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3Dconnexion Spacemouse worth it?

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Cubdriver:

--- Quote from: NiHaoMike on December 21, 2020, 11:08:25 pm ---How is it handled on the software side? Does the CAD package directly connect to the driver or does it simply appear as a joystick?

It looks like it would be easy to make a DIY version at least from the hardware point of view. Maybe not as precise or durable as the professional version but it would be a lot more affordable for the hobbyist.

--- End quote ---

As far as I understand, it has drivers for the various software packages.

It's much more than a joystick - the actuator is spring mounted and moves in all directions.  Lift up and it moves up on the screen; push down it goes down.  Pull it towards you to zoom in, push away to zoom out.  Twist it on its vertical axis and the model rotates as if on a turntable.  Tip forward or backward and the model rotates on the lateral screen axis; tip it right or left and it spins to follow.  Move it in an angled direction and the model will move on multiple axis at the same time.  It is almost literally like having your hand on the model you're working on, and it's use is very intuitive.  The speed at which the model moves is proportional to the amount of deflection of the actuator - just barely touch it and it seems to drift, crank on it and it will move at the maximum set speed.  It's a fantastic tool for solid modeling.

Based on the teardown in the earlier video I posted, it appears to have some electronics inside it to make the magic happen, and I don't think it would be easy to duplicate the capabilities in a diy form.

-Pat

cdev:
Used Spaceballs are often available and usually work great. No need to spend an arm and a leg to get them. It depends how the drivers will work. The mainstream drivers might not work but on Linux there are alternative drivers.  Older devices also have in-kernel drivers. There is also "Space Orb 360" . Another 6DOF device intended to work with a game port. Its well constructed and usually cheap used.

SVFeingold:

--- Quote from: NiHaoMike on December 20, 2020, 02:02:54 pm ---For hobbyist use, how difficult would it be to DIY one out of 3D printed parts and rotary encoders or potentiometers? For that matter, is the "spacemouse" just a joystick?

--- End quote ---

Not worth the effort IMO. You could probably figure out the mechanics, but the mechanics are useless without the drivers and compatible software plugins.

To OP: The 3DConnexxion stuff is absolutely worth it if you use CAD a lot. The have been a staple at every desk of every engineer and machinist at every company I've worked at for the last 10 years. It takes a little bit to get the hang of but once you do it can't be beat. The standard ones are great (I personally recommend the wireless if you can find it). The more expensive options with all the buttons and screen are really nice to, but at those price points it comes down to how often you use CAD and how much the added productivity/convenience is worth to you.

ebclr:
Caution, Does not work if Hub is Involved, It's cool, But isn't a "big thing" totally avoidable, I have one, and since I rarely use it,  Prefer to use a regular mouse alone instead. Came back to the product box and I will return it

Mr.B:
I use a 3DConnexion Spacemouse Compact, a Stream Deck 32 and a regular mouse with Fusion360 for a number of years now.
Both the Spacemouse and the Stream Deck are not cheap investments, however I would not be without either now.
Spacemouse in my left hand, regular mouse in the right. The Stream Deck is probably overkill and there are possibly much cheaper macro programmable keyboards.

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