1. Important Information

1.1 About This Guide

This user guide contains information you need when installing and configuring AXIS.
Where to find more information
For additional information on AXIS, you can visit the:
  • AXIS Website

Visit https://AXISxr.gg/ for official product updates, information and support.

  • AXIS Control Center

Check out your AXIS Control Center for latest patches and product updates.

  • Refract Technologies Website

Visit https://refract.gg/ for business announcements and updates.

Conventions used in this guide
To ensure optimal performance and safety when using our product, please take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components and injuries to yourself when trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task

1.2 Safety Information

Electrical Safety
  • AXIS charging dock is rated at 5Vdc, 8A.
  • Any 3rd party chargers may result in damage to the hardware.
  • When charging, please ensure components are not near any exposed heat sources or flames.
  • Do not store AXIS near any magnetic devices (i.e. Magnets, speakers, etc.) as it may cause sensor damage over time.
  • Do not submerge AXIS in water. If this occurs, dry immediately to prevent damage to the system.
  • Always use AXIS authorised chargers when charging nodes.
  • Place charging dock on an even surface during charging.
  • Avoid impact with hard surfaces to prevent internal damage to AXIS electronic components.
  • When the wireless dongle/receiver is attached to a PC, avoid contact with conductive surfaces to prevent electrical damage.
  • Do not wet, bend or apply pressure to the wireless dongle.
  • After usage, store your ESP32 devkit receiver in the anti-electrostatic bag provided*.

*Devkit users only

Operation Safety
  • Ensure straps are tightened before use to prevent nodes from slipping out of the node holders.
  • Do not over-stretch node holders to prevent tearing of the silicon material.
  • Always use AXIS as intended. Extreme or unintended forms of usage may result in bodily injuries to the user, and damage to the system.
  • Do not cover the AXIS charging dock while charging the nodes.

1.3 FCC Compliance

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Refract Technologies Pte Ltd, could potentially lead to the cancellation of their operating privileges for the equipment.
AXIS has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. AXIS generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If AXIS does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, Users are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
  • Reorient or relocate the receiver (AXIS Dongle)
  • Increase the separation between the affected equipment and receiver (AXIS Dongle)
  • Connect the affected equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver (AXIS Dongle) is connected
  • Consult Refract Technologies consumer support for help.

Nodes

FCC ID: 2BBRNNODE-AN-001

Dongle

FCC ID: 2BBRNDONGLE-AD-001

Contains Transmitter Module

FCC ID: 2AC7Z-ESPC3MINI1

1.4 System Requirements

You will need the following to run AXIS applications:
Computer specifications:
  • Intel® HD Graphics 2000 +
  • Intel i7-2600 equivalent or greater
  • 8GB+ RAM
  • 1x USB 2.0 port
  • Windows 10 and above
Your computer must also meet the requirements for other applications or games that you intend to run.
Phone specifications:
  • Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later
  • Working main (back) camera
If you are using AXIS Nodes and AXIS Hub together, please ensure your computer and phone are connected to the same wireless network.
When using AXIS nodes with an HMD (head-mounted display), a router is required for the devices to communicate.

1.5 AXIS Contents

Your AXIS Standard set consists of the following items:
AXIS Hardware
  • 9 x AXIS nodes
  • 1 x AXIS charging dock
  • 1 x AXIS dongle OR ESP32 Devkit
    		•
    AXIS Accessories
  • 9 x Node holders
  • 4 x Short straps
  • 4 x Medium straps
  • 2 x Long straps
  • 1 x Phone holder
  • 1 x Waist belt
    		•
    Accompanying Hardware
  • 1 x AC charger with adapter
    		•
    Additional Component
  • 1 x USB-A to USB-C*
    • *Devkit users will receive an additional 1 x USB-A to USB-C cables and 1 x storage pouch
    If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please get in touch with us via https://support.AXISxr.gg/.

