geekhack
geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: scudley on Mon, 01 May 2017, 14:08:05
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I want to get a 3D mouse. My boss has the 3D connexion spacemouse that I use when I'm showing him cad stuff and I really like it so I was thinking of getting my own. I only know about the 3D connexion ones but I was wondering if anyone has experience with any others. I'd prefer a small wireless one as I will be using it at home and school. Also, what are some other applications I can use it for besides CAD, any?
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u can prolly just setup a few keyboard keys for rotate.. hahaha
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u can prolly just setup a few keyboard keys for rotate.. hahaha
That's what I use my numpad for already but the 3D mouse is more intuitive and pretty fun to use. Does more than just rotate too
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If you don't know what it is, this is a good site for finding out: http://spacemice.org
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hm that seems like a kinect to me.
fun to watch - but ultimately the worse input device.
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I have a Spacemouse Pro that i bought years ago for mainly AutoCAD. I'm not sure what version you use, but in Civil3D its kind of limited. There was an old beta driver that was on their forum that i used for a long time because it allowed you to use the spacemouse in almost every program, but it was really unstable. The new driver is more limited in its programming but its way more stable. The orbiting in Civil3D has never worked very well, i had some work-a-rounds but it never worked well enough to use full time. The new driver is more stable but i think they disabled the orbiting in Civil3D, so it only does 2D panning and zooming witch is disappointing. I've found that its nice for when you are showing your screen to someone, the smoother panning and zooming is easier for other people to follow versus the scroll wheel witch is faster and more accurate for us, but is usually too quick and jerky for other people to watch.
The best use of the spacemouse IMO is for Google Earth. It works so well you'll never want to use a mouse again. You can do movements with the 3dmouse that you just cant do with a normal mouse or even program with paths, it feels like its connected to your brain. To make movies in GE you can just record your 3dmouse movements then hit render. i think most people can see the movies and notice the special movements so it makes your movies look extra slick and professional. It saves me so much time making fly-by movies it payed for itself after the first use.
With how well it works in Google Earth its really a shame that it doesn't work as well in Civil3D. And that their driver is lacking, i feel like this is where 3dconnexion is really missing a great opportunity by not trying harder to make it more programmable in all programs. I think it would probably work better in something like Solidworks though.
The pro version is a little expensive, but i still really like mine. I'd suggest getting the smaller cheaper one first, then upgrade to the pro version if you find yourself using it often. You can get these at like 40% off on some sites with a "student" discount, so ~$60 for a curiosity isn't too bad. If you use google earth at all the $60 is completely worth it IMO just for the fun/wow factor.