ScentVR Build- Adding Real World Smells to Virtual Reality

[Eric]

I decided to create a new project to support my expanding VR use. I am enjoying the Bhaptics vest and Protube stock whcih give me real haptic feedback in virtual reality but I want MORE.

I am making a scent dispersion module that will randomly deploy different smells in to my airflow at random times. The scents will be picked by me before the session and altered to suit the VR environment. I wont have an SDK or interface with the simulation (yet) just to keep things simple and make it so anyone could use it in any game.

[Eric]

I started the build by raiding the Dollar Store as I always do

I found condiment jars which will be the perfect size to hold different scents with a decent surface area for dispersion. For simplicity I will have 6 fans controlled by a microcontroller with possible web interface and OLED display. Having individual fans means I dont have to build complicated routing or ducting/valves. Just power and depower the fans while keeping uncommented airflow over the containers to a minimum (avoid mixing smells)

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PS like my new scope? It is pretty turbo

[Eric]

I started building the enclosure first so I can get the layout of the scent modules so I can next make the PCB- makes sense in my mind at least. I used my simple custom box (tutorial from Adafruit) and added a 6 hole pattern to the lid. The jars fit perfectly and get suspended from the lid at about 10mm below the lid. Perfect

My new Ender 3 V2 Neo did a great job

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[Eric]

I started designing the PCB this week and decided on 6 logic level mosfets since I already have them in stock They also allow for upscaling the device to huuuuuge fans if desired with minor rework.

I think I might actually sell these as kits or maybe even a commercial product this time. I have given away all previous projects so maybe its time I keep some to put some food on the table. Not sure yet. I will post all the leadup design work and info in GIT and here so people can learn from the project in the meantime. Here is the beginnings of the board (not finished)

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[Eric]

This weekend I made the remainder of the website live. It has the foundation for the project and future expansion. It is totally bootstrapped with all web dev done by me (so its not great) but I think passable for now so I can put all my resources into the actual hardware.

https://scentvr.ca/

[Eric]

Boards came back from fabrication, and we have the first production build under testing. Kits should be available soon (I hope)

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