    1.6 AXIS Software/Drivers Checklist

    ☐ Download AXIS Control Center on your computer
    ☐ Download and update AXIS Firmware for nodes and dongle
    ☐ Download SteamVR drivers (to play any SteamVR games with AXIS)

    ☐ Download AXIS Hub app on Android 8.0+ Phone (for use of AXIS without a 6DoF VR headset)

    ☐ Download AXIS Unity SDK (to use AXIS within Unity Engine applications)
    ☐ Download AXIS Unreal SDK (to use AXIS within Unreal Engine applications)

    2. Getting Started

    2.1 AXIS Components

    1. AXIS Nodes

    1 – Node button

    2 – Status Indicator

    3 – Charging Pin

    1.1 Status Indicator Legend

    Red: Charging

    Yellow: Starting up

    Teal: Standby/paired

    Teal flashing: Receiving of information

    Blue flashing: Pairing mode

    Off: Sleeping/powered off

    1. AXIS Dongle

    1 – Status Indicator

    2 – USB-A Connector

    3 – Buttons (to be assigned)

    1. Devkit Receiver (if applicable)

    1 – OTG Port

    2.2 Charging AXIS Nodes

    Place the nodes in the charging tray with the status indicator facing up and the charging pins at the back of the node aligned with the charging tray’s pins.
    It is recommended to fully charge the nodes before using them for the first time.
    When charging the nodes for the first time, the nodes will vibrate with the status indicators flashing red and blue for a few minutes before a solid red.
    Do not cover the AXIS charging dock while charging the nodes.

    2.3 Installation of AXIS Control Center

    Download the AXIS Control Center software on your computer via our website.
    1. Enter https://downloads.AXISxr.gg/ in the URL bar of your browser.
    2. Click on the AXIS node image in the middle to begin the download.
    3. Double-click on “AXIS Control Center-X.X.X Setup.exe*” to install.
    4. Once installed, AXIS Control Center will load automatically.

    *X.X.X in here represents the software version at the point of download

    More instructions on how to operate the AXIS Control Center can be found on the AXIS Control Center User Manual.

    2.4 Installation of AXIS Hub Application

    Download the AXIS Hub APK from our website and sideload onto your phone.
    To sideload the app, follow these steps:
    1. Enter https://downloads.AXISxr.gg/ in the URL bar of your browser.
    2. Click on the “Essential” tab at the top of the page.
    3. Click on the Android logo to download the Android APK file.
    4. Download/Transfer the ‘.apk’ file onto your android phone.
    5. Locate the ‘.apk’ file on your phone and tap to install the app.
    You may need to allow permission to install the app from an unknown source.
    After installing AXIS Hub on your phone, view the app info via your phone’s Settings > Apps > AXIS Hub. to view the app info and check on the following settings:
    • Under ‘Permissions’, ensure that the permission for camera access is set to “Allow only while using the app”.
    • Under ‘Battery’, ensure that the battery usage is set to “Unrestricted”.

    2.5 Connecting AXIS Dongle

    Insert the dongle via its USB-A to a USB port on the computer that you are connecting AXIS to.
    1 dongle can support up to 17 nodes
    ESP32 Devkit receiver (if applicable)
    For Kickstarter backers who opted for the ESP32 Devkit receiver instead of the AXIS dongle, use the given USB-C to USB-A cable and connect the USB-C end to the devkit receiver, and the USB-A end to the computer that you are connecting AXIS to.
    Ensure that you connect the USB-C end to the port labeled ‘OTG’ on the devkit receiver.

    2.6 Setting Up AXIS Straps & Belt

    AXIS Straps
    1. Attach a node holder to an AXIS strap as shown below:
    1. Repeat above step for the rest of the node holders and AXIS straps (4 short and 4 medium length straps).
    Ensure that the status indicator of the node is facing up when inserted, aligned with the top of the node holder.
    When inserting straps into node holders, please ensure the wavy silicon grips are facing down against your skin.
    Chest Strap
    1. Combine 2 long AXIS straps together as shown below:
    1. Attach 1 node holder to this combined strap.
    If this is your first experience with AXIS, we recommend that you wear the straps before you proceed to setup and calibration.
    AXIS Belt
    1. Attach the phone holder to the belt as shown below:
    1. Ensure that the position of the phone holder is located on your waist, at the back of your spine.
    Android Phone
    1. Ensure the phone holder is already attached to the waist belt, as per the “AXIS Belt” section above.
    2. Pair your Android mobile phone with the AXIS Hub app (Section 2.2).
    3. Insert the phone into the phone holder, as shown below:
    The phone should be positioned with the main/rear camera facing outwards, and camera position to the right of the body (as shown in the image above).
    If this is your first experience with AXIS, we recommend that you wear the straps before you proceed to setup and calibration.

    3. Setting Up

    3.1 AXIS Nodes Setup

    Turning On
    Press and hold the node’s button and release once you feel a haptic feedback (light buzz) or when the status indicator turns yellow.
    Pairing Mode
    When the node is off, press and hold the node’s button until you feel the 2nd haptic feedback. The status indicator will flash blue when it is in pairing mode.
    Standby Mode
    The status indicator should show teal once the node is turned on and paired.
    Turning Off
    Press and hold the node’s button till you feel a haptic feedback (light buzz) or when the status indicator turns off.
    When turning off, only release the button after the haptic feedback stops.

