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Kayak paddle adapter for Pico 4 VR with mounts for inside and outside hand positions

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Creation quality: 5.0/5 (1 vote)
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  • 34 downloads

License
3D design format
STL Folder details Close
  • KayakPicoEndL.stl
  • KayakPicoEndR.stl
  • KayakPicoInL.stl
  • KayakPicoInR.stl
  • KayakPicoStrap.stl
  • KayakThumbTab.stl

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Last update 2023-03-11 at 17:10
Publication date 2023-03-07 at 18:24
Design number 1103112

3D printer file info

3D model description

I designed this kayak paddle for my Pico 4 controllers for playing Kayak VR: Mirage. It's a fun VR game with great graphics:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1683340/Kayak_VR_Mirage/

These holders fit on standard 14 mm (15/16") broom handles and hold the controllers securely. With this you hold the paddle on the broom handle next to the holder, not on the VR controller handle. I cut my broom to 700 m length before attaching the ends, which works well and ensures the controller tracking works fine. I think longer will work up to a point. Secure them to the wood broom handle with small screws. Make sure the screw heads can't touch any part of the controllers to avoid scratching them. Countersunk screws are best.

There are two types. One mounts on the end of a broom handle and other mounts between your hands with the broom through the controller tracking loop. There are benefits and drawbacks to both. I prefer the end mounts as it gives more resistance and buttons are easier to find for navigation in menus. Both types work well.

End mount:
+Easier to reach buttons.
+More tracking resolution since controller movement is larger.
-+More resistance since you're accelerating the mass of the controller farther out.
-Controllers are much more exposed to damage in tight spaces.
-Controllers can reach blind spots if you stretch the paddle out far to touch objects.

Inside mount:
+Controllers are protected from damage.
+Controllers are closer to headset so unlikely to reach blind spots if the paddle is extended out far to touch objects.
-+Less paddle resistance since there's no mass hanging out the end of the bar to accelerate.
-Much harder to reach buttons when bar is in the way.
-Less tracking resolution for fine paddle motion since the controllers move small distances.

Print the straps from TPU to secure the controllers or use 15 mm wide double sided hook and loop band to make the straps. Loop the straps through the slot first and then glue or staple together to make an easy to use strap.

Example strap from Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/195402074239?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338226872&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

The thumb tabs are only there to help you feel the rotational direction of the paddle while in VR and aren't needed in all cases. It makes it useable without changing any settings in game. Just place them so that the controller tracking arches are oriented towards the headset when held. Kayak VR: Mirage has settings that let you tune the paddle to your liking, including keepign track of the rotation, and if you use those settings and can keep track of the paddle visually you don't need the thumb tabs.

I used this scan of the Pico 4 controller to help design the adapter:
https://www.printables.com/model/300620-pico-4-controller-3d-scan

3D printing settings

2 perimeters, 10% PLA works fine. I recommend using a brim if you struggle with bed adhesion.

TPU straps should be printed with 100% infill.

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