The VR Lab has two separate workstations (workstation A and workstation B). Each workstation has a high-end computer that can be used for development, one big monitor for visualization/testing, a VIVE Pro headset with wireless adapter and two controllers.
Although both workstations in the VR lab are open on a first-come, first-served basis, you can also book workstations and equipment ahead of time in order to secure access. Booking a station in the VR lab includes a big monitor, high-end PC and a VIVE Pro.
The booking can be done using our online booking system. If you do not book ahead of time, there is no guarantee that you will have a spot. Whether you book ahead of time or drop in, you will need to check in once you arrive. If you don't check in within 15 minutes of your booked time, your booking will be cancelled.
There are two main types of bookings that you can make in the VR Lab:
Please note that the maximum group size for a given workstation is 4 (one primary spot and 3 secondary spots).
Whenever you are working in the VR Lab, you must first check in using your unicard. This can be done at the Digital Design Lab (ICT 216).
At the entrance of the room, you will see a computer with a check in screen and a barcode reader.
After checking in, please ask the staff for a loaner card. You will trade your personal unicard for the loaner card. This card will provide you access to the VR Lab (ICT 224). If you are working in a group at a single workstation, only one member of the group needs to exchange their unicard for a loaner card.
Whenever you are using the VR Lab, please do your best to be conscious of those around you. Take breaks if you start to feel dizzy or nauseous. Be courteous of others using the space.
Please do not use the VR system for inappropriate content. We reserve the right to limit what content is being created and/or viewed on our equipment.
If you need to use the whole lab space for a large-scale VR project, please contact us at sse.m2z@ucalgary.ca about booking the whole room. The lighthouses are set up so that the whole space can be tracked.
When you are finished in the VR Lab, please place the VR headset and controllers back on the table in a tidy fashion. Bundle loose cords and secure them with the velcro provided. Place the battery pack and controllers back on charge at the charging station beside the computer tower.
Return the loaner card to the staff in the Digital Design Lab (ICT 216) and they will give you back your personal unicard.
If it is your first time in the VR Lab, please ask the staff in the Digital Design Lab to give you an orientation. They will provide you with a hands-on tutorial of how to connect the VR headset, put it on, and try out a game in VR. They will also log you into the M2Z Steam account if you do not have your own account. Please note that our current game selection is limited. If you have a request for a particular game, please email sse.m2z@ucalgary.ca.
Equipment in this category does not require any additional training prior to use. Once you have access to the room, you may use any equipment labelled with a green equipment sticker.
Equipment in this category requires completion of additional training prior to use. Once you have completed the training, you may use the equipment without supervision.
Equipment in this category requires completion of additional training prior to use. Once you have completed the training, you may use the equipment with supervision.
There is no blue equipment in the VR Lab.
Equipment in this category is operated by SSE Technical Services staff only. To request the equipment service, you must first complete additional training.
There is no red equipment in the VR Lab.
A Microsoft HoloLens 2 can also be provided upon request, based on availability. You can request a HoloLens 2 from our technicians only if you have successfully completed the HoloLens2 basic training.