An Immersive VR Treadmill Alternative
We weren’t satisfied with existing VR treadmill solutions; most break the bank, and affordable solutions only allow you to march in place. That’s why we’ve created Reality Runner - using our treadmill sensor and just a few magnets, you can convert most belt-based manual treadmills into an immersive VR experience.
Reality Runner Treadmill Sensor
The Reality Runner Treadmill Sensor allows you to take real steps in game. No required harness, and no marching in place. The sensor leverages the Hall effect, discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879, to measure your movement speed and convert it to a joystick input in-game. Unlike other VR treadmill solutions, our sensor is a cost effective, DIY-friendly alternative that doesn’t sacrifice immersion or function. Tracking your steps? Use our built-in fitness tracker to see how far you’ve walked, for how long, and how many calories you’ve burned!
Reality Runner:
Cost as little as $50 if you already have a manual treadmill
Directly converts walking/running to in-game movement
No required peripherals other than a treadmill and magnets
Other solutions:
Cost - some solutions cost over $1,000!
Accuracy - solutions aren’t always accurate leading to decreased immersion and even increased motion sickness
Immersion - other solutions require special shoes, harnesses and even marching in place taking away from the experience and workout
How it works
The Reality Runner treadmill sensor tracks the speed of your treadmill via a rotating magnet ring installed on your treadmill. The sensor then converts that speed into a joystick input, sending data to your computer in order to move in game.
User Interface
Our user interface is built into the sensor allowing you to customize the joystick profile to your treadmill and speed preferences. This interface also allows users to track gaming sessions keeping note of playtime, steps taken, and calories burned.
FAQs
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The Reality Runner treadmill sensor should be paired with a manual treadmill. These treadmills only move when you walk on them allowing the sensor to measure and convert your movement speed. If you already have one of these, great! If not, rest assured manual treadmills can be found used on local marketplaces (like Facebook) for $50-$100 depending on your location. You can also find them new online (like Amazon) for a bit more- here’s one we found online (link).
Make sure to check the treadmill you have is compatible by reviewing the initial setup guide under treadmill assembly here (link). A magnet wheel will need to be attached to a flywheel that spins whenever the treadmill is in use.
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We’ve currently tested and verified support for Windows systems with the use of Steam. However any system or game that supports a bluetooth wireless connection and X-input or Xbox controllers should work fine.
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Thank you for your purchase! First steps are to install your sensor and magnet wheel, see our Initial Setup guide for step by step instructions. Afterwards, visit our How To’s page for other guides!
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Once you’ve received your sensor, if you have any issues with compatibility or function please reach out through our Contact form. We’ll do our best to help and promise to make it right.
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No! Neither a harness nor any special shoes are required. Just a manual treadmill and sensor. Note that a harness or elastic band may be helpful at first as you get used to the movement though not required.
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After your initial setup it may be normal for your in game character speed to not be quite right! Use our “Coarse” and “Fine” calibration controls to tune the sensor’s output speed to your comfortability. More information can be found in our Calibration guide.
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We’d love to hear from you or help however possible! Please follow up on our Contact page.