the Quest is a bit heavier than the Rift S so it won't be exactly the same. The Rift S headband is a solid piece of kit though. The tension dial on the back is solid. It feels like it will last. The 3D printed adapter feels much more solid than initial impressions may suggest. I have confidence in it not breaking.

So in conclusion this mod is for those that have the tools, confidence and ability to safely cut apart a Rift S headband. You will be rewarded with improved comfort levels (not perfect remember). For those not as confident, you may be better served sticking to other comfort mod options that are out there.

Once again a big shout out to ethanross1a for making this possible! Thanks again!
 
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