3Dconnexion Spacemouse worth it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2020, 09:39:50 pm
content: During the apocalypse, I've been expanding my skill set to include more mechanical design. Solidworks, OnShape, etc. Right now it's mainly making detailed component models and various widgets to 3D print.I've made good use of "fancy" mice and keyboards in the past (Nostromo keypad, Razer Naga) and have had mixed success. The Nostromo ended up being largely useless but the Naga mouse ended up being amazing. I used it more with Eagle than Altium, but binding all common commands to buttons on the mouse made doing layout really fluid.A big question is if the Spacemouse could be worth it. Navigating Onshape just using a keyboard and mouse feels fluid, but with Solidworks it's a little clunky. I was thinking that the Spacemouse or Spacemouse Pro look interesting to try but I don't want to eat the money like the Nostromo.Has anyone here had experience with this?

author: georges80
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2020, 04:43:05 am
content: My younger son (4th yr mech eng) has been using one (not the pro) for the past year or so with solidworks. Using it for suspension modeling of the formula sae vehicle at his university and loves the mouse for the ease of rotating/navigating through the models.If you have specific questions I could forward them on to him.cheers,george.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2020, 05:32:27 am
content: I've got two spaceballs..LOL.One is a USB 5000 and the other is a Old HP serial spaceball like the ones I used back in the day/They both have a big advantage over mice for modeling 6DOF is much more intuitive. I mostly just use with Blender. Ive never been able to get the USB one to work with GE, maybe it would work with it now that I have an nvidia card. I paid literally $10 for each of them. Have had both for ages.Quote from: Pack34 on December 19, 2020, 09:39:50 pm

author: Ground_Loop
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2020, 10:54:08 am
content: I use a space mouse with one hand i addition to a regular mouse on the other hand. Along with programmed macro keys the setup can't be beat.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2020, 02:02:54 pm
content: 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?

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 20, 2020, 02:38:34 pm
content: I have a connexion spacemouse, it is absolutely not possible (for me at least) to live without that one for Altium and Inventor use.It makes life SO much easier for me.

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 08:11:34 am
content: I've been using a 3DConnexion space navigator (basically just the 'joystick' part) with SolidWorks for many years now. It makes manipulating the model orders of magnitude easier than just using the keyboard and very quickly becomes intuitive as you're basically just twisting and rolling it it in the direction you want the model to go. Try it, you'll like it!-Pat

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 08:20:51 am
content: It's optical. A teardown video:-Pat

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 01:06:45 pm
content: I use it for Sketchup, can't live without it.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 11:08:25 pm
content: 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.

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 22, 2020, 01:21:34 am
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on December 21, 2020, 11:08:25 pmAs 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

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2020, 01:07:15 pm
content: 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.

author: SVFeingold
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2020, 09:39:50 pm
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on December 20, 2020, 02:02:54 pmNot 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.

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 04:37:28 am
content: 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

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 04:58:08 am
content: 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.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 03:58:59 pm
content: Quote from: SVFeingold on December 23, 2020, 09:39:50 pmThe PC side drivers are open source.http://spacenav.sourceforge.net/

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 05:06:54 pm
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on December 24, 2020, 03:58:59 pmLinux/Mac only. No-one is working on a Windows version, and they're unlikely to do so.