    3.2 Pairing AXIS Nodes

    Starting Up
    1. Using the computer:
      1. Boot up AXIS Control Center.
      2. Select the ‘Device Manager’ tab on the left.
    2. Insert the AXIS Dongle into a USB port on your computer.
    3. When the node is off, press and hold the node’s button until you feel the 2nd haptic feedback. The status indicator will flash blue when it is in pairing mode.
    Initial Pairing
    1. On the AXIS Control Center, click on the “Pairing Mode” button (chainlinks icon) on the top right.
    2. The nodes that are in pairing mode will appear on the AXIS Control Center nodes drawer, located on the bottom.
    3. Identify the nodes by either one of the following method:
      • Clicking on the node icon twice will vibrate the node
      • Pressing the node’s button twice will shake the node icon
    4. Drag and drop the nodes from the nodes drawer into the square on the silhouette that corresponds with where the node will be worn at.
    5. When the nodes are successfully paired, the status indicator of the nodes will display a teal light.
    6. After pairing all the nodes that you require, click on the “Pairing Mode” button again to exit Pairing Mode.
    Re-pairing Nodes To Different Body Parts
    Nodes that are already linked to a body part will appear in the squares on the silhouette. To re-pair the nodes to a different body part:
    1. On the AXIS Control Center, click on the “Pairing Mode” button (chainlinks icon) on the top right.
    2. Identify the nodes you wish to re-pair by either one of the following method:
      • Clicking on the node icon twice will vibrate the node
      • Pressing the node’s button twice will shake the node icon
    3. Drag and drop the desired nodes into the square on the silhouette that corresponds with where the node will be worn at.
    4. Click on the “Pairing Mode” button again to exit Pairing Mode.
    It is recommended for first time users to first pair the nodes before putting them on.

    3.3 Updating AXIS Firmware

    After you have paired your nodes for the first time, it is highly advisable to update your AXIS dongle and nodes’ firmware. Doing so would substantially improve the performance, stability and battery life of your AXIS set.
    Click here for a guide on how to update your AXIS Firmware to the latest version.

    3.4 Magnetometer Calibration

    Within each AXIS node lies a number of sensors utilized for optimal tracking. On rare occasions, the magnetometer sensor could be affected by magnetic interference, and users may calibrate this sensor by following these simple steps.
    1. Detach the charging dock from the charging cable.
    2. Put all nodes in the charging dock.
    3. Ensure nodes are charged and turned on.
    4. Close the lid of the charging dock.
    5. Flip the charging dock along the X-axis.
      6. X-axis Magnetometer Calibration
    6. Flip the charging dock along the Z-axis.
      7. Z-axis Magnetometer Calibration
    7. Rotate the charging dock along the Y-axis.
      8. Y-axis Magnetometer Calibration
    We also recommend performing the magnetometer calibration upon receiving your AXIS set for the first time.
    You may view a video tutorial of the Magnetometer Calibration by clicking here.

    3.5 Pairing AXIS Hub

    1. Ensure that your computer and Android phone are connected to the same wireless network.
    2. On the Android phone, open AXIS Hub application and tap on the ‘Start Pairing’ button.
    3. Using the computer:
      1. Boot up AXIS Control Center.
      2. Select the ‘Device Manager’ tab on the left.
      3. Select “Hub” on the ‘Hip Provider’ section on the top right.
    4. Click on “Pair New Hub” on the bottom right.
    5. A pop-up box would appear. Select the option that contains the name of your Android phone.
    6. In the situation where the AXIS Control Center is unable to locate your AXIS Hub:
      1. Click on “Pair Hub Manually” button on the bottom left of the pop-up box.
      2. Enter the IP address and port shown on the phone’s AXIS Hub screen.
      3. Click on ‘Submit’.
    7. Click on “Connect” to pair your AXIS Hub.

    3.6 Profiles Setup

    To allow AXIS to run smoothly with VR applications, creations of profiles on the AXIS Control Center is required. Profiles allow users to scale the character model of the application according to their real world measurements*. This allows better mapping of movements to virtual characters with different physical proportions.

    *Only for applications that support this feature.

