Meta Quest 3S: original XR haptics hub, audio and charging

Scope and requirements

This is for the original Arcade2TV-XR / Tankstick VR with the separate X-Force Haptics Kit and Gen2 dongle, not integrated Arcade2TV-XR MAX. Quest 3S has one USB-C port and no built-in 3.5mm audio jack. To combine dongle input and wired haptics audio, a hub must provide working USB data plus 3.5mm audio output; using a battery strap also requires compatible charging passthrough. An audio-only adapter or charging socket does not establish those combined functions.

Tested wiring, followed by a later limitation

Support originally recommended this hub as working. After initial power-passthrough trouble, a customer reported this arrangement:

  1. Plug the hub directly into Quest 3S.
  2. Connect Gen2 through the haptics kit's USB-C-to-USB-A adapter into a USB-A data port on the hub.
  3. Connect the hub's 3.5mm audio output to the haptics kit's AUX input.
  4. For that customer's BoboVR setup, connect the external battery path to the hub's power-assist input. Confirm the exact hub, battery model and compatible input/cable with support; do not force a cable into a differently labelled port or treat an ambiguous 'iOS/lightning' description as connector identification.
  5. Test game input, sound and headset charging together. The customer reported several hours of Pinball FX VR with uninterrupted charging, not merely a charging icon.

Later outcome: after a week of daily use, the same customer reported intermittent dongle disconnections and an awkward/bulky setup. Support acknowledged that the existing hardware did not offer a clean, guaranteed workaround. The earlier successful test is therefore not proof of durable reliability or universal BoboVR compatibility. A different customer previously reported that a larger hub kept data and audio working where a smaller adapter did not; that separate result does not negate these later dropouts.

If audio works but input or charging fails

Record separately which function fails, the exact hub/battery model, firmware versions and the full connection order. Use only compatible charging equipment and the Gen2 guide's power limits. Test direct dongle input without the hub/strap, then add the identified accessories one at a time while checking input, sound and charging. Stop if connectors heat up or are mechanically strained. Send support the setup photo and when dropouts occur; do not assume that a charging indicator proves data stability or that buying another untested hub will fix it.

A smaller hub that supports simultaneous USB data, audio and charging was suggested by staff, but no specific replacement hub or long-term fix was confirmed in this history. Battery drain while the headset was off was also reported without a confirmed resolution. Do not promise that Gen2 eliminates all standby drain.

Yellow adhesive after a PCB replacement

The yellow material on the reviewed original XR connectors was a manufacturing aid for shipping/vibration, not a requirement for normal operation after an approved PCB swap. With power and external cables disconnected, confirm that connectors are seated; ask support before removing difficult adhesive. Do not pull on wires, solder connectors together, or apply an unspecified glue based on an old private draft. A customer confirmed normal controller and dongle operation after connecting the replacement PCB.

For component-specific firmware and pairing, follow the Gen2 guide.