UPDATE: Thanks to /u/Stanley_Cup_Champs on Reddit I’m back online! I downloaded the oldest version of PiTool I could find and used that to flash the oldest firmware I could find and VIOLA, headset back! So no the cable, it was the flash as I suspected. Now to try it out and (possibly) flash to a newer version, just NOT 299.
First, PC specs as it’s NOT the PC:
i9 10900k @ 5.3Ghz (on liquid)EVGA 3080 FTW3 Ultra (OCed, also on liquid)32GB 3600 MHz RAM1TB NVMe drive
I’ve tried plugging the USB 2.0 connection into my PC and into a separate charger to make sure it’s getting plenty of power, USB 3.0 is connected to 3.0 and DP direct to DP (no adapter, etc).
When it first powered on both screens were blinking constantly and showing digital “snow”. Read a LOT of reports of this (how the crap do they send out products that are defective right out of the box) and it seemed the fix was the flash the latest firmware. I then at other’s suggestions tried a manual flash of the firmware and now NOTHING. I can hold the power button and it shuts off but when I power it back on the light goes out then it seems both the red and green lights come on - and NO displays. And now the PC doesn’t detect it at all so I’m screwed
$1500 and I got about 2 minutes of the displays working (flashing but I could see them) - I tested the 5K one a few years ago and I can’t believe how bad the build quality still is, in fact to my hands it feels worse.
After trying on another PC (with only an integrated GPU, just wanted to see) and I noticed that the audio device for the headset IS WORKING. I can play audio through it just fine - but no matter what I’ve tried I get ZERO display (and yeah, different DisplayPorts on my 3080, unplugged from the headset (slightly) and back in, and NOTHING)
Oh, and I’ve rebooted, disconnected all cables, reconnected and even plugged the USB 2.0 port into a USB charger to make sure it was getting enough power. And - NOTHING. So if anyone has any ideas I’d appreciate the help.
You may have a bad firmware flash. Though sounds like you may have a faulty cable.
The sound is a usb device; the display does not even need to be connected to have audio.
Surprising with your 5k comment as the old black housings had a lot of quality issues I have og 8k, 5k+ and 8kX. The 8kX should feel premium compared to the black housings.
I would recommend filing a ticket aa they can schedule a remote session to see if they can fix.
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First thanks for taking the time to reply - a few comments:
You may have a bad firmware flash. Though sounds like you may have a faulty cable.
Obviously hard to say, however I don’t think it’s the cable given I did have video at first (even though it was flashing). So I’m 99% sure it was the flash. The weird thing is I’ve reflashed it about 3-4 times since then as it does show up in the DFU tool, shows me the current firmware (which is 299) and the serial, etc.
The sound is a usb device; the display does not even need to be connected to have audio.
Yup, I think by bringing this up I was pointing out the entire device isn’t bricked completely (which is frustrating as it seems recoverable)
Surprising with your 5k comment as the old black housings had a lot of quality issues I have og 8k, 5k+ and 8kX. The 8kX should feel premium compared to the black housings.
Seems we have VERY different opinions on what “premium” is as I would call this the absolute bare minimum to not be total junk and in NO WAY “premium”. The Rift CV1, that was premium and even the Reverb G1 was okay with it’s cloth front. The current HP Reverb G2 (my current and favorite headset) certainly isn’t premium either but it’s LIGHTYEARS beyond this 8K X.
I would recommend filing a ticket aa they can schedule a remote session to see if they can fix.
There isn’t a chance in, well you know where I’m letting someone from Pimax access to my PC. If they/someone has an idea for me to try great, I’m game - but letting someone have access is absolutely not going to question. Sorry but I both don’t trust them nor care enough as if that’s what it takes to make this heap work then I’m definitely out. As I’m already pretty pissed that they would ship it in a defective state to begin with (as remember it was flashing horribly out of the box).
So unless someone has something for me to try I’ll be dropping it off at Kohls tomorrow so I can get a refund ASAP. Again thanks for replying.
I can understand the concern for safety. Myself? I simply have 2 active pc setup. I have my Gaming pc. Anything I want secure I use one of my linux pcs.
Pimax tech support is quite good. Definitely worth exploring. Pimax hmds are very hard to perma brick
We’ll see what they say but honestly I’ve already completed the return with Amazon, I just have to drop it off. I’ll likely give that until Monday to see if I get any replies here or on Reddit.
I can understand the concern for safety. Myself? I simply have 2 active pc setup. I have my Gaming pc. Anything I want secure I use one of my linux pcs.
