Easy Vive Sensor Replacement: Front Plastic Sensors

how to recplace front plastic vive sensors

If you're looking to replace the front plastic Vive sensors, you're in for a tricky task. The Vive is an unusually complex device with many delicate parts, and the manufacturer does not provide a service manual. However, with some caution and the right tools, it is possible to replace the sensor array. First, power down and disconnect your Vive. Then, remove the screws and clips holding the outer shell together, and carefully slide off each half of the shell. From here, you can lift the sensor array away from the headset and replace it with a new one. Be sure to cross-reference guides and comments online to properly disassemble and reassemble your Vive.

Characteristics Values
Tools Long-shaft driver, T5 Torx driver, T6 Torx driver, tweezers, spudger, opening pick
Steps 1. Power down and disconnect the Vive. 2. Remove screws and clips from the outer shell. 3. Disconnect sensor array cables. 4. Remove camera cable cover and disconnect camera cable. 5. Lift sensor array away from the headset. 6. Compare new sensor array to the original and transfer any necessary components.
Common Issues Incomplete guides, hidden screws, delicate components, lack of service manual

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Remove the front screws and clips

To remove the front screws and clips of your HTC Vive Pro, you will need to first power off and unplug your headset. Then, follow these steps:

  • Rotate the head strap forward as far as it will go.
  • Peel off the foam pads on the front side to uncover the speaker wires and screws.
  • Remove the screws using a T6 Torx screwdriver. There should be four 3.9 mm screws in total: two on the top and two on the bottom.
  • Next, you will need to dislodge the clips securing the outer shell to the headset. Use an opening pick and carefully slide it through the crease between the two halves of the outer shell.
  • Continue sliding the opening pick through the crease until all clips have been dislodged. Be careful, as there are ribbon cables underneath the outer shell.
  • Once all the clips have been dislodged, carefully slide each half of the outer shell off of the sensor array.

It is important to note that there are multiple hardware revisions to the Vive, so the exact process may vary slightly depending on your specific model. Additionally, always exercise caution when performing any repairs or modifications to your device.

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Disconnect the ribbon wires

To disconnect the ribbon wires, you must first power off and unplug your HTC Vive Pro headset. Then, use a narrow, long-shaft driver to remove the screws on the front and bottom of the headset. There are two screws on the bottom, by the camera, and five screws on the front.

Next, you will need to access the ribbon cables. To do this, use an opening pick to slide through the crease between the two halves of the outer shell, dislodging the clips that secure it to the headset. Be careful only to insert the opening pick as far as necessary.

Once the clips have been dislodged, carefully slide each half of the outer shell off of the sensor array. You should now be able to see the ribbon cables. Before disconnecting any ribbon cables, it is recommended to remove a small metal tab attached to the sensor array, making it easier to access and disconnect the ribbon cable. Be sure to take note of how the tab is oriented so that you can put it back correctly later.

Now you are ready to disconnect the ribbon wires. Use the flat end of a spudger to flip up the locking flap on each of the ZIF connectors. Then, use a pair of tweezers to slide the ribbon cables out of their sockets. Be cautious when disconnecting the ribbon wires, as applying too much force can cause them to pull out of the connector.

Finally, if your Vive Pro has Kapton tape covering the ZIF connectors, use tweezers to carefully peel it back before disconnecting the ribbon cables.

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Remove the sensor array

To remove the sensor array from your HTC Vive, you must first power down and disconnect the headset. Next, remove the compartment cover assembly by placing your finger on the top edge and sliding it towards the front of the Vive until it comes loose. Then, lift the cover away from the headset and slide it up the cables.

After this, you will need to lift and unplug the HDMI cable, as well as the USB, power, and audio cables. Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the two 12mm-long screws securing the head strap mounts on either side of the headset. For some models, a T6 Torx driver may work better.

Now, you can begin to remove the outer shell. Grasp the right half of the outer shell and pull it to the right and towards the front of the headset in a twisting motion until you feel the clips on the front release. Slide the right side of the shell to the right and off of the headset. Repeat this step for the left side.

With the outer shell removed, you will now have access to the sensor array. Carefully slide each half of the outer shell off of the sensor array. You can now lift the sensor array away from the headset to remove it.

Before installing a new sensor array, compare your new part to the original, as you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings.

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Lift the cover and cables

To lift the cover and cables, begin by placing your finger on the top edge of the compartment cover assembly. Slide the assembly toward the front of the Vive until it comes loose from the headset. Once the cover is loose, lift it away from the headset and slide it up the cables until it is completely out of the way.

Next, you will need to lift and unplug the various cables connected to the headset. Start by lifting the HDMI cable straight up to unplug it from the headset. Repeat this process for the remaining USB, power, and audio cables. Be sure to lift and unplug each cable carefully to avoid any damage to the connectors.

If you are replacing the sensor array in an HTC Vive Pro, there are a few additional steps to follow. First, rotate the head strap forward as far as it will go and unplug the All-In-One Cable from the headset. Remove the cable from the cable guides along the left side of the head strap. You will also need to separate the top strap from the Velcro that secures it and feed the strap out through the head strap to remove it completely.

With the cables and cover lifted and out of the way, you can now access the sensor array for replacement. Remember to power down and disconnect your Vive before beginning any repair work.

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Reassemble in reverse order

To reassemble your HTC Vive Pro device, follow these steps in reverse order.

First, compare your new replacement part to the original part. You may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

Next, use tweezers to remove the Kapton tape covering the ZIF connector on the motherboard. Then, use the pointed end of a spudger to flip up the locking flap on the ZIF connector. Now, slide the ribbon cable into its socket.

After that, use tweezers to remove the Kapton tape covering the white and purple wires on the daughterboard. Then, use the spudger to reconnect the purple and white wires to the daughterboard, being cautious not to reconnect too hard.

Slide the facerest into the front assembly. Then, carefully slide each half of the outer shell back onto the sensor array, ensuring that the ribbon cables are not caught.

Use an opening pick to reconnect the clips securing the outer shell to the headset. Then, use a T6 Torx screwdriver to secure the outer shell to the headset by screwing in the four 3.9 mm screws (two on top, two on the bottom).

Finally, thread the headphone speaker wires back through the ends of the head strap.

Frequently asked questions

To replace the front plastic Vive sensors, you will need to replace the whole sensor array. First, power down and disconnect your Vive. Then, remove the screws on the front and bottom of the headset, and disconnect the ribbon wires. Next, remove the sensor array and replace it with a new one. Finally, follow the previous steps in reverse order to reassemble your device.

You will need a long-shaft driver, such as a T5 or T6 Torx driver, to reach and remove the screws in the headset. You may also need tweezers, a spudger, and an opening pick.

First, remove the small metal tab attached to the sensor array. Then, disconnect the ribbon cable by lifting it straight up from its socket on the motherboard.

If one of your Vive sensors goes bad, you may experience tracking issues. If this happens, you may need to replace the sensor array.

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