cardboard

This is my diary of making a copy of Google's Cardboard VR Suit. Construct a VR viewer from everyday items you can find in your garage, online or at your local hardware store.

Here's what you need to get started:

Shopping List (www.taobao.com -- The biggest online store of China)

1.Cardboard

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.10.NsfmIO&id=38192730957&_u=nc0k4u83dc2

Corrugated cardboard sheet, preferably E Flute (corrugated cardboard comes in a variety of thicknesses called "flutes"), available at many art supply stores and online . For best results, you should look for strong, thin cardboard (sturdy shoe box rather than moving box). Minimum size: 8.75in (22cm) by 22in (56cm), and 0.06in (1.5mm) thickness. Online sources here and here

2.Lenses

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.52.NsfmIO&id=39142615961&_u=nc0k4u8b161

This is the trickiest component. Lenses that have a 45mm focal distance might work. Biconvex lenses work best because they prevent distortion around the edges. We used the Durovis OpenDive Lens Kit available here (US) and here (EU).

3.Magnets

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.22.NsfmIO&id=25798172712&_u=nc0k4u81b1c; http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.30.NsfmIO&id=24247616288&_u=nc0k4u8d260

One neodymium ring magnet - like this or this - and one ceramic disk magnet - like this or this. Approximate size: 0.75in (19mm) diameter and 0.12in (3mm) thickness.

4.Velcro

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.40.NsfmIO&id=38122595752&_u=nc0k4u8b07c

Two strips of regular strength adhesive-backed velcro. Approximate size: 0.75in (20mm) by 1.25in (30mm).

5.Rubber band

hey man, why bother buying this, just borrow some of these from your girlfriend :-)

One rubber band, to prevent the phone from sliding out. Minimum length of 3.2in (8cm).

6.NFC tag (optional)

One sticker NFC tag. Program it with the URL cardboard://v1.0.0