Uh, I have about half a dozen PCs/servers at home running Linux, OSX, Win 10 and 11. There is basically no one I would allow access to them, especially for something so non-critical to me as this headset. My gaming PC, as my most powerful is the one I use for most of my professional work too as yeah, remote access to it isn’t gonna happen. On top of that I’ve been doing IT work professional for about 25 years and don’t need anyone else on my PC as while they’ll have specific knowledge on the headset I promise you they don’t know more about the PC than I do - so if support has suggestions and can explain why they want to try things then great, I’m game - otherwise having some low level tech guy screwing around throwing crap at the wall until something works just isn’t gonna happen.
That is why I said “compared to Black housings.” Comparing it to the first p2 series pimax hmds.
Fair enough, sorry I misunderstood - glad you too agree this is garbage, just not quite as garbage as the first models (though honestly I find this supposedly “soft” material far worse as I worry that it will age VERY poorly - think older materials like this that then turn sticky over the years (not that it’ll last years!)
Again thanks for the time, hopeful someone has some ideas for something to actually DO to fix this thing, though my interest and patience for it are leaving quickly…
Does that mean that you actually unplugged the cable from the 8KX itself? If not then you may want to try that also. There have been reports of the cable not being completely seated in the connection port on the 8KX. Reseating could maybe fix it.
If that doesn’t work then you will probably just need to go ahead with the return if you are not comfortable with Pimax potentially needing to remote with your PC to resolve it. Doesn’t sound like you care to try but you could always get a replacement from Amazon to try again also. It really is a very nice headset.
Does that mean that you actually unplugged the cable from the 8KX itself
100% yes. Several times.
if you are not comfortable with Pimax potentially needing to remote with your PC to resolve it
Yeah, not in the slightest. If there is something that can be done they can tell me what that is and I can do it. I don’t need nor would allow some low level tech support guy access to my stuff, no offense intended as I was once a low level tech guy but after 25 years I’m not anymore.
Doesn’t sound like you care to try but you could always get a replacement from Amazon to try again also
Honestly I’m not sure how to feel about it - I bought this to review for my Youtube channel so as I still want to do that I might get another but that’s $3000 on my card until they process the return. And given I’ve seen MANY reports of other 8K X having major issues out of the box (the flashing/snow issue I had) it seems my assumptions that this would just be garbage were pretty accurate.
It really is a very nice headset.
Compared to? What other headsets have you owned/tested? I’ve been though 19 over the past 4 years and this might be the lowest build quality I’ve ever seen (I’d need to have the older 5k next to it to be sure which is worse), the software is awful, mine was DOA, etc. So far I can’t imagine calling it a “very nice headset” but maybe I have different expectations. My HP Reverb G2 is what I’d call a “very nice headset” as while it doesn’t have the FOV of the 8K X (which is why I wanted it) it does have a higher pixel density.
Hopefully someone has something I can try in software otherwise I’ll be done on Monday with it.
I wouldn’t say Garbage at all. There was a number of wmr headsets made poorly; one was even used as a base for the Rift S. The reverb g1 also had bad issues.
As for the coating it seems similar to Vive Pro right down to color so might be alright only time will tell. On the plus the housing isn’t like controllers as sweat is mildly acidic.
If you have a serious youtube channel(many do these days). Then you will want to try and get one as most have given it a decent review. Plus Pimax Did win the CES award for the 8kX iirc 2019. So no I would disagree with Garbage.
I had a G2 for 11 months, it was a good hmd but mine had its problems. Worst fault was the sound would not go above 75% without terrible distortion. On occasion it had the infamous 7-14 connection error and there was the common issue of AMD mobo’s not working correctly with it. The G2’s ppd is 24, 8kx 21.
Pimax isn’t perfect either, i currently have the white flashing dots on dark backgrounds fault which i’ve had to buy a new better cable for, for a 2 month old 8kx
I’ve owned the following in order: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Samsung Odyssey, Pimax 5k+, Index, 8KX and the Vive Pro2. 8KX has been the best for me. I thought about the G2 but didn’t want to go back down in FOV. From all the reviews I read the G2 has slightly better clarity. The clarity on the 8KX is already very good so I never got the G2. The Index had the best build quality of the one’s I’ve owned but the 8KX quality is fine IMO. The Pitool software is actually very good now. You got a bad headset so obviously your opinion of it is tainted by that, which is totally understandable. No one would consider a headset that they can’t even use a “very nice headset”. Doesn’t matter what their expectations are.
