Changes

==General Information==[[BeaconsBase Stations]], also known as '''Base StationsBeacons''', are devices that are part of the [[Lighthouse]] [[positional tracking]] system for the [[SteamVR]]. Developed by [[Valve]], the small rectangular boxes are placed in the tracking area and serve as reference points for any [[HMD]]s and [[SteamVR Controllers|input devices]] tracked by the Lighthouse. Beacons Base Stations perform this function by constantly flooding the room with a non-visible light. The receptors on the tracked devices would intercept the light and figure out where they are in relation to the Base Stations.

In the current SteamVR system, 2 Beacons Base Stations are placed in the opposite corners of a 15 by 15 feet room, near the ceiling, to maximize [[tracking volume]] and minimize [[occlusion]]. Additional Beacons Base Stations can be placed in the tracking area to further increase the tracking volume and reduce occlusion.

Base Stations are designed to last 50,000 hours (2083 days or 5.7 years).<ref>https://twitter.com/ID_R_McGregor/status/688622174362443776</ref> ===HTC Vive Pre===[[HTC Vive Pre]] introduced smaller, quieter and sleeker Beacons Base Stations with improved tracking. The Beacon Base Station has tripod threading allowing them to set up as tripods and be more mobile. Additionally, they can now sync wirelessly.  This version of Base Station uses [[Nidec]]’s [[FDB]] motors. The motors use Nidec’s advanced FDB ([[Fluid Dynamic Bearing]]) technology, originally developed for HDD spindle motors, to achieve high rotational precision, long life and operate wirelesslylow vibration.

[[File:htc vive dk1 beacon1.jpg|thumb|left|Vive DK1 beaconBase Station]]

[[File:htc vive pre beacons1.jpg|thumb|left|Vive DK2 (Pre) beaconsBase Stations]]

 [[Category:TermsSteamVR]] [[Category:SteamVRTechnology]] [[Category:TechnologyTracking]]