The members of our team here at BIMAdvent enjoy having a 3D mouse at their workstation. We would like to take a moment and explain some of our thoughts as they pertain to this cool new tool.
3D Connexion creates the following three different devices: Space Navigator, SpaceExplorer and the Space Pilot PRO. All are designed around the same “controller cap”, which provides an immersive viewing experience in 3D environments. Each product is intended to eliminate the combined use of keyboard commands, mouse clicks and movement, and the roller ball. These awkward steps are sometimes distracting. The 3D mouse easily eliminates that. Once you get comfortable with its use, the mouse becomes your eyes which makes the experience very natural.
The following is a brief description of each device and its features:
SpaceNavigator: The SpaceNavigator is the most economical of all these devices; however, it lacks the programmable buttons that the other two devices have. The mouse is also intended for mobility as it has no accompanying wrist pad. Users who are on the go will find this to be the optimal solution as it is not much larger than a normalized mouse. The axis of the controller cap can be manipulated in ANY direction making it very easy to orbit any model. The heft of the mouse also prevents it from movement. I find the mouse to be a perfect desktop companion when working in a 3D environment. - Parley Burnett, BIMAdvent
SpaceExplorer: The SpaceExplorer is helping to evolve the 3D modeling workflow. With one hand occupied by the mouse and its programmable buttons, the other is able to handle the entire keyboard by itself. Though my one handed typing skills show years of development, I haven’t gotten the hang of being able to type single handedly without frequently looking down. The SpaceExplorer overcomes the vastness of the keyboard by focusing on the most used commands (in my case ctrl-z) to where my fingers naturally rest. The size and the weight of the unit is ideal for a desktop modeling environment. – Judd Kidman, BIMAdvent
SpacePilot PRO: The SpacePilot Pro by 3D Connexion has truly provided its users a seamless workflow within a 3D environment. While using this product on a day to day basis, I have come to realize that my production has increased significantly. SpacePilot Pro is equipped with an LCD display which provides quick links to emails, part files, or anything you’d like to program in it. The actual controller cap is mounted on a smooth comfortable surface that is sculpted for your wrist, making it comfortable over a long period of time. The navigator also comes equipped with a lot of buttons. The buttons on the left provide key functions within a program, while the buttons on the right provide numerous view settings. The SpacePilot Pro not only navigates through your 3D model seamlessly, but also provides you with all the quick hit buttons to maximize your working performance on an unparalleled level. – Bryan Novotny, BIMAdvent
Other thoughts and observations:
The mouse is now compatible with Revit 2012, but not previous versions. We create most of our models in 2010 for maximum compatibility which means we don’t get to use the mouse as often as we’d like. However, we find the mouse useful when using other programs such as Navisworks, Inventor or Autocad. When we begin using Revit 2012, we plan on using the mouse as much as possible. I should note that the most recent driver release enables you to use the mouse in almost any application. This means that web browsers scroll, PDF’s zoom etc. We don’t find this workflow very instinctive, but others may.
To use the mouse while modeling in Revit requires some adjustment. I have found that most users model geometry or place components in plan or elevation views – not in 3D views. To REALLY use the device you need to overcome this habit, which can be difficult. How can one become more accustomed to using a 3D view more often? Get used to naming your reference planes, the “Set Work Plane” tool, and using keyboard commands. You’d be surprised how much can be done in a single 3D view if you do this. This avoids the need to switch between plan and elevation views.
We definitely want to give a shout out to our friends at 3D CONNEXION. This is truly a beautiful and innovative device, that when heavily used can provide an impressively immersive experience.
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