This will be the last time in this thread I discuss the quality of the headset as while I appreciate the discussion and opinions I WANT TO FIX THIS if possible!
Yup, you’re thinking of the cheap Acer and Dell headsets that were first generation. I owned/tested several of those (I run a gaming Youtube channel) and as I had those in my hands/on my head I can tell you that yes, IMHO the build quality was better than the Pimax. Not by a ton but absolutely better quality, IMHO at least.
Nope, it’s very different as I have a Vive Pro too. it’s not the same soft/sticky material, it’s much more premium and I don’t actually think the Pro is that great either (I really hated the hugely bulky headstrap, just like I don’t really care for this one.
I don’t like using my channel to get companies to do things as that’s not fair/right, I want to experience things just like any other consumer. I don’t really care what reviews others have given something, maybe they (like you I’m guessing) haven’t used ~20 headsets, maybe they have lower standards.
As for CES awards do you realize how many products have won some major thing at CES only to be an utter flop or never release? Again I don’t care about any of that. Look, I get you spent a bunch of money on your headset and you like it, great, I’m glad about that - I really am. But that in no way means it’s a good product, better than others or that others will like it. I’ll ask what I asked before, how many different headsets have you used/owned? 1? 4? 10? 20? My 8K x is 19 for me since my Rift DK1 back in the day.
And all of that aside - I STILL WANT TO USE MY 8K X!?!?!?
I don’t use the audio on mine and have never had any problems with it, nor my G1. I’m also curious where you got the PPD numbers for both, as I usually calculate PPI as that’s easier by knowing the panel size and pixel count. I can’t find the panel size for the 8K X, do you know it? The G2 is right at 1100 PPI given it’ resolution and panel size, to the little my eyes saw the Pimax was closer to the Quest 2 which is around 850.
Pretty good list, I’ve owned all those too with the DK1, DK2, CV1, Vive, Vive Pro, Lenovo Explorer, first HP (can’t remember model), G1, G2, Pimax 4K, 5K, 5K+, 8K X, Quest, Quest 2, Reverb G1, G2, Index, OSVR, PSVR and I’m forgetting a few as I’m pretty tired right now. To my hands/face the CV1 was the best built/designed of them all, the Pimax 4K was by FAR the worst, with the Acer a close second.
My “garbage” opinion of the Pimax isn’t just this headset, it was where I started with the 4K then while the 5K and Plus were a bit better they were still way at the bottom of the pack in terms of overall quality (and we haven’t even talked software). I did really like the FOV, you’re right as that’s my last major complaint with VR, but for me I’ll take the extreme quality of the G2 and it’s narrow FOV over, well what I’ve gotten and seen so far.
Okay, now if anyone has any ideas on how to FIX THIS I’d LOVE to hear that, otherwise I’m personally done discussing my opinions on the subject (as I really didn’t mean for this to turn into that).
I appreciate everyone’s opinions but what I want now is a FIX, not an opinion
You’ve been given the url (above) of where to contact Pimax support. You have 30 days to return to amazon so plenty of time…
I know u say u won’t accept a remote session but do u really think they’ll screw up your pc? Or they have nefarious agendas? Ive never heard of anyone experiencing any of this. You’ll be able to watch exactly what they’re doing. It sounds like you know IT, its much easier to diagnose a fault if u can have direct access to the equipment (or remote it).
Pimax support might not even want to remote, you won’t know until you ask. To me, your initial issue seemed like a bad cable, then something went wrong during flashing.
Or to save the myther of going through support you could just get another 8kx. I had to send my 1st 8kx back to amazon and get another immediately. It was no biggie, i got refunded on the 1st one no problem.
I know u say u won’t accept a remote session but do u really think they’ll screw up your pc? Or they have nefarious agendas? Ive never heard of anyone experiencing any of this. You’ll be able to watch exactly what they’re doing. It sounds like you know IT, its much easier to diagnose a fault if u can have direct access to the equipment (or remote it).
It’s VERY simple, I wouldn’t let a stranger in my house unless it was absolutely necessary - say my plumbing had a problem. If I could fix it (and in this case I’m a master “plumber” with 25+ years experience) then I’d fix it myself, I’d only let someone in if it was absolutely necessary - and as water is I’d have to do that. This isn’t absolutely necessary nor is it needed, if there is something they are going to do then great, they can tell me what that is and I’ll take care of it. I made this clear to Pimax support already (as I already have a ticket open) and they completely understood and said no issue. As no, I don’t need/want someone poking around my machine as sure, I can see what they’re doing visually but I can NOT see what they are doing with the other TeamViewer tools (background file transfer, registry editor, etc.). Do I think they are “nefarious”, no, of course not - but as it’s not necessary I wouldn’t go there. If you are great, no worries, your decision.
