How Long Are the Valve Index Base Station Cables?

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By Eric Wilson

If you’re planning to get the Valve Index VR headset, you may be wondering how long the base station cables are. The base stations are a critical component of the Valve Index VR setup as they track your movements and enable room-scale VR experiences. In this article, we’ll explore the length of the Valve Index base station cables.

Valve Index Base Station Cables Length

The Valve Index base station cables are 16.4 feet (5 meters) long. This length should be sufficient for most room setups, allowing you to place the base stations in opposite corners of your play area.

Why Cable Length is Important?

The cable length of the Valve Index base station is essential because it determines how far apart you can place them. If your VR space is too large or oddly-shaped, you may need to purchase additional SteamVR Tracking accessories like additional base stations or tracking pucks.

How to Extend Valve Index Base Station Cables?

If 16.4 feet isn’t enough for your room-scale setup, you can extend the Valve Index base station cables using third-party extension cables that support USB 2.0 and power delivery. However, it’s essential to note that extending the cable length can cause signal degradation and tracking issues if not done correctly.

Things to Consider When Extending Valve Index Base Station Cables

  • Cable Quality: Ensure that you use high-quality extension cables with shielding and ferrite beads to minimize signal degradation.
  • Power Delivery: Make sure that the extension cable supports power delivery or use an external power supply for each base station.
  • Cable Routing: Route the extended cable away from other electrical cables and devices that can cause interference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Valve Index base station cables are 16.4 feet (5 meters) long, which should be sufficient for most room-scale VR setups. However, if you need to extend the cable length, ensure that you use high-quality extension cables that support USB 2.0 and power delivery and follow proper cable routing to minimize signal degradation and tracking issues.