How to Make a VR Headset for Free $0

Mark Metry

5 min readFeb 17, 2017

“Alright I want to get into VR, let’s look at the popular options”

Oculus Rift is $600

HTC Vive is $800

Computer capable of VR is $700

Nope.

“It will get cheaper over time. I can just hop on the mobile VR train.”

Samsung Gear VR is $100

Daydream View is $50

“Why am I even willing to spend $50+ on something I’ve never experience before that I don’t even know I will enjoy or not.”

This scenario happens every day.

More importantly, this issue stops people from experiencing the awesomeness of Virtual Reality.

This scenario occurs on a regular basis and is solely responsible for the lack of mainstream adoption.

But….

What if there was a widespread cheaper alternative that is an affordable entry into the VR world.

Ta Da

Google Cardboard paves the way for dirt cheap entry into the Virtual Reality experience.

Today, we’re going to be looking at how someone at home can build their own virtual reality headset with household supplies that they probably already have for FREE.

I’m going to preface this article with VU Dream’s Free VR Program. You can head over to this link and order a VR Cardboard Headset shipped to you anywhere in the world for FREE minus shipping. It’s a great solution if you don’t have the materials or don’t want to bother building it yourself.

Also, if you’re interested in How to Play Oculus & VIVE Games with Your Mobile Headset then check out the guide on our site.

Supplies / Materials: What you’ll need.

2x Magnets
2x Velcro Pads
Some Cardboard (Pizza Box)
2x Lenses, get here or learn how to make them in this guide.

Step 1.

Go to this link and print out the sheet.

Once you have printed out the sheet, please:

Glue the template onto Cardboard.
Glue light numbers on top of dark ones.
Cut out Cardboard

Step 2.

Insert two lenses in the large circular holes
Fold the cardboard around the front and back to keep them in place.
You can use a bit of tape or glue to secure them if necessary.

Step 3 (if you don’t have Lenses)

Find an empty clear bottle with a good “Curvature”
Next, make a circular template (25mm diameter) on a sheet of cardboard/paper.
Cut the template you made on a plastic bottle using scissors.
Make and cut at least 4 pcs.
Combine 2 pcs together to create 1 biconvex shape lens.
Carefully seal all the sides of the biconvex shape plastic you just joined.
Now that you have sealed all the sides. Fill your syringe with clear water and carefully inject it on the biconvex shape until it is filled up.

to removed bubbles-just pinched or gently squeeze the lens-to slowly remove all the big bubbles in it.

After successfully removing bubbles. Seal it again.
Let it dry for a few minutes.
After successfully made a biconvex lens that magnifies things up.,Repeat the procedure for your second and last biconvex lens.

Step 4.

Fold the main piece into shape starting with the section shown in our photo. The circle should face inward, and is used to hold the magnets. Again, you can use glue or tape if you like, but it’s not necessary.

Step 5.

Now fold this component around the piece with the lenses, with the center hole facing the front. The small divider piece slots is here to make sure each of your eyes see only the images intended for them. It’s how Virtual Reality works.

Step 6.

Create an easily opened yet secure compartment for your phone by using the two Velcro pads to fasten the flap to the top of the headset.

Step 7.

Close the flaps and place your phone in the viewer. You might need some tape to prevent the phone from falling out.

Step 8 :)

Enjoy your Virtual Reality experience! This is the very basic level of VR. To improve your immersion you can purchase a high quality device for an affordable price on VU Dream’s VR Headset Shop.

Conclusion

Looking for some awesome applications to try out on your new headset? Check out our other articles for noteworthy apps.

Check back on this page frequently for updates and additions.

We’ve seen a tremendous amount of disruptive change coming from the Virtual Reality Industry. It is surely certain that this kind of content will accelerate based on trends in the future.

You most likely have some other VR ideas that can change the world! Share them with us on social media!