DIY builder upgrades open-source 3D-printed VR setup with 6 DoF and controllers

An image of the VR headset and its controllers (Image source: CNCDan via YouTube)

DIY engineer and YouTuber CNC Dan has made a major overhaul of a basic VR headset he built a while ago, adding 6 DoF and wireless controllers. While not perfect, the result is impressive.

Chibuike Okpara, Published 11/14/2025

Last month, we reported on a barebone VR headset built by DIY engineer Daniel McKenzie, which he shared a video of on his YouTube channel CNCDan. The headset was usable, but there was a big problem — it only had three degrees of freedom (3DoF), which means it tracks looking up and down, left and right, and tilting the head left and right.

For Daniel, he didn't see the need for positional tracking (6 DoF) since he only intended to use it for sim racing, and 3 DoF was enough for him. However, many called the lack of positional tracking a dealbreaker, pointing out the need for it even in sim racing.

In response to this, Daniel has taken things up a notch with an upgrade to the system. He equipped the new version with outside-in tracking and wireless controllers. For the tracking system, he didn't start from scratch, instead he utilized resources from an open-source project called HadesVR.

With the new setup, he was able to play Beat Saber, though that was not without any issues. The positional tracking of the controllers wasn't perfect as he used just one camera for the job. The head and controllers also drifted over time as they also relied on IMU units.

The first version of the project was open source, and this one will be as well. However, at the time of writing, Daniel hasn't uploaded the necessary resources to the GitHub page though he has pledged to do so. Keep an eye on the video's YouTube description for updates if you are interested in this build.

Buy the Flashforge Adventurer 5M 3D Printer for $249 on Amazon.

Source(s)

CNCDan (linked above)

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Chibuike Okpara - Tech Writer - 285 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024

I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, "Why not get into writing tech articles?" It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a 'bookworm' of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.

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