Oculus is releasing their new motion tracking input system called the Touch which leverages their existing headset tracking system named Constellation. The Constellation system uses cameras to track the headset and controllers in space to know where things are.

The Rift originally included one camera which could easily be placed on a desk to track the headset. Touch allows users to get up away from their desks and interact with things all around them. To track things clearly Oculus is including a second camera with Touch (and even recommends a third) to make sure your controllers and headset are always visible to a camera.

Camera Locations

If you plan on using Touch while always facing your monitor then Oculus recommends placing both cameras on your desk, on opposite sides of your monitor as shown below. This can be a bit limiting and can eat up valuable desk space.

If you plan to explore room scale tracking then you need to get a little more creative with camera mounting. Oculus recommends the addition of a third camera to the system with all three arranged in a circle around the user.

Camera Mounting

If you’re lucky you will have enough bookshelves to place all three cameras in all the right spots. If not, there are plenty of easy and creative ways to mount these cameras, many in a temporary fashion so you can maintain security deposits or meet the discerning approval of a spouse.

The key to mounting the cameras is detaching them from their stands and using their 1/4-20 mounting threads which is the standard thread for photography tripods and equipment. It’s as simple as unscrewing the camera and sticking it on something else!

Tripods

One of the easiest things to do is to mount the cameras to a standard camera tripod and set them up where you need them. The tripods are small to store but can easily extend to head level. They eat up some floor space but are very flexible for positioning the cameras

You can also buy a light stand which will allow you to mount your camera above head level. The light stands are a more attractive option but have limited flexibility.

Wall Mounting

If you want to free up floor space consider a camera wall mount or a smaller speaker wall mount that will allow you to fasten the camera to a wall or ceiling. This isn’t a bad option for your desk camera either to free up some space.

If you don’t want to put holes in your drywall consider drilling into a wooden door or window frame or using 3M Command Strips.

Other Options

If you want something less permanent but also non-obtrusive consider a tension rod and clamping tripod mount. You can get creative with mounting the cameras and use the tension rod to span from floor to ceiling or horizontally across windows or alcoves. This has been a good setup for Vive owners who have heavier and vibrating Lighthouse stations.

Cables

Last thing, you may want to consider picking up some USB extension cables. Depending on your layout the Oculus provided cables may not reach back to your PC!