You’ve been given the url (above) of where to contact Pimax support
Uh, right, and I have already done that - and guess what, I don’t have a fix yet. So when I said “what I want now is a fix” I still mean it.
It is possible I’ll get another, the issue is the first one I bought was on Black Friday sale so I’d have to make sure they’d honor that price. Regardless I did get a helpful reply on Reddit that I’m going to try now (downgrading PiTool and therefore the firmware).
So, any technical ideas to try anyone? Again I appreciate the time and discussion but at this point I’m hoping someone has a technical idea for something to try (that is if the downgraded PiTool doesn’t help)
Update: Thanks to /u/Stanley_Cup_Champs on Reddit I’m back online! I downloaded the oldest version of PiTool I could find and used that to flash the oldest firmware I could find and VIOLA, headset back! So no the cable, it was the flash as I suspected. Now to try it out and (possibly) flash to a newer version, just NOT 299.
Great news u got it sorted! I see in another thread you had issues with p.p. but you’re sorted now. I was wrong about the cable but did think it was firmware/flashing related subsequent to that.
I see what u mean about remote-ing of your pc…i personally have no problem with it, i have about 10 years in IT support and software development, currently part time studying a BSc in IT, doing CCNA part 1 as part of it. I still consider myself less able than a pimax tech support guy, relaying instructions to me, in supporting pimax problems.
I think i found your YT channel, will look forward to your 8kx review. Given the hassle you’ve had I expect it won’t be glowing i enjoy the good and bad reviews.
If everything you listed is true I PROMISE YOU that you are more technically skilled than a random support tech that would be helping you at Pimax. I don’t really mean offense to Pimax, its just that they are going to be hiring low level guys for their front end support and like I said while they’ll have some specific information about the headsets you/I don’t that is VERY easy to explain and just ask you to do things. Oh, and to be clear I’d be fine streaming my screen to them via say a Twitch channel or Discord, etc. - but something that would give them access like TeamViewer SHOULD not happen with anyone IMHO.
Ah, I forgot I was using that name here as I try to keep that low key and detached from things like this - oops. And yeah, my short version is this - the Pimax is an absolute 1 trick pony - now that trick (FOV) is really impressive and while FOV is my remaining wish this is absolutely NOT the solution. After 6-8 hours of getting it working now that it is I continue to be disappointed with the quality and performance. The reality is the 8K X is 16.5M pixels where the Reverb G2 is roughly 9M - that’s a LOT more pixels to drive and the quality it due to that is significant to get a good framerate. Personally that’s an exchange I’m not willing to make, especially when you add the terrible software, low build quality, horrible comfort (to my head, very subjective), bad color quality, terrible black levels (although I do appreciate the brightness slider) and buggy software (not only my flash nightmare but it crashes often).
So yeah, it won’t be glowing and I’ll stand by my previous Reverb review that it is currently the best all around headset on the market, hands down. Oh, I should have started that I personally only care about seated VR. If you’re interested here’s my cockpit/rig: https://imgur.com/gallery/Ai3S4GA
Thanks to EVERYONE here for all the help, should have started here to avoid all the toxicity and children on Reddit, that said a Redditor worked out my problem so he got a month of Reddit Premium on me
~X
Yeah, at 2nd level and higher you usually get more knowledgeable staff as you’re paying them more and they don’t have to focus on the simple “is it turned on” tickets. That said again I would NEVER let ANYONE have that kind of access to my machine as it’s both not necessary and what I consider a security risk given I use my PCs for my business. As I said in my last reply I’d happily stream my screen to someone so they can watch along but control/access wouldn’t happen. Certainly don’t blame less technical folks for using this, remote control has dramatically changed remote support from the beginnings of my career where you just had to talk someone through it and trust they weren’t doing things you aren’t telling them. Man was that frustrating.
You do what You want and it’s not that I don’t understand where You’re coming from, but it’s not just some random first line supporter they use to do the remote troubleshooting.
It’s actually the same guy they usually bring with them on roadshows (well, at least they did before COVID).
That said, You can also just run a diagnostics program for them which will gather all the info needed and all You have to do is then to upload it via mail…
I think the reason they normally offer TeamViewer sessions is because it’s a lot easier for everybody and I, for one, think it’s world class service instead of the usual ping pong via mail/chat etc.
At
i enjoy the good and bad reviews.