    Adding New User Profile
    1. Open AXIS Control Center application on your computer.
    2. Click on “Profiles” on the left of the control center.
    3. Toggle the measurement unit of your choice, between “Imperial” and “Metric”.
    4. Type in the height of the user in the Height section.
      • This would auto-populate the limb length fields with estimations based on the user’s input height.
      • You may also choose to type in the user’s limb length fields manually for more tracking precision.
    5. Click on the “SteamVR Trackers” tab at the top right.
    6. Click on the “+” icon at the bottom left to add a new tracking profile.
    7. Within the newly-created profile card (with blue borders), click on the pencil icon to edit the name.
    8. Toggle the desired tracking points by clicking on the corresponding body part on the model silhouette on the right.
    Editing Existing User Profile
    1. Open AXIS Control Center application on your computer.
    2. Click on “Profiles” on the left of the control center.
    3. Click on the “SteamVR Trackers” tab at the top right.
    4. Click on the profile card you wish to edit.
    5. Within the profile card, click on the pencil icon to edit the name.
    6. Toggle the desired tracking points by clicking on the corresponding body part on the model silhouette on the right.

    Once user profiles have been created, user may proceed to suit up and calibrate for AXIS either via the computer or through the HMD via the “Virtual Desktop” mode*.

    * Only for HMDs that support this feature.

    Download the AXIS Control Center Manual at https://downloads.AXISxr.gg/ for more information on setting up of user profiles.

    4. Suiting Up & Calibration

    4.1 AXIS Configuration

    AXIS Standard
    The AXIS Standard configuration consists of 9 nodes (located at the upper spine, upper arms, forearms, thighs, and shins) and 1 AXIS Hub (Android phone) at the waist.
    Suggested strap positions:
  • Short straps – forearms; shins.
  • Medium straps – upper arms; thighs.
  • Chest strap – across the chest with node placed on user’s spine
    • Ensure that the nodes on the forearms and upper arms are pointing downwards. All other nodes should point upwards.
    Ensure that the main camera of the Android phone used as the AXIS Hub is not blocked by the phone holder.
    AXIS x VR Mode
    The AXIS x VR Mode configuration consists of 5 nodes (located at the spine, thighs, and shins) and 1 AXIS Hub (Android phone) at the waist.
    All nodes have to be worn pointing up.
    Ensure that the main camera of the Android phone used as the AXIS Hub is not blocked by the phone holder.

    4.2 Calibrating AXIS

    Initial Calibration
    After pairing and suiting up of the AXIS nodes and hub:
    1. In AXIS Control Center, select ‘Calibration Manager’ tab on the left.
    2. Click on ‘Initial Calibration’.
    3. Click on ‘Next’.
    4. Face the screen and hold a T-Pose (as shown below) during the countdown.
    5. Hold the T-Pose until after the calibration screen
    Do not press “Initial Calibration” to recalibrate AXIS. Please refer to the “Recalibration” section below to do so.
    Recalibration
    To recalibrate AXIS after Initial Calibration is performed:
    1. In AXIS Control Center, select ‘Calibration Manager’ tab on the left.
    2. Click on ‘Recalibration’.
    3. Click on ‘Next’.
    4. Face the screen and hold a T-Pose (as shown above) during the countdown.
    5. Hold the T-Pose until after the calibration screen

    5. Using AXIS & Beyond

    5.1 Using AXIS

    For Gaming
    AXIS works with your existing HMD (head-mounted display), and is compatible with any SteamVR/OpenVR games that support full body tracking. Simply install the AXIS SteamVR SDK by following the guide here, launch the game and enjoy a new experience with AXIS!
    For Content Creation
    AXIS is compatible with Unity and Unreal Engine. Check out the AXIS SDKs for both engines by clicking here!
    For Motion Capture
    You can record a simple animation set within AXIS Control Center and export it for use in other applications. The feature can be found under “Studio” in AXIS Control Center.
    Performing activities such as playing games or motion capture can involve rapid or vigorous motion. Make sure the nodes are secured properly in their holders and the straps are securely fastened to your body. This helps prevent the node from slipping out and causing damage to the node and surrounding objects, or injury to other people.
    Allow adequate room around you during gameplay. Make sure objects and other people are out of your range of movement to help prevent damage or injury.

    5.2 Contact Us

    AXIS Contact Information
    Join our AXIS community on Discord to get to know other AXIS users, get help instantly, or just hang out with us! You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and our website at https://support.AXISxr.gg/.
    Service & Support
    If you need help with AXIS, connect with us over on our Discord channel, or reach out to customer support through our website at https://support.AXISxr.gg/.