Using Campfire PCVR
Campfire works with headsets as both a standalone app on the headset, and a PC app tethered to a headset. “PCVR” refers to the tethered configuration.
What is PCVR?
There are two ways to run Campfire on a VR headset:
- Standalone — The Campfire app runs entirely on the headset (no PC required)
- Tethered to a PC (PCVR) — The Campfire app runs on a Windows PC, while the headset acts as a display and input device (connected wirelessly or by cable)
With PCVR, your PC handles performance-heavy tasks like rendering large models. This enables higher visual fidelity and performance than standalone headsets can typically offer.
Should I use PCVR?
It depends.
If you’re unable to connect your headset to a company network, using PCVR with a cable is a solution that doesn’t require the headset device to be put on the network.
If you’re unsure what’s best, we recommend starting with a standalone app. This works well for many use cases, and Campfire makes it easy to optimize your models for headset use.
PCVR ultimately provides more computing power than a headset alone, so it can handle larger and more complex models. However, it also requires running two devices at once and, for wired setups, managing a physical cable during headset use.
There are also device considerations:
- Quest and VIVE Focus Vision — Campfire is available as both a standalone app and a PCVR app, with both wired and wireless tether options (See Supported Devices for more details)
- Varjo XR-3 and XR-4 — wired tether is required, so PCVR is the only option for Varjo devices
For more guidance on this topic, contact support@campfire3d.com.
Campfire PCVR is available for Windows only, and requires an Enterprise subscription.
Setup guides
Campfire PCVR works alongside software provided by headset manufacturers. To set up Campfire, you’ll need to set up and configure your device for PCVR use.
For step-by-step instructions and device-specific information, including tether options:
How Campfire PCVR works
To use Campfire PCVR, you need to install the Campfire for Windows app.
When you do, it includes two separate applications:
- Campfire — for using Campfire on your desktop computer
- Campfire PCVR — for using Campfire on your headset while connected to your PC (previously named Campfire for Headsets)
You don’t need to launch the desktop app to use Campfire PCVR. However, if you want, you can open and use both apps at the same.
For example: you can review models with a PC-tethered headset while making scene edits on the PC app using your mouse and keyboard.
Launching Campfire PCVR
- Quest: Launch the Campfire PCVR app once from your desktop to complete initial setup; after that, launch from inside the headset when connected to Quest Link.
- Varjo: Launch the Campfire PCVR app once from your desktop to complete initial setup; after that, launch from inside the headset when connected to Varjo Base.
- VIVE: Download and launch Campfire PCVR directly from the VIVEPORT store — no need to launch the Campfire PCVR app from your desktop first.
Once Campfire is running on a connected headset, your PC will automatically open Campfire PCVR and display a